THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
First Regular Session 
1 
SENATE 
S.B. No. 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Ozone Disco Fire Tragedy of 1996 and the Manor Hotel Fire Catastrophe of 2001 
are just some of the worst fire tragedies in the country. These would not have resulted had the 
owners of such buildings complied with ow national and municipal fire-safety regulations. 
Our country does not have a law that imposes a stringent penalty on the violators of the 
Fire Code of the Philippines. This Act seeks to discourage residential and commercial building 
owners from operating without strict compliance of our fire-safety laws. With the passage of this 
Act, it is hoped that by ijnposing a more severe penalty on violators of the Fire Code, the number 
of fire tragedies in our country will at least be reduced. 
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THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
First Regular Session 
1 
SENATE 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago 
I 
AN ACT 
CRIMINALIZING THE FAILURE OF OWNERS AND LESSORS OF RESIDENTIAL AND 
COMMERCIAL BUILDNGS TO COMPLY WITH NATIONAL AND LOCAL FIRE 
SAFETY LAWS 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives ofthe Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION I. Purpose. - The purpose of this Act is to hold the owners and lessors of 
residential and commercial buildings primarily and criminally liable for fire resulting from their 
non-compliance with national and local fire-safety laws. 
SECTION 2. De$nitions. - As used in this Act - 
a. 
The term “national fire-safety laws” shall include the Fire Code of the Philippines 
(PD 1185) and the National Building Code of the Philippines (RA 6541). 
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b. 
The term “local fire-safety laws” shall include municipal ordinances providing for 
building fire protection 
c. 
The term “residential building” means any building intended as dwelling place, 
abode or habitation. 
d. 
The term “commercial building” means any building intended for usiness or 
commerce and includes but is not limited to offices, restaurants, movie hou es, malls, 
supermarkets, bars, discos and the like. 
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e. 
The term ‘‘owner’’ refers to the proprietor of the building as shown by transfer 
certificate of title and/or tax declaration certificate 
f. 
The term “lessor” refers to the individual, entity or corporation that lets a building 
to another person, entity or corporation for a fee or consideration as indicated in the contract of 
lease. 


g. 
-The terG7‘occnpant of a residential building” refers to the lessee, member(s) of 
his family, domestic helper(s) and guest(s). 
h. 
The term “occupant of a commercial building” refers to individuals doing 
business in said building or those availing of the services provided in said commercial building. 
value of the property burned, lost, destroyed or damaged. 
SECTION 4. Separability Clause. - If any provision, or part hereof is held 
SECTION 3. Penalties. - 
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invalid or 


SECTION 5. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive 
order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or inconsistent 
with, the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified or amended accordingly. 
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SECTION 6. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
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