EDITORIAL - Epal in the barangay

Don’t be epal, the Commission on Elections has told prospective candidates in the upcoming barangay polls. “Epal” can mean various things, but it’s mostly about politicians grabbing personal credit for tax-funded projects, and preening to raise one’s profile at public expense.

There are epals everywhere, from the lowest to top-level elective offices. In Parañaque, for example, a billboard greeting former mayor Pablo Olivarez, now a barangay captain, a happy birthday was prominently displayed on a main thoroughfare in the city for more than a month after his birthday. The billboard stated that the greeting came from “city advertising.” Was that the city government, currently headed by Olivarez’s son whose face also adorns numerous billboards across Parañaque, and was public money spent for the greeting? The situation in Parañaque, however, is surely not unique to the city.

Because of the prevalence of epals, a bill seeking to ban their practices has been filed. Not surprisingly, however, the measure did not hurdle the 15th Congress. In the absence of a law, certain things can be done to curb credit grabbing and discourage unfair campaign practices especially by incumbent village officials who will seek re-election this month. Whether by legal or underhanded ways, potential candidates find ways of gaining an advantage over rivals, starting with epal practices.

There are existing laws limiting campaign spending. The public can exercise vigilance and tip off the Comelec about possible cases of campaign overspending. Authorities must also prevent barangay officials from taking credit for any aspect of the conditional cash transfer program. Injecting politics into the program will spell its doom.

It’s a good thing that the Comelec has told barangay candidates to avoid epal practices. Even better, the Comelec must go after candidates who violate campaign rules and ensure that appropriate punishment is imposed. The public must do its part and assist the Comelec in this effort.