DILG-6 reviews 18 anti-epal complaints

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Department of the Interior and Local Government in Western Visayas has submitted at least 18 reports involving alleged violations of the government’s “anti-epal” policy to the DILG Central Office for review and appropriate action.

DILG-Western Visayas Director Juan Jovian Ingeniero said Tuesday, April 21, that the complaints had been forwarded to the Central Office.

“For two months, we received 18 reports from LGUs over the region,” he said.

Ingeniero said complaints submitted by email are consolidated by the regional legal office before being endorsed to the Central Office.

He said the process follows directives requiring that all complaints and recommendations be coursed through the Central Office.

He added that the reports are now with the Legal and Legislative Liaison Service of the Central Office, which is studying whether cases should be filed or whether policy adjustments are needed based on the complaints and suggestions received.

“The 18 reports are subject to the decision of the Central Office, and that is not for us to decide,” he said.

Ingeniero said some cases requiring immediate compliance are acted on directly by the regional office through coordination with the concerned local government units.

“Not all reports are non-compliant. There are reports that only need to have immediate intervention,” he said.

He said many local government units had promptly complied, particularly by removing structures, motifs and displays seen as promoting selective recognition of or support for public officials in violation of the memorandum circular.

Among the cases cited were the removal of politician-related materials in Roxas City and at the intersection of Sen. Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Avenue, or R3, and Felix Gorriceta Avenue in Barangay Aganan, Pavia, Iloilo.

In terms of compliance, Ingeniero said most local government units in the region are following the policy.

The DILG issued Memorandum Circular No. 2026-006 on Jan. 29, directing all local government units and DILG offices to remove the names, images, logos, slogans and symbols of public officials from government-funded projects, signage, tarpaulins and other materials.

Ingeniero said business permits bearing the names or images of mayors are also prohibited.

He added that local government units have also been directed to stop issuing vehicle plates and other materials that violate the policy.

Programs and projects using acronyms or words resembling the names of politicians are also banned, he said.

“We are on it. It is difficult to change and difficult to implement, but we continue to communicate because, in the end, the people will decide. When the election comes and you do not follow us, the people will ultimately decide,” Ingeniero said.

The anti-epal policy aims to prevent public officials from using government-funded projects and materials for self-promotion, especially ahead of elections.