00:00Freeloading on public funds for public relations or to boost one's popularity to one's constituents
00:05has been a deceitful practice ordained by self-serving politicians seeking to perpetuate themselves in office.
00:12A just-release circular which expressly outlaws this unethical custom has found growing support in the Senate.
00:19As our Luisa Erisbe reports.
00:21Have you ever seen bridges, roads or government buildings bearing the faces or brandings of certain politicians?
00:31The Department of Interior and Local Government is now putting a stop to such practice.
00:37Under Memorandum Circular 2026-006 issued by the agency,
00:43the use of images, logos or even slogans of politicians on government projects is now strictly prohibited.
00:50This order has received full support from the Senate leadership.
00:54According to Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Laxon, this is no room for credit grabbing in public service.
01:01Senator Laxon emphasized that since these projects are funded by public taxes,
01:06no individual should claim personal credit for government initiatives.
01:10He added the national budget should never be used as a political tool by those in power,
01:15stressing that public service must remain free from political exploitation.
01:20Meanwhile, the Senate is also pushing for anti-EPAL guidelines to extend beyond infrastructure projects.
01:27In the Committee on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development,
01:31Chairperson Senator Irwin Tulfo stated that politics should have no part in the distribution of government aid.
01:37If the AIC's bill is passed into law, Senator Tulfo explained that they will reduce the requirements for receiving aid,
01:45removing the need for marriage contracts and indigency forms.
01:49According to the senator, this is where politics often creeps in.
01:52Without these forms, which frequently feature the names and faces of local officials, beneficiaries are often denied assistance.
02:00Senator Tulfo reiterated that the 2026 General Appropriations Act is clear.
02:05Any form of political presence during the distribution of government aid is strictly forbidden.
02:11Luisa Erispe from the National TV Network for a new and better Philippines.
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