Senators on Friday, October 10, called for a thorough assessment of the current safety measures that are in place following the magnitude 7.6 earthquake that struck Davao Oriental and nearby provinces this morning and triggered tsunami warnings and widespread evacuations.

Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero renewed his call for the immediate passage of Senate Bill No. 277 which seeks to strengthen the National Building Code of the Philippines through mandatory structural inspections.

Escudero called on his colleagues in the Senate to prioritize the measure, citing its potential to save lives and prevent billions in damage as it primarily mandates regular, comprehensive structural inspections of buildings nationwide, with accountability measures for officials who issue fraudulent permits or clearances.

“In the midst of the earthquake that shook Davao Oriental and surrounding areas this morning, I am deeply concerned and sympathize with the affected families. The strength of the tremors is no joke and the fear it caused is felt throughout the region. I join you in praying for the safety of everyone, especially those on the coast and in areas with recorded damage,” Escudero said in a statement.

“I call for immediate and swift action from the relevant government agencies and it is necessary to ensure the safety of those who have been evacuated, the proper response to those who have been injured, and a thorough assessment of infrastructure that may have been affected,” he added.

The bill, Escudero said, also aims to close the gap between policy and practice, ensuring that buildings are not only compliant on paper but structurally sound in reality.

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. We need enforceable standards and regular checks,” he said.

“We owe it to our people to build not just with concrete, but with conscience,” he added.

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian also joined in praying for the safety of the people of Davao Oriental and nearby areas that were jolted by the earthquake.

“I call on the NDRRMC, local disaster councils, and first responders to move quickly, ensure immediate rescue and relief operations, and conduct safety inspections in schools, hospitals, and densely populated areas,” Gatchalian said.

“Children are often the most vulnerable during disasters like this. There were reports that some students felt dizzy during the tremor this morning, which is why schools and LGUs must also provide psychosocial support to help them cope with fear and trauma,” he said.

“Let us pour out our full support to Davao Oriental and neighboring provinces affected, especially since many of our countrymen in Cebu, La Union, and Baguio are still recovering from the earthquake. Let us remain alert and united for the safety of all,” the lawmaker stressed.