EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
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OF THE PHILIPPINES 
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First Regular Session 
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SENATE
Senate Bill No. 1 2  3  9
otllK d.rrftfli-j*
'19 
OEC 17 
A 8 ^ 4
RECEiVi D BV;
Introduced by SENATOR LACSON
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE BUILDING ACT OF 2019, THEREBY 
REPEALING PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1096, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Since Presidential Decree No. 1096, otherwise known as the National 
Building Code of the Philippines, was signed into law in 1977, it has been the 
guiding document for buildings and structures in the Philippines. Over the years, 
amendments and related laws and regulations have been created to improve and 
enhance the efficacy of its implementation. One example of such is the enactment 
of the Fire Code of the Philippines in 2008, which aimed to refresh standards that 
further ensure public safety and economic development through the prevention and 
suppression of all kinds of destructive fire.
Despite all existing regulatory measures related to this end, experience tells 
us that there is an urgent need to strengthen the overall policy on how buildings and 
structures are built in the country. Not to mention the country’s geographical 
location along the boundary of major tectonic plates and at the center of the typhoon 
belt, coupled by its socially and economically vulnerable population, it becomes 
even more imperative to review our four-decade old National Building Code.
Just this weekend, 15 December 2019, we were shocked and at the same time 
saddened by the death of a 6-year-old girl caused by the collapse of two buildings 
to the ground in Padada, Davao del Sur after a 6.9 magnitude earthquake rocked 
Mindanao.
With the recent effects of climate change and the increasing magnitude of 
natural and human-induced disasters that confront us as a nation, a few things are 
clear; disaster preparedness is key to saving lives and properties and that multi­
sectoral cooperation proves more effective than just government efforts alone.


In tune with those realizations, it is but right that a multi-sectoral effort, 
through the leadership of the Department of Public Works and Highways, has 
brought forward this version of the new Philippine Building Act. The general 
reforms introduced call for streamlining the building classification and permit 
application process, consideration of multiple hazards and new factors in building 
design, creation of an inter-agency and multi-sectoral regulatory body, regulations 
for old buildings assessment and maintenance, and outline incentives for retrofitting 
and use of environmentally sound and sustainable materials and technologies.
The key points and objectives of the bill all point towards improving the 
safety of lives, betterment of public welfare, preservation of the environment, risk 
mitigation from hazards, and evidently, sustainable development.
It is the hope of this representation that the Philippine Building Act of 2019 
will not only ensure the safety and welfare of the people but also pave the way for 
responsible and sustainable nation building, establishing the Philippines as an 
exemplary model of world-class standards.
In light of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly requested.
PANF,
M. LACSON
cnator


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
}
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
}
First Regular Session 
}
SENATE
Senate Bill No. 1 2 3 9
of t|jr fetcrrtar^
*19 
DEC 17 
A 8 :4 4
Introduced by SENATOR LACSON
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE BUILDING ACT OF 2019, THEREBY 
REPEALING PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1096, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES
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CHAPTER I
GENERAL PRO\ ISIONS
SECTION I. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the "Philippine 
Building Act of 2019.'"
SECTION 2. Declaration of Principles and Policies. The State shall 
safeguard life, health, property, and public welfare, consistent with the principles of 
sustainable development. Towards this end, it shall be the policy of the State to 
provide for all buildings and structures, a framework of minimum standards and 
requirements, mainstreaming disaster risk reduction and management, to regulate 
and control their location, siting, planning, design, construction, occupancy, and 
maintenance. In pursuit of these policies, the State shall institutionalize a system 
that will provide for periodic review and flexible mechanisms in the updating of 
regulations and standards and will strengthen the participation of relevant 
stakeholders, taking into account the importance of allowing for continuing 
innovation in building design and construction.
SECTION 3. Objectives of the Act. The objectives of this Act are as follows:
A. 
To provide for the effective regulation of planning, design, construction, 
occupancy, and maintenance of buildings and structures, the establishment 
of a permitting process based on their classifications, and the setting of 
reference standards to:
a. 
Safeguard life and protect people from injury;


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b.
c.
d.
Ensure the health and well-being of the people who use them, 
without impinging on the safety of the general public or 
endangering the environment;
Protect property from physical damage; and 
Reduce and manage hazards, exposures, and vulnerabilities, 
thereby minimizing disaster risk;
B. 
To promote the accountability of relevant stakeholders in ensuring 
enforcement of and compliance with this Act, rules and regulations, and 
reference standards; and
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C. 
To establish sustainability standards for government-owned buildings, 
mitigating any negative environmental, economic, and social impacts.
SECTION 4. Scope and Application. This Act shall cover all private and 
public buildings and structures, and their location, siting, planning, design, 
materials, construction, use, occupancy, maintenance, addition, alteration, 
conversion, rehabilitation, relocation, repair, retrofit, and demolition.
SECTION 5. Interpretation. Nothing in this Act shall be interpreted to 
prevent local government units, pursuant to local autonomy, from enacting local 
ordinances relating to buildings or structures and their location, siting, and planning 
that will better safeguard life, health, property, and public welfare, consistent with 
the objectives of this Act.
Such local ordinances by local government units of contiguous jurisdictions 
shall be harmonized for purposes of buildings that may straddle territories of local 
government units.
Before such local ordinance shall take effect, concurrence by the National 
Building Official shall be required through the review process specified in the 
promulgated rules and regulations.
Every such local ordinance shall be published in manners that are clear to all 
stakeholders, through measures that include but are not limited to those provided in 
Section 69 of this Act.
SECTION 6. Definition of Terms. As used in this Act:
A. 
“Accredited Certifier” refers to a person possessing experience and other 
qualifications of a Building Professional, and accredited by the Office of the 
National Building Official to issue certificates to confirm that a building or 
structure that is more than 15 years of age meets the requirements of Chapter 
Vll of this Act, rules and regulations, and reference standards as to structural 
stability and fire safety construction;
B. 
“Accredited Inspector” refers to a person possessing experience and other 
qualifications of a Building Professional, and accredited by the Office of the 
National Building Official, whose service is engaged by the Local Building 
Official to inspect buildings or structures in accordance with this Act. rules 
and regulations, and reference standards;


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C. 
“Accredited Structural Peer Reviewer” refers to a person possessing 
experience and other qualifications of a Building Professional, and accredited 
by the Office of the National Building Official to provide independent 
verification that the structural design of a proposed or new building or 
structure complies with this Act, rules and regulations, and reference 
standards;
D. 
“Accredited Testing Laboratory” refers to an establishment or institution 
accredited by the Office of the National Building Official to perform tests to 
determine if the building materials and components used in the construction 
of a building or structure comply with Chapter VI of this Act, rules and 
regulations, and reference standards;
E. "Addition” refers to any construction which increases the height and/or floor 
area of an existing building or structure;
F. 
"Alteration” refers to any construction in an existing building or structure 
involving changes in the materials used, partitioning, location or size of 
openings, structural parts, existing utilities, and/or equipment but does not 
increase the building height nor fioor area;
G. 
“Ancillary Structure” refers to a structure intended to provide support to 
main buildings or structures, which may include: bank and records vaults; 
swimming pools; firewalls separate from the building or structure; towers; 
silos; smokestacks; chimneys; commercial or industrial fixed ovens; 
industrial kilns or furnaces; water or waste treatment tanks; septic vaults; 
concrete and steel tanks; booths, kiosks, and stages; tombs, mausoleums, and 
niches; and similar structures;
FI. 
"Build Back Better” refers to planning, based on the evolving or evolved 
disaster risks and ahead of disasters, to finance, design, and build after a 
disaster or crisis with consideration of the need to further strengthen disaster 
preparedness for response, take action in anticipation of events, and ensure 
capacities are in place for effective response, recoveiy. and reconstruction;
I. 
“Building” refers to any temporary or permanent structure, anchored to the 
ground, for the shelter, enclosure, or support of persons, animals, machineiy, 
or chattels;
J. 
“Building Contractor” refers to a person duly registered and licensed by the 
Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board, whose proposal has been 
accepted and to whom was awarded the contract to execute the construction; 
for this purpose, “contract” means an agreement, regardless of titles such as 
prime contract, subcontract, or deed of assignment;
K. 
“Building Owner” refers to a person who orders construction work for a 
building or structure by contract; or a person undertaking one’s own 
construction without engaging a Building Contractor therefor, as owner- 
builder; or a person holding the legal right of possession or title to a building 
or structure;


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L. 
“Building Professional” refers to a person lawfully engaged in the design, 
construction, or inspection of a building or structure, who is duly registered 
and licensed by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), through a 
professional regulatory law for each profession, to provide such services;
M. “Building Site" refers to the lot, which is described by technical descriptions 
delineating boundaries of the property to be developed, over which the 
Building Owner has a title or legal right to build; for design puiposes, the 
term shall also cover areas and spaces around the lot, the conditions of which 
bear on the operability and safety of the building or structure;
N. “Construction” refers to any and all on-site work including but not limited 
to preparation, excavation, foundation, and assembly or installation of 
components, utilities, machineiy, and equipment of building or structure;
O. 
“Conversion” refers to a change in the use or occupancy of an existing 
building or structure or any portion/s thereof to another occupancy group or 
sub-group that has different requirements under this Act;
P. 
“Demolition” refers to the systematic dismantling, destruction, or removal 
of a building or structure, in whole or in part;
Q. 
“Department” means the Department of Public Works and Highways 
(DPWH);
R. “Exposure” refers to people, property, systems, or other elements present in 
hazard zones that are thereby subject to potential losses, or to the degree to 
which the elements at risk are likely to experience hazard events of different 
magnitudes;
S. 
“Fire Resistance Rating” refers to the time, in minutes or hours, that a 
building material, assembly, or type of construction can withstand fire 
exposure as determined by generally recognized and accepted testing 
methods;
T. 
“Hazard” refers to a dangerous phenomenon, substance, human activity, or 
condition that may cause loss of life, injury or other health impacts, property 
damage, loss of livelihood and services, social and economic disruption, or 
environmental damage;
U. 
“Hazard Zone” refers to an area identified in generally recognized and 
accepted hazard maps as exposed to natural hazards, such as floods, wind 
storms, storm surges, landslides, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes;
V. “Innovative Construction Technology” refers to a construction technology 
that is emerging or being reintroduced locally or nationally in the field of 
construction, with corresponding evidence of acceptable performance from 
laboratory tests, field tests, and/or analytical studies to comply with Chapter 
V and Chapter VI of this Act, rules and regulations, and reference standards;
W. “Locational Clearance” refers to the document issued by the planning and 
development officer of the local government unit certifying that the proposed


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construction has the appropriate traffic impact assessment (TIA), is located 
in an appropriate zone, and does not violate the Comprehensive Land Use 
Plan (CLUP), any zoning ordinance or regulation of the concerned local 
government unit, nor other applicable laws, ordinances or regulations, which 
document is submitted to the Local Building Official in support of an 
application for a permit;
X. 
"Pemiit" refers to any of the permits that may be issued by the Local 
Building Official as set forth in this Act;
Y. 
“Reference Standards” refers to technical standai'ds that the National 
Building Official promulgates through rules and regulations in administering 
and enforcing this Act; for this purpose, consistent with Section 40, existing 
referral codes shall hereinafter be renamed and referred to accordingly as 
“reference standards;”
Z. “Rehabilitation” refers to the act or process of making possible a compatible 
use for an existing building or structure through repair and/or alteration while 
preserving those portions or features which convey its acknowledged 
heritage significance;
AA. 
“Relocation” refers to the transfer of an existing building or structure or 
portion/s thereof from original location or position to another, either within 
the same site or to a different one;
BB. 
“Renovation” refers to any physical change made on an existing
building or structure to increase the value or improve the quality and/or 
aesthetics, without addition to building height or floor area, nor alteration of 
structural parts:
CC. 
"Repair” refers to remedial work done on any damaged or deteriorated 
portion/s of an existing building or structure to restore its original condition;
DD. 
“RetrofU” refers to the construction of any new element or system, or 
the alteration of any element or system, required to bring an existing building 
or structure, or portion thereof, into conformance with this Act, rules and 
regulations, and reference standards;
EE. 
"Secretary” refers to the Secretary of the Department of Public Works 
and Highways;
FF. 
“Special Site” refers to a site that requires special rules and regulations 
to mitigate potential adverse impacts of the site conditions;
GG. 
"Structure” refers to that which is built or constructed, an edifice, or 
building of any kind, or any piece of work artificially built up or composed 
of parts joined together in some definite manner, but shall not include streets, 
highways, bridges and viaducts, railroads, canals, river and shore 
improvements, diy docks, dams, irrigation, flood protection, tunnels, 
transmission towers and lines, and structures regulated by other national laws 
or competent national agencies;


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HH. 
“Traditional Indigenous Family Dwelling” refers to a residential building 
or structure intended for the use and occupancy by the family of the owner 
only and constructed with native or local materials such as nipa, cogon. 
bamboo, log, lumber, or stone, the estimated total cost of which does not 
exceed the limit prescribed by the National Building Official through rules 
and regulations;
11. 
"Vulnerability" refers to the characteristics and circumstances of a 
community, system or asset that make it susceptible to the damaging effects 
of a hazard; vulnerability may arise from various physical, social, economic, 
and environmental factors such as poor design and construction of buildings, 
inadequate protection of assets, lack of public information and awareness, 
limited recognition of risks and preparedness measures, and disregard for 
sound environmental management; and
JJ. “Zoning” refers to the division of a city or municipality into zones or sub­
zones and overlay zones according to present and potential uses of land to 
maximize, regulate, and direct their use and development in accordance with 
the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP).
Additional definitions shall be included with the implementing rules and regulations 
and with the reference standards; provided, that these shall be non-redundant to, 
non-contradictory with, and only supplementary to, the definitions as used in this 
Act.
CHAPTER H
CLASSIFICATION OF BUILDINGS
SFC riON 7, Classification System. A system of classification of buildings 
and structures in the Philippines as to: (a) type of construction according to fire 
resistance rating; (b) use or occupancy; and (c) required track of permitting process, 
is hereby adopted.
SFCITON 8. Buildings Classified by Type of Construction According to 
Fire Resistance Rating. The building or structure shall be classified according to 
fire resistivity and fire resistance rating consistent with Republic Act No. 9514, or 
the Fire Code of the Philippines, and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, in 
consideration of the combination of features of fire safety constructions including 
but not limited to interior finishes, walls, banders, doors, windows, vents, means of 
egress, and treatment of building components with flame retardant chemicals.
SEC riON 9. Buildings Classified According to Use or Occupancy. The 
building or structure shall be identified based on the use or occupancy and shall be 
classified as follows:
Group A, Assembly occupancies shall include all buildings and structures, or 
portions thereof used for gathering together of fifty (50) or more persons for any 
purpose, including but not limited to deliberation, worship, entertainment, eating, 
drinking, amusement, awaiting transportation, and instruction;


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Group B, Business occupancies are those used for the transaction of business other 
than those covered under Group M, Mercantile, including the keeping of accounts 
and records and similar puiposes for office, professional, or service-type 
transactions;
Group D, Disaster response occupancies are those permanent centers for refuge and 
emergency evacuation or for emergency operation;
Group E, Educational occupancies shall include buildings, or portions thereof, used 
for the gathering of group of six (6) or more persons for purposes of instruction;
Group F, Factoiy and Industrial occupancies are those used for operations including, 
but not limited to, product processing, fabricating, manufacturing, assembling and 
disassembling, mixing, packaging, finishing or decorating, repairing, and material 
recovery;
Group G, Agricultural and Biological occupancies are those used for the production, 
harvesting, processing, storage, manufacture, preserving, transporting, and 
distribution of agricultural and biological products or materials including, but not 
limited to, silos and its components, agricultural and biosystems machineiy and 
equipment sheds, farm houses, green/screen houses, poultiy houses, piggery houses, 
slaughterhouses, agricultural and biological products storage/warehouses, buildings 
and structures for poultry, livestock, fishery and forestiy production and processing, 
kiln diying and lumber treatment structure, and structures for farm equipment, fann 
supplies, and agricultural waste utilization and management;
Group I, Institutional occupancies are those used to house one or more persons under 
varied degrees of restraint or security where such occupants are mostly incapable of 
self-preservation because of security measures not under the occupants’ control 
(Sub-group ID), or government buildings and quarters rendering civic or public 
assistance and peace and order (Sub-group IG), or those in which care or supervision 
is provided to persons who are mostly incapable of self-preservation without 
physical assistance because of age, or physical or mental disability (Sub-group IH);
Group M, Mercantile occupancies are those used for the display and sale of 
merchandise, and involves stocks of goods, wares, and merchandise incidental to 
such purposes and accessible to the public;
Group R, Residential occupancies are those in which sleeping accommodations are 
provided for normal residential or dwelling purposes and include all buildings 
designed to provide sleeping accommodations, for example the socialized (Sub­
group RS) and economic (Sub-group RE) housing covered by Batas Pambansa Big. 
220;
Group S, Storage occupancies include all buildings or structures utilized primarily 
for the storage or sheltering of goods, merchandise, products, vehicles, or animals;
Group U, Utilities and Miscellaneous occupancies are those with an ancillaiy 
character such as. but not limited to, those enumerated in Section 6. Subsection G 
Ancillary Structure, or those which cannot be properly classified in any of the other 
occupancy groups in this Section, such as, but not limited to billboards and 
commercial signboards; and


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Group Z, High-Hazard occupancies mean those with storage and handling of 
flammable, highly combustible, or other materials that would constitute a physical 
or health hazard, in quantities in excess of those allowed by regulations.
The National Building Official may determine, through rules and regulations, 
sub-groups within Group A to Z. Any other use or occupancy not mentioned 
specifically under this Section, or about which there is any question, shall, upon 
approval by the National Building Official, be included in the group which it most 
nearly resembles based on the associated hazard or risk to life, health, property, and 
public welfare.
In addition to permanent centers for refuge and evacuation as in Group D, 
any building, structure, or portion thereof may be designated as a temporary 
evacuation center provided it complies with the specific rules and regulations 
promulgated by the National Building Official.
When a building or structure is of mixed occupancy or used for more than 
one occupancy, the whole building or structure shall be subject to the most 
restrictive requirement pertaining to any of the occupancy groups tound therein, 
except as otherwise provided in applicable rules and regulations.
For each group or sub-group of use or occupancy, the National Building 
Official shall promulgate specific rules and regulations and reference standards in 
accordance with this Act.
SECTION 10. Buildings Classified According to Required Track ofi 
Permitting Process. Buildings and structures shall be classified based on the 
required track of permitting process as follows:
A. 
“Simple Structures” or “Class PI Stmctures” are buildings or stnjctures 
belonging to sub-group/s under Group R, Residential, either traditional 
indigenous family dwellings regardless of number of floors, or individually 
constructed dwellings for up to three (3) families, with maximum total gross 
floor area limit for each case as prescribed by the National Building Official 
through rules and regulations, but shall exclude such structures under any 
government-approved mass housing project developed by the government, 
non-government organization, or private developer. These Simple or Class 
PI Structures shall comply with Simplified Reference Standards as 
prescribed by the National Building Official under a simplified track of 
permitting process.
B. “Regular Structures” or “Class P2 Structures” are buildings or structures that 
do not fall under either one of the classifications of Simple Structures and 
Special Structures. Regular Structures shall require the regular track of 
permitting process.
C. “Special Structures” or “Class P3 Structures” are buildings or structures that 
are distinguished by special physical attributes in terms of size, span, or form, 
vei'y advanced structural calculation method and/or by nature of use or 
occupancy. These structures shall be any of the following:


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1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Buildings and other structures exceeding 75 meters in height or a 
higher height threshold as prescribed based on rules and regulations 
by the National Building Official;
Long span structures exceeding 30 meters in span or a longer span 
threshold as prescribed based on rules and regulations by the National 
Building Official;
Buildings and other structures with two (2) or more floor levels, and 
in any single floor level exceeding 25,000 square meters of gross tloor 
area;
Buildings and other structures with gross floor area exceeding 40,000 
square meters;
Facilities belonging to Group D, Disaster response;
Hospitals belonging to a sub-group under Group I, Institutional, that 
need to provide higher than the minimum level of services in terms of 
functional capacity as classified by competent national agency on 
healthcare facilities;
Facilities belonging to Group Z, High-Hazard;
Structures that have non-regular structural form as classified in 
structural reference standards; and
Buildings and other structures using very advanced stinctural 
calculation method in design and/or design analysis as classified in 
structural reference standards.
Accordingly, the permitting process for these Special or Class P3 Structures 
shall require a peer review of the structural stability.
For buildings and stmctures that have non-regular structural form (sub-class 
8 in this Section) or using vei7 advanced structural calculation method in 
design and/or design analysis (sub-class 9 in this Section), the peer review 
shall be conducted by an Accredited Structural Peer Reviewer duly qualified 
for such specific sub-classes, respectively.
Provided, that prior certification for innovative construction technology 
according to Section 29 of this Act shall be deemed to satisfy the requirement 
of structural peer review. Provided further, that the Oftice of the National 
Building Official shall establish and/or accredit competent government 
agencies in charge of certification of innovative construction technologies as 
provided for in Section 29.
The act of reviewing does not pass on the responsibility and the liability of 
the Building Professional for design to the Accredited Structural Peer 
Reviewer on the structural integrity of the building, without prejudice to 
administrative charges under applicable professional regulations. Provided, 
that should the Building Owner opt, under applicable laws and professional 
regulations, to lawfully disengage the previously engaged Building 
Professional for design and to engage as new Building Professional for 
design an Accredited Structural Peer Reviewer who has been previously 
engaged as peer reviewer according to this Section, a new independent 
Accredited Peer Reviewer shall be required.


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SECTION 11. Buildings and Structures. For purposes of this Act, structures 
shall include buildings, ancillaiy structures, and other structures as defined in this 
Act.
SEC TION 12. Requirements for Each Type of Construction According to 
Fire Resistance Rating. The National Building Official shall prescribe standards for 
each type of construction according to fire resistivity and fire resistance rating as 
allowed under this Act correspondingly for each group or sub-group of use or 
occupancy, and promulgate rules and regulations and reference standards therefor, 
in general terms of structural system, exterior walls and openings, interior walls and 
enclosures, floors, exits and stairs construction, and roofs, among other elements.
SECTION 13. Changes in Use or Occupancy and/or Type of Construction 
According to Fire Resistance Rating. No change shall be made in the use or 
occupancy and/or type of construction according to fire resistivity and fire resistance 
rating of any building or structure which would place the building or structure in a 
different occupancy group or different type of construction, unless such building or 
structure is made to comply with the requirements for the new occupancy group or 
type of construction; provided, that the change may be approved by the Local 
Building Official upon determination that the new use or occupancy and/or type of 
construction poses less risk to life, health, property, and public welfare, according 
to rules and regulations promulgated by the National Building Official.
CHAPTER HI
LOCATION, SITING, AND ZONING REQUIREMENTS
SECTION 14. General Requirements for Location, Siting, and Zoning. The 
site upon which will be constructed any building or structure shall be sanitary, 
hygienic, and accessible, and shall not pose high hazard for the intended use or 
occupancy, as determined by competent and appropriate authorities and certified 
through a locational clearance and other clearance/s or certificate/s as prescribed by 
applicable laws and regulations. It shall not obstruct existing easement or right-of- 
way of the national government and all local government units, as well as 
departments, regulatoiy agencies, instrumentalities, government owned and 
controlled corporations, and implementing units of the same, in accordance with 
existing laws and rules and regulations.
SECTION 15. Protection of the Site Environment. Any proposed 
construction, including its location, siting, and use. shall take into account the 
environment and its conservation and protection. It shall not gravely affect the 
heritage and environmental significance of the site; and shall not harm nor aggravate 
the state of the neighborhood, environment, and natural resources surrounding it. 
No construction, its location, siting, and use shall be allowed without complying 
with the applicable heritage, environmental, and natural resources laws and 
regulations, as determined by competent and appropriate authorities and certified 
through a locational clearance and other clearance/s or certificate/s as prescribed by 
applicable laws and regulations.
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SEC'I'ION 16. Protection of the Public. Any proposed construction shall not 
cause harm to the general public nor infringe on public spaces.
SECTION 17. Requirements in Hazard Zones and Special Sites. The 
Building Owner and Building Professional shall ensure that the proposed 
construction, its location, siting, and use, will not increase the vulnerabilities of the 
people who will occupy the building and their neighborhood on account of the 
hazard zone or special site. Within hazard zones as established in the 
Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) and/or hazard maps published by the 
national government, risk mitigation and adaptation requirements and/or measures 
shall be incorporated in the rules and regulations and reference standards as 
promulgated by the National Building Official.
SECTION 18. Resilience. Buildings and structures damaged structurally by 
a disaster or crisis shall adhere to principles of building back better in post-disaster 
or post-crisis recovery and reconstruction.
The National Building Official shall cause to integrate disaster risk reduction 
and management measures in the rules and regulations and reference standards for 
planning, design, and reconstruction of buildings and structures.
The National Building Official shall promulgate specific rules and 
regulations and reference standards for temporary post-disaster or post-crisis 
structures.
CHAPTER IV 
DESIGN REOUIREMENTS
SECl’ION 19. General Requirements for Design. The design of all buildings 
and structures shall comply with the requirements prescribed by this Act, rules and 
regulations, and reference standards; provided, that there shall be specific levels of 
standards and technical requirements for socialized housing (residential occupancy 
Sub-group RS) and economic housing (residential occupancy Sub-group RE) 
structures as provided by Batas Pambansa Big. 220.
Provided further, that Group G, Agricultural and Biological occupancies 
shall consider biosystems design requirements for the protection of persons, 
animals, crops, and the environment.
Buildings and structures on or in special sites shall consider special design 
requirements and risk mitigation measures called for by the specific site conditions.
SEC'ITON 20. Stability. All buildings and structures shall be designed to be 
structurally stable against anticipated combinations of loads and effects so as to 
safeguard people and property from physical harm or damage.
Subject to the provisions of Articles 684 to 686 of Republic Act No. 386, or Civil 
Code ot the Philippines, on lateral and subjacent support, the design and quality of 
materials used structurally in excavation, footings, and in foundations shall conform 
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SECTION 21. Protection from Fire. All buildings and stnjctures shall be 
designed to safeguard persons and properties from any harm or damage caused by 
fire in accordance with Republic Act No. 9514, or the Fire Code of the Philippines, 
and its Implementing Rules and Regulations.
All fire safety constructions as defined by the Fire Code of the Philippines shall be 
designed in accordance with specific rules and regulations and reference standards 
under this Act.
SECl'ION 22. Protection from Moisture and Surface Water. All buildings 
shall be designed to provide adequate resistance to penetration by, and the 
accumulation of, excessive moisture and surface water.
SECTION 23. Protection from Other Hazards. All buildings and stnjctures 
shall be designed to safeguard persons and properties from other site-specific 
multiple hazards.
SECTION 24. Safety of Users or Occupants. All buildings and structures 
shall be designed to safeguard its users or occupants from harm, injury, or loss.
SECTION 25. Ingress, Circulation, and Egress. Safe access into, circulation 
within, and egress from the buildings, including emergency exits, shall be provided 
for persons and vehicles.
SECTION 26. Energy and Energy Efficiency. The design of buildings and 
structures shall include, wherein required, practices and technologies that optimize 
energy efficiency.
The National Building Official shall promulgate specific rules and 
regulations on energy efficiency that are applicable to buildings and structures 
exceeding a threshold total gross floor area, depending on the classification of use 
or occupancy.
SECTION 27. Services and Facilities. All building services and facilities, 
their equipment and installations, shall be designed to be adequate, safe, and 
efficient, to promote the well-being of the users or occupants and the general public. 
Constructability and ease of maintenance of the services and facilities shall be 
highly considered in the design.
As required by the occupancy group, buildings and structures shall be 
designed to provide services and facilities including but not limited to the following: 
light and ventilation; water supply; drainage; wastewater disposal; solid waste 
management; pest and vermin control; power and fuel supply; communication 
facilities; conveyance and parking facilities; and fire lane and fire hydrants.
Provided, that the carriageways, sidewalks, and all parts of road right-of-way for 
public roads adjoining a building site shall not be used to meet the requirements of 
parking facilities for the building as required by this Act. rules and regulations, and 
reference standards. 
Provided further, that queuing areas, driveways, ramps, 
entrances to. and exits from parking facilities for a building shall not encroach on
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the road right-of-way nor obstruct the movement of pedestrians and vehicles on the 
public roads adjoining the building.
Provided finally, that telecommunication facilities such as, but not limited to, in­
building solutions and fiber-optic cabling for high-capacity and high-speed 
requirements shall be mandatoiy in buildings owned by the national government 
and all local government units, as well as departments, regulatory agencies, 
instrumentalities, and implementing units of the same.
CHAPTER V
CON ST R U CT1 ON R E Q111 RE M E M  S
SECTION 28. General Requirements for Construction. The construction of 
all buildings and structures shall comply with the requirements prescribed by this 
Act, rules and regulations, and reference standards.
Use of materials, pieces of equipment, plants, and tools, and selection of 
personnel shall conform to reference standards on materials, methods, and practices, 
in order to ensure quality of material and quality of workmanship. Builders shall 
promote quality of construction as one of the essential links to the reduction of the 
vulnerability of the building or structure to hazards.
SECl'lON 29. Innovative Construction Technologies. All innovative 
construction technologies used in building construction shall comply with any 
special tests or requirements as prescribed by the National Building Official 
pursuant to the policies and objectives of this Act. These technologies shall be 
installed by qualified personnel and supervised by technically competent 
professionals.
The proponent of such innovative construction technology may apply for a 
certification by the competent national agency according to the rules and regulations 
prescribed by the National Building Official. Buildings and other structures using 
an innovative construction technology with prior certification shall be deemed to 
satisfy the requirement of structural peer review.
Provided, that innovative technologies appropriate for socialized and economic 
housing, which are low-cost housing as covered by Batas Pambansa Big. 220, shall 
be subject for accreditation by the Accreditation of Innovative Technologies for 
Housing (AITECH) Committee or its successor agency.
Provided further, that the Office of the National Building Official shall establish and 
accredit another competent national agency to be in charge of accreditation of 
innovative technologies, including so-called smart and/or green technologies, that 
are for applications other than socialized or economic housing.
Provided finally, that nothing in this Act shall be interpreted to prevent the National 
Building Official from causing the establishment and accreditation of a unified 
competent national agency to be in charge of accreditation of innovative 
technologies for various construction applications.
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SEC'I'ION 30. Safety’ and Protection During Construction. All buildings 
shall be constructed or demolished without causing any harm or injury to the 
construction workers and the public.
SECTION 31. Protection of Property’ During Construction. All and any 
public or private property above or below the ground shall be protected from any 
damage by any work being done under the permit. The protection shall be 
maintained while such work is being done and shall not obstruct the normal 
functioning of any such property.
SECTION 32. Phased or Incremental Construction. All uncompleted 
portions of buildings subject to phased or incremental construction shall be 
protected and shall not pose harm to the public. Any additional or incremental work 
shall not compromise the safety and well-being of the users or occupants.
SECTION 33. Construction and Demolition Waste Management. All 
buildings shall be constructed with proper management of construction and 
demolition waste.
CHAPTER VI 
BUILDING MATERIALS
SECTION 34. General Requirements for Materials. All building materials 
and components shall comply with the requirements prescribed by this Act, rules 
and regulations, and reference standards.
The use of building materials and components must be safe for the health of users 
or occupants and must not cause any substantive negative impact to the environment 
such as, but not limited to, air, water, and soil.
Provided, that product standards promulgated by competent national agency shall 
be harmonized with or incorporated together with the reference standards under this 
Act.
SECTION 35. Selection of Materials. Building materials and components 
shall be selected following a set of criteria including but not limited to strength, fire 
resistivity, moisture resistance, durability, and sustainability, according to rules and 
regulations and reference standards promulgated by the National Building Official.
CHAPTER VII
OCCUPANCY, MAINTENANCE, AND ABATEMENT OF BUILDINGS
SECT ION 36. General Requirements for Occupancy, Maintenance, and 
Abatement. All Building Owners shall use and maintain the building in accordance 
with the requirements prescribed by this Act, rules and regulations, and reference 
standards. The use and maintenance of the building must be safe for the health of 
users, occupants, and the general public, and shall not cause any substantive 
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SECriON 37. Maintenance, Inspection, and Assessment of Buildings and 
Reporting to the ONBO. All buildings shall undergo regular maintenance and 
inspection in accordance with each building’s maintenance strategy. There shall be 
rules and regulations to guide the preparation, approval, and implementation of 
appropriate maintenance strategies for buildings and structures, promulgated by the 
National Building Official. The Building Owner shall perform periodic maintenance 
and inspection; the Local Building Officials and/or Accredited Inspectors shall 
conduct inspection as appropriate according to rules and regulations. The Office of 
the National Building Official shall establish a system for monitoring, reporting, and 
evaluating maintenance and inspection activities.
The Office of the National Building Official shall assist Building Owners of 
structures falling within the classification Simple or Class P1 Structures and Regular 
or Class P2 Structures in conducting a simplified or regular inspection of their 
buildings.
For buildings and structures with occupancies falling under Group A, Group 
D, Group E, or Group Z, there shall be periodic inspections by Local Building 
Officials and/or Accredited Inspectors subject to specific rules and regulations 
promulgated by the National Building Official.
The Office of the National Building Official shall coordinate with relevant 
government agencies that regulate business operations in buildings and structures; 
structural stability clearance from the Office of the Local Building Official shall be 
a prerequisite for the issuance or renewal of business permits or pemiits to operate, 
for new occupancy or occupancy after 15 years from the date of completion of the 
building or structure.
Mandatoi7 inspection and assessment by an Accredited Ceilifier as to 
structural stability and fire safety construction shall be commissioned by the 
Building Owner at the 15th year from the date of completion of the building and 
evei7 15 years thereafter in the case of Special or Class P3 Structures.
In cases of addition, alteration, conversion, rehabilitation, relocation, repair, 
and/or retrofit requiring more recent structural stability assessment and 
coiresponding certification and clearance, the date of reckoning of 15 years for 
purposes of this Section shall be counted from the completion date of the latest 
building permit that involved the most recent structural stability clearance under this 
Act.
The National Building Official shall promulgate rules and regulations and 
reference standards for mandatoiy inspection and assessment of buildings as to 
structural stability and fire safety construction, specific to the various building 
classifications; provided, that Accredited Certifiers need not be engaged for Simple 
or Class PI Structures and Regular or Class P2 Structures.
The National Building Official shall promulgate specific rules and 
regulations for mandatory inspection and assessment of all buildings as to structural 
stability and fire safety construction after regional catastrophic events such as, but 
not limited to, widely destructive earthquakes and typhoons. The determination of 
an event that is catastrophic as to warrant mandatoiy assessment of all buildings in
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a geographic area shall be made by the National Building Official in consultation 
and coordination with other government agencies.
The Office of the National Building Official through the Offices of Local 
Building Official shall maintain a computerized national database of permits and 
other periodic data about all buildings and structures, including but not limited to 
reports on maintenance, inspection, and/or assessment.
SECnO N  38. Special Provision for Buildings Completed More than 15 
Years Prior to the Effectivity of this Act. To ensure the safety of the people and to 
reduce risks, Special or Class P3 Structures and buildings and structures with 
occupancies falling under Group A and Group E, that were completed in 2005 or 
earlier, are mandated to have an assessment of the design based on the requirements 
in Chapter IV of this Act as specified in rules and regulations, as to structural 
stability and fire safety construction, and the Building Owners are to submit the 
certifications or findings of appropriate Building Professionals, serving as 
Accredited Certifiers, to the concerned Local Building Officials regarding the state 
of such buildings and structures and their safety and/or need for retrofit.
Within three (3) months from the effectivity of this Act, the Department 
through the Office of the National Building Official, in consultation with relevant 
agencies and stakeholders, shall implement a phased approach to prioritize 
compliance of Building Owners of both public and private buildings in hazard 
zones, such as but not limited to those near earthquake fault lines or in coastal zones 
affected by sea level rise, or in hazard zones or areas otherwise identified in hazard 
maps, or those used for assemblies in large numbers and/or by vulnerable users or 
occupants.
The National Building Official, in coordination with other concerned 
agencies, shall develop and administer incentive schemes, such as those allowed by 
the disaster risk reduction and management funds, to support immediate voluntaiy 
retrofit by the Building Owners requiring modifications for the safety of the users 
or occupants and/or the general public.
SECTION 39. Abatement of Dangerous and Ruinous Buildings. When any 
building or structure is found or declared to be dangerous or ruinous, the Local 
Building Official shall order its repair, vacation, or demolition depending upon the 
degree of danger to life, health, property, and public welfare. This is without 
prejudice to further action that may be taken under the provisions of Articles 482 
and 694 to 707 of the Civil Code of the Philippines and other existing laws.
For purposes of this Section, dangerous or ruinous buildings are buildings or 
structures determined by the Local Building Official to be structurally unstable; or 
not provided with safe egress; or which constitute a fire hazard; or are otherwise 
dangerous to human life; or which in relation to existing use, constitute a hazard to 
life safety, health, or public welfare because of inadequate maintenance, 
dilapidation, obsolescence, or abandonment; or which otherwise contribute to the 
pollution of the site or the community to an intolerable degree.
Abatement and/or rehabilitation of buildings and structures covered under 
Republic Act No. 10066, or the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009. shall be
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coordinated with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) prior 
to any action of abatement.
CHAPTER VIII 
ADMINISTRATION
SEC riON 40. National Building Official (NBO): Powers, Obligations, and 
Functions. The Secretaiy of the Department shall have the duty to ensure that all 
laws relating to building design and construction are faithfully executed and is 
primarily charged with the administration and enforcement of the provisions of this 
Act, rules and regulations, and reference standards.
The Secretaiy shall ensure harmonization of rules and regulations and reference 
standards between government-funded and non-government funded buildings and 
structures, consistent with the objectives of this Act.
As the National Building Official, the Secretary shall have the following general 
powers, obligations, and functions:
A. Issue and promulgate rules and regulations to implement the provisions 
of this Act, upon recommendation of the Building Regulations and 
Standards Council, and ensure compliance with policies, plans, 
standards, and guidelines formulated. The Building Regulations and 
Standards Council shall be formed in accordance with the provisions of 
this Act;
B. Approve and/or take final action on changes and/or amendments to 
reference standards based on recommendations of the Building 
Regulations and Standards Council. For this purpose, existing refeiral 
codes shall hereinafter be renamed and referred to accordingly as 
“reference standards”;
C. Appoint Local Building Officials, in manner as provided for by this 
Act, and exercise supervision and control over them as the National 
Building Official;
D. Designate Local Building Officials, in manner as provided for by this 
Act, and exercise supervision and control over them as the National 
Building Official;
E. Create the Office of the Local Building Official in case of clustered 
municipalities, as set forth in this Act, and exercise administrative as 
well as technical supervision and control;
F. Appoint the Regional Building Appeals Boards, as provided for by this 
Act, and exercise administrative supervision over them;
G. Prescribe and fix the schedule of fees, appeal bonds, and other charges 
that the National Building Official and Local Building Officials shall 
collect in the exercise of their regulatory functions;
H. Inspect at reasonable times any building or structure, covered by this 
Act. rules and regulations, and reference standards; provided, that in 
case of a single-family dwelling, an inspection must be upon the 
consent of the occupant or upon lawful order from the proper court;
I. 
Issue appropriate orders, including cease and desist order and 
demolition order, against any person or entity to prevent injury to the
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public and compel compliance with the provisions of this Act, rules and 
regulations, and reference standards;
J. Impose fines, penalties, and other administrative sanctions for failure 
or refusal to comply with, or violation of any provision of this Act, rules 
and regulations, and reference standards, or any order, instruction, or 
ruling;
K. Enlist the aid and support of, and/or deputize any and all enforcement 
agencies of the government in the implementation of his powers and 
functions under this Act, mles and regulations, and reference standards; 
and
L. Exercise such other powers and perform such functions as may be 
needed to cany out the objectives of this Act. rules and regulations, and 
reference standards.
SECTION 41. Building Regulations and Standards Council (BRSC). A 
Building Regulations and Standards Council is hereby created to assist the National 
Building Official in reviewing and recommending rules and regulations and 
reference standards to accomplish the objectives of this Act.
A. 
Members. The Building Regulations and Standards Council shall be 
composed of the following:
1. 
Undersecretary for Technical Services of the Department as Chair;
2. 
Undersecretaiy of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban 
Development (DHSUD) for technical services or planning;
3. 
Commissioner of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) in 
charge of supervision of regulatory boards of building professionals;
4. 
Chief of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP);
5. 
Undersecretaiy of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in 
charge of supervision of product standards and/or contractor 
accreditations;
6. 
Undersecretaiy of the Department of Science and Technology 
(DOST) for scientific and technological services;
7. 
Undersecretary of the Department of Environment and Natural 
Resources (DENR) for planning and policy making regarding 
environmental concerns;
8. President of a national association of local building officials;
9. President of a national association of building developers, national 
association of building owners, national association of building 
managers, or national association of building administrators;
10. President of a PRC-accredited national professional organization of 
building professionals;
11. President of a national association of building contractors;
12. High-ranking regular faculty member from a recognized higher 
education 
institution 
involved 
in 
the 
training 
of building 
professionals; and
13. Representative-at-large coming from any concerned sectors whose 
participation is deemed by the National Building Official as timely 
and complementai7 to those of other members enumerated.
Each from a list of nominees submitted by their respective sectors, all 
representatives from the private, academic, or non-government sectors.
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B.
enumerated above from 8 to 12, shall be appointed by the National Building 
Official for a term of three (3) years; provided, that each said member, during 
his/her term in the Council, shall remain a certified member-in-good­
standing of the association, organization, or institution that has been 
originally represented. In case of substitution or replacement of a member 
representing a specific sector, the new member shall serve for the remainder 
of the three-year term.
For these sectors enumerated above from 8 to 12, a different association, 
organization, or institution other than the one currently represented shall be 
given preference by the National Building Official in the next full three-year 
term appointment, in order to practice a rotation of representation from 
among the various associations, organizations, or institutions in each sector.
Representative-at-large, enumerated above as 13, shall serve ex-officio if an 
official and representative of government agencies, or shall serve for a term 
of three (3) years without immediate reappointment within one (1) year if 
coming from the private, academic, or non-government sectors.
In the absence or temporary incapacity of the Undersecretary for Technical 
Services of the Department, the Undersecretary of DHSUD shall act as the 
Chair of the Council.
In the absence or temporary incapacity of the Undersecretary for Technical 
Services of the Department and the Undersecretary of DHSUD the Officer- 
in-Charge (OIC) Undersecretaiy for Technical Services of the Department 
shall act as the Chair of the Council.
A simple majority of the members of the Council shall constitute a quorum. 
The presence of either the Chair or Vice-Chair of the BRSC is indispensable 
in counting the quorum.
Duties and Responsibilities. The Building Regulations and Standards 
Council shall have the following duties and responsibilities:
1. 
Review existing rules and regulations and existing referral codes, 
renamed as reference standards under this Act, and/or formulate new 
ones in line with the provisions of this Act and rules and regulations;
2. 
Formulate and recommend policies and strategies, for design and 
constnjction, with reference to global standards, and taking into 
account local conditions;
3. 
Formulate a system of accreditation of qualified Building 
Professionals as Accredited Certifiers, Accredited Structural Peer 
Reviewers, 
and/or 
Accredited 
Inspectors, 
and 
qualified 
establishments or institutions as Accredited Testing Laboratories;
4. 
Collect relevant information, conduct research, and support studies 
on all matters relating to design and construction, such as, but not 
limited to, the performance and results achieved of the standards in 
mainstreaming disaster risk reduction and management in building 
planning, design, construction, occupancy, and maintenance;
5. 
Submit recommendations, including rules and regulations and 
reference standards, to the National Building Official for approval;
6. 
Submit an annual report to the National Building Official; and
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7. 
Perform such other functions that the National Building Official may 
authorize or assign as may be necessary in carrying out the objectives 
of this Act.
C. 
Technical Working Groups (TWGs). To support the BRSC in the 
performance of its duties and responsibilities, the National Building Official 
shall constitute Technical Working Groups (TWGs) composed of relevant 
stakeholders.
D. Secretariat. The BRSC shall have its Secretariat personnel separate from the 
Office of the National Building Official, to assist in the operation of the 
Council and TWGs.
E. 
Procedures. The National Building Official, in consultation with relevant 
stakeholders, shall prescribe, based on rules and regulations, the procedures 
of the Building Regulations and Standards Council, ensuring the periodic 
review of reference standards every five (5) years and the participation of the 
relevant stakeholders including, but not limited to, building officials, 
building developers, building owners, building managers or administrators, 
building professionals and professional organizations, building contractors, 
and higher education institutions, in setting performance standards for design 
and construction.
The National Building Official shall issue evei7 five (5) years, or more 
frequently as needed, updated reference standards.
F. The BRSC budget shall be included in the annual budget of the Department.
SECl'ION 42. Office of the National Building Official (ONBO). The Office 
of the National Building Official, within the Department, is hereby created to 
provide sufficient technical, legal, administrative, and support personnel to the 
National Building Official in the exercise of his powers and the performance of his 
duties.
This Office, headed by a Director, who shall be a registered and licensed 
professional, be a member of good standing of the duly accredited national 
organization of the profession, and have at least five (5) years of diversified and 
professional experience in building design, construction, and regulation, shall be 
placed under the supervision of the Undersecretary for Technical Services. It shall 
comprise highly qualified personnel eligible to act as building professionals, 
scientists, or technicians who possess diversified and professional experience in the 
field of building design and construction, and lawyers.
The Office of the National Building Official shall provide assistance to the 
National Building Official in the institutional strengthening of Offices of Local 
Building Official, capacity building of Local Building Officials, data management, 
monitoring and evaluation, and establishing and maintaining linkages with 
concerned institutions. A mandatory continuing education and training program 
shall be pursued for the Local Building Officials and their staff, as well as the staff 
of the Office of the National Building Official.
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The Office of the National Building Official shall coordinate the Regional 
Building Appeals Boards.
The Office of the National Building Official shall formulate plans, programs, 
and projects on building planning, design, construction, occupancy, and 
maintenance pursuant to this Act in consideration of global best practices and the 
exposure of the country to multiple hazards. It shall plan and implement a 
computerized national database of buildings and structures, for purposes ot Section 
37 and other provisions of this Act and rules and regulations. It shall also be in­
charge of the implementation of a system of accreditation of qualified Building 
Professionals as Accredited Certifiers, Accredited Structural Peer Reviewers, and/or 
Accredited Inspectors, and qualified establishments or institutions as Accredited 
Testing Laboratories.
SECTION 43. Regional Building Appeals Boards (RBABs). A Regional 
Building Appeals Board with appropriate personnel is hereby created in Regional 
Offices of the Department and placed under the administrative supervision of the 
National Building Official; provided, that an RBAB may be created by the National 
Building Official to serve a group of adjacent regions. The RBAB shall be chaired 
by a member of the Philippine Bar, and assisted by two technical personnel of the 
Department sitting as the other members of the Board and by support stall, all ot 
whom are appointed by the National Building Otticial. It shall have exclusive 
appellate jurisdiction to review decisions of the Local Building Officials, or resolve 
appeals and/or complaints after the same shall have been acted upon, or not given 
due course, by the respective Local Building Officials within their region. In case 
of appeal for reconsideration by an aggrieved party on the same matter, the decision 
of the RBAB shall be subject to review by the National Building Official pursuant 
to Section 60 of this Act.
SECTION 44. Offices of the Local Building Official (OLBOs) and Local 
Building Officials (LBOs). Cities and first class municipalities shall create and 
operate a separate Office of the Local Building Otticial headed by a Local Building 
Official who shall be appointed by and accountable to the National Building 
Official. The Local Building Official shall be appointed by the National Building 
Official from a list of at least three (3) qualified recommendees of the mayor, subject 
to civil service law and rules and regulations. The Local Building Otticial shall be 
responsible for canning out the provisions of this Act, rules and regulations, and 
reference standards within the territorial jurisdictions. Notwithstanding the 
foregoing, the National Building Official shall have complete supervision and 
control over the Local Building Otticial.
Depending upon their needs and in order to improve their frontline services, second 
to sixth-class municipalities may create and operate a separate Office ot the Local 
Building Official upon request to and approval by the National Building Otticial. 
These municipalities, if adjacent and accessible to each other, may also opt to 
request the National Building Official to create and operate an Office of the Local 
Building Official to serve the clustered municipalities, which office shall be under 
the National Building Official. This cluster Office shall be located at a municipality 
within the cluster as determined by the National Building Official. Each cluster of 
municipalities may recommend to the National Building Official the appointment 
of one Local Building Official for such cluster from a list of at least three (3)
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qualified recommendees of the mayors of the cluster, subject to civil service law 
and rules and regulations.
Absent a request to and/or approval by the National Building Official for either a 
separate or a cluster Office of the Local Building Official, the municipal engineers 
of the second to sixth-class municipalities shall be designated by the National 
Building Official to act, in concurrent capacity, as the Local Building Officials in 
their respective territorial jurisdictions. For puiposes of this Chapter and this 
Section, the Office of the Municipal Engineer in such second to sixth-class 
municipalities shall be refeired to also as Office of the Local Building Official.
The concerned local government unit shall provide the funding for and operate the 
separate Office of the Local Building Official; the Office of the National Building 
Official shall fund and operate cluster Offices of the Local Building Official. The 
sharing and use of fees and fines among the offices shall be in conformity with 
Section 46 of this Act.
SEC'l'lON 45. SpecialJurisdictions. There shall be Local Building Officials 
for special jurisdictions such as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the 
Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), the Department of Agriculture (DA), 
and other government agencies, as explicitly provided for by the applicable laws, 
who shall regulate the design and construction of buildings or structures under their 
jurisdiction and/or their registered locators and enterprises. These Local Building 
Officials in special jurisdictions shall likewise be designated by and accountable to 
the National Building Official.
Said Local Building Officials shall be designated by the National Building Official 
from a list of at least three (3) qualified recommendees of the head of their agency, 
subject to civil service law and rules and regulations.
SECTION 46. Sharing and Use of Fees and Fines. Out of the total collection 
derived from fees, permit fees, fines, and other charges, the Office of the Local 
Building Official shall retain 15% thereof and deposit in a special account created 
by the Local Treasurer, to answer for its maintenance and other operating expenses. 
The Office of the Local Building Official shall cause to remit five percent (5%) to 
the National Building Official. The remaining 80% shall accrue to the general fund 
of the local government unit or the agency with special jurisdiction, which created 
and operated the Office.
However, in the case of the cluster Office of the Local Building Official, it shall 
retain 15% thereof and deposit in a special account created by the Local Treasurer, 
to answer for its maintenance and other operating expenses, cause to remit 65% to 
the National Building Official, and cause to divide the remaining 20% between or 
among the clustered municipalities in proportion to the total fees and fines 
originating from each municipality, and to accrue to their respective general funds.
The share of income to be remitted to the National Building Official shall be 
used to cover honoraria for the BRSC Secretariat, BRSC TWGs, RBABs, and other 
operating expenses of the BRSC, ONBO, RBABs, and cluster OLBOs.
Any provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding, the National Building 
Official is hereby authorized to prescribe the procedures for the use of the 15%
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retained for the Office of the Local Building Official. Such income may be used to 
cover necessaiy operating expenses including the purchase of equipment, supplies, 
and materials; expenses for travel; continuing education and training programs; 
engaging Accredited Inspectors and Accredited Structural Peer Reviewers; 
obligation expenses including attorney’s fees and other legal expenses, including 
sheriffs fees as well as hazard pay for employees and/or authorized representatives 
of the Office of the Local Building Official when the cause is in line with the 
performance of duties; and payment of other prior years' obligations not adequately 
funded, subject to existing budgetary and auditing rules and regulations.
SECTION 47. Qualifications of Local Building Officials. No person shall be 
appointed as a Local Building Official unless the person possesses the following 
qualifications:
a. 
A Filipino citizen and of good moral character;
b. 
A duly registered and licensed architect or civil engineer;
c. 
A member of good standing of the duly accredited professional 
organization of architects or of civil engineers for not less than five 
(5) years; and
d. 
Has at least five (5) years of diversified and professional experience 
in building design and construction.
Municipal engineers appointed by their mayors and who shall concurrently be 
designated by the National Building Official as Local Building Officials, shall 
comply with the qualifications prescribed for their positions as municipal engineers 
in the Local Government Code.
The Local Building Official for a special jurisdiction shall comply with the 
qualifications prescribed tor the position by the specific law that is applicable to said 
special jurisdiction.
SECl'ION 48, Powers. Obligations, and Functions of Local Building 
Officials. In addition to the other powers, obligations, and functions mentioned in 
this Act, the Local Building Official shall have the following general powers, 
obligations, and functions:
A. Approve applications for, and issue, reject, suspend, or revoke permits 
within their territorial or special jurisdictions; for this purpose, the Local 
Building Official shall base the decision upon the completeness and 
integrity of the application documents supported by the appropriate 
certifications of Building Professionals and clearances from relevant 
government agencies, in accordance with this Act, rules and regulations, 
and reference standards;
B. 
Hear and decide cases filed by parties on complaints related to the 
permitting process;
C. 
Enter any building, structure, or its premises at reasonable times to 
inspect and detenriine compliance with the requirements of this Act, rules 
and regulations, and reference standards, as well as the terms and 
conditions of the permit/s issued; provided, that in case ot single-family 
dwelling, an inspection by the Local Building Official and/or Accredited 
Inspector must be upon the consent of the occupant or upon lawful order 
from the proper court;
D. 
Engage qualified and nationally-accredited Building Professionals as 
inspectors and/or structural peer reviewers;
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E. Order the work stopped and prescribe the terms and/or conditions for the 
work to be allowed to resume, or issue any appropriate order, including 
cease and desist order and demolition order, when any construction is 
found to be contrai7 to the provisions of this Act, rules and regulations, 
reference standards, and the terms and conditions of the permit/s issued;
F. Order the discontinuance of the use or occupancy of any building or 
structure, or a portion thereof, found to be used or occupied contrary to 
the provisions of this Act, rules and regulations, and reference standards, 
and/or the terms and conditions of the permit/s issued;
Keep a permanent record and accurate account of all fees, fines, and 
other charges fixed and authorized by the National Building Official to 
be collected and received under this Act;
Validate and submit data on a computerized national database of 
buildings and structures, for purposes of Section 37 and other provisions 
of this Act and rules and regulations;
Submit an annual situational report to the National Building Official; and 
Exercise such powers and perform such other functions needed to assist 
the National Building Official in canying out the objectives of this Act, 
rules and regulations, and reference standards.
G.
H.
SECTION 
49. Responsibilities of Building Owners. To promote 
accountability. Building Owners and Building Owner-Builders shall be responsible 
for their compliance with the provisions of this Act, rules and regulations, and 
reference standards. These responsibilities shall include but not be limited to:
A. Providing and/or submitting true and correct information and documents 
in support of their application for permits and their prerequisite 
certifications and clearances;
B. Adhering to the plans and specifications;
C. Complying with the tenns and conditions of the permit issued, and other 
prerequisite certifications and clearances;
D. 
Maintaining the building consistent with its maintenance strategy and 
conducting periodic inspection in accordance with this Act, rules and 
regulations, and reference standards;
E. Engaging the services of Building Professionals and/or Building 
Contractors for any proposed constmction, as may be required by this 
Act, rules and regulations, except for Simple or Class PI Structures; and
F. Engaging the services of Building Professionals or Accredited Certifiers 
for the assessment of structural stability and fire safety construction of 
the building, as may be required by this Act, rules and regulations, except 
for Simple or Class PI Structures and Regular or Class P2 Structures.
Offer to transfer ownership, or actual transfer of ownership, involving owners of 
subdivision projects shall be made pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 957, or the 
Subdivision and Condominium Buyers’ Protective Decree.
Offer to transfer ownership, or actual partial or full transfer of ownership, 
involving owners of condominium projects shall be made pursuant to Presidential 
Decree No. 957, or the Subdivision and Condominium Buyers’ Protective Decree, 
and to Republic Act No. 4726. or the Condominium Act, as amended.
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SECTION 50. Responsibilities of Building Professionals. To promote 
accountability, the various Building Professionals, all of whom are registered and 
licensed by their respective professional boards under the Professional Regulation 
Commission (PRC), shall be responsible for the accuracy of their work and their 
corresponding certifications.
A. 
Design professionals shall be responsible for the correctness and 
consistency of their design and the preparation of duly signed and sealed 
drawings, technical specifications, calculations, designs, and analyses. 
They are not precluded from conducting inspection of the construction 
work or building or structure to check and detemiine adherence to the 
plans and specifications of the work as submitted with the permit 
application; 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.
B. 
Professionals in charge of construction shall be responsible for the 
cori’ectness of construction, including correctness of materials used, 
procedures followed, and temporary works carried out in compliance with 
construction methodologies and standards; for compliance with safety 
requirements; and for proper construction supervision at the site works. 
They shall undertake the full time inspection and supervision of the work, 
and keep at the work site at all times a logbook wherein the actual 
progress of work including tests conducted, weather conditions, and other 
pertinent data are recorded. They shall be responsible for the consistency 
and integrity of the documents such as logbook and as-built plans. They 
shall also be responsible for the submission of the said documents, all 
duly signed and sealed, upon completion or stoppage of construction, to 
the Local Building Official.
SECTION 51. Responsibilities of Building Contractors. To promote 
accountability. Building Contractors shall adhere to the duly signed and sealed 
drawings, technical specifications, and construction procedure, as prepared and 
certified by the Building Professionals and relied upon by the Local Building 
Officials in the issuance of the permit. They shall also adhere to the additional 
details, issued during construction, conforming to the submitted documents. 
Building Contractors shall ensure the safety and health of construction workers, in 
addition to protection afforded to them by labor laws. As principals, they shall be 
solidarily responsible for the acts and omissions of their representatives, agents, 
subcontractors, and/or employees in relation to construction. They shall engage 
Building Professionals in-charge of construction.
CHAPTER IX
PERMITS AND FNSPECI IONS
SEC TION 52. Types of Permit. The Building Owner of any proposed 
construction or existing building or structure must secure the appropriate permit 
from the Local Building Official, prior to the start of such work or occupancy:
A. 
Building Permit -  a permit for the construction of building or structure 
or any addition, alteration, conversion, rehabilitation, relocation, repair, 
or retrofit of such;
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B. Ancillary Permit -  a permit for the construction of ancillary structures as 
defined in this Act;
C. Excavation Permit -  a permit for construction involving the removal of 
soil or rock from a site to form an open face, hole, or cavity using tools, 
machinery, or explosives;
D. Demolition Permit -  a permit for demolition of a building, structure, or 
portion thereof including that which will be removed in the course of an 
on-going construction; and
E. Occupancy Permit -  previously termed Certificate of Occupancy; a 
permit for the full use or occupancy of a building or structure, or a partial 
permit for use or occupancy of portion or portions thereof prior to the 
completion of the entire building or structure, or a temporary permit for 
temporaiy use or occupancy thereof prior to the completion of the entire 
work covered by the permit; provided, that such portion or portions shall 
be used or occupied safely and that the Local Building Official shall set 
a time period during which the partial permit or temporary permit shall 
be valid in accordance with rules and regulations.
The National Building Official may prescribe in the rules and regulations such other 
permits as it may deem necessaiy in accordance with objectives of this Act.
No permit shall be required for minor constructions, repairs, or demolitions, as 
prescribed in the rules and regulations, insofar as these shall not violate any 
objective or provision of this Act.
SECTION 53. Detailed Classification of Buildings for Permitting Purposes. 
The National Building Official shall prescribe the requirements for and procedure 
in securing the different types of permit, as may be appropriate, based on the 
classification of buildings in Section 10 of this Act. The procedures to be laid out 
by the National Building Official shall include: (a) a simplified track of permitting 
process for Simple or Class PI Structures; (b) a regular track of permitting process 
for Regular or Class P2 Structures; and (c) a mandatory structural peer review of the 
stability for Special or Class P3 Structures.
The organizational structure of each Office of the Local Building Official 
laid out by the National Building Official, based on rules and regulations, shall take 
these three (3) tracks of permitting processes in consideration.
To aid the simplified track of permitting process, the National Building 
Official shall cause, through Simplified Reference Standards, the detailed 
documentation and region-wide or nation-wide information and education 
campaign on the proper siting, design, and construction of Simple or Class PI 
Structures including Traditional Indigenous Family Dwellings.
SECI'ION 54. Application for Permit. Any person desiring to apply for the 
appropriate permit shall file a duly accomplished permit application form with the 
Local Building Official of the local government unit, cluster thereof, or special 
jurisdiction where the building or structure, proposed or existing, is located.
In case of expired or revoked permit, the Building Owner may apply tor a 
renewal of permit in accordance with the prescribed rules and regulations.
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The National Building Official may require the payment of corresponding 
fees according to a schedule provided in the rules and regulations and shall prescribe 
such other standard requirements to be submitted with the duly accomplished permit 
application; provided, that no application fees shall be required for Simple or Class 
PI Structures.
Together with duly accomplished permit application form/s, the applicant 
shall submit: (a) documents relating to ownership of building site that support the 
authority to order constioiction work for a building or structure and to hold legal 
right of possession or title to a building or structure; (b) relevant clearances from 
other agencies; (c) documents relating to building use or occupancy, location, plans, 
specifications, and maintenance strategy; and (d) estimated construction cost. 
According to the permit being applied for and the classification ot building or 
structure involved, whether Simple, Regular, or Special Structure, the National 
Building Official, through rules and regulations, shall require specific parts of 
building plans, specifications and related documents to be submitted as evidence of 
compliance with this Act, rules and regulations, and reference standards.
The National Building Official, through rules and regulations, shall require 
specific parts of building plans and specifications to be prepared, signed and sealed 
by appropriate Building Professionals; provided, that various building professionals 
may be appropriately authorized according to their respective professional 
regulation laws to prepare, sign, and seal certain parts, sheets, or pages of building 
plans, specifications, and related documents.
SECTION 55. Processing of the Permit Application. Pursuant to Republic 
Act No. 9485, or the Anti-Red Tape Act as amended by Republic Act No. 11032, 
or Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act, within 
a reasonable time from the filing of the duly-accomplished permit application, 
payment of fees as applicable, and compliance with other standard requirements to 
be detennined by the National Building Official, the Local Building Official shall 
give due course to the application and issue the permit applied for upon satisfaction 
of the completeness and integrity of the application documents supported by the 
appropriate certifications of Building Professionals and clearances from relevant 
government agencies, in accordance with this Act, rules and regulations, and 
reference standards.
SEC riON 56. Validity of Permit. A Building Owner with issued pennits has 
the continuing obligation to comply with the provisions of this Act, rules or 
regulations, and reference standards throughout the lifespan of the building or 
structure.
When submitted plans and specifications of an issued permit are 
subsequently found to be emoneous, the Local Building Official is authorized to 
oblige the applicant to effect the necessary corrections in said plans and 
specifications and the comesponding construction or to prevent or stop any or all 
building operations that are in violation of this Act, rules and regulations, and 
reference standards.
A permit issued under the provisions of this Act shall expire and become null 
and void if the building or work authorized therein is not commenced within a period 
of one (1) year after the issuance of the permit. A partial or temporary Occupancy
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Permit shall be valid for the time period set by the Local Building Official in 
accordance with the prescribed rules and regulations. For phased or incremental 
construction referred to in Section 32 of this Act, the Building Owner may apply for 
an extension of the validity of the permit, or renewal of the permit as appropriate, 
in accordance with the prescribed rules and regulations.
SECTION 57. Grounds for Non-issuance, Suspension, or Revocation of 
Permit. The Local Building Official may order or cause the non-issuance, 
suspension, or revocation of permits on any or all of the following reasons or 
grounds:
Non-compliance with the provisions of this Act, rules and regulations, 
and reference standards;
Substantial errors found in the plans and specifications;
Use of sub-standard building material or sub-standard workmanship and 
refusal to rectify upon notice;
Without any work being done in the site for more than one hundred 
twenty (120) days for excavations left open or building construction 
abandoned; and
Fraudulent misrepresentation of data or information supplied in the 
application permit.
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Notice of non-issuance, suspension, or revocation of permit shall always be made 
in writing, stating the reasons or grounds therefor. Said action by the Local Building 
Official shall be proportionate to the reasons or grounds committed by the applicant, 
in accordance with this Act and rules and regulations.
SECTION 58. Complaint. Based on the grounds enumerated in Section 57 
of this Act. any person aggrieved by the proposed, ongoing, or existing construction, 
use. or occupancy may file before the Local Building Official of the local 
government unit, cluster thereof, or special jurisdiction where the concerned 
construction is located for the non-issuance, suspension, or revocation of the 
corresponding pemiit applied for by, or granted to, the Building Owner. The 
aggrieved party shall be notified of the action taken by the Local Building Official 
in case the permit is granted or furnished with a copy of the decision, order, or notice 
of non-issuance, suspension, or revocation of a permit ot the Local Building 
Official.
SEC'I'ION 59. Appeal to the Regional Building Appeals Board. Within 
fifteen (15) days from the date of receipt of notice of the non-issuance, suspension, 
or revocation of the permit or of the action taken by the Local Building Otficial. the 
aggrieved party may file an appeal with the Regional Building Appeals Board based 
on the following grounds:
A. 
Arbitrariness of the Local Building Official in the performance of 
regulatory functions; or
B. Lack of factual or legal basis.
The Regional Building Appeals Board shall render a decision within fifteen (15) 
days from date of receipt of appeal. The Regional Building Appeals Board’s 
decision shall be in writing, stating specifically the reason/s or ground/s therefor. In 
case it finds the appeal to be meritorious, the Regional Building Appeals Board shall 
direct the Local Building Official to issue the appropriate permit or order.
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The decision of the Regional Building Appeals Board shall become final and 
executory fifteen (15) days after receipt of a copy thereof by the party adversely 
affected unless, within that period, an appeal to the National Building Official has 
been perfected.
SECTION 60. Appeal to the National Building Official. Within fifteen (15) 
days from the date of receipt of notice of the decision of the RBAB, the aggrieved 
party may file an appeal to the National Building Official; an appeal shall be deemed 
perfected upon filing of the notice of appeal and posting of the corresponding appeal 
bond.
The Office of the National Building Official shall render a decision within 
thirty (30) days from perfection of the appeal. The Office of the National Building 
Official’s decision shall be in writing, stating specifically the reason/s or ground/s 
therefor. In case the ONBO finds the appeal to be meritorious, the Office of the 
National Building Official shall direct the Local Building Official to issue the 
appropriate permit or order.
SECTION 61. Inspection and Supervision of Work and Building or 
Structure. Subject to the primaiy responsibility of Building Owners, Building 
Professionals, and Building Contractors to inspect and/or supervise construction and 
as set forth in this Act, the Local Building Official may, upon motion of any 
aggrieved party or motu proprio, visit and inspect at reasonable times the ongoing 
constructions or existing buildings and structures to ensure compliance with the 
terms and conditions of the permits and the provisions of this Act, rules and 
regulations, and reference standards. The National Building Official shall 
promulgate specific rules and regulations for inspection of Group R. Residential 
buildings and structures, to be carried out by the Local Building Official and/or 
Accredited Inspector.
The Local Building Official shall conduct periodic inspections of existing 
buildings and structures in accordance with Chapter VII of this Act, mies and 
regulations, and reference standards.
CHAPTER X
INCENTIVES AND PENALTIES
SECTION 62. Incentives. The National Building Official, in coordination 
with relevant agencies, shall develop and administer incentive schemes, which can 
be administrative, financial, or othenvise, to promote voluntaiy compliance of 
existing buildings and structures with the provisions of this Act, rules and 
regulations, and reference standards, as well as to encourage all owners of buildings 
and structures, either existing or proposed, to promote the use of environmentally 
sound or sustainable materials, methods, practices, and technologies.
The National Building Official, in coordination with other relevant agencies, 
may also develop and promulgate incentive schemes for owners of both public and 
private buildings to secure insurance coverage for the residual risk after complying 
with mandatory requirements of applicable laws.
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The National Building Official may recommend funding support for local 
government units and communities that have endorsed disaster risk reduction and 
management activities for buildings and structures, especially those falling within 
the classification of Simple or Class PI Structures, in their jurisdictions.
SEC'l'ION 63. Prohibited Acts and Omissions. The following are prohibited 
acts and omissions:
A.
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by the Building Owner and/or representative:
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misrepresentation or submission of false statements or documents; 
use of unauthorized documents and/or certifications of Building 
Professional/s;
undertaking any construction without the required permit/s; 
noncompliance with or violation of the terms and conditions of the 
permit, including prerequisite clearances by other government 
agencies;
not maintaining the building in accordance with the submitted 
maintenance strategy;
engaging non-licensed building professionals in the design, review, 
construction, or certification of building;
engaging non-licensed building contractors in the construction of 
building; and
analogous acts, omissions, and violations of this Act, rules and 
regulations, and reference standards.
B.
by the Building Professional:
1. 
misrepresentation or false statements;
2. 
certifying documents that s/he did not prepare, or certifying acts that 
s/he did not perform;
3. 
submission of incoirect or inconsistent drawings, technical 
specifications, calculations, designs, and analyses;
4. 
non-compliance with construction methodologies and standards in 
case of a professional in charge of construction;
5. 
violation of safety standards prescribed by law or regulations in case 
of a professional in charge of construction;
6. 
non-submission of duly signed and sealed documents, or submission 
of inconsistent or deceitful documents, such as logbook and as-built 
plans in case of a professional in charge of construction; and
7. 
analogous acts, omissions, and violations of this Act, rules and 
regulations, and reference standards.
C. by the Building Contractor:
1,
2.
3.
4.
deviation from the plans and specifications certified by Building 
Professionals and submitted to the Local Building Official, in a way 
that increases the risk to life, health, property, or public welfare; 
violation of safety standards prescribed by law or regulations; 
not engaging a Building Professional in charge of construction; and 
analogous acts, omissions, and violations of this Act, rules and 
regulations, and reference standards.
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D. by the Accredited Certifier;
1. 
misrepresentation or false statements in order to be accredited by the 
Office of the National Building Official;
2. 
certifying buildings and structures that do not meet the requirements 
of this Act, rules and regulations, and reference standards, and other 
applicable laws;
refusing or failing to certify buildings and structures that meet the 
requirements of this Act, rules and regulations, and reference 
standards; and
analogous acts, omissions, and violations of this Act, rules and 
regulations, and reference standards.
3.
4.
E. by the Accredited Structural Peer Reviewer:
1. 
misrepresentation or false statements in order to be accredited by the 
Office of the National Building Official;
2. 
providing false information to the Building Owner and/or Building 
Professional regarding the review;
false certification on the compliance of structural design with this 
Act, rules and regulations, and reference standards; and
analogous acts, omissions, and violations of this Act, rules and 
regulations, and reference standards.
3.
4.
F. by the Accredited Testing Laboratory:
1. 
misrepresentation or false statements in order to be accredited by the 
Office of the National Building Official;
2. 
misrepresentation or false statements in the tests and/or test results of 
building materials;
3. 
tampering with the equipment and instruments;
4. 
conducting test methods non-conforming to reference standards; and
5. 
analogous acts, omissions, and violations of this Act, rules and 
regulations, and reference standards.
G. by the Accredited Inspector:
1. 
misrepresentation or false statements in order to be accredited by the 
Office of the National Building Official;
2. 
providing false information to the Local Building Official regarding 
the inspection;
3. 
false certification on the inspection, in consideration of any offer, 
promise, gift, or present received; and
4. 
analogous acts, omissions, and violations of this Act, imles and 
regulations, and reference standards.
H. by the Local Building Official:
1. 
arbitrariness in the performance of powers, obligations, and 
functions;
2. unjustifiable delay or gross negligence in the perfonnance of powers, 
obligations, and functions;
3. 
willful engagement of non-accredited inspector;
4. 
willful non-compliance with the orders of the National Building 
Official. Office of the National Building Official, and/or Regional 
Building Appeals Board; and
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5. 
analogous acts, omissions, and violations of this Act, rules and 
regulations, and reference standards.
SECTION 64. Fines and Penalties. Any prohibited act or omission falling 
under paragraphs A -  H in Section 63 of this Act shall be subject to the 
administrative fines and penalties to be imposed by the National Building Official, 
acting through the Local Building Official. Such fines shall not be lower than 0.01% 
nor higher than 1.0% of the construction cost, per violation, in accordance with the 
gravity of the offense and the category of violator as provided in Section 63; 
provided, that the Local Building Official may not issue, may suspend, or may 
revoke any permit issued to the violator, as may be appropriate, and/or may order 
the suspension or cessation of any construction until such time that compliance with 
this Act. rules and regulations, and reference standards are undertaken; provided 
further, that in case the Building Owner is also the builder or Building Owner- 
Builder, the liability is only considered as one and that of the Building Owner; 
provided furthermore, that in case of Building Professionals and/or Building 
Contractors found to commit any of the prohibited acts and omissions, the Local 
Building Official shall also endorse such violation to the Professional Regulation 
Commission (PRC) and the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines 
(CIAP), respectively, for corresponding administrative sanctions; and provided 
finally, that should there be more than one violator for a single prohibited act or 
omission, their liability shall be solidary.
These administrative sanctions imposed by the National Building Official, through 
the Local Building Official, are without prejudice to the right of any affected person 
to file the appropriate administrative, civil, or criminal action in the proper forum.
For offenses falling under paragraph H in Section 63 of this Act, the National 
Building Official, upon recommendation of the Regional Building Appeals Board 
and after notice and hearing, may suspend or revoke the appointment or designation 
of the Local Building Official as such, without prejudice to the administrative, civil, 
or criminal liability of said official in accordance with existing laws.
SECTION 65. Criminal Liabilities of Building Owners, Building 
Professionals, Building Contractors, Accredited Certifiers, Accredited Structural 
Peer Reviewers, Accredited Testing Laboratories, and Accredited Inspectors. In 
case of gross violation of this Act and/or rules and regulations, the National Building 
Official and/or Local Building Official may recommend to the appropriate 
government agencies the filing of criminal charges against the violators. Gross 
violations shall mean any of the following:
A. unauthorized change in type of construction from more fire-resistive to 
less fire-resistive;
B. non-compliance with order to abate or demolish;
C. non-compliance with cease and desist order for construction;
D. 
not having any work being done in the site for more than one hundred 
twenty (120) days and without justifiable cause, for excavations left open 
or building construction abandoned; and
E. blatant disregard of the orders of the Local Building Official in relation 
to the protection of life, health, property, and public welfare, such as the 
non-payment of fines and breaking of seals or operating despite the 
existence of an order for suspension or revocation.
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In which case, the offender shall be punished, per violation, by a fine not lower 
than 0.01% nor higher than 1.0% of the construction cost, or by imprisonment of 
not less than six (6) months nor more than six (6) years, or both, at the discretion of 
the court, without prejudice to the civil liability of the offender in accordance with 
existing laws. Where the violation is attended by injury, loss of life and/or loss of 
property, the offender shall be proceeded against under the applicable provisions of 
the Revised Penal Code and other special laws. If the offender is a juridical entity, 
the officers, directors, agents, or employees who willfully and knowingly vote for, 
assent to, or be primarily responsible for the commission of the foregoing violation/s 
shall be held liable.
SECTION 66. Criminal Liability of Local Building Officials and Staff. Any 
Local Building Official and/or staff who shall conspire to commit any of the 
enumerated gross violations with any offender as provided in Section 65 of this Act 
shall be punished, per violation, by a fine not lower than 0.01% nor higher than 
1.0% of the construction cost involved, or by imprisonment of not less than six (6) 
months nor more than six (6) years, or both, at the discretion of the court, without 
prejudice to the civil liability of the offender in accordance with existing laws.
CHAPTER XI 
FINAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 67. Appropriations. The amount needed for the initial 
implementation of this Act shall be taken from the cuirent fiscal budget of the 
Department; provided, however, that such amount as may be necessary to caiTy out 
Section 38 of this Act is hereby appropriated out of the unappropriated funds of the 
National Treasury in the amount of Three Hundred Sixty Five Million Pesos (Php 
365,000,000). Thereafter, Congress shall provide for the appropriations of the 
Department the annual amount needed for the implementation of this Act to be 
included in the General Appropriations Act.
SECTION 68. Transitory Provision. There shall be a systematic transition 
of implementation of building regulations and standards from Presidential Decree 
No. 1096 to this Act.
To initiate and facilitate the transition, the Secretary, as the National Building 
Official, is mandated to immediately establish the Office of the National Building 
Official within three (3) months of the effectivity of this Act.
City and Municipal Engineers already acting as Local Building Officials in their 
respective jurisdictions, and Local Building Officials already appointed or 
designated by the Secretary and performing as such, shall continue to act in such 
capacity, until new appointments and designations shall be made for Local Building 
Officials.
Engagement of Accredited Certifiers, Accredited Inspectors, Accredited Structural 
Peer Reviewers, and Accredited Testing Laboratories as provided for in this Act, 
shall take effect following the implementation by the ONBO of the system of 
accreditation, as formulated by the BRSC and promulgated by the NBO. The initial
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list of accredited persons shall be published by the ONBO within one (1) year from 
the promulgation of the system of accreditation.
Consistent with Section 40 and Section 41 of this Act, existing referral codes, 
renamed as reference standards by this Act, shall remain valid until after the 
National Building Official promulgates new, revised, or amended reference 
standards after the review and recommendation of the BRSC.
Provided, that absent reference standards that are locally or nationally adopted by 
the competent government agency for a particular subject, the latest standards by 
the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) may be used as default 
standards.
SECTION 69. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The National Building 
Official, upon the recommendation of the Building Regulations and Standards 
Council and in consultation with relevant stakeholders, shall promulgate the 
Implementing Rules and Regulations of this Act, including a system of accreditation 
of qualified Building Professionals as Accredited Certifiers, Accredited Structural 
Peer Reviewers, and/or Accredited Inspectors, and qualified establishments or 
institutions as Accredited Testing Laboratories, within one (1) year from the 
effectivity of this Act. For this purpose, the Secretary, as the National Building 
Official, is mandated to immediately constitute the Building Regulations and 
Standards Council within three (3) months of the effectivity of this Act.
The Implementing Rules and Regulations of this Act shall be reviewed eveiy 
five (5) years, or more frequently as needed.
The National Building Official shall ensure that all buildings owned by the national 
government and all local government units, as well as departments, regulatory 
agencies, instrumentalities, government owned and controlled corporations, and 
implementing units of the same, shall implement an integrated, or whole-building, 
approach to the siting, planning, design, materials, construction, use, occupancy, 
maintenance, addition, alteration, conversion, rehabilitation, relocation, repair, 
retrofit, and demolition, so they are sustainable, energy efficient, secure and safe, 
cost-effective, accessible, functional, productive, and aesthetic.
The National Building Official shall ensure that this Act is implemented in manners 
that are clear to all stakeholders, through measures that include but are not limited 
to the following.
Eveiy rule or regulation for the administration and enforcement of the provisions of 
this Act, including any standard that may be referenced by such, shall clearly 
indicate the section or sub-section of this Act to which it corresponds.
Subject to Section 5 of this Act, eveiy approved local ordinance with the effect of 
modifying a national rule, regulation, or standard, towards better safeguarding of 
life, health, property, and public welfare, shall clearly indicate the national rule, 
regulation, or standard which it improves.
All forms, tables, charts, illustrations, drawings, and other annexes included with 
rules, regulations, standards, and ordinances shall be systematically, uniquely, and
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clearly labeled, and duly referenced within the text of the associated njle, regulation, 
standard, or ordinance.
SECTION 70. Non-Retroactivity Clause. This Act shall have no retroactive 
effect insofar as all buildings and structures constructed under Presidential Decree 
No. 1096. or the National Building Code of the Philippines, as amended, or existing 
city or municipal building ordinances, if legally done in accordance therewith, shall 
be respected subject to such limitations in this Act and except as otherwise stated in 
Section 38 of this Act.
However, additions, alterations, conversions, rehabilitations, relocations, repairs, 
retrofits, and demolitions to be made in such buildings and structures shall be subject 
to the provisions of this Act.
SECTION 71. Oversight Committee. This Act shall undergo a review of its 
provisions eveiy five (5) years, or as necessary, to make the law more responsive 
to the needs of the times. For this purpose, an oversight committee shall be created 
which shall be composed of four (4) members each from the Senate and House of 
Representatives to be designated by the Speaker of the House and the Senate 
President.
The Chairpersons of the Committee on Public Works and Highways in the 
House of Representatives, and the Committee on Public Works of the Senate shall 
be Co-chairpersons of the Oversight Committee.
SECTION 72. Separability Clause. If any portion of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional or invalid, the other portions which are not affected thereby shall 
continue in full force and effect.
SECl’ION 73. Repealing Clause. Presidential Decree No. 1096, or the 
National Building Code of the Philippines, as amended, is hereby repealed and 
replaced with this Act. Section 477 of Republic Act No. 7160, also known as the 
Local Government Code, is modified accordingly. Other existing laws, decrees, 
executive orders, and rules and regulations or parts thereof that are inconsistent with 
this Act, are hereby repealed.
SECTION 74. Effectivity Clause. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
after its publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general 
circulation.
Approved,
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