Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL No. _________ 
Introduced by: Representative Hon. Christopher “Toff” V.P. de Venecia 
AN ACT 
MANDATING THE CREATION OF AN OFFICE OF ARCHITECTURAL PLANNING 
AND DESIGN IN MUNICIPALITIES, CITIES, AND PROVINCES, AMENDING FOR 
THE PURPOSE SECTIONS 38, 185, 227, 302, 443 (A) AND (B), 454 (A) AND (B), AND 
463 (A) AND (B), 477, AND 485 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7160, AS AMENDED BY 
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9640, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT 
CODE OF 1991 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
In 1991, Republic Act No. 7160, or the Local Government Code, mandated the positions of 
provincial, city, and municipal engineers in all local government units. This was a welcome 
requirement that ensured all LGUs would have engineers to plan and design roads, bridges, 
waterworks, sewerage systems, flood control, and traffic control - all the horizontal infrastructure 
needed to deliver services for community and nation-building. 
Unfortunately, Sections 443, 454, and 463 of the Code provided for provincial, city, and municipal 
architects only as optional positions, leaving to chance the architecture and design of public 
schools, hospitals, markets, public housing, capital buildings, and public facilities—all the vertical 
infrastructure vital to community and nation-building. 
The most progressive and desirable places to live in and visit are designed well, express their rich, 
local culture, inspire people to be productive, create memorable experiences, and enhance the lives 
of their inhabitants. We also know how the best of public architecture makes pride of country and 
pride of place burn in the citizen’s breast. These are the challenges that architects are educated and 
trained to solve. 
This bill makes the positions of provincial, city, and municipal architects mandatory. Our 
LGUs need engineers and architects working together to make our municipalities, cities, and 
provinces engaging and inviting to residents, visitors, and investors. 
Another set of provisions present in the Local Government Code that might need to be recalibrated 
involves the automatic appointment of city and municipal engineers as the LGU’s building 
July 28, 2022
3:06 pm
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officials, which is provided under Section 477. The Building Official reviews and approves the 
plans for all public and private buildings. To serve as check and balance, it is being hereby 
proposed that the Building Official be a separate position from the city and municipal engineers, 
or, for that matter, from the city and municipal architects. 
 
  
The realization of beautifully functioning environments results from the collaboration of 
engineering, architecture, and many other creative disciplines, such as landscape architecture, 
interior design, placemaking, graphic design, urban design, and environmental planning. 
  
The architect, by his or her education, skills, and training, has both the macro perspective and 
critical eye for detail to be the orchestrator, conductor, and performance artist. Because of this 
experience collaborating and marshalling the efforts of diverse disciplines into a cohesive whole, 
the architect is equipped to comprehend and appreciate a plan’s potential to impact public welfare 
and civil life. 
  
Therefore, to better serve public interest and ensure a vibrant built environment, both architect and 
engineer are hereby envisioned to sit as technical authorities at Bid and Award Committees and 
Technical Working Groups. While the engineer ensures strength and stability, the architect looks 
after function, beauty, and values such as inclusivity, sustainability, and spatial equity. 
  
All LGUs should benefit from the complementary expertise of engineers and architects. All LGUs 
should benefit from engineers focusing on horizontal infrastructure and architects on vertical 
infrastructure. All LGUs should benefit from proper checks and balances and creative minds 
accustomed to problem-solving to improve public facilities and, therefore, public service while 
saving taxpayers' money. 
   
By bringing the two disciplines to work together, it is our greatest hope that the quality of our built 
environment and, subsequently, the quality of life engendered by these environs shall be revitalized 
and enhanced in LGUs across the nation, not only in our country’s wealthiest business districts. 
   
The time is now to deliberate upon and approve these amendments, while movement, tourism, and 
investments are laid low because of the pandemic. While economies around the globe recover, let 
us get our public architecture, public spaces, and public parks into shape. Let us be ready when the 
rest of the world is ready. 
  
The passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
  
  
  
 
REP. CHRISTOPHER “TOFF” V.P. DE VENECIA 
Fourth District, Pangasinan 
 
  
  


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL No. _________ 
Introduced by: Representative Hon. Christopher “Toff” V.P. de Venecia 
AN ACT 
MANDATING THE CREATION OF AN OFFICE OF ARCHITECTURAL PLANNING 
AND DESIGN IN MUNICIPALITIES, CITIES, AND PROVINCES, AMENDING FOR 
THE PURPOSE SECTIONS 38, 185, 227, 302, 443 (A) AND (B), 454 (A) AND (B), AND 
463 (A) AND (B), 477, AND 485 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7160, AS AMENDED BY 
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9640, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT 
CODE OF 1991 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Mandatory Office on Architectural 
Planning and Design.” 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State recognizes the importance of the complementary 
disciplines of architecture and engineering in nation-building. Architecture cannot stand without 
engineering, and engineering without architecture is a sterile structure without soul. The State 
further appreciates that architecture and engineering stand together as a representation of how we 
see ourselves as a people. Public architecture thus stands as a representation of how people see the 
government and how the government cares for its citizens. Moreover, the State accepts that 
architecture impacts society not only at an elevated level, but also shapes individuals and their 
daily lives, making towns and cities desirable places to live, study, work, play, visit, and invest in. 
The State further recognizes the separate but equally important assignment and assumption of 
physical design and responsibility and liability between architects and engineers. Each 
professional must work side by side with the other, each one focusing on their expertise and 
collaborating to create beautiful, engaging, sustainable, inclusive, and functional environments in 
every local government unit across the nation. 
SECTION 3. Section 38 of Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government 
Code of 1991, is hereby amended to read as follows: 
“Section 38. Local Technical Committee. 
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(a) There is hereby created a local technical committee in every province, city, and 
municipality to provide technical assistance to the local prequalification, bids and awards 
committees. It shall be composed of the provincial, city, or municipal ARCHITECT AND 
engineer, the local planning and development coordinator, and such other officials 
designated by the local prequalification, bids, and awards committee. 
 
xxx” 
  
  
SECTION 4. Section 185 of Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government 
Code of 1991, is hereby amended to read as follows: 
 
“Section 185. Personal Property Exempt from Distraint or Levy. – The following property 
shall be exempt from distraint and the levy, attachment, or execution thereof for 
delinquency in the payment of any local tax, fee, or charge, including the related surcharge 
and interest: 
 
(a) Tools and implements necessarily used by the delinquent taxpayer in his trade or 
employment; 
 
(b) One (1) horse, cow, carabao, or other beast of burden, such as the delinquent taxpayer 
may select, and necessarily used by him in his ordinary occupation; 
 
(c) His necessary clothing, and that of all his family; 
 
(d) Household furniture and utensils necessary for housekeeping and used for that purpose 
by the delinquent taxpayer, such as he may select, of a value not exceeding Ten thousand 
pesos (P10,000.00); 
 
(e) Provisions, including crops, actually provided for individual or family use sufficient for 
four (4) months; 
 
(f) The professional libraries of doctors, ARCHITECTS, engineers, lawyers, and judges; 
 
xxx” 
  
SECTION 5. Section 227 of Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government 
Code of 1991, is hereby amended to read as follows: 
 
“Section 227. Organization, Powers, Duties, and Functions of the Local Board of 
Assessment Appeals.  
 
(a)   The Board of Assessment Appeals of the province or city shall be composed of 
the Registrar and the provincial or city ARCHITECT AND engineer as members, who 
shall serve as such in an ex officio capacity without additional compensation. 


 
(a) The Board of Assessment Appeals of the province or city shall be composed of the 
Registrar of Deeds, as Chairman, the provincial or city prosecutor, [and] the provincial 
or city ARCHITECT, AND THE PROVINCIAL OR CITY engineer as members, 
who shall serve as such in an ex officio capacity without additional compensation. 
 
(d) In provinces and cities without a provincial or city ARCHITECT OR engineer, 
the district engineer shall serve as member of the Board. In the absence of the Registrar 
of Deeds, or the provincial or city prosecutor, or the provincial or city ARCHITECT 
OR engineer, or the district engineer, the persons performing their duties, whether in 
an acting capacity or as a duly designated officer-in-charge, shall automatically become 
the chairman or member, respectively, of the said Board, as the case may be. 
 
xxx” 
  
SECTION 6. Section 302 of Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government 
Code of 1991, is hereby amended to read as follows: 
 
“Section 302. Financing, Construction, Maintenance, Operation, and Management of 
Infrastructure Projects by the Private Sector.  
 
(a) Local government units may enter into contracts with any duly prequalified individual 
contractor, for the financing, construction, operation, and maintenance of any financially 
viable infrastructure facilities, under the build-operate-transfer agreement, subject to the 
applicable provisions of Republic Act Numbered Sixty-nine hundred fifty-seven (R.A. No. 
6957) authorizing the financing, construction, operation and maintenance of infrastructure 
projects by the private sector and the rules and regulations issued thereunder and such terms 
and conditions provided in this Section. 
 
(b) Local government units shall include in their respective local development plans and 
public investment programs priority projects that may be financed, constructed, operated 
and maintained by the private sector under this section. It shall be the duty of the local 
government unit concerned to disclose to the public all projects eligible for financing under 
this section, including official notification of duly registered contractors and publication in 
newspapers of general or local circulation and in conspicuous and accessible public places. 
Local projects under the build-operate-and-transfer agreement shall be confirmed by the 
local development councils. 
 
(c) Projects implemented under this Section shall be subject to the following terms and 
conditions: 
 
(1) The PROVINCIAL, CITY OR MUNICIPAL ARCHITECT AND THE 
provincial, city, or municipal engineer, as the case may be, upon formal request in 
writing by the local chief executive, shall prepare the ARCHITECTURAL 
DOCUMENTS, plans, and specifications for the proposed projects, which shall be 
submitted to the sanggunian for approval. 


 
(2) Upon approval 
by the sanggunian of the 
ARCHITECTURAL 
DOCUMENTS, project plans and specifications, THE PROVINCIAL, CITY 
OR MUNICIPAL ARCHITECT OR the provincial, city, or municipal engineer 
shall, as the case may be, cause to be published once every week, for two (2) 
consecutive weeks in at least one (1) local newspaper which is circulated in the 
region, province, city or municipality in which the project is to be implemented, a 
notice inviting all duly qualified contractors to participate in public bidding for the 
projects so approved. The conduct of public bidding and award of contracts for 
local government projects under this Section shall be in accordance with this Code 
and other applicable laws, rules, and regulations. 
 
xxx” 
  
SECTION 7. Section 443 of Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government 
Code of 1991, is hereby amended to read as follows: 
  
"Section 443. Officials of the Municipal Government. 
  
(a) There shall be in each municipality a municipal mayor, a municipal vice-mayor, 
sangguniang bayan members, a secretary to the sangguniang bayan, a municipal 
treasurer, a municipal assessor, a municipal accountant, a municipal budget officer, a 
municipal planning and development coordinator, A MUNICIPAL ARCHITECT, A 
MUNICIPAL BUILDING OFFICIAL, a municipal engineer[/building official], a 
municipal health officer and a municipal civil registrar. 
  
(b) In addition, thereto, the mayor may appoint a municipal administrator, a municipal 
legal officer, a municipal agriculturist, a municipal environment and natural resources 
officer, a municipal social welfare and development officer, [a municipal architect,] and 
a municipal information officer. 
  
xxx” 
  
SECTION 8. Section 454 of Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government 
Code of 1991, is hereby amended to read as follows: 
  
"Section 454. Officials of the City Government.  
  
(a) There shall be in each city a mayor, a vice-mayor, sangguniang panlungsod 
members, a secretary to the sangguniang panlungsod, a city treasurer, a city assessor, a 
city accountant, a city budget officer, a city planning and development coordinator, A 
CITY ARCHITECT, A CITY BUILDING OFFICIAL, a city engineer, a city health 
officer, a city civil registrar, a city administrator, a city legal officer, a city veterinarian, 
a city social welfare and development officer, and a city general services officer. 
  


(b) In addition thereto, the city mayor may appoint [a city architect,] a city information 
officer, a city agriculturist, a city population officer, a city environment and natural 
resources officer, and a city cooperatives officer. 
  
xxx" 
  
SECTION 9. Section 463 of Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government 
Code of 1991, is hereby amended to read as follows: 
  
"Section 463. Officials of the Provincial Government. 
  
(a) There shall be in each province a governor, a vice-governor, members of the 
sangguniang panlalawigan, a secretary to the sangguniang panlalawigan, a provincial 
treasurer, a provincial assessor, a provincial accountant, A PROVINCIAL 
ARCHITECT, A PROVINCIAL BUILDING OFFICIAL, a provincial engineer, a 
provincial budget officer, a provincial planning and development coordinator, a 
provincial legal officer, a provincial administrator, a provincial health officer, a 
provincial social welfare and development officer, a provincial general services officer, 
a provincial agriculturist, and a provincial veterinarian. 
  
(b) In addition, thereto, the governor may appoint a provincial population officer, a 
provincial natural resources and environment officer, a provincial cooperative officer, 
[a provincial architect,] and a provincial information officer. 
  
xxx" 
  
SECTION 10. Section 477 of Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local 
Government Code of 1991, is hereby amended to read as follows: 
 
“Section 477. Qualifications, Powers, and Duties. 
 
(a) No person shall be appointed engineer unless he is a citizen of the Philippines, a resident 
of the local government unit concerned, of good moral character, and a licensed civil 
engineer. He must have acquired experience in the practice of his profession for at least 
five (5) years in the case of the provincial or city engineer, and three (3) years in the case 
of the municipal engineer. 
 
The appointment of an engineer shall be mandatory for the provincial, city, and municipal 
governments. [The city and municipal engineer shall also act as the local building official.] 
 
xxx" 
  
SECTION 11. Section 485 of Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local 
Government Code of 1991, is hereby amended to read as follows: 
 
“Section 485. Qualifications, Powers, and Duties. 


 
(a)   No person shall be appointed architect unless he is a citizen of the Philippines, a 
resident of the local government unit concerned, of good moral character, a duly 
licensed architect. He must have practiced his profession for at least FIFTEEN (15) 
years in the case of the provincial or city architect and TEN (10) years in the case of 
the municipal architect. 
  
The appointment of the architect SHALL BE MANDATORY for provincial, city, and 
municipal governments. 
  
(b)   The architect shall take charge of the office of architectural planning and design 
and shall: 
 
[(1) Formulate measures for the consideration of the sanggunian and provide 
technical assistance and support to the governor or mayor, as the case may be, in 
carrying out measures to ensure the delivery of basic services and provision of 
adequate facilities relative to architectural planning and design as provided for 
under Section 17 of this Code; 
 
(2) Develop plans and strategies and upon approval thereof by the governor or 
mayor, as the case may be, implement the same, particularly those which have to 
do with architectural planning and design programs and projects which the 
governor or mayor is empowered to implement and which the sanggunian is 
empowered to provide for under this Code;] 
  
(1) PROVIDE LEADERSHIP AND STRATEGIC ADVICE TO THE 
SANGGUNNIAN, GOVERNOR, OR MAYOR, AS THE CASE MAY 
BE, ON POLICIES AND OBJECTIVES, BEST PRACTICES, PLANS 
AND PROGRAMS ON PUBLIC ARCHITECTURE, ALL MANNER 
OF VERTICAL INFRASTRUCTURE INCLUDING STRUCTURES 
OF AN ENGINEERING NATURE, URBAN DESIGN, PUBLIC 
SPACES, PLANNING, AND URBAN DESIGN AS IT RELATES TO 
THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC ADVANCEMENT OF THE LOCAL 
GOVERNMENT UNIT; WORK ACROSS THE GOVERNMENT 
UNIT AND PRIVATE SECTOR TO OFFER A CRITICAL 
APPRECIATION OF DESIGN AND ADVOCATE HIGH-QUALITY 
BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC SPACES THAT ARE BUILT TO LAST, 
FUNCTIONAL, BEAUTIFUL, ENGAGING, COMFORTABLE, AND 
ECONOMICALLY, 
SOCIALLY, 
AND 
ENVIRONMENTALLY 
SUSTAINABLE; 
  
(2) HELP IDENTIFY HOW THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND 
PRIVATE INDUSTRY CAN COLLABORATE AND PARTNER TO 
IMPROVE THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION QUALITY OF 
DEVELOPMENT 
ACROSS 
THE 
PROVINCE, 
 
CITY, 
OR 
MUNICIPALITY; 


  
(3) PREPARE STRATEGIES, DESIGNS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR 
SMALL AND MODERATE-SIZED PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC 
FACILITIES OR RENOVATION PROJECTS AS PROVIDED FOR 
UNDER SECTION 17 OF THIS CODE, AND BROADER PLANNING 
INITIATIVES, WHICH THE GOVERNOR OR MAYOR IS 
EMPOWERED 
TO 
IMPLEMENT 
AND 
WHICH 
THE 
SANGGUNIAN IS EMPOWERED TO PROVIDE FOR UNDER THIS 
CODE; 
  
(4)  ADVISE THE SANGGUNIAN, GOVERNOR, OR MAYOR IN 
SELECTING 
PRIVATE 
ARCHITECTURAL 
FIRMS 
AND 
OVERSEE THE WORK OF SAID FIRMS CONTRACTED BY THE 
SANGGUNIAN TO PREPARE DESIGNS AND SPECIFICATIONS 
FOR LARGER PUBLIC BUILDING PROJECTS;  
 
(5) REVIEW AND ENDORSE DESIGNS PREPARED BY PRIVATE-
SECTOR ARCHITECTS FOR VITAL PUBLIC BUILDINGS SUCH 
AS HOSPITALS, SCHOOLS, AND THE LIKE THAT ARE FUNDED, 
IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY THE LGU; 
  
(6)    PARTICIPATE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL 
GOVERNMENT UNIT BUILDING CODES AND REGULATIONS, 
MINDFUL OF GLOBAL BEST PRACTICES; 
  
(7)    ASSIST THE BUILDING OFFICIAL IN PLANNING AND 
OVERSEEING 
INSPECTION 
PROGRAMS 
FOR 
PUBLIC 
BUILDINGS AND PROJECTS TO ENSURE THAT SUCH 
BUILDINGS 
SAFEGUARD 
LIFE, 
HEALTH, 
AND 
PUBLIC 
WELFARE; ARE INCLUSIVE AND ACCESSIBLE, PROMOTE 
CIVIL SERVICE AND PRODUCTIVITY; AND AFTER EACH 
INSPECTION, MAKE THE NECESSARY RECOMMENDATIONS 
TO THE BUILDING OFFICIAL AND THE SANGGUNIAN; 
  
[(3)] (8)    In addition to preceding duties and functions, the architect shall: 
 
(i) Prepare and recommend for THE consideration of the sanggunian, 
GOVERNOR OR MAYOR, AS THE CASE MAY BE, architectural 
planS and designS for the local government unit or a part thereof, including 
[the renewal of slums and blighted areas], land reclamation activities, the 
greening of land, and appropriate planning of marine and foreshore areas, 
ALWAYS CONSCIENTIOUSLY STRIVING TO MAINTAIN 
ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITY; AND 
 
(ii) Review and recommend for appropriate action of the sanggunian, 
governor, or mayor, as the case may be, the architectural plans and designS 


submitted by governmental and non-governmental entities or individuals, 
particularly those for THE RENEWAL OF SLUMS AND BLIGHTED 
AREAS, 
AND 
THE 
DEVELOPMENT 
OF 
undeveloped, 
underdeveloped, and poorly-designed areas TO CREATE PUBLIC 
SPACES THAT ARE ENGAGING, DIVERSE, AND INCLUSIVE, 
THAT PROMOTE CONFIDENCE AND WELLBEING IN THE 
COMMUNITY, AND ARE CULTURALLY RICH AND VISUALLY 
BEAUTIFUL; 
 
[(iii) Coordinate with government and non-government entities and 
individuals involved in the aesthetics and the maximum utilization of the 
land and water within the jurisdiction of the local government unit, 
compatible with environmental integrity and ecology balance;] 
 
[(4)] (9) Be [in] AT the frontline of the delivery of services involving 
architectural planning and design, particularly those related to the DESIGN 
AND CONSTRUCTION OF [redesigning of spatial distribution of basic] 
facilities and physical structures BEFORE, during, and in the aftermath of 
man-made and natural calamities and disasters; AND 
 
[(5) Recommend to the sanggunian and advise the governor or mayor, as the case 
may be, on all matters relative to the architectural planning and design as it 
relates to the total socio-economic development of the local government units; 
and] 
 
(9) [(c)] Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions 
as may be prescribed by law or ordinance. 
  
SECTION 12. Section 491 shall be introduced into Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known 
as the Local Government Code of 1991, to read as follows: 
  
ARTICLE XXI 
THE BUILDING OFFICIAL 
  
“SECTION 491. QUALIFICATIONS, POWERS, AND DUTIES OF THE APPOINTED 
BUILDING OFFICIAL. – (A) NO PERSON SHALL BE APPOINTED BUILDING 
OFFICIAL UNLESS HE IS A CITIZEN OF THE PHILIPPINES, A RESIDENT OF THE 
LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNIT CONCERNED, OF GOOD MORAL CHARACTER, AND 
A DULY LICENSED ARCHITECT OR ENGINEER. HE MUST HAVE PRACTICED HIS 
PROFESSION FOR AT LEAST TEN (10) YEARS IN THE CASE OF THE CITY 
BUILDING OFFICIAL AND SEVEN (7) YEARS IN THE CASE OF THE MUNICIPAL 
BUILDING OFFICIAL. THE POSITION OF THE BUILDING OFFICIAL MUST BE 
DISTINCT AND SEPARATE FROM THE CITY AND MUNICIPAL ARCHITECTS AND 
ENGINEERS TO SERVE AS CHECK AND BALANCE IN THE INTEREST OF PUBLIC 
WELFARE. THE SEPARATE APPOINTMENT OF THE BUILDING OFFICIAL SHALL 
BE MANDATORY FOR THE CITY AND MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENTS. 


  
(B) THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE LOCAL BUILDING OFFICIAL POSITION 
ARE: 
  
1. TEN (10) YEARS OF FULL-TIME PROGRESSIVE EXPERIENCE IN THE 
DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, AND INSPECTION OF PUBLIC, INDUSTRIAL, 
COMMERCIAL, AND RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS, INCLUDING THREE YEARS 
OF EXPERIENCE AS A CERTIFIED BUILDING INSPECTOR. 
  
2. MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN 
ARCHITECTURE OR ENGINEERING; 
  
3. MUST BE ABLE TO DRIVE TO AND INSPECT CONSTRUCTION SITES AND 
WORK IN PROGRESS IN ALL WEATHER CONDITIONS; AND 
  
4. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS CODE CERTIFICATION, ICC BUILDING 
CODE CERTIFICATIONS, AND ICC COMBINATION PLANS CERTIFICATION, 
ICC FIRE PLANS REVIEW; EXPERIENCE IN THE APPLICATION AND 
INTERPRETATION OF NATIONAL, CITY, AND MUNICIPAL CODES, RULES, 
AND ORDINANCES; MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION EXPERIENCE 
AT A DEPARTMENT LEVEL; AND SUPERVISORY EXPERIENCE. 
  
(C) THE LOCAL BUILDING OFFICIAL SHALL TAKE CHARGE OF THE GUIDANCE, 
DIRECTION, AND MANAGEMENT OF THE OFFICE OF THE BUILDING OFFICIAL 
(OBO). HE OR SHE MONITORS AND ENFORCES COMPLIANCE WITH ALL 
APPLICABLE DEVELOPMENT CONTROLS, CODES, RULES, AND ORDINANCES 
RELATED TO BUILDING CODES, PARTICULARLY WHEN THE PROVISIONS OF 
LOCAL CODES AND ORDINANCES ARE MORE STRINGENT THAN NATIONAL 
DEVELOPMENT CONTROLS. THE POSITION INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING 
DUTIES: 
  
1. UNDERSTAND, INTERPRET, EXPLAIN, AND ENFORCE THE BUILDING 
CODES, POLICIES, AND BEST PRACTICES ADOPTED BY THE CITY OR 
MUNICIPALITY AS WELL AS OTHER CODES RELATED TO PROPERTY 
DEVELOPMENT AND BUILDING CONSTRUCTION; 
 
2. RECEIVE APPLICATIONS, APPROVE PLANS, ISSUE PERMITS FOR ALL 
WORK REGULATED BY THE CODES, AND ISSUE CERTIFICATES OF 
OCCUPANCY OR COMPLETION REQUIRED BY THE CODES REVIEW, AND 
ISSUE CONSTRUCTION TRADES PERMITS, SUCH AS FIRE SPRINKLER, LIFE 
SAFETY PERMITS, AND OTHER SIMILAR PERMITS AS ASSIGNED; 
 
3. PERFORM INSPECTIONS AND CONSTRUCTION PLAN REVIEWS; 
 
4. ISSUE ALL NOTICES AND ORDERS AND DO EVERYTHING NECESSARY TO 
REMOVE ILLEGAL, UNSAFE, AND UNSANITARY CONDITIONS, INCLUDING 


INADEQUATE EXIT FACILITIES, IN BUILDINGS OR STRUCTURES EITHER 
EXISTING OR HEREAFTER CONSTRUCTED. 
 
5. PERIODICALLY REVIEW ALL CODE PROVISIONS AND STANDARDS; 
DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT OPERATING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES AS 
THEY RELATE TO BUILDING SAFETY; 
 
6. MONITOR OBO OPERATIONS AND SERVICES AND IMPLEMENT 
PROCEDURAL CHANGES AS NEEDED TO IMPROVE WORKFLOW AND 
PRODUCTIVITY; 
 
7. ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN CUSTOMER SERVICE STANDARDS; ENSURE 
THAT CUSTOMERS RECEIVE TIMELY ASSISTANCE AND ACCURATE 
INFORMATION; 
 
8. RECEIVE COMPLAINTS AND RESOLVE COMPLEX 
ISSUES AND 
SITUATIONS WITH CUSTOMERS; 
 
9. INVESTIGATE CITIZEN INQUIRIES CONCERNING BUILDING AND SAFETY 
VIOLATIONS; PROVIDE TIMELY RESPONSE TO COMPLAINTS AND TAKE 
NECESSARY STEPS TO RESOLVE ISSUES AND CODE-RELATED VIOLATIONS; 
 
10. EXPLAIN POLICIES AND PROCEDURES AND RESPOND TO CONCERNS 
FROM OTHER EMPLOYEES, DEPARTMENTS, ELECTED OFFICIALS, CITY OR 
MUNICIPAL MANAGEMENT, HOMEOWNERS, EXTERNAL THIRD PARTIES, 
OTHER 
JURISDICTIONS, 
AND 
THE 
GENERAL 
PUBLIC; 
PROVIDE 
INFORMATION, 
PROFESSIONAL 
ADVICE, 
AND 
ASSISTANCE 
TO 
INDIVIDUALS, DEPARTMENTS, GROUPS, OR THE GENERAL PUBLIC ON 
BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT CONSTRUCTION ISSUES; 
 
11. SECURE COOPERATION REGARDING COMPLAINTS 
AND CODE 
VIOLATION ISSUES THROUGH DIALOGUE AND NEGOTIATION; ADVISE THE 
PUBLIC AND OTHER CITY OR MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS ON CODE-RELATED 
BUILDING AND SITE ACCESSIBILITY RULES AND REGULATIONS; 
 
12. ESTABLISH STANDARD OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES TO ENSURE THAT 
ALL WORK ACTIVITIES ARE APPROPRIATELY DOCUMENTED; ESTABLISH 
AND MAINTAIN SYSTEMS TO ENSURE THAT ALL  REPORTS, PERMITS, 
PLANS, AND OTHER DOCUMENTS ARE ARCHIVED AND MAINTAINED IN AN 
ORGANIZED FASHION; 
 
13. ATTEND, COUNCIL, SANGUNIAN, OR OTHER PUBLIC MEETINGS AS 
REQUIRED; 
 
14. AT LEAST ANNUALLY, SUBMIT TO THE CITY OR MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY 
A WRITTEN REPORT OF ALL PERMITS AND CERTIFICATES ISSUED AND THE 


OBO'S ACTIVITY IN GENERAL, AND SHALL, AS OFTEN AS SPECIFICALLY SO 
REQUESTED BY MUNICIPAL OR CITY AUTHORITIES, PROMPTLY REPORT 
THERETO IN WRITING CONCERNING ANY MATTER OF CONCERN RELATIVE 
TO HIS DUTIES. 
 
15. CONFER WITH THE CITY ARCHITECT AND CITY ENGINEER ON CODE 
INTERPRETATION, PLAN REVIEW, PERMIT ISSUANCE, FIELD INSPECTIONS, 
FEE COLLECTIONS, AND OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS; 
 
16. PERFORM RANDOM FIELD VISITS WITH CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTORS 
AND DEVELOPERS TO DISCUSS ISSUES RELATED TO BUILDING CODES AND 
BUILDING SAFETY REGULATIONS; PARTICIPATE IN MEETINGS WITH 
BUILDERS TO DISCUSS AND GAIN FEEDBACK REGARDING PLAN REVIEW, 
PERMIT PROCESSING, FIELD INSPECTIONS, AND THE LIKE; 
 
17. REVIEW AND UPDATE PERMIT AND PLAN REVIEW FEES; 
 
18. PREPARE AND ADMINISTER THE OBO'S ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET; 
 
19. SELECT, TRAIN AND EVALUATE STAFF; PLAN, DELEGATE, COORDINATE, 
REVIEW, AND SUPERVISE THE WORK OF ASSIGNED STAFF. 
 
20. PERFORM RELATED TASKS AS REQUIRED AND EXERCISE SUCH OTHER 
POWERS AND PERFORM DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS AS PRESCRIBED BY LAW 
OR ORDINANCE. 
 
SECTION 13. The following Sections of R.A. No. 7610 shall be renumbered as follows: 
 
SECTION 492 [491]. xxx 
 
SECTION 493 [492]. xxx 
 
SECTION 494 [493]. xxx 
 
SECTION 495 [494]. xxx 
 
SECTION 496 [495]. xxx 
 
SECTION 497 [496]. xxx 
 
SECTION 498 [497]. xxx 
 
SECTION 499 [498]. xxx 
 
SECTION 500 [499]. xxx 
 


SECTION 501 [500]. xxx 
 
SECTION 502 [501]. xxx 
 
SECTION 503 [502]. xxx 
 
SECTION 504 [503]. xxx 
 
SECTION 505 [504]. xxx 
 
SECTION 506 [505]. xxx 
 
SECTION 507 [506]. xxx 
 
SECTION 508 [507]. xxx 
 
SECTION 509 [508]. xxx 
 
SECTION 510 [509]. xxx 
 
SECTION 511 [510]. xxx 
 
SECTION 512 [511]. xxx 
 
SECTION 513 [512]. xxx 
 
SECTION 514 [513]. xxx 
 
SECTION 515 [514]. xxx 
 
SECTION 516 [515]. xxx 
 
SECTION 517 [516]. xxx 
 
SECTION 518 [517]. xxx 
 
SECTION 519 [518]. xxx 
 
SECTION 520 [519]. xxx 
 
SECTION 521 [520]. xxx 
 
SECTION 522 [521]. xxx 
 
SECTION 523 [522]. xxx 
 


SECTION 524 [523]. xxx 
 
SECTION 525 [524]. xxx 
 
SECTION 526 [525]. xxx 
 
SECTION 527 [526]. xxx 
 
SECTION 528 [527]. xxx 
 
SECTION 529 [528]. xxx 
 
SECTION 530 [529]. xxx 
 
SECTION 531 [530]. xxx 
 
SECTION 532 [531]. xxx 
 
SECTION 533 [532]. xxx 
 
SECTION 534 [533]. xxx 
 
SECTION 535 [534]. xxx 
 
SECTION 536 [535]. xxx 
 
SECTION 537 [536]. xxx 
 
SECTION 14. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within sixty (60) days from the 
effectivity of this Act, the Department of Interior and Local Government, the Civil Service 
Commission, the Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture, and other stakeholders shall 
promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for their effective implementation. 
  
SECTION 15. Separability Clause. – If any portion or provision of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provisions not affected thereby shall remain 
in force and effect. 
  
SECTION 16. Repealing Clause. – All laws, decrees, executive orders, issuances, rules, and 
regulations which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified 
accordingly. 
  
SECTION 17. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in 
the Official Gazette and a newspaper of general circulation. 
  
Approved,