Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson on Saturday expressed his “unequivocal” support for the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s order banning the display of names and images of public officials on government-funded projects.
Lacson said so-called “epal” billboards featuring politicians’ names and faces have no place in public service and may even raise red flags over possible overpricing, not only of the projects themselves but also of the promotional materials.
“This one I like and support unequivocally. While surely, there are no ghost billboards, most likely the ‘epal’ billboards are as overpriced as the projects,” Lacson posted on X, referring to the DILG directive.
Under Memorandum Circular 2026-006 dated 29 January, the DILG prohibited the display or installation of the name, image and likeness of public officials on government projects.
In a social media post on Saturday, the DILG said the order is subject to strict nationwide enforcement and directed all local government units and DILG offices to immediately remove the names, images and likeness of public officials from all government projects, programs, activities and properties.
“Government programs are not personal billboards. These are funded by taxpayers and must reflect public services, not political credit grabbing,” the DILG said.
The circular cited the 1987 Constitution’s principle that public office is a public trust, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, and Commission on Audit rules classifying such personalized displays as unnecessary expenses.
The department also noted that the directive is reinforced by the 2026 General Appropriations Act, which explicitly prohibits attaching officials’ names and images to government-funded projects.
All concerned officials and employees were ordered to ensure the immediate removal or correction of noncompliant materials, with heads of offices held accountable for full and prompt compliance.
Lacson’s camp also said the senator has long pushed back against political “epal,” citing his efforts to insert safeguards in the 2026 national budget to prevent abuse and political patronage.
“The national budget must not be a political tool or spoils for those in power. We deserve a budget that truly serves the people, free from political exploitation. While we have made headway, the path forward remains extensive,” Lacson said.