Lawmakers push building code amendments

MANILA, Philippines — Tarlac 2nd District Rep. Christian Tell Yap pushed the amendment of Presidential Decree 1096 or the National Building Code (NBC) of the Philippines to update its decades-old policies especially on the inclusion of space for broadband facilities.

He said that the building code update should include adequate space for broadband facilities to put emphasis on the necessity of electronic equipment facilities.

Yap filed House Bill 900 in July 2022 which seeks to mandate building owners to conform with the electronics requirements for multi-dwelling buildings, commercial buildings, government and office buildings, public and private schools, and government and private hospitals

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

He noted that the average broadband internet speed in the country was ranked 41st in the world by Telecom Review due to the frequently inconsistent speed and limited coverage.

Yap said that information and communications technology «is necessary to enhance good governance and key public services such as education, public health and safety.»

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

A similar measure was also filed by Albay 2nd District Rep. Jose Maria Clemente «Joey» Salceda to remove the leases of telecommunication companies and treat internet service as a human right.

HB 8534 filed in June last year seeks to revive the decades-old NBC to recognize broadband connectivity in the same way as water and electricity, which do not require lease fees in their facilities.

Salceda said that in Metro Manila alone, around a million people who live in 160,000 condominium units need fast and reliable internet connection and will benefit from better internet connection if the measure is passed.

The Department of