Bong Go renews call for updated Building Code after SONA highlights disaster resilience

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go renewed his call for the passage of an updated National Building Code following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s State of the Nation Address (SONA), which highlighted the need to strengthen construction standards and improve the resilience of infrastructure against disasters.

Go said the country's existing building regulations, last amended in 1977, should be updated to reflect current engineering standards, advances in construction technology, and the increasing risks posed by earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and other natural hazards.

"Kailangang baguhin na rin ang napakalumang National Building Code na huling na-amyendahan pa noong 1977. Patuloy nating isusulong ang inihain nating panukalang batas upang i-update ang ating building regulations, gawing akma sa makabagong teknolohiya, at mas matibay laban sa epekto ng climate change at iba pang kalamidad ang ating imprastraktura," Go said.

He added that homes, schools, hospitals, offices, and public buildings should be designed and maintained to ensure public safety, particularly during disasters.

Go has filed a bill seeking to enact a New Building Code that would update the country's construction standards and strengthen regulations covering the planning, design, construction, occupancy, maintenance, repair, and renovation of buildings and other structures.

According to the senator, building safety should be addressed throughout a structure's entire life cycle, including regular inspections and maintenance after construction.

"Hindi natatapos ang kaligtasan kapag naitayo na ang gusali. Kailangang regular itong sinusuri at minementina upang matiyak na nananatili itong matibay at ligtas," he said.

The proposed measure also calls for stricter enforcement against the use of substandard construction materials, non-compliance with safety standards, and inadequate inspections.

Go said local building officials and inspectors should be provided with sufficient personnel, training, and technical resources to implement updated regulations effectively.

"Kapag buhay ang nakataya, walang puwang ang pandaraya, maling pagtitipid o pagpapabaya sa inspeksyon," he said.

The senator also proposed assessing older schools, hospitals, public markets, government offices, and residential buildings—particularly those in high-risk areas—to determine whether repairs or retrofitting are necessary.

Go said updating the National Building Code could help reduce casualties, minimize property damage, and lower post-disaster rehabilitation costs.

"Mas mabuting mamuhunan sa tamang disenyo, de-kalidad na materyales at maayos na inspeksyon kaysa gumastos nang mas malaki matapos ang isang trahedya," he said.

He said he would continue pushing for the passage of the proposed New Building Code in Congress.