Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. PM VARGAS 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING A PUBLIC VETERINARY CLINIC IN EVERY CITY AND 
MUNICIPALITY, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
In every community, both humans and animals have lived harmoniously 
with each other to create a healthy livable ecosystem. The health and well-
being of many Filipino families are interrelated with the health of our pets and 
other animals in our environment. 
According to the World Health Organization, rabies, a common health 
problem involving animals, is estimated to cause 59,000 human deaths 
annually in over 150 countries. It is a major burden in Asia, with an estimated 
35,172 human deaths per year. Considering the widespread underreporting 
and uncertain estimates, it is even possible that this number is a gross 
underestimate of the true burden of the disease. 
The Department of Health has recently reported in September 2022 that 
there have been 222 human rabies cases in the country, with 100% of the 
cases resulting to death. This is an increase of 17 percent compared to the 
same period in 2021. Rabies is considered to be a neglected disease, despite 
being 100% fatal while also being 100% preventable. 
Apart from diseases caused to humans, our animal companions also 
face illnesses and diseases on their own. These diseases can only be 
addressed if there are accessible veterinary clinics and services available for 
them. Through regular visits to the veterinarian, many problems can be 
caught early and can be taken care of before they turn into more severe issues. 
November 23, 2022
12:28 pm
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In 2019, recognizing the importance of veterinary clinics, the Quezon 
City Council has passed Ordinance No. SP-2854, s. 2019, otherwise known 
as “An Ordinance Establishing a Public Veterinary Clinic Which Will Provide 
Affordable Health Care Services for Domesticated Pets/Animals Within the 
Territorial Jurisdiction of Quezon City”. This proved to be a major innovation 
especially in the roll-out of anti-rabies vaccinations and affordable veterinary 
services  to our animal companions. With enough support, the Quezon City 
Veterinary Clinic has also expanded its services to include an Animal Care 
and Adoption Center. 
 
This bill seeks to replicate this important legislation and establish a 
public veterinary clinic in every city and municipality in the country. It is the 
hope of this measure to promote the health and well-being of our communities 
while ensuring a harmonious and healthy ecosystem with our animal 
companions. Through this legislation, we aim to strengthen animal health 
and veterinary services in all local government units in the country. 
 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly 
sought.  
 
 
 
 
REP. PM VARGAS   
 
Fifth District, Quezon City 


Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. PM VARGAS 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING A PUBLIC VETERINARY CLINIC IN EVERY CITY AND 
MUNICIPALITY, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Veterinary Clinic 
in Every LGU Act”. 
SECTION 2. Establishment. – There shall be established in every city and 
municipality a public veterinary clinic, which shall be under the direct control 
and supervision of the city or municipal local government unit (LGU), in 
consultation with the Department of Health (DOH). 
SECTION 3. Provision of Space. – The local government unit shall provide 
an adequate and accessible lot or space where the veterinary clinic shall be 
constructed or established. 
SECTION 4. Design, Policies, Terms and Conditions. – The local 
government unit shall prepare, in consultation with the DOH and the 
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the design of the 
structure and a hospital development plan aligned with the Philippine Health 
Facility Development Plan, with due consideration to service facilities. The 
local government unit shall formulate policies, guidelines, terms and 
conditions relative to the operation and maintenance of the Veterinary Clinic. 
SECTION 5. Administration. – The local chief executive shall appoint a Chief 
of Veterinary Clinic, who shall have the same qualifications, compensation, 
and powers generally exercised by a Chief of a hospital, in accordance with 
the rules and regulations of the Civil Service Commission and the qualification 
requirements for such office. The Chief of Veterinary Clinic shall render full-
time service, and be responsible for its administration and operation. The 
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local chief executive shall appoint the necessary personnel and staff of the 
veterinary clinic. 
 
SECTION 6. Funding. – The city or municipal local government unit shall 
provide the necessary funds for the establishment of their respective public 
veterinary clinic. The Secretary of the DOH shall include in the Department’s 
subsidy program, support for the capital outlay requirements of the said 
facility. 
 
SECTION 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within sixty (60) days 
after the approval of this Act, the DOH shall, in coordination with the DPWH, 
the concerned LGUs, and such other relevant agencies, prepare and issue the 
necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act. 
 
SECTION 8. Separability Clause. – If, for any reason, any provision of this 
Act is declared unconstitutional or invalid, parts or provisions of this Act 
which are not affected shall continue to be in full force and effect. 
 
SECTION 9. Repealing Clause. – All laws, executive orders, presidential 
decrees, Implementing Rules and Regulations inconsistent with this Act are 
hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
 
SECTION 10. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after 
its publication in the Official Gazette or in any newspaper of general 
circulation. 
 
Approved,