“Check structural integrity of all major infrastructure in the country.”
This was the call of Abra lone district Rep. JB Bernos in the aftermath of a magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on June 8, causing significant damage to several structures and the death of at least 53 persons so far. Almost 7,000 individuals were also evacuated.
“We must ensure that all major infrastructure, including roads, bridges, ports, schools, and other government buildings, are structurally sound and able to withstand natural disasters to prevent casualties,” Bernos, a member of the House committee on public works and highways said.
He added that such a review is urgent especially given the unpredictable nature of earthquakes and other disasters.
Bernos said that a comprehensive review would allow the government to identify which structures need to be rehabilitated or put out of use.
The lawmaker also said it is high time to update construction standards in the country, as he called for the passage of the new Philippine Building Act, which seeks to revise the 1977 National Building Code of the Philippines.
House Bill No. 6615 was passed by the House of Representatives on third reading last year. The Senate version is still pending passage.
Bernos also demanded that building owners as well as heads of government offices who are found to not have complied with construction standards be made fully accountable.
“Buhay ang maaaring kapalit ng kapabayaan at hindi pagsunod sa batas. Kaya kailangang maparusahan ang mga building owner at mga opisyal ng pamahalaan na hindi sumusunod sa Building Code.”
