The Philippine Iron and Steel Institute (PISI) has called for a shorter transition period in the implementation of the updated Philippine National Standard for Deformed Steel Bars under Department Administrative Order 18-08, which mandates seismic-grade rebar in Philippine construction, to prevent further loss of lives and properties.
In a letter dated July 23, 2026 to Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, PISI noted that the draft memorandum circular, now before public consultation, the comment period runs until September 21, 2026, and the transitory period for compliance extends to April 30, 2027 — nearly a year after the standard was approved.
“This standard was written in response to real loss of life. Delaying its transition to 2027 does not reflect the urgency the moment demands. We stand ready to support an immediate transition, and we urge the Department to act with the same sense of urgency the Filipino public expects,” said PISI President Joel T. Ronquillo.
To fast track its implementation , PISI formally recommended that DTI shorten the public comment period from its current close of September 21, 2026 to no more than seven days from the close of the consultation.
PISI also asked DTI to reject the April 30, 2027 transitory period as inadequate to address persistent seismic risk and the urgency of protecting lives.
PISI also asked to enforce mandatory transition immediately, or within a maximum of three months from the date of the letter.
PISI reiterates its appreciation to DTI and the Bureau of Philippine Standards for convening the public consultation, and its continued support in advancing the integrity of the country’s built environment.
During the public consultation on the DAO, Dr. Ernesto Ordonez, former DTI undersecretary and Federation of Philippine Industries Chairman of the Standards Committee, supported PISI’s stance for the immediate implementation of the standard, citing that other countries have already implemented similar regulations.
“If it is safer, then we must protect our consumers. Therefore, if something is wrong, you do not wait for nine months before you start implementing, you implement it immediately,” he said.
“Whenever something is dangerous, for God’s sake, don’t give them a few months to kill more people,” he added.
