BFP warns Ortigas high-rise building on violations of Fire Code

A 38-storey building in Ortigas complex in Pasig has failed to comply with fire safety requirement imposed by the Fire Code of the Philippines, a top official of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said yesterday.

Fire Supt. Aloveel Ferrer, Pasig City fire chief said he has given the owners of the Antel Global Corporate Center along Meralco and Julio Vargas streets until next month to comply with fire safety requirements.

Antel Corporation Center which houses offices and a bank is among the high-rise buildings in Pasig City which have been given a 60-day warning by the BFP. The complete list of these buildings is not yet available.

"We have given the Antel building officials until next month to comply with the fire safety requirements," Ferrer said.

He said the BFP has suspended the issuance of the fire safety clearance pending the building’s compliance of fire safety standards.

The Pasig City fire chief refused to reveal details of the fire deficiency of the building but tenants interviewed by The STAR revealed that the elevator of the building sometimes generates electric shocks during rainy days.

"Aside from electric shocks we also experience flooding in some parts of the building," an employee said.

The warning issued by the BFP is part of the crackdown of the Department of the Interior and Local Government against defective buildings, particularly in Metro Manila. — Perseus Echeminada