Palace supports Miriam's 'anti-epal' bill

Malacañang over the weekend threw its full support behind the “anti-epal" bill filed by Senator Miriam Santiago to shame politicians and officials who claim credit for public works projects. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said President Benigno Aquino III himself does not want his name or image on billboards and signage in public works projects. “We welcome that initiative of Sen. Santiago. Si Pangulong Aquino meron ding policy ayaw niyang nilalagay ang kanyang photo sa proyekto ... The president was very clear early on ayaw ko ng ganitong practice," she said on government-run dzRB radio. Since Aquino assumed office in June 2010, there has been no government project billboard bearing his name or image, Valte said. Earlier, Santiago filed Senate Bill No. 1967, which proposes a jail term of between six months and one year on a public official who has his or her name or image printed on signage announcing a proposed or ongoing public works project. The prohibition also applies to existing government projects that are undergoing maintenance or rehabilitation. However, the bill allows signs that bear the name, image or logo of the local or national government agency implementing the project. - VVP, GMA News