MANILA, (PIA) -- In light of the collapse of a condominium building in Surfside, Florida in the US, a member of the Metro Manila Development and Local Government Committees of the House of Representatives today called on local government units to inspect old structures that may be prone to collapsing.
“We have to take note that the Surfside incident happened without an earthquake or a hurricane. Even with the strict building policies in the US, this unfortunate event happened. As such, it is high time that we take a closer look at the integrity of old buildings in the country especially in populous urban centers like Metro Manila,” Rizal 2nd District Representative Fidel Nograles said.
As of the latest count, the collapse of Champlain Towers South in Surfside claimed the lives of at least 95 residents with 11 injured and 14 unaccounted for. Included in the death toll is 69-year old Filipina Maricoy Obias-Bonnefoy.
Nograles explained that his suggestion is for LGUs to identify and thoroughly inspect buildings that are built 30 years ago or older, and those that are prone to collapse such as structures built on reclamation sites and limestone or soft clay areas.
“We’re pretty sure our mayors and city administrators are willing, able, and concerned enough to do this much-needed initiative to ensure that untoward incidents will be prevented. We cannot afford such avoidable disasters to happen especially now that we are still managing our response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” the neophyte lawmaker added.
The solon also vowed to review the National Building Code to check for “possible amendments that will help safeguard the safety and welfare of our people.” (PIA-NCR)
