Government-funded projects will no longer carry the names, images, or other political branding of public officials under the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)’s strict implementation of its “anti-epal” policy.
The directive is contained in Memorandum Circular No. 2026-006, issued on January 29, mandating strict compliance by provincial, city, municipal, and barangay officials, as well as DILG central, regional, and field offices and attached agencies.
It prohibits the display of officials’ names, images, logos, initials, color motifs, slogans, or similar symbols on signages, markers, tarpaulins, and other materials funded with public money, stressing that government projects must remain politically neutral and free from self-promotion.
The circular warns that branding public initiatives with officials’ identities creates the false impression of personal ownership and may undermine public trust in the impartiality and professionalism of the civil service.
The anti-epal policy covers all elected and appointed local officials and employees of DILG-attached agencies, including the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and the National Police Commission, among others.
It orders the immediate removal or correction of non-compliant materials and holds agency and office heads accountable for full, prompt compliance and dissemination of the directive.
“Government programs are not personal billboards,” the DILG said, stressing that they are funded by taxpayers and must reflect public service, not political credit-grabbing.
The circular cites Article XI, Section 1 of the 1987 Constitution, Republic Act No. 6713, Commission on Audit Circular No. 2014-004, and Section 20 of Republic Act No. 12314, or the 2026 General Appropriations Act, which expressly bans attaching officials’ names or images to government-funded projects.
The DILG said violations of the policy may result in administrative and/or criminal liability under existing laws.
“Public funds are meant for public service,” the department said. “Not for personal publicity.”
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