Legarda proposes Anti-Epal Act to ban officials' names, images in gov't projects

Senator Loren Legarda has filed a bill seeking to prohibit putting names and images of public officials in government-funded projects and properties. 

In filing Senate Bill No. 1716 or the “Anti-Epal Act,” the senator noted the absence of a permanent law that discourages public officials from using government programs and projects for politicking or partisan activities. 

“This measure institutionalizes the prohibition on political signage, branding, paraphernalia, and other partisan activities in the implementation and distribution of government programs, ensuring that public assistance is delivered free from political influence, self-promotion, and patronage,” the bill’s explanatory note read. 

“By consolidating and giving full legal force to existing legislative and administrative safeguards, the Anti-Epal Act establishes a clear and enforceable standard that promotes integrity, fairness, and transparency in public service, and affirms that government projects and programs are undertaken solely for the benefit of the email,” it added. 

Under the proposed measure, the Department of Public Works and Highways, in coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, is ordered to remove all existing signage announcing a proposed, on-going, or completed public works project within three months after the law is enacted. 

Likewise, all concerned public officials are mandated to remove existing signage in all public service projects and motor vehicles within 30 days after effectivity of the law. But the bill noted that any cost of such removal must be shouldered by the concerned public official. 

Further, the bill proposes the establishment of Anti-Epal Desks, which are dedicated to monitoring, receiving complaints, and enforcing compliance. 

The DILG has directed various local governments to strictly implement the “Anti-Epal” policy. 

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.” —LDF, GMA Integrated News