DILG Anti-Epal Campaign in full swing

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has begun full implementation of its Anti-Epal Campaign, an initiative Secretary Jonvic Remulla said was shaped by years of public frustration over politicians using government-funded projects for self-promotion.

Speaking to reporters, Remulla said the campaign reflects growing dissatisfaction among Filipinos over the past 15 years with officials who brand public projects with their names, photos, or logos.

Under the initiative, citizens are encouraged to report violations, which the DILG will investigate. Remulla stressed that reports must comply with clear guidelines on what information may and may not appear on government projects. Names of officials, personal images, and logos are strictly prohibited.

Instead, project signages are only allowed to display essential information such as the project title, date of award, start date, contractor, target completion date, and source of funds.

Remulla emphasized that the success of the Anti-Epal Campaign does not rest solely on the DILG and called on the public to actively participate by reporting violations.

For now, reports may be submitted through social media platforms, but Remulla said the government is working to improve the Isumbong Mo sa Pangulo website to make reporting easier and more accessible.

Once validated, the DILG may file administrative cases against erring officials, with penalties ranging from suspension to preventive suspension.

However, Remulla clarified that the department does not have the authority to file criminal cases or permanently remove officials from office, as such penalties apply only to graft or other serious offenses.

He added that repeat offenders may be referred to the Office of the Ombudsman, which will determine whether violations are habitual and impose the appropriate sanctions.

While acknowledging the limits of the DILG’s authority, Remulla said suspension remains a serious consequence.

“Suspension is already a grave punishment,” he said.

Remulla also noted that imposing harsher penalties would require stronger legislation, which he said is needed to further deter violations and strengthen accountability among public officials.