Marcos orders stricter implementation of construction standards

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. leads the eighth meeting of the Private Sector Advisory Council Infrastructure Sector Group at Malacañang on Sept. 9, 2026, where officials and private-sector representatives discussed measures to strengthen infrastructure resilience, improve flood management and water security, and prepare communities for disasters and climate-related risks. (PHOTO FROM PCO) MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered government agencies and local officials to tighten enforcement of construction and building standards as the administration pushes to make the country’s infrastructure more resilient to earthquakes, floods and other disasters. In a briefing in New Delhi on Friday, Palace press officer Claire Castro said Marcos directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to ensure that quality standards are strictly followed in the construction of buildings and other infrastructure, particularly those expected to withstand extreme weather. The directive came after Marcos agreed to the recommendations of the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) on stronger measures on structural resilience, including stricter standards for construction materials and a proposed Building Resilience Seal for structures that meet earthquake-resilience requirements. Article continues after this advertisement Castro also cited the government’s case against Davao Mighty Steel Corp., which the National Bureau of Investigation referred to the Department of Justice last month. Authorities allegedly discovered that the Davao City-based steel manufacturer had been using radioactive bearing materials in its operations and had produced substandard steel bars that had already reached the market. READ: 20 other steel plants under surveillance for possible violations – NBI Castro said the use of substandard materials could compromise the strength of infrastructure and potentially lead to accidents and deaths. “The President is serious about the government’s programs aimed at ensuring the safety of the people,” she added. Article continues after this advertisement Malacañang directed local government units not to allow businesses that fail to meet safety and quality requirements to operate in their jurisdictions. “These kinds of investors have already been banned in other countries, yet we allow them to enrich themselves here in the Philippines while Filipinos are the ones who become victims,” Castro said. Article continues after this advertisement She also warned contractors against using cheaper construction materials that could damage their reputation and integrity. Stronger building standards During its eighth Infrastructure Sector meeting with Marcos on Sept. 9, PSAC called for faster and more coordinated measures to protect communities from earthquakes, flooding and water shortages. The council recommended the full implementation of Philippine National Standard (PNS) 49:2026, the updated standards framework for steel bars used in concrete reinforcement. READ: DTI: Order on new steel standards out by August The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) approved the new steel standards in May, but it remains unenforceable pending the issuance of the technical regulation. The order mandating the enforcement of PNS 49:2026 was set to be issued in August. PSAC also called for stronger standards for earthquake-resistant reinforcing steel and tighter inspections of imported cement. It also proposed a Building Resilience Seal for homes and buildings that have been inspected and found to meet earthquake-resilience standards. PSAC cited the destruction by the DTI of 12,500 metric tons of imported cement in April after the material failed key strength and durability tests. The council said construction materials should undergo required testing before they reach the market. /gsg Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.