PNP to remove signages with politicians' names, images from gov't projects

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has launched a crackdown on signages with names and images of politicians displayed on government-funded projects.

"This is about protecting the integrity of public service. Ang pera ng bayan ay para sa bayan (The people's money is for the people). Government projects should never look like they are owned by a person. They belong to the Filipino people," PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement on Friday.

"Let me be clear: this is not optional. If you are using government property to highlight a personality, you are violating the principle that public office is a public trust. Tanggalin agad (Remove it immediately). No excuses," he added.

Through a memorandum dated February 2, the PNP said the police organization reinforced the order under the DILG Memorandum Circular 2026-006 dated January 29.

PNP personnel are directed to remove any signage, tarpaulin, marker, or material bearing the name, image, initials, color motif, slogan, or any identifying symbol of public officials displayed on government-funded projects, programs, activities, and properties.

"Any personnel who chooses to ignore this directive will be held accountable in accordance with existing rules and regulations," Nartatez said.

"Hindi natin dapat ginagamit ang serbisyo publiko para sa personal na pagpapakita o pagpapakilala (We should not use public service for personal promotion or self-publicity). Public service must remain professional, neutral, and dignified," he added.

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

The circular 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.

Aside from this, the 2026 General Appropriations Act also supports the measure, which explicitly prohibits attaching officials' names and images to government funded projects, the agency added.

"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 DILG said. — VDV, GMA Integrated News