A Senate investigation has been sought into the collapse of a nine-story building under construction in Angeles City, Pampanga, amid calls for a comprehensive review of the National Building Code and other safety regulations governing construction sites.
The proposed inquiry aims to determine possible lapses in permits, inspection procedures, structural compliance, occupational safety enforcement, and disaster preparedness following the deadly incident in Barangay Balibago.
The building, located along Teodoro Street, collapsed last Sunday while workers were reportedly sleeping on the ground floor. Initial reports said 26 workers were rescued, 17 remained missing, and four were confirmed dead.
Senate Resolution No. 406, filed by Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, seeks to identify accountability among contractors, developers, and concerned government officials, while also pushing for stronger safeguards to prevent similar tragedies.
“The tragic incident may have possible lapses in compliance with implementing and regulating laws, and highlights the recurring issues in the built environment, including deficiencies in permitting, inspection, occupational safety enforcement, and disaster preparedness, thereby necessitating a thorough legislative inquiry,” the resolution stated.
Reports indicated that the collapse may have been linked to the unauthorized construction of an additional floor, which could have compromised the structural integrity of the building.
The proposed Senate inquiry also calls for a review of existing laws, including the National Building Code of the Philippines, the Civil Code, the Labor Code, and the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Law.
The review would focus on whether current rules are sufficient to ensure safe construction practices and protect workers from hazardous conditions that may cause injury, illness, or death.
The resolution stressed that the Senate, through its oversight and legislative functions, must help ensure accountability and strengthen the enforcement of building and workplace safety standards.
The Angeles City tragedy has renewed concerns over construction safety, particularly in rapidly developing urban areas where inspection, compliance, and worker protection measures are often tested by fast-paced building activity.