Senator Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero on Friday, Oct. 10, renewed his urgent call for the passage of Senate Bill No. 277 to strengthen the National Building Code of the Philippines, pointing out that the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Davao Oriental and nearby provinces is a stark reminder of the country’s vulnerability.
The powerful temblor, which triggered tsunami warnings and widespread evacuations, followed the recent magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Cebu province, prompted the senator renew his call for mandatory structural inspections and higher penalties for safety violations in construction, a press release from his office sad.
“In the midst of the earthquake that shook Davao Oriental and nearby areas, I am deeply concerned and offer my condolences to the affected families,” Escudero said.
“The strength of the shaking is no joke, and the fear it caused is felt across the entire region. I am with you in prayer for the safety of every person, especially those on the coast and in areas with recorded damage.”
“I am calling for immediate and swift action from the relevant government agencies, and it is necessary to ensure the safety of those who evacuated, the proper response to those who were injured, and a thorough inspection of infrastructures that may have been affected,” he added.
Escudero renewed his call for the expeditious passage of Senate Bill No. 277 that he filed in July, seeking to strengthen the National Building Code of the Philippines 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 government units 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.
SB 277 was first read on August 5 and has since been referred to the Committees on Public Works and Local Government.*PR