Lapu-Lapu removes mayor’s branding off gov’t properties after COA flag
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Commission on Audit (COA) flagged Lapu-Lapu City for inappropriately displaying the local chief executive’s (LCE) name and motto on government properties.
However, in a statement, the city clarified that it already complied with the audit observation against the display of the names of Rep. Junard Chan and Mayor Cindi King-Chan on government vehicles, properties, and projects.
COA’s observation report noted the displays of the name and motto of the mayor on various motor vehicles distributed to several barangays and offices of the city, which were procured at a total cost of P18 million.
The display of the name and motto was inconsistent with COA Circular No. 2013-004 and DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2010-101, which prohibit the installation of billboards, signages, and other informational materials bearing the names, initials, or images of government officials in connection with the government’s programs, projects, and activities (PPAs).
Based on their review, the state auditor disclosed that on March 12, 2025, the city paid P18 million for the procurement of 15 motor vehicles, which were subsequently distributed to barangays and city offices.
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In their inspection of the distributed vehicles, they found that these bore the name and motto associated with Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Cindi King-Chan.
They also observed that the Hoops Dome, a government-owned facility, displayed the mottos associated with both the previous and current city mayors on portions of the court flooring.
“Accordingly, government properties should not be utilized as platforms for the display of names, mottos, symbols, or similar identifiers associated with elected officials, consistent with the policy embodied in COA Circular No. 2013-004 and DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2010-101,” the report read.
The COA added that the display of such identifiers on government-funded properties may create the impression that the projects and assets are attributable to particular public officials rather than funded through public resources and implemented by the city government in the discharge of its functions.
The state auditor recommended removing existing displays of the name and motto of the LCE from all government-funded PPAs and refraining from engaging in similar practice.
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On January 26, 2026, the City Administrator issued a memorandum to all barangay captains directing the removal of the name, picture, motto, color motif, initials, or other symbol or graphic representation associated with the city’s top leadership or any city officials displayed on motor vehicles, infrastructure projects, and other properties turned over to the respective barangays.
Likewise, in a letter dated March 19, 2026, the OIC-City General Services Officer informed the City Accountant of the initial steps taken to address the issue, including the removal of the stickers and the non-issuance of fuel to vehicles bearing such stickers.
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The city also directed the OIC-City Engineer to safely remove the display at the Hoops Dome.
Marky Bautista, Lapu-Lapu City Information Officer, told CDN Digital that COA raised the concern during their exit conference held early this year and compliance was made immediately thereafter.
To date, their names and even their mottos “Ahong Cares” and “Cindi Cares” can no longer be found on government projects and vehicles.///
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