Baguio City Moves to Strengthen Anti-Epal Ordinance to Curb Political Self-Promotion

Baguio City has a longstanding local law that prohibits politicians and private individuals from displaying their names or images on government-funded projects—a measure predating the recent nationwide campaign against "epal" practices. Now, one of the original authors of the 2012 ordinance is pushing to expand its coverage and enforcement.

Ordinance No. 33-2012, known as the "No-Naming and No-Signage on Public Works and Properties Ordinance," was enacted under former Mayor Mauricio Domogan, with notable sponsorship from then Vice Mayor Daniel Fariñas and Councilor Fred Bagbagen. The legislation, approved on July 9 and implemented on August 1, 2012, banned the affixation or display of names, initials, images, or pictures of politicians, officials, or private entities on public structures such as buildings, roads, bridges, markets, classrooms, terminals, and waiting sheds.

The ordinance also covered public equipment and vehicles, including construction machinery, ambulances, police cars, buses, and office or hospital equipment, as well as government-funded programs and projects.

The measure was rooted in the Department of the Interior and Local Government's 2010 memorandum circular, which cautioned against the exploitation of public projects for personal promotion, misleading the public into believing such projects were privately sponsored. It underscored that government-funded initiatives are taxpayer-funded and should not serve as vehicles for individual political gain, deeming the practice "misleading, if not unethical," and harmful to public trust.

Punishments under the 2012 ordinance included fines of up to PHP 5,000 and a one-month suspension or imprisonment of up to 30 days for politicians or public officials. Private individuals or contractors faced fines up to PHP 3,000, potential revocation of permits, or similar jail terms.

The renewed emphasis on anti-epal efforts in Baguio follows the Department of the Interior and Local Government's Memorandum Circular No. 2026-006, which reinforced the prohibition nationwide. This directive cites constitutional provisions, Republic Act No. 6713 on government ethics, Commission on Audit regulations, and the anti-epal clause of the 2026 General Appropriations Act.

With cities such as Naga and Pasig gaining attention for strict anti-epal enforcement, the issue of political self-promotion and accountability has gained greater public visibility.

In this context, Councilor Fred Bagbagen has introduced a proposed ordinance to expand Baguio’s existing anti-epal law. His proposal aims to include both public and private properties, extend restrictions to vehicles and equipment, and cover promotional materials such as posters, tarpaulins, and signages even outside official campaign periods.

Bagbagen emphasized that the proposal seeks to clearly define what constitutes "epal" behavior and address the environmental and visual clutter caused by unregulated signage. He remarked, "Uncontrolled self-promotion benefits wealthy politicians and undermines fair political competition."

The proposed penalties resemble those in the 2012 ordinance and additionally mandate the removal of prohibited materials. The measure has been forwarded to the city secretary to be included in the City Council’s agenda. If enacted, it would modernize and widen Baguio's regulatory framework to more effectively combat political self-promotion on government-funded assets.