"EPAL SA AYUDA"

A proposed ordinance in Baguio City aims to eliminate political involvement in distributing government aid by prohibiting officials from taking part and removing personal branding from assistance programs.

Councilor Yuri Weygan introduced the measure titled “Baguio City Aid Without Politics,” which aims to prohibit public officials from taking part in distributing financial assistance, subsidies, and relief goods, ensuring that all forms of government aid are not under any public officials and are following the standard forms.

This ordinance was passed through the Baguio Council on April 13, 2026, and has gone through the first reading—this aims to also ban personal branding during the said aid activities, such as the display of names, images, and other impressions that may suppress government assistance.

Public officials or even appointed personnel and barangay officials involved in the government-funded programs are restricted from participating in the physical distribution of goods.

Only official identifiers such as the city seal, program name, and implementing office are allowed to be involved in the materials.

Penalties to violators depend on the range of their violations; however, it can be up to P5000, which can also lead to suspension, reprimand, and dismissal.

Representatives from the Baguio Character Council are tasked to closely ensure that this would be integrated with their approach to monitor and inspect carefully.

There are also exemptions, including legal documentation and personal funded activities, or the personnel are the ones who are encouraged to participate by the government.

Any violated acts are urged to be directed to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to obtain proper action.

This is a proposed ordinance and is not yet a law.