Mindanao orders removal of local politicians' names and pictures from public buildings

The promoters of the moralising campaign are Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman and Kidapawan Mayor Jose Paolo ‘Pao’ Evangelista. The bans concern the use of promoting one's image on projects and initiatives financed with public funds. A ‘no gifts’ policy has also been applied in government offices.

Manila (AsiaNews) - Two new local administrators in Mindanao, in the southern Philippines, have issued orders aimed at limiting self-promotion and political propaganda, as well as strengthening transparency in government.

Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman and Kidapawan City Mayor Jose Paolo ‘Pao’ Evangelista have banned the use of their names and photos on projects and materials financed with public funds.

This is a common practice among politicians and local administrators in the archipelago, who often associate their image with infrastructure and public assets, which also becomes a way of celebrating dynasties and family clans that have held power for generations.

This practice has not spared the local Church, with senior clergy members urging priests and bishops to avoid events and photo opportunities with politicians during election campaigns.

Hataman, who succeeded his brother Jim, issued the order as one of his first official acts after taking office on Monday 30 June, promising to lead the province of Bangsamoro towards responsibility.

The local politician also signed Executive Order No. 1, establishing the first freedom of information (FOI) policy in Basilan, a controversial island that has seen sectarian and separatist violence of an Islamist nature in the past, which has never been completely quelled.

‘Every bridge and road... every road and programme does not come from me. This is the people's money, the people's taxes, the people's dreams that we will make a reality - so what should be put there is not “Mujiv's Project”, but “Basilan People's Project”,’ Hataman emphasised during his inauguration ceremony.

He added that the initiative is part of efforts by local institutions to rebuild citizens' trust and break free from a tradition of clan and family politics based on hereditary office.

‘There are many things that need to be fixed, many things that need to be changed, but everything can be overcome if we know how to start with understanding, respect, compassion and unity,’ the Basilan governor added.

Hataman also launched Basilan HELPS, his administration's flagship programme focusing on health, education and the environment, livelihoods, public safety and social cohesion.

A former congressman and regional governor of the now defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Hataman said the capital will strengthen collaboration with national agencies to implement the same policy in all government programmes in the province.

In the Soccsksargen region, “Pao” Evangelista intends to pursue a policy similar to that of the governor of Basilan at the beginning of his second term as mayor of Kidapawan City, in Cotabato province.

‘There are several policies,’ said the Filipino politician, "that we will implement for good governance here in Kidapawan City. It remains prohibited to display the faces and names of politicians on any poster or banner relating to a government project or activity. He added that the rule applies to all elected and appointed officials in the city and districts.

Evangelista finally banned the use of the title “honourable” for Kidapawan officials. As public officials, he warns, our “goal in serving the people is not personal honour. Instead of 'honourable”, it is better to simply indicate the position of the elected official'.

The “revolution” against the vices and privileges of the “caste” and, more generally, of politics launched by the Philippine administrator also includes a strict “no gift policy” in all city offices and districts.

Finally, the mayor ordered that the work of the Commission for Tenders and Awards be broadcast live, in the interests of maximum transparency. ‘The “no gifts” policy will be strictly enforced in all local government offices and barangays in Kidapawan. We are compensated by the government; gifts or “tips” are not necessary,’ Evangelista concluded, ‘to do our job properly.’