Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 11589)
Republic Act No. 11589 is officially known as the 'Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act.'
The State's policy is to ensure public safety through the prevention and suppression of all kinds of destructive fires, with active community support, and to enhance and modernize the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to be responsive to the changing needs of the community.
The BFP is empowered to prevent and suppress fires in various places including buildings, economic zones, forests, vehicles, ships, airports, and petroleum installations; respond to disasters and emergencies; issue implementing rules and regulations; require building plans for compliance; investigate fire causes; maintain regional offices; establish fire labs; conduct trainings; conduct fire prevention campaigns; develop fire safety programs; enter into contracts; request assistance from other government agencies; and perform functions assigned by the President or DILG Secretary.
The BFP shall collaborate with various Local Government Units (LGUs) on fire protection services such as fire prevention, preparedness, response planning, information sharing, and fire management operational issues.
The components include Fire Protection Service (establishment of services and rescue hotlines), Force Restructuring and Organizational Development, Capability, Material, and Technology Development, Specialized Services Development (e.g., high-rise, forest, aircraft fires, HAZMAT, EMS), and Human Resource Development including comprehensive training programs and volunteerism.
The BFP Modernization Program shall be implemented over a period of ten (10) years from the date of the Act's approval, with possible extensions for payment of outstanding multi-year contracts and obligations.
The Chief of the BFP administers the BFP Modernization Trust Fund, which is used exclusively for implementing the BFP Modernization Program, including procurement of necessary equipment and services, but excluding salaries and allowances.
Sources include appropriations for the program, 80% share of BFP from taxes, fees, and fines collected under RA 9514, proceeds from disposal of BFP assets, authorized budget surplus, loans, grants, donations specifically for the program, and interest income from the trust fund.
Section 10 mandates strict enforcement of RA 11032 and its implementing rules, ensuring efficient processing of fire safety permits. It exempts professionals, freelancers, self-employed persons, individual contractors, and one-person corporations from needing fire safety inspection certificates for business permits if their residences are their principal business addresses.
The Committee, composed of senators and representatives, monitors and oversees the implementation of the Act, conducts hearings, receives testimonies and reports, issues subpoenas, and shall conduct a sunset review within five years to evaluate the Act's accomplishments and impacts.
Specialized services include those for high-rise building fires, forest fires, aircraft and airport fires, chemical fires, disaster rescue, emergency medical services, Search and Rescue Force, HAZMAT units, Fire and Arson Investigation Unit, and Security and Protection Units.
Yes, the BFP may enter into multi-year contracts with local or foreign suppliers, subject to presidential approval, adherence to existing laws and regulations including COA rules. Congress must appropriate funds for ensuing fiscal years upon issuance of obligational authority by DBM. The BFP Chief must submit copies of these contracts to Congress.
LGUs are authorized to use their shares from taxes, fees, and fines collected under RA 9514 for operations, maintenance, construction, acquisition of fire stations and equipment, and other fire safety programs. They can also implement complementary development projects charged against their local development funds.
The SPU protects firefighters during fire suppression, containment of hazardous materials, fire investigations, and related operations. The unit consists of trained team leaders and members who undergo neuropsychological exams and periodic trainings, with certain rank priorities for appointments, and are equipped appropriately.