Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 9514)
Republic Act No. 9514 shall be known as the 'Fire Code of the Philippines of 2008'.
The policy is to ensure public safety, promote economic development through the prevention and suppression of all kinds of destructive fires, and promote the professionalization of the fire service as a profession.
Fire Hazard means 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.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), under the direct supervision and control of the Chief of the Bureau of Fire Protection, is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Code.
Fire safety inspections shall be conducted as prerequisites for the grants of permits and/or licenses by local governments and other government agencies for the use or occupancy of buildings, facilities, or premises, including installation of fire protection and safety equipment, and for the storage, handling, and use of explosives or hazardous materials.
Prohibited acts include: 1) Obstructing or blocking exit ways or fire lanes; 2) Giving false or malicious fire alarms; 3) Locking fire exits when people are inside the building.
Violators may face administrative fines not exceeding Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00), stoppage of operations, or closure of buildings. Willful failure to abate hazards may result in imprisonment of six months to six years, a fine of up to One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00), or both.
The Chief, BFP may post a sign declaring the building or structure a fire hazard which remains until compliance. If still uncorrected, the building may be ordered closed, and the hazard may be summarily abated with costs charged to the owner.
They include fees for certificates, permits, and licenses; 0.1% of the estimated building value (up to P50,000); 0.10% of the assessed building value annually (except single-family dwellings); 2% of fire and related insurance premiums; and 2% of gross sales of firefighting equipment.
The property may be sold at public auction to recover costs. If it does not fetch a price at least equal to the expenses, it shall be forfeited in favor of the government.
The violator may appeal to the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government. The appeal does not stay the execution of the Chief's order unless ordered by the Secretary. The Secretary's decision is final and executory.
Safety measures are required for materials such as cellulose nitrate plastic, combustible fibers, flammable liquids and gases, explosive dust and vapors, pyrophoric materials, and other substances that may cause fire or harm due to their chemical, physical, or biological properties.
During firefighting operations, fire volunteer organizations shall be under the direct operational control of the fire ground commanders of the BFP.
Public officers may be administratively liable for failure to conduct inspections, issuing false certifications, failing to enforce closures, or abusing authority. Willful violation can lead to imprisonment of six months to six years, fines, or both.
It took effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in two national newspapers of general circulation.