Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1185)
The official title is the "Fire Code of the Philippines."
To establish fire prevention and safety standards to reduce death, injury, and property loss due to fires, and to develop national consciousness and involvement in fire prevention and suppression.
The Fire Service under the direct supervision and control of the Director General of the Integrated National Police.
Any condition or act which increases or may cause an increase in the probability of the occurrence of fire, or which may obstruct, delay, hinder, or interfere with firefighting operations and the safeguarding of life and property.
Acts such as obstructing exits or access to fire safety areas, blocking fire lanes, interfering with fire service operations, overcrowding public assembly buildings, locking fire exits during occupancy, giving false fire alarms, smoking in prohibited areas, and tampering with fire safety equipment among others.
A period of two (2) years from the effectivity of the Fire Code, though the Director General may prescribe a shorter period depending on the hazard and cost of compliance.
Violators may face an administrative fine up to twelve thousand pesos (P12,000), stoppage of operations, closure of the building or facility, and in cases of willful failure to comply, imprisonment from six months to six years, fines up to twenty thousand pesos (P20,000), or both. Officials of corporations responsible may also be penalized and aliens may be deported.
Buildings must incorporate fire protection features like sprinkler systems, fire alarms, fire walls, self-closing fire doors, fire dampers, properly marked exits with emergency lights, roof vents, and a fire exit plan prominently displayed.
A building unsafe in case of fire because it will burn easily or because it lacks adequate exits or fire escapes.
The Director General or authorized representative may order summary abatement, including remodeling, repair, or demolition, at the expense of the owner. The government may place a lien on the property, and if expenses are unpaid, the property may be auctioned or forfeited to the government.