SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )

Oflu 01 2. 1

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )

Second Regular Session y 18 MAY 28 P6339
SENATE "
S.B.No._1825 we -

Introduced by Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III

AN ACT
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9514, OR THE “REVISED
FIRE CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES OF 2008”

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Over the last few years, several tragedies involving fire have been
widely reported. While these fires are attributable to many factors,
among them negligence and wilful failure to comply with the safety
regulations imposed by the proper authorities, it has been pointed out
that the law covering fire safety may be improved.

For this purpose, this bill amends Republic Act No. 9514, or the
“Revised Fire Code of the Philippines of 2008” by increasing the size of
fire exit signs, requiring that the signs be made of luminous, glow-in-
the-dark material, and giving specifics for the emergency lights that
surround a fire exit. In many instances, the increased number of
casualties during fires is due to people being unable to find the exits.

In view of the foregoing, passage of this measure is earnestly

sought.
AQUILINO “KOKO” PIMENTEL III



SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
Second Regular Session y

"18 MAY 28 26:39

SENATE .
$.B.No, 1825 jo

Introduced by Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III

AN ACT
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9514, OR THE “REVISED
FIRE CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES OF 2008”

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

SECTION 1. — Section 7(d) of Republic Act No. 9514 is hereby
amended to read as follows:

d. Provision on Fire Safety Construction, Protective and
Warning System. — X XX XX

(11) Properly marked and lighted exits with provision for
emergency lights to adequately illuminate exit ways in case
of power failure. THE WORD “EXIT” SHALL BE IN

PLAINLY LEGIBLE LETTERS NOT LESS THAN
THIRTY CENTIMETERS (30 CM) HIGH, WITH THE
PRINCIPAL STROKES OF LETTERS NOT LESS
THAN THIRTY-EIGHT MILLIMETERS (38 MM)
WIDE. THE EXIT SIGNS SHALL BE LUMINOUS,
USING GLOW-IN-THE-DARK MATERIALS.

AN EMERGENCY LIGHTING SYSTEM SHALL
BE INSTALLED TO PROVIDE ILLUMINATION

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AUTOMATICALLY IN THE EVENT OF ANY
INTERRUPTION OF NORMAL LIGHTING, SUCH AS
ANY FAILURE OF PUBLIC UTILITY OR OTHER
OUTSIDE ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY, OPENING
OF A CIRCUIT BREAKER OR FUSE, OR ANY
MANUAL ACT, INCLUDING ACCIDENTAL
OPENING OF A SWITCH CONTROLLING NORMAL
LIGHTING FACILITIES. THE ILLUMINATION
PROVIDED BY THE EMERGENCY LIGHTING
SYSTEM SHALL NOT BE LESS THAN 10.7 LUX.

THE EMERGENCY LIGHTING SYSTEM SHALL
EITHER BE CONTINUOUSLY IN OPERATION OR
SHALL BE CAPABLE OF REPEATED AUTOMATIC
OPERATION WITHOUT INTERVENTION.

THE EMERGENCY LIGHTING SYSTEM SHALL
BE CAPABLE OF MAINTAINING ILLUMINATION
IN THE EVENT OF FAILURE OF THE NORMAL
LIGHTING FOR A PERIOD OF AT LEAST ONE AND
A HALF (1 4) HOURS.

ALL EMERGENCY LIGHTING SYSTEMS
SHALL BE PROPERLY MAINTAINED.”

SEC. 2. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, orders,
regulations, and policies, or parts thereof, inconsistent with the
provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

SEC. 3. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen
(15) days after its complete publication in the Official Gazette or two (2)

newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,

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