President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has called for the faster release of “anti-epal” guidelines to ensure that government-funded projects are free from personal or political branding, Malacañang said Tuesday.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro reiterated the President’s commitment to transparent public service, stressing that politicians should not be involved in distributing financial aid, ensuring assistance reaches beneficiaries without political patronage.
“Sa ngayon, makikita natin kung ano ang nais ng Pangulo. Ipinalagay po, nakalagay mismo sa 2026 GAA na patungkol sa anti-epal, paunti-unti na gusto ng Pangulo maresolba ang isyu na ito,” Castro said. She added,
“Kung iyan ang nakikita ng mga department heads na dapat ay mas mabilis, tingnan natin kung kailan nila magagawa ang kanilang mga guidelines… pero ang nais po ng Pangulo, ay mas mabilis na panahon maayos po ito.”
At the same briefing, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said public officials must refrain from placing their names, photos, or logos on government projects. Only the project title, contract dates, and source of funds should be displayed.
Remulla warned that administrative sanctions, such as suspension, could be imposed on violators. “Kung recidivist ang attitude ng local chief executive, puwede namin ipasa sa Ombudsman ito for admin and criminal cases,” he said.
He also encouraged the public to report politicians who violate the current “anti-epal” rules, adding that complaints may be posted on Facebook and investigated by authorities.
While removal from office is not currently an option, Remulla said suspension is already a significant penalty.
The DILG chief also voiced support for legislation that would codify anti-epal rules, noting that the current campaign arose from public frustration over the last 15 years.
“Dapat gumawa na sila kasi sa ngayon, iyong anti-epal campaign was only born out of the frustration ng mga tao in the last 15 years. So, wala pa tayong codified conduct para diyan sa anti-epal campaign. And it will be a great help if the national legislature made steps para talagang mabawal iyan,” Remulla said.