The recent building collapse in Angeles City, which claimed 30 lives, has sparked significant legal scrutiny. Lawyer Simoun M. Salinas highlighted the legal implications for contractors following the incident.
Legal Responsibilities of Contractors Under Philippine Law
Constructing a building involved highly technical matters, and mostly or usually, owners do not have such a level of knowledge or experience.
Simoun M. Salinas, Lawyer
According to Salinas, the Philippine Civil Code places the burden of liability for defective buildings squarely on contractors and architects, rather than on property owners. This legal precedent aims to ensure that skilled professionals are held accountable for their work.
Salinas referenced a significant Supreme Court ruling, Nakpil vs. Court of Appeals, noting that contractors cannot shift their responsibility to building owners. This ruling reinforces that the technical nature of construction typically exceeds the average owner's expertise.
He emphasized that compliance with various building regulations, including securing a Building Permit and a Certificate of Occupancy, protects owners from liability if they have acted diligently in selecting qualified contractors.
This framework is crucial for maintaining safety in the construction industry, especially in light of incidents that result in loss of life. As investigations into the recent collapse continue, the emphasis on contractor accountability may lead to stricter enforcement of building regulations.