A viral video showing a truck being hit by falling debris from a building under construction has once again stirred legal discussions in the “Tanong ng Pilipino” segment of Cayetano in Action with Boy Abunda (CIA with BA).
What seemed like an ordinary accident quickly became a lesson on accountability, safety, and the importance of following construction laws in the country.
“Maaari bang habulin ng truck owner ang construction company para sa danyos?” a viewer asked, referring to the viral incident that circulated online.
This was answered by Atty. Marian Cayetano, who affirmed that the construction company could indeed be held liable. “Yes, pwede pong habulin ng truck owner ang construction company dahil nabagsakan siya ng debris.”
She explained further, “Sa Civil Code natin, meron tayong konsepto na quasi delict or torts. Ibig sabihin, ang isang tao ay dapat pong magbigay ng damages [fee] kung ang taong ito ay at fault or with negligence—nagkaroon ng pinsala against another person or kanyang ari-arian.”
Host Boy Abunda followed up by asking what laws require construction sites to install safety nets, barriers, or warning signs—since the video appeared to show none.
Atty. Cayetano cited the National Building Code as the primary law governing construction safety. “Ito po ‘yung batas na nagsasabi na kailangang protektahan ‘yung pedestrians and kahit motorists. Sa IRR (implementing rules and regulations) naman po nito, nakalagay din po na kung may construction, kailangan may safety nets, railings, sign boards… very important kasi ‘yung safety measures [ng mga tao].”
Atty. Bernadette Maybituin added that local government units (LGUs) also play a crucial role in enforcing construction safety. “Under the National Building Code, ang building official ng isang LGU—siya ‘yung nag-i-issue ng building permits so kaakibat dito sa power na mag-issue ng building permits ay ‘yung mandatory inspections of the construction sites. So kapag nakita niya na merong mga violation ng safety precautions or measures, puwede niyang ipatigil ang construction at bawiin ang building permit.”
She also clarified that claiming the incident was an accident does not absolve anyone of responsibility. Negligence, whether intentional or not, can still lead to liability under the law.
In the end, the discussion underscored a crucial reminder: safety is not optional. Construction companies, building officials, and even passersby must understand that every precaution counts. As CIA with BA highlighted, accidents can be prevented when rules are followed—and accountability remains the strongest foundation of public safety.
CIA with BA, led by siblings Sen. Alan and Pia Cayetano along with Abunda, airs Sundays at 11:00 p.m. on GMA7, with replays on GTV every Saturday at 10:30 p.m.
