Legarda Advocates for Permanent Anti-Epal Legislation to Curb Political Branding in Government Initiatives
Senator Loren Legarda has issued a strong appeal to institutionalize the directive from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) that prohibits the use of political branding in government-funded projects. In a Facebook post dated Monday, February 2, 2026, Legarda emphasized the need to transform this administrative rule into a permanent law to effectively halt what she describes as a pervasive practice among some politicians.
Current DILG Directive and Its Limitations
The existing DILG directive mandates the removal, correction, or cessation of political branding on billboards, tarpaulins, structures, and vehicles associated with government projects. However, Legarda pointed out that administrative rules alone are insufficient to stop this behavior, as some politicians continue to exploit these platforms for self-promotion. She underscored this by stating, “Public funds are for public service, not for personal publicity,” highlighting the misuse of taxpayer money for personal gain.
Proposed Senate Bill 1716: Strengthening the Anti-Epal Act
To address this issue, Legarda is pushing for Senate Bill 1716, also known as the proposed Anti-Epal Act, which aims to make the anti-political branding measures permanent. The bill seeks to:
- Enshrine the DILG directive into law to provide stronger legal backing.
- Establish dedicated Anti-Epal Desks to monitor compliance with the regulations.
- Create a formal mechanism for receiving and addressing complaints from the public.
Legarda explained that these desks would play a crucial role in ensuring the law is effectively implemented and that violations are promptly addressed.
Legarda's Vision for Ethical Leadership
In her post, Legarda elaborated on the principles behind her advocacy, stating, “Hindi nasusukat ang mahusay na pamumuno sa dami ng tarpaulin o laki ng pangalan; nasusukat ito sa tapat na paglilingkod at malasakit na ramdam ng bayan. Ang pamumuno ay nakikita sa gawa, hindi sa mukha.” This translates to leadership being measured by honest service and tangible care for the people, rather than by the visibility of one's name or image on promotional materials.
By championing this bill, Legarda aims to promote transparency and accountability in governance, ensuring that public resources are used solely for the benefit of the community, without being tainted by political agendas.
