MANILA, Philippines - Malacanang “very much welcomes” the “anti-epal” measure introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago.

The “anti-epal” bill is formally titled “An Act Prohibiting Public Officers from Claiming Credit through Signage Announcing a Public Works Project.”

Santiago said public officials should not claim credit for projects funded by taxpayers’ money.

She said these attention-grabbers “promote a culture of political patronage and corruption.”

In an interview with dzRB, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said, “we very much welcome that initiative.”

She said it has always been President Benigno Aquino III’s practice not to plaster his photo in billboards or tarpaulins to announce a project.