Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Wednesday urged the public to utilize established reporting systems to flag “epal” practices, the misuse of government programs, and other local governance concerns.

The term “epal” refers to officials who claim credit for government-funded projects by placing their names or images on posters and signage. Remulla emphasized that the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) already has accessible mechanisms to handle such complaints and ensure public accountability.

“There are platforms in place where people can raise issues related to the use of government projects and public resources,” Remulla said. “What is important is that these concerns reach the proper offices and result in concrete action.”

Remulla highlighted two primary avenues for citizens, starting with the Bantay Korapsyon initiative. Operated under the DILG Legal Cluster, this anti-corruption program handles issues involving abuse of authority, integrity concerns, and program violations. It serves as a framework for identifying corruption and encouraging citizen participation in monitoring local governance.

At the same time, the Public Assistance and Complaints Center serves as the department’s official frontline for receiving and tracking formal complaints, inquiries, and requests for assistance. According to Remulla, the center ensures that every report is formally recorded and endorsed to the appropriate office for action.

“These platforms are designed to make government more accessible to the people,” Remulla added. “They ensure that complaints are not ignored and that accountability mechanisms are activated.”

The DILG stated that strengthening these channels aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to promote transparency and protect public trust within local government units.