It’s a surprising realization that our country has always referred to a presidential decree issued way back in 1977 when it comes to building standards and regulations. This is also quite worrisome since what served as the standard four decades ago might not hold its ground in today’s environment of innovations and advanced building technologies. The world has evolved substantially since the ‘70s.
Historically, building codes have acted as blueprints for developers, engineers, architects, and others involved in building physical structures, be it a modest residence, a sprawling mansion, a public facility, or a towering skyscraper. The law’s essence lies in ensuring that every structure stands strong, adhering to a certain set of standards that guarantee safety for the occupants and resilience to withstand natural disasters or unforeseen events.
The country’s building code was first institutionalized in 1972 via Republic Act No. 6541, or the “National Building Code of the Philippines.” It underwent revision in 1977 to address the country’s “accelerating economic and physical development, urbanization, and population growth.” Thus, Presidential Decree (PD) No. 1096 officially became the national building code.
Fast forward to 2023. The House of Representatives on Aug. 9 unanimously approved on the third and final reading House Bill (HB) No. 8500 or the proposed “New Philippine Building Act.” During the plenary session, 266 lawmakers voted to approve the bill, while no lawmaker voted against it or abstained from voting.
The bill, which seeks to replace PD No. 1096, aims to “promote building resilience against earthquake, fire, flood, landslide, storm, volcanic eruption, and multiple hazards, as well as regulate the planning, design, construction, occupancy, maintenance, and demolition of buildings in the country.”
Under the bill, “practices and techniques for the efficient use of energy and water shall become mandatory, while designs shall consider persons with disabilities.” Additionally, it also calls for the creation of a Building Regulation and Standards Council (BRSC) to “assist in reviewing and recommending rules and regulations and reference standards to accomplish the objectives of the measure.”
Speaker Martin Romualdez said the present building code, embodied in PD No. 1096 and enacted in the first Marcos administration, is not enough. “Many developments in building standards and technologies, climate change, and disaster risk reduction and management have since taken place. It’s time that we update our law under the second Marcos administration.”
The proposed legislation, a consolidation of 10 related measures, would “protect the public better than our existing building law."
“A single life or structure we can save is more than worth the time, money, and effort we have put in keeping our building law abreast with best practices and regulations,” Romualdez said.
The bill would allow local government units (LGUs) to pass their own building ordinances, provided these are consistent with the proposed new building law. It also designates the secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) as the “National Building Official,” who will serve as chief implementer of the proposed law.
Over the years, both Houses of Congress have made various attempts to update, strengthen, and enhance the national building code. This time, however, the overwhelming approval from Congress infuses renewed optimism and urgency that this bill will soon become the binding law of the land. Ultimately, it should not only make us all feel safe inside any building structure that we are in, but ensure that all structures are resilient in whatever condition or location they are standing on.