THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHEIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
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SENATE 
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S. No. 
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INTRODUCED BY HON. MANUEL B. V L L m  JR. 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Rabies is one of the most dangerous diseases that can attack humans. If left untreated, 
it can cause madness, convulsions and even death. 
The Philippines has one of the highest rabies incidence in the world and the death toll 
due to rabies is quite alarming. It is in this light that this measure is being proposed. There is 
a need to control and eradicate rabies. Penalties should also be meted against pet owners who 
allow their pet dogs, cats and other mammals to roam the streets unattended, and fail to have 
them immunized against rabies. 
This bill also urges the Department of Health to take the lead in the nationwide 
information campaign against rabies. Filipinos need to be made aware of the dangers 
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of the 
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disease and how it could be prevented and controlled. 
The immediate and favorable passage of this bill is earnestly requested. 


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P 8  53 
THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
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First Regular Session 
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PL-i, c - p,/FQ ElY : 
SENATE 
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INTRODUCED BY HON. MANUEL B. VILLm JR. 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING FOR THE CONTROL AND ERADICATION OF RABIES, 
PRESCRIBING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION THEREOF, AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. This Act shall be known as the "Ant-Rabies Act of 2004." 
SECTION 2. It is declared the policy of the State to protect and promote the right to 
health of people. Towards this end, a system for the control, prevention of the spread, and 
eventually the eradication of rabies shall be provided. 
SECTION 3. For the purpose of this Act, rabies shall mean an acute virus disease 
transmitted through bites or saliva f?om warm blooded animals or insects that attacks the nervous 
system and constantly gets active until it reaches the brain. 
SECTION 4. All pet owners, particularly dog owners, are hereby required to: 
(a) have their pets immunized against rabies at three (3) months old and every year 
thereafter ; 
(b) not allow their pet dogs to roam the streets or any public place unattended; and 
(c) bath, give clean food and provide clean sleeping quarters to their pets. 
SECTION 5. 
The Department of Health shall conduct a nationwide continuing 
information campaign on the danger, prevention and control of rabies. It shall provide anti-rabies 
vaccination, free of charge, particularly those bitten by animals or insects. 


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SECTION 6. 
All local government units shall seize and impound stray animals, 
particularly dogs and cats, and shall be released to claimants after proper lecture and payment of 
fine, and to immunize them if they have been found not to have been immunized. 
SECTION 7. The Department of Health shall conduct mass rabies vaccination of dogs 
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regularly, specifically in high-risk areas. 
SECTION 8. The Department of Health in coordination with the Department of Local 
Government, shall issue the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of 
this Act. 
SECTION 9. Any person who fails or refbses to have his dog immunized against rabies 
shall, if found guilty, be punished by a fine of not more than Five Hundred Pesos (P500.00) or 
imprisonment of one day or both such fine and imprisonment at the discretion of the court. 
A dog impounded as provided under this Act shall be released to its owner upon payment 
of a fine of not less than Five Hundred Pesos (500.00) nor more than One Thousand Pesos 
(P1,000.00). 
Any authorized government employee who shall refuse or fail to administer anti-rabies 
vaccination when necessary shall be punished by suspension from office of not less than five (5) 
days or more than fifteen (15) days. 
SECTION 10. The amount necessary for the initial implementation of this Act shall be 
charged to appropriations Act. Thereafter, such amount as may be necessary for the continuous 
implementation of this Act shall be included in the General Appropriations Act. 
SECTION 11. This Act shall take effect upon its approval. 
Approved, 
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