The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has ordered the strict nationwide enforcement of the government’s “Anti-Epal” policy, prohibiting the inclusion of names, photos, and other identifying marks of public officials on government-funded projects.
In a statement released Saturday, the DILG cited Memorandum Circular No. 2026-006, which directs all officials in provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays—along with central, regional, and field offices and related 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,” the DILG said.
The circular also referenced provisions of the 1987 Constitution declaring public office as a public trust, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, and Commission on Audit rules that classify personalized displays as “unnecessary expenses.”
The DILG added that the 2026 General Appropriations Act explicitly supports the policy, as it bans the inclusion of officials’ names and images in 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.
According to the DILG, the directive echoes President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s call to keep government projects free from political self-promotion and “personality branding.”
The agency also encouraged the public to report violations of the Anti-Epal policy.
“Public funds are for public service. Not for personal publicity,” it added.