Stronger safety measures in quake wake

Following a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Davao Oriental and nearby provinces on Friday morning, Senators Francis “Chiz” Escudero and Sherwin Gatchalian have called for immediate action to bolster the country’s earthquake preparedness, enforce stricter building safety standards, and protect vulnerable communities.

The tremor, which triggered tsunami warnings and widespread evacuations, followed closely on the heels of a magnitude 6.9 quake in Cebu, raising renewed alarm over the country’s vulnerability to seismic disasters.

In a statement, Escudero expressed deep concern for the affected communities and extended his sympathies to the victims, urging government agencies to respond swiftly.

“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 (In the midst of the earthquake that shook Davao Oriental and nearby areas this morning, I am deeply concerned and extend my sympathies to the affected families),” Escudero said.

“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 (The strength of the tremor is no joke, and the fear it caused was felt throughout the region. I join you in praying for everyone’s safety, especially those in coastal areas and places where damage has been reported),” he added.

The senator renewed his call for the passage of Senate Bill (SB) 277, which he authored, aimed at strengthening the National Building Code of the Philippines.

The bill proposes mandatory structural inspections, stricter enforcement of safety standards, and accountability mechanisms for erring officials and contractors.

While the current code includes general guidelines on earthquake resilience, Escudero emphasized that these are often treated as mere “referral codes” rather than binding standards.

“But referral codes are not enough,” he said. “We need enforceable standards and regular checks. We owe it to our people to build not just with concrete, but with conscience,” he added.

Escudero cited a 2004 study by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and PHIVOLCS, which warned of catastrophic consequences if a major quake struck Metro Manila, projecting up to 170,000 homes destroyed and over 34,000 deaths in a 7.2-magnitude scenario.

Under SB 277, local government units (LGUs) would be required to maintain updated inventories of buildings, conduct regular audits, and impose sanctions on negligent parties. The bill was referred to the Senate Committees on Public Works and Local Government in August.

Meanwhile, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian echoed the call for rapid government response, urging the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and local disaster units to prioritize rescue and relief efforts.

“Children are often the most vulnerable during disasters like this,” Gatchalian said. “Schools and LGUs must also provide psychosocial support to help young survivors cope with trauma.”

He called for immediate safety audits of schools, hospitals, and other critical facilities, especially in densely populated areas, to prevent further casualties in the event of aftershocks or future tremors.

As aftershocks continue to rattle the region, the senators emphasized that preparedness must go beyond emergency response.

They also called anew for long-term investment in infrastructure resilience and public safety.