ILOILO City – Local government units (LGUs) in Western Visayas have been placed on notice by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), which has ordered them to justify the use of color branding in government-funded projects — or face mandatory changes within two to three months if these are deemed politically motivated — under the tightened enforcement of the government’s anti-epal policy.
DILG Region 6 director Juan Jovian Ingeniero said the directive is anchored on Commission on Audit (COA) Circular No. 2014-004 and reinforced by provisions of the General Appropriations Act (GAA), both of which prohibit unnecessary government expenses such as personalized displays in publicly funded projects.
“Depende sa color motif, nakalagay kasi ‘yan sa COA Circular No. 2014-004. Since COA ang nag issue ng guidelines, we are asking all LGUs through our Municipal and City Local Government Operations Officers (MLGOs) if there is already a COA audit observation memorandum (AOM) regarding their color motif,” said Ingeniero.
If there is indeed an AOM, Ingeniero said DILG-6 will immediately call their attention.
“If wala pa, we will elevate the concern to the central office for proper guidance,” Ingeniero said.
He stressed that LGUs claiming official color branding must show a clear and formal basis for it.
“Sa color motif, maraming kasing dating ‘yan. Ano ba talaga ang stand ng LGU? Is it their official color branding? If this is a color branding of the LGU, dapat dumaan ‘yan sa proseso at magkaroon ng official declaration na ‘this is our color branding.’ Hindi pwedeng basta na lang pumili ng kulay,” he said.
Ingeniero warned that color schemes closely associated with specific elected officials or political groups will not be allowed.
“If it is associated with the political color talaga ng certain elected official, we will advise them to change the color. Ang problema lang, marami na ring existing buildings and projects. Kaya habang wala pang malinaw na guidance mula sa central office, pinamo-monitor muna namin, and they will be given two to three months to change it,” he added.
While clarifications on color motifs are still pending, Ingeniero said there is no room for interpretation when it comes to the use of politicians’ names, photos, faces, initials, and slogans.
“Ang aming immediate directive sa lahat ng DILG Provincial Directors at Municipal and City Local Government Operations Officers, ay tanggalin ang lahat ng pangalan at mukha sa lahat ng government-funded projects. Maliwanag naman ‘yan. Kung nandoon ang pangalan, mukha, tagline, o anumang simbolo na nali-link sa isang politiko, tanggalin. Sa sasakyan, sa stationery, at maging sa mga gusali,” he said.
Ingeniero said DILG-6 is still consolidating compliance reports from LGUs, including Iloilo City.
“We are still collating and wala pa kaming natatanggap na complete reports. Since binigyan naman ng (DILG) Secretary ng two to three months, we are waiting for another memorandum circular to clearly state kung two months ba talaga or three months. After that, we will collate all non-compliant LGUs and submit them to the Secretary for proper action,” he said.
He also revealed that a dedicated legal team has been formed at the DILG central office to evaluate complaints and recommend sanctions when warranted.
“If it is determined na worthy of complaint, then possible na mag-file ng administrative case laban sa concerned LGU officials,” Ingeniero said.
On the use of slogans or words popularly associated with political camps, such as “Uswag” or “Gugma”, Ingeniero said enforcement will depend on formal complaints and due process.
“Nakalagay sa order na all statements connecting to a politico ay bawal. Now, if may magreklamo at mag-file before us, we will process the complaint. We don’t base this on assumptions; it must go through due process,” he explained.
The directive forms part of the nationwide implementation of DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2026-006, which orders the removal of names, images, logos, slogans, color motifs, and other identifying marks of public officials from all government-funded projects, programs, activities, and properties.
Ingeniero emphasized that public funds must never be used for political self-promotion.
“Ang gusto lang namin iparating, nagpapasalamat tayo sa mga LGU leaders who prioritize programs for their constituents. Pero hanggang doon lang. Pwedeng sabihin na ang project ay gawa ng Iloilo City Government or ng isang LGU, pero hindi pwedeng lagyan ng pangalan o mukha ng politiko. Government programs are not personal billboards,” he said.
He added that citizens may file complaints at any time and that DILG field offices will continue monitoring even without formal reports.
“Our goal is simple: projects funded by the people must reflect public service, not political credit-grabbing,” Ingeniero said./PN