Senator calls for review of national building code

LEGAZPI CITY, Feb. 8 (PIA) -- Climate change does not only mean the worldwide experience of fluctuating and unpredictable changes in weather, but it has also called attention to the integrity of infrastructure -- whether these can stand the intensity of the wind, the heat, storm or snow.

Senator Francis Escudero on Tuesday reiterated his call for a comprehensive review of the National Building Code through Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2843 that seeks the strengthening of the state’s existing structural policy.

Escudero made this call following the 6.9 magnitude earthquake that hit Negros Oriental claiming the lives of at least 52 people and the vast damage it had done to public and private infrastructure.

The Bicolano lawmaker, in an emailed press statement, said that the country had been through major weather disturbances, and structures and constructions in the country did not respond well to its impacts.

“There is no more escaping the reality of climate change, earthquakes, flashfloods, landslides and recent tragedies have shown that existing buildings where people thought they could seek refuge did not stand a chance against nature’s wrath; it even claimed lives,” Escudero said.

Escudero, chairman of the Senate committee on environment and natural resources, said that under SNB 2843, stakeholders and government must conform to structural protocols and those who violate the law should be meted punishment.

SBN 2843 directs the Departments of Interior and Local Government and the Public Works and Highways, and the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council to work with all local government units to initiate and conduct a comprehensive inspection of all buildings nationwide before building officials could issue Certificate of Inspection and Clearance in conformity with the by-laws of Presidential Decree 1096 or the National Building Code of the Philippines.

Escudero said it was unfortunate that there had been building permits issued under questionable circumstances saying “these fraudulent issuances have allowed faulty building constructions to the detriment of its occupants and those beside and around it.”

Building authorities who will commit fraud related to the issuance of permits, clearances, and certifications shall face life imprisonment, absolute disqualification to hold office, and permanent revocation of professional license.

The provisions of building code were created to ensure the state’s responsibility to safeguard the people, therefore this should be strictly enforced, rather than openly defied by its own regulators, Escudero said. (MAL/MSA-ALbay)