Camarines Sur government flagged over anti-epal policy violation

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February 20, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Audit (COA) has flagged the provincial government of Camarines Sur over P50 million worth of supplies and equipment bearing the names, initials, photographs or logos of local officials.

In a 2024 audit report released in December, state auditors noted that the markings on the items violated memorandum circulars issued by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, (DILG) and the COA, which ban the names or pictures of politicians in billboards and signages of government programs, properties and projects.

“An inspection and evaluation of the inventory accounts of the local government unit revealed that certain procured items bear markings, logos, color motifs, initials and other symbols or graphic representations associated with the top leadership of the project proponent,” the COA said.

The audit body said that while government agencies may notify the public of their projects, programs and activities, they must avoid markings that may be construed as political promotions.

Among the items found to have violated the anti-epal policy of the DILG and the COA were water containers and portable speakers marked Serbisyong Ka Fuerte and Ka Fuerte, respectively. These were reportedly distributed in barangays and schools.

The provincial government said it did not order the attachment of political logos and personal markings on the items.

Local officials said the markings were initiated by the suppliers and did not cost the provincial government a single centavo.