EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLICOF THE PHILIPPINE 
)
F irst R egular Session 
)
SENATE
S.B. No. 498
’19 JUL 15 Ml ’-Ol
Introduced by SENATOR VICENTE C. SOTTO III
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE BUREAU OF FIRE PROTECTION AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
In 2008, Congress passed Republic Act No. 9514 otherwise known as 
the “Fire Code of the Philippines of 2008”, as the principal law governing the 
prevention 
and 
suppression 
of 
all 
destructive 
fires 
and 
the 
professionalization of the fire service as a profession. Accordingly, the Code 
mandated the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to enforce R.A. 9514 to all 
persons, buildings, facilities or structures erected or constructed before or 
after its effectivity. However, despite the clear language of the law, several 
government agencies and entities had for a long time arrogated upon them 
the enforcement of the Fire Code of the Philippines.
With the 10-year implementation of the present Fire Code, there were 
provisions that were already found to be repugnant with the present 
program of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte specifically on the streamlining of 
the processing of business and other local permits. For instance, under R.A. 
9514, only the BFP has the authority in the assessment and collection of 
Fire Code Fees specifically those related to applications for local permits and 
construction related permits. This specific provision therefore has to be 
revised if not amended thereby allowing other agencies to collect fire code 
fees for and in behalf of the BFP so as to fully align with the intents and 
purposes of the newly enacted R.A. 11032 otherwise known as “Ease of 
Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018”, 
with the end view of eradicating bureaucratic red tape and other forms of 
corruption in the government.
Further, despite strict implementation of the present Fire Code, 
building owners and administrators conveniently ignored fire safety


requirements on buildings, facilities, and structures as the imposable fines 
and penalties are just minimal.
Finally, R.A. 9514 tends to constrict the utilization of Fire Code fees 
collection as it only mention that the Eighty (80%) thereof is only intended 
for the BFP modernization thusly barring the BFP to acquire real properties 
for the establishment of National, Regional, Provincial Offices and city or 
municipal fire stations. The present Fire Code also does not expressly allow 
the utilization of the Fire Code Fees Collection for the acquisition of rescue 
vehicles, tools, devices and equipment, which are necessary in order for the 
BFP to successfully perform its mandate of saving lives and properties and 
to keep the humanity safe from the after effects of all forms of calamities 
and disasters.
Thus, this proposed bill seeks to:
1. Specify the authority and jurisdiction of the BFP with respect to the 
administration and enforcement of the Fire Code of the Philippines;
2. Harmonize the assessment and collection for Fire Code Fees to the 
assessment and collection made by the local government units for 
constroiction related permits and business permits;
3. Expand the utilization of the Fire Code Collections; and
4. Provide stringent penalties for every acts that tend to compromise fire 
safety that endangers the lives and limbs as well as properties of the 
citizens of the Philippines
For the foregoing reasons, the immediate consideration and passage of 
this bill is earnestly sought.
VICENTE C. SOTTO III


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
F irst R egular Session 
)
0. ' ft
SENATE
S.B. No. 4S8
•19 JUL 15 All -.Ol
Introduced by SENATOR VICENTE C. SOTTO III
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE BUREAU OF FIRE PROTECTION AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES
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Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the 
Philippines in Congress assembled:
SECTION 1. This Act shall be known as the “THE FIRE CODE OF THE 
PHILIPPINES OF 2 0 1 9 ”
SECTION 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, and promote the professionalization of the fire service as 
a profession. Towards 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.
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SECTION 3. DEFINITION OF TERMS
a. 
) A batem ent
b. ) A dm inistrator
c. ) Building
Any act that would remove or neutralize a fire 
hazard.
Any person who acts as agent of the owner and 
manages the use of a building for him.
Any structure built for the support, shelter, or 
enclosure of persons, animals, chattels, or 
property of any kind.


d.) Closure Order
e. 
) Dam per
f. 
) Duct System
g. 
) Fire
h. 
) Fire A larm
i. 
) Fire Door
j. 
) Fire H azard
k.) Fire Lane
A written notice issued by the City/Municipal 
Fire Marshal to the owner, administrator, or 
occupant to close the whole or portion of the 
Ijuilding/structure and to stop its operation 
upon 
determination 
during 
inspection 
the 
deficiency or violation noted in the Notice to 
Correct 
Violation 
remains 
unabated 
or 
uncorrected after the lapse of the prescribed 
period thereof. The issuance of Closure Order 
shall include a notice of cancellation of the 
existing Fire Safety Inspection Certificate of the 
building or structure.
A normally open device installed inside air duct 
system which automatically closes to restrict 
the passage of smoke or fire.
A continuous passageway for the transmission 
of air.
The active principle of burning, characterized by 
the heat and light of combustion.
Any visual or audible signal produced by a 
device or system to warn the occupants of the 
building or firefighting elements of the presence 
or danger of fire to enable them to undertake 
immediate action to save life and property and 
to suppress the fire.
A fire resistive door prescribed for openings in 
fire separation walls or partitions.
Any condition or act which increases or may 
cause an increase in the probability of the 
occurrence of fire, or which may obstruct, delay, 
hinder or interfere with firefighting operations 
and the safeguarding of life and property.
The portion of a roadway or public-way that 
should kept opened and unobstructed at all 
times for the expedient operation of firefighting 
units.
1.) Fire Protective an d  
Fire Safety Device
Any device intended for the protection of 
buildings or persons to include, but not limited 
to, built-in protection system such as sprinklers


m.) Fire Safety 
Constructions
and other automatic extinguishing system, 
detectors for heat, smoke and combustion 
products 
and 
other 
warning 
system 
components, 
personal 
protective 
equipment 
such as fire blankets, helmets, fire suits, gloves 
and other garments that may be put on or worn 
by persons to protect themselves during fire.
Refers to design and installation of walls, 
barriers, doors, windows, vents, means of egress 
etc. integral to and incorporated into a building 
or structure in order to minimize danger to life 
from fire, smoke, fumes or panic before the 
building is evacuated. This features are also 
designed to achieve, among others, safe and 
rapid evacuation of people through means of 
egress on construction which sealed from smoke 
of fire, the confinement of fire or smoke in the 
room or floor of origin and delay their spread to 
other parts of the building by means of smoke 
sealed and fire resistant doors, walls, and floors. 
It shall also mean to include the treatment of 
building components or contents with the flame 
retardant chemicals.
n.) Fire Safety 
E valuation 
Clearance
o.) Fire Safety 
Inspection 
Certificate
p.) Fire Trap
q.) H azardous
O peration/ Process
Refers 
to 
a 
document 
issued 
by 
the 
City/Municipal Fire Marshal as prerequisite for 
the 
issuance 
of 
Building 
Permit 
upon 
determination that the building or structure has 
complied with 
the requirements prescribed 
under the Fire Code and its Implementing Rules 
and Regulations and other related laws.
Refers 
to 
a 
document 
issued 
by 
the 
City/Municipal Fire Marshal as prerequisite for 
the issuance of Occupancy Permit or Business 
Permit upon determination that the building or 
structure has complied with the requirements 
prescribed 
under 
the 
Fire 
Code 
and 
its 
Implementing Rules and Regulations and other 
related laws.
A structure or building is a fire trap when it 
lacks adequate or inappropriate fire exits or 
means of egress.
Any 
act 
of 
manufacturing, 
fabrication, 
conversion, 
etc., 
that 
uses 
or 
produces


r.) H orizontal Exit
s.) Hose Box
t. 
) Hose Reel
u. 
) xJumper
V.) Notice to Comply
w.)Notice to Correct 
Violation an d  
Order To Pay Fine
X .) Notice of 
D isapproval
materials which are likely to cause fires or 
explosions.
Passageway from one building to another or 
through or around a wall in approximately the 
same lloor level.
A box or cabinet where fire hoses, valves and 
other equipment are stored and arranged for fire 
fighting.
A cylindrical device turning on an axis around 
which a fire hose is wound and connected.
A piece of metal or an electrical conductor used 
to bypass a safety device in an electrical system.
Refers to a written notice issued by the 
City/Municipal Fire Mai'shal to the owner, 
administrator, or occupant upon determination 
during inspection that the building or structure 
has deficiency or violation with the Fire Code of 
the Philippines and its Implementing Rules and 
Regulations and 
specifying 
therein 
the
prescribed period to abate or correct the 
deficiency or violation.
Refers to a 
written notice issued by the
City/Municipal Fire Marshal 
to the owner,
administrator, or occujjant upon determination 
during re-inspection that the deficiency or 
violation noted in the Notice to Comply remains 
unabated or uncorrected after the lapse of the 
prescribed period thereof and specifying the 
administrative fine imposed and the prescribed 
period to abate or correct the deficiency or 
violation.
Refers to a 
written notice issued by the
City/Municipal Fire Marshal to the applicant or 
owner, disapproving the application for Fire 
Safety 
Evaluation 
Clearance 
or 
FSIC 
for 
Occupancy Permit upon determination that the 
plans and specifications or the building or 
structure during inspection, as the case maybe, 
did not conform to the fire safety requirements


y. 
) Occupancy
z. ) Occupant
aa.) Oifcrloading
bb.) Owner
cc.) Public Assembly 
Building
dd.) Public Way
ee.) Self-closing Doors
of the Fire Code of the Philippines and its IRR 
and other fire related laws.
The purpose for which a building or portion 
thereof is used or intended to be used.
Any person actually occupying and using a 
building or portions thereof by virtue of a lease 
contract with the owner or administrator or by 
permission or sufferance of the latter.
The use of one or more electrical appliances or 
devices which 
draw or consume electrical 
current beyond the designed capacity of the 
existing electrical system.
The person who holds the legal right of 
possession or title to a building or real property.
Any building or structure where fifty (50) or 
more
people congregate, gather, or assemble for any 
purpose.
Any 
street, 
alley 
or other 
strip 
of land 
unobstructed from the ground to the sky, 
deeded, dedicated or otherwise permanently 
appropriated for public use.
Automatic closing doors that are designed to 
confine smoke and heat and delay the spread of 
fire.
ff.)Sprinkler System
gg.) Standpipe System
hh.) Structure
An integrated network or hydraulically designed 
piping installed in a building, structure or area 
with outlets arranged in a systematic pattern 
which automatically discharges water when 
activated by heat or combustion products from 
a fire.
A system of vertical pipes in a building to which 
fire hoses can be attached on each floor, 
including a system by which water is made 
available to the outlets as needed.
That which is built or constructed, an edifice or 
building or any kind, or any piece of work


ii.) V ertical S haft
ii.) Vestibule
artificially built up or composed of parts joined 
together in some definite manner.
An enclosed vertical space of passage that 
extends from floor to floor, as well as from the 
base to the top of the building.
A passage hall or antechamber between the 
outer doors and the interior parts of a house or 
building.
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SECTION 4. APPLICABILITY OF THE CODE. -  The provisions of the Fire 
Code shall apply to all persons and all private and public buildings, facilities 
or structures erected or constructed before and after its effectivity.
SECTION 5. RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF THIS CODE.
-  This Code shall be solely administered and enforced by the Bureau of Fire 
Protection (BFP), under the direct supeiwision and control of the Chief of the 
Bureau of Fire Protection, through the hierarchy of organization as provided 
for in Chapter VI of Republic Act No. 6975. With the approval of the 
Secretaiy of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), 
the Chief, BFP, is hereby authorized to:
(a) Issue implementing rules and regulations, and prescribe standards, 
schedules of fees/fire seiwice charges and administrative penalties 
therefore as provided in the pertinent provisions of this Code;
(b) Reorganize the BFP as may be necessaiy and appropriate;
(c) Support and assist fire volunteers, lire safety practitioners and fire 
volunteer organizations in the countiy who shall undergo mandatory 
fire suppression, inspection, rescue, emergency medical sciwices and 
related emergency response trainings and competency evaluations to 
be conducted by the BFP. In the case of fire safety practitioners, they 
shall undergo mandatory continuous pr'ofessional education and 
competency evaluation of their expertise, knowledge and skills in the 
area of fir'e science, engineering and technology to be conducted by 
the BFP.
The BFP may enter into extermal party agreements for the conduct of 
Gainings, education and evaluation of fir'e volunteers, practitioners, 
fire brigade and fir'e volunteer or'ganizations, which shall be under the 
full control and super'vision of the BFP: Provided, however, that dur'ing 
firefighting operations, fire volunteer or'ganizations shall be under the 
direct operational contr'ol of the fir'e gt'ound commanders of the BFP;
(d) Enter into long-ter'm agreement, either thr'ough public biddings or 
negotiations, in accor'dance with the pr'ovisions of Republic Act No.


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9184, othei-wise known as the Government Procurement Reform Act of 
2003, for the acquisition of fire prevention, fire protection and 
firefighting equipment, investigation, rescue, paramedics, hazardous 
material 
handling equipment, 
supplies, 
materials 
and 
related 
technical seiwices necessaiy for the fire seiwices;
(e) Enter into memoranda of agreement with other departments, bureaus, 
agencies, offices and corporations of the government, as well as 
private institutions, in order to define areas of cooperation and 
coordination and delineate responsibility on fire prevention education, 
fire safety, fire prevention, fire suppression, and other matters of 
common concern;
(f) Call on the police, other law enforcement agencies, and local 
government assistance to render assistance in the enforcement of this 
Code;
(g) Designate a fire safety inspector through his/her duly authorized 
representative, who shall conduct an inspection of every building or 
structure within his area of responsibility at least once a year and 
every time the owner, administrator or occupant shall renew his/her 
business permit or permit to operate notwithstanding any permit to 
operate, clearance, or certificate earlier issued by the local authorities 
and other government agencies.
No occupancy permit, business or permit to operate and 
Certificate of Annual Inspection shall be issued without securing a 
Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC) from the Bureau of Fire 
Protection. Any violation thereof shall be punishable by imprisonment 
of One (1) year to Si.x (6) years and a Fine of not less than Five 
Hundred Thousand but not more than Two Million Pesos, without 
prejudice to filing of an administrative case against the offender;
(h) Inspect at reasonable time, any building, structure, installation or 
premises for dangerous or hazardous condition or materials as set 
forth in this Code: Provided, that in case of single family dwelling, an 
inspection must be upon the consent of the occupant or upon lawful 
order from the proper court. The Chief, BFP or his/her duly 
authorized representative shall order the owner/occupant to remove 
hazardous materials and/or stop hazardous operation/process in 
accordance with the standards set by this Code or its implementing 
rules and regulations or other pertinent laws;
(i) Where conditions exist and are deemed hazardous to life and 
property, to order the owner/occupant of any building or structure to 
summarily abate such hazardous conditions;
O’) Require 
the 
building 
owner/occupant 
to 
submit 
plans 
and 
specifications, and other pertinent documents of said building and


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evaluate to ensure compliance with the Fire Code and its IRR and 
other applicable codes and standards. For this purpovse, a Fire Safety 
Evaluation Clearance (FSEC) shall be issued as a prerequisite for the 
issuance of Building Permit. Any building permit issued without the 
necessary FSEC is considered as void ab initio, and the person who 
issued or caused the issuance thereof, shall suffer the penalty of 
imprisonment of One (1) year to Si.x (6) years and a Fine of not less 
than Five Hundred Thousand but not more than Two Million Pesos, 
without prejudice to filing of an administrative case against the 
offender; and
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(k) Issue a written notice to the owner and/or contractor to stop work or
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portion of any work due to absence, or in violation of approved plans
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and specifications, permit and/or clearance or certification as
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approved and/or issued by the BFP. The notice shall state the nature
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of the violation and no work shall be continued on that portion until
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the violation had been corrected. Any violation thereof shall be
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punishable by imprisonment of One (1) year to Six (6) years and a
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Fine of not less than Five Hundred Thousand but not more than Two
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Million Pesos without prejudice to the filing of an administrative case
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against the offender.
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SECTION 6. TECHNICAL STAFF. 
-  The Chief, BP'P shall constitute a 
technical stafi of highly qualified persons who are knowledgeable on fire 
prevention, fire safety, and fire suppression. They may be drawn not only 
from the organic members of the BFP and other government offices and 
agencies, but also from other sources. In the latter case, they will either be 
appointed into the service or hired as consultants in accordance with law. 
The technical staff shall study, review and evaluate latest developments and 
standards on fire technology; prepare plans/programs on fire safety, 
prevention and suppression and evaluate implementation thereof; develop 
programs on the professionalization of the fire seiwice; coordinate with 
appropriate government and private institutions for the offering of college 
courses on fire technology and fire protection engineering; propose 
amendments to the Fire Code; advise the Chief, BFP on any matter brought 
to his/her attention; and perform such other functions as directed by higher 
authorities.
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SECTION 
7. 
INSPECTIONS, 
SAFETY MEASURES, 
FIRE 
SAFETY, 
CONSTRUCTIONS, AND PROTECTIVE AND/OR WARNING SYSTEMS. -  As
may be defined and provided in the rules and regulations, owners, 
administrators or occupants of buildings, structures and their premises or 
facilities and other responsible persons shall be reciuired to comply with the 
following, as may be appropriate:
(a) Inspection Requirement -  A fire safety inspection shall be conducted 
by the Chief, BFP or his/her duly authorized representative and that 
if found compliant with the fire safety provisions of this code shall


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issue fire safety inspection certificate, if not proceed to administrative 
courses of action as prescribed by this code and its IRR, for the:
1. Use or occupancy of buildings, structures, facilities or their 
premises including the installation or fire protection and fire safety 
equipment, and electrical system in any building structure or 
facility; and
2. Storage, handling and/or use of explosives or of combustible, 
flammable, toxic and other hazardous materials.
(b) Safety Measures for Hazardous Materials - Fire safety measures shall 
be required for the manufacture, storage, transportation, handling, 
and/or use of any hazardous materials with potential to cause harm 
to persons, property or the environment because of one or more of the 
following: i) The chemical properties of the substance; ii) The physical 
properties of the substance; iii) The biological properties of the 
substance. Without limiting the definition of hazardous material, all 
dangerous goods, combustible liquids and chemicals are hazardous 
materials.
(c) Safety Measures for Hazardous Operations/Processes -  Fire Safety 
measures shall be required for any hazardous operations or processes 
that may be defined in the IRR.
(d) Provision on Fire Safety Construction, Protective and Warning System 
-  Owners, occupants or administrators of buildings, structures and 
their premises or facilities, except such other buildings or structures 
as may be exempted in the rules and regulations to be promulgated 
under Section 5 hereof, shall incorporate and provide therein fire 
safety construction, protective and warning system, and shall develop 
and implement fire safety programs, to wit:
(1) Fire protection features such as sprinkler systems, hose boxes, 
hose reels or standpipe systems and other firefighting equipment;
(2) Fire Alarm systems;
(3) Fire walls to separate adjoining buildings, or warehouses and 
storage areas from other occupancies in the same building;
(4) Provisions for confining the fire at its source such as fire resistive 
floors and walls extending up to the next iloor slal3 or roof, curtain 
boards and other fire containing or stopping components;
(5) Termination of all exits in an area affording safe passage to a 
public way or safe dispersal area;


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(6) Staii'way, vertical shafts, horizontal exits and other means of 
egress sealed from smoke and heat;
(7) A fire exit plan for each floor of the building showing the routes 
from each room to appropriate exits, displayed prominently on the 
door of such room;
(8) Self-closing fire resistive doors leading to corridors;
(9) Fire dampers in centralized air-conditioning ducts;
(10) Roof vents for use by fire fighters;
(11) Properly marked and lighted exits with provision for emergency 
lights to adequately illuminate exit ways in case of power failure; 
and
(12) Smoke Management System
SECTION 8. FIRE SAFETY INSPECTION CERTIFICATE -  A fire safety 
inspection certificate shall be a prerequisite for the issuance of occupancy 
permits, business permits or permit to operate, licenses and other permits 
issued by the following;
1. Local Government Units (LGU);
2. Office of The Building Official (OBO);
3. Philhealth Accreditation for Hospitals;
4. Department of Health (DOH);
5. Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and other similar entities; 
and
6. Other government agencies subjecl to the rules and conditions set 
forth in the IRR of this code.
SECTION 9. PUNISHABLE ACTS. -  Any person who commits the following 
acts and omissions shall be punished in accordance with this law and other 
applicable laws:
(a) Obstruction, prohibition or prevention by any person in the conduct 
of fire safety inspection by duly authorized BFP representative.
(b) Obstructing or blocking the exit ways or across to buildings clearly 
marked for fire safety purposes, such as but not limited to aisles in 
interior rooms, any part of staimays, hallways, corridors, vestibules, 
balconies or bridges leading to a staii'way or exit of any kind, or 
tolerating or allowing said violations;
(c) Constructing gates, entrances and walkways to building components 
and yards, and temporary or permanent structures on public ways.
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which obstruct the orderly and easy passage of fire fighting vehicles
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and equipment;
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(d) Prevention, interference or obstruction of any operation of the fire
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service, or of duly organized and authorized fire brigades;
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(e) Obstructing designated fire lanes or access to fire hydrants;
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(i) Overcrowding or admission of persons beyond the authorized
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capacity in movie houses, theaters, coliseums, auditoriums or other
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public assembly buildings, except in other assembly areas on the
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ground floor with open sides or open doors sufficient to provide safe
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exits;
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(g) Locking fire exits during period when people are inside the building;
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(h) Prevention or obstruction of the automatic closure of fire doors or
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smoke partitions or dampers;
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(i) Use of fire protective or firefighting equipment of the fire service
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other than for firefighting except in other emergencies where their
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use is justified;
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(j) Giving false or malicious fire alarms;
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(k) Smoking in prohibited areas as may be determined by fire service, or
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throwing of cigars, cigarettes, burning objects in places which may
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start or cause fire;
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(1) Abandoning or leaving a building, structure or facility by the
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occupant or owner without appropriate 
safety measures as
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enumerated in the IRR of this code. In the event that an accidental
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fire will occur due to the negligence of the owner/occupant which
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resulted to injury, loss of life and or damage to property, such
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owner/occupant shall be proceeded under the applicable provisions
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of the revised penal code and other special laws.
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(m) Removing, destroying, tampering or obliterating any authorized
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mark, seal, sign or tag posted or required by the fire seiwice for fire
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safety in any building, structure or processing equipment; and
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(n) Use of jumpers or tampering with the standard design of the
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electrical system or overloading or such other practices that would
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tend to undermine the fire safety features of the electrical system.
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(o) Usurpation by any person of the functions of the BFP, such as but
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not limited to, the implementation of the Fire Code of the Philippines
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and other related laws;
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(p) Bribei'y or attempting to bribe any BFP personnel in exchange to 
commit violations of this Act or other laws; and
(q) Interfering, influencing, or exerting undue influence to any BFP 
personnel to issue FSEC, FSIC or any other clearances.
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SECTION 10. ABATEMENT OF FIRE HAZARDS, GENERAL PROCEDURES
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Upon findings that the status of a building or the operation of an 
establishment constitutes fire hazards or the lack of fire safety measures as 
defined in this code and its IRR, the Fire Marshal concerned shall:
a) 
Issue and seiwe a Notice To Comply (NTC) setting forth therein the 
violations noted and the period within which abatement of fire 
hazards, correction and compliance shall be made, which shall be 
within a period as prescribed by the IRR, which shall in no case 
exceed thirty (30) days from receipt of the order, depending on the 
gravity of the violation(s) and the extent of the work to be done to 
effect compliance;
b) If no correction has been made or when there is a purported
compliance but is not within the standards required by this code 
and its IRR, the Fire Marshal concerned shall issue and serve a 
Notice To Correct Violation (NTCV) with an Order To Pay Fine which 
shall be paid within a period of ten (10) days from receipt of the said 
notice. The payment of fine shall in no case be construed as 
compliance to the noted violations. Upon sei-vice of the NTCV, the 
Fire Marshal concerned shall likewise cause the posting of a warning 
sign 
specifically 
bearing 
the 
words: 
“W arning: 
th is
buiIding/establishrnent is a  fire  hazard". The herein signage 
shall remain posted until such time that the building owner or 
occupant have implemented a complete corrections of the noted 
violations. The period to comply the NTCV shall not e.xcced a period 
of thirty (30) days from service of the said notice.
c) 
In the event of non-compliance within the required period in the 
NTCV or non-payment of administrative fine within a period of ten 
(10) days from receipt of the notice, the Fire Marshal concerned shall 
issue a closure order, furnishing a copy thereof to the building 
official and the local chief executive to effect the cancellation of 
business or permit to operate. The closure order shall contain a 
directive to the occupants to immediately vacate the building to avert 
the possibility of loss of lives should destructive fires occur. Further, 
any existing FSIC issued is considered revoked upon the issuance of 
closure order. 
Any violation thereof shall be punishable by 
imprisonment of One (1) year to Six (6) years and a Fine of not less 
than Five Hundred Thousand but not more than Two Million Pesos.
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d) During re-inspection under para b and c of this section, initial 
compliance was effected by the owner, the said NTCV or Closure 
Order may not be issued. In lieu thereof the owner may be allowed, 
but only once, to execute an Affidavit of Undertaking specifically 
containing among others the jieriod of completion of work. For this 
purpose, the owner shall attach in his affidavit the following if 
applicable:
i. Duly executed and notarized contract of works, entered into by 
the building establishment and the contractor which in no case 
shall exceed a period of 180 days;
ii. Duly signed and sealed plans, specifications and bill of materials 
approved by the BFP;
hi. Authority to execute Affidavit of Undertaking in case of 
corporation, partnership or association
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Failure to comply within the period specified in the Affidavit of
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Undertaking shall be a ground for the issuance of closure order and
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imposition of administrative fine in the amount of Five Hundred
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Thousand Pesos.
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e) 
Service of notices or orders mentioned in this section shall be made 
during office or business hours of the concerned building or 
establishment. Seiwice thereof shall be made personally to the owner 
or in his absence, to the administrator, manager, buikiing-in-charge, 
safety officer, representative, employee or any person of suitable age 
and discretion who is residing or working therein. Registered mail 
may be resorted to when personal service maybe futile due to the 
long absence or refusal of the owner or the personalities 
aforementioned to receive such notices or orders.
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SECTION 11. FIRE TRAP- Upon findings by the Fire Marshal concerned 
that the status of a building or the operation of an establishment eonstitutes 
a fire trap, he or she shall:
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a) 
Issue and seiwe a notiee declaring a particular building as a fire trap 
to the owner, administrator, occupant or other person responsible 
for the condition of the building, structure and their premises or 
facilities. The notice shall contain an order to vacate the building 
and/or stop any operation thereof, the grounds relied upon in 
declaring the same as fire trap and the period within which 
abatement of the hazards, correetion and compliance shall be made, 
which shall be within a period of either fifteen (15) days or thirty (30) 
days from receipt of the order, depending on the gravity of the 
violation(s) and the extent of the work to be done to effect 
compliance. Within 24 hours from the seiwice of the notice the 
concerned fire marshal, shall submit a report on the circumstances 
surrounding the 
aforementioned 
declaration 
to 
the 
Regional 
Director, who in turn shall forward a copy of the same to the Chief 
BFP.
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b) Upon service of the notice, the fire marshal concerned shall cause
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the posting of a warning sign specifically bearing the words:
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“WARNING: THIS BUILDING/ES TABLISHMENT IS A FIRE TRAP”.
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The herein signage shall remain posted until such time that the
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building owner or occupant have implemented the necessary
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correction of the noted violations which in no case shall exceed a
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period of thirty (30) days.
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In all instances, the Provincial Fire Marshal, Regional Director and
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the Chief, BFP has the authority to review, revise, modify or reverse the
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action(s) of the Fire Marshall as provided for in this code. However, review
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by the foregoing authorities shall not slay the declaration of a building or
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structure as a fire trap and the period to correct the same.
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SECTION12. 
LIABILITY 
OF 
BUILDING 
OWNERS- 
The 
owner,
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administrator, manager or person having authority in the management of
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the building or establishment shall be held responsible for the loss of lives
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and/or damage to properties on account of its refusal or failure to comply or
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implement the issued order for closure mentioned in this code.
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SECTION13. PENALTIES. -
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(l)A gainst th e  p riv ate individual;
(a) Administrative fine -  Any person who violates any provision of 
the Fire Code or any of the rules and regulations promulgated 
under this Act shall be penalized by an administrative fine of not 
more than Five Hundred Thousand Pesos per imposition or in the 
proper case, closure of such buildings, structures and their 
premises or facilities which do not comply with the requirements or 
by both such administrative fine and closure to be imposed by the 
BFP: Provided, That the payment of the fine, closure of such 
buildings, structures, and their premises or facilities shall not 
absolve the violator from correcting the deficiency or abating the 
fire hiizard. The decision of the concerned BFP Officer may be 
appealed to the next higher authority.
(b) Punitive -  Any person who willfully failed to correct the 
deficiency or abate the fire hazard or fire trap as provided in the 
preceding sections, or who committed any act mentioned in 
paragraphs (o), (p) and (q) of Section 9 hereof shall upon 
conviction, be punished by imprisonment of 1 year to 6 years or a 
Fine of not less than Five Hundred Thousand but not more than 
Two Million Pesos or both such fine and imprisonment: Provided, 
however. That in case of a corporation, firm, partnership or 
association, the fine and/or imprisonment shall be imposed upon 
its officials responsible for such violation, and in case the guilty 
party is an alien, in addition to the penalties herein prescribed, he
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shall immediately be deported: Provided, finally. That where the 
violation is attended by injuiy, loss of life and/or damage to 
property, the violator shall be proceeded against under the 
applicable provisions of the Revised Penal Code.
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Any person who disobeys the lawful order of the fire ground 
commander during a fire fighting operation shall be penalized with 
imprisonment of 1 year to 6 years or a Fine of not less than Five 
Hundred Thousand but not more than Two Million Pesos or both 
in the discretion of the court.
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(2) A gainst th e  public officer/em ployee:
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(a) Administrative - The following acts or omissions shall render
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any public officer/employee in charge of the enforcement of this
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Code, its implementing rules and regulations and other pertinent
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laws, administratively liable, and shall be punished by suspension
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of not more than one year for the first offense and dismissal for the
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second offense, without prejudice to the prosecution of other
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applicable laws, for:
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(1) Unjustified failure of the public officer/employee to conduct 
inspection of buildings or structures at least once a year;
(2) Deliberate failure to put up a sign in front of the building or 
structure within his/her area of responsibility found to be 
violating this Code, its implementing rules and regulations or 
other pertinent laws, that the same is a "FIRE HAZARD" or a "FIRE 
TRAP";
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(3) Endorsing for certifications or submitting a report that the 
building or structure complies with the standards set by this Code, 
its implementing rules and regulations or other pertinent laws 
when the same is contrary to fact;
(4) Issuance or renewal of occupancy or business permit without 
the fire safety inspection certificate issued by the Chief. BFP or 
his/her duly authorized representative;
(5) Failure 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 this Code, its implementing rules and regulations and other 
pertinent laws, within the specified period;
(6) Abusing his/her authority in the performance of his/her duty 
through acts of corruption and other unethical practices; or
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(7) Other willful impropriety or gross negligence in the performance 
of his/her duty as provided in this Act or its implementing rules 
and regulations.
(8) Usurpation on the functions of the BFP, such as but not limited 
to, the implementation of the Fire Code of the Philippines and 
other related laws; and
(9) Interfering, influencing, or exerting undue influence to any BFP 
personnel to issue FSEC, FSIC or any other clearances.
(b) Punitive -  In case of willful violation to the abovementioned acts 
or omissions enumerated under Section 13 subparagraph 2(a), the 
public officer/employees shall, upon conviction, be punished by 
imprisonment of 1 year to 6 years or a Fine of not less than Five 
Hundred Thousand but not more than Two Million Pesos or both 
such fine and imprisonment: Provided, that where the violation is 
attended by injuiy, loss of life and/or property, the violator shall 
also be prosecuted under the applicable provisions of the Revised 
Penal Code.
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SECTION14. APPROPRIATION AND SOURCES OF INCOME. -
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(a) 
To support the manpower, infrastructure and equipment needs of 
the fire seiwice ot the BFP, such amount as may be necessary to 
attain the objectives of the Fire Code shall be appropriated and 
included in the annual appropriation of the BFP.
(b) To partially provide for the funding of the fire service, the following 
taxes and fees which shall accrue to the general fund of the National 
Government, are hereby imposed:
(1) 
Fees to be charged for the application and issuance of 
certificates or clearances as provided for in Section 7 and 8 
hereof to be prescribe in the IRR;
(2) 
One-tenth of one per centum (0.1%) of the estimated value of 
eveiy building or structure to be erected based from the bill of 
materials and labor submitted by the applicant or from the 
prevailing construction cost to be prescribed by the IRR, 
whichever is higher;
(3) Two per centum (2%) of the assessed value of eveiy building, 
structure, or machinery annually payable upon payment of the 
real estate tax, except on structures used as single family 
dwellings;
(4) Two per centum (2%) of all premiums, excluding reinsurance 
premiums, for the sale of fire, earthquake, and explosion hazard
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insurance collected by companies, persons or agents licensed to 
sell such insurances in the Philippines;
(5) Two per centum (2%) of gross sales of companies, persons or 
agents selling firefighting equipment, appliances or devices, 
including hazard detection and warning systems: and
(6) Two per centum (2%) of the seiwice fees received from fire,
earthquake, and explosion hazard reinsurance surveys and post 
loss seiwice of insurance adjustment companies doing business 
in the Philippines directly through agents.
SECTION 15. COLLECTION OF TAXES, FEES AND FINES. - All taxes, fees 
and fines provided in this Code shall be collected by the BFP or through 
collecting agent that may be deputized by the BFP in accordance with a 
MOA duly approved by the Chief, BFP. Provided, that twenty percent (20%) 
of all such collections shall be intended for the use by the city or municipal 
government concerned, which shall appropriate the same exclusively for the 
use of the operation and maintenance of its local rirc station, including the 
construction and repair of fire station: Provided, further. That the remaining 
eighty percent (80%) shall be remitted to the National Treasuiy under a 
trust fund assigned to the BFP for their modernization program, scholarship 
program, and the acquisition of lot for their Offices, Fire Stations and 
Training Schools.
SECTION 16. ASSESSMENT 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.
SECTION 17. USE OF INCOME GENERATED FROM THE ENFORCEMENT 
OF THE FIRE CODE. -  The Chief, BFP is authorized, subject to the approval 
of the Secretaiy of the Interior and Local Government, to use the income 
generated under the Fire Code for procurement of fire protection and 
firefighting investigation, rescue, paramedics, supplies and materials, and 
related technical seiwices necessaiy for the fire seiwice and the improvement 
of facilities of the BFP. The income shall also be used in the acquisition of 
lot and construction of BFP Offices, Fire Stations and Training Schools.
The BFP shall determine the optimal number of equipment, including, but 
not limited to, fire trucks and fire hydrants, required by every local 
government unit for the proper deliveiy of fire protection services in its 
jurisdiction.
In the procurement of firefighting and investigation supplies and materials, 
the Bureau of Product Standards of the Department of Trade and Industry 
shall evaluate, determine and certify if the supply so procured conforms to 
the product standards fixed by the BFP. For this purpose, the BFP shall 
submit to the Bureau of Product Standards a detailed set of product
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standards that must be complied with in the procurement of firefighting and 
investigation supplies and materials within six (6) months from the 
effectivity of this Act.
SECTION 18. MONITORING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FIRE CODE 
AND THE AMOUNT OF THE FEES COLLECTED. - The Chief, BFP shall, 
within six (6) months from the effectivity of this Code, submit to the 
Secretaiy of the Interior and Local Government for his/her approval, a 
management tool or mechanism that would ensure effective monitoring of 
the enforcement of the Fire Code to include the amount of Fire Code fees 
collected.
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SECTION 19. IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS. Within sixty 
(60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the Secretaiy of the Interior and 
Local Goyernment shall issue the rules and regulations for its effective 
implementation.
SECTION 20. REPEALING CLAUSE. 
9514 is hereby expressly repealed. 
All laws, presidential decrees, letters of instructions, executive orders, rules 
and regulations in so far as they are inconsistent with this Act, are hereby 
repealed or amended as the case may be.
SECTION 21. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE. 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.
SECTION 22. EFFECTIVITY. This act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after 
its publication in the Oflicial Gazette or in two (2) national newspaper of 
general circulation.
Approved,
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