For too long, many have perceived government projects as mere platforms for political self-promotion rather than vehicles for genuine public service.

Recent developments surrounding the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) anti-epal directive to remove personal branding from government-funded projects offer a chance to restore integrity in governance.

Senator Legarda’s sentiment — that public office is a public trust — is not just a catchy phrase. It is a foundational principle that should guide every action taken by public officials.

The well-loved Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto has started it. No politician in his bailiwick can claim credit for any initiatives or assistance from the local government, especially during emergencies.

It is disheartening to witness public funds being squandered on vanity projects that serve only the interests of those in power. This practice has become embedded in the very fabric of our political landscape.

The history of self-promotion in government can be traced back years, with various administrative issuances attempting to curtail this misuse without the backing of a stronger legislative framework.

The DILG’s memorandum, prohibiting the display of personal names and images on taxpayer-funded projects, is a step forward, but it is not enough.

A piecemeal approach does not provide the permanence needed to change the culture of self-serving governance. The Anti-Epal Act proposed by Senator Legarda seeks to fill this void, providing a lasting solution grounded in law.

The proposed legislation not only bans the use of personal identifiers in government projects but also establishes Anti-Epal Desks to monitor compliance and empower citizens to report violations. This is a crucial development; self-promotion thrives in silence and complicity.

The notion that familiarity breeds acceptance must be challenged. Many citizens have grown accustomed to seeing public officials emblazoned on signage, treating it as an acceptable norm. It is essential to shift this mindset.

We must remind ourselves and our leaders that public resources are not for personal glorification; they are meant to uplift our communities and enrich lives. When every peso of public funding is a covenant with the people, misusing it for personal gain is nothing short of theft.

Critics may argue that this is an overreach or an infringement on officials’ rights to receive recognition for their work. However, authentic leadership does not require constant validation through visibility.

I agree with Senator Legarda that the value of leadership is not determined by how often one’s name appears, but by how many lives are improved through genuine public service.

As citizens, it is our responsibility to demand a government that prioritizes integrity over image or self-promotion. If we collectively reject the status quo, push for reform, and support initiatives like the Anti-Epal Act, we can reclaim the narrative of what public service should represent.

The challenge lies not just in passing legislation but in moving toward a fundamental shift in how governance is perceived and conducted. We should hold our representatives accountable to the people they serve.

The fight against “epal” is not just a legislative battle; it is a moral imperative for all of us.