Groups back 'anti-epal' bill

MANILA, Philippines - Various groups banded together yesterday to step up the campaign for the “anti-epal” bill filed by Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago.

Santiago, in filing Senate Bill 1967, formally titled “An Act Prohibiting Public Officers from Claiming Credit through Signage Announcing a Public Works Project,” said public officials have no business claiming credit for projects funded by taxpayers’ money.

In a forum in Manila, the groups Samahan ng mga Mamamayan Laban sa Trapo (SMLT), People’s Support for Clean Elections, and Tama na Epal Movement called on people not to support “epal” politicians in next year’s elections.

They said many politicians spend too much for tarpaulins and billboards when their constituents remain jobless and hungry.

SMLT president Carlito Magno noted the practice is common in the provinces such as Laguna, Cavite, Bulacan and some areas in Metro Manila.

“We need to eradicate trapos (traditional politicians) in our political history. They are considered termites that corrode the image of Philippine politics. Shame on them,” the groups said.

Shame campaign ‘too much’

Meanwhile, another group cried foul yesterday over the shame campaign being waged on the Internet against politicians. 

Paul Edward Sison, public information officer of Marikina and president of the Association of Information Officers in Metro Manila (AIMM), said the shame campaign actually goes beyond the bounds set by a Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) memorandum circular and Santiago’s bill.

In a meeting with AIMM members, DILG operation officer Nelia Abalos said the Sept. 23, 2010 memo banned billboards for government projects and vehicles with faces and names of government officials but allowed billboards for public service messages, call-to-action messages related to health, disaster, peace and order, tax compliance, and event announcements.

She also said the DILG did not have penalties for those not complying with the memo.  

Sison said Santiago’s bill is also limited to public works projects. Her bill, Sison said, does not include the proper and beneficial uses of billboards in rallying constituents toward supporting a government program, paying right taxes on time and taking extra precautions against health threats and potential disasters.

He pointed out that billboards “considered epal by some advocates may be considered uplifting and inspirational by the majority, especially residents who excel and bring great honor to their city and are congratulated by the official.”

He said “people take pictures of these billboards and send it to their relatives and friends (for) bragging rights.” – Rey Galupo, Non Alquitran