The Technical Board of Engineering and Architecture (JTIA), attached to the Ministry of Public Works (MOP), published its Resolution No. 025 in Official Gazette No. 30641-A on October 23, 2026, after its plenary approved it on October 21. The rule responds to the national state of emergency declared by Cabinet Resolution No. 108 after the October 9 earthquake and takes effect upon promulgation, under its seventh point.

The first point adopts the Initial Safety Assessment Form (Annex A), prepared under the 2021 Structural Design Regulation (REP-2021), as the mandatory format to document inspections of buildings after an earthquake or other disasters. The second point creates certificates in four categories: "Inspected", for unrestricted use; "Restricted use", which limits occupancy to the enabled areas; "Do not occupy", for unsafe structures until they are repaired and re-inspected; and "Do not enter", which bars access except for authorized personnel until a detailed assessment is made.

The third point reserves the signing of the form and the issuance of certificates to civil engineers, architects and structural architects holding a current JTIA license, and requires each certificate to show the professional's name, profession, license number, signature, seal and the number of the supporting report. Under the fourth point, the certificate must be posted in a visible place at the main entrance, and removing, altering or covering it is prohibited.

For owners, building managers, insurers and banks, a common format could ease damage assessment and decisions on use, repair or claims, although the resolution does not regulate insurance or credit. For licensed professionals, the measure could concentrate demand for inspections in the affected areas. The certificate itself states that it is not a guarantee against future earthquakes and does not replace the orders of the National Civil Protection System (SINAPROC) or the Fire Department, which prevail.

Validity is limited. The fifth point provides that the certificate loses validity after an aftershock or a later earthquake strongly felt at the site, until a licensed professional confirms it or issues a new one. The sixth point keeps valid the inspections made since October 9 in other formats and allows them to be transferred to the new model within thirty (30) calendar days without a new inspection, unless a strong aftershock occurs. Nexo Capital will follow the application of these certificates.

Research assisted by Sentinel, with editorial verification of official sources. Discover Legislat.ai