New Law Prohibits Politicians from Aid Distribution and Self-Promotion in 2026 Budget
The 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA), officially known as Republic Act No. 12314, has introduced stringent measures to curb the practice of epal politics in the Philippines. This term, derived from the Filipino word papel, refers to politicians who engage in self-promotion by claiming credit for government projects funded by taxpayers. Historically, these officials have been known to place large tarpaulins and signboards featuring their names and images on public initiatives, creating a misleading impression that they personally financed the projects and thereby garnering public support.
Key Provisions of the 2026 Budget Act
Acting Secretary Rolly Toledo of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has highlighted that Section 19 of RA 12314 explicitly bans all public officials holding elective positions, electoral candidates, and their representatives from influencing, being present at, or participating in the actual distribution of cash assistance and other forms of financial aid. The law mandates that such distributions must be conducted exclusively by authorized government officers and personnel or accredited partners. This measure aims to prevent politicians from exploiting aid programs for personal gain or political advantage.
Furthermore, Section 20 of the same act prohibits the display of names, images, mottos, logos, color motifs, initials, or any symbols associated with government officials, whether elected or appointed, on signboards for all government programs, activities, and projects. This includes initiatives like the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) Program under the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers Program by the Department of Labor and Employment, and the Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients program managed by the Department of Health (DOH).
Impact on Healthcare and Patient Assistance
In a related development, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa announced that patients in DOH hospitals will no longer require guarantee letters (GLs) from politicians to cover their hospital expenses under the government's zero-balance billing program. This program ensures that patients admitted to basic or ward accommodations in DOH hospitals are not charged for medical services, medicines, or professional fees. Since the balance is zero, there is no need for financial guarantees from politicians, allowing patients to be admitted, undergo surgery, and be discharged without any out-of-pocket payments.
Secretary Herbosa clarified that while patients are not prohibited from seeking assistance from politicians, the necessity for such guarantees has been eliminated due to the zero-balance policy. The health sector has been allocated P448 billion in the 2026 budget, marking the largest allocation in history and underscoring the government's commitment to improving healthcare accessibility and reducing political interference in medical aid.
Historical Context and Legislative Efforts
Over the years, numerous lawmakers have proposed bills to ban epal practices, but these efforts have often failed to pass into law. The inclusion of these provisions in the 2026 GAA, with a total budget of P6.793 trillion, represents a significant step forward in promoting transparency and accountability in government projects. By restricting politicians' involvement in aid distribution and prohibiting self-promotional materials, the law aims to ensure that public funds are used efficiently and that credit for government initiatives is attributed correctly, rather than being exploited for political campaigns.
This move is expected to enhance public trust in government programs and reduce the prevalence of epal tactics that have long been a contentious issue in Philippine politics. As the implementation of these provisions unfolds, stakeholders will be monitoring their effectiveness in curbing political grandstanding and ensuring that assistance reaches those in need without undue influence.
