Mayor Susano Antonio D. Ruperto III of Tayasan municipality has signed Executive Order No. 005 series of 2026, mandating strict implementation of the anti-epal provisions under Republic Act No. 12314, the General Appropriation Act of 2026.
The executive order, signed on April 13, 2026, prohibits the display of names, pictures, images, logos, slogans, or any identifying symbols of public officials on government property, project signages, vehicles, and promotional materials.
According to the municipal announcement, the policy aims to ensure transparency, accountability, and professionalism in public service delivery across all local government operations in Tayasan.
Comprehensive Ban on Political Branding
Under Section 2 of the executive order, no name, picture, image, or logo of any local official, whether elected or appointed, shall be displayed on signboards, tarpaulins, equipment, vehicles, or promotional materials of any government project.
Projects funded by the 2026 Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) must only display the official logo of the concerned government agency and the Municipality of Tayasan. This restriction covers all government programs, activities, and projects within the municipality's jurisdiction.
The order specifically prohibits the use of mottos, color motifs, initials, or any other symbols associated with public officials on all government-related materials and infrastructure.
Immediate Compliance Required
All existing signages, streamers, or materials violating the anti-epal provisions must be removed within thirty (30) days from the effectivity of the order. The municipality has directed all department heads, officials, and employees to ensure strict adherence to these new guidelines.
Mayor Ruperto emphasized that public service must remain non-partisan, professional, and focused on the welfare of the people. The directive covers all offices, departments, and affiliated agencies under the local government unit.
Only authorized Local Government Unit (LGU) and government agency logos may be displayed on official materials, ensuring that public projects are presented without political branding or personal identification of officials.
Legal Framework and National Context
Republic Act No. 12314, signed into law by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on January 5, 2026, established a PHP 6.793 trillion national budget that prioritizes transparency, good governance, and responsible management of public funds.
The law adopts a "Bagong Pilipinas" approach, aiming for inclusive growth and efficiency in government operations while upholding fundamental rights of every Filipino through programs focused on education, health, agriculture, and social services.
Section 20 of RA 12314 specifically prohibits the display or affixing of names, pictures, images, mottos, logos, color motifs, initials, or any symbols associated with public officials on signboards for all government programs, activities, and projects.
Financial Assistance Transparency Measures
The executive order also addresses transparency in financial assistance distribution. In compliance with Department of Budget and Management Local Budget Circular No. 166 and 169 series of 2026, all LGSF funds must be utilized efficiently for identified poor, disadvantaged, and lagging areas within Tayasan's jurisdiction.
This provision ensures that government aid and support programs reach their intended beneficiaries without political interference or personal branding by officials involved in the distribution process.
The municipality has committed to maintaining detailed records of fund utilization and beneficiary identification to ensure accountability in all assistance programs.
Penalties for Violations
Executive Order No. 005 includes strict penalty provisions for violations. Any local official or employee found violating the anti-epal policy, particularly Section 20 of RA 12314, shall face administrative charges.
The municipality may also file criminal cases under Republic Act No. 3019, known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, against violators. This dual approach ensures both administrative and legal consequences for non-compliance.
Department heads are specifically mandated to monitor compliance within their respective offices and report any violations to the mayor's office for appropriate action.
Municipal Government Commitment
Mayor Ruperto's administration has positioned this executive order as part of broader governance reforms aimed at professionalizing public service delivery in Tayasan. The policy reflects the municipality's commitment to national directives on transparency and accountability.
The order repeals all previous executive orders, rules, and regulations that conflict with the new anti-epal provisions, ensuring consistency across all municipal operations and programs.
All municipal offices have been directed to review existing materials, signages, and promotional items to ensure compliance with the new requirements before the thirty-day deadline expires.
Implementation Timeline
The executive order took effect immediately upon signing on April 13, 2026. Municipal departments have until May 13, 2026, to remove or modify all existing materials that violate the anti-epal provisions.
The municipality has established monitoring mechanisms to ensure ongoing compliance with both the local executive order and the national legislation. Regular audits of government materials and project signages will be conducted to maintain adherence to the policy.
Future government projects, programs, and activities must comply with the anti-epal guidelines from their inception, with project proposals required to demonstrate compliance before approval and implementation.
Photo credit: Municipality of Tayasan