By CESAR JOLITO III

The Bacolod City government has reaffirmed its commitment to strictly enforce the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) anti-epal policy, underscoring its push for transparency, accountability and integrity in all publicly funded projects and programs.

City Administrator Atty. Mark Steven Mayo said the local government is aligning its practices with national policy by ensuring that public works, initiatives and materials financed with government funds do not carry the names, photographs, logos, or likenesses of politicians.

The memorandum circular also explicitly bans the display of politicians’ likenesses on public structures, projects and promotional materials funded by government resources.

“We are observing the anti-epal stance by avoiding the promotion of personal political images on government projects, especially those financed by public funds,” Mayo said.

He noted that only limited exceptions are allowed under existing guidelines, such as official business permits.

“The focus should always be on governance and public service, not self-promotion,” he added.

Mayo clarified that personal or organizational initiatives, including private donation drives, may still display identifying information, provided these comply with the policy’s specific provisions and do not involve government resources.

Meanwhile, DILG Bacolod City Director Christian Nagaynay said the department has taken additional steps to ensure compliance, including the issuance of a memorandum circular earlier this week.

According to Nagaynay, the directive has already been communicated to Mayor Greg Gasataya and barangay officials.

“Violations of the anti-epal policy may be subject to sanctions under existing laws, including the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials,” Nagaynay said.

The measure, Nagaynay added, aims to establish clear standards that promote fairness and integrity in government transactions./CJ, WDJ