PNP clarifies order on removal of politically branded signages

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Sunday clarified that the directive ordering the removal of politically branded signages applies specifically to materials displayed within PNP properties and premises nationwide.

Nartatez said the order covers police stations, camps, offices and other PNP facilities, and is in compliance with Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memorandum Circular No. 2026-006. The directive is reinforced by a PNP memorandum dated 2 February 2026.

The memorandum orders all PNP units to remove signages, tarpaulins, markers, posters and similar materials bearing the name, image, initials, color motif, slogan or identifying symbols of public officials, particularly those linked to government-funded projects, programs and activities.

Under the policy, all PNP offices and units are directed to strictly prohibit the display of names and images of public officials on government projects and signboards, and to immediately remove existing materials that violate the directive.

“This is about protecting the integrity of public service. The money of the people is for the people. Government projects should never look like they are owned by a person. They belong to the Filipino people,” Nartatez said.

He stressed that 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. Remove it immediately. No excuses,” he added.

Nartatez also ordered all PNP units to inspect their respective areas and remove prohibited materials without delay 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,” he said.

He added that the directive is intended to uphold the political neutrality of the PNP and reinforce the principle that public service must remain non-partisan.

“The PNP reiterates that the directive aims to uphold political neutrality, professionalism, and the principle that public service must remain free from personal or partisan promotion, in line with the thrust of a Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman,” Nartatez said.

The PNP chief warned that personnel who ignore the directive will face sanctions under existing laws and regulations.

“Any personnel who chooses to ignore this directive will be held accountable in accordance with existing rules and regulations,” he said. “We should not use public service for personal display or introduction. Public service must remain professional, neutral and dignified.”

Earlier, the DILG ordered the strict nationwide enforcement of the Anti-Epal policy, directing all local government units and DILG offices to immediately remove the names, images and likenesses of public officials from government-funded projects, programs, activities and properties.

Under DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2026-006, all provincial, city, municipal and barangay officials, as well as DILG central, regional and field offices and attached agencies, are required to ensure that no public official’s name, photo, logo, initials, color motif, slogan or identifying symbol appears on publicly funded signages and materials.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said government projects are paid for by taxpayers and must not be used for personal promotion.

The circular cites the 1987 Constitution, 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 further reinforced by provisions in the 2026 General Appropriations Act prohibiting the use of officials’ names and images on government-funded projects.

The DILG also reiterated President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to keep government projects free from personality branding and urged the public to report violations of the Anti-Epal policy.