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TWENTIETH CONGRESS

First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 435

Introduced by HON. TSUYOSHI ANTHONY “HOR!” G. HORIBATA.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Rabies is one of the most preventable yet fatal diseases affecting the Filipino population.
Despite the availability of life-saving vaccines, the Department of Health (DOH) reported 426
deaths due to rabies in 2024, with over 400 confirmed cases, nearly half of which were caused by
domesticated pets such as dogs and cats.!"!! This underscores the urgent need to make anti-
rabies vaccines universally accessible.

While the DOH highlighted that rabies cases in the Philippines dropped by 39% in 2024
due to improved reporting and interventions"), access to timely vaccination remains inconsistent,
Particularly in far-flung communities where vaccines are either unavailable or unaffordable.

This bill seeks to institutionalize the provision of free anti-rabies vaccines in all barangays
and municipal health centers nationwide. By bringing preventive care closer to the people,
especially in high-risk and underserved areas, the government can significantly reduce rabies-
related deaths and improve its response to animal bite cases.

In support of the national rabies elimination program and in alignment with Republic Act
No. 9482 or the “Anti-Rabies Act of 2007,” the immediate passage of this measure is earnestly

sought.
‘TSU! i ANTHONY “HORI” G. HORIBATA
First District, Camarines Sur
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Republic of the Philippines:
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Queson City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 436

Introduced by HON. TSUYOSHI ANTHONY “HORI” G. HORIBATA

AN ACT MANDATING THE PROVISION OF FREE ANTI-RABIES VACCINATIONS IN ALL PUBLIC
HEALTH CENTERS NATIONWIDE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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 as the "Free Anti-Rabies Vaccination in
Community Health Center Act 2025."

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State, per Article ll, Section 15 of the
1987 Philippine Constitution, to “protect and promote the right to health of the people and
instill health consciousness among them.” Furthermore, under Article Il, Section 16, the State
shall “protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in
accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.”

In line with this policy, the State shall ensure equitable access to life-saving anti-rabies
vaccines through all public health centers, prioritizing vulnerable populations and underserved
communities to prevent avoidable deaths and enhance public health responsiveness.

SECTION 3. Free Anti-Rabies Vaccination Program. - All barangay and municipal health
centers nationwide are hereby mandated to provide free anti-rabies post-exposure
prophylaxis (PEP) and, when necessary, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in accordance with
the guidelines set by the Department of Health (DOH).

SECTION 4. Program Implementation. - The DOH shall lead the implementation of the
national free anti-rabies vaccination program. It shall coordinate with the Department of
Interior and Local Government (DILG), local government units (LGUs), and other concerned
agencies to ensure the availability, timely distribution, and administration of vaccines.

SECTION 5. Public Information and Community Awareness. - The DOH, in partnership with
LGUs, shall conduct regular information campaigns to raise awareness on rabies prevention,
proper response to animal bites, and the availability of free vaccination services.


SECTION 6. Appropriations. — The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act
shall be charged against the current budget of the DOH. Thereafter, such sums as may be
necessary for the continuous implementation shall be included in the annual General
Appropriations Act (GAA).

SECTION 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity
of this Act, the DOH, in consultation with the DILG, LGUs, and relevant stakeholders shall

promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to effectively carry out the intent of this Act.

SECTION 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations or parts
thereof inconsistent with any provision of 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 in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,