Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Batasan Hills, Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 4429 |

Introduced by:’ Representative AUGUSTO Boboy SYJUCO, Ph.D.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Geology- related disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions,
are generally among the most destructive in terms of human tives lost and property
damaged. Though it is hard to predict when earthquake will occur, we can mitigate the
loss caused, by being prepared. On July 16, 1990, the strongest and most destructive
earthquake was experienced in Central Luzon and the tremor had a magnitude of 7.7 on
the Ritcher scale, The recent earthquake in Japan was said to be of Magnitude 9 on the
Ritcher scale. The incident in Japan has caused many scientist to warn countries
particularly those within the Pacific Ring of Fire or the area where large numbers of
earthquakes and valcanic eruptions occur in the basin of the Pacific Ocean, like the
Philippines, to be vigilant in implementing Disaster Management policies.

It is very alarming that in the Philippines, as admitted by the National Disaster
Risk Reduction and Management Council Executive Officer Benito Ramos in his
interview with the Philippine Star on March 13, 2011, the structures are designed to
withstand a seven (7) magnitude earthquake only. The Philippines shares with several
Asian countries the unwelcome distinction of being one of the World's most disaster
prone countries. [t is therefore important that with our Disaster Risk Management
policics, we do not settle for substandard measures but instead we should implement
policies and laws that will provide for the outmost protection for our constituents. The
immediate passage of this proposed measure is intended to change the substandard
measures currently implemented in our country, to a policy that will ensure the protection
of our fellow Filipinos.

In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly recommended.

ear

AUGUSTO BOBOY SYJUCO, Ph.D.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Batasan Hills, Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO._4429

Introduced by: Representative AUGUSTO Boboy SYJUCO, Ph.D.

AN ACT REQUIRING ALL BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES, EXISTING
AND NEW, IN THEIR CONSTRUCTION MUST BE MAGNITUDE 9
EARTHQUAKE PROOF AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR
VIOLATION HEREOF.

Section 1. T/TLE- This act shall be known as the EARTHQUAKE
PREPAREDNESS ACT OF 20H.

Section 2, DECLARATION OF POLICY. It shail be the poticy of the State to
safeguard life, heath property and public welfare and to this end shall make it the
purpose of this Act to require buildings and structures, existing and new, to be able
to withstand up to magnitude 9 earthquake.

Section 3. SCOPE- ‘his act shall apply to the construction of buildings and
structures existing and new, whether used for commercial or residential purposes
and with the height of more than thirty meters and including changes or repairs
made thereto.

Section 4. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

a.) New buildings or structures as well as accessory facilities thereto shall in
their design, materials and construction must be able to withstand
magnitude 9 Earthquake.

Buildings or structures as well as its accessory facilities constructed
before the approval of this Act shall within 6 months make the necessary
Tepairs or alterations to comply, with the requirement set forth in
paragraph a,

c} The requirement under paragraph (a) shall also be applicable to any
alteration, repair or addition made to any structure or buildings.

No building or structure as well as its accessory facilities may be
constructed nor there be alteration, addition or repair made to a building
or structure without securing certification from building officials that the
Droposed construction, alteration. repair or addition will be compliant

.

d.


e) Certificate of Compliance for every building or structures as well as its
accessory facilities are renewable annually.

Section 4. ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT- The administration and
enforcement of the provisions of this Act including the filing of the necessary
complaints with the appropriate Court is hereby vested in the Secretary of the
Department of Public Works and Highways. The Secretary shall be responsible for
the formulation of policies, ptans, standards and guidelines to further make this Act
effective.

Section 5. PENALTIES- Any person, firm or corporation who shall violate any of
the provisions of this Act shall upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not less
than twenty thousand pesos but not more than five hundred thousand pesos or
imprisonment of not less than one month but not more than six months or both fine
and imprisonment: Provided, that in the case of corporation, partnership or
association, the penalty shall be imposed upon its officials responsible for such
violation.

Section6. REPEALING CLAUSE — Ail laws, decrees, executive orders, issuances,
rules or regulations or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with the provisions of
this Act, are hereby deemed repealed, amended or modified according

Section 7. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE — If any provision or part of this Act is declared
invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall
remain in full force and effect.

Section 8. EFFECTIVITY — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) national newspapers of general
circulation.

Approved,