Existing public buildings and facilities bearing public officials’ names, motto, logo, color motif, initials and other symbolic representations are covered by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) circular directing the immediate removal of “epal” markings.
This is indicated in Memorandum Circular No. 2026-006 issued by DILG Secretary Juanito Victor C. Remulla last Jan. 29, 2026 to all elected and appointive officials of Local Government Units, DILG personnel as well as officials and employees of DILG attached agencies.
It said the circular was issued to reiterate and institutionalize the policy prohibiting the display and/or affixture of the name, image, or likeness of public officials on government-funded projects, programs, activities, and properties.
“Government projects, programs, activities, and properties are funded through public funds and are implemented in the interest of general welfare,” the circular stated. “As such, these undertakings must remain politically neutral and free from any form of self-promotion by public officials.”
Such practices, it emphasized, create the perception that public projects are personal initiatives of individual officials rather than institutional efforts of the government, and may undermine public trust in the impartiality and professionalism of the civil service.
Among others, it cited Section 2.2.6 of COA Circular No. 2014-004 which considers as unnecessary the display and/or affixture of the picture, image, motto, logo, color motif, initials or other symbol or graphic representation associated with the top leadership of the project proponent or implementing agency/unit/office.
“The same applies to signboards displaying and/or affixed with the picture, image, motto, logo, color motif, initials or other symbol or graphic representation associated with local officials where the projects/programs/activities (PPA) is implemented wholly or partially,” the COA circular adds.
Sec. 2.2.7 also describes as unnecessary the display and/or affixture of the same items on “equipment and facilities, vehicles of all type, whether engine, manpower or animal driven, wrappers, containers, and similar items, tokens, souvenir items, calendars, ballpens, T-shirt or other apparel, and other publicity materials relating to any PPA.”
Another legal basis is Section 20 of Republic Act No. 12314, or the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA), prohibits the display or affixing of the name, picture, image, motto, logo, color motif, initials, or any other symbol or graphic representation associated with any public official—whether elected or appointed—on signboards for all government programs, properties, and projects.
Sec. Remulla directed the concerned officials and employees to cause the immediate removal of existing signages, tarpaulins, markers, or materials that violate the circular, warning that any person found violating MC No. 2026-006 shall be held administratively and/or criminally liable.