No name, no fame: PNP orders removal of political signages

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. has ordered the immediate removal of all politically branded signages and materials displayed on government-funded projects, stressing that public service must not be used for self-promotion.

Nartatez said the directive covers any signage, tarpaulin, marker, or material bearing the name, image, initials, color motif, slogan, or any identifying symbol of public officials posted on government projects, programs, activities, and properties.

The order is in line with Department of the Interior and Local Government Memorandum Circular No. 2026-006 dated 29 January 2026 and reinforced by a PNP memorandum issued on 2 February 2026 reminding police units to uphold political neutrality and professionalism.

“The PNP is sending a clear message: government service is not a billboard for personal promotion,” Nartatez said.

“This is about protecting the integrity of public service. Ang pera ng bayan ay para sa bayan. Government projects should never look like they are owned by a person. They belong to the Filipino people,” he added.

Under the policy, all PNP offices and units are directed to strictly comply with the prohibition on the display of names and images of public officials and to immediately remove existing materials that violate the directive within their areas of responsibility.

Nartatez said the PNP will not tolerate any form of self-promotion using government resources.

“Let me be clear: this is not optional. If you are using government property to highlight a personality, you are violating the principle that public office is a public trust. Tanggalin agad. No excuses,” he said.

The directive covers all forms of materials, including signboards, tarpaulins, posters, markers, and similar public displays featuring public officials’ names or likenesses.

To ensure uniform compliance, the Directorate for Police Community Relations will issue standard multimedia materials for use across official PNP social media platforms, emphasizing institutional service rather than personal branding.

Nartatez also warned that violators will be held accountable under existing laws and regulations.

“Any personnel who chooses to ignore this directive will be held accountable in accordance with existing rules and regulations. Hindi natin dapat ginagamit ang serbisyo publiko para sa personal na pagpapakita o pagpapakilala. Public service must remain professional, neutral, and dignified,” he said.

The DILG memorandum reiterated that government-funded projects must remain free from political promotion and that public resources should not create the impression that services are personal initiatives of individual officials.

The PNP called on all units to immediately inspect their respective areas and remove prohibited materials, citing the move as part of efforts to strengthen accountability, discipline, and public trust.

“As we enforce the law, we must also follow it—strictly and consistently. This is how we show the public that we are serious about reform, transparency, and professionalism,” Nartatez said.