Local Anti-Epal ordinance proposed in Baguio to combat attention-seeking tactics

Baguio City, Philippines – ‘Epals’ will be even more not allowed in Baguio City sooner.

This is through the proposed local Anti-Epal Ordinance in the city, which prohibits politicians and private people from putting up names and faces on public and private properties, including vehicles.

The proposed ordinance submitted by Councilor Fred Bagbagen enforces the policy that there shall be no names, initials, or images or pictures of politicians and private people in public and private areas.

The proposed measure likewise covers equipment and vehicles, which include construction equipment, trucks, ambulances, police cars, buses, jeepneys, motorcycles, bicycles, office equipment, hospital equipment, communication equipment, and sacks of goods for distribution, among others.

Once approved, politicians who violate the ordinance will be penalized with P5,000 and a one-month suspension or imprisonment not exceeding 30 days at the discretion of the court. Private individuals, meantime, will get a P3,000 fine or face imprisonment for up to 30 days, depending on the discretion of the court as well.

Bagbagen, as cited by the Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Baguio, described that individuals, especially ahead of elections, put up some posters and images on public and private properties through messages and advisory to motorists to drive safely as a ‘self-promoting greeting just to advertise their names’.

He added that these ‘self-promoting’ materials not only litter public and private areas; they are also considered a public nuisance.

“These practices are very deceptive if not unethical which need to be stopped in order that no unwarranted advances shall be made by these individuals,” he was quoted saying.

Councilor Bagbagen first co-authored a similar ordinance with former Vice Mayor Daniel Farinas, which was enacted in 2012 as Ordinance 33-2012.