MANILA — Senator Raffy Tulfo has filed a measure seeking to update the country’s decades-old building regulations following recent construction-related accidents that resulted in deaths and injuries.

Filed on Monday, Senate Bill No. 2158, or the proposed “New Philippine Building Act,” aims to establish revised rules and policies governing the construction of buildings nationwide.

Tulfo said the proposed measure seeks to replace Presidential Decree No. 1096, also known as the “National Building Code of the Philippines,” which has been in effect since 1977 and is now considered outdated in addressing present-day construction and engineering standards.

The senator cited the collapse of a nine-story building under construction in Barangay Balibago, Angeles City, Pampanga on May 24 as among the incidents that prompted the filing of the bill.

Around 47 individuals, mostly construction workers, were reportedly inside the structure when it collapsed. Search and rescue operations were still ongoing as of writing.

Tulfo also referenced another accident discussed in his radio program on Aug. 14, 2025, involving falling debris from a condominium building along Tomas Morato in Quezon City that struck two students, killing one of them.

Investigations showed that the incident stemmed from poor maintenance and the absence of proper safety barriers and protective equipment, according to the senator.

Tulfo said the incidents underscore the need to address gaps in existing laws through stricter and more independent structural design reviews, tighter safety protocols at construction sites, increased accountability for contractors, and stronger inspection and enforcement measures before accidents occur.

Under the proposed measure, criminal liabilities would also be imposed on building owners, professionals, contractors, recognized certifiers, structural peer reviewers, testing laboratories, and inspectors found negligent or violating provisions of the law.

The bill provides penalties of at least six years imprisonment and fines of up to one percent of the estimated construction cost of the project.

Tulfo urged fellow lawmakers to prioritize the passage of the measure, saying it would strengthen protection for construction workers and ensure accountability among contractors and other stakeholders who fail to comply with safety and building standards.