No officials’ pics, names allowed in govt signages — DILG chief

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) will no longer allow billboards for its projects to carry the name or picture of any government official, because the practice implies that the project’s funds came from individual officials. “Revisit previous projects and see to it that billboards, tarpaulins and signages for DILG projects do not emblazon the name or image of any government personality or politician," said Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo in a circular issued Thursday. “The practice of putting up billboards and signages bearing the names of government officials and even politicians does not sit well among our citizenry who are the major contributors in financing government undertakings, through the payment of their respective taxes," said Robredo. Earlier in the week, the DILG started removing names and photos of officials from government police cars and fire trucks. (See: DILG starts removing officials' names from govt vehicles) The move was in line with President Aquino's directive to all Cabinet members not to associate his personality and identity to the programs and projects of the various executive departments. Covered by the circular are heads of local government units and DILG operating units, including DILG-attached agencies like the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.—Mark D. Merueñas/JV, GMANews.TV