AS the series of earthquakes, severe weather disturbances and other natural disasters continue to inflict widespread infrastructure damage, the National Building Code needs urgent strengthening in order to ensure all structures are up to par and resilient, Sen. Francis Escudero said on Sunday.
An amendatory bill Escudero filed requires the conduct of updated inventories of buildings and periodic audits, especially in high-risk zones, and imposes tougher penalties for violators.
Escudero expressed deep concern for the families affected by the earthquakes that struck Davao Oriental and nearby areas on Friday -a magnitude 7.4 earthquake in the morning and a 6.4 in the evening, triggering two tsunami warnings and widespread evacuations.
‘I pray for prompt and effective action from relevant agencies and we must ensure the safety of all those affected, and the inspection of all structures that. Could have been affected,’ he added.
The powerful temblor followed the September 30 earthquake in Cebu province, which also caused tremendous damage to public and private structures.
Escudero renewed his call for the expeditious passage of Senate Bill 277 which he filed last July, seeking to strengthen the National Building Code through mandatory structural inspections and higher penalties for violations of construction regulations and safety standards.
SB 277 mandates regular, comprehensive structural inspections of buildings nationwide, with accountability measures for officials who issue fraudulent permits or clearances. The bill further aims to close the gap between policy and practice, ensuring that buildings are not only compliant on paper but structurally sound in reality.
Escudero emphasized that while the National Building Code provides general guidelines, it lacks specific provisions on earthquake resilience. Builders often rely on the 2015 National Structural Code of the Philippines, which requires buildings to withstand earthquakes ranging from magnitude 7 to 8.4.
‘But referral codes are not enough,’ he said. ‘We need enforceable standards and regular checks.’
Escudero cited the 2004 joint study by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, which warned of catastrophic consequences should a 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit Metro Manila. It projected the collapse of 170,000 homes and deaths of over 34,000.
Under SB 277, local governments will be required to maintain updated inventories of buildings and conduct periodic audits, especially in high-risk zones. The bill also proposes penalties for non-compliance, including suspension or revocation of licenses for negligent officials and contractors.
Escudero called on his colleagues in the Senate to prioritize the measure, citing its potential to save lives and prevent billions in damage.
‘We owe it to our people to build not just with concrete, but with conscience,’ he said.