Rep. Momo calls on Palace to certify as ‘urgent’ new PH Building Act

On Jun 10, 2026

Rescuers from the Philippine Red Cross viewing one of the collapsed buildings in Sarangani in the aftermath of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit the province last June 8 (photo lifted from X, formerly Twitter).

SURIGAO Del Sur First District Representative Romeo S. Momo Sr., a ranking member of the House of Representatives, called on President Marcos Jr. to certify as “urgent” the passage of House Bill 6615 or the new Philippine Building Act (PBA).

Momo, Chairman of the House Committee on Public Works and Highways, issued the appeal in the aftermath of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Maasim, Sarangani province last Monday, June 8, which caused the collapse of buildings, widespread damage to other infrastructure and left at least 37 fatalities as of this writing, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).

Surigao First District Representative and House Committee on Public Works and Highways Chairperson Rep. Romeo Momo Sr.

A certified civil engineer by profession and former public works undersecretary, the lawmaker said the earthquake last Monday should be a ‘wakeup’ call for everyone on the need to pass his proposal the soonest possible time.

“Oftentimes, we never know when the next earthquake will strike. It would be to the Filipino people’s advantage if we are prepared to withstand its impact,” he said, adding:

“I am from Mindanao and my province was even among the areas affected by the earthquake.

“It pains me to see some of my fellow Mindanaoans, especially children, terrified by the tremors and by the destruction. The government must do all it can to make its people feel safe.”

Momo has successfully steered HB 6615 in Congress, but it has been pending at the Senate since December last year, he noted.

“Time is of the essence. With the devastation left by the Saranggani earthquake, I have high hopes that our Senate counterpart will act with dispatch in passing this law to ensure such tragedy would not happen again,” Momo added.

HB 6615 would revise the 1977 National Building Code of the Philippines (NBCP) to enable government regulators to implement updated policies and guidelines.

Once enacted into law, the PBA would provide stability to both newly established and existing infrastructure against natural calamities and multiple hazards.

Momo said under Section 62 of HB 6615, “prohibited acts” are clearly defined to include unauthorized deviations from approved plans, construction beyond permitted specifications, non-compliance with structural and safety standards and violations of permits and regulatory requirements.

The measure would also ensure the standardization of building design, location, materials, and safety measures.

Momo explained that Section 62 “sends a strong message that no one is above building laws, no shortcut is worth a human life and negligence will have consequences.”

The proposal also provides for the mandatory structural review of all buildings every 15 years.

Momo earlier issued his appeal to certify HB 6615 as urgent after a building under construction in Angeles City, Pampanga, collapsed last May 14, resulting to 30 casualties.

“The sense of urgency to pass the new Philippine Building Act is never more felt than now, so that never again will Filipinos have to dig through the rubble to find the cost of inaction” Momo said.