I have been actively campaigning against the use of substandard products, particularly construction materials that are illegally imported into the Philippines through technical smuggling. I have spent the better part of my 83 years fighting smuggling and other forms of illicit trade, particularly the smuggling of substandard steel and other construction materials.
Lately, my primary concern is that the steel tariffs implemented by US President Donald Trump will adversely impact Chinese steel producers. Inevitably, these producers will seek out alternative markets with lower tariffs.
In this scenario, the Philippines is likely to experience a significant influx of substandard construction materials. Regulatory authorities have already reported the discovery of substandard steel products bearing “Made in China” markings. This is a worrying trend that requires immediate attention and action to protect the safety and integrity of buildings and infrastructure in the country.
Substandard building materials can compromise the structural integrity of structures, endangering the lives of occupants. It is crucial that policymakers and regulatory bodies take decisive steps to address this issue to protect our citizens.
With the recent collapse of a high-rise building under construction in Thailand following a devastating earthquake, I believe the Philippines needs to implement comprehensive safety standards for constructing buildings that can withstand earthquakes. We should ensure that only high-quality, standards-compliant materials are used in construction projects across the country. Taking proactive measures to enforce material standards will help improve the quality and safety of buildings nationwide.
Currently, the Philippines does not have a single, national law that dictates a maximum height for skyscrapers. Of course, height restrictions exist due to a combination of factors including airspace safety, zoning ordinances, and urban planning goals, particularly near airports and in specific areas like Intramuros.
I’m really focused on protecting consumers. After the devastating Myanmar earthquake, I can’t help but be concerned about the high-rise buildings in Metro Manila. I strongly believe there is a need to revisit the National Building Code, which was enacted in 1977 and has been in effect for over 45 years, with its Implementing Rules and Regulations last revised in 2004. The building code and regulations may need to be updated to ensure the safety and resilience of structures, especially in light of evolving construction practices and technologies, as well as changes in environmental and seismic conditions. Reviewing and potentially revising the National Building Code could help safeguard consumers and communities from the risks posed by outdated or insufficient building standards.
In a recent TV interview, Dr. Teresito Bacolcol, Director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), stated that the agency is estimating a death toll of around 50,000 should “The Big One”—a 7.2 magnitude earthquake—hit the National Capital Region and nearby areas. A Phivolcs study has projected that a magnitude 7.2 earthquake along the West Valley Fault could cause the collapse of at least 168,000 buildings in Metro Manila and surrounding provinces.
The West Valley Fault is an approximately 100-kilometer-long active fault line that traverses portions of the provinces of Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, and Cavite, as well as the cities of Pasig, Marikina, Taguig, Muntinlupa, and Quezon City. The last recorded major earthquake caused by the West Valley Fault was in 1658, and experts forecast it to generate major earthquakes every 200 to 400 years.
The Philippines is located within the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region prone to seismic activity and earthquakes. Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno of the Office of the Civil Defense emphasized the critical importance of maintaining robust infrastructure in a recent radio interview, addressing the threat of powerful earthquakes.
“We need to focus on engineering solutions to enhance our preparedness. Our buildings, infrastructure, and bridges must be sturdy enough to withstand the impact of a major earthquake,” Nepomuceno stated.
This is the reason why we are launching a new semestral magazine called “Standards Philippines” —to raise awareness about the importance of standards. Substandard construction materials can have disastrous consequences.
For example, investigations have shown that the collapse of the 6-story Ruby Tower in Manila during a 7.3 magnitude earthquake on August 2, 1968 was due to the failure to adhere to proper construction standards. The tragedy resulted in the loss of 322 lives and left approximately 300 people injured.
The collapse of the Ruby Tower serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating impact that can occur when quality standards are not upheld in the construction industry. Our new magazine aims to educate the public on the critical role standards play in ensuring public safety and preventing such catastrophic events in the future.
I urge our lawmakers to thoroughly review the building material standards to ensure they are robust enough to withstand a powerful earthquake. If the current standards are insufficient, I encourage them to establish stronger and more stringent requirements. Prioritizing structural integrity and safety is crucial for protecting lives and property in the event of a major seismic event.
In February 2023, a devastating magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Turkey and Syria, resulting in over 55,000 fatalities. It was the most powerful earthquake to hit the region in two decades. Last Friday, a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck the Sagaing Region of Myanmar, also significantly impacting Thailand. The latest reports indicate over 2,056 deaths in Myanmar and 18 deaths in Thailand, with the toll expected to rise as rescue efforts continue.
The impacts of climate change are increasingly evident. One notable example is the devastating wildfires occurring in California and various other regions globally. Additionally, we are now experiencing powerful earthquakes. It makes me ponder whether these natural disasters are all linked to climate change.
It’s hard not to wonder: are these catastrophic events not a warning or a message from above, urging us to take action or make changes?
In the Philippines, we have been conducting regular national earthquake drills, with the first nationwide simultaneous earthquake drill of 2025 already having taken place. The goal of these drills is to increase public awareness and preparedness for earthquakes. One important aspect of these drills is teaching the “duck, cover, and hold” safety guideline, which instructs individuals to drop to the floor, seek cover under a sturdy object, and hold on until the shaking stops. While these efforts are commendable, as I gaze up at the towering buildings surrounding me, I can’t help but wonder whether these structures will be able to withstand the impact of a massive earthquake. The most important question is, will these buildings hold when the “Big One” comes?
Dr. Jesus Lim Arranza is the chairman of the Federation of Philippine Industries and Fight Illicit Trade; a broad-based, multisectoral movement intended to protect consumers, safeguard government revenues and shield legitimate industries from the ill effects of smuggling.
