Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 4762

Introduced by Representative ERIC L. OLIVAREZ

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Philippines stands out as East Asia’s biggest dog owner,
with six times the per-capita number of pets seen in China. In the
Philippines, there is one pet dog for every 8 people. While cats on
the other hand occupy the second most popular animal in the
Philippines. From these data provided, it is quite clear that the
Philippines is a pet-loving country. It can be understood as why the
Philippines is a pet-loving country as numerous studies show that
pets reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, ease loneliness and
provide valuable companionship. With the emergence of pet-friendly
public places today, especially malls, it only suitable that pet
owners are allowed to bring their pets in public utility vehicles.

As pet owners consider their pets as important members of
their families, it is understood that pet owners are motivated to
provide love, care and devotion for their pets. The passage of this
Bill will limit the unfortunate occurrence of having to leave pets at
home just because of issues in transportation. Likewise, promotion
of the pet’s welfare will also come into play as the passage of this
Bill will make it easier for pet owners to bring their pets around in
different places which in turn contributes in their pets’ physical,
social, emotional and mental well-being.


This Bill intends to allow pet-owners to bring their pets in

PUVs. It further mandates PUV owners to provide designated

animal compartments in order to accommodate said animals.

In view of the foregoing, the passage of this Bill is earnestly
sought.

on «TN,

ERIC OLIVAREZ


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

4762
House Bill No.

iS
Introduced by Representative ERIC L. OLIVAREZ
i

AN ACT ALLOWING PETS TO BE TRANSPORTED IN PUBLIC
UTILITY VEHICLES OPERATING IN THE PHILIPPINES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known and cited
as the “Pet Transport Act”.

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It shall be the declared
policy of the State to harmonize the policies of public transport and
the provisions enshrined in the Animal Welfare Act in order to
promote and uphold animal welfare in the Philippines.

SECTION 3. Coverage- This Act shall apply to all public
vehicles (PUV) operating in the Philippines.

SECTION 4. Transport of pets in PUVs. - Owners of pets
shall be allowed to bring their pets in PUVs provided that the
following are observed:


a) The animals are put inside carriers/cages and placed
at the designated animal compartment of the PUV,
should there be other passengers inside the PUV;

b) If there are no other passengers, pets may be allowed
to be carried by the owner as long as said animals are
free from foul odor and that the owner maintains
cleanliness and sanitation.

c) The possessor or pet owner shall make sure that his or
her pet does not cause any damage in the PUV which
includes but is not limited to cleaning and sanitation
of the PUV and safety of the other passengers. Should
the pet cause any harm or damage in the PUV, the
possessor or pet owner shall be made liable for the
damage caused;

d) Safety, convenience and comfort of the passengers
shall not in any way be sacrificed.

SECTION 5. Designated animal compartments — Every PUV
operating in the Philippines shall be required to provide a
designated animal compartment where pet owners may leave the
animals while in transit in the PUV. No cruel confinement or
restraint shall be made on such animals while being transported.

SECTION 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations — Within
sixty (60) days from the promulgation of this Act, the implementing
rules and regulations for the proper implementation of its
provisions shall be formulated by the appropriate government office
or agency in coordination with all the stakeholders and covered
establishments and institutions.

SECTION. 7. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this
Act is declared unconstitutional or otherwise invalid, the validity of
the other provisions shall not be affected thereby.


SECTION. 8 . Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders,
rules and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are
hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION. 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen
(15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or ina

newspaper of general circulation.

Approved.