House bill filed to update National Building Code

Another proposed measure pushing for the amendment of the National Building Code of the Philippines (NBCP)  has been filed in the House of Representatives. 

Tarlac 2nd District Representative Christian Yap filed House Bill (HB) No. 900 seeking the review of the NBCP or Presidential Decree No. 1096, this time to push for the inclusion of adequate space for facilities dedicated to the country’s broadband connectivity. 

HB No. 900 also mandates building permits to conform with the design, which satisfies additional electronics requirements for multi-dwelling buildings, commercial buildings, government and office buildings, public and private schools, and government and private hospitals.

"Given the technological advancements, especially the proliferation of electronic equipment facilities within these building premises, the four-decade old law must be updated to make the standards of buildings appropriate and more relevant," Yap said in his explanatory note on the bill.

Latest data from the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) showed at least 65% of the population is still without internet access.

"Information and communications technology, or ICT, is necessary to enhance good governance and key public services such as education and public health and safety,” the lawmaker said.

“Thus, as we recognize today the vital role of ICT in nation-building, it is high time that we ensure that our buildings are capacitated towards achieving universal access to quality, reliable, and secure ICT services," Yap said.

Albay 2nd District Representative Joey Salceda previously lodged a similar measure, seeking to remove the leases of telecommunication companies and treat internet service as a “human right”. 

In early April, an independent research organization also called for the revision of the National Building Code of the Philippines to address leasing fees.

In June 2023, the World Data Lab on the Internet Poverty Index showed at least 20 million Filipinos are “internet poor” or do not have the financial capacity to avail of at least 1 gigabyte (GB) of internet data per month.—RF, GMA Integrated News