Anti-Epal Ordinance Summary – Naga City
📌 Title
“Anti-Epal Ordinance” – Prohibiting local government officials from affixing personal branding (names, logos, images) on publicly funded projects, programs, signages, and government-issued documents.
🧭 Purpose & Rationale
- Upholds the principle that public office is a public trust.
- Prevents patronage politics and misuse of public resources for personal promotion.
- Aligns with DILG Memorandum Circular 2010-101 and COA Circular 2013-004.
- Promotes good governance, transparency, and accountability.
🏛️ Scope
- Applies to all elected and appointed officials of Naga City and its barangays.
- Covers all government-funded projects, programs, properties, and documents within the city’s jurisdiction.
📖 Key Definitions
- Personal Branding: Any image, logo, or graphic linked to a local official not tied to an official government function.
- Government Project/Program: Includes infrastructure, services, and social programs funded by public money.
- Signage: Any public display of written announcements.
- Government-Issued Documents: Official papers like permits, IDs, and certifications.
🚫 Prohibited Acts
Local officials are barred from:
- Naming projects/programs after themselves.
- Affixing names, images, or branding to public works signage.
- Crediting themselves in maintenance or rehabilitation signage.
- Using personal branding on safety signages or government properties.
- Posting tarpaulins/banners with personal branding during public events.
- Branding government-issued documents, except in specific administrative contexts.
- Painting public buildings with personal branding colors.
✅ Allowable Acts
- Branding for tourism, culture, arts, or public information (without personal branding).
- Public slogans authorized by the City Mayor (excluding personal branding).
- Campaign materials during election periods.
- Practices allowed by law or ordinance.
🛠️ Enforcement
- City Engineering Office is tasked with enforcement.
- Authorized to remove violative materials and initiate cases.
⚖️ Penalties
- ₱5,000 fine, 30–180 days imprisonment, or both.
- Violators bear the cost of removing prohibited materials.
📝 Implementation
- A Technical Working Group will draft Implementing Rules and Regulations within 2 months of effectivity.