COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

MODULE
IN
CE 321- BUILDING SYSTEM DESIGN

ROGIE M. FULGENCIO
Instructor

Course Code: CE 321

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 Course Description:

Building construction is examined from the standpoints of life safety (including fire
safety and zoning constraints on site planning); architectural and building systems
(plumbing, electrical, vertical transportation, security, fire protection); materials,
sustainability, and life-cycle analysis; accessibility; technical documentation and
outline documentations and outline specifications; building enclosure systems; and
inferior finish systems.

The lecture course will focus on developing knowledge of building systems, including
architectural design building materials and construction techniques, and will foster the
skills required to adopt a building system approach compliant to the National Building
Code and its referral codes. The students’ developed knowledge of building systems
will also include understanding of different types and applications of building materials
and diverse construction techniques. Sustainability principles’ impact on the property
lifecycle, and how these will integrate and apply to skills and knowledge to industry-
based case studies will also be examined. The course will include at least one site
visit to an operating building in the locality.

The laboratory class will focus on the tools and techniques to create a computer-
generated building model, and applied tools for working with computer model
exploring output and simulation. Students will develop techniques looking at both
realistic and schematic representation, and the integration of building systems
modeling as a tool to inform and enhance the design process.

MODULE 1
I. Title : Codes and Regulations

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 II. Topics :
a. National Building Code of the Philippines
b. Architectural Code
c. National Structural Code of the Philippines
d. Electrical Code of the Philippines
e. Fire Code
f. National Plumbing Code
g. Sanitation Code of the Philippines

Introduction:

Building codes specify minimum standards for the construction of buildings. The
codes themselves are not legally binding. They serve, rather, as "models" for legal
jurisdictions to utilize when developing statutes and regulations.

The main purpose of building codes is to protect public health, safety and general
welfare as they relate to the construction and occupancy of buildings and structures.

The building code becomes law of a particular jurisdiction when formally enacted by the
appropriate governmental or private authority.

VI. Objectives : At the end of this module, the students are expected to:

a. define code and standards;

b. identify the salient features of the national building code of the Philippines;
c. identify terminologies stated in the National Building code, Architectural code,
National structural code, Electrical Code, Fire Code, National
Plumbing Code, and Sanitation Code of the Philippines;
d. recall important rules and regulations stipulated in the code the National
Building code, Architectural code, National structural code, Electrical Code,
Fire Code, National Plumbing Code, and Sanitation Code of the
Philippines;
e. explain the National Building code, Architectural code, National structural
code, Electrical Code, Fire Code, National Plumbing Code, and Sanitation
Code of the Philippines; and
f. state the importance of knowing the National Building code, Architectural
code, National structural code, Electrical Code, Fire Code, National Plumbing
Code, and Sanitation Code of the Philippines.

Discussion and Learning Activities:

A code is a set of rules and specifications for the correct methods and materials used in a
certain product, building or process. Codes can be approved by local, state or federal
governments and can carry the force of law. The main purpose of codes is to protect the
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public by setting up the minimum acceptable level of safety for buildings, products and
processes.

A technical standard is an established norm or requirement. It is usually a formal document

that establishes uniform engineering or technical criteria, methods, processes and practices.
Standards allow for interchangeability of parts, system interoperability, and they ensure
quality, reliability and safety.

Quick Guide from the National Building Code of the Philippines

Section 1.01.03 – Scope of the National

Building Code

(a) The provisions of this Code shall

apply to the design, location, siting,
construction, alteration, repair, conversion, use,
occupancy, maintenance, moving, and
demolition of, and addition to, public and private
buildings and structures.

(b) Additions, alterations, repairs, and

changes of use or occupancy in all buildings and structures shall comply with requirements for new
buildings and structures except as otherwise herein provided. Only such portion or portions of the
existing building or structure which have to be altered to affect the addition, alteration, or repair shall
be made to conform to the requirements for new buildings or structures. Alterations should preserve
the aesthetic value of the building to be altered.

(c) Where, in any specific case, different section of this Code specifies different materials, methods
of construction, or other requirements, the most restrictive shall govern.

This section talks about what the purpose of the National Building Code is for. It’s
essentially to help anyone in terms of the construction, repair, alteration, occupancy,
maintenance and even the demolition of any building in the Philippines, whether it’s
private or a government building. Any alterations or modifications done on a building
should follow the requirements mandated under the National Building Code for new
buildings. Even the materials used for the construction should be in line with the code.

SECTION 1.01.04 – Application for Legitimate Building

(a) This Code shall apply to all buildings and structures constructed and any change or repair made
thereon after the approval of said Code. Buildings or structures constructed before the approval of
this Code shall not be affected thereby; Except, where their continued use or occupancy is
dangerous to life or limb; or where alterations, additions, conversions, or repairs are to be made
thereon, this Code shall apply only to such portions of the buildings or structure which have to be
altered in order to affect such damages or repairs.
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(b) This Code shall apply to chartered cities, poblaciónes of municipalities and municipal districts
with a population of at least two thousand (2,000) inhabitants, and to barrios of urban areas with a
population of at least two thousand (2,000) inhabitants. This Code shall also apply to any area where
there are fifty (50) or more families per hectare.

(c) This Code shall likewise apply to any area proposed for or being developed into a new town site,
residential subdivision, commercial or residential site, school site, housing project, and similar
construction projects where five or more buildings not covered by paragraph (d) of this Section will
be constructed even if the población or barrio population is less than two thousand (2,000) or the
density of population is less than fifty (50) families per hectare.

If a citizen of the Philippines (or any legitimate company in the Philippines) wishes to
construct a building, the National Building Code will be used as basis for the approval of all
permits needed for the construction. Lives should not be endangered during the construction
of the said building and any alterations or additions to a present establishment should not
harm anyone working or living in the said building. This section also talks about the number
of residents living in a city or town for this section of the National Building Code to take
effect.

SECTION 1.02.03 – Building permits

(a) Any person, firm, or corporation, including any department, office, bureau, agency of
instrumentality of the government intending to construct, alter, repair, move, convert or demolish
any building or structure, or cause the same to be done, shall obtain a building permit from the
Building Official for whichever of such work is proposed to be undertaken for the building or
structure, before any such work is started.

(b) Appropriate rules and regulations shall be set by the Secretary concerning:

(1) Forms for application for building permits;

(2) Procedures to be observed in securing such permits;
(3) Procedures to be observed in the issuance, suspension, and revocation of such building permits;
and
(4) Type, nature, and scope of plans and specifications, and other requisite documents, which shall
be prepared and designed by a licensed architect or engineer.

SECTION 1.02.04: Fees

(a) Regulations on building permit, inspection and other fees, and for compliance with the same shall
be covered by city and municipal ordinances: Provided, That Traditional indigenous family dwellings
under Section 1.01.04 (d) shall be exempt from payment of building permit fees.

SECTION 1.02.05: Inspection ad Certificates of Occupancy

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(a) Inspection. The duly licensed architect or engineer engaged by the owner to undertake
inspection and detailed supervision of the construction shall periodically certify that the construction
conforms to the plans and specifications submitted in the application for a building permit. Upon
submission of such periodic certifications during the progress of construction, the Building Official
shall periodically issue the required authority to continue with the subsequent phases of construction,
without prejudice to his right to conduct on his own initiative any inspection of the said construction.
Upon completion of the construction, the said duly licensed architect or engineer shall submit to the
Building Official the final certification that the building conforms to the provisions of the Code and
with the detailed plans and specifications submitted.

This section talks about the manner of inspections done by government officials to deem if
the new or renovated building is following the National Building Code. Only a licensed
architect or engineer will be allowed to do the inspection. Of course, the owner can also
recommend the architect or engineer and the government will check if this person is
qualified for inspecting the new or renovated building. Once the inspection is done, a
certification will be released to the owner as proof that the building has been inspected and
does follow the requirements as stated in the National Building Code of the Philippines.

(b) Certificates of Occupancy. The proper Certificate of Occupancy shall be issued to the applicant
within seven (7) days from completion of the requirements for inspection and occupancy and
payment of any and all fees therefor, unless the building Official or his Deputy issuing the Certificate
shall show cause in writing why the Certificate should not be issued and shall indicate thereon the
particular provisions of the Code violated or the particular requirements not complied with. Within
fifteen (15) days from receipt by the applicant of the advice from Building Official or his Deputy
authorized to issue the certificate why the certificate should not be issued, or why the certificate is
suspended or revoked, the applicant may appeal the non-issuance, suspension, or revocation
thereof, to the Mayor of the chartered city or municipality, or the Governor of the province where the
building for which the certificate is being applied for is located. Said appeal shall be decided within
fifteen (15) days from receipts thereof, otherwise, the applicant may bring the matter to the proper
Court of Justice for final disposition. The building may be occupied only upon issuance of the
Certificate of Occupancy.

This section also talks about Certificates of Occupancy and how a person can get one. The
certificate will be given to any applicant within seven days after the submission of the
requirements needed for inspection. Once given, the owner of the said building can now
start accepting lodgers for his/her building.

1. NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES

Chapter 1: General Provisions

- Safe construction
- Adequate environmental safeguards
- Maintain building in safe, sanitary and good working conditions

Chapter 2: Administration and Enforcement

- Enforced by sec. of Public Works

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 *Building Official – enforce NBC in their jurisdiction – duties of issuing
building permits

Section 206. QUALIFICATIONS OF BUILDING OFFICIAL

1. A Filipino citizen and Good Moral Character

2. Duly registered Architect or Civil Engineer
3. Member of Accredited organization of not less than 2 years
4. At least 5 years diversified experience in building design and construction

Section 209. Exemptions of Bldg. Permit

1. Public Buildings
• Traditional Indigenous
Family Dwellings – native
materials Cost doesn’t
exceed P15,000

Section 212. Administrative Fines – maximum of P10,000

Section 213. Penal Provisions – (corp. or firm) – maximum of P20,000 or imprisonment not
more than 2 years

Chapter 3: Permits and Inspection

Section 302. Application for Permits – Requirements

1. A description of work to be covered by the permit
2. Description and ownership of the lot – TCT
3. The use or occupancy of proposed work 4. Estimated cost of proposed work
*with 5 sets of plans & specifications – min.

Section 304. Issuance of Bldg. Permit – 15 days upon payment

Section 305. Validity of Building Permits

Null & Void – not commenced in a period of 1 year Abandoned
work for 120 days
Section 306. Non-Issuance, Suspension & Revocation

1. Errors found in plans & specifications

2. Incorrect or inaccurate data supplied
3. Non-compliance with the provisions of the code (NBC)

Section 307. Appeal

Filing – 15 days from suspension/non-issuance

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 Section 309. Certificate of Occupancy. Bldg. Official – issues Certificate of Occupancy 30 days
after final inspection & submittal of Certificate of Completion

Chapter 4: Types of Construction (Section 401)

Type I – Wood Construction
Type II – Wood Construction w/ fire resistant materials (1 hr. fire resistive)
Type III – Masonry & Wood Const. (1 hr. fire resistive)
Type IV – Steel, Iron, Concrete or Masonry Construction Type V –
Fire Resistive

Chapter 5: Requirements for Fire Zones

Section 501. Fire Zones – areas within which only certain types of buildings
are permitted to be constructed based on their use or occupancy, type of
construction

High Restrictive Fire Zone – located partly in one (1) fire zone and
partly in another
- or 1/3 of its floor area is located in such zone

Chapter 6: Fire-Resistive Requirements in Construction

Section 601. Fire Resistive Rating –the which a material can withstand fire

Section 602. Fire Resistive Time Period Rating – 1 hr, 2 hrs, 3 hrs, etc.

Chapter 7: Classification & General Requirement of all Buildings by Use or

Occupancy
Section 701. Occupancy Classified

Group A Residential Dwellings

Group B Residentials, Hotels, Apartments (Multiple Dwellings)
Group C Education & Recreation (school or day-care purposes)
Group D Institutional
Div. 1 – Personal liberties are restrained. Ex. Mental Hospitals,
jails, etc.
Div. 2 – Nursing Homes for non-ambulatory
patients Div. 3 – Nursing homes for ambulatory
patients
Group E Business & Mercantile
Div. 1 – Gasoline Filling Station
Div. 2 – Wholesale & Retail Stores
Div. 3 – Aircraft Hangars
Group F Industrial – ice plants, power plants, etc
Group G Storage & Hazardous – storage, hazardous & highly

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 flammable materials
Group H Assembly other than I
Div. 1 – Assembly w/ stage and occupant load < 1000
Div. 2 – Assembly w/o stage and occupant load 300 or more
Div. 3 – Assembly Bldg. w/o stage and occupant of < 300
Div. 4 – Stadia, reviewing Stands Amusement Parks (not
1,2,3)
Group I Assembly Occupant Load 1000 or more
Group J Accessory
Div. 1 – Private garages, carports, sheds
Div. 2 – Fences over 1.80m high, tanks, towers

Section 704. Location on Property

– eaves over required windows not < 750mm. minimum over from the side & rear
property lines
– sum of areas of openings must not exceed 50 % of sum of areas of walls

Section 708. Minimum Requirements for Group A Dwellings

Lot Occupancy Corner Lot – 90%

Inside Lot – 80%
*at least 2m from property line
Sanitation At least one (1) sanitary toilet & adequate washing
& drainage
Foundation Footings – 250mm thick & 600mm below ground
Floor Live Load
1st Floor – 200 kilograms per sq.m
2nd Floor – 150 kilograms per sq.m
*minimum
Roof Wind Load – 120 min. kilograms per sq.m
for vertical projections
Stairs Clear width – 750mm
Rise – 200mm
Run – 200mm
Entrance & Exit At least 1 entrance & 1 exit

Chapter 8: Light & Ventilation

Section 804. Size & Dimensions of Courts

- min. horizontal dimension – not < 2.00m
- inner courts shall be connected to a street or yard, or by a passageway – 1.20m
min.

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 Section 805. Ceiling Heights
*Habitable Rooms
a. Natural Ventilation – min of 2.70m
Artificial Ventilation (min.)
1st storey 2.70m 2nd storey
2.40m 3rd storey
2.10m
b. Mezzanine – min. of 1.80m

Section 806. Size and Dimension of Rooms

*Minimum
1. Rooms for Human Habitations – 6 sq.m w/ at least dimension of 2m (2x3m)
2. Kitchens – 3 sq.m w/ a least dimension of 1.5 (1.5x2m)
3. Bath & Toilet – 1.20 sq.m w/ at least of 0.90m (0.90x1.3m)

Section 807. Air Space Requirements in Determining the Size of Rooms

*Minimum
1. School Rooms – 3.00 cu.m w/ 1.00 sq.m of floor area per person 2.
Workshops, Factories, Offices – 12.00 cu.m of air space per person;
3. Habitable rooms – 14.00 cu.m of air space per person.

Section 808. Window Openings – at least 10% of floor area (not provided w/ artificial
ventilation system)
Section 809. Vent Shafts
a. Ventilation or vent shafts – horizontal cross-sectional area not < 0.10 sq.m per meter
height of shaft
b. Air Ducts – 0.30 sq.m w/ at least dimension of 300mm

Section 811. Artificial Ventilation

*Minimum Reqt’s in Air Changes

1. Office, Administrative purposes – not < 3 changes of air per hour
2. Bakeries, Hotel, Restaurants, Kitchens – not < 10 changes of air per hour
3. Auditoriums, Assembly purposes – not < 0.30 cu.m of air per minute
4. Wards, Dormitories of Institutional Bldgs. – not < 0.45 cu.m of air per minute, supplied
each person

Chapter 10: Building Projection over Public Street

Section 1002. Projection into Alleys or Streets

a. Footings – at least 2.40m below grade along national roads, may project not >
300mm beyond Property line.

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 b. Foundations – not < 600mm below the grade, may encroach 500mm into public
sidewalk areas

Section 1003. Projection of Balconies and Appendages

Width of Streets Balconies Total
Projections
Over 3m but < 6m With balconies .60m
6m to < 10m ― .90m
10m to < 11m ― 1m
11m to < 12m ― 1.10m
12m to < 13m ― 1.30m
13m to < 14m ― 1.40m
14m or over ― 1.50m

Section 1004. Arcades

- Min. of 3.00m above the established sidewalk grade

Section 1005. Canopies (Marquees)

a. Definition – a permanent roofed structure above a door attached to and supported
by the building and projecting over a wall or sidewalk
b. Projection & Clearance – outermost edge of the marquee and the curb line shall
be not < 300mm, vertical clearance bet pavement or GL & undersurface of
marquee shall not < 3.00m
c. Construction – incombustible materials not < 2 hrs fire-resistive

Section 1006. Movable Awnings or Hoods

a. Definition – a movable shelter supported from an exterior wall of a bldg. w/c can be
retracted, folded, collapsed against the face of a supporting bldg.
b. Clearance
Awning to curb line – not < 300mm
Vertical Clearance (undermost surface of the awning or GL) – not < 2.40m

Section 1007. Doors, Windows

– not < 2.40m above pavement or GL shall not, when fully opened, project beyond
PL except fire exit doors

Section 1008. Corner Bldgs. with Chaflans

a. Public Street or alley < 3.60m in width shall be truncated at the corner
―Chaflan‖
b. If arcaded bldg, no chaflan reqtd notwithstanding the width of public street, <
12.00m

Chapter 11: Protection of Pedestrians during Construction or Demolition

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 Section 1105. Walkway
a. Temporary walkway – 1.20m wide (during construction
b. Capable of supporting a uniform live load of 650 kg per sq.m

Section 1106. Pedestrian Protection

a. Railings – street side of the sidewalk – at least 1m in height
b. Fences – not < 2.40m above grade
c. Canopies – 2.40m above the railway, live load 600 kg per sq.m.

Section 1107. Maintenance and Removal of Protective Devices

a. Removal – protective fence or canopy shall be removed 30 days after protection no
longer required.

Chapter 12: General Design & Construction Requirements

Section 1202. Excavation, Foundation, and Retaining Walls

a. Excavation and Fills

1. Excavation made on public property - restored immediately to its former conditions
w/in 48 hrs

Section 1203. Veneer

a. Definition – nonstructural facing brick, concrete, tile, metal, etc. attached at the backing or
structural components for the purpose of ornamentation.

Section 1204. Enclosure of Vertical Openings

a. Elevator Enclosures
Escalator – draft curtain – at least 200mm on all sides
Automatic Sprinklers – provided around perimeter of the opening w/in 600mm of
draft curtain. Distance bet sprinklers - max of 1.80 center to center

Section 1206. Roof Construction and Covering a.

Attics
1. Access – not < 600mm sq. or in diameter, min clear
headroom of 800mm
2. Area Separation – enclosed attic space of combustible
construction shall be divided into horizontal area max of 250
sq.m. area, 750 sq.m. in area for attic with Fire-extinguishing
system.

Section 1207. Stairs, Exits, and Occupant Loads

a. Exits
1. Number of Exits
Above 1st storey – 10 occupant – 2 exits

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 Mezzanine – 185 sq.m area or more than 18m in dimension – 2 exits 500999 –
3 exits
2. Exits – if only 2 exits required, shall be placed distance
apart not < 1/5 of the perimeter area.
3. Distance of Exits – w/o sprinkler – 45m from exterior exit
door, w/ sprinkler 60m
4. Doors
a. Swing – exit door shall swing to exit travel in hazardous areas w/
50 or more occupant load
b. Double acting doors – view panel of not < 1,300 sq. cm.
c. Width and Height – not < 900mm in width, not < 2.00m in height,
opening – 90 degrees and exit way clear width not < 700mm
5. Door Leaf Width – max of 1.20
6. Corridors and Exterior Exit Balconies
a. Width – not < 1.10m
b. Dead Ends – max 6.00m in length
7. Stairways
a. Width – serving an occupant load of more than 50 shall not be < 1.10m,
occupant load of 50 or less may be 90m (900mm) wide, private
stairways serving an occupant load of < 10 may be .75m
(750mm)
b. Rise and Run. Rise – max 0.20m (200mm), Run - 0.25m
(250mm)
c. Winding Stairways – narrower side of the thread 150mm – 300mm
d. Circular Stairways – used as exit w/ min width of run not < 250mm
e. Landings – straight run – max of 1.20m, vertical
f. Distance bet landings – max of 3.60m vertical distance landings.
g. Handrails – not < 800mm nor more than 900mm.
h. Stairway to Roof – if 4 or more storeys in height
i. Headroom – clearance 2.00m
8. Ramps – width – 1.10m min
9. Exit Outlets, Courts, Passageways
a. Slope – exit courts max of 1:10, exit passageway max of 1:8
b. Openings – on exit court not < 3.00m protected by fire assemblies not < ¾
hour fire resistive. Except openings > 3.00m may be unprotected
c. Exit signs illumination – not < 10.7 lux at the floor level

10. Aisles
a. Width – not < 800mm if serving one side, not < 1m if serving both sides,
side aisles shall not < 1.10m
b. Exit Distance
1. Groups H, I occupancies w/o seats, line of travel to exit door by an
aisle is not > 45.00m
2. Exit doors clear width 1.70m if 30 seats bet aisles and 1m distance of
seat back to back
c. Slope – max of 1:8

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 11. Seats
a. Seat Spacing - spacing of rows of seats from back to back – not < 840mm
(standard seating), Clear width of rows (continental seating) as follows:
450 mm Rows of 18 seats
500mm Rows of 35 seats or less
520mm Rows of 45 seats or less
550mm Rows of 46 seats or more
b. Width – not < 450mm (0.45m) min, max of 480 (0.48m)

12. Reviewing Stands, Grandstands, and Bleachers

a. Row Spacing (min)
600 mm w/o backrest in open air stand
750mm Seats w/ backrest
850mm Chair seating
Not < 300mm Bet the back of each seat and
the front of the seat
immediately behind it.

b. Rise bet Rows – 400mm (0.40m) max

c. Number of Seats bet Aisles - not > 15 for open air stands w/ seats
w/o backrest, 6 w/ backrest seats in bldgs.
d. Aisles

1. Aisles Required – seats w/o backrest, the rise from row to row doesn’t
not exceed 300mm per row, number of rows doesn’t exceed 11 in
height, top seating board is not over 3.00m above grade, 1st seating
board not more than 500mm above grade
2. Stairs required – aisle is elevated more than 200nn above grade,
provide a stairway or ramp.
e. Stairs and Ramps
1. Guardrails – provide top seat plank is more than 1.20 above grade
2. Railings – 1.10m
3. Midrail – 250mm
f. Foot Boards – shall be provided above the 3rd row & where seating
plank is more than 600mm above grade
g. Safe Dispersal Area – at least 2 exits, more than 6000 min of 3 exits,
more than 9000 person min of 4 exits, clear width of exits not < 1
exit unit of 600 mm for each 500 persons, clear width not < 1.10m
13. Boiler Rooms – except Group A, 2 egress 1 ladder.

Section 1208. Skylights

a. Shall be constructed w/ metal frames Except Group A and J. Glass is set an
angle of < 45 degrees, if located above 1st storey, set at least 100mm (0.10m)
above the roof.
b. Space bet supports

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 - flat wire glass – not exceed 625mm
- corrugated wire glass - 1.5m
- glass no wired – 2.5m in diameter w/ mesh not larger than 25mm c. Ordinary
Glass – if ridge doesn’t exceed 6.00m above the grade
d. Glass for Transmission of Light – not < 12.5mm thick, glass over 100 sq.cm.
area have wire mesh

Section 1209. Bays, Porches and Balconies

Railings for balconies, landings or porches more than 750mm above grade

Section 1210. Penthouses and Roof Structures

a. Height – Type V construction shall exceed 8.40m above roof, shall not
extend more than 3.60m in height w/ the roof.
b. Towers and Spires – framework of iron, steel or RC when not enclosed,
towers not enclosed w/c extend more than 20m above grade, shall not
occupy more than ¼ of street frontage of bldg.

Section 1212. Fire-Extinguishing Systems

a. Fire-Extinguishing Systems
1. Every storey, basement or cellar w/ 200sq.m or more w/c is used for
habitation, etc. w/c has an occupant load of more than 20.
2.Dressing, rehearsal rms., workshops or factories w/ occupant load of more
than 10 or assembly halls w/ occupant load of more than 500, if the next
doors of rooms are more than 30.00m from safe dispersal area.
3. Photographic x-ray, nitrocellulose films and inflammable articles
b. Dry Standpipes – for bldgs. w/ 4 or more storeys
1. Construction and Test – shall be wrought iron of GS w/ fittings,
connections to withstand 20 kg per sq.cm of water pressure
2. Size – 900 liters water per minute
3. Number Required – every bldg 4 or more storeys where any floor above
3rd floor is 950m or less, equipped w/ 1 dry standpipe.
4. Siamese Connections:
2 way 100mm dry standpipe
3 way 125mm
4 way 150mm
Siamese inlet (located on Not < 300mm nor more than
street front) 1.20m above grade
5. Outlets – standpipe 63mm outlet not more than 1.20m above each floor
level, with 2 way standpipes 63mm outlet above the roof (all with gate
valves)
c. Wet Standpipes
1. Size – Interior wet standpipes deliver 190 liters/water per minute under
2.0 kg per sq.cm water pressure

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 2. Outlets – 38mm valve each storey located not < 300mm nor more than
1.20m above the floor.
3. Water Supply – street main not < 100mm in diameter
4. Pressure and Gravity Tanks – 1500 liters/water per minute for not <
10 minutes
5. Fire pumps – capacity not < 1000 liters per minute w/ pressure not <
2 kg per sq.cm connected to street main w/ not < 100mm diameter

Section 1214. Motion Picture Projection Rooms

a. Construction – 1 hr fire resistive, ceiling shall not be < 2.40m from
finished floor. Room shall have a floor area of not < 7.00sq.m and
3.50sq.m for every additional machine.
b. Exit – Projection room – at least 2 exits separated by not < 1/3 the
perimeter of room, each at least 750mm wide and 2.00m high
c. Ports and Openings (3 kinds) – projection, observation, combination
ports
1. Ports required – limited in area to 750 sq.cm, not more than 1 observation
ports w/c be limited to 1300 sq.cm. There shall be not more than 3
combination ports w/c not exceed 750mm by 600mm. Projection ports
not to exceed 4,500 sq.cm in area.
d. Ventilation
1. Inlet – fresh air inlet from the exterior bldg. not < 900sq.cm. & protect w/
wire netting installed w/in 50mm of the floor in every projection room
2. Outlets – provide 1 or more mechanical exhaust systems.

2. EXCERPT FROM THE ARCHITECTURE ACT OF 2004 - REPUBLIC ACT NO.

9266

RA No. 9266- An act providing for a more responsive and comprehensive regulation for the
registration, licensing and practice of architecture, repealing for the purpose of Republic Act
No. 545, as amended, otherwise known as ―An Act to Regulate the Practice of Architecture in
the Philippines, ― and for other purposes.

ARTICLE 1 GENERAL PROVISIONS

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as "The Architecture Act of 2004." SEC.
2. Statement of Policy – The State recognizes the importance of architects in nation
building and development. Hence, it shall develop and nurture competent, virtuous,
productive and well- rounded professional architects whose standards of practice and
service shall be excellent, qualitative, world-class and globally competitive through
inviolable, honest, effective and credible licensure examinations and through regulatory
measures, programs and activities that foster their professional growth and development.

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 SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. – As used in this Act, the following terms shall be defined as
follows:
1. "Architecture" is the art, science or profession of planning, designing and
constructing buildings in their totality taking into account their environment, in
accordance with the principles of utility, strength and beauty;
2. "Architect" means a person professionally and academically qualified, registered
and licensed under this Act with a Certificate of Registration and Professional
Identification Card issued by the Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture
and the Professional Regulation Commission, and who is responsible for
advocating the fair and sustainable development, welfare and cultural
expression of society’s habitat in terms of space, forms and historical context;
a. "Architect-of-record" means the architect registered and licensed
under this Act, who is directly and professionally responsible for the
total design of the project for the client and who shall assume the civil
liability for the plans, specifications and contract documents he/she
has signed and sealed;
b. "Architecture-in-charge of construction" means an architect registered
and licensed under this Act, who is directly and professionally
responsible and liable for the construction supervision of the project;
c. "Consulting Architect" means the architect registered and licensed or
permitted to practice under this Act, who is professionally and
academically qualified and with exceptional or recognized expertise or
specialization in any branch of architecture;
3. "General Practice of Architecture" means the act of planning and architectural
designing, structural conceptualization, specifying, supervising and giving general
administration and responsible direction to the erection, enlargement or alterations
of buildings and building environments and architectural design in engineering
structures or any part thereof; the scientific, aesthetic and orderly coordination of all
the processes which enter into the production of a complete building or structure
performed through the medium of unbiased preliminary studies of plans,
consultations, specifications, conferences, evaluations, investigations, contract
documents and oral advice and directions regardless of whether the persons
engaged in such practice are residents of the Philippines or have their principal
office or place of business in this country or another territory, and regardless of
whether such persons are performing one or all these duties, or whether such
duties are performed in person or as the directing head of an office or organization
performing them;
4. "Scope of the Practice of Architecture" encompasses the provision of
professional services in connection with site, physical and planning and the
design, construction, enlargement, conservation, renovation, remodeling,
restoration or alteration of a building or group of buildings. Services may
include, but are not limited to:
a. planning, architectural designing and structural conceptualization;
b. consultation, consultancy, giving oral or written advice and directions,
conferences, evaluations, investigations, quality surveys, appraisals and
adjustments, architectural and operational planning, site analysis and
other pre-design services;

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 c. schematic design, design development, contract documents and
construction phases including professional consultancies;
d. preparation of preliminary, technical, economic and financial feasibility
studies of plans, models and project promotional services;
e. preparation of architectural plans, specifications, bill of materials, cost
estimates, general conditions and bidding documents;
f. construction and project management, giving general management,
administration, supervision, coordination and responsible direction or
the planning, architectural designing, construction, reconstruction,
erection, enlargement or demolition, renovation, repair, orderly removal,
remodeling, alteration, preservation or restoration of buildings or
structures or complex buildings, including all their components, sites
and environs, intended for private or public use;
g. the planning, architectural lay-outing and utilization of spaces within and
surrounding such buildings or structures, housing design and
community architecture, architectural interiors and space planning,
architectural detailing, architectural lighting, acoustics, architectural lay-
outing of mechanical, electrical, electronic, sanitary, plumbing,
communications and other utility systems, equipment and fixtures;
h. building programming, building administration, construction arbitration
and architectural conservation and restoration;
i. all works which relate to the scientific, aesthetic and orderly
coordination of all works and branches of the work, systems and
process necessary for the production of a complete building or
structure, whether for public or private use, in order to enhance and
safeguard life, health and property and the promotion and enrichment of
the quality of life, the architectural design of engineering structures or
any part thereof; and
j. all other works, projects and activities which require the professional
competence of an architect, including teaching of architectural subjects
and architectural computer-aided design;
5. "Structural Conceptualization" means the act of conceiving, choosing and
developing the type, disposition, arrangement and proportioning of the structural
elements of an architectural work giving due consideration to safety,
costeffectiveness, functionality and aesthetics;
6. "Architectural Firm" means a sole proprietorship, a partnership or a corporation
registered with the proper government agencies;
7. "Authorship" refers to the author or authors of a set of architectural plans or
specifications who are in charge of their preparation, whether made by them
personally or under their immediate supervision;
8. "Board" refers to the Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture;
9. "Commission" means the Professional Regulation Commission;
10. "Service Agreement" means a duly notarized written contract or equivalent public
instrument stipulating the scope of services and guaranteeing compensation of
such services to be rendered by an architect registered and licensed under this Act;
11. "Integrated and Accredited Professional Organization" means the existing official
national organization of all architects of the Philippines in which all registered

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 Filipino architects shall be members without prejudice to membership in other
voluntary professional associations;
12. "Continuing Professional Development" refers to a sustaining and progressive
learning process that maintains, enhances, or increases the knowledge and
continuing ability of architects;
13. "DTI" shall mean the Department of Trade and Industry; and
14. "SEC" shall mean the Securities of Exchange Commission.

ARTICLE III- EXAMINATION, REGISTRATION AND LICENSURE

SEC. 12. Examination Required. – All applicants for registration for the practice of
architecture shall be required to undergo a licensure examination to be given by the
Board in such places and dates as the Commission may designate in accordance
with the provisions of Republic Act No. 8981.

SEC. 13. Qualifications of Applicant for Examination. – Any person applying for
examination shall establish to the satisfaction of the Board that:
a. He/she is a Filipino citizen or a citizen of a foreign country qualified to take
the examination as provided for in this Act;
b. He/she is of good moral character;
c. He/she is a holder of a degree of Bachelor of Science in Architecture
conferred by a school, college, academy or institute duly recognized and/or
accredited by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and in addition
has a specific record of at least two (2) years or equivalent of diversified
architectural experience duly certified by a registered/licensed architect:
Provided, however, That an applicant holding a Master’s Degree in
Architecture from a school, college, university or institute recognized by the
government shall be credited one (1) year in his/her practical experience;
and
d. He/she has not been convicted of any criminal offensive involving moral
turpitude.
SEC. 17. Oath. – All successful candidates in the examination shall be required to
take an oath of profession before any member of the Board, any government
official authorized by the Commission or any person authorized by law to
administer oaths, prior to entering upon the practice of the profession.

SEC. 18. Issuance of Certificates of Registration and Professional

Identification Card. – A Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification
Card shall be issued to examinees who pass the licensure examination subject to
payment of fees prescribed by the Commission. The Certificate of Registration
shall bear the signature of the chairperson of the Commission and the chairman
and members of the Board, stamped with the official seal, indicating that the
person named therein is entitled to the practice of the profession with all the
privileges appurtenant thereto. The said certificate shall remain in full force and
affect until withdrawn, suspended or revoked in accordance with this Act.

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 SEC. 19. Roster of Architects. – A roster showing the names and place of
business of all registered professional architects shall be prepared and updated by
the Board and copies thereof shall be made available to any party as may be
deemed necessary.

SEC. 21. Indication of Certificate of Registration/Professional Identification

Card and Professional Tax Receipt. – The architect shall be required to indicate
his/her Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card, its date of
issuance and the duration of validity, including the professional tax receipt number, on
the documents he/she signs, uses or issues in connection with the practice of his/her
profession.

ARTICLE IV- PRACTICE OF ARCHITECTURE

SEC. 25. Registration of Architects Required. – No person shall practice architecture

in this country, or engage in preparing architectural plans, specification or preliminary
data for the erection or alteration of any building located within the boundaries of this
country or use the title "Architect," or display or use any title, sign, card, advertisement,
or other device to indicate such person practices or offers to practice architecture, or is
an architect, unless such person shall have received from the Board a Certificate of
Registration and be issued a Professional Identification Card in the manner hereinafter
provided and shall thereafter comply with the provisions of this Act. A foreign architect
or any person not authorized to practice architecture in the Philippines, who shall stay in
the country and perform any of the activities mentioned in Sections 3 and 4 of this Act,
or any other activity analogous thereto, in connection with the construction of any
building/structure/edifice or land development project, shall be deemed engaged in the
unauthorized practice of architecture.

SEC. 29. Prohibition in the Practice of Architecture and Penal Clause. – Any
person who shall practice or offer to practice architecture in the Philippines without
being registered/licensed and who are not holders of temporary or special permits in
accordance with the provisions of this Act, or any person presenting or attempting to
use as his/her own the Certificate of Registration/Professional Identification Card or
seal of another or temporary or special permit, or any person who shall give any
false or forged evidence o any kind to the Board or to any member thereof in
obtaining a Certificate of Registration/Professional Identification Card or temporary
or special permit, or any person who shall falsely impersonate any registrant of like
or different name, or any person who shall attempt to use a revoked or suspended
Certificate of Registration/Professional Identification Card or cancelled
special/temporary permit, or any person who shall use in connection with his/her
name or otherwise assume, use or advertise any title or description tending to
convey the impression that he/she is an architect when he/she is not an architect, or
any person whether Filipino or foreigner, who knowingly allows the use, adoption,
implementation of plans, designs or specification made by any person, firm,
partnership or company not duly licensed to engage in the practice of architecture,
or any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this Act, its implementing
rules and regulations, the Code of Ethical Conduct and Standards of Professional
Practice, or any policy of the Board and the Commission, shall be guilty of
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 misdemeanor and charged in court by the Commission and shall, upon conviction be
sentenced to a fine of not less than One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) but
not more than Five Million pesos (P5,000,000,00) or to suffer imprisonment for a
period not less than six (6) months or not exceeding six (6) years, or both, at the
discretion of the Court.

Sec. 30. Prohibition in the Practice of Architecture. – Any person or entity,

whether public or private, Filipino or foreigner, who/which shall entice, compel,
coerce, require or otherwise force an architect registered and licensed under this Act
to undertake/perform any service under the general practice of architecture as
defined under this Act, without first executing a written contract/service agreement,
shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall, upon conviction be sentenced to a fine of
not less than Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000.00) or to suffer imprisonment
for a period not exceeding six (6) years, or both, at the discretion of the Court.

Sec. 31. Liability of Representatives of Non-Registered Persons. – It shall be

unlawful for any person or firm or corporation to seek to avoid the provisions of this
Act by having a representative or employee seek architectural work in their behalf,
unless and until, such persons have duly qualified and are duly registered/licensed,
otherwise, both those represented and representative, the employer and the
employee shall be deemed guilty of violation of this Act. Solicitation of architectural
work shall be construed as offering to practice architecture and shall be unlawful for
any non-registered and unlicensed persons to do so.

Sec. 34. Non-Registered Person Shall Not Claim Equivalent Service. – Persons
not registered as an architect shall not claim nor represent either services or work as
equivalent to those of a duly qualified registered architect, or that they are qualified
for any branch or functions of function of architectural practice, even though no form
of the title "Architect" is used.

Sec. 37. Limitation to the Registration of a Firm, Company, Partnership,

Corporation or Association. – The practice of architecture is a professional
service, admission to which shall be determined upon the basis of individual
personal qualifications. However, a firm, company, partnership, corporation or
association may be registered or licensed as such for the practice of architecture
under the following conditions:

a. Only Filipino citizens properly registered and licensed as architects

under this Act may, among themselves, or together with allied technical
professionals, form and obtain registration as a firm, company,
partnership, association or corporation for the practice of architecture;
b. Registered and licensed architects shall compose at least seventyfive
percent (75%) of the owners, shareholders, members
incorporators, directors, executive officers, as the case may be;

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 c. Individual members of such firm, partnership association or corporation
shall be responsible for their individual and collective acts as an entity
and as provided by law;
d. Such firm, partnership, association or corporation shall be registered
with the Securities and Exchange Commission and Board.

3. EXCERPTS FROM THE NATIONAL STRUCTURAL CODE OF THE

PHILIPPINES
CHAPTER 1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

SECTION 101 TITLE, PURPOSE AND SCOPE

101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the National Structural Code of the
Philippines, Vol. I, 6th Edition 2010, and may be cited as such and will be referred to herein
as ―this code."

101.2 Purpose. The purpose of this code is to provide minimum load requirements for the
design of buildings, towers and other vertical structures, and minimum standards and
guidelines to safeguard life or limb, property and public welfare by regulating and controlling
the design, construction, quality of materials pertaining to the structural aspects of all
buildings and structures within this jurisdiction.

101.3 Scope. The provisions of this code shall apply to the construction, alteration, moving,
demolition, repair, maintenance and use of buildings, towers and other vertical structures
within this jurisdiction. Special structures such as but not limited to single family dwellings,
storage silos, liquid product tanks and hydraulic flood control structures, should be referred
to special state of practice literature but shall refer to provisions of this code as a minimum
wherever applicable. For additions, alterations, maintenance, and change in use of buildings
and structures, see Section 108. Where, in any specific case, different sections of this code
specify different materials, methods of construction or other requirements, the most
restrictive provisions shall govern except in the case of single family dwellings. Where there
is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the specific
requirement shall be applicable.

101.4 Alternative Systems. The provisions of this code are not intended to prevent the use
of any material, alternate design or method of construction not specifically prescribed by this
code, provided any alternate has been permitted and its use authorized by the building
official (see Section 102). Sponsors of any system of design or construction not within the
scope of this code, the adequacy of which had been shown by successful use and by
analysis and test, shall have the right to present the data on which their design is based to
the building official or to a board of examiners appointed by the building official or the project
owner/developer. This board shall be composed of competent structural engineers and shall
have authority to investigate the data so submitted, to require tests, and to formulate rules
governing design and construction of such systems to meet the intent of this code. These
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rules, when approved and promulgated by the building official, shall be of the same force
and effect as the provisions of this.

SECTION 102 DEFINITIONS

For the purpose of this code, certain terms, phrases, words and their derivatives shall be
construed as specified in this chapter and elsewhere in this code where specific definitions
are provided. Terms, phrases and words used in the singular include the plural and vice
versa. Terms, phrases and words used in the masculine gender include the feminine and
vice versa.

o ADDITION is an extension or increase in floor area or height of a building or

structure. o ALTER or ALTERATION is any change, addition or modification in
construction or occupancy. o APPROVED as to materials and types of construction,
refers to approval by the building official as the result of investigation and tests
conducted by the building official, or by reason of accepted principles or tests by
recognized authorities, technical or scientific organizations.
o AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION is the organization, political subdivision, office
or individual charged with the responsibility of administering and enforcing the
provisions of this code.
o BUILDING is any structure usually enclosed by walls and a roof, constructed to
provide support or shelter for an intended use or occupancy.
o BUILDING, EXISTING, is a building erected prior to the adoption of this code, or one
for which a legal building permit has been issued.
o BUILDING OFFICIAL is the officer or other designated authority charged with the
administration and enforcement of this code, or the building official's duly authorized
representative.
o CIVIL ENGINEER is a professional engineer licensed to practise in the field of civil
engineering.
o ENGINEER-OF-RECORD is a civil engineer responsible for the structural design.
o OCCUPANCY is the purpose for which a building or other structures or part thereof,
is used or intended to be used. o STRUCTURE is that which is built or constructed,
an edifice or building of any kind, or any piece of work artificially built up or composed
of parts joined together in some definite manner.
o STRUCTURAL ENGINEER is a registered Civil Engineer with special qualification in
the practice of Structural Engineering as recognized by the Board of Civil Engineering
of the Professional Regulation Commission as endorsed by the Philippine Institute of
Civil Engineers (PICE) through the Association of Structural Engineers of the
Philippines (ASEP) or specialist members of the Structural Engineering Specialty
Division of PICE.

SECTION 103 CLASSIFICATION OF STRUCTURES

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103.1 Nature of Occupancy

Buildings and other structures shall be classified, based on the nature of occupancy,
according to Table 103-1 for purposes of applying wind and earthquake in Chapter 2. Each
building or other structures shall be assigned to the highest applicable occupancy category
or categories. Assignment of the same structure to multiple occupancy categories based on
use and the type of loading condition being evaluated (e.g. wind or seismic) shall be
permissible. When buildings or other structures have multiple uses (occupancies), the
relationship between the uses of various parts of the building or other structure and the
independence of the structural system for those various parts shall be examined. The
classification for each independent structural system of a multiple-use building or other
structure shall be that of the highest usage group in any part of the building or other
structure that is dependent on that basic structural system.

Table 103-1 - Occupancy Category

OCCUPANCY CATEGORY OCCUPANCY OR FUNCTION OF
STRUCTURE
I Essential Facilities Occupancies having surgery and
emergency treatment areas, Fire and
police stations, Garages and shelters for
emergency vehicles and emergency
aircraft, Structures and shelters in
emergency preparedness centers, Aviation
control towers, Structures and equipment
in communication centers and other
facilities required for emergency response,
Facilities for standby power-generating
equipment for Category I structures, Tanks
or other structures containing housing or
supporting water or other fire suppression
material or equipment required for the
protection of Category I, II or III structures,
Public school buildings, Hospitals and
Designated evacuation centers.
II Hazardous Facilities Occupancies and structures housing or
supporting toxic or explosive chemicals or
substances, Non-building structures
storing, supporting or containing quantities
of
III Special Occupancy Structures Single-story school buildings Buildings
with an assembly room with an occupant
capacity of 1,000 or more, Educational
buildings such as museums libraries,
auditorium with a capacity of 300 or more
students, Buildings used for college or
adult education with a capacity of 500 or
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 more students, Institutional buildings with
50 or more incapacitated patients, but not
included in Category I, Mental hospitals,
sanitariums, jails, prison and other
buildings where personal liberties of
inmates are similarly restrained, All
structures with an occupancy of 5,000 or
more persons, Structures and equipment
in power generating stations, and other
public utility facilities not included in
Category I or Category II, and required for
continued operation.
IV Standard Occupancy Structures All structures housing occupancies or
having functions not listed in Category I, II
or III and Category V.
V Miscellaneous Structures Private garages, carports, sheds and
fences over 1.5 m high.

SECTION 104 DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

104.1 Strength Requirement

Buildings, towers and other vertical structures and all portions thereof shall be designed and
constructed to sustain, within the limitations specified in this code, all loads set forth in
Chapter 2 and elsewhere in this code, combined in accordance with Section 203. Design
shall be in accordance with Strength Design, Load and Resistance Factor Design and
Allowable Stress Design methods, as permitted by the applicable material chapters.
Exception: Unless otherwise required by the building official, buildings or portions thereof
that are constructed in accordance with the conventional light-framing requirements
specified in Chapter 5 and the NSCP Volume III on Housing shall be deemed to meet the
requirements of this section.

104.2 Serviceability Requirement

104.2.1 General. Structural systems and members thereof shall be designed to have
adequate stiffness to limit deflections, lateral drifts, vibration, or any other deformations that
adversely affect the intended use and performance of buildings towers and other vertical
structures. The design shall also consider durability, resistance to exposure to weather or
aggressive environment, crack control, and other conditions that affect the intended use and
performance of buildings, towers and other vertical structures.

104.3 Analysis. Any system or method of construction to be used shall be based on a

rational analysis in accordance with well-established principles of mechanics that take into
account equilibrium, general stability, geometric compatibility and both short-term and long-
term material properties. Members that tend to accumulate residual deformations under
repeated service loads shall have included in their analysis the added eccentricities
expected to occur during their service life. Such analysis shall result in a system that
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provides a complete load path capable of transferring all loads and forces from their point of
origin to the loadresisting elements. The analysis shall include, but not be limited to, the
provisions of Sections 104.3.1 through 104.3.3

104.3.1 Stability Against Overturning. Every structure shall be designed to resist the
overturning effects caused by the lateral forces specified with adequate Factor of Safety
(FOS). See Section 206.6 for retaining walls, Section 207 for wind loading and Section 208
for earthquake loading.

104.3.2 Self-Straining. Forces Provisions shall be made for anticipated self-straining forces
arising from differential settlement of foundations and from restrained dimensional changes
due to temperature, moisture, shrinkage, heave, creep and similar effects.

104.3.3 Anchorage. Anchorage of the roof to walls and columns, and of walls and columns
to foundations shall be provided and adequately detailed to resist the uplift and sliding
forces that result from the application of the prescribed forces. Concrete and masonry walls
shall be anchored to all floors, roofs and other structural elements that provide lateral
support for the wall.

SECTION 105 POSTING AND INSTRUMENTATION

05.1 Posting of Live Loads

The live loads for which each floor or portion thereof of a commercial or industrial building
has been designed shall have such design live loads conspicuously posted by the owner in
that part of each story in which they apply, using durable metal signs. It shall not be allowed
to remove or deface such notices. The occupant of the building shall be responsible for
keeping the actual load below the allowable limits.

105.2 Earthquake-Recording Instrumentation

105.2.1 General. Unless waived by the building official, every building in Seismic Zone 4
over 50 m in height shall be provided with not less than three approved recording
accelerographs. The accelerographs shall be interconnected for common start and common
timing.
105.2.2 Location. The instruments shall be located in the basement, midportion, and near
the top of the building. Each instrument shall be located so that access is maintained at all
times and is unobstructed by room contents. A sign stating ―MAINTAIN CLEAR ACCESS
TO THIS INSTRUMENT‖ shall be posted in a conspicuous location.

105.2.3 Maintenance. Maintenance and service of the instruments shall be provided by the
owner of the building, subject to the monitoring of the building official. Data produced by the
instruments shall be made available to the building official or the Philippine Institute of
Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on request.

105.2.4 Instrumentation of Selected Buildings. All owners of existing structures selected

by the authorities having jurisdiction shall provide accessible space for the installation of
appropriate earthquake recording instruments. Location of said instruments shall be
determined by Phivolcs or the authorities having jurisdiction. Phivolcs or the authorities
having jurisdiction shall make arrangements to provide, maintain and service the
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instruments. Data shall be the property of the authorities having jurisdiction, but copies of
individual records shall be made available to the owner of the building and to the public on
request and after the payment of an appropriate fee

SECTION 108 EXISTING STRUCTURES

108.1 General

Buildings in existence at the time of the adoption of this code may have their existing use or
occupancy continued, if such use or occupancy was legal at the time of the adoption of this
code, provided such continued use is not dangerous to life. Any change in the use or
occupancy of any existing building or structure shall comply with the provisions of Sections
108.4 of this code.

108.2 Maintenance

All buildings and structures, both existing and new, and all parts thereof, shall be maintained
in a safe condition. The owner or the owner's designated agent shall be responsible for the
maintenance of buildings and structures. To determine compliance with this subsection, the
building official may cause a structure to be reinspected.

108.3 Additions, Alterations or Repairs

108.3.1 General

Buildings and structures to which additions, alterations or repairs are made shall comply with
all the requirements of this code for new facilities except as specifically provided in this
section. 108.3.2 When Allowed by the Building Official Additions, alterations or repairs may
be made to any building or structure without requiring the existing building or structure to
comply with all the requirements of this code, provided the addition, alteration or repair
conforms to that required for a new building or structure and provided further that such
approval by the building official is in writing. Additions or alterations shall not be made to an
existing building or structure that will cause the existing building or structure to become
unsafe. An unsafe condition shall be deemed to have been created if an addition or
alteration will cause any structural element of the existing building or structure to resist loads
in excess of their capacity or cause a reduction of their load carrying capacity. Additions or
alterations shall not be made to an existing building or structure when such existing building
or structure is not in full compliance with the provisions of this code except when such
addition or alteration will result in the existing building or structure being no more hazardous
based on structural safety, than before such additions or alterations are undertaken, unless
adequate retrofitting or remediation is introduced.

Exceptions: Alterations to existing structural elements or additions of new structural

elements, which are initiated for the purpose of increasing the strength or stiffness of the
lateral-force-resisting system of an existing structure, need not be designed for forces
conforming to these regulations provided that an engineering analysis is submitted to show
that:

1. The capacity of existing structural elements required to resist forces is not reduced;

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2. The lateral force to required existing structural elements is not increased beyond their
design strength;.
3. New structural elements are detailed and connected to the existing structural elements as
required by these regulations; and
4. New or relocated non-structural elements are detailed and connected to existing or new
structural elements as required by these regulations.

4. ELECTRICAL CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES

Chapter 1. General

ARTICLE 1.0 — INTRODUCTION

1.0.1.1Purpose.

(a) Practical Safeguarding. The purpose of this Code is the practical safeguarding of
persons and property from hazards arising from the use of electricity.

(b) Adequacy. This Code contains provisions that are considered minimum requirements
necessary for safety. Compliance therewith and proper maintenance will result in an
installation that is essentially free from hazard but not necessarily efficient, convenient, or
adequate for good service or future expansion of electrical use.

FPN No. 1: Hazards often occur because of overloading of wiring systems by methods or
usage not in conformity with this Code. This occurs because initial wiring did not provide for
increases in the use of electricity. An initial adequate installation and reasonable provisions
for system changes will provide for future increases in the use of electricity.
FPN No 2: It is highly recommended that a licensed electrical practitioner be consulted for
any electrical requirements, including changes. Failure to do so may result in fire, serious
injury, or death.

FPN No. 3: Fire hazard, electrocution, serious injury or even death may also occur with lack
or improper maintenance of wiring system. Wiring system is recommended to be inspected
and tested by a licensed electrical practitioner at least once a year for wiring system of more
than three (3) years in installation.

(c) Intention. This Code is intended for the exclusive use of licensed electrical practitioners
(PEE, REE, and RME). This Code is not intended as a design specification nor an
instruction manual for a non-licensed electrical practitioner, unless under the supervision of
a licensed electrical practitioner.

1.0.1.3 Authority.

(a) This Code has been approved and adopted by the Board of Electrical Engineering,
Professional Regulation Commission.

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All of these potential hazards are addressed by the requirements in this Code. (b) By virtue
of authority vested in the Board under RA 7920, it hereby direct strict adherence to the
provisions of this Code.

1.0.1.2 Scope.

(a) Covered. This Code covers the installation of electrical conductors, equipment, and
raceways; signaling and communications conductors, equipment, and raceways; and
optical fiber cables and raceways installed within or on, to or from:

(1) Public and private buildings, including but not limited to residential, commercial,
industrial, institutional, cultural, agricultural, agro-industrial, planned unit
development and all other buildings/premises that may require practical
safeguarding of persons and property from the hazards arising from the use of
electricity.

(2) Electric generating plants

(3) Industrial plants
(4) Transformer stations
(5) Permanent and temporary substations, etc.
(6) Airfields
(7) Railways switchyards
(8) Yards, carnival, parks, parking and other lots (c) The authority
having jurisdiction may waive specific

(9) Quarries and mines

(10) Watercraft
(11) Dockyards
(12) Trailers
(13) Mobile homes and recreational vehicles
(14) Offshore facilities

(b) Not Covered. This Code does not cover the following:

(1) Installations in railway rolling stock, aircraft, or automotive that may not yet be
available at the time this Code is adopted. In such event, the authority having
jurisdiction may permit the use of the products, constructions, or materials that
comply with the most recent previous edition of this Code adopted by the jurisdiction.

(2) Installations of railways for generation, transformation, transmission, or distribution

of power used exclusively for operation of rolling stock replacement is suggested to
be consulted with a licensed electrical practitioner prior to installation for safety.

(c) Where deviations from these provisions are necessary, such deviations shall not be
made, except with written permission from this government bodies exercising legal
jurisdiction applicable only to the particular job for which such permission was
granted.

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1.0.1.4 Enforcement.

(a) This Code is intended for mandatory application by government bodies exercising
legal jurisdiction over electrical installations.

(b) These government bodies, only through a licensed electrical practitioner, shall have
the responsibility of implementing the provisions of this Code in deciding on the
approval of equipment and materials and for granting the special permission
contemplated in this Code, where it is assured that equivalent objectives can be
achieved by establishing and maintaining effective safety.

1.0.1.8 Wiring Planning.

(a) Future Expansion and Convenience. Plans and specifications that provide
ample space in raceways, spare raceways, and additional spaces allow for future
increases in electric power and communication circuits. Distribution centers located in
readily accessible locations provide convenience and safety of operation are not
enforceable as requirements of this Code.

(b) Number of Circuits in Enclosures. It is elsewhere provided in this Code that the
number of wires and circuits confined in a single enclosure be varyingly restricted.
Limiting the number of circuits in a single enclosure will minimizes the effects from a
short circuit or ground fault in one circuit.

1.0.1.9 Metric Units of Measurement. For the purpose of this Code, metric units of
measurement are in accordance with the modernized metric system known as the
International System of Units (SI).

ARTICLE 1.1 — DEFINITIONS

1.1.1.1 Scope. This article contains only those definitions essential to the proper application
of this Code. It is not intended to include commonly defined general terms or commonly
defined technical terms from related codes and standards. In general, only those terms that
are used in two or more articles are defined in Article 100. Other definitions are included in
the article in which they are used but may be referenced in Article 1.0.

Part 1.1.1 of this article contains definitions intended to apply wherever the terms are used
throughout this Code. Part 1.1.2 contains definitions applicable only to the parts of articles
specifically covering installations and equipment operating at over 600 volts, nominal.

1.1.1 General

o Accessible (as applied to equipment). Admitting close approach; not guarded by

locked doors, elevation, or other effective means.
o Accessible (as applied to wiring methods). Capable of being removed or exposed
without damaging the building structure or finish or not permanently closed in by the
structure or finish of the building.
o Accessible, Readily (Readily Accessible). Capable of being reached quickly for
operation, renewal, or inspections without requiring those to whom ready access is

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 requisite to climb over or remove obstacles or to resort to portable ladders, and so
forth.
o Ampacity. The current, in amperes, that a conductor can carry continuously under
the conditions of use without exceeding its temperature rating.
o Appliance. Utilization equipment, generally other than industrial, that is normally
built in standardized sizes or types and is installed or connected as a unit to perform
one or more functions such as clothes washing, air conditioning, food mixing, deep
frying, and so forth.
o Askarel. A generic term for a group of nonflammable synthetic chlorinated
hydrocarbons used as electrical insulating media. Askarels of various compositional
types are used. Under arcing conditions, the gases produced, while consisting
predominantly of noncombustible hydrogen chloride, can include varying amounts of
combustible gases, depending on the askarel type.
o Attachment Plug (Plug Cap) (Plug). A device that, by insertion in a receptacle,
establishes a connection between the conductors of the attached flexible cord and
the conductors connected permanently to the receptacle.
o Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). The organization, office, or individual
responsible for approving equipment, materials, an installation, or a procedure.
o Automatic. Self-acting, operating by its own mechanism when actuated by some
impersonal influence, as, for example, a change in current, pressure, temperature,
or mechanical configuration.
o Bathroom. An area including a basin with one or more of the following: a toilet, a
tub, or a shower.
o Bonding (Bonded). The permanent joining of metallic parts to form an electrically
conductive path that ensures electrical continuity and the capacity to conduct safely
any current likely to be imposed.

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 o Bonding Jumper. A reliable conductor to ensure the required electrical
conductivity between metal parts required to be electrically connected.
o Bonding Jumper, Equipment. The connection between two or more
portions of the equipment grounding conductor.
o Bonding Jumper, Main. The connection between the grounded circuit
conductor and the equipment grounding conductor at the service.
o Bonding Jumper, System. The connection between the grounded circuit
conductor and the equipment grounding conductor at a separately derived
system.
o Branch Circuit. The circuit conductors between the final overcurrent
device protecting the circuit and the outlet(s).
o Branch Circuit, Appliance. A branch circuit that supplies energy to one or
more outlets to which appliances are to be connected and that has no
permanently connected luminaires (lighting fixtures) that are not a part of
an appliance.
o Branch Circuit, General-Purpose. A branch circuit that supplies two or
more receptacles or outlets for lighting and appliances.
o Branch Circuit, Individual. A branch circuit that supplies only one
utilization equipment.
o Branch Circuit, Multiwire. A branch circuit that consists of two or more
ungrounded conductors that have a voltage between them, and a grounded
conductor that has equal voltage between it and each ungrounded
conductor of the circuit and that is connected to the neutral or grounded
conductor of the system.
o Building. A structure that stands alone or that is cut off from adjoining
structures by fire walls with all openings therein protected by approved fire
doors.
o Cabinet. An enclosure that is designed for either surface mounting or flush
mounting and is provided with a frame, mat, or trim in which a swinging
door or doors are or can be hung.
o Circuit Breaker. A device designed to open and close a circuit by
nonautomatic means and to open the circuit automatically on a
predetermined overcurrent without damage to itself when properly applied
within its rating.
o Adjustable (as applied to circuit breakers). A qualifying term indicating
that the circuit breaker can be set to trip at various values of current, time,
or both, within a predetermined range.
o Instantaneous Trip (as applied to circuit breakers). A qualifying term
indicating that no delay is purposely introduced in the tripping action of the
circuit breaker.
o Inverse Time (as applied to circuit breakers). A qualifying term indicating
that there is purposely introduced a delay in the tripping action of the circuit
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 breaker, which delay Nonadjustable (as applied to circuit breakers). A
qualifying term indicating that the circuit breaker does not have any
adjustment to alter the value of current at which it will trip or the time
required for its operation.
o Setting (of circuit breakers). The value of current, time, or both, at which
an adjustable circuit breaker is set to trip.
Concealed. Rendered inaccessible by the structure or finish of the building. Wires in
concealed raceways are considered concealed, even though they may become
accessible by withdrawing them.
Conductor, Bare. A conductor having no covering or electrical insulation whatsoever.
o Conductor, Covered. A conductor encased within material of composition or thickness
that is not recognized by this Code as electrical insulation.
o Conductor, Insulated. A conductor encased within material of composition
and thickness that is recognized by this Code as electrical insulation.
o Conduit Body. A separate portion of a conduit or tubing system that
provides access through a removable cover(s) to the interior of the system
at a junction of two or more sections of the system or at a terminal point of
the system.
o Connector, Pressure (Solderless). A device that establishes a connection
between two or more conductors or between one or more conductors and a
terminal by means of mechanical pressure and without the use of solder.
o Continuous Load. A load where the maximum current is expected to
continue for 3 hours or more.
o Controller. A device or group of devices that serves to govern, in some
predetermined manner, the electric power delivered to the apparatus to
which it is connected
o Cooking Unit, Counter-Mounted. A cooking appliance designed for
mounting in or on a counter and consisting of one or more heating
elements, internal wiring, and built-in or mountable controls.
o Coordination (Selective). Localization of an overcurrent condition to
restrict outages to the circuit or equipment affected, accomplished by the
choice of overcurrent protective devices and their ratings or settings.
o Copper-Clad Aluminum Conductors. Conductors drawn from a copper-
clad aluminum rod with the copper metallurgically bonded to an aluminum
core. The copper forms a minimum of 10 percent of the cross-sectional
area of a solid conductor or each strand of a stranded conductor.

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 o Cutout Box. An enclosure designed for surface mounting that has
swinging doors or covers secured directly to and telescoping with the walls
of the box proper.
o Dead Front. Without live parts exposed to a person on the operating side
of the equipment.
o Demand Factor. The ratio of the maximum demand of a system, or part of
a system, to the total connected load of a system or the part of the system
under consideration.
o Device. A unit of an electrical system that is intended to carry or control but
not utilize electric energy.
o Disconnecting Means. A device, or group of devices, or other means by
which the conductors of a circuit can be disconnected from their source of
supply.
o Dusttight. Constructed so that dust will not enter the enclosing case under
specified test conditions.
o Duty, Continuous. Operation at a substantially constant load for an
indefinitely long time.
o Duty, Intermittent. Operation for alternate intervals of (1) load and no load;
or (2) load and rest; or (3) load, no load, and rest.
o Duty, Periodic. Intermittent operation in which the load conditions are
regularly recurrent.
o Duty, Short-Time. Operation at a substantially constant load for a short and
definite, specified time.
o Duty, Varying. Operation at loads, and for intervals of time, both of which may
be subject to wide variation.
o Dwelling Unit. A single unit, providing complete and independent living
facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living,
sleeping, cooking, and sanitation.
o Dwelling, One-Family. A building that consists solely of one dwelling unit.
o Dwelling, Two-Family. A building that consists solely of two dwelling units.
o Dwelling, Multifamily. A building that contains three or more dwelling
units.
o Electric Sign. A fixed, stationary, or portable self-contained, electrically
illuminated utilization equipment with words or symbols designed to convey
information or attract attention.
o Electrical Practitioner, Licensed. One who has undergone training in
electrical engineering and has complied with the requirements of Republic
Act 7920 or otherwise known as the New Electrical Engineering Law.
o Electrical Practitioner, Non-Licensed. An electrical practitioner that has
not complied with the requirements of RA 7920 or a qualified person with
relevant education and experience to enable him or her to perceive risks
and to avoid hazards which electricity can create.
o Enclosed. Surrounded by a case, housing, fence, or wall(s) that prevents
persons from accidentally contacting energized parts.
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 o Enclosure. The case or housing of apparatus, or the fence or walls
surrounding an installation to prevent personnel from accidentally
contacting energized parts or to protect the equipment from physical
o Festoon Lighting. A string of outdoor lights that is suspended between two
points
o Fitting. An accessory such as a locknut, bushing, or other part of a wiring
system that is intended primarily to perform a mechanical rather than an
electrical function damage.
o Garage. A building or portion of a building in which one or more self-
propelled vehicles can be kept for use, sale, storage, rental, repair,
o Energized. Electrically connected to a source of voltage.
o Equipment. A general term including material, fittings, devices, appliances,
luminaires (fixtures), apparatus, and the like used as a part of, or in
connection with, an electrical installation.
o Explosion proof Apparatus. Apparatus enclosed in a case that is capable
of withstanding an explosion of a specified gas or vapor that may occur
within it and of preventing the ignition of a specified gas or vapor
surrounding the enclosure by sparks, flashes, or explosion of the gas or
vapor within, and that operates at such an external temperature that a
surrounding flammable atmosphere will not be ignited thereby.
o Exposed (as applied to live parts). Capable of being inadvertently
touched or approached nearer than a safe distance by a person. It is
applied to parts that are not suitably guarded, isolated, or insulated.
o Exposed (as applied to wiring methods). On or attached to the
surface or behind panels designed to allow access.
o Externally Operable. Capable of being operated without exposing
the operator to contact with live parts.
o Feeder. All circuit conductors between the service equipment, the source of
a separately derived system, or other power supply source and the final
branch-circuit overcurrent device.
o Ground. A conducting connection, whether intentional or accidental,
between an electrical circuit or equipment and the earth or to some
conducting body that serves in place of the earth.
o Grounded. Connected to earth or to some conducting body that serves in
place of the earth.
o Grounded, Effectively. Intentionally connected to earth through a ground
connection or connections of sufficiently low impedance and having
sufficient current-carrying capacity to prevent the buildup of voltages that
may result in undue hazards to connected equipment or to persons.

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 o Grounded, Solidly. Connected to ground without inserting any resistor or
impedance device.
o Grounded Conductor. A system or circuit conductor that is intentionally
grounded.
o Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). A device intended for the
protection of personnel that functions to de-energize a circuit or portion
thereof within an established period of time when a current to ground
exceeds the values established for a Class A device.
o Ground-Fault Protection of Equipment. A system intended to provide
protection of equipment from damaging line-to-ground fault currents by
operating to cause a disconnecting means to open all ungrounded
conductors of the faulted circuit. This protection is provided at current levels
less than those required to protect conductors from damage through the
operation of a supply circuit overcurrent device.
o Grounding Conductor. A conductor used to connect equipment or the
grounded circuit of a wiring system to a grounding electrode or electrodes.
o Grounding Conductor, Equipment. The conductor used to connect the
non– current-carrying metal parts of equipment, raceways, and other
enclosures to the system grounded conductor, the grounding electrode
conductor, or both, at the service equipment or at the source of a
separately derived system.
o Grounding Electrode. A device that establishes an electrical connection to
the earth
o Grounding Electrode Conductor. The conductor used to connect the
grounding electrode(s) to the equipment grounding conductor, to the
grounded conductor, or to both, at the service, at each building or structure
where supplied by a feeder(s) or branch circuit(s), or at the source of a
separately derived system.
o Guarded. Covered, shielded, fenced, enclosed, or otherwise protected by
means of suitable covers, casings, barriers, rails, screens, mats, or
platforms to remove the likelihood of approach or contact by persons or
objects to a point of danger.
o Guest Room. An accommodation combining living, sleeping, sanitary, and
storage facilities within a compartment.
o Guest Suite. An accommodation with two or more contiguous rooms
comprising a compartment, with or without doors between such rooms, that
provides living, sleeping, sanitary, and storage facilities.
o Handhole Enclosure. An enclosure identified for use in underground
systems, provided with an open or closed bottom, and sized to allow
personnel to reach into, but not enter, for the purpose of installing,
operating, or maintaining equipment or wiring or both.
o Hoistway. Any shaftway, hatchway, well hole, or other vertical opening or
space in which an elevator or dumbwaiter is designed to operate.

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 o Identified (as applied to equipment). Recognizable as suitable for the
specific purpose, function, use, environment, application, and so forth,
where described in a particular Code requirement.
o In Sight From (Within Sight From, Within Sight). Where this Code
specifies that one equipment shall be ―in sight from,‖ ―within sight from,‖
or ―within sight,‖ and so forth, of another equipment, the specified
equipment is to be visible and not more than 15 m distant from the other.
o Interrupting Rating. The highest current at rated voltage that a device is
intended to interrupt under standard test conditions.
o Isolated (as applied to location). Not readily accessible to persons unless
special means for access are used.
o Labeled. Equipment or materials to which has been attached a label,
symbol, or other identifying mark of an organization that is acceptable to
the authority having jurisdiction and concerned with product evaluation, that
maintains periodic inspection of production of labeled equipment or
materials, and by whose labeling the manufacturer indicates compliance
with appropriate standards or performance in a specified manner.
o Lighting Outlet. An outlet intended for the direct connection of a
lampholder, a luminaire (lighting fixture), or a pendant cord terminating in a
lampholder.
o Listed. Equipment, materials, or services included in a list published by an
organization that is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction and
concerned with evaluation of products or services, that maintains periodic
inspection of production of listed equipment or materials or periodic
evaluation of services, and whose listing states that the equipment,
material, or services either meets appropriate designated standards or has
been tested and found suitable for a specified purpose
o Live Parts. Conductor or conductive part intended to be energized in
normal use.
o Location, Damp. Locations protected from weather and not subject to
saturation with water or other liquids but subject to moderate degrees of
moisture. Examples of such locations include partially protected locations
under canopies, marquees, roofed open porches, and like locations, and
interior locations subject to moderate degrees of moisture, such as some
basements, some barns, and some cold- storage warehouses.
o Location, Dry. A location not normally subject to dampness or
wetness. A location classified as dry may be temporarily subject to
dampness or wetness, as in the case of a building under construction
o Location, Wet. Installations underground or in concrete slabs or
masonry in direct contact with the earth; in locations subject to saturation

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 with water or other liquids, such as vehicle washing areas; and in
unprotected locations exposed to weather.
o Luminaire. A complete lighting unit consisting of a lamp or lamps together
with the parts designed to distribute the light, to position and protect the
lamps and ballast (where applicable), and to connect the lamps to the
power supply.
o Metal-Enclosed Power Switchgear. A switchgear assembly completely
enclosed on all sides and top with sheet metal (except for ventilating
openings and inspection windows) containing primary power circuit
switching, interrupting devices, or both, with buses and connections. The
assembly may include control and auxiliary devices. Access to the interior
of the enclosure is provided by doors, removable covers, or both.
o Motor Control Center. An assembly of one or more enclosed sections
having a common power bus and principally containing motor control units.
o Multioutlet Assembly. A type of surface, flush, or freestanding raceway
designed to hold conductors and receptacles, assembled in the field or at
the factory.
o Nonautomatic. Action requiring personal intervention for its control. As
applied to an electric controller, nonautomatic control does not necessarily
imply a manual controller, but only that personal intervention is necessary.
o Nonlinear Load. A load where the wave shape of the steady-state current
does not follow the wave shape of the applied voltage.
o Outlet. A point on the wiring system at which current is taken to supply
utilization equipment.
o Outline Lighting. An arrangement of incandescent lamps, electric
discharge lighting, or other electrically powered light sources to outline or
call attention to certain features such as the shape of a building or the
decoration of a window.
o Overcurrent. Any current in excess of the rated current of equipment or the
ampacity of a conductor. It may result from overload, short circuit, or
ground fault.
o Overload. Operation of equipment in excess of normal, full-load rating, or
of a conductor in excess of rated ampacity that, when it persists for a
sufficient length of time, would cause damage or dangerous overheating. A
fault, such as a short circuit or ground fault, is not an overload.
o Panelboard. A single panel or group of panel units designed for assembly
in the form of a single panel, including buses and automatic overcurrent
devices, and equipped with or without switches for the control of light, heat,
or power circuits; designed to be placed in a cabinet or cutout box placed in
or against a wall, partition, or other support; and accessible only from the
front.
o Plenum. A compartment or chamber to which one or more air ducts are
connected and that forms part of the air distribution system.
o Power Outlet. An enclosed assembly that may include receptacles, circuit
breakers, fuseholders, fused switches, buses, and watt-hour meter
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 mounting means; intended to supply and control power to mobile homes,
recreational vehicles, park trailers, or boats or to serve as a means for
distributing power required to operate mobile or temporarily installed
equipment.
o Premises Wiring (System). That interior and exterior wiring,
including power, lighting, control, and signal circuit wiring together with all
their associated hardware, fittings, and wiring devices, both permanently
and temporarily installed, that extends from the service point or source of
power, such as a battery, a solar photovoltaic system, or a generator,
transformer, or converter winding, to the outlet(s). Such wiring does not
include wiring internal to appliances, luminaires (fixtures), motors,
controllers, motor control centers, and similar equipment.
o Raceway. An enclosed channel of metal or nonmetallic materials designed
expressly for holding wires, cables, or busbars, with additional functions as
permitted in this Code. Raceways include, but are not limited to, rigid metal
conduit, rigid nonmetallic conduit, intermediate metal conduit, liquidtight
flexible conduit, flexible metallic tubing, flexible metal conduit, electrical
nonmetallic tubing, electrical metallic tubing, underfloor raceways, cellular
concrete floor raceways, cellular metal floor raceways, surface raceways,
wireways, and busways.
o Rainproof. Constructed, protected, or treated so as to prevent rain from
interfering with the successful operation of the apparatus under specified
test conditions.
o Raintight. Constructed or protected so that exposure to a beating rain will
not result in the entrance of water under specified test conditions.
o Receptacle. A receptacle is a contact device installed at the outlet for the
connection of an attachment plug. A single receptacle is a single contact
device with no other contact device on the same yoke. A multiple
receptacle is two or more contact devices on the same yoke.
o Receptacle Outlet. An outlet where one or more receptacles are installed.
o Remote-Control Circuit. Any electric circuit that controls any other circuit
through a relay or an equivalent device.
o Sealable Equipment. Equipment enclosed in a case or cabinet that is
provided with a means of sealing or locking so that live parts cannot be
made accessible without opening the enclosure. The equipment may or
may not be operable without opening the enclosure.
o Separately Derived System. A premises wiring system whose power is
derived from a source of electric energy or equipment other than a service.
Such systems have no direct electrical connection, including a solidly

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 connected grounded circuit conductor, to supply conductors originating in
another system.
o Service. The conductors and equipment for delivering electric energy from
the serving utility to the wiring system of the premises served.
o Service C.able Service conductors made up in the form of a cable.
o Service Conductors. The conductors from the service point to the service
disconnecting means.
o Service Drop. The overhead service conductors from the last pole or other
aerial support to and including the splices, if any, connecting to the service-
entrance conductors at the building or other structure.
o Service-Entrance Conductors, Overhead System. The service
conductors between the terminals of the service equipment and a point
usually outside the building, clear of building walls, where joined by
o Solar Photovoltaic System. The total components and subsystems
that, in combination, convert solar energy into electrical energy suitable for
connection to a utilization load.
o Special Permission. The written consent of the authority having
jurisdiction. tap or splice to the service drop.
o Structure. That which is built or constructed.
o Service-Entrance Conductors, Underground System. The service
conductors between the terminals of the service equipment and the point of
connection to the service lateral.
o Service Equipment. The necessary equipment, usually consisting of a
circuit breaker(s) or switch(es) and fuse(s) and their accessories,
connected to the load end of service conductors to a building or other
structure, or an otherwise designated area, and intended to constitute the
main control and cutoff of the supply
o Service Lateral. The underground service conductors between the street
main, including any risers at a pole or other structure or from transformers,
and the first point of connection to the service-entrance conductors in a
terminal box or meter or other enclosure, inside or outside the building wall.
Where there is no terminal box, meter, or other enclosure, the point of
connection is considered to be the point of entrance of the service
conductors into the building.
o Service Point. The point of connection between the facilities of the serving
utility and the premises wiring.
o Show Window. Any window used or designed to be used for the display of
goods or advertising material, whether it is fully or partly enclosed or
entirely open at the rear and whether or not it has a platform raised higher
than the street floor level.
o Signaling Circuit. Any electric circuit that energizes signaling equipment.
o Supplementary Overcurrent Protective Device. A device intended to
provide limited overcurrent protection for specific applications and utilization
equipment such as luminaires (lighting fixtures) and appliances. This limited

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 protection is in addition to the protection provided in the required branch
circuit by the branch circuit overcurrent protective device.
o Switch, Bypass Isolation. A manually operated device used in conjunction
with a transfer switch to provide a means of directly connecting load
conductors to a power source and of disconnecting the transfer switch.
o Switch, General-Use. A switch intended for use in general distribution and
branch circuits. It is rated in amperes, and it is capable of interrupting its
rated current at its rated voltage.
o Switch, General-Use Snap. A form of general-use switch constructed so
that it can be installed in device boxes or on box covers, or otherwise used
in conjunction with wiring systems recognized by this Code.
o Switch, Isolating. A switch intended for isolating an electric circuit from the
source of power. It has no interrupting rating, and it is intended to be
operated only after the circuit has been opened by some other means.

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 Switch, Motor-Circuit. A switch rated in horsepower that is capable of interrupting
the maximum operating overload current of a motor of the same horsepower rating as
the switch at the rated voltage.
o Transfer Switch,. An automatic or nonautomatic device for transferring one or
more load conductor connections from one power source to another.
o Switchboard. A large single panel, frame, or assembly of panels on which are
mounted on the face, back, or both, switches, overcurrent and other protective
devices, buses, and usually instruments. Switchboards are generally
accessible from the rear as well as from the front and are not intended to be
installed in cabinets.
o Thermally Protected (as applied to motors). The words Thermally Protected
appearing on the nameplate of a motor or motor- compressor indicate that the
motor is provided with a thermal protector.
o Thermal Protector (as applied to motors). A protective device for assembly
as an integral part of a motor or motor-compressor that, when properly applied,
protects the motor against dangerous overheating due to overload and failure
to start
o Utilization Equipment. Equipment that utilizes electric energy for electronic,
electromechanical, chemical, heating, lighting, or similar purposes.
o Ventilated. Provided with a means to permit circulation of air sufficient to
remove an excess of heat, fumes, or vapors.
o Volatile Flammable Liquid. A flammable liquid having a flash point below
38°C, or a flammable liquid whose temperature is above its flash point, or a
Class II combustible liquid that has a vapor pressure not exceeding 276 kPa at
38°C and whose temperature is above its flash point.
o Voltage (of a circuit). The greatest root-mean-square (rms) (effective)
difference of potential between any two conductors of the circuit concerned.
o Voltage, Nominal. A nominal value assigned to a circuit or system for the
purpose of conveniently designating its voltage class (e.g., 120/240 volts,
480Y/277 volts, 600 volts). The actual voltage at which a circuit operates can
vary from the nominal within a range that permits satisfactory operation of
equipment.
o Voltage to Ground. For grounded circuits, the voltage between the given
conductor and that point or conductor of the circuit that is grounded; for
ungrounded circuits, the greatest voltage between the given conductor and any
other conductor of the circuit.
o Watertight. Constructed so that moisture will not enter the enclosure under
specified test conditions.
o Weatherproof. Constructed or protected so that exposure to the weather will
not interfere with successful operation.

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5. FIRE CODE

EXCERPTS FROM THE FIRE CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES OF 2008

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9514

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9514

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A COMPREHENSIVE FIRE CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES,
REPEALING PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1185 AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

SECTION 1. This Act shall be known as the ―Fire Code of the Philippines of 2008‖.

SECTION 2. It is the policy of the State to ensure public safety, promote economic
development through the prevention and suppression of all kinds, of destructive fires, and
promote the professionalization of the fire service as a profession. Towards this end, the
State shall enforce all laws, rules and regulations to ensure adherence to standard fire
prevention and safety measures, and promote accountability in the fire protection and
prevention service.

SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Fire Code, the following words and
phrases shall metan and be construed as indicated:

o Abatemen - Any act that would remove or neutralize a fire hazard. o

Administrator - Any person who acts as agent of the owner and manages the
use of a building for him.
o Blasting Agent - Any material or mixture consisting of a fuel and oxidizer used
to set off explosives. 2009lawsprem
o Cellulose Nitrate or Nitro Cellulose - A highly combustible and explosive
compound produced by the reaction of nitric acid with a cellulose material.
o Cellulose Nitrate Plastic (Pyroxylin) - Any plastic substance, materials or
compound having cellulose nitrate (nitro cellulose) as base.
o Combustible Flammable or Inflammable - Descriptive of materials that are
easily set on fire.
o Combustible Fiber - Any readily ignitable and free burning fiber such as
cotton, oakum, rags, waste cloth, waste paper, kapok, hay, straw, spanish
moss, excelsior and other similar materials commonly used in commerce.
o Combustible Liquid - Any liquid having a flash point at or above 37.8°C (100
°F).
o Corrosive Liquid - Any liquid which causes fire when in contact with organic
matter or with certain chemicals.
o Curtain Board - A vertical panel of non-combustible or fire resistive materials
attached to and extending below the bottom chord of the roof trusses, to divide
the underside of the roof into separate compartments so that heat and smoke
will be directed upwards to a roof vent.

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 o Cryogenic - Descriptive of any material which by its nature or as a result of its
reaction with other elements produces a rapid drop in temperature of the
immediate surroundings.
o Damper - A normally open device installed inside air duct system which
automatically closes to restrict the passage of smoke or fire.
o Distillation - The process of first raising the temperature in separate the more
volatile from the less volatile parts and then cooling and condensing the
resulting vapor so as to produce a nearly purified substance.
o Duct System - A continuous passageway for the transmission of air.
o Dust- A finely powdered substance which, when mixed with air in the proper
proportion and ignited will cause an explosion.
o Electrical Arc - An extremely hot luminous bridge formed by passage of an
electric current across a space between two conductors or terminals due to the
incandescence of the conducting vapor.
o Ember - A hot piece or lump that remains after a material has partially burned,
and is still oxidizing without the manifestation of flames.
o Finishes - Materials used as final coating of a surface for ornamental or
protective purposes.
o Fire - The active principle of burning, characterized by the heat and light of
combustion.
o Fire Trap - A building unsafe in case of fire because it will burn easily or
because it lacks adequate exits or fire escapes.
o Fire Alarm - Any visual or audible signal produced by a device or system to
warn the occupants of the building or firefighting elements of the presence or
danger of fire to enable them to undertake immediate action to save life and
property and to suppress the fire.
o Fire Door - A fire resistive door prescribed for openings in fire separation walls
or partitions.
o Fire Hazard - Any condition or act which increases or may cause an increase
in the probability of the occurrence of fire, or which may obstruct, delay, hinder
or interfere with firefighting operations and the safeguarding of life and
property.
o Fire Lane - The portion of a roadway or public-way that should be kept opened
and unobstructed at all times for the expedient operation of fire fighting units.
o Fire Protective and Fire Safety Device - Any device intended for the
protection of buildings or persons to include, but not limited to, built-in
protection system such as sprinklers and other automatic extinguishing
system, detectors for heat, smoke and combustion products and other warning
system components, personal protective equipment such as fire blankets,
helmets, fire suits, gloves and other garments that may be put on or worn by
persons to protect themselves during fire.
o Constructions - Refers to design and installation of walls, barriers, doors,
windows, vents Fire Safety, means of egress etc. integral to and incorporated
into a building or structure in order to minimize danger to life from fire, smoke,
fumes or panic before the building is evacuated. These features are also
designed to achieve, among others, safe and rapid evacuation of people
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 through means of egress on construction which are sealed from smoke or fire,
the confinement of fire or smoke in the room or floor of origin and delay their
spread to other parts of the building by means of smoke sealed and fire-
resistant doors, walls and floors. It shall also mean to include the treatment of
buildings components or contents with flame retardant chemicals.
o Flash Point - The minimum temperature at which any material gives off vapor
in sufficient concentration to form an ignitable mixture with air.
o Forcing - A process where a piece of metal is heated prior to changing its
shape or dimensions.
o Fulminate - A kind of stable explosive compound which explodes by
percussion.
o Hazardous Operation/Process - Any act of manufacturing, fabrication,
conversion, etc., that uses or produces materials which are likely to cause fires
or explosions.
o Horizontal Exit - Passageway from one building to another or through or
around a wall in approximately the same floor level.
o Hose Box - A box or cabinet where fire hoses, valves and other equipment are
stored and arranged for firefighting.
o Hose Reel - A cylindrical device turning on an axis around which a fire hose is
wound and connected.
o Hypergolic Fuel - A rocket or liquid propellant which consist of combinations
of fuels and oxidizers which ignite spontaneously on contact with each other.
o Industrial Baking and Drying - The industrial process of subjecting materials
to heat for the purpose of removing solvents or moisture from the same, and/or
to fuse certain chemical salts to form a uniform glazing on the surface of
materials being treated.
o Jumper - A piece of metal or an electrical conductor used to bypass a safety
device in an electrical system.
o Occupancy - The purpose for which a building or portion thereof is used or
intended to be used.
o Occupant - Any person actually occupying and using a building or portions
thereof by virtue of a lease contract with the owner or administrator or by
permission or sufferance of the latter.
o Organic Peroxide - A strong oxidizing organic compound which releases
oxygen readily. It causes fire when in contact with combustible materials
especially under conditions of high temperature.
o Overloading - The use of one or more electrical appliances or devices which
draw or consume electrical current beyond the designed capacity of the
existing electrical system.
o Owner - The person who holds the legal right of possession or title to a
building or real property.
o Oxidizing Material - A material that readily yields oxygen in quantities
sufficient to stimulate or support combustion.
o Pressurized or Forced Draft Burning Equipment - Type of burner where the
fuel is subjected to pressure prior to discharge into the combustion chamber

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 and/or which includes fans or other provisions for the introduction of air at
above normal atmospheric pressure into the same combustion chamber.
o Public Assembly Building - Any building or structure where fifty (50) or more
people congregate, gather, or assemble for any purpose.
o Public Way - Any street, alley or other strip of land unobstructed from the
ground to the sky, deeded, dedicated or otherwise permanently appropriated
for public use.
o Pyrophoric - Descriptive of any substance that ignites spontaneously when
exposed to air.
o Refining - A process where impurities and/or deleterious materials are
removed from a mixture in order to produce a pure element or compound. It
shall also refer to partial distillation and electrolysis.
o Self-closing Doors - Automatic closing doors that are designed to confine
smoke and heat and delay the spread of fire.
o Smelting - Melting or fusing of metallic ores or compounds so as to separate
impurities from pure metals.
o Sprinkler System - An integrated network of hydraulically designed piping
installed in a building, structure or area with outlets arranged in a systematic
pattern which automatically discharges water when activated by heat or
combustion products from a fire.
o Standpipe System - A system of vertical pipes in a building to which fire
hoses can be attached on each floor, including a system by which water is
made available to the outlets as needed.
o Vestibule - A passage hall or antechamber between the outer doors and the
interior parts of a house or building.
o Vertical Shaft - An enclosed vertical space of passage that extends from floor
to floor, as well as from the base to the top of the building.

SECTION 4. Applicability of the Code. - The provisions of the Fire Code shall apply to all
persons and all private and public buildings, facilities or structures erected or constructed
before and after its effectivity.

SECTION 5. Responsibility for the Enforcement of this Code. - This Code shall be
administered and enforced by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), under the direct
supervision and control of the Chief of the Bureau of Fire Protection, through the hierarchy of
organization as provided for in Chapter VI of Republic Act No. 6975. With the approval of the
Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Chief, BFP, is
hereby authorized to:

a. Issue implementing rules and regulations, and prescribe standards,

schedules of fees/fire service charges and administrative penalties
therefor as provided in the pertinent provisions of this Code;

b. Reorganize the BFP as may be necessary and appropriate;

c. Support and assist fire volunteers, practitioners and fire volunteer

organizations in the country who shall undergo mandatory fire
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 suppression, inspection, rescue, emergency medical services and
related emergency response trainings and competency evaluations to be
conducted by the BFP. In the case of the fire practitioners, they shall
undergo mandatory continuous professional education and competency
evaluation of their expertise, knowledge and skills in the area of fire
science, engineering and technology to be conducted by the .

The BFP may enter into external party agreements for the conduct of trainings,
education and evaluation of fire volunteers, practitioners and fire volunteer
organizations, which shall be under the full control and supervision of the BFP:
Provided, however, That during firefighting operations, fire volunteer organizations
shall be under the direct operational control of the fire ground commanders of the
BFP;

d. Enter into long term agreement, either through public biddings or

negotiations in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 9184,
otherwise known as the Government Procurement Reform Act of 2003,
for the acquisition of fire prevention, fire protection and fire fighting
investigation, rescue, paramedics, hazardous material handling
equipment, supplies, materials and related technical services necessary
for the fire service;
e. Enter into Memoranda of Agreement with other departments, bureaus,
agencies, offices and corporations of the government, as well as private
institutions, in order to define areas of cooperation and coordination and
delineate responsibility on fire prevention education, fire safety, fire
prevention, fire suppression and other matters of common concern;

f. Call on the police, other law enforcement agencies, and local

government assistance to render necessary assistance in the
enforcement of this Code;

g. Designate a fire safety inspector through his/her duly authorized

representative, who shall conduct an inspection of every building or
structure within his area of responsibility at least once a year and every
time the owner, administrator or occupant shall renew his/her business
permit or permit to operate;

No occupancy permit, business or permit to operate shall be issued without securing

a Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC) from the Chief, BFP, or his/her duly
authorized representative;

h. Inspect at reasonable time, any building, structure, installation or

premises for dangerous or hazardous conditions or materials as set forth
in this Code, provided that in case of single-family dwelling, an inspection
must be upon the consent of the occupant or upon lawful order from the
proper court. The Chief, BFP or his/her duly authorized representative
shall order the owner/occupant to remove hazardous materials and/or
stop hazardous operation/process in accordance with the standards set
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 by this Code or its implementing rules or regulations or other pertinent
laws;

i. Where conditions exist and are deemed hazardous to life and property,
to order the owner/occupant of any building or structure to summarily
abate such hazardous conditions;

j. Require the building owner/occupant to submit plans and specifications,

and other pertinent documents of said building to ensure compliance with
applicable codes and standards; and

k. Issue a written notice to the owner and/or contractor to stop work on

portion of any work due to absence, or in violation of approved plans and
specifications, permit and/or clearance or certification as approved by the
Chief, BFP or his/her duly authorized representative. The notice shall
state the nature of the violation and no work shall be continued on that
portion until the violation had been corrected.

SECTION 6. Technical Staff. S- The Chief, BFP shall constitute a technical staff of highly
qualified persons who are knowledgeable on fire prevention, fire safety, and fire
suppression. They may be drawn not only from the organic members of the BFP and other
government offices and agencies, but also from other sources in the latter case, they will
either be appointed into the service or hired as consultants in accordance with law. The
technical staff shall study, review and evaluate latest developments and standards on fire
technology; prepare plans/programs, on fire safety, prevention and suppression and
evaluate implementation thereof; develop programs on the professionalization of the fire
service; coordinate with appropriate government and private institutions for the offering of
college courses on fire technology and fire protection engineering; propose amendments to
the Fire Code; advise the Chief, BFP on any matter brought to his attention; and perform
such other functions as directed on any matter brought to his attention and perform such
other functions as directed by higher authorities.

SECTION 7. Inspections, Safety Measures, Fire Safety, Constructions and Protective and/or
Warning Systems. - As may be defined and provided in the rules and regulations, owners,
administrators or occupants of buildings, structures and their premises or facilities and other
responsible persons shall be required to comply with the following, as may be appropriate:

a) Inspection Requirement - A fire safety inspection shall be conducted by the Chief, BFP or
his duly authorized representative as prerequisite to the grants of permits and/or licenses by
local governments and other government agencies concerned, for the:

(1) Use or occupancy of buildings, structures, facilities or their premises including the
installation or fire protection and fire safety equipment, and electrical system in any building
structure or facility; and

(2) Storage, handling and/or use of explosives or of combustible, flammable, toxic and
other hazardous materials;

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b) Safety Measures for Hazardous Materials - Fire safety measures shall be required for the
manufacture, storage, handling and/or use of hazardous materials involving:

(1) cellulose nitrate plastic of any kind;

(2) combustible fibers;

(3) cellular materials such as foam, rubber, sponge rubber and plastic foam;

(4) flammable and combustible liquids or gases of any classification;

(5) flammable paints, varnishes, stains and organic coatings;

(6) high-piled or widely spread combustible stock;

(7) metallic magnesium in any form;

(8) corrosive liquids, oxidizing materials, organic peroxide, nitromethane, ammonium

nitrate, or any amount of highly toxic, pyrophoric, hypergolic, or cryogenic materials or
poisonous gases as well as material compounds which when exposed to heat or flame
become a fire conductor, or generate excessive smoke or toxic gases;

(9) blasting agents, explosives and special industrial explosive materials, blasting caps,
black powder, liquid nitroglycerine, dynamite, nitro cellulose, fulminates of any kind, and
plastic explosives containing ammonium salt or chlorate;

(10) firework materials of any kind or form;

(11) matches in commercial quantities;

(12) hot ashes, live coals and embers;

(13) mineral, vegetable or animal oils and other derivatives/by-products;

(14) combustible waste materials for recycling or resale;

(15) explosive dusts and vapors; and

(16) agriculture, forest, marine or mineral products which may undergo spontaneous
combustion;

(17) any other substance with potential to cause harm to persons, property or the
environment because of one or more of the following: a) The chemical properties of the
substance; b) The physical properties of the substance; c) The biological properties of
the substance. Without limiting the definition of hazardous material, all dangerous
goods, combustible liquids and chemicals are hazardous materials.

c) Safety Measures for Hazardous Operation/Processes - Fire safety measures shall be

required for the following hazardous operation/processes:

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(1) welding or soldering;

(2) industrial baking and drying;

(3) waste disposal;

(4) pressurized/forced-draft burning equipment;

(5) smelting and forging;

(6) motion picture projection using electrical arc lamps;

(7) refining, distillation and solvent extraction; and

(8) such other operations or processes as may hereafter be prescribed in the rules and
regulations.

d) Provision on Fire Safety Construction, Protective and Warning System - Owners,

occupants or administrator or buildings, structures and their premises or facilities, except
such other buildings or structures as may be exempted in the rules and regulations to be
promulgated under Section 5 hereof, shall incorporate and provide therein fire safety
construction, protective and warning system, and shall develop and implement fire safety
programs, to wit:

(1) Fire protection features such as sprinkler systems, hose boxes, hose reels or standpipe
systems and other firefighting equipment;

(2) Fire alarm systems;

(3) Fire walls to separate adjoining buildings, or warehouses and storage areas from other
occupancies in the same building;

(4) Provisions for confining the fire at its source such as fire resistive floors and walls
extending up to the next floor slab or roof, curtain boards and other fire containing or
stopping components;

(5) Termination of all exits in an area affording safe passage to a public way or safe
dispersal area;

(6) Stairway, vertical shafts, horizontal exits and other means of egress sealed from smoke
and heat;

(7) A fire exit plan for each floor of the building showing the routes from each other room to
appropriate exits, displayed prominently on the door of such room;

(8) Self-closing fire resistive doors leading to corridors;

(9) Fire dampers in centralized air-conditioning ducts;

(10) Roof vents for use by fire fighters; and

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(11) Properly marked and lighted exits with provision for emergency lights to adequately
illuminate exit ways in case of power failure.

SECTION 8. Prohibited Acts. - The following are declared as prohibited act and omission:

a. Obstructing or blocking the exit ways or across to buildings clearly marked for fire safety
purposes, such as but not limited to aisles in interior rooms, any part of stairways,
hallways, corridors, vestibules, balconies or bridges leading to a stairway or exit of any
kind, or tolerating or allowing said violations;

b. Constructing gates, entrances and walkways to building components and yards, and
temporary or permanent structures on public ways, which obstruct the orderly and easy
passage of fire fighting vehicles and equipment;

c. Prevention, interference or obstruction of any operation of the fire service, or of duly

organized and authorized fire brigades;

d. Obstructing designated fire lanes or access to fire hydrants;

e. Overcrowding or admission of persons beyond the authorized capacity in movie houses,

theaters, coliseums, auditoriums or other public assembly buildings, except in other
assembly areas on the ground floor with open sides or open doors sufficient to provide
safe exits;

f. Locking fire exits during period when people are inside the building;

g. Prevention or obstruction of the automatic closure of fire doors or smoke partitions or

dampers;
h. Use of fire protective or firefighting equipment of the fire service other than for firefighting
except in other emergencies where their uses are justified;

i. Giving false or malicious fire alarms;

j. Smoking in prohibited areas as may be determined by fire service, or throwing of cigars,

cigarettes, burning objects in places which may start or cause fire;

k. Abandoning or leaving a building or structure by the occupant or owner without

appropriate safety measures;

l. Removing, destroying, tampering or obliterating any authorized mark, seal, sign or tag
posted or required by the fire service for fire safety in any building, structure or processing
equipment; and

m. Use of jumpers or tampering with electrical wiring or overloading the electrical system
beyond its designated capacity or such other practices that would tend to undermine the
fire safety features of the electrical system.

SECTION 9. Violations, Penalties and Abatement of Fire Hazards. - Fire hazards shall be
abated immediately. The Chief, BFP or his/her duly authorized representative, upon the
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report that a violation of this Code or other pertinent laws, rules and regulations is being
committed, shall issue notice/order to comply to the owner, administrator, occupant or other
person responsible for the condition of the building or structure, indicating among other
things, the period within which compliance shall be effected, which shall be within ten (10) to
fifteen (15) days after the receipt of the notice/order, depending on the reasonableness to
adequately comply with the same.

If after the lapse of the aforesaid period, the owner, administrator, occupant or other
responsible persons failed to comply, the Chief, BFP or his/her duly authorized
representative shall put up a sign in front of the building or structure that it is a fire hazard.
Specifically, the notice shall bear the words ―WARNING: THIS BUILDING/STRUCTURE IS
A FIRE HAZARD‖, which shall remain posted until such time that the owner, administrator,
occupant or other persons responsible for the condition of the building, structure and their
premises or facilities abate the same, but such period shall not exceed fifteen (15) days from
the lapse of the initial period given in the notice/order to comply.

Finally, with the failure of the owner, administrator, occupant or other persons responsible for
the condition of the building, structure and their premises or facilities to comply within the
period specified above, the Chief, BFP may issue order for such abatement. If the owner,
administrator or occupant of buildings, structure and their premises or facilities does not
abate the same within the period fixed in said order, the building, structure, premises or
facilities shall be ordered closed by the Chief, BFP or his/her duly authorized representative
notwithstanding any permit clearance or certificate earlier issued by the local authorities.

Any building or structure assessed and declared by the Chief, BFP or his/her duly authorized
representative as a firetrap on account of the gravity or palpability of the violation or is
causing clear and present imminent fire danger to adjoining establishments and habitations
shall be declared a public nuisance, as defined in the Civil Code of the Philippines in a
notice to be issued to the owner, administrator, occupant or other person responsible for the
condition of the building, structure and their premises or facilities. If the assessed value of
the nuisance or the amount to be spent in abating the same is not more than One hundred
thousand pesos (P100,000.00), the owner, administrator or occupant thereof shall abate the
hazard within Fifteen (15) days, or if the assessed value is more than One hundred
thousand pesos (P100,000.00), within thirty (30) days from receipt of the order declaring
said building or structure a public nuisance; otherwise, the Chief, BFP or his/her duly
authorized representative shall forthwith cause its summary abatement. Failure to comply
within five (5) days from the receipt of the notice shall cause the Chief, BFP or his/her duly
authorized representative to put up a sign in front of the building or structure, at or near the
entrance of such premises, notifying the public that such building or structure is a ―FIRE
TRAP‖, which shall remain until the owner, administrator, occupant or other person
responsible for the condition of the building, structure and their premises or facilities abate
the same within the specified period.

Summary abatement as used herein shall mean all corrective measures undertaken to abate
hazards which shall include, but not limited to remodeling, repairing, strengthening,
reconstructing, removal and demolition, either partial or total, of the building or structure. The
expenses incurred by the government for such summary abatement shall be borne by the

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owner, administrator or occupant. These expenses shall constitute a prior lien upon such
property.

SECTION 10. Enforcement of the Lien. - If the owner, administrator or occupant fails to
reimburse the government of the expenses incurred in the summary abatement within ninety
(90) days from the completion of such abatement, the building or structure shall be sold at
public auction in accordance with existing laws and rules. No property subject of lien under
Section 9 hereof, may be sold at a price lower than the abatement expenses incurred by the
government. The property shall be forfeited in favor of the government if the highest bid is
not at least equal to the abatement expenses.

SECTION 11. Penalties. -

1. Against the private individual:

a) Administrative fine - Any person who violates any provision of the Fire Code or any
of the rules and regulations promulgated under this Act shall be penalized by an
administrative fine of not exceeding Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00) or in the proper
case, by stoppage of operations or by closure of such buildings, structures and their
premises or facilities which do not comply with the requirements or by both such
administrative fine and closure/stoppage of operation to be imposed by the Chief, BFP:
Provided, That the payment of the fine, stoppage of operations and/or closure of such
buildings, structures, and their premises or facilities shall not absolve the violator from
correcting the deficiency or abating the fire hazard. The decision of the Chief, BFP, under
this subsection, may be appealed to the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government.
Unless ordered by the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government the appeal shall not
stay the execution of the order of the Chief, BFP. The decision of the Secretary of the
Interior and Local Government shall be final and executory.

b) Punitive - In case of willful failure to correct the deficiency or abate the fire hazard as
provided in the preceding subsection, the violator shall, upon conviction, be punished by
imprisonment of not less than six (6) months nor more than six (6) years, or by a fine of not
more than One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) or both such fine and imprisonment:
Provided, however, That in the case of a corporation, firm, partnership or association, the
fine and/or imprisonment shall be imposed upon its officials responsible for such violation,
and in case the guilty party is an alien, in addition to the penalties herein prescribed, he shall
immediately be deported: Provided, finally, That where the violation is attended by injury,
loss of life and/or damage to property, the violator shall be proceeded against under the
applicable provisions of the Revised Penal Code.

Any person who, without authority, maliciously removes the sign that a building or structure
is a fire hazard/firetrap placed by the authorized person in this Code shall be liable for
imprisonment for thirty (30) days or a fine not exceeding One hundred thousand pesos
(P100,000.00) or both in the discretion of the court.

Any person, who disobeys the lawful order of the fire ground commander during a firefighting
operation shall be penalized with imprisonment of one (1) day to thirty (30) days and a fine
of Five thousand pesos (P5,000.00).
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2. Against the public officer/employee

a) Administrative - The following acts or omissions shall render the public officer/employee in
charge of the enforcement of this Code, its implementing rules and regulations and other
pertinent laws, administratively liable, and shall be punished by reprimand, suspension or
removal in the discretion of the disciplining authority, depending on the gravity of the offense
and without prejudice to the provisions of other applicable laws:

(1) Unjustified failure of the public officer/employee to conduct inspection of buildings or

structures at least once a year;

(2) Deliberate failure to put up a sign in front of the building or structure within his/her
area of responsibility found to be violating this Code, its implementing rules and regulations
and other pertinent laws, that the same is a ―FIRE HAZARD‖ or a ―FIRE TRAP‖;

(3) Endorsing to the Chief, BFP or his/her duly authorized representative for the
certification, or submitting a report that the building or structure complies with the standards
set by this Code, its implementing rules or regulations or other pertinent laws when the
same is contrary to fact;

(4) Issuance or renewal of occupancy or business permit without the fire safety
inspection certificate issued by the Chief, BFP or his/her duly authorized representative;

(5) Failure to cancel the occupancy or business permit after the owner, administrator,
occupant or other person responsible for the condition of the building, structure and other
premises failed to comply with the notice/order for compliance with the standards set by this
Code, its implementing rules and regulations and other pertinent laws, within the specified
period;

(6) Failure to abate a public nuisance within fifteen (15) days after the owner,
administrator, occupant or other responsible person failed to abate the same within the
period contained in the notice to abate;
(7) Abusing his/her authority in the performance of his/her duty through acts of corruption
and other unethical practices; or

(8) Other willful impropriety or gross negligence in the performance of his/her duty as
provided in this Act or its implementing rules and regulations.

b) Punitive — In case of willful violation involving the abovementioned acts or omissions

enumerated under Section 11 subparagraph 2(A), the public officer/employee shall, upon
conviction, be punished by imprisonment of not less than six (6) months nor more than six
(6) years, or by a fine of not more than One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) or both
such fine and imprisonment: Provided, That where the violation is attended by injury, loss of
life and/or property, the violator shall be proceeded against under the applicable provisions
of the Revised Penal Code.

SECTION 12. Appropriation and Sources of Income. -

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a. To support the manpower; infrastructure and equipment needs of the fire service of
the BFP, such amount as may be necessary to attain the objectives of the Fire Code shall
be appropriated and included in the annual appropriation of the BFP.

b. To partially provide for the funding of the fire service the following taxes and fees
which shall accrue to the general fund of the National Government, are hereby imposed:

(1) Fees to be charged for the issuance of certificates, permits and licenses as provided
for in Section 7 (a) hereof;

(2) One-tenth of one per centum (0.1%) of the verified estimated value of buildings or
structures to be erected, from the owner thereof, but not to exceed Fifty thousand
(P50,000.00) pesos, one half to be paid prior to the issuance of the building permit, and the
balance, after final inspection and prior to the issuance of the use and occupancy permit;

(3) One-hundredth of one per centum (0.10%) of the assessed value of buildings or
structures annually payable upon payment of the real estate tax, except on structures used
as single-family dwellings;

(4) Two per centum (2%) of all premiums, excluding re-insurance premiums for the sale
of fire, earthquake and explosion hazard insurance collected by companies, persons or
agents licensed to sell such insurances in the Philippines;

(5) Two per centum (2%) of gross sales of companies, persons or agents selling
firefighting equipment, appliances or devices, including hazard detection and warning
systems; and

(6) Two per centum (2%) of the service fees received from fire, earthquake, and
explosion hazard reinsurance surveys and post loss service of insurance adjustment
companies doing business in the Philippines directly through agents.

SECTION 13. Collection of Taxes, Fees and Fines. - All taxes, fees and fines provided in
this Code shall be collected by the BFP: Provided, That twenty percent (20%) of all such
collections shall be set aside and retained for use by the city or municipal government
concerned, which shall appropriate the same exclusively for the use of the operation and
maintenance of its local fire station, including the construction and repair of fire station:
Provided, further, That the remaining eighty (80%) shall be remitted to the National Treasury
under a trust fund assigned for the modernization of the BFP.

SECTION 13-A. Assessment of Fire Code Taxes, Fees and Fines. - The assessment of
fire code taxes, fees and fines is vested upon the BFP. The BFP shall, subject to the
approval of the DILG, prescribe the procedural rules for such purpose.

SECTION 13-B. Collection and Assessment of Local Taxes, Fees and Fines. - The
collection and assessment of taxes, fees and fines as prescribed in the Local Government
Code, except those contained in this Code, shall be the function of the concerned local
government units.

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SECTION 13-C. Use of Income Generated from the Enforcement of the Fire Code. - The
Chief, BFP is authorized, subject to the approval of the Secretary of the Interior and Local
Government, to use the income generated under the Fire Code for procurement of fire
protection and firefighting investigation, rescue, paramedics, supplies and materials, and
related technical services necessary for the fire service and the improvement of facilities of
the Bureau of Fire Protection and abatement of fire hazards.

The BFP shall determine the optimal number of equipment, including, but not limited to, fire
trucks and fire hydrants, required by every local government unit for the proper delivery of
fire protection services in its jurisdiction.

In the procurement of firefighting and investigation supplies and materials, the Bureau of
Product Standards of the Department of Trade and Industry shall evaluate, determine and
certify if the supply so procured conforms to the product standards fixed by the BFP. For this
purpose, the BFP shall submit to the Bureau of Product Standards a detailed set of product
standards that must be complied with in the procurement of fire fighting and investigation
supplies and materials within six (6) months from the effectivity of this Act.

6. NATIONAL PLUMBING CODE

The Plumbing Code

The improper installation of plumbing may affect the health of the occupants of a building
and create a center point for the spread of disease. The possibility is of sufficient public
interests to require the regulation of plumbing by law. The right of the government to
regulate the details of plumbing is based on the principle of public health.

The basic goal of the National Plumbing Code of the Philippines is to ensure the qualified
observance of the latest provision of the plumbing and environmental laws.

EXCERPTS FROM THE NATIONAL PLUMBING CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES

Basic Principles

The basic principles of the 1999 National Plumbing Code of the Philippines is an update of
the tenets established in the "Plumbing Law of the Philippines" approved on 18 June 1955 as
amended on 28 November 1959.

1. Principle No. 1 - All premises intended for human habitation, occupancy or use shall
be provided with a supply of pure and wholesome water, neither connected with
unsafe water supplies nor subject to hazards of backflow or back-siphonage.
2. Principle No. 2 - Plumbing fixtures, devices and appurtenances shall be supplied
with water in sufficient volume and at pressure adequate to enable them to function
satisfactorily and without undue noise under all non all conditions of use.

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 3. Principle No.3 - Plumbing shall be designed and adjusted to use the minimum
quantity of water consistent with proper performance and cleaning.
4. Principle No. 4- Devices for heating and storing water shall be so designed and
installed as to prevent dangers from explosion through overheating.
5. Principle No. 5 - Every building having plumbing fixtures installed and intended for
human habitation, occupancy or use on premises abutting on a street, alley or
easement where there is a public sewer, shall be connected to the sewer system.
6. Principle No.6 Each family dwelling unit on premises abutting on a sewer or with a
private sewage-disposal system shall have at least one water closet and one kitchen
type sink. Further, a lavatory and bathtub or shower shall be installed to meet the
basic requirements of sanitation and personal hygiene.
7. Principle No.7- Plumbing fixtures shall be made of smooth non·absorbent material,
free from concealed fouling surfaces and shall be located in ventilated enclosures.
8. Principle No. 8 - The drainage system shall be designed, constructed and
maintained to safeguard against fouling, deposit of solids, clogging and with adequate
cleanouts so arranged that the pipes may be readily cleaned.
9. Principle No. 9 - All pipings of plumbing systems shall be of durable
NAMPAPAPPROVED materials, free form defective workmanship, designed and
constructed by Registered Master Plumbers to ensure satisfactory service.
10. Principle No. 10- Each fixture directly connected to the drainage system shall be
equipped with a water-sealed trap.
11. Principle No. 11 - The drainage piping system shall be designed to provide adequate
circulation of air free from siphonage, aspiration or forcing of trap seals under
ordinary use.
12. Principle No. 12 - Vent terminals shall extend to the outer air and installed to
preempt clogging and the return of foul air to the building.
13. Principle No. 13 - Plumbing systems shall be subjected to such tests to effectively
disclose all leaks and defects in the workmanship.
14. Principle No. 14 - No substance which will clog the pipes, produce explosive
mixture~ destroy the pipes or their joints or interfere unduly with the sewage-disposal
process shall be allowed to enter the building drainage system.
15. Principle No. 15 - Proper protection shall be provided to prevent contamination of
food, water, sterile goods and similar materials by backflow of se\vage. When
necessary, the fixture, device or appliance shall be connected indirectly with the
building drainage system.
16. Principle No. 16 - No water closet shall be located in a room or compartment which
is not properly lighted and ventilated.
17. Principle No. 17 - If water closets or other plumbing fixtures are installed in buildings
where there is no sewer within a reasonable distance, suitable provision shall be
made for disposing of the building sewage by some accepted method of sewage
treatment and disposal, such as a septic tank.
18. Principle No. 18 - Where a plumbing drainage system may be subject tb backflow of
sewage, suitable provision shall be made to prevent its overflow in the building.
19. Principle No. 19 - Plumbing systems shall be maintained in serviceable condition by
Registered Master Plumbers.
20. Principle No. 20 - All plumbing fixtures shall be installed properly spaced, to be
accessible for their intended use.
21. Principle No. 21 - Plumbing shall be installed by Registered Master Plumbers with
due regard to the preservation of the strength of structural members and the
prevention of damage to walls and other surfaces through fixture usage.
22. Principle No. 22 - Sewage or other waste from a plumbing system which may be
deleterious to surface or sub-surface waters shall not be discharged into the ground

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 or into any waterway, unless first rendered innocuous through subjection to some
acceptable form of treatment.

MASTER PLUMBER’S CODE OF ETHICS

A REGISTERED MASTER PLUMBER SHALL MAINTAIN A PROFESSIONAL BEARING
CONSISTENT WITH AN HONORABLE AND DIGNIFIED PURSUIT OF HIS/HER PROFESSION,
ADHERING TO A SET OF CONDUCT BECOMING OF HIS/HER CALLING AND SHALL NOT:

1. Act in an unprofessional manner and demand any remuneration other than his/her original
charges except for additional services not covered in the basic contract;
2. Supplant another Registered Master Plumber after definite steps have already been taken
toward his/her being commissioned to perform the contract;
3. Underbid another Registered Master Plumber by reducing his/her professional fees after
being informed of the 'Ccs charged by the other Registered Master Plumber;
4. Take the advantage of a salaried government position to compete unfairly with a practicing
Registered Master Plumber;
5. Allow the use of his/her License as Registered Master Plumber for a fee to an unlicensed
Master Plumber in plumbing works without his/her personal supervision.
6. Injure falsely or maliciously, directly or indirectly, the reputation of another Registered Master
Plumber by reviewing his/her work for the same client unless the professional services of the
former have been officially terminated and all professional fees have been fully paid by the
client;
7. Advertise in self-laudatory language, act in any manner and engage in any practice which
tend to bring dishonor to the dignity of the Registered Master Plumber, the National Master
Plumbers Association of the Philippines (NAMPAP) and the plumbing profession.
8.
Chapter 1 ADMINISTRATION
• Section 100- PERMIT REQUIRED
To ensure compliance of the provisions of this Code, the professional services of a
Registered and Licensed Master Plumber shall be enlisted in accordance with
Republic Act No. 1378, the "Plumbing Law". It shall be unlawful for any person, firm
or corporation, whether acting as principal, servant, agent or employee, to do or
cause to be done any plumbing or drainage work for which a permit is required
without securing prior permit from the Office of the Building Official having jurisdiction
under the Department of Public Works 3Ild Highways, Department of Interior & Local
Government or City Mayors.

• Section 101- TO WHOM PERMITS MAY BE ISSUED

No permit shall be issued to any person, firm or corporation, to do or cause to be
done any installation of plumbing work regulated by this code, except to a registered
and Licensed Master Plumber, holding a valid, unexpired and unrevoked as required
by Republic Act No. 1378, as amended.

• Section 102- APPLICATION FOR PERMIT

• 102 Application - A Registered and Licensed Master Plumber shall file an

application at the Office of the Building Official in behalf of the building Owner
for whom such work shall be done and shall till out the forms provided for that
purpose. Every application shall:

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 102.1. 1 Identify and describe the plumbing work to be covered by the pem1it
for which an application is made;
102.1.2 Describe the land upon which the proposed plumbing work is to be
done, legal description, street address or similar description that will
readily identify and locate the proposed building or work;
102.1.3 Indicate the use or occupancy for which the proposed plumbing work
is intended
102.1.4 Be accompanied by plan~ drawings, diagrams, computations,
technical specifications, and other data as required in Subsection
102.1.5 Give such other data and information as required by the
Administrative Authority;
102.1.6 Be signed by Owner or permittee, who is required to submit
evidence to indicate such authority; and
102.1.7 Be signed and sealed by the Registered and Licensed Master
Plumber.

• 102.2 PLAMS AND SPEFICATIONS - All plumbing plans, drawings.

diagrams, design analyses/computations as required, technical specifications,
bills of materials and other required documents for all types of occupancy shall
be prepared, signed and sealed by a Registered and Licensed Master
Plumber, without limitations, pursuant to Republic Act 1378, as amended. and
shall be submitted in six (6) sets of the aforementioned requirements with
each application for a permit.
• 102.3 INFORMATION ON PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS- shall be drawn to
scale on tracing paper or cloth and shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the
location, nature and extent of the work proposed showing in detail,
conformance with the provisions of this Code, relevant laws, ordinances, rules
and regulations. The technical specifications submitted shall comply with the
provisions of existing standards of the National Building Code and this Code.

• Section 104- APPLICATION FOR EXISTING PLUMBING SYSTEM

• 104.1 Additions, Alterations or Repairs - may be made to any existing
plumbing system provided the addition, alteration or repair works conform to
requirements for a new plumbing system. Additions, alterations or repairs shall
not render an existing system unsafe, unsanitary or overloaded.
• 104.2 Changes in Building Occupancy- Plumbing systems which are a part
of any building or structure undergoing a change in use or occupancy, as
defined in the National Building Code, shall comply with all requirements of
this Code applicable to the changed use or occupancy.
• 104.3 Maintenance - All plumbing systems, materials and appurtenances,
both existing and new, and all parts thereof shall be maintained in proper
operating condition. All devices or safeguards required by this Code shall be
maintained in conformance with the existing Code edition at the time the
plumbing system was installed. The owner or his designated agent shall be
responsible for the maintenance of plumbing systems. To determine
compliance with this subsection, the Administrative Authority may cause the
re-inspection of any plumbing system.

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 • 104.4 Moved Buildings - Plumbing systems, which are part of buildings or
structures in one place and moved into another Jurisdiction, shall comply with
the provisions of this Code for new installation.

Definition of Terms

o Air Gap- An air gap in a water supply system, is the unobstructed vertical distance
through the free atmosphere between the lowest opening from any pipe or faucet
supplying water to a tank, plumbing fixture, or other device and the flood level rim of
the receptacle.
o Back Flow- is the flow of water, or other liquid mixture or substances into the
distributing pipes of a potable supply of water from any source, other than its intended
source.
o Back Siphonage- refers to the back flow of used contaminated or polluted water from
a plumbing fixture or vessel into a water supply pipe due to negative pressure in such
a pipe.
o Battery of Fixture- refers to any group of two or more similar adjacent fixtures which
discharges into a common horizontal waste pipe or soil branch.
o Bibb - is synonymous with faucet, cock, tap, plug.
o Branch - is any part of piping system other than the main riser or stack.
o Caulking - is plugging an opening with an oakum, lead or other materials, that are
pounded into place or opening.
o Common Vent -is a drain from two or three fixture connected to a single trap. It is
also called a dual vent.
o Developed Length- The length along the center of the pipe and fitting.
o Diameter- diameter of a pipe or tube refers to the nominal internal diameter (ID) of
such pipe, except brass and copper tube where the terms refer to the outside
diameter (OD) of the pipe.
o Dry Vent - a vent that does not carry water.
o Effective Opening - is the minimum cross-sectional area at the point of water supply
discharge, measured or expressed in terms of diameter of a circle. If the opening is
not a circle, the diameter of a circle that is equivalent the cross-sectional area.
o Fixture Units -is a quantity in terms of which the load producing effects on the
plumbing system of different kinds of plumbing fixtures are expressed on some
arbitrarily chosen scale.
o Flash Valve- is a device located at the bottom of the tank for flushing water closets
and similar fixtures.
o Flushometer Valve- is a device which discharges a predetermined quantity of water
to the fixture for flushing purposes activated by direct water pressure.
o Grade - is the slope or fall of pipe in reference to a fraction of an inch per foot length
of a pipe.
o Invert- is the lowest portion of the inside of any pipe or conduit that is not a vertical.
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 o Lateral- is a secondary pipe.
o Main Sewer - is a sewer line or system directly controlled by public authority.
o Relief Vent- a relief vent's primary function is to provide circulation of air between
drainage and vent systems.
o Riser - is a water supply pipe which extend vertically one full storey or more to
convey water to branches or fixtures.
o Roughing in - is the installation of all parts of plumbing system which can be
completed prior to the installation of fixtures. This includes drainage, water supply,
vent, piping and the necessary fixture supports.
o Siamese connection- is a Y connection used on fire lines so that two lines of hose
maybe connected to a hydrant or to the same nozzle.
o Soil pipe- is any pipe that conveys the discharge of water closets or fixtures having
similar function, with or without the discharge from other fixtures, to the building
drains (house drain) or building sewer (house sewer).
o Stack Vent- is the extension of a soil or waste stack above the highest horizontal
drain connected to the stack.
o Sump - a pit or receptacle at low point to which the liquid wastes are drained.
o Trap- is a fitting or device so designed as to provide when properly vented a liquid
seal that will prevent the back passage of air without materially affecting the flow of
sewage through it.
o Vent Stack-is a vertical pipe installed primarily for the purpose of providing circulation
of air to different parts of the drainage system.
o Waste Pipe- is a pipe that conveys liquid waste from fixture that is free of fecal
matter.

7. SANITARY ENGINEERING LAW

Excerpts from Republic Act No. 1364

An Act to Regulate the Practice of Sanitary Engineering in the
Philippines

Article I TITLE OF ACT AND DEFINITION OF TERMS

Section 1. Title of Act. - This Act shall be known as the ―Sanitary Engineering Law
‖

Section 2. Definition of Terms. - The practice of sanitary engineering within the

meaning and intent of this Act shall embrace the following activities:

a. Sanitary surveys, reports, design, direction, management, consultation, and

investigation of:
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 1.Water purification plants, water collection and distribution systems, reservoirs,
drainage and sewer systems, sewage treatment plants, malaria control structures,
sewage disposal tanks, and other structures for public health and welfare.
2. Projects relating to stream pollution, insect and vermin control or eradication,
rural and camp sanitation, and milk and food sanitation.
3. Systems for the prevention of atmospheric pollution or the control of indoor air,
especially the air of working spaces in industrial establishments (industrial hygiene
engineering).

b. Professional research and laboratory work supporting the activities listed in

subsection (a).
c. The term ―sanitary engineer‖ as used in this Act shall mean a person duly
registered with the Board of Examiners for Sanitary Engineers2 in the manner as
hereinafter provided.

Article II BOARD OF EXAMINERS FOR SANITARY ENGINEERS

Section 3. Composition of Board.- Within thirty days from the affectivity of this Act
there shall be created a Board of Examiners for Sanitary Engineers2, hereinafter
referred to as the Board, to be composed of a chairman and two members who shall
be appointed by the President of the Philippines* upon the recommendation of the
Commission of Civil Service3 from among such persons of recognized standing in
their profession as may be certified as having practiced at least five years, and
academically and morally fully qualified by their respective bona fide sanitary
engineering associations.

The members of the Board shall hold office for a term of three years after
appointment or until their successors shall have been appointed and shall have duly
qualified. The first members of the Board appointed under this Act shall hold office for
the following terms: one member for one year; one member for two years; and one
member for three years. Each member of the Board shall qualify by taking the proper
oath of office before entering upon the performance of his duties. Any member of the
Board may be removed by the President for neglect of duty, incompetence,
malpractice, unprofessional, unethical, immoral, or dishonorable conduct, after having
been given opportunity to defend himself in a proper administrative investigation:
Provided, That during the process of investigation, the President* shall have the
power to suspend such member under investigation and shall appoint a temporary
member in his place. Vacancies in the Board shall be filled for the unexpired term.

Section 4. Powers and Duties of the Board.- The Board of Examiners for Sanitary
Engineers4 is vested with authority, conformable with the provisions of this Act, to
administer oaths, issue, suspend and revoke certificates of registration for the
practice of sanitary engineering, issue certificates of recognition to sanitary engineers
already practicing prior to the affectivity of this Act for advanced studies, research
and/or highly specialized training in any branch of sanitary engineering subject to the
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 approval of the President, to investigate such violations of this Act and the regulations
thereunder as may come to the knowledge of the Board and for this purpose, issue
subpoena duces tecum to secure appearance of witnesses in connection with the
charges presented to the Board, to inspect, at least once a year, educational
institutions offering courses in sanitary engineering, to discharge such other powers
and duties as may affect ethical and technological standards of the sanitary
engineering profession in the Philippines. For the purpose of this Act, the Secretary of
Health, and/or his duly authorized representatives in the provinces and chartered
cities shall be ex officio agents of the Board, and as such it shall be their duty to help
in the enforcement of the provisions of this Act. If any person shall refuse to obey any
subpoena so issued or shall refuse to testify or produce any book document, etc., the
Board may present its petition to the Court of First Instance, setting forth the facts and
thereupon such court shall, in a proper case, issue its subpoena to such person,
requiring his appearance before such court, and there to testify or produce such
books, papers, documents, etc., as may be deemed necessary and pertinent by the
Board. Any person failing or refusing to obey the subpoena or order of the said court,
may be proceeded against in the same manner as for refusal to obey any other
subpoena or order of the court.

Section 5. Qualifications of Board Members. - Each member of the Board shall, at

the time of his appointment:

a. Be a citizen and resident of the Philippines;

b. Be at least thirty years of age and of good moral character;
c. Be a graduate of sanitary engineering or a registered civil engineer who has taken
major subjects in sanitary engineering from a recognized and legally constituted
school, institute, college or university and/or a registered Civil Engineer who has
passed the Civil Service examination for Senior Sanitary Engineer;
d. Be a registered sanitary engineer duly qualified to practice sanitary engineering in
the Philippines and have practiced sanitary engineering, with a certificate as such,
for a period of not less than five years prior to his appointment;
e. Not be a member of the faculty of any school, institution, college or university
where sanitary engineering course is taught nor have a pecuniary interest in such
institution;
f. No former members of the faculty of any school, institution, college or university
where sanitary engineering is taught can become a member of the Board, unless
he had stopped teaching for at least three consecutive years prior to his
appointment.

Section 6. Registration and Examination Fees. - The Board of Examiners shall

charge for each application for examination, the sum of thirty-five pesos and for each
certificate of registration, ten pesos.

Section 10. Roster of Sanitary Engineers. - A roster showing names and place of
business and permanent home addresses of all professional sanitary engineers, shall
be prepared by the Commissioner of Civil Service9 during the month of July of every

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 year, commencing one year after the date this Act becomes effective. Copies of this
roster shall be mailed to each person so registered and placed on file with the
President*; and copies thereof, shall be furnished to all Department Heads, to the
mayors of all chartered cities, to the Director of Public Works, to the Collector of
Customs, to such other bureaus, or government agencies and provincial and
municipal authorities as may be deemed necessary, and to the public upon request.

Article III EXAMINATION FOR REGISTRATION

Section 11. Examination Requirement. - All applicants for registration for the
practice of sanitary engineering, shall be required to pass a technical examination as
hereinafter provided.

Section 12. Holding of Examination. - Examination of candidates desiring to

practice sanitary engineering in the Philippines shall be given in the City of Manila,
beginning the last Monday of January and August of each year, provided that such
days do not fall on official holidays, otherwise the examination shall be held on the
days next following.

Section 13. Subjects of Examination.- Applicants for certificates of registration as

sanitary engineers shall be examined in the following subjects: Mathematics,
including algebra, plane and spherical trigonometry, analytics, descriptive and solid
geometry, differential and integral calculus, rational and applied mechanics;
hydraulics, topographic and hydrographic surveying; design and construction of
wooden, masonry, reinforced concrete, and steel structures as flumes, water towers
and drainage canals; hydrology; water and sewage analysis; microbiology and
bacteriology; design and construction of sewers, storm drains, water purification
plants, sewage treatment plants and plumbing: Provided, however, That duly
registered civil engineers shall be exempted from taking examinations in the following
subjects: (1) Mathematics, including algebra, plane calculus, rational and applied
mechanics; (2) hydraulics; (3) topographic and hydrographic surveying; and (4)
design and construction of wooden, masonry, reinforced concrete and steel
structures as flumes, water towers and drainage canals.

Section 14. Report of Ratings. - The Board of Examiners for Sanitary

Engineering10 shall, within one hundred and twenty days after the date of completion
of the examination, report the rating obtained by each candidate to the Commissioner
of Civil Service,11 who shall submit such ratings to the President.*

Section 15. Reexamination. - An applicant who for the third time fails to pass the
examination for the same grade shall not be allowed to take another until at least one
year has elapsed after his last examination.

Section 16. Issuance of Certificates. - The President shall, upon the

recommendation of the Board, issue a certificate of registration upon payment of the
registration fee as provided in this Act to any applicant, who, in the opinion of the
Board and after approval by the President, has satisfactorily met all the requirements
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 specified in this Act. All certificates of registration shall show the full name of the
registrant, shall have a serial number, and shall be signed by all the members of the
Board, the President and the Commissioner of Civil Service13 and shall be attested
by the official seal of the same Board. The issuance of a certificate of registration by
the Board to a registrant shall be evidence that the person named therein is entitled
to all the rights and privileges of a registered sanitary engineer, while said certificate
remains unrevoked and unsuspended, unless the same is revoked or suspended.

Section 17. Qualifications for Examination. - Any person applying for admission to
the sanitary engineering examination as herein provided, shall, prior to the date of the
examination, establish to the satisfaction of the Board that he has the following
qualifications:
a. Be at least twenty-one years of age;
b. Be a citizen of the Philippines;
c. Be of good reputation and moral character; and,
d. Be a graduate of a four-year course in sanitary engineering or BSCE having
taken major subjects in sanitary engineering from a school, institute, college or
university recognized by the Government or the State wherein it is established.

Section 18. Oath of Sanitary Engineers. - All successful candidates shall be

required to take a professional oath before the Board of Examiners for Sanitary
Engineers14 or other Government officials authorized to administer oaths, prior to
entering upon the practice of the sanitary engineering profession.

Section 19. Seal and Use of Seal. - All registered sanitary engineers shall obtain a
seal of such design as the Board shall authorize and direct: Provided, however, That
the serial number of the certificate issued by the Board shall be included in the design
of the seal. Plans and specifications prepared by, or under the direct supervision of a
registered sanitary engineer shall be stamped with the seal during the life of the
registrants’ certificate, and it shall be unlawful for anyone to stamp or seal any
document with said seal after the certificate of the registrant named therein has
expired or has been revoked, unless said certificate shall have been renewed or
reissued.

Section 20. Exemption from Registration. - Registration shall not be required of the
following persons:

a. Officers or enlisted men of the United States and Philippine Armed Forces and
civilian employees of the Government of the United States stationed in the Philippines
while rendering sanitary engineering services for the Unites States and/or Philippines.

b. Foreign sanitary engineers or experts called in by the Philippine Government

for consultation for specific sanitary engineering services as defined under this Act:
Provided, that this practice shall be limited to such work: And Provided, further, That
they do not engage in private practice at their own account as sanitary engineers.

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 Section 21. Refusal to Issue Certificate. - The Board of Examiners for Sanitary
Engineers16 shall not issue a certificate to any person convicted by a court of
competent jurisdiction of any criminal offense involving moral turpitude, or to any
person guilty of immoral or dishonorable conduct, or to any person of unsound mind.
In the event of a refusal to issue a certificate to any person, the Board shall give to
the applicant a written statement setting forth its reason for such action, which
statement shall be incorporated in the records of the Board.

Section 22. Suspension and Revocation of Certificates. - Subject to the approval

of the President, the Board shall have the power after due notice and hearing, to
suspend or revoke the certificate of registration for any cause mentioned in the
preceding section.

Section 23. Re-issue and Replacement of Certificates. - The Board may, after the
expiration of one year from the date a certificate of registration is revoked and for
reasons it may deem sufficient, entertain an application for a new certificate of
registration from the registrant concerned. Such application shall be accomplished in
the same form prescribed for examination, but the Board may, in its discretion,
exempt the applicant from taking the requisite examination.

Section 24. Transitory Provisions. - Within one year, or as soon as this Act takes
effect, any person desiring to practice the profession of sanitary engineering shall be
required only to obtain a certificate of registration in the manner and under the
condition herein provided:

1. All graduates of sanitary engineering or civil engineers who have taken major
subjects in sanitary engineers who have taken major subjects in sanitary engineering
from a recognized and legally constituted school, institute, college or university, with
at least two year experience as sanitary engineers; all civil engineers in the employ of
the Philippine Government or in private practice in the Philippines who have at least
five year experience in sanitary engineering services and civil engineers with no less
than ten years continuous practice as master plumbers, prior to the approval of this
Act; and,\
2. All civil engineers who have passed the Assistant Sanitary Engineer or Senior
Sanitary Engineer Civil Service examinations and have been practicing sanitary
engineering for at least two years prior to the approval of this Act.

Article IV ENFORCEMENT OF ACT AND PENAL PROVISIONS

Section 25. Enforcement of the Act and by Officers of the Law. - It shall be the
duty of all duly constituted law officers of the national, provincial, city and municipal
governments or any political subdivision thereof, to enforce the provisions of this Act
and to prosecute any person violating the same.

Section 26. Registration Required. - Unless exempted from registration, no person

shall practice or offer to practice sanitary engineering in the Philippines without

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 having obtain the proper certificate of registration from the Board of Examiners for
Sanitary Engineers.

Section 27. Penal Provisions.- Any person who shall practice or offer to practice
sanitary engineering in the Philippines without being registered in accordance with
the provisions of this Act, or any person presenting or attempting to use as his own
the certificate of registration of a registered sanitary engineer, or any person who
shall give any false or forged evidence of any kind to the Board, or any person who
shall impersonate any registrant sanitary engineer of different name, or any person
who shall attempt to use a revoked or suspended certificate of registration, or any
person who shall use in connection with his name, or otherwise assume, use, or
advertise any title or description tending to convey the impression that he is a sanitary
engineer, without holding a valid certificate of registration, or any person who shall
violate any of the provisions of this Act, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall,
upon conviction, be sentenced to a fine of not less than five hundred pesos nor more
than two thousand pesos, or to suffer imprisonment for a period of not less than six
months nor more than one year, or both, in the discretion of the court.

Article V MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Section 28. Field of Action Authorized for Sanitary Engineering; Prohibitions. -

It shall be unlawful for any person, unless exempted from registration under section
twenty of this Act:

a. To be in responsible charge of the preparation of plans, designs,

investigations, valuations, technical reports, specification or estimates, or to be in
performance of other sanitary engineering service, either for himself or for others,
unless he holds a valid certificate of registration as sanitary engineer.
b. To be in responsible charge of the construction, erection, installation or
alteration, or of the performance of sanitary engineering service in connection with the
manufacture, sale supply or distribution of any sanitary engineering works, projects or
plant (as cited in article one, section two of this Act), either for himself or for others,
unless he holds a valid certificate of registration as sanitary engineer.

Section 29. Preparation of Plans and Supervision of Construction by Registered

Sanitary Engineers Required.- It shall be unlawful for any person or firm to order or
otherwise cause the construction, erection, installation or alteration of any sanitary
engineering equipment, machinery or process for any sanitary engineering work,
project or plant, the cost of which exceeds five thousand pesos, unless the design,
plans, layouts, and/or specifications have been prepared under the responsible
charge of, signed and sealed by a registered sanitary engineer, and/or alteration

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 thereof are executed under the responsible charge and direct supervision of a
registered sanitary engineer.

Section 30. Firms and Corporations Engaged in Sanitary Engineering Practice. -

A firm, partnership, corporation or association may engage in the practice of sanitary
engineering in the Philippines: Provided, That such practice is carried out under the
supervision of a sanitary engineer or sanitary engineers holding valid certificates
issued by the Board. No firm, partnership, corporation or association, using the name
of a person or persons as in the name of firm, shall advertise as sanitary engineers
unless said person or persons are registered sanitary engineers.

Section 31. Collection of Professional Fees. - It shall be unlawful for any

unregistered person to collect a fee for services rendered except as an employee
collecting a fee as representative of a registered sanitary engineer.

Section 32. Reciprocity Requirements.- No person who is not a citizen of the

Philippines at the time he applies to take examination shall be allowed to take it
unless he can prove in the manner provided by the Rules of Court that, by specific
provision of law, the country of which he is a citizen, subject, or national either admits
citizens of the Philippines to the practice of the same profession without restriction or
allows them to practice it after an examination on terms of strict and absolute equality
with citizens, subjects, or nationals of the country concerned, including the
unconditional recognition of degrees issued by institutions of learning duly recognized
for the purpose by the Government of the Philippines: Provided, That if he is not a
citizen of the Philippines after December eight, nineteen hundred and forty one, his
active practice in that profession, either in the Philippines or in the state or country
where he was practising his profession, shall not have been interrupted for a period of
two years or more prior to July four, nineteen hundred and forty-six, and that the
country or state from which he comes allows the citizens of the Philippines by specific
provisions of law, to practice the same profession without restrictions or on terms of
strict and absolute equality with citizens, subjects or national of the country or state
concerned.

Section 33. Act Not Affecting Other Provisions and/or Trades. - This Act shall not
be construed to affect or prevent the practice of any other legally recognized
profession, and/or trade nor shall it be construed to diminish the fields of practice
already embraced by civil engineers duly registered under the Civil Engineering Law,
Republic Act Numbered Five hundred and forty four, or of those by duly licensed
master plumbers under existing law.

Section 34. Construction of Act. - If any part or section of this Act shall be declared
unconstitutional, such declaration shall not invalidate the other provisions hereof.

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