President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has directed the faster release of anti-epal guidelines to prevent government-funded projects from being used for personal or political branding, Malacañang announced Tuesday.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the move highlights the President’s push for transparency and accountability in public service.
“Sa ngayon, makikita natin kung ano ang nais ng Pangulo. Ipinalagay po, nakalagay mismo sa 2026 General Appropriations Act na patungkol sa anti-epal, paunti-unti na gusto ng Pangulo maresolba ang isyu na ito,” Castro said.
She added, “Kung iyan ang nakikita ng mga department heads na dapat ay mas mabilis, tingnan natin kung kailan nila magagawa ang kanilang mga guidelines… pero ang nais po ng Pangulo, ay mas mabilis na panahon maayos po ito.”
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla reminded officials that names, photos, or logos are prohibited on project signages, which should only display the project title, contract award date, start and completion dates, and funding source.
Remulla warned violators could face suspension or referral to the Ombudsman.
“Kung recidivist ang attitude ng local chief executive ay puwede namin ipasa sa Ombudsman ito for administrative and criminal cases,” he said.
He also encouraged public participation in monitoring compliance.
“Ang anti-epal guidelines naman ay klaro na kapag may violation ang mga politicians, tinatawag namin ang mga mamamayan, i-post sa Facebook at puwede naming imbestigahan,” Remulla noted.
The interior secretary further backed legislation to institutionalize the anti-epal policy.
“Dapat gumawa na sila kasi sa ngayon iyong anti-epal campaign was only born out of the frustration ng mga tao in the last 15 years. Wala pa tayong codified conduct para diyan sa anti-epal campaign. And it will be a great help if the national legislature made steps para talagang mabawal iyan,” he said.