A resolution urging the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and all local government units (LGUs) to do an immediate audit and review of existing buildings and structures has been filed at the Senate.
According to a statement, Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. said an audit is necessary to ensure compliance with the standards set by the National Building Code on Structural Safety and protect people against avoidable damage to property and loss of lives.
Revilla filed the resolution following a series of strong earthquakes that hit parts of Mindanao.
“Dapat ngayon na isagawa ang inspeksiyon at audit ng mga buildings at structures, hindi ‘yung kada lilindol pag-uusapan, pag-hupa tigil din ang usapan, pag-lindol usap na naman (The inspection and audit of buildings and structures should be conducted immediately. It shouldn’t just be discussed after the occurrence of an earthquake and would be forgotten once the phenomenon subsides),” Revilla said.
The senator cited the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology report that these earthquakes are part of a sequence of events from interrelated faults in the region.
He also noted the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council data showing that affected and damaged infrastructures reached a total of 29,453.
Revilla said the DPWH and LGUs are mandated to strictly implement the National Building Code, which sets the technical standards in constructing and renovating buildings and structures in the Philippines.
“Ito na dapat ang huling wake-up call sa atin; Wala na dapat shortcuts para masiguro ang kaligtasan ng ating mga kababayan (This should be the last wake-up call for us. There should be no shortcuts to ensure the safety of Filipinos),” he said. (PNA)
