BACOOR CITY, Cavite — Bacoor City has taken a decisive step toward redefining how local governance is presented to the public, as Mayor Strike Revilla announced the implementation of an “Anti-Epal” policy across the city. Through Memorandum Order No. 11, Series of 2026, the mayor directed all department heads and barangays to strictly comply with the Anti-Epal provisions of the 2026 General Appropriations Ordinance, effectively ordering the removal of his name from all government projects, programs, and activities.

At its core, the directive reinforces a long-standing principle of public service: government projects are funded by taxpayers and should serve the people, not function as personal advertisements for elected officials. In a political culture where names, faces, and slogans of officials are often prominently displayed on infrastructure and social programs, the order stands out as a symbolic break from traditional practices. By explicitly stating that projects belong to the people, not to any individual official, the memorandum attempts to refocus public attention on service delivery rather than personality politics.

However, the real test of this policy lies in its implementation. Anti-epal directives have existed before, but enforcement has often been inconsistent, especially at the barangay level where political loyalty and local dynamics play a strong role. Mayor Revilla’s instruction for “immediate and full compliance” signals seriousness, yet it also raises questions about monitoring and accountability mechanisms. Will there be penalties for non-compliance? And will the rule be applied uniformly, regardless of political affiliation?

Beyond Bacoor, the move contributes to a broader national conversation about governance, transparency, and political maturity. If sustained, such policies could help shift public expectations—encouraging voters to judge leaders by outcomes rather than visibility. Still, skepticism remains: symbolic gestures must translate into long-term institutional change to truly matter.

As Bacoor positions itself under the banner “As We Strike As One,” the challenge is clear. Will this Anti-Epal order become a lasting standard that reshapes local governance, or will it fade as another well-intentioned but short-lived reform? Is Bacoor’s Anti-Epal policy the beginning of people-centered governance, or just a rare exception in a personality-driven political system? (Larawan mula sa: Strike B. Revilla / Facebook)