The magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on June 8 should be a wake-up call for the authorities to check on the structural integrity of all major infrastructure in the country.

Thus, said Abra lone district Rep. JB Bernos over the weekend as the full extent of the damage caused by the Sarangani tremblor--the strongest in recent years--became clearer.

According to Bernos, the earthquake caused significant damage to several structures and the death of at least 53 persons. Almost 7,000 individuals were also evacuated.

“We must ensure that all major infrastructure, including roads, bridges, ports, schools, and other government buildings, are structurally sound and able to withstand natural disasters to prevent casualties,” Bernos, a member of the House Committee on Public Works and Highways, said.

He says that such a review is urgent especially given the unpredictable nature of earthquakes and other disasters.

Bernos said that a comprehensive review would allow the government to identify which structures need to be rehabilitated or put out of use.

The lawmaker from Luzon also said it was high time to update construction standards in the country, as he called for the passage of the new Philippine Building Act.

Embodied in House Bill (HB) No. 6615, the measure seeks to revise the 1977 National Building Code of the Philippines. It was passed by the House of Representatives on third reading last year.

However, the Senate version is still pending passage.

Bernos also demanded that building owners as well as heads of government offices who have not complied with construction standards be made fully accountable.

“Buhay ang maaaring kapalit ng kapabayaan at hindi pagsunod sa batas. Kaya kailangang maparusahan ang mga building owner at mga opisyal ng pamahalaan na hindi sumusunod sa Building Code," he underscored.

(Lives can be lost due to negligence and failure to follow the law. That is why building owners and government officials who do not comply with the Building Code must be punished.)