Iloilo vice governor backs DILG anti-epal policy

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Iloilo Vice Governor Nathalie Ann Debuque has expressed full support for the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) “anti-epal” policy, saying public officials should not use government-funded projects for personal promotion.

“We definitely give our full support to the ‘anti-epal’ policy. I believe that if your public service and governance are effective, there is no need to advertise yourself because the people can already feel and recognize it,” Debuque said after the regular session of the provincial board on Feb. 3.

She added that she would review the existing policies and practices of the 15th Sangguniang Panlalawigan and its departments to ensure institutional support for the campaign is reflected not only in words but also in practice.

She emphasized that public funds should never be used for personal branding, stating such acts violate the province’s standards.

“That is not the standard of the Iloilo Provincial Government. It’s people’s money and programs,” she said.

The DILG earlier issued Memorandum Circular No. 2026-006, which directs all local government units and DILG offices nationwide to strictly prohibit the display of personal names, images, logos, initials, color motifs, slogans, or any identifying symbols of public officials on government-funded projects, programs, activities, and properties.

The policy is anchored on the 1987 Constitution’s principle that public office is a public trust, as well as on the Code of Conduct for Public Officials and Commission on Audit rules, which classify such displays as unnecessary expenditures.

It aims to promote professionalism and accountability by preventing the use of public projects for personal political gain.