Across the Philippines, newly constructed roads, health centers, and relief distributions share a common feature: massive tarpaulins or concrete plaques displaying the beaming faces and names of local officials who claim credit for these taxpayer-funded initiatives. This widespread practice, often criticized as political self-promotion, now faces a renewed crackdown from national authorities.
Secretary Jonvic Remulla of the Department of the Interior and Local Government has issued a directive ordering all local government officials—from provincial governors down to barangay leaders—to remove any materials featuring their names or images from government-funded properties, projects, and programs. The order warns that violators will face administrative sanctions under the "anti-epal" provision in the 2026 General Appropriations Act, which prohibits politicians from claiming personal credit for publicly funded projects.
"Every peso spent on a mayor's smiling face is a peso not spent on additional bags of cement, more textbooks, or higher-quality materials," notes one analysis of the practice.
This isn't the first attempt to curb such displays. Previous circulars in 2010 and 2013 were largely ignored by politicians, leading to the inclusion of stronger provisions in recent legislation. The Department of Social Welfare and Development acknowledged existing prohibitions but noted they hadn't been effectively implemented, necessitating the current enforcement push.
Beyond financial concerns—where project funds are diverted to create promotional materials—the practice carries deeper cultural implications. Critics argue it fosters a "feudal mindset" where public infrastructure appears as gifts from benevolent patrons rather than rights earned through taxation. This dynamic transforms citizens into grateful recipients of patronage instead of empowered constituents demanding accountability.
Political observers note another consequence: the practice creates unfair electoral advantages. Incumbents who blanket their jurisdictions with self-promotional materials gain visibility that opponents cannot match without similar access to public funds, effectively turning governance into perpetual campaigning and blurring lines between public property and personal political assets.
A growing movement advocates for simple, informative markers listing project names, costs, implementing agencies, and funding sources—reinforcing that public works are funded by and for the people. Supporters argue this promotes transparency while helping reform political culture by emphasizing that public office constitutes a public trust, not a personal franchise.
As enforcement begins, the measure represents more than bureaucratic compliance—it's an attempt to reclaim public works for the public and remind officials that their legacy should be measured by lasting improvements in constituents' lives, not by fading ink on vanity plaques.