'Anti-Epal' bill filed in House of Representatives

MANILA, Philippines - Naming government projects after government officials will soon become illegal if House Bill 4929 is approved in a law.

 

Kabataan Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon filed the bill, which proposes the creation of "an act declaring as unlawful any government officials and other persons whose name or identity may in any manner be associated with said officials."

 

Under the bill, those determined by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines in accordance with law are exempted. 

 

Those who will violate the provisions of the Act will be given a penalty of one year imprisonment and will have to pay a fine of P100,000 to P1 million. A second violation would merit the offender an additional absolute perpetual disqualification to hold office.

 

The youth representative noted that "plastering faces" on finished public works and projects is a "system of insidious advertising" and has evolved even on greetings for commonplace events.

 

Ridon said politicians make it look like their constituents owe them gratitude for such projects when in fact these civil works are products of the constituents' hard work.

 

"In truth, this system of political advertising is a manifestation of our nation's deeply troubling patronage politics and the proliferation of political dynasties in the country. Playing with the concepts of mass communications, these traditional politicians take advantage of the power and funds under their discretion to boost name recall and face recognition, two key factors important during elections," Ridon said.

 

Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago filed a similar bill before, also known as "Anti-epal bill".

 

RELATED: Miriam asks colleagues to tackle anti-epal, political dynasty bills

 

For more proposed measures in the House of Representatives, visit our Bill Tracker.