Metro Manila, Philippines – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has ordered the strict implementation of its offices and local government units of the policy against getting personal credit in government projects, which has been included in the 2026 budget law.
Under Memorandum Circular 2026-006 dated Jan. 29, the DILG also directed the immediate removal of existing materials that display the name, image, and likeness of public officials on government-funded projects, programs, activities, and properties.
“Public funds are for public service. Not for personal publicity,” the agency reminded in its news release on Saturday, Jan. 31.
The order only covers elected and appointed officials from barangay to provincial levels, DILG personnel from field to central offices, and officials and employees in DILG attached agencies including the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Bureau of Jail and Management Penology.
In mid-January, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the public may post on Facebook to report violators, prompting the DILG to hold investigations.
However, Remulla admitted that the “anti-epal” campaign lacked teeth, as his agency can only file administrative complaints, with suspension as a “grave punishment” for now.
“Dapat gumawa na sila kasi sa ngayon iyong anti-epal campaign was only born out of the frustration ng mga tao…And it will be a great help if the national legislature makes steps para talagang mabawal iyan,” he previously said in a Palace briefing.
[Translation: Lawmakers should craft a law because, as of now, the anti-epal campaign was only born out of the frustration of the public. And it will be a great help if the national legislature makes steps to set a ban.]
The Commission on Audit issued in 2013 a circular that considers the display and affixture of a politician’s name, image, and other graphic representations on government projects, equipment, and facilities as “unnecessary.”
To curb political patronage further, the 2026 General Appropriations Act reinforced the “anti-epal” directive through Section 20 and prohibited political involvement in the distribution of cash and other forms of financial assistance through Section 19.
