Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson has thrown his unequivocal support behind the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)’s move to remove the names and images of public officials from public projects.
Lacson pointed out that “epal” billboards featuring the names and faces of politicians have no place in public service and may even hint at overpricing – not just for the projects themselves but also for the billboards promoting them.
“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,” he said in a post on X, referring to the DILG order.
In Filipino: Lacson, Todo Suporta sa Pag-alis ng Mga ‘Epal’ Billboard sa Mga Proyektong Pampubliko
In Memorandum Circular 2026-006 dated Jan. 29, the DILG prohibited the display and/or affixture of the “name, image and likeness” of public officials on government projects.
The order prohibits the display of the name, picture, image, motto, logo, color motif, initials “or other symbol or graphic representation associated with any public official” on government projects and signboards.
Also, it directed the immediate removal of existing signages, tarpaulins, markers or materials violating the circular.
“Government programs are not personal billboards. These are funded by taxpayers and must reflect public service, not political credit grabbing,” it added.
Lacson has likewise cracked down on political “epal” by pushing for clear and foolproof safeguards in what is now the 2026 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,” he stressed.
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Lacson, Todo Suporta sa Pag-alis ng Mga ‘Epal’ Billboard sa Mga Proyektong Pampubliko
Todo suporta si Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson sa hakbang ng Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) na ipatanggal ang mga pangalan at larawan ng mga opisyal ng gobyerno sa mga proyektong pampubliko.
Giit ni Lacson, walang lugar sa serbisyo publiko ang mga “epal” billboard na tampok ang pangalan at mukha ng mga pulitiko, at maaari pa itong magpahiwatig ng tongpats, hindi lamang sa mismong proyekto kundi maging sa mga billboard na nagpo-promote nito.
“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,” ani Lacson sa kanyang X account, kaugnay ng kautusan ng DILG.
Sa Memorandum Circular 2026-006 na may petsang Enero 29, ipinagbawal ng DILG ang pagpapaskil at/o paglalagay ng pangalan, imahe, at wangis ng mga opisyal ng gobyerno sa mga proyekto ng pamahalaan.
Ipinagbabawal ang pagpapakita ng pangalan, larawan, imahe, slogan, logo, color motif, mga inisyal, o anumang simbolo o grapikong representasyon na may kaugnayan sa sinumang opisyal ng gobyerno sa mga proyekto at karatula ng pamahalaan.
Iniutos din ng DILG ang agarang pagtanggal ng mga umiiral na karatula, tarpaulin, marker, o iba pang materyales na lumalabag sa nasabing circular.
“Government programs are not personal billboards. These are funded by taxpayers and must reflect public service, not political credit grabbing,” dagdag ng DILG.
Pinangunahan din ni Lacson ang paghigpit laban sa galawang “epal” sa pamamagitan ng pagsusulong ng malinaw na safeguards sa ngayo’y 2026 national budget, upang maiwasan ang pang-aabuso at 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,” giit niya.
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