DILG orders immediate removal of political materials from gov’t projects

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has mandated its offices and all local government units to immediately remove the names, images, and likenesses of public officials from all government-funded projects and properties.

In its Memorandum Circular No. 2026-006, all provincial, city, municipal, and barangay officials, including DILG central, regional, and field offices and attached agencies, are tasked 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.

This is in strict enforcement of the “Anti-Epal” policy nationwide.

DILG Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic’’ Remulla emphasized that government projects are for the people and must never be used for personal promotion.

“Government programs are not personal billboards. These are funded by taxpayers and must reflect public service, not political credit grabbing,” DILG said in its statement.

The circular also cited the 1987 Constitution’s principle that public office is 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.

It is also supported by the 2026 General Appropriations Act which prohibits attaching officials’ names and images to government-funded projects.

“All concerned officials and employees are directed to cause the immediate removal and correction of non-compliant materials,” DILG said.

“Heads of offices are accountable for full and prompt compliance, as well as for cascading the directive to all units under their supervision,” it added.

The DILG called on the public to file “epal’’ charges against violating local and barangay officials using government funds to project reputable images and other similar personal gains.

“Public funds are meant for public service, not for personal publicity,” it reiterated.