BACOOR, Cavite — A massive tarpaulin banner featuring Mayor Strike Revilla’s portrait at Bacoor City Hall has ignited criticism on social media, with residents questioning whether it violates the city government’s own anti-epal policy.
The banner, which reads “Welcome 2026 Business Permit Renewal,” prominently displays the mayor’s image alongside information about the annual permit renewal process. Photos of the display circulated widely on Facebook and Twitter over the weekend.
Critics pointed to the apparent contradiction with Bacoor’s anti-epal ordinance, enacted during Revilla’s administration to curb the practice of public officials plastering their names and faces on government projects and programs.
“This is exactly what the anti-epal policy was supposed to prevent — turning routine government services into campaign material,” said Sphronio Santos, a Bacoor business owner who requested to renew her permit Monday. “We don’t need the mayor’s face to know where to get our permits.”
The term “epal,” a Filipino slang roughly translating to “credit-grabber,” has become shorthand for politicians who exploit public infrastructure and services for self-promotion.
Bacoor’s anti-epal ordinance, passed in 2022, specifically prohibits the “unauthorized and excessive display” of public officials’ names, initials, images or other identifiable information on government property, projects and programs, except where legally mandated.
Some residents defended the banner as a simple greeting and public information effort.
“It’s just a welcome message. People are overreacting,” commented Facebook user Caridad Delacalzada on a viral post showing the tarpaulin.
The Bacoor City Public Information Office has not responded to requests for comment. Revilla’s office also declined to issue a statement as of press time.
Local watchdog group Concerned Citizens of Bacoor called the display “business as usual” despite reform promises.
“Anti-epal policies mean nothing if the very officials who pass them treat them as mere suggestions,” said group coordinator Linda Reyes.
The controversy emerges as the 2025 midterm elections approach, with critics suggesting the timing appears calculated for visibility during the high-traffic business permit renewal season.
Business permit renewals are required annually for all commercial establishments operating in Bacoor, with the deadline typically set for Jan. 20.
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