The Art Of Epal Politics

Philippine politics is very unique in terms of its complexity and idiocy. One of its roots is epal politics.  “Epal” as defined by  #epalwatch  as slang for “mapapel,” a Filipino term for attention grabbers or people who crave a role (papel) in affairs that are not necessarily theirs to handle or decide. Thanks to Sen. Miriam Santiago for proposing  Anti-Epal bill – “An Act Prohibiting Public Officers from Claiming Credit through Signage Announcing a Public Works Project." This act will prevent shameless government officials in using government funds to campaign and promote themselves through their projects. The defense of this officials is that they are using this to inform their people of their projects. However, having their picture and names boldly on it is a very obvious act of promotion as if its their money and not ours. You don't have to put your whole name and picture for the project that is funded by the people's treasury. I listed some examples of the art of epal politics.

1. The Face Tarp - Tarpaulin containing mostly the face of the politician, the project, and their name. I don't why the tag "and the people of the Philippines" is seldomly included (if included, it is so little that no one will notice). I want to quote a fb comment by Mr. Icko Cayetano regarding this :

"sorry guys pero mapanghugsa talaga ang mga pinoy kaya ipupunto ko ang mga hindi epal dito.
1 - face of politician about 10% of the banner
2 - the face of the politician should be posted as they are the ones presenting the law to the people as public servants because they want people to know who are imposing the law its not about any projects of the government
3 - alam nyo kasi may mga pilosopong pinoy sa kalye na pag nahuli itatanong pa kung sino nagsabing mali eh di ituturo ng nanghuhuli ay yung mukha ng nakalagay sa banner

Kawaway's photo

4 - ang unang masasabi ng makakakitang hindi mapanghusgang pinoy dito ay "UY SI GOB YUNG AH, ANO SABI?"

2. The Infrastracure Project Of - Infrastracture are basic facilities, services, and installations needed for the functioning of a community. But do we need the name or the initials of the politician for it to function well.

Jun Barrientos Magpusao commented on fb regarding the big name of Rep. Magsaysay in a quadrangle :"a fighter because she's on the other side of the fence now. did we hear her fight her madame's many ills in governance while still in power? this picture proves that she's one of the leeches in disguise made "honorable" by her elective position. EPAL rin siya.

Anti-Epal's photo

3. The Vehicular Service by - Government vehicles containing the name of the official and their smiling face. This is a very stategic way of promoting since vehicles are mobile meaning more people will notice it as it goes on the road.
Anti-Epal page commented on the garbage truck with name of Mayor HB on it : "Except for the words QUEZON CITY GARBAGE and his picture, remove everything else. APPROPRIATE!"

 John Eustaquio's photo

4. Politician's Collectible - Memorabilia and little things like cap, umbrella, ballpen, notebook, bags, pamaypay, hankerchief, etc. with their name and signature identification in it. (remember it is still our tax that is use to pay for it)
April Grace Tan-Dy commented a photo of school bags with the name of politician in it : "ok na sana mamigay ng gamit sa mga batang nangangailangan kaso naman...ang mukha nasa bag padin!!!over epal!!"

Hopefully, I'll have my EPAL-hunting this year to have a first hand discovery of how EPAL politicians make their fame through our taxes. To learn about EPAL's, please like Anti-Epal page on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/nomoreepal) to support their campaign in stopping art of EPAL tradition. :)