Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero expressed deep concern for the families affected by the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Davao Oriental and nearby provinces this morning, Oct. 10, and triggered tsunami warnings and widespread evacuations.
“Sa gitna ng lindol na yumanig sa Davao Oriental at mga karatig-lugar ngayong umaga, ako’y lubos na nababahala at nakikiramay sa mga pamilyang apektado,” Escudero said in a statement. “Hindi biro ang lakas ng pagyanig at ang takot na dulot nito ay dama sa buong rehiyon. Kasama ninyo ako sa panalangin para sa kaligtasan ng bawat isa, lalo na sa mga nasa baybayin at mga lugar na may naitalang pinsala.”
“Nananawagan ako ng agaran at mabilisang pagkilos mula sa mga kinauukulang ahensya ng pamahalaan. Kailangang tiyakin ang kaligtasan ng mga lumikas, ang maayos na pagresponde sa mga nasaktan, at ang masusing pagsusuri sa mga imprastrukturang maaaring naapektuhan,” he added.
In light of the powerful temblor that came after the recent magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Cebu province, Escudero renewed his call for the expeditious passage of Senate Bill 277 he filed in July. The bill seeks to strengthen the National Building Code of the Philippines through mandatory structural inspections and higher penalties for violations of construction regulations and safety standards.
SB 277 mandates regular, comprehensive structural inspections of buildings nationwide, with accountability measures for officials, who issue fraudulent permits or clearances. The bill further aims to close the gap between policy and practice, ensuring that buildings are not only compliant on paper but structurally sound in reality.
Escudero emphasized that while the National Building Code provides for general guidelines, it lacks specific provisions on earthquake resilience. Builders often rely on the 2015 National Structural Code of the Philippines, which requires buildings to withstand earthquakes ranging from magnitude 7 to 8.4.
“But referral codes are not enough,” he said. “We need enforceable standards and regular checks.”
Escudero cited the 2004 joint study by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, which warned of catastrophic consequences should a 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit Metro Manila. It projected the collapse of 170,000 homes and deaths of over 34,000.
Under SB 277, local government units will be required to maintain updated inventories of buildings, and conduct periodic audits, especially in high-risk zones. The bill also proposes penalties for non-compliance, including suspension or revocation of licenses for negligent officials and contractors.
Escudero called on his colleagues in the Senate to prioritize the measure, citing its potential to save lives and prevent billions in damage.
“We owe it to our people to build not just with concrete, but with conscience,” he said.
SB 277 was first read on Aug. 5, and has since been referred to the committees on Public Works, and Local Government. ||
