Malacanang is standing by its directive of prohibiting officials from placing their names and images in government project billboards and reminded those who are opposing it, that it is the people’s money being used in those projects.
“I think the message of the President is very clear; This is not the money of this administration, it’s not the money of the members of Congress, it is the money of tax payers,” according to Secretary Ricky Carandang of Presidential Communications Development And Strategic Planning office.
Last Monday, minority congressmen in the House of Representatives met with Department Of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio Singson to voice out their opposition to President Benigno S. Aquino’s directive not to place their names and pictures on project billboards.
Last week in accordance with the President’s instructions, DPWH issued Department Order 37, banning the placement of names and pictures of officials on government projects.
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) followed suit by banning the names and pictures of politicians from project billboards and government patrol vehicles.
Carandang stressed that it is within the departments’ authority to issue memos pertaining to the banning of names and images on government projects.
He said the congressmen can question the memos but until proven otherwise, Carandang added, the order will stand. (PIA/PCOO)