The Mandaue City Government will conduct a public hearing on June 11, 2026, for a proposed ordinance requiring residential rental operators to install at least one fire extinguisher in every rented room and to register informal rental businesses with the city.
The hearing will be held at 9:30 a.m. at the Mandaue City Session Hall.
Authored by Councilor Carlo Fortuna, the proposed “Mandaue City Residential Rental Fire Safety Ordinance” aims to strengthen fire safety standards in boarding houses, apartments, dormitories, lodging houses, bedspaces, rooms for rent, and similar residential accommodations operating within the city.
The measure requires owners, landlords, administrators, and operators to install at least one functional fire extinguisher inside every rented room.
It states that the requirement will complement existing provisions under Republic Act No. 9514, or the Fire Code of the Philippines, which already mandates fire extinguishers in common areas and corridors.
All formal and informal rental establishments, including subdivided homes and bedspace arrangements, will be covered under the proposed regulation.
The ordinance also seeks to require the registration and formalization of unregistered rental operations, mandating compliance with business permitting requirements, including securing a Mayor’s Permit and Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC).
The draft measure cites a regulatory gap involving informal rental establishments that operate without permits and are not regularly inspected by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO).
Under the proposal, fire extinguishers must meet BFP standards, be properly mounted in accessible locations, and be kept in working condition, with clear instructional signage required for tenants.
Barangays will be tasked to inventory rental establishments within their areas, maintain a registry, and assist in identifying unregistered operators for compliance.
Penalties for violations range from fines of P2,000 to P5,000, suspension or revocation of business permits, and possible closure depending on the severity and recurrence of violations.
A 90-day grace period is also being proposed for existing establishments to comply once the ordinance is approved.
Councilor Fortuna encouraged stakeholders to participate in the public hearing and provide input on the measure.
“Ang inyong tingog importante sa paghimo ug mas luwas nga komunidad alang sa tanan,” he said.
The ordinance was filed on May 25, 2026, and remains under review by the Mandaue City Council.
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