Senators called for a thorough safety assessment following the magnitude 7.6 earthquake that struck Davao Oriental and nearby provinces.
Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero urged the immediate passage of Senate Bill No. 277, which mandates regular structural inspections to strengthen the National Building Code of the Philippines.
The bill aims to prevent loss of life and reduce damage by ensuring buildings are structurally sound and holding officials accountable for fraudulent permits.
Escudero expressed concern for affected families and called for swift government action to assist evacuees and assess infrastructure damage.
He emphasized the need to bridge the gap between building policies and actual safety standards.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 11, 2025
