“Epal” is slang for “mapapel,” a Filipino term for attention grabbers or people who crave a role (papel) in affairs that are not necessarily theirs to handle or decide. The word "epal" became a buzzword when President Benigno Aquino III initiated a shame campaign against such annoying public officials. It is a common practice among public officers, whether elected or appointed, to append their names to public works projects which were either funded or facilitated through their office. This gallery shows these "mapapel" officials and/or tarpaulins or campaign paraphernalia even before the official campaign period.

To contribute, tweet #epalwatch with your photo link, date, location, and attribution if not your own photo. Tag @momblogger or @philippinebeat . You can also email contact at blogwatch.tv

Note: if billboards or tarpaulins have been removed, please comment on the photo.