Nueva Ecija bans politicians’ names in public places

PALAYAN CITY - The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) here has passed a controversial ordinance prohibiting politicians, including President Arroyo and Vice President Noli de Castro, from affixing their names on any public structure, equipment, vehicles and properties in the province.

The "The Anti-Naming of Public Works and Properties Ordinance," which is expected to be met with protests, is now awaiting the signature of Gov. Tomas Joson III.

As defined in the ordinance, "affixing" refers to the inscription, painting, engraving, sculpting or superimposing one’s name using paint, metal or plastic craft or metal, wood and cement sculpture.

The ordinance applies to all projects funded by public funds such as buildings, roads, bridges, overpasses, gymnasium, classrooms, waiting sheds, terminals and markets.

In the case of public equipment and vehicles, included were movable properties such as construction equipment, trucks, ambulances, police cars, buses, office equipment, hospital equipment, communication equipment among others. — Manny Galvez