Aquino bans use of his name, image in gov’t projects

Aug 13, 2010

MANILA – President Benigno Simeon Aquino III has directed all government officials to refrain from using his name and image on government projects or propaganda materials, particularly those funded by the taxpayers’ money. Atty. Edwin Lacierda, presidential spokesman, said the President issued the directive during the Cabinet meeting on Thursday at the Bahay Pangarap, the Chief Executive’s official residence inside the Presidential Security Group (PSG) Compound at the Malacanang Complex.
Among the topics discussed during the Cabinet meeting, Lacierda said, were the use of the President’s name and photograph on government projects, and the proposed bill of Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero banning the naming of government projects after any public official.
“The President issued the directive to all Cabinet members, heads of agencies and instrumentalities and GOCCs (governmentowned or controlled corporations) to refrain from associating the President’s personality and identity in their programs and projects. These agencies, instrumentalities, corporations are advised not to put up tarpaulins, billboards and other propaganda materials bearing the President’s name and image,” Lacierda said. Lacierda said the President emphasized that he does not want this kind of propaganda because all government projects and programs are being funded by the taxpayers who, instead, should be the ones recognized.

Senator Escudero has filed Senate Bill No. 2187 seeking to criminalize the practice of naming government projects after public officials such as waiting sheds, ambulances and even trash bins, saying that nobody should lay claim on public funds and freely spend it for “personal and political vanity.”