1. What is PD1096? And as a future civil engineer, what do you think is its importance?

Discuss your
answer. 

Presidential Decree No. 1096, also known as the National Building Code of the Philippines is
a law created to provide a framework of minimum standards and guidelines for Philippine
Buildings. As a future engineer it is important to know and familiarize myself to the PD 1096
because this decree is created first and foremost to ensure public safety. We rely on the safety of
structures that surround us in our everyday living. The public need for protection from disaster due to
fire, structural collapse and general deterioration underscores the need for modern codes and their
administration. Building codes provide safeguards. Although no code can eliminate all risks, reducing
risks to an acceptable level helps.

2. Is it possible for Non-Issuance, Suspension or Revocation of Building Permits? Why? And what
should be done?  

The Building Official may order or cause the non-issuance, suspension or revocation of building
permits on any or all of the following reasons or grounds:
(a) Errors found in the plans and specifications;
(b) Incorrect or inaccurate data of information supplied;
(c) Non-compliance with the provisions of this Code or of any rule or regulation.
Within fifteen (15) days from the date of receipt of advice of the non-issuance, suspension or
revocation of permits, the applicant/permittee may file an appeal with the Secretary who shall render
his decision within fifteen days from date of receipt of notice of appeal. The decision of the Secretary
shall be final subject only to review by the Office of the President.

3. Give at least 5 instances where application of Building permit is exempted. 

a) Public buildings
b) Traditional indigenous family dwellings – a dwelling intended for the use and occupancy by the
family of the owner only and constructed of native materials such as bamboo, nipa, logs, or
lumber, the total cost of which does not exceed fifteen thousand pesos.
c) minor construction – sheds, playhouse, greenhouses, poultry houses, not exceeding 6.0sq meters
in total area, provided they are completely detached from any other building and are only for
private use of the owner.
d) Addition of open terraces or patios resting directly on the ground, not exceeding 20.0 sq. meters
in total floor area, exclusively for private use of owner; Installation of window grilles; etc.
e) Repairs – repair works not affecting or involving any structural member, such as replacement of
deteriorated roofing sheets or tiles, gutters, downspouts, fascias, ceilings, and/or sidings.
*provided these shall not violate any provision of the Code.

4. Give at least 2 examples of violations which may be subjected to administrative fines. Discuss
briefly.

a) Construction of building without permit – it is forbidden to build a structure without building

permit unless the structure is a public building or traditional indigenous family dwellings.
b) Use or occupancy of a building/structure without Certificate of Occupancy/Use even if
constructed under valid permit.
c) Change in the type of construction of any building without any building/structure without an
amendatory permit.
 d) Disregarding the standards for construction, and promulgate rules and regulations therefor,
relating to structural framework, exterior walls and openings, interior walls and enclosures,
floors, exits and stairs construction, and roofs. There are requirements or standards for
construction, for example requirements for fire safety, sanitation, light and ventilation,
occupancy, etc.

5. What is Boring test? Why do we need this test and when is it required? 

Boring Test, as used by foundation engineers, is the act or process of sinking holes into the
overburden (sometimes to considerable depth into bedrock) with rotary or drive sampling equipment
for the purpose of recovering samples from which information on the physical characteristics of the
materials penetrated can be obtained; also applied to the sample or samples so obtained.
It is needed to determine if the soil is suitable to be used as a base area for a structure. Also, to
define if an underground obstruction exists (e.g., old foundation). It can also be done to determine
presence of underground water.