Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

CEIVED *
23.JuL 2013 2
~ A

16" CONGRESS Xs
First Regular Session \

1686

HOUSE BILL NO-

Introduced by REP. EVELINA G. ESCUDERO.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

With the growing public concerns regarding the impact of geologic
hazards to the structural integrity of infrastructures in this country, be it
residential houses or commercial buildings, a more detailed review of the
National Building Code is in order.

However, an unreliable source and/or evidence suggests that the focus on
these infrastructures should start with the false issuance of building permits,
clearances, certificates or certifications awarded to the contractor by government
building officials prior to the actual construction of the structure - this gives the
residents or tenants a false sense of safety through proper and legal documents
and less on the structure itself.

For the safety and interest of the public, the urgency of this bill should be
elaborated and is deserving of urgent consideration and approval.

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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Quezon City

16" CONGRESS,
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO. 1688 ©

Introduced by REP. EVELINA G. ESCUDERO.

AN ACT
STRENGTHENING PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1096, THE NATIONAL
BUILDING CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES, AS AMENDED, BY MANDATING
A COMPREHENSIVE NATIONWIDE INSPECTION OF BUILDINGS AND
IMPOSING STIFF PENALTIES AGAINST BUILDING OFFICIALS WHO
VIOLATE THE PERTINENT PROVISIONS OF THE SAID CODE

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Republic of the
Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Inspection and Clearance. - The Department of Public Works
and Highways (DPWH), in coordination with the Department of the Interior and
Local Government (DILG), the National Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management Council (NDRRMC) and all leagues of Local Government Units,
shall within three (3) years from the effectivity of this Act, initiate and conduct a
comprehensive inspection of all buildings nationwide, and consequently cause
the issuance by the Building Officials concerned the corresponding Certificate of
Inspection and Clearance stating, among others, that the building so inspected

conforms with the provisions of Presidential Decree (PD) No. 1096, as amended.

SEC. 2. Reportorial Requirement. - The result of the comprehensive
inspection under Section 1 hereof shall be contained in a report to be submitted
to the Office of the President and Congress within sixty (60) days from the date
of completion of said inspection with recommendations on how to improve and

strengthen further PD No. 1096, as amended.


SEC. 3. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DPWH, the
NDRRMC and the DILG shall issue the necessary implementing rules and

regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

SEC.4. Penalty. — Buildings Officials, as defined under PD 1096, as
amended, who shall falsely issue building permits, clearances, certificates or
certifications relative to their functions as such shall suffer the penalty of reclusion
perpetua, absolute perpetual disqualification to hold office and permanent

revocation of professional license.

False issuance shall mean any forms of misrepresentation, deceit,
machination or fraudin the inspection of buildings and issuance of permits,
clearances, certificates or certifications pursuant to PD 1096, as amended, or this
Act.

SEC.5. Repealing Clause. ~ All laws, presidential decrees, executive
orders, proclamations and/or administrative regulations which are inconsistent
with the provisions of this Act are hereby amended, modified, superseded or
repealed accordingly.

Nothing in this Act shall be construed, however, as
repealing or amending the current standards set forth under PD No. 1096, as

amended.
SEC.6. _Effectivity Clause. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days
from its publication in the Official Gazette or at least three (3) newspapers of

national circulation.

Approved,