DILG Sec. Jonvic Remulla – Photo courtesy of Philippine News Agency (PNA).
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Monday reminded citizens to file complaints against local officials who improperly take credit for government projects, also known as “epal” practices.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said administrative cases can be filed against erring officials, which may lead to penalties ranging from preventive suspension to full suspension.
The agency stressed that complaints should follow proper procedures under the Local Government Code, ensuring they are lodged in the correct forum for barangay officials.
Dennis Villaseñor, DILG-National Barangay Operations Office director, said complaints against elected barangay officials, including punong barangay and sangguniang kabataan chairpersons, must be submitted to the higher sanggunian in the locality.
He added that the Office of the Ombudsman also has authority to handle complaints, but cases should not be filed in both the sanggunian and the Ombudsman to avoid dismissal due to forum shopping.
Villaseñor emphasized that all complaints must be formally documented and supported with evidence to ensure proper investigation and enforcement of penalties.
Remulla noted that the government continues to implement rules prohibiting officials from displaying their names, photos, or logos on government-funded projects, part of efforts to curb self-serving political publicity.