Local News: SP to DILG: Suspend Installation of AFSS

Members of the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod approved in yesterday’s session a resolution authored by Councilor El Cid Familiaran requesting DILG Sec. Jesse Robredo, to temporarily hold or suspend the mandatory installation of automatic fire sprinkler systems (AFSS) pursuant to Republic Act 9514, known as the Fire Code of the Philippines.

The Implementing Rules & Regulations (IRR) of R. A. 9514 or the Fire Code of the Philippines mandates to all building/structure owners to install the Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems(AFSS) as precautionary measure against possible occurrence of fire.

The business sectors welcome this law, as it would protect their property against possible occurrence of fire, however a big segment of them claimed that they can not afford for the cost of AFSS;

In the recent discussion of businessmen in the City of Bacolod, they aired their concern of having this AFSS.

They said, installing such gadget in their buildings might compromise the capability & integrity of the structures, aside from the financial requirement to have such, as installing the same in the building is too expensive, and many of them by now still cannot afford to buy such System;

Due to the said issues raised, it would be deemed proper and prudent for our concerned government implementing agency to meanwhile hold the implementation of mandatory installation of this fire protection gadget;

Therefore the the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod City earnestly requests the Department of Interion and Local Government(DILG) Secretary Jesse M. Robredo to temporarily hold the mandatory installation of Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems (AFSS) in buildings/ structures, per Republic Act No. 9514, otherwise known as the Fire Code of the Philippines.*