BAGUIO, Philippines – Long before the recent national crackdown on so-called “epal” practices, Baguio City had a local law banning politicians and private individuals from placing their names or images on publicly funded projects. One of its authors is now seeking to expand that ordinance to broaden its scope and enforcement.

In 2012, the Baguio City Council passed Ordinance No. 33-2012, known as the “No-Naming and No-Signage on Public Works and Properties Ordinance.” The measure was introduced by then vice mayor Daniel Fariñas and Councilor Fred Bagbagen and approved under the administration of former mayor Mauricio Domogan.

Approved on July 9, 2012, and signed into law on August 1, 2012, the city law banned the display or affixture of names, initials, images, or pictures of politicians, public officials, or private individuals on:

• public structures and properties, including buildings, roads, bridges, markets, classrooms, terminals, and waiting sheds
• public equipment and vehicles, including construction equipment, ambulances, police vehicles, buses, and office or hospital equipment
• government-funded programs and projects
  

The ordinance cited Department of the Interior and Local Government Memorandum Circular No. 2010-101 during the Aquino administration, which warned that widespread use of politicians’ names and images on government projects had been abused for personal promotion and could mislead the public into thinking projects were privately funded.

The explanatory note emphasized that government projects are paid for by taxpayers and should not be used to advance personal or political interests. It described the practice as “misleading, if not unethical,” and damaging to public trust.

Violations under the city law carried penalties of:

• P5,000-fine and suspension for one month or up to 30 days’ imprisonment for politicians or public officials
• P3,000-fine, possible permit revocation, or up to 30 days’ imprisonment for private individuals or contractors

The ordinance also included separability, repealing, and effectivity clauses consistent with the Local Government Code of 1991.

The renewed focus on anti-epal measures in Baguio followed DILG’s Memorandum Circular No. 2026-006, which reiterated the ban on displaying names or images of public officials on government-funded projects nationwide. 

The memo cites the Constitution, Republic Act No. 6713, Commission on Audit rules, and the 2026 General Appropriations Act’s anti-epal provision.

Cities such as Naga and Pasig have drawn attention for enforcing similar policies in recent years, prompting public discussion on political self-promotion and accountability. Against this backdrop, Baguio Councilor Bagbagen, who co-authored the 2012 ordinance, has filed a proposed expanded anti-epal ordinance to clarify the city’s existing policy.

Bagbagen proposed expanding Baguio’s anti-epal rules to public and private properties, including vehicles and equipment, and to cover posters, tarpaulins, signages, and other materials used outside official campaign periods.

The proposed measure also seeks to clarify what constitutes ‘epal’ activity and tackle environmental and visual pollution from unregulated signages.”

He asserted that unchecked self-promotion favors wealthy politicians and undermines fair political competition.

Penalties under the proposed ordinance largely mirror the 2012 sanctions, including fines, suspension or imprisonment, and mandatory removal of prohibited materials.

The proposal has been formally forwarded to the city secretary for inclusion in the City Council agenda. If approved, it would update and broaden Baguio’s long-standing anti-epal framework against political self-promotion. – Rappler.com