FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
Second Regular Session 
) 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Recently, a photograph of a dog stuffed in a sack, tied to the rear of a Sports Utility 
Vehicle, and transported thTOugh the city streets spread virally on the internet. It has since 
spread like wildfire through social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter causing outrage 
online. 
Several months ago, another tale of animal cruelty was in the news. It was reported that a 
syndicate was producing "crush videos" and selling them in the black market. A crush video 
features animals being stepped upon and crushed to death. The said videos were supposed to 
cater to certain individuals who found such acts entertaining. 
In both cases, citizens unanimously branded the acts as cruel. Animal welfare groups 
have been trying-to assist law enforcers in the prosecution of the perpetrators. Unfortunately, the 
organizations fear that their conviction would not deter similar acts in the future because the 
current law provides for miniscule penalties. Republic Act No. 8485 or the Animal Welfare Act 
of 1998 states that any person who violates any of the. provisions of the Act shall be punished by 
imprisonment of not less than six (6) months nor more than (2) years or a fine of not less than 
One Thousand Pesos (PI ,000.00) or both at the discretion of the court. 
The English jurist, William Jones, said that "Cruelty to animals is one of the 
distinguishing vices of low and base minds. Wherever it is found, it is a certain mark of 
ignorance and meanness; a mark which all the external advantages of wealth, splendour, and 
nobility, cannot obliterate. It is consistent neither with learning nor true civility." 
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The public sentiment in favor of better treatment for animals must be translated into 
public policy. Thus, there is a need to put more teeth into the law against those who engage and 
trade on animal cruelty. 
This bill seeks to provide a higher penalty for those who violate R.A. 8485, entitled "An 
Act To Promote Animal Welfare In The Philippines, Otherwise Known As 'the Animal Welfare 
Act Of 1998. '" 
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FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Second Regular Session 
) 
) 
) 
SENA),lF... 
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Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
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AN ACT 
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AMENDING SECTION 8 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 848S, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS "THE 
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ANIMAL WELFARE ACT OF 1998" BY INCREASING THE PENALTY PROVIDED 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
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SECTION 1. Section 8 of Republic Act No. 848S otherwise known as the Animal 
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Welfare Act of 1998, is amended to read as follows: 
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SECTION 8: Any person who violates any of the provisions of this Act shall, 
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upon conviction by final judgment, be punished by imprisonment of not less 
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than six (6) months nor more than FIVE (S) years or a fine of not less than 
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TWENTY THOUSAND PESOS (P20,OOO.OO) or both at the discretion of the 
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Court. If the violation is committed by a juridical person, the officer responsible 
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thereof shall serve the imprisonment when imposed. If the violation is 
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committed by an alien, he or she shall be immediately deported after the service 
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of sentence without any further proceedings. 
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SECTION 2. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive 
IS 
order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or inconsistent 
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with, the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly. 
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SECTION 3. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (IS) days after its 
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publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
/acs031912 
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