National Plumbing

Code and Sanitation

Code of the Philippines
BSCE 3A: GONZALES, MARBELLA, PATANE, SUMAGAYSAY
 Table of contents
01 02 03
History RA 1378 National Building Code
History of Plumbing An Act To Regulate the PD 1096: Chapter 9 -
Practice Trade Of Master Plumber Sanitation

04 05
Presidential Decree Sanitary Permit
No. 856 Mandatory permit or license
Code on Sanitation of the issued by the local government
Philippines unit (LGU)
 01
History
History of Plumbing
Practice
History of Plumbing Practice in
the Philippines
The plumbing profession in the Philippines dates back to the 17th century. Intramuros
was established as a model community by the Spaniards, incorporating European
plumbing standards.
18th & 19th centuries:
Filipino plumbers maintained and remodeled plumbing systems in churches,
convents, and government buildings.
Elite groups ("ilustrados") consulted recognized plumbers on plumbing
installations in villas and mansions.
Early 20th century: The arrival of Americans emphasized hygiene and sanitation.
1902:
− The plumbing trade was officially recognized by the government.
− John F. Hass became the first Chief of the Division of Plumbing Construction
and Inspection.
Development of Plumbing
Regulations
1935:
Filipino Master Plumbers formed the National Master Plumbers Association of the
Philippines (NAMPAP).
NAMPAP helped incorporate U.S.-based plumbing codes into Manila's Building
Code.
City Ordinance 2411: The "Plumbing Code for the City of Manila" was enacted.
1954: Republic Act 1378, known as the "Plumbing Law of the Philippines," was passed
and signed by President Ramon Magsaysay.
1959: The National Plumbing Code of the Philippines was promulgated.
1966-1969: A curriculum for Plumbing Engineering was introduced at Feati University.
1967: The first amendment to the Plumbing Code included "Asbestos-Cement Pipe" as
an approved material.
1972: Republic Act 6541 (Building Code of the Philippines) was enacted, referencing
the National Plumbing Code of 1959.
Modern Updates

1996: NAMPAP led the revision of the National Plumbing Code.

1999: The Revised Plumbing Code of 1999 was approved by President
Joseph Estrada.
NAMPAP Activities: Regular national conventions, regional conferences,
and midyear forums to update industry standards.
Basic Principle
Principle No. 1: CLEAN WATER Principle No. 12: VENTI TERMINALS
Principle No. 2: VOLUME AND PRESSURE Principle No. 13: TEST
Principle No. 3: EFFIECIENCY Principle No. 14: SEWAGE HARM
Principle No. 4: EXPLOSION Principle No. 15: CONTAMINATION
Principle No. 5: SEWER Principle No. 16: WC LIGHT
Principle No. 6: PLUMBING UNIT Principle No. 17: SEPTIC TANK
Principle No. 7: VENTILATION Principle No. 18: SEWAGE BACKFLOW
Principle No. 8: CLEANOUTS Principle No. 19: RMP
Principle No. 9: NAMPAP Principle No. 20: ACCESSIBLE
Principle No. 10: TRAP Principle No. 21: STRUCTUIRAL STABILITY
Principle No. 11: AIR CIRCULATION Principle No. 22: SEWAGE TREATMENT
 02
R.A. 1378
An Act To Regulate the Trade Of Master Plumber
R.A. 1378
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

Section 1. This Act shall be known as the “Plumbing Law”.

Section 2.
a. The practice of plumbing within the meaning and intent of this Act shall embrace services
in the form of consultations, designing, preparations of plans, specifications; estimates,
erection, installation and supervision of plumbing work including the inspection and
acceptance of materials.
b. The term “master plumber” as used in this Act shall mean a person duly registered with the
Board of Examiners for Master Plumbers in the manner as hereinafter provided.
R.A. 1378
Section 5. The President of the Philippines is hereby authorized to issue rules and regulations to
carry into effect the objectives of this Act, upon recommendation of the Board of Examiners for
Master Plumbers and in consultation with a duly registered national association of master
plumbers ,in accordance with the following basic principles, except in cases where it may prove
oppressive or excessively burdensome to those without sufficient means and to such buildings,
structures or constructions valued at five thousand pesos or less:

a. All premises intended for human habitation, occupancy, or use shall be provided with a
supply of pure and wholesome water, neither connected with unsafe water supplies nor
subject to the hazards of backflow or back siphonage.
b. Plumbing fixtures, devices all appurtenances shall be supplied with water in sufficient
volume and at pressures adequate to enable them to function satisfactorily and without
undue noise under all normal conditions of use.
R.A. 1378
c. Plumbing shall be designed and adjusted to use the minimum quantity of water consistent with
proper performance and cleaning.

d. Devices for heating and storing water shall be so designed and installed as to prevent dangers
from explosion through overheating.

e. Every building having plumbing fixtures installed and intended for human habitation, occupancy,
or use on premises abutting on a street, alley, or easement in which there is a public sewer shall have
a connection with the sewer.

f. Each family dwelling unit on premises abutting on sewer or with a private sewerage-disposal
system shall have, at least, one water closet and one kitchen-type sink. It is further recommended
that a lavatory and bathtub or shower shall be installed to meet the basic requirements of sanitation
and personal hygiene. All other structures for human occupancy or use on premises abutting on a
sewer or with a private sewage-disposal system shall have adequate sanitary facilities but in no case
less than one water closet and one other fixture for cleansing purposes.
R.A. 1378
g. Plumbing fixtures shall be made of smooth non-absorbent material, and shall be free from
concealed fouling surface.

h. The drainage system shall be designed, constructed, and maintained so as to guard against fouling,
deposit of solids, and clogging, and with adequate cleanouts so arranged that the pipes may be
readily cleaned.

i. The piping of the plumbing system shall be of durable materials, free from defective workmanship
and so designed and constructed as to give satisfactory from service for its reasonable expected life.

j. Each fixture directly connected to the drainage system shall be equipped with a water-seal trap.

k. The drainage system shall be designed to provide an adequate circulation of air in pipes with no
danger of siphonage, aspiration, or forcing of trap seals under condition of ordinary use.
R.A. 1378
l. Each terminal shall extend to the outer air and be so installed as to minimize the possibilities of
clogging and the return of foul air to the building.

m. The plumbing system shall be subject to such tests as will effectively disclose all leaks and
defects in the work.

n. No substance will clog the pipes, produce explosive mixtures, destroy the pipes or their joints, or
interfere unduly with the sewage-disposal process shall be allowed to enter the building drainage
system.

o. Proper protection shall be provided to prevent contamination of food, water, sterile goods, and
similar materials by backflow of sewage. When necessary, the fixture, device, or appliance shall be
connected indirectly with the building drainage system.

p. No water closets nor urinal shall be located in a room or compartment which is not properly
lighted and ventilated.
R.A. 1378
q. If water closet or other plumbing fixtures are installed in buildings where there is no sewer within
a reasonable distance, suitable provision shall be made for disposing of the building sewage by some
accepted method of sewage treatment and disposal.

r. Where a plumbing drainage system may be subjected to backflow of sewage, suitable provision
shall be made to prevent its overflow in the building.

s. Plumbing system shall be maintained in a sanitary and serviceable condition.

t. All plumbing fixtures shall be so installed with regard to spacing as to be reasonably accessible for
their intended use.

u. Plumbing shall be installed with due regard to preservation of the strength of structural members
and prevention of damage to walls and other surfaces through fixture usage.

v. Sewage or other waste from the plumbing system which may be deleterious to surface or
subsurface waters shall not be discharged into the ground or into any waterway unless it has first
been rendered innocuous through subjection to some acceptable form of treatment.
R.A. 1378
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

Section 12. All applicants for registration as master plumber shall be required to pass an
examination as hereinafter provided. Persons applying for admission to the examination as
herein provided, shall, prior to the date of the examination, establish to the satisfaction of the
Board of Examiners, that he:

a. Is at least twenty-one years of age;

b. Is a citizen of the Philippines;
c. Is of good moral character
d. Is at least a high school graduate;
e. Has at least five years of experience in actual plumbing work under the supervision of a
registered master plumber.
R.A. 1378
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

Section 15. The Office of the President, upon the recommendation of the Board, shall issue a
certificate of registration upon payment of the registration fee as provided in this Act to any
applicant who has satisfactorily met all the requirements specified in this Act. All certificates
of registration shall show the full name of the registrant, shall have a serial number, and shall
be signed by all members of the Board, the President of the Philippine, and the Commissioner
of Civil Service, and shall bear the official seal of the Board. The issuance of a certificate of
registration by the Board, to a registrant shall be evidence that the person named therein is
entitled to all the rights and privileges of a registered master plumber, while said certificate
remains unrevoked.

Section 16. All successful candidates shall be required to take an oath before the Board or any
other Government official authorized to administer oaths, prior to engaging in the trade of
registered master plumber.
R.A. 1378
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

Section 18. The Board, shall not issue a certificate to any person convicted by a court of
competent jurisdiction for any criminal offense involving moral turpitude, or to any person
found guilty of immoral or dishonorable conduct, or to any person of unsound mind. In the
event of a refusal to issue a certificate to any person, the Board shall give to the applicant a
written statement setting forth its reason for such action, which statement shall be
incorporated into the records of the Board.

Section 19. Subject to the approval of the Philippines, the board shall have the power, after
due notice and hearing, to suspend or revoke the certificate of registration for any of the
causes mentioned in the preceding section. The Board may, upon application and upon
satisfactory showing, reinstate a registered master plumber whose certificate of registration
has been suspended or revoked.
R.A. 1378
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

Section 20. Outlines the penalties for engaging in plumbing activities without proper
registration or for misrepresenting one's qualifications. Any individual found practicing
plumbing in the Philippines without the necessary registration, using another person's
certificate, providing false evidence to the Board, impersonating a registered plumber, using a
revoked or suspended certificate, or falsely claiming to be a registered plumber will be
deemed guilty of a misdemeanor. Upon conviction, the guilty party may face a fine of no less
than five hundred pesos and no more than two thousand pesos, imprisonment for a period of
no less than six months and no more than one year, or both, at the discretion of the court.
R.A. 1378
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

Section 21. No person who is not a citizen of the Philippines at the time he applies for
examination shall be allowed to take it unless he can prove in the manner provided by law
that, the country or state of which he is a citizen, subject, or national, either admits citizens of
the Philippines to engage in the same trade without restriction or allows them to practice it
after an examination on terms of strict and absolute equality with citizens, subjects, or
nationals of the country concerned, including the unconditional recognition of degrees
issued by institutions of learning duly recognized for the purpose by the Government of the
Philippines.
 03
National
Building Code
PD 1096: Chapter 9 - Sanitation
CHAPTER 9: SANITATION
Section 901: General Requirements
Subject to the provisions of Book II of the Civil Code of the Philippines on
Property, Ownership, and its Modification, all buildings hereafter erected,
altered, remodeled, relocated or repaired for human habitation shall be
provided with adequate and potable water supply, plumbing installation, and
suitable wastewater treatment or disposal system, storm water drainage, pest
and vermin control, noise abatement device, and such other measures
required for the protection and promotion of health of persons occupying
the premises and others living nearby.
CHAPTER 9: SANITATION
Section 902: Water Supply System
1. Whenever available, the potable water requirements for a building used for human
habitation shall be supplied from existing municipal or city waterworks system.
2. The quality of drinking water from meteoric, surface or underground sources shall
conform to the criteria set in the latest approved National Standards for Drinking Water
Standards.
3. The design, construction and operation of deepwells for the abstraction of groundwater
shall be subject to the provisions of the Water Code of the Philippines (PD 1067)
4. The design, construction and operation of independent waterwork systems of private
housing subdivisions or industrial estates shall be governed by existing laws relating to
local waterworks system.
5. The water piping installation for water supply and distribution to each fixture including
the wastewater drainage with proper venting inside building and premises, shall conform
to the provision of the Revised National Plumbing Code of the Philippines.
CHAPTER 9: SANITATION
Section 903: Wastewater Disposal System
1. Sanitary sewage from buildings and neutralized or pre-treated industrial wastewater
shall be discharged directly into the nearest street sanitary sewer main of existing
municipal or city sanitary sewerage system in accordance with the criteria set by the
Code on Sanitation of the Philippines and the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR).
2. All buildings located in areas where there are no available sanitary sewerage system shall
dispose their sewage to “Imhoff” or septic tank and subsurface absorption field or to a
suitable waste water treatment plant or disposal system in accordance with the Code on
Sanitation of the Philippines and the Revised National Plumbing Code of the Philippines.
3. Sanitary and industrial plumbing installations inside buildings and premises shall
conform to the provisions of the Revised National Plumbing Code of the Philippines.
CHAPTER 9: SANITATION
Section 904: Storm Drainage System

1. Rainwater drainage shall not discharge to the sanitary sewer system.

2. Adequate provisions shall be made to drain rainwater from low areas in
buildings and their premises.
3. The drainage pipe installation and sewerage system of any premises
and/or connection with any public disposal or any acceptable terminal
shall conform to the Revised National Plumbing Code of the Philippines.
CHAPTER 9: SANITATION
Section 905: Pest and Vermin Control

1. All buildings with hollow and/or wood construction shall be provided

with rat-proofing.
2. Garbage bins and receptacles shall be provided with ready means for
cleaning and with positive protection against entry of pests and vermins.
3. Dining rooms for public use without artificial ventilation shall be properly
screened.
CHAPTER 9: SANITATION
Section 906: Noise Pollution Control
1. Industrial establishments shall be provided with positive noise abatement
devices to tone down the noise level of equipment and machineries to
acceptable limits set down by the Department of Labor and Employment
and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
2. Noise as an unwanted sound both in quality and intensity and excessive
vibration whose sources in building/structure construction shall conform
to acceptable limits the required emission standards of DENR.
CHAPTER 9: SANITATION
Section 907: Pipes Materials

All pipe materials to be used in buildings/structures shall conform

to the standard specifications of the Bureau of Product Standards
(BPS) of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
 04
Presidential
Decree 856
Code on Sanitation of the Philippines
PD-856 CHAPTER I. — GENERAL PROVISIONS

SECTION 1. Title —

The title of this Code is "Code on Sanitation of the Philippines."

SECTION 8. Miscellaneous Provisions —

F. Condemnation and seizure of property. —When any property is officially condemned or

seized by government authorities in the interest of public health the owner thereof shall not
be entitled to compensation.
PD-856 CHAPTER II. — WATER SUPPLY
SEC. 9. Prescribed Standards and Procedures. —

The treatment of water to render it safe for drinking, and the disinfection of contaminated
water sources together with their distribution systems shall be in accordance with
procedures prescribed by the Department.

SEC. 10. Jurisdiction of the Department. —

The approval of the Secretary or that of his duly authorized representative is required in the following cases:

a. Sites of water sources before their construction.

b. Delivery of water to consumers from new or recently repaired water systems.
c. Operation of a water system after an order of closure was issued by the Department.
d. Plans and specifications of water systems of subdivisions and projects prior to the
construction of housing units.
e. Certification of potability of drinking water.
PD-856 CHAPTER II. — WATER SUPPLY

SEC. 11. Types of Water Examinations Required. —

The following examinations are required for drinking water:

a. Initial examination. —

The physical, chemical and bacteriological examinations of water from newly

constructed systems or sources are required before they are operated and opened for
public use. Examination of water for possible radioactive contamination should also be
done initially.

b. Periodic examination. —

Water from existing sources is subject to bacteriological examination as often as possible

but the interval shall not be longer than six months, while general systematic chemical
examination shall be conducted every 12 months or oftener. Examination of water sources
shall be conducted yearly for possible radioactive contamination
PD-856 CHAPTER II. — WATER SUPPLY

SEC. 13. Other Protective Measures. —

To protect drinking water from contamination, the following measures shall be observed:

No artisans, deep or shallow well shall be constructed within 25 meters from any source of
pollution.
No radioactive sources or materials shall be stored within a radius of 25 meters from any
well or source of drinking water unless the radioactive source is adequately and safely
enclosed by proper shielding.
No person charged with the management of a public water supply system shall permit any
physical connection between its distribution system and that of any other water supply,
unless the latter is regularly examined as to its quality by those incharge of the public
supply to which the connection is made and found to be safe and potable.
The installation of a booster pump to boost water direct from the water distribution line
of a water supply system, where low-water pressure prevails is prohibited.
PD-856 CHAPTER III. — FOOD ESTABLISHMENT
SEC. 14. Sanitary Permit. —

No person or entity shall operate a food establishment for public patronage without securing a
permit from the local health office. The term "food establishment" as used in this chapter means
an establishment where food or drinks are manufactured, processed, stored, sold or served.
Every Sanitary Permit shall be posted in a conspicuous place of the establishment.
Fees. —The fees payable on applications for permits and upon the issuances, renewal and nothing
of such certificates shall be in such amounts as the City or Municipal Authority may by resolution
impose.
Noting of Permit—Within 14 days after any change in the ownership or occupancy of any
establishment, the new occupant shall apply to the City or Municipal Health Officer to have such
change noted in the records and on the permit certificate which he shall produce for the purpose
and shall pay the corresponding fee in respect of such noting.
Record of Permit Certificates
PD-856 CHAPTER III. — FOOD ESTABLISHMENT
SEC. 17. Structural Requirements. —
Food establishment shall be constructed in accordance with the following requirements:

Floors — The floors shall be:

I. Constructed of concrete or other impervious and easily cleaned material that is resistant to
wear and corrosion and shall be adequately graded and drained; all angles between the floors
and walls shall be rounded off to a height of not less than 3 inches (7.62 cm.) from the floor; or
II. Constructed of wood with devetailed or tongue and grooved floorboards laid on a firm
foundation and tightly clamped together with all angles between the floor and walls rounded
off to a height of 3 inches (7.62 cm.); or

III. Constructed in accordance with the requirements of sub-clause (1) and (ii) of this clause
and covered with linoleum, smooth surfaced rubber or similar material fixed to the floor with
cement or suitable adhesive: Provided, That with the approval in writing of the local authority,
floors may be covered with carpets or other floor covering in those parts of the premises where
such carpets or coverings can be satisfactorily cleaned and maintained.
PD-856 CHAPTER III. — FOOD ESTABLISHMENT
Walls
I. The internal surface of walls shall have a smooth, even, non-absorbent surface capable of
being readily cleaned without damage to the surface and constructed of dust-proof materials.
II. The walls, where subject to wetting or splashing, shall be constructed of impervious, non-
absorbent materials to a height of not less than 79 inches (2 meters) from the floor;
III. The internal walls be painted in light colors or treated with such other wall finish as the
health authority may prescribe.

Ceilings
I. All ceilings or, if no ceiling is provided, the entire under-surface of the roof shall be dust-
proof and washable.
II. The ceiling or undersurface of the roof of rooms in which food is prepared or packed or in
which utensils or hands are washed shall be smooth, non-absorbent and light coloured.
 PD-856 CHAPTER III. — FOOD ESTABLISHMENT
Lighting Ventilation
I. The general standards of illumination provided I. Ventilation shall be provided which shall be
shall permit effective inspection and cleaning and effective and suitable to maintain comfortable
shall be of sufficient intensity appropriate to the condition;
purpose for which any room or place is used; II. The ventilation shall be adequate to prevent
the air from becoming excessively heated,
II I.n rooms where food is prepared or packed or in prevent condensation and the formation of
which utensils or hands are washed there shall be excess moisture on walls, ceilings and for the
a minimum illumination intensity of 20 foot- removal of objectionable odours, fumes and
candles; in premises where food is consumed, impurities;
there shall be a minimum illumination intensity of III. In the absence of effective natural ventilation,
5 foot-candles. Intensities of illumination shall be mechanical ventilation with airflow from a clean
measured at a point 30 inches (76.20 cm.) above area, and discharging in such a manner as not to
the floor; create a nuisance, shall be provided;
III. All lighting shall be reasonably free from glare IV. Canopies, air ducts, fans or other appliances
and distributed so as to avoid shadows; shall be provided as required by the health
authority in particular circumstances;
IV. At other areas or working surfaces, the V. Effective provision shall be made for securing
illumination shall be of such intensity as may be and maintaining a reasonable temperature.
required by the health authority
PD-856 CHAPTER VII. — INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE
SEC. 45. Sanitary Requirements for Operating an Industrial Establishment.—
The following sanitary requirements shall be applicable to industrial establishments:
No person, firm, corporation, or entity shall operate any industrial establishment without first
obtaining a sanitary permit from the Secretary or his duly authorized representatives.
Industrial establishments shall be allowed to operate only in places or zones assigned for the
kind of industry by existing zoning laws, ordinances, or policies. The local health authority shall
determine the suitability of location where no zoning law, ordinance or policy exists.
Adequate potable water supply shall be provided to employees.
Sewage disposal shall be by means of a municipal or city sewerage system whenever possible. If
no municipal or city sewerage system exists it shall be done in accordance with the provisions of
this Code. Adequate and conveniently located toilet and bath facilities shall be provided for
each sex.
All wastes incident to the operation of the industrial plant shall be collected, stored, or disposed
of in a manner to prevent health hazards, nuisances, and pollution. Where a city or municipal
collection and disposal system exists, it should be utilized.
PD-856 CHAPTER VII. — INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE
SEC. 48. Environmental Provisions. —
The environmental provisions enumerated hereunder for the protection of the health of workers are
applicable to all industrial establishments:
Noise
Control measures shall be provided to reduce intensity of noise sufficiently to render it harmless to
workers and to eliminate it at its source as a nuisance by following the recommendations of the local
health or other government authority.

Illumination Ventilation
Adequate lighting shall be provided and Natural or artificial ventilation shall be provided in all
distributed in all work areas in amount work areas at a rate to insure a safe and healthful working
required for the type of work or seeing atmosphere, free from injurious amounts of toxic
tasks measured by a light-meter with a materials and reasonably free from offensive odors and
minimum of glare and contrasting dust throughout the establishment.
intensities between work and workroom.
Proper control measures shall be used to reduce
Where the specific task requires lighter concentration of toxic contaminants to allowable limits.
than provided by general illumination,
supplementary lighting shall be Air inlets shall be arranged, located and equipped to
supplied. ensure sufficient air velocity and an exhaust system
which shall be located so that discharged materials shall
not re-enter places of employment or habitations nor
create any hazard of nuisance.
PD-856 CHAPTER XVI. — VERMIN CONTROL

SEC. 70.General Requirements. —

A vermin abatement program shall be maintained in places by their owners,

operators or administrators. If they fail, neglect or refuse to maintain a
vermin abatement program, the local health agency will undertake the work
at their expense.

Vermin control in public shall be the responsibility of the provincial, city or

municipal governments which have jurisdiction over them.

The procedure and frequency of vermin abatement program shall be

determined and approved by the local health authority.
PD-856 CHAPTER XVII. — SEWAGE COLLECTION AND
DISPOSAL EXCRETA DISPOSAL AND DRAINAGE
SEC. 72.Scope of Supervision of the Department. —
The approval of the Secretary or his duly authorized representative is required in the following
matters:
Construction of any approved type of toilet for every house including
community toilet which may be allowed for a group of small houses of light
materials or temporary in nature;
Plans of individual sewage disposal system and the sub-surface absorption
system, or other treatment device;
Location of any toilet or sewage disposal system in relation to a source of
water supply;
Plans, design data and specification of a new or existing sewerage system or
sewage treatment plant;
The discharge of untreated effluent of septic tanks and/or sewage treatment
plants to bodies of water;
Manufacture of septic tanks and
Method of disposal of sludge from septic tanks or ether treatment plants.
PD-856 CHAPTER XVII. — SEWAGE COLLECTION AND
DISPOSAL EXCRETA DISPOSAL AND DRAINAGE

SEC. 74.Requirements in the Operation of Sewerage Works and Sewage Treatment Plants. —
The following are required for sewerage works and sewage treatment plants:

All houses covered by the system shall be connected to the sewer in areas
where a sewerage system is available.

Outfalls discharging effluent from a treatment plant shall be carried to the

channel of the stream or to deep water where the outlet is discharged.

Storm water shall be discharged to a storm sewer, sanitary sewage shall be

discharged to a sewerage system carrying sanitary sewage only; but this
should not prevent the installation of a combined system.

Properly designed grease traps shall be provided for sewers from

restaurants or other establishments where the sewage carries a large
amount of grease.
PD-856 CHAPTER XVII. — SEWAGE COLLECTION AND
DISPOSAL EXCRETA DISPOSAL AND DRAINAGE

SEC. 75. Septic tanks. —

Where a public sewerage system is not available, sewer outfalls from residences, schools,
and other buildings shall be discharged into a septic tank to be constructed in accordance
with the following minimum requirements:

It shall be generally rectangular in shape. When several compartments are

used, the first compartment shall have the capacity from one-half to two-
thirds of the total volume of the tank.

It shall be built of concrete, whether pre-cast or poured in place. Brick,

concrete blocks or adobe may be used.

It shall not be constructed under any building and within 25 meters from
any source of water supply.
PD-856 CHAPTER XVII. — SEWAGE COLLECTION AND
DISPOSAL EXCRETA DISPOSAL AND DRAINAGE

SEC. 76. Disposal of Septic Tank Effluent. —

The effluent from septic tanks shall be discharged into a sub-surface soil, absorption field where
applicable or shall be treated with some type of a purification device. The treated effluent may
be discharged into a stream or body of water if it conforms to the quality standards prescribed by
the National Water and Air Pollution Control Commission.

SEC. 77. Determination of Septic Tank Capacity. —

The septic tank capacity may be determined from the estimated unit flow contained in Table I
"Quantities of Sewage Flow," based on adequate detention time interval resulting in efficient
sedimentation. Daily flow from mattered results, may be used as estimated flow when available.
For edifices with occupants, the number of persons to be served shall be computed on the
number of rooms with each room considered as occupied by two persons or based on the actual
number of persons served by the tank, whichever is greater.
PD-856 CHAPTER XVII. — SEWAGE COLLECTION AND
DISPOSAL EXCRETA DISPOSAL AND DRAINAGE

SEC. 79. Drainage. —

Responsibility of cities and municipalities. —

It shall be the responsibility of all cities and municipalities to provide and maintain in a sanitary
state and in good repair a satisfactory system of drainage in all inhabited areas where wastewater
from buildings and premises could empty without causing nuisance to the community and
danger to public health.

Connection to the municipal drainage system. —

Buildings or premises producing wastewater shall be connected to the municipal drainage

system in all areas where it exists.
PD-856 CHAPTER XXII. — FINAL PROVISIONS

SEC. 103. PENAL PROVISIONS —

Unless otherwise provided in any Chapter or section in this Code, any person who shall violate
disobey, refuse, omit or neglect to comply with any of the rules and regulations promulgated
under this Code shall be guilty of misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished by
imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or by a fine of not exceeding one
thousand pesos or both depending upon the discretion of the court.

Any person who shall interfere with or hinder, or oppose any officer, agent or member of the
Department or of the bureaus and offices under it, in the performance of his duty as such
under this Code, or shall tear down, mutilate, deface or alter any placard, or notice, affixed to
the premises in the enforcement of the Code, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and punishable
upon conviction by imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or by a fine of not
exceeding one thousand pesos or both depending upon the discretion of the Court.
 05
Sanitary
Permit
Mandatory permit or license issued by the local
government unit (LGU)
SANITARY PERMIT
A Sanitary Permit to Operate, or simply Sanitary Permit, is a
mandatory permit or license issued by the local government unit (LGU)
through its City or Municipal Health and Sanitation Department to certify
that the for-registration business establishment complies with the
existing minimum sanitation requirements upon evaluation or
inspection by a health officer or sanitary engineer in accordance with the
Sanitation Code and local ordinances.

City and municipal governments usually categorize business

establishments that require sanitary permits. Specific requirements may
also vary per establishment.
Requirements:
Mayor’s Permit or Business Permit
Tax Order of Payment, official receipts
Certificate of Water Potability
Contract for Pest Control from an
Accredited Pest Control Operator
Employee Health Certificates
And any specific clearances and
certificates required by both public and
private offices.
APPLICATION PROCESS
After securing the Mayor’s Permit or Business Permit and
paying for the Business Tax assessment, the application
for a sanitary permit may already be processed with the
City or Municipal Health Office.

Sanitary Permit Fees: Sanitary permit fees differ

depending on the local government unit (LGU) and the
type of business. Most city and municipal governments
collect fees for the health certificates, seminar or
orientation, inspection, and validation of health
certificates. Fees depend upon the occupancy capacity
and function of the establishment.
 Application Process
Sanitary Inspection: Most LGUs issue sanitary permits
after their inspection of the establishment. If there are
violations or lack of requirements found during the
inspection, the business owner will be given a grace
period to resolve them and comply with the regulations
and ordinances on sanitation.

Processing Timeline: The sanitary permit may be

processed and claimed in one day, i.e., if sanitary
inspection is also conducted on the same day.

Permit Validity: The issued sanitary permit comes with a

one (1) year validity, expiring on the last day of
December (i.e., December 31) and must be renewed
every year.
 Application Process
Renewal: There are establishments that are for inspections
every three (3) or six (6) months.Their findings serve as the
basis for the renewal of permits and the possible imposition of
fines and penalties on violators. The renewal of a sanitary
permit is usually processed between January 1 to January 20, as
part of the Business Permit or Mayor’s Permit renewal. The
same is true with the initial application, the renewal is filed
with the City or Municipal Health and Sanitation Office.

Business establishments that operate without sanitary permits

and do not comply with the Sanitation Code and local
ordinances are at risk of getting fined and penalized. Repeated
violations may also lead to revocation of business permits and
permanent closure of operations.
THANK YOU!!