DILG orders strict implementation of 'anti-epal' policy

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has directed the strict enforcement of the "Anti-Epal" policy nationwide. 

In a statement released Saturday, the DILG cited its Memorandum Circular No. 2026-006, requiring all provincial, city, municipal, and barangay officials, including DILG central, regional, and field offices and attached agencies, to ensure that “no public official’s name, photo, logo, initials, color motif, slogan, or any identifying symbol appears on project signages, markers, tarpaulins, and similar materials funded by public money.

“Government programs are not personal billboards. These are funded by taxpayers and must reflect public service, not political credit grabbing,” DILG’s said in its statement.

The Circular also cited the 1987 Constitution’s principle that public office is a public trust, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, and Commission on Audit rules that classify such personalized displays as unnecessary expenses.

The DILG added the 2026 General Appropriations Act also supports the measure, which explicitly prohibits attaching officials’ names and images to government funded projects.

“All concerned officials and employees are directed to cause the immediate removal and correction of non-compliant materials. Heads of offices are accountable for full and prompt compliance, as well as for cascading the directive to all units under their supervision,” the agency said.

The DILG said it echoes the call of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to maintain government projects free from political self-promotion and personality branding, further encouraging citizens to report violations of the Anti-Epal policy.

“Public funds are for public service. Not for personal publicity,” it said. —VAL, GMA Integrated News