SHEER WARNING AGAINST the so-called epal politicians does not make the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) effective — walking its talk does.
Far from the DILG’s pure talk, the Commission on Audit (COA) did what the DILG should have done following a stern warning issued by no less than Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla.
This comes as COA called out officials of the provincial government of Camarines Sur for violations of the Anti-Epal rules under the DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2010-101 and COA Circular No. 2013-004.
The DILG memo banned the names, initials or images of government officials in billboards and signages of government programs and properties.
On the other hand, the COA circular considers the posting of photographs and names of public officials on government programs and projects as “irregular or unnecessary expenditures” that may be disallowed in audit.
“An inspection and evaluation of the inventory accounts of the LGU (local government unit) revealed that certain procured items bear markings, logos, color motifs, initials and other symbols or graphic representations associated with the top leadership of the project proponent,” the COA said in its 2024 audit report on the province released last December 19.
The state auditor clarified that while government agencies are expected to notify the public of its projects, programs, and activities, they are required to avoid “unnecessary branding” that may be “construed as political promotion.”
Among the items found to have violated the Anti-Epal rules were 75,000 22-liter water containers with faucets with a total value of P18.37 million. These were distributed to various barangays with blue and white stickers containing the words “Serbisyong Ka Fuerte.”
Also found were 20,000 high-grade outdoor vests for barangay “tanods” bearing the marks “From: Gov. Luigi Villafuerte” in front and “Gov’ Luigi Villafuerte” at the back in addition to an “LV” logo.
Auditors likewise listed 1,000 wheeled trash bins worth P1.45 million with “personalized markings of the name “LUIGI VILLAFUERTE” in blue and red colors.
Moreover, 1,000 laptops worth P34.45 million for distribution to elementary and secondary level public school teachers were also discovered with “SERBISYONG KA FUERTE” stickers.
“It bears stressing that the inclusion of logos and symbols associated with specific public officials on government-funded items raises concerns regarding compliance with DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2010-101 and COA Circular No. 2013-004. Hence, this transaction is deemed irregular and disallowable in audit,” auditors said.
Other items flagged by the audit team were 970 portable speakers (P20.61 million) with the “Ka Fuerte” logo and basketball backboards of undetermined number and value bearing the phrases or names “Migzerbisyo Rinconada”, “Luigi”, and “Marco Gumabao.”
The audit team notified the provincial leadership to immediately cease the branding of procured items using public funds and to submit an explanation why the practice was allowed despite existing prohibitions.
In response to Audit Observation Memorandum No. 2025-016-100, the province assured the audit team that the inclusion of political logos and personal markings was not approved by the local government.
It said the markings were done at the initiative of suppliers but did not cost the province a centavo.
The provincial officials acknowledged the importance of complying with government rules and committed that there will no longer be a repetition in future procurements and distributions.
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