Philippine National Police chief Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. has ordered the immediate removal of politically branded signages from government-funded projects, stressing that public service must not be used for self-promotion.
The directive follows the anti-epal policy under Department of the Interior and Local Government Memorandum Circular No. 2026-006 dated Jan. 29, 2026, and was reinforced by a PNP memorandum issued on Feb. 2.
Under the order, all PNP units nationwide are directed to take down any signage, tarpaulin, marker, or material bearing the name, image, initials, color motif, slogan, or identifying symbol of public officials displayed on government-funded programs, activities, and properties.
“This is about protecting the integrity of public service,” Nartatez said. “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.”
Nartatez said the order sends a clear message that government service “is not a billboard for personal promotion” and emphasized that compliance is mandatory.
“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,” he said. “Tanggalin agad. No excuses.”
The directive covers all forms of public display materials, including signboards, posters, and tarpaulins.
To ensure uniform compliance, the PNP’s Directorate for Police Community Relations will issue standardized multimedia materials for use across official PNP social media platforms, highlighting institutional service rather than individual branding.
Nartatez warned that personnel who fail to comply will face sanctions under existing laws 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, stressing that public resources should never create the impression that services are personal initiatives of individual officials.