SENATOR Francis Escudero wants to mete out life sentence on government officials as well as private individuals who would violate “structural protocols” embodied in the National Building Code.

He filed Senate Bill No. 2843 seeking a comprehensive review of the National Building Code to strengthen the government’s existing structural policy.

Escudero lamented that although the country had been through major weather disturbances, “structures and constructions did not respond well to its natural impacts.”

SBN 2843 directs the Department of Interior and Local Government, the Department of Public Works and Highways, and the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council to work with all local government units to conduct a “comprehensive inspection” of all buildings nationwide before building officials could issue Certificate of Inspection and Clearance.

“There is no more escaping the reality of climate change, earthquakes, flashfloods, landslides and recent tragedies have shown that existing buildings where people thought they could seek refuge did not stand a chance against nature’s wrath; it even claimed lives,” he said.

Escudero, chair of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, also deplored that there had been building permits issued under questionable circumstances.

“These fraudulent issuances have allowed faulty building constructions to the detriment of its occupants and those beside and around it,” he said.

“Building authorities who will commit fraud related to the issuance of permits, clearances and certifications shall face life imprisonment, absolute disqualification to hold office and permanent revocation of professional license,” he said.

“The provisions of building code were created to ensure the state’s responsibility to safeguard its people. This is a policy responsibility anchored on safety and hazard mitigation. It should be strictly enforced, rather than openly impeded by its own regulators” he added.