Republic of the Philippines 
1 
First Regular Session 
I 
FOURTEENTH CONGRESS 
] 
S E N A T E  
Bill No.-- 1477 
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The fire that struck Great Eastern Hotel and claimed the life of the DILG 
Provincial Director of Ilocos Sur on 03 May 2007 shows once again the kind of 
negligence and imprudence attendant to the way concerned government officials 
and property owners treat and address the problem of fire as a serious threat to 
life and property. It also manifests that lessons from the past have yet to be 
learned. 
The Ozone Disco fire incident in 1996 killed one hundred sixty-two (162) 
individuals. The settlement house caught on fire in Paco and the burning of the 
Lung Center in Quezon City in 1998 likewise killed twenty-eight (28) and 
twenty-five (25) people, respectively. The Manor Hotel fire on 18 August 2001 
claimed the lives of at least seventy-four (74) people. The fire that gutted Li Seng 
Giap Building in Binondo, Manila on 24 December 2002 resulted in the death of 
two (2) persons. And the Popong's Suerte Mart fire on 02 October 2004 in San 
Fernando, Pampanga claimed eight (8) lives. 
Investigations conducted and the ensuing reports had revealed that the 
primary reason for the above mentioned fire tragedies were due to laxity and 
leniency in the enforcement and implementation of building safety and fire laws, 
specifically the Fire Code, its Implementing Rules and Regulations and related 
ordinances. It is believed that this indifference being exercised by concerned 
government personnel in the enforcement of said laws is due to the degree of 
their statutory accountability which merely iranslates to minimal liability. 
The current provisions of the Fire Code do not provide for penal sanctions 
against erring and negligent public officers albeit their actions have resulted in 
loss of life and/or property. At most what can be filed against them are cases for 
administrative liabilities only. 
Thus it becomes imperative for Congress to institute measures khat shall 
address the above concerns if only to increase in considerable terms the liability 
of government personnel tasked to implement the Fire Code and other related 
laws. It is quite unacceptable to experience another fatal incident/s similar to 
those enumerated above on account of negligence, imprudence, malfeasance 
and/or misfeasance committed by a public official or employee tasked to execute 
and enforce the Fire Code and other related laws and rules and regulations. 


Hence this bill proposes to amend the Fire Code by providing not only 
administrative but criminal liabilities as well to acts and/or omissions committed 
by a concerned public officer and/or employee when through negligence and/or 
malice the same has resulted to, or failed to prevent the loss of life and/or 
damage to property. 
Moreover, it provides for stringent measures against property owners, 
administrators, occupants or persons responsible for the property’s condition, its 
premises and/or facilities, who violate the Fire Code and other related Iaws and 
rules and regulations. 
In view of the foregoing, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly 
sought. 
FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO 
2 


Republic of the Philippines 
1 
First Regular Session 
1 
FOURTEENTH CONGRESS 
} 
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO 
AN ACT 
AMENDING PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1185, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS 
THE FIRE CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the Hoiise of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. This act shall be known as the Revised Fire Code of the 
Philippines. 
SEC. 2. It is the policy of the State to ensure public safety and promote economic 
development through the prevention and suppression of all kinds of destructive fires. 
Towards to this end, the State shall enforce all laws, rules and regulations to ensure 
adherence to standard fire prevention and safety measures, and promote accountability in 
the fire protection and prevention service. 
SEC. 3. Sections 6, 10 and 12 of Presidential Decree No. 1185 are hereby 
amended to read as follows: 
SEC. 6. RESPONSIBBILITY FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF THIS 
CODE - THIS CODE SHALL BE ADMINISTERED AND ENFORCED BY THE 
BUREAU OF FIRE PROTECTION (BFP), UNDER THE DTRECT SUPERVISION 
AND CONTROL OF THE BUREAU DIRECTOR, HEREINAFTER REFERED TO AS 
THE 
“DIRECTOR”, THROUGH THE HIERARCHY OF ORGANIZATION DOWN 
TO THE LOCAL, FIRE CHIEF AS PROWED FOR IN CHAPTER VI OF REPUBLIC 
ACT NO. 6975. WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE SECRETARY OF THE 
DEPARTiVENT OF INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (DILG), THE 
DIRECTOR IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO: 
[The Fire Service, under the direct supervision and control of the Director 
General of the Integrated National Police, hereinafter referred to as the “Director 
General” shall be responsible for the enforcement of this Code, as well as pertinent 
provisions of other laws pertaining to fire protection or fire safety with the approval of 
the Secretary ofNationa1 Defense, the Director General is Hereby authorized to:] 
a. 
Issue implementing rules and regulations, and prescribe 
administrative penalties therefore; 
b. 
Reorganize the BFP ( fire service of the Integrated National Police) 
as may be necessary and appropriate; 


e. 
Enter into long term agreement, either through public biddings or 
negotiations to include advance payments therefore, 
for the acquisition of fire 
prevention, fire protection and fire fighting equipment, supplies and materials and related 
technical services necessary for the Fire Service; [and] 
d. 
Enter to the Memoranda of Agreement with other departments, 
bureaus, agencies, oftices and corporations of the government, as well as private 
institutions, in order to define areas of cooperation and delineate responsibility on fire 
prevention education, fire safety, fire prevention, fire suppression and other matters of 
common concern; 
E. CALL ON THE POLICE AND OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT 
AGENCIES TO RENDER NECESSARY ASSISTANCE IN THE ENFORCEMENT OF 
THIS CODE: 
F. 
INSPECT 
AT 
REASONABLE 
TIME, ANY BUILDING, 
STRUCTURE, INSTALLATION OR 
PREMISES 
FOR 
DANGEROUS OR 
HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS OR MATERIALS AS SET FORTH IN THIS CODE, 
PROVIDED THAT IN CASE OF RESIDENTIAL HOUSES, AN INSPECTION MUST 
BE UPON THE CONSENT OF THE OCCUPANT OR UPON LAWFUL ORDER 
FROM THE PROPER COURT. THE DIRECTOR OR HIS AUTHORIZED 
REPRESENTATIVE SHALL ORDER THE OWNER/ OCCUPANT TO REMOVE 
HAZARDOUS MATERIAL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE STANDARDS SET BY 
THIS CODE OR ITS IMPLEMENTING RULES OR REGULATIONS OR OTHER 
PERTINENT LAWS; 
G. WHERE CONDITIONS EXIST AND ARE DEEMED HAZARDOUS 
TO LIFE AND PROPERTY, TO ORDER THE OWNEWOCCUPANT OF ANY 
BUILDING OR STRUCTURE TO SUMMARILY ABATE SUCH HAZARDOUS 
CONDITIONS; 
H. ISSUE A WRITTEN NOTICE TO THE OWNER AND OR 
CONTRACTOR TO STOP WORK ON PORTION OF ANY WORK WHICH IS IN 
VIOLATION OF THE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AS APPROVED BY THE 
DIRECTOR OR HIS AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE. THE NOTICE SHALL 
STATE THE NATURE OF THE VIOLATION AND NO WORK SHALL BE 
CONTINUED ON THAT PORTION UNTIL THE VIOLATION HAD BEEN 
CORRECTED; AND 
I. DESIGNATE THE FIRE INSPECTOR WHO SHALL CONDUCT AN 
INSPECTION OF EVERY BULDING OR STRUCTURE AT LEAST ONCE EVERY 
SIX (6) MONTHS AND EVERY TIME THE OWNER, ADMINISTRATOR OR 
OCCUPANT SHALL RENEW HIS OR HER OCCUPANCY PERMIT OR PERMIT TO 
OPERATE. 
NO OCCUPANCY PERMIT OR PERMIT TO OPERATE SHALL BE 
ISSUED WITHOUT SECURING A FIRE INSPECTION CERTIFICATE (FSIC) FROM 
THE DIRECTOR OR HIS AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE. 
SEC. 10. VIOLATIONS, PENALTIES AND ABATEMENT OF FIRE 
HAZARDS - Fire hazards shall be abated immediately. The DIRECTOR [Director 
General] or his authorized representative UPON THE REPORT FROM THE FIRE 
2 


INSPECTONS THAT A VIOLATION OF THIS CODE OR OTHER PERTINENT 
LAWS, RULES AND REGULATIONS IS BEING COMMITTED, SHALL ISSUE 
NOTICE/ORDER TO COMPLY TO THE OWNER, ADMINISTRATOR, OCCUPANT 
OR OTHER PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONDITION OF THE BUILDING 
OR STRUCTURE, INDICATING AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE PERIOD WITHIN 
WHICH COMPLIANCE SHALL BE EFFECTED, WHICH SHALL BE WITHIN TEN 
(10) TO FIFTEEN (15) DAYS AFTER THE RECEIPT OF THE NOTICE/ORDER, 
DEPENDING ON THE REASONABLESNESS TO ADEQUATELY COlwpLY WTH 
THE SAME. 
IF AFTER THE LAPSE OF THE AFORESAlD PERIOD, THE OWNER, 
ADMINISTRATOR, OCCUPANT OR OTHER RESPONSIBLE PERSONS FAILED 
TO COMPLY, THE DIRECTOR OR HIS AUTHORIZED REFTESENTATIVE SHALL 
PUT UP A SIGN IN FRONT OF THE BUILDING OR STRUCTURE IS A FIRE 
HAZARD, SPECIFICALLY, THE NOTICE SHALL BEAR THE WORDS " 
WARNING: THIS BUZLDING/STRUCTURE IS A FIRE HAZARD", WHICH SHALL 
REMAIN POSTED UNTIL SUCH TIME THAT THE OWNER, ADMINISTRATOR, 
OCCUPANT OR OTHER PERSONS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONDITION OF 
THE BUILDING, STRUCTURE AND THEIR PREMISES OR FACILITIES ABATE 
THE SAME, BUT SUCH PERIOD SHALL NOT EXCEED FIFTEEN (15) DAYS 
FROM THE LAPSE OF THE INITIAL PERIOD GIVEN IN THE NOTICE/ORDER TO 
COMPLY. 
FINALLY, THE FAILURE OF THE OWNER, ADMINISTRATOR, 
OCCUPANT OR OTHER PERSONS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONDITION OF 
THE BUILDING, STRUCTURE AND THEIR PREMISES OR FACILITIES, TO 
COMPLY WIT" 
THE PERIOD SPECIFIED ABOVE may issue order for such 
abatement. If the owner, administrator or occupant of buildings, structure and their 
premises or facilities does not abate the same within the period fixed in the said order, the 
occupancy to operate shall he cancelled. 
Any building or structure ASSESSED AND declared BY THE 
DIRECTOR OR HIS AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE as a fire trap ON 
ACCOUNT OF THE GRAVITY OR PALPABILITY OF THE VIOLATION or is 
causing clear and present IMMINENT danger to adjoining establishments and habitations 
shall be declared a public nuisance as defined by the Civil Code of the Philippines IN A 
NOTICE TO BE ISSUED TO THE OWNER, ADMINISTRATOR, OCCUPANT OR 
OTHER PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONDITION OF THE BUILDING, 
STRUCTURE AND THEIR PREMISES OR FACILITIES, If the assessed value OF 
THE NUISANCE OR THE AMOUNT TO BE SPENT IN ABATING THE SAME [ of 
the building or structure is not more than ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (P 
100,000.00) [ twenty thousand pesos (PZO,OOO.OO)], 
the owner, administrator or occupant 
thereof shall abate the hazard within FIFTEEN (15) [thirty (30) ] days, or; if the assessed 
value is more than ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS ( p lOO,OOO.OO), [ twenty 
thousand pesos ( 20,000.00)] within THIRTY (30) [ sixty (60)] days from the receipt of 
the order declaring said building or structure a public nuisance; otherwise, the 
DIRECTOR [ Director General] or his authorized representative shall forthwith cause its 
summary abatement. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITHIN FIW (5) DAYS FROM THE 
RECEIPT OF THE NOTICE SHALL CAUSE THE DIRECTOR OR HIS 
AUTHORIZED REPREBENTATWE TO PUT UP A SIGN IN FRONT OF THE 
BUILDING OR STRUCTURE, AT OR NEAR THE ENTRANCE OF SUCH 
PREMISES, NOTIFYING THE PUBLIC THAT SUCH BUILDING OR STRUCTURE 
IS A " FIRE TRAP", WHICH SHALL REMAIN UNTIL THE OWNER, 
3 


ADMINISTRATOR, OCCUPANT OR OTHER PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR THE 
CONDITION OF THE BUILDING, STRUCTURE AND THEIR PREMISES OR 
FACILITIES ABATE THE SAME W I T "  THE SPECIFIED PERIOD. 
Summary abatement as used herein shall mean all corrective measures 
undertaken to abate hazards which shall include but it not limited to remodeling, 
repairing, strengthening, reconstructing, removal and demolition, either partial or total, of 
the building or structure. The expenses incurred by the government for such summary 
abatement shall be borne by the owner, administrator or occupant. These expenses shall 
constitute a prior lien upon such property. 
SEC. 12. PENALTIES. 
1. AGAINST THE PRIVATE INDIVIDUAL 
a) Administrative fine - Any person who violates any provision of 
this Fire Code or any of the rules and regulations promulgated under section 6 hereof 
shall be penalized by an administrative fine of not exceeding FIFTY THOUSAND 
(€'50,000.00) [TWELVE THOUSAND (P lZ,OOO.OO)] pesos or in the proper cause, by 
stoppage of operations or by closure of such buildings, structures and their premises or 
facilities which do not comply with the requirements or by both such administrative and 
closure/stoppage of operation to be imposed by the DIRECTOR [ Director General], 
Provided that the payment of the fine, stoppage of operations and/or closure of such 
buildings, structures, and their premises or facilities shall not absolve the violator for 
correcting the deficiency or abating the fire hazard. The decision of the DIRECTOR 
[Director General], under his subsection, maybe appealed to the SECRETARY of THE 
INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT [National Defense], within fifteen (15) days 
from the date of receipt of the order, B imposing the administrative fine, stopping the 
operations and/or closure]. THE APPEAL SHALL NOT TO STAY THE EXECUTION 
OF THE ORDER OF THE DIRECTOR. The decision of the Secretary of THE 
INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT [National Defense] shall be final and 
executory. 
b) Punitive - In case of willfit1 failure to correct the deficiency or 
abate the fire hazard as provided in the preceding subsection, the violator shall, upon 
conviction, be punished by imprisonment of not less than six (6 months nor more than 
six (6 ) years, or by a fine of not more than ONE " D R E D  
THOUSAND 
(PlO0,OOO.OO) [twenty thousand (P20,OOO.OO) 
] pesos or both fine and imprisonment; 
Provided, however, that in the case of a corporation, firm, partnership or association, the 
fine and/or imprisonment shall be imposed upon its officials responsible for such 
violation, and case the guilty party is an alien, in addition to the penalties herein 
prescribe, he shall immediately be deported; Provided, finally, that where the violation is 
attended by loss of life and/or damage to property, the violator shall be PUNISHED BY 
IMPRISONMENT OF ONE (1) YEAR TO SIX (6) YEARS IN THE DISCRETION OF 
THE COURT, IN ADDITION TO THE GRANT OF DAMAGES TO VICTIMS WHEN 
APPLICABLE. [Proceeded against under the applicable provisions of the Revised Penal 
Code]. 
ANY 
PERSON 
WHO, 
WITHOUT 
AUTHORITY, 
MALICIOUSLY REMOVES THE SIGN THAT A BUILDING OR STRUCTURE IS A 
FIRE HAZARDIFIRE TRAP IN PLACE BY THE AUTHORIZED PERSON IN THIS 
CODE SHALL BE LIABLE FOR IMPRISONMENT FOR THtRTY (30) DAYS OR 
4 


FINE NOT EXCEEDING ONE HUNDRED THOUNSAND PESOS (P100, 000.00) OR 
BOTH IN THE DISCRETION OF THE COURT. 
2. AGAINST THE PUBLIC OFFICEREMPLOYEE 
a) ADMINISTRATIVE - THE FOLLOWING ACTS OR 
OMISSIONS SHALL RENDER THE PUBLIC OFFICENEMPLOYEE ENCHARGE 
OF THE ENFORCEMENT OF THIS CODE, ITS IMPLEMENTING RULES AND 
REGULATION AND OTHER PERTINENT LAWS, ADMINISTRATIVELY LIABLE, 
AND SHALL BE PUNISHED BY REPRIMAND, SUSPENSION OR REMOVAL IN 
THE DESCRITION OF THE DISCIPLINlNG AUTHORITY, DEPENDING ON THE 
GRAVITY OF THE OFFENSE AND WITHOUT PREJUDICE TO THE PROVISIONS 
OF OTHER APPLICABLE LAWS; 
(1) F A I L W  OF THE PUBLIC OFFICEREMPLOYEE TO 
CONDUCT INSPECTION OF BUILDINGS OR STRUCTURES ONCE EVERY SIX 
(6) MONTHS 
(2)FAlLURE TO PUT UP A SIGN INFRONT OF THE 
BUILDING OR STRUCTURE FOUND TO BE VIOLATING THIS CODE, ITS 
IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS AND OTHER PERTINENT LAWS, 
THAT THE! SAME IS A “FIRE HAZARD” OR A “FIRE TRAP” 
(3)ENDORSING 
TO 
THE 
DIRECTOR 
FOR 
THE 
CERTIFICATION, OR SUBMITTING A REPORT THAT THE BUILDING OR 
STRUCTURE COMPLIES WITH THE STANDARDS SET BY THIS CODE, ITS 
IMPLEMENTING RULES OR REGULATIONS OR OTHER PERTINENT LAWS 
WHEN TNE SAME IS CONTRARY TO FACT, OR 
(4)ISSUANCE OR RENEWAL. OF OCCUPANCY OR 
BUSINESS PERMIT WITHOUT THE CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE ISSUED 
BY 
THE 
DIRECTOR 
GENERAL 
OR 
HIS 
DULY 
AUTHORlZED 
REPRESENTATIVE; 
(5)FAlLURE TO CANCEL THE OCCUPANCY OR 
BUSINESS PERMIT AFTER THE OWNER, ADMINISTRATOR, OCCUPANT OR 
OTHER PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONDITION OF THE BUILDING, 
STRUCTURE AND OTHER PREMISES FAILED TO COMPLY WITH THE 
NOTICE/ORDER FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THE STANDARDS SET BY THS 
CODE, ITS IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS AND OTHER 
PERTlNENT LAWS, WITHIN THE SPECIFIED PERIOD; 
(6) FAILURE TO ABATE A PUBLIC NUISANCE WITHIN 
FIFTEEN (15) DAYS AFTER THE OWNER, ADMINISTRATOR, OCCUPANT OR 
OTHER RESPONSIBLE PERSON FAILED TO ABATE THE SAME W I T ”  THE 
PERIOD CONTAINED IN THE! NOTICE TO ABATE. 
(7) ABUSING MS AUTHORITY IN THE PERFORMANCE 
OF HIS DUTY THROUGH ACTS OF CORRUPTION AND OTHER UNETHICAL 
PRACTICES; OR 
(8) OTHER WILLFULL OR GROSS NEGLIGENCE IN 
THE PERFORMANCE OF AN ACT SPECIFICALLY ENJOINED AS A DUTY BY 
5 


THIS ACT OR ITS IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS; OR IN ANY 
MANNER IMPROPERLY PERFORMS HIS DUTIED UNDER THIS ACT OR ITS 
IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS. 
b) PUNITIVE - THE ABOVEMENTIONED ACTS OR 
OMISSIONS OF THE PUBLIC OFFICIALiEMPLOYEE, EITHER THROUGH 
WILLFUL OR GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR THROUGH MALICE, SHALL 
CONSTITUTE A CRIMINAL OFFENSE IF' THE SAME RESULTED TO OR FAILED 
TO PREVENT LOSS OF LIFE AND/OR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY, AND THE 
PUBLIC OFFICER/EMPLOYEE SHALL BE PUNISHED BY ONE (1) YEAR TO 
FIVE (5) YEARS IMPRISONMENT AND/ OR FINE NOT EXCEEDING FIVE 
HUNDRED THOUSAND (P500,OOO.OO) IN THE DISCRETION OF THE COURT, IN 
ADDITION TO HIS ADJl4lNSTRATIVE LIABILITY. 
SEC. 4. ASSESMENT OF FIRE CODE TAXES, FEES AND FINES. - THE 
ASSESSMENT OF FIRE CODE TAXES, FEES, AND FINES IS VESTED UPON THE 
BFP. THE BFP SHALL, SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE DILG, PRESCRIBE 
THE PROCEDURAL RULES FOR SUCH PURPOSE. 
SEC. 5. MONITORING THE IMF'LEMENTATION OF THE FIRE CODE AND 
SIX (6) MONTHS FROM THE EFFECTIVITY OF THIS CODE, SUBMIT TO THE 
SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND LOCAL 
GOVERNMENT FOR 
HIS 
APPROVAL, 
A MANAGEMENT TOOL 
OR 
MECHANISM THAT WOULD ENSURE THROUGH MONITORING OF THE 
ENFORCEMENT OF THE FIRE CODE TO INCLUDE THE AMOUNT OF FIRE 
CODE FEES COLLECTED. 
THE AMOUNT OF THE FEES COLLECTED - THE CHIEF BFP SHALL, WITHIN 
SEC. 6. Section 14 of the same Decree is hereby amended to read as follows: 
SEC. 14. COLLECTION OF TAXES, FEES AND FINES - ALL taxes, 
fees and fines provided in Section 13 hereof, shall be collected by the [ city or Municipal 
Treasurer] BFP for remittance to the National Treasury UNDER A TRUST FUND 
ASSIGNED FOR THE PURPOSE. 
SEC 7. USE OF INCOME GENERATED FROM ENFORCEMENT OF THE 
FIRE CODE - THE CHIEF, BFP IS AUTHORIZED, SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL 
OF THE SECRETARY OF THE DILG, TO USE THE INCOME GENERATED 
UNDER SECTION 11 HEREOF FOR PROCUREMEBT OF FIRE PROTECTION, 
RESCUE AND PARAMEDIC EQUIPMENT, IMPROVEMENT OF FACILITIES AND 
SALARY ADJUSTMENTS OF BFP UNIFORMED PERSONNEL PURSUANT TO RA 
9263, 
SEC. 8. Within sixty (60) days from the effectively of this Act, the Secretary of 
the DILG shall issue the rules and regulations for its effective implementation. 
SEC. 9. All laws, presidential decrees, letters of instructions, executive orders, 
rules and regulations insofar as they are consistent with this Act, are hereby repealed or 
amended as the case may be. 
SEC. 10. In case any provision of this Act or any portion thereof is declared 
unconstitutional by a competent court, other provisions shall not be affected thereby. 
6 


SEC. 11. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the 
Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
7