Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman and Kidapawan Mayor Paolo Evangelista have taken steps to promote transparency and curb political self-promotion in local governance. They banned the use of their names and photos on publicly funded projects and materials, shifting from the traditional personality-driven governance in Philippine politics. Hataman issued an executive order establishing Basilan’s first Freedom of Information policy, while Evangelista renewed a similar policy in Kidapawan City, prohibiting the display of politicians’ faces and names on government project posters and tarps. Evangelista also banned the use of the title “honorable” for Kidapawan officials, implemented a “No Gift Policy”, and ordered the livestreaming of Bids and Awards Committee proceedings. These moves aim to rebuild public trust and promote good governance in their respective regions.
