Local Government Units (LGUs) including barangays across the National Capital Region (NCR) have begun taking swift and concrete actions to comply with Department of the Interior and Local Government Memorandum Circular No. 2026-006, which prohibits the display and/or affixture of the name, image, and likeness of public officials on government-funded projects, programs, activities, and properties.

In compliance with the said Memorandum Circular, the City of Parañaque issued Executive Order No. 2026-012 (Series of 2026), institutionalizing local compliance with the anti-epal policy. The Order directs the immediate removal of materials bearing identifying symbols associated with public officials on government projects and signboards. It likewise prohibits the future installation of such materials. The Executive Order took effect immediately upon issuance. This policy is also supported by an existing Muntinlupa City Ordinance No. 2025-004, which institutionalizes the same.

Parallel compliance actions have been observed at the barangay level in other NCR cities as well. Several barangays undertook the removal and modification of project signages to eliminate names and identifiers of local officials.

The Anti-Epal Policy is the Department’s reminder to the principle that public office is a public trust, hence any government undertakings must remain politically neutral and institution-centered, free from personal promotion.