Republic of the Philippines 
}- 
EOURTEEWH CONGRESS 
} 
First Regular Session 
I 
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Philippines is a country whose gross domestic product (GNP) is greatly 
dependent on agriculture and one of the principal sectors that constantly contribute 
positively to the yearly GNP is the livestock and poultry sector. 
The livestock and poultry industry in the country has been constantly and 
perennially besieged by outbreaks of communicable animal diseases, causing great 
economic losses to the industry and the country, hence, there is a need to protect our 
livestock industry from any domestic and foreign communicable animal diseases in 
order to continually contribute to the livestock development and food security program 
of the government. 
One of the most effective means of controlling the spread of &a1 
diseases is to 
prevent the entry of animals coming from areas (local and/or international) that are 
known ta have an outbreak of animal diseases. This can be accomplished by the st&t 
implementation of inter-provincial, inter-regional, national and international border 
central measures jn the movement of animals, animal products and by-products, animal 
effects and other related commodities. To address this nee&, the Department of 
Agriculture IDA) reorganized the Bureau of Animal Industry-Veterinary Quarantine 
Servim @AK-VQS) W an ad h e  National Veterinary Quarantine Services (BAI-We) 
pursuant to Special Order No. 240, Series of 2000 dated ApriI 27,2000. 
However, fhe "informal" set-up of fhe BAI-NVQS has been deemed inadequate 
,to .fully p d e m  its mandate of <en&~&ng 
and prevenhg .the entry and spread of 
foreign communicaljk aniinaI aseases info the counfry, as welT as ensuring food 
has to be enacted to strengthen the veterinary quaranthe service and institutionalize the 
NYQS ttnder khe Bureau of Animal Jlndusiry @AI), 
in much fie same way as PD 1433 
and the-Fish&s Cbdide. of 199&has done for the Mant Qnztmtine Service under -Burem 
of Plant Industry (BPI) and the Fisheries Cjuarantine Service of the Bureau of Fisheries 
and Aquatic.Resources (BFAR) respectively. 
sem~ty, €d 
h t y  a&td. g1Qbd.CQaCpetitiVeneSS 
ok Ph.ilipph- a.gticdhre- A Sp&Afk law 
Furthermore? a speeifie law--vdl allow the..WQS to- obtain its  own budget from 
the General Appropriations Act (GAA) so that it can function more efficiently and 
effectively plus, generate .revenue through the -retention of 'certain percentages -Of its 
collection for regulatory fees that will support its operation, which in effect, will also 
supplement its.G.AA allodations. 
For this .reason, the passage of this bill .is earneskly sought,. for .the protection and 
benefit of~the-Livestock 
and Poultry Industry in our country. 


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18 
Republic of the Philippines 
} 
FOURTEENTH CONGRESS } 
First Regular Session 
1 
S.B. No.' f 8 2 2 
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO 
A N  ACT 
PROVIDING FOR A REVISED VETERINARY QUARANTINE ACT OF 2007 
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 Revised 
Veterinary Quarantine Act of 2007. 
SEC. 2. Declaration ofPoliy. - It shall be the policy of the Government that 
activities of national and international significance shall be undertaken by the 
central governmen% in accoydance with in%e?national covenants and agreements 
for the protection of the domestic livestock and poultry industry as well as that of 
other countries. While some functions relative to the protection of animals against 
communicable animal diseases have been devolved to the Local Government 
Units under the bcal Government Code and have been decentralized to the 
various Regional Field Units (IzFUs) of the Department of Agriculture (DA), the 
overall control and supervision of veterinary quarantine activities at fhe 
international, national and inter-regional levels shall remain under the BAI, with 
veterinary quarantine actides ai the level of the local government units and the 
DA RFUs directly under its technical supervision to- provide f0r.a. unified. system. 
of .providing.better and efficient .pr.rotpction to .+he? aninla1 ~hdwti-y. 
SEC. 3. Statemnt@Obje&'ms. - This actshdtltave the hllawing ubjecti@s: 
To estabkh a strong, responsive and dynamic veterinary 
quarantine 
service of the country in order to protect our 
3;l. 
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livestock and poultry industry against foreign communicable 
animal diseases. 
To establish a mechanism/procedure where outbreak of 
animal disease in one province/region will not spread to 
other provinces/region of the country. 
3.2. 
3.3. To provide an inspection system for the inter-provincial and 
international movement of animals, animal products, animal 
by-products, 
animal effects, 
anima1 feeds, 
veterinary 
drugs/products and biologics including documentation and 
issuance of permit and commodity clearance in relation thereto. 
3.4. To provide policies and guidelines for the importation and 
exportation of animals, animal products, animal by-products, 
animal effects, animal feeds, veterinary drugs/products and 
biologics in accordance with international commitments and 
agreements entered into by the Republic of the Philippines. 
3.5, To provide a mechanism whereby a portion of the collection of 
the veterinary quarantine services from regulatory fees will be 
retained by the National Veterinary Quarantine Service 
(NVQS) as herein-after established, to augment its operational 
expenses and afford flexibility in times of animal disease 
emergencies. 
SEC. 4. Definition ofTerms. 
Animals - means livestock, poultry, and all other members of 
the animal kingdom including birds, whether domesticated 
or wild, but not including man. 
Animal By-product - any article derived from animal origin 
which can be used €or other purposes except as human food. 
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Animal Efl2cts - means litter or manure, hay, fodder or the 
like, used as blankets, chains, harnesses, ropes, buckets, boxes 
or crates and the like used by animal. 
Animal Fedfleeding Stuff - shall embrace all such articles to 
be used as feeds for animals purporting to supply proteins, 
carbohydrates, fats, mineral, vitamins, antibiotics, growth 
promoting factors whether identified or unidentified, and/or 
correcting nutritional disorders. 
Animal Product - any article that can be used as human food, 
which is made wholly or in part from any meat or other 
portion of the carcass of any cattle, carabao, sheep, swine, 
goat or any other animals. 
BAI - refers to the Bureau of Animal Industry. 
Communicable Animal Diseases - refers to diseases which are 
transmissible from one animal to another or from animal to 
human beings or vice versa. 
Crew Provision - refers to the food supplies of the crew 
members of the vessels or airplane or any person on board 
the vessel or airplane. 
DA - refers to the Department of Agriculture. 
Director - means the Director of the Bureau of Animal 
Industry. 
Domestic Movement - refers to the movement of animals 
from one province/region to another within the country. 
* Exportation - as used in this act refers to the Act of 
transporting commodities such as live animals, animal 
products, animal by-products, animal effects, animal feeds, 


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veterinary drugs/products and biologics from the Philippines 
to another country. 
Exotic Animal Disease - shall refer to any disease known to 
exist in other countries which is likely to be introduced in the 
country through importation of animals, animal products, 
animal by-products or animal effects, animal feeds, veterinary 
drug/products and biologics. 
Importation - as used in this act refers to the bringing in into 
the country foreign commodities such as live animals, animal 
products, animal by-products, animal effects, animal feeds, 
veterinary drugs and biologics. 
Import Permit - is a document issued by the BAI authorizing 
an entitylindividual to import a particular animal or product 
and other commodities. It contains SPS pre-conditions within 
which the animal or product to be imported is subjected to by 
the Veterinary Government Authorities at the country of 
origin before shipment to the Philippines. 
In-Transit - refers to any cargo of the vessel or airplane that is 
not intended for the port or airport where it has 
docked/anchored or landed but to another port or airport of 
its final destination. 
Illegnl Importation - as used in this Act refers to any 
importation of animal, animal products, animal by-products, 
animal effects, animal feeds, veterinary drugsjproducts and 
biologics which were imported/landed without a priorly 
issued Authority to Import by the BAI and other valid SPS 
documents duly issued by the country of origin. 
. 
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Illegal Shipment - as used in this Act refers to any shipment 
of animal, animal products, animal by-products, animal 
effects, veterinary drugs/products and biologics which are 
not covered by a priorly issued authority to ship duly issued 
by the Bureau or his duly authorized representative. 
Person - refers to any natural or juridical person such as 
corporation, partnerships, societies, associations, firms and 
other legal entities. 
Quarantine Station - refers to the place designated by the 
Director of the Bureau of Animal Industry or his duly 
authorized representative where the animals are to be kept 
for isolation and observation in order to determine their 
disease freedom. 
Risk Management Measures and Policy (RMMp) - refers to 
the overall risk management measures being applied by DA 
based on OIE and codex standards, which are deemed 
necessary (ALOE'). Each measure required by DA herein is an 
integral part of the whole RMP which guarantees protection 
of the country from the entry, establishment and spread of 
foreign diseases and contaminations associated with the 
importation of meat and/or meat products into the country. 
The RMP includes all measures which have the effect of 
verifying controls at the country of origin, the country's 
customs areas, and post-entry areas, which take the form of, 
but not limited to, documentation requirements, certifications 
by appropriate bodies, packing and labeling requirements, 
transportation 
and 
handling 
conditions, 
marketing, 
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advertising, 
and 
distribution 
requirements, 
risk 
communication measures, and disease and contamination 
control measures. 
Secretary - refers to the Secretary of the Department of 
Agriculture. 
Shipping Permit - refers to the document issued by the BAI or 
VQS authorizing the person indicated therein to ship or 
transport the items stated therein to the specified destination. 
The document also states the health worthiness among others 
of the animal or product to be shipped/transported. 
Sanitay and Phytosanitay (SPS) Measures - defined as 
measures applied (a) to protect human or animal life from 
risks arising from additives, contaminants, toxins or disease- 
causing organisms in their food; (b) to protect human life 
from plant-or animal-carried diseases; (c) to protect animal or 
plant life from pests, diseases, or disease-causing organisms; 
and (d) to prevent or limit other damage to a country from 
the entry, establishment or spread of pests. This also includes 
SPS measures taken to protect the health of fish and wild 
fauna, as well as of forests and wild flora. 
Veterinanj Biologics/Biological Products - refers to all 
viruses, bacteria, live microorganisms, killed microorganisms, 
components or products of microorganism, anti-sera and 
other homologous substances whether of natural and 
synthetic origin, intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment 
and prophylaxis of diseases of 
animals or for the 
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identification of the causative organisms of a disease of 
animals. 
Veterinary Drugflroducts - shall refer to any substance 
other than food used to improve the condition of an animal 
such as antibiotics, vitamins, minerals, hormones, feed 
additives and other related products. 
Veterinary Health Certificate - refers to the certificate issued 
by the Veterinary Quarantine Services specifying among 
others therein that the animals, animal products, animal by- 
products or animal effects are free from any communicable 
animal diseases or are not carriers thereof. 
Veterinary Quarantine - refers to the isolation and 
observation of animals to determine their disease freedom 
within a definite period as determined by the Director or his 
duly authorized representative. 
Veterina ry Quarantine Clearance (VQC)/SPS Clearance - 
refers to the document being issued by the Bureau of Animal 
Industry (BAI) prior to importation indicating that based on 
readily available information: (a) the source's of meat and/or 
meat 
products 
are 
free 
from 
relevant 
diseases/contaminations; and (b) the accreditations of both 
the importer and the FME (exporter) are in 'good standing'. 
The VQC also prescribes the conditions and risk management 
measures necessary in the conduct of importation that are to 
be observed by the importer, exporter, and the NVA at the 
country of origin. 
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Veterinary Quarantine Service Officer- refers to any licensed 
veterinarian duly appointed and/or designated by the 
Director of the Bureau of Animal Industry to perform 
veterinary quarantine functions pursuant to this Act. 
SEC. 5. Organizational Structure. 
5.1. 
A National Veterinav Quarantine Service (NVQS) is hereby 
created to implement animal quarantine laws, policies, and rules 
and regulations. 
It shall be headed by a Chief National 
Veterinary Quarantine Officer (CNVQO) and a Deputy Chief 
National Veterinary Quarantine Officer (DCNVQO). 
The 
Director and Assistant Director of BAI shall serve as ex-oficio 
CNVQO and DCNVQO, respectively. 
The NVQS shall perform its various activities through the NVQS 
Directorate, which shall be headed by an executive staff 
composed of one (1) Director with a salary grade of 26, one (1) 
Deputy Director with a salary grade of 25, and a sufficient 
number of technical and administrative support staff. 
In each DA-RFU, there shall be a Regional Veterinary Quarantine 
Service (RVQS), which shall be headed by the Regional 
Veterinary Quarantine Service Officer (RVQSO) with a rank 
equivalent to a Division Chief, and assisted by a Supervising 
Veterinay Quarantine Service Officer (SVQSO) with a salary 
grade of 22. 
The RVQS shall be under the Technical Supervision of the BAI, 
but under the Administrative Supervision of the RFU Regional 
Director or his equivalent. 
5.2. 
5.3. 
5.4. 
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5.5. 
The BAI and the various RFUs are hereby authorized to 
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reorganized, create, upgrade, and reclasslfy incumbent positions 
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necessary to effectively implement the provisions of this Act. 
SEC. 6. Appointment of Veterinary Quarantine OfFcers and Sta8 
6.1. 
The Secretary of Agriculture shall appoint the Director and 
Deputy Director of the NVQS Directorate. The technical and 
administrative support staff shall be appointed by the Director of 
BAL 
The appointment of the RVQSO and WQSO shall be made by 
the Regional Director. 
6.2. 
6.3. 
The Director of the BAI shall prescribe the duties and 
responsibilities of the personnel of the NVQS. The technical and 
operational designation and assignment of RVQS personnel in 
the various intra-regional/national and international air and 
seaports shall be subject to the recommendation of the Regional 
Director, concurrence of the Director of BAI and approval of the 
Secretary of Agriculture. 
Pmers and Functions of the National Veterinary Quarantine Service 
SEC. 7. 
Ofice. - The NVQS shall have the power and functions to: 
7.1. To prevent the entry of animal diseases into the country in 
accordance with internationally accepted standards and 
procedures; 
To constitute an effective inspection system for the inter- 
provincial, inter-regional and international movement of 
animals, animal products, animal by-products, animal effects, 
animal feeds, 
veterinary drugs/products and biologics 
including documentation and issuance of permit and 
commodity clearance in relation thereto. 
7.2. 
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7.3. 
7.4. 
7.5. 
7.6. 
7.7. 
7.8. 
7.9. 
7.10. 
7.11. 
7.12. 
To prevent the spread of any communicable animal disease 
from one province or region of the country to another. 
To establish a monitoring and surveillance system to 
determine the presence of emerging animal diseases. 
To take an active role in the prevention, control and 
eradication of communicable animal diseases. 
To maintain and operate quarantine stations, holding corals 
and other facilities/infrastructure for domestic and imported 
animals, animal products, animal by-products, animal effects, 
animal feeds, veterinary drugs/products and biologics in 
such strategic places as may be determined by the Bureau. 
To maintain and operate veterinary quarantine units in 
seaports and airports throughout the country or in other 
strategic places as determined by the Bureau of Animal 
Industry. 
To regulate the importation or exportation of animals, animal 
products, animal by-products, animal effects, animal feeds, 
veterinary drugs/products and biologics. 
To regulate domestic movement of animals, animal products, 
animal byproducts, animal effects, animal feeds, veterinary 
drugs/products and biologics. 
To conduct researches/studies such as risk analysis and the 
like, necessary for the formulations of veterinary quarantine 
rules and regulations. 
To declare areas under quarantine. 
To recommend to the Secretary of Agriculture, such rules and 
readations relative to the above Dowers and functions. 
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SEC. 8. Duties and Responsibilities of Veterinary Quarantine Sewice Officers 
8.1. To inspect all animals, animal products and by-products and 
animal effects amiving by boat, plane, truck or any other 
means of transportation in ports, airports, railways, bus 
terminals or in such places as he may deem necessary and to 
perform such examination and tests as necessary for the 
purpose of preventing the introduction and spread of 
dangerous communicable animal diseases within the 
Philippines. 
To board and inspect all ships, vessels, airplane from 
international or domestic port or airport whether it be the first 
port of entry or not, for the purpose of determining the 
presence therein of animals, animal products and by- 
products, and animal effects which may introduce exotic and 
infectious diseases of animals into the Philippines, and to 
dispose of in any manner deemed appropriate, animals, 
animal products and by-products and animal effects found or 
showing signs of dangerous communicable animal diseases; 
and to order the disposal of any spoiled or otherwise unsafe 
food articles of animal origin found on board such ship, 
vessels, or aircraft. 
The master or skipper, other officers and crew members, and 
agent of such ship, vessel or airplane concerned, shall render 
such assistance as the VQSO or his agent may reasonably 
request to facilitate discharge and disposal of such articles. 
To enter, inspect and take specimen samples for laboratory 
analysis in any animal project, establishment, farm, zoo, pet 
8.2. 
8.3. 
8.4. 
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shop, kennel or any other place where animals are raised, 
bred or sheltered when there is reasonable ground to believe 
that a dangerous communicable animal disease is present 
among the animals therein for the purpose of controlling the 
said infection and preventing its spread. 
To enter, inspect and take specimen samples for laboratory 
analysis in any store, plant, factory or any industrial ground 
where animal meat, products and by-products, animal effects 
and animal feeds, and veterinary biologics are being handled, 
stored, processed, manufactured or produced when there is 
reasonable ground to believe that said articles are infected or 
contaminated with a dangerous communicable animal 
disease for the purpose of controlling the disease if actually 
found to be present. 
To require during an outbreak of an infectious animal disease 
the inspection, examination, test or vaccination of susceptible 
animals in the area of infection and to adopt necessary 
measures for the proper disposition of positive cases after 
examination or test. The person having custody of the animal 
to be inspected, examined shall render such assistance as the 
VQSO or his representative may reasonably request to 
facilitate such inspection, examination, testing, vaccination or 
disposal as the case may be. 
To require mass vaccination of all susceptible animals against 
any communicable animal disease in areas of outbreaks or in 
places found to be endemic. 
8.5. 
8.6. 
8.7. 
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8.8. 
To require the disposal in any manner of expendable material 
such as litter, bedding, feed bags, chick cartoon, animal crates, 
cage, feed, etc; suspected of being contaminated with or 
exposed to dangerous communicable animal disease which 
are found in any animal project, farm, pet shop, kennel or any 
place where animals are raised, bred, kept or sheltered. 
To supenrise the quarantine of newly introduced domestic 
animals and birds whether local or imported. 
8.10. To perform such other related duties which may be assigned 
to the VQSO, from time to time. 
8.9. 
SEC. 9. Importation of Animals, Animal Products, Animal By-Product, AEimal 
Effects, Animal Feed, Veterinary Drugs and Biologics. 
9.1 All importation of animals, animal products, animal by- 
products, 
animal 
effects, 
animal 
feeds, 
veterinary 
drugs/products and biologics must be accompanied by a 
Veterinary Quarantine Clearance duly issued by the BAI, and 
secured prior to the importation. 
9.2 All importation must also be accompanied by a Veterinary 
Health Certificate and or SPS or its equivalent and such other 
documents as may be required by the BAI to be obtained from 
the proper authorities of the country of origin. 
9.3 All imported animals, animal products, animal by-products, 
animal effects, animal feeds, veterinary drugs/products and 
biologicals must be subject to quarantine inspection and 
documentation by the NVQS at the Port of Entry and may be 
subject to such quarantine and test as may deem appropriate 
and necessary. 
9.4 The Bureau of Customs or its representative shdl not allow 
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the release of animals, animal products, animal by-products, 
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animal effects, animal feeds, veterinary drugs/products and 
biologics unless the NVQS has issued a certification there that 
said cargo has complied with the requirements. 
9.5 It shall be unlawful to accept for loading at the country of 
origin and transport and unload at any Philippine airport or 
seaport any animals, animal products, animal by-products, 
animal effects, animal feeds, veterinary drugs/products and 
biologics that were not priorly issued a Veterinary Quarantine 
Clearance by the BAI. 
9.6 All Imported animals, animal products, animal by-products 
and animal effects shall be put under quarantine at a 
designated or accredited quarantine site for a period fixed 
under the rules and regulations of the NVQS under the direct 
supervision of the VQSO in charge. 
9.7 No importation of animals, animal products, animal by- 
products and animal effects shall be allowed from countries 
known to be infected with a dangerous communicable 
animal disease or diseases which has been banned for export 
to the Philippines and where there is danger of spreading/ 
introducing such disease or diseases into the Philippines by 
the importation of such items. 
SEC. 10. Exportation of Animals, Animal Products, Animal By-Products, Animal 
Effects, Animal Feeds, and Veterinary Drugs and Biologics. - No exportation of 
animals, animal products, animal by-products animal effects, animal feeds, 
veterinary drugs/products and biologics shall be allowed unless it is 
accompanied by a Veterinary Health Certificate and or Commodity Clearance 
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issued by the NVQS and or has complied with the quarantine requirements of 
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the country of destination. 
The above cargoes shall not be loaded for export without the necessary 
Veterinary Health Certificate and or Commodity Clearance duly issued by the 
NVQS or RVQS concerned. 
SEC. 11. Domestic Movement of Animals, Animal Products, Animal By- 
Products, Animal Efects, Veterinary Drugs and Biologics. - Shipment of animals, 
animal products, animal by-prodwts, animal effects, Veterinary Drugs/ products 
and biologics from one province/ region to another shall be accompanied by the 
Veterinary Health Certificate or Shipping Permit issued by any VQW. 
SEC. 12. Declaration of Areas or Farms under Quarantine. - In cases of an 
outbreak of communicable animal diseases, the Secretary of Agriculture, upon 
recommendation of the BAI, has the power to declare the area, region, province or 
specific farm or establishment under quarantine. However, the Regional Director 
upon the recommendation of the NVQS or RVQS may declare a farm, an area, 
establishment, municipality, city or province under quarantine whose declaration 
shall not exceed seven (7) days, unless revoked or extended by the Secretary upon 
the recommendation of the BAI and due coordination with the local govenunent 
units concerned. 
It shall be the duty of local government veterinarians, animal inspectors, 
and local officials to extend assistance to any quarantine measure initiated 
pursuant to this provision. 
. 
SEC. 13. Registration of Commercial Livestock and Poultry Shippers. - All 
commercial livestock shippers or handlers who are engaged in the inter-provincial 
and regional shipment/transportation of livestock shall register with the 
Veterinary Quarantine Services of the Region concerned in order to maintain 
disease free areas and achieving safe, clean and orderly handling of commodities 
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through the various stages of marketing or distribution channels. 
SEC. 14. Collection of Regulatoy Fees and Charges and Establishment of a 
Revolving Fund. - The BAI shall have the power to impose charges and fees for the 
services rendered subject to the approval of the Secretary such as farm 
accreditation, laboratory test, import permit fee, export permit/commodity 
clearance fee, landing permit fee, quarantine inspection fee and other fees and 
charges which are payable to the BAI under a continuing special trust fund that is 
heretofore created for the purpose subject to government accounting and auditing 
regulation. 
Provided that F d t y  (50%) Percent of the collections mentioned-above shall 
be retained by the NVQS to constitute as its revolving fund to augment the 
existing appropriations thereof for the establishment of its various offices, if 
necessary, and the modernization of veterinary quarantine services. 
SEC. 15. Presm’bing Standard Operating Procedures for Veterinay Quarantine 
Services in all Seaports and Airports. 
15.1. 
The BAI shall establish a standard operating procedure of the 
Veterinary Quarantine Services at the different seaports and 
airports in the country for a well defined and smooth operation 
of the office. 
15.2. Veterinaq 
Quarantine 
Service 
Officers/Inspectors 
are 
authorized to render overtime work when the interest of the 
service so requires and the services performed outside office 
hours and other expenses shall be chargeable to the party or 
parties served, at the rates to be prescribed by the Secretary.. 
15.3. The BAI shall have the power to promulgate rules and 
regulations to implement the provisions of this SEC., subject to 
the approval by the Secretary of Agriculture. 
SEC. 16. Confiscation and Destruction of Animals, Animal Products, Animal By- 
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products, Animal Efids, Animal Feeds, Veterinary Drugs/Products and Biologics 
Illegally Imported and or found to be Infected with Communicable Animal Disease. - The 
VQSO or his duly deputized Inspector on duty shall have the power to confiscate 
and destroy animals, animal products, animal by-products, animal feeds, 
veterinary drugs/products and biologics found to be infected with communicable 
animal disease or refuse entry of animal and animal products involved in 
prohibited importation subject to such rules and regulations promulgated by the 
Department of Agriculture. 
SEC. 17. Non-Liability Clause. 
17.1. All charges for storage, demurrage, cartage, labor and delays 
incident to the inspection, cost of disinfection and disposition 
and other post entry requirement shall be paid by the 
importer, exporter, shipper or consignee, as the case may be. 
17.2. The VQSO or any other authorized personnel of the 
Veterinary Quarantine Service/Bureau/Department shall not 
be held liable for damages to the commodity or any other 
damages in the course of implementation of the provisions of 
this Act, as well as its implementing rules and regulations. 
SEC. 18. Entrance and Clearance of Cam'er. - The owner, operator, agent or 
master of carriers plying international and/or domestic routes, are hereby 
required to serve notice of arrival and departure and to provide inward and 
outward cargo manifests and other declaration of said carriers to the Veterinary 
Quarantine Service at the port. Prior to departure, the agent or master of said 
carrier must secure a clearance from the assigned VQSO thereat. 
The collector of Customs or his authorized agents shall require the owner, 
agent or master of the international carrier, vessel, or airplane to secure and 
submit a copy of the clearance from the VQS as a pre-requisite to the issuance of 
Customs Clearance. 
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The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Philippine Fisheries Development 
Authority (PFDA) and other agencies/entities managing fishports, and other 
ports shall likewise require the owner, agent or master of carrier, or vessel to 
secure and submit a copy of clearance from the VQS as a prerequisite to issuance 
of clearance to depart from the port. 
SEC. 19. Food Provisions of Vessels and Airplanes. - No food provisions or 
garbage shall be unloaded from vessels or airplanes if there is danger that such 
provision may introduce any communicable animal disease into the country, 
especially if such provisions originated from areas known to be infected with any 
communicable animal disease. 
SEC. 20. 
Animal and Animal Products In-Transit. - Animals, animal 
products, animal products, animal by-products shall not be allowed to be 
unloaded from vessels or airplanes unless an authority from the VQS is secured. 
The VQS may refuse its unloading if there is reasonable ground to believe that 
such animal or animal products may introduce any communicable animal disease 
into the country. 
SEC. 2l. The Role of the Bureau of Customs, Philippine Ports Authority and 
Other Port Authorities in the Enforcement of this Act. - The Bureau of Customs, 
Philippine Ports Authority, Air Transportation Office and other seaport and 
airport authorities shall cooperate with the veterinary quarantine service in the 
enforcement of this act or any rules and regulations issued in the implementation 
thereto, and shall give effect to the same in so far as they are connected with 
matters of shipping, navigation and transportation, or shipment/transport of 
animals, animal products, animal by-products, animal effects, animal feeds, and 
veterinary drugs/products and biologics. 
SEC. 22. Penalty. - Any violation of the provisions of SEC.’s 7 -9,16 and 20 
of this Act and its implementing rules and regulations shall be penalized by 
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imprisonment of six (6) months and one (1) day to one (1) year, and/or a fine of 
P6,OOO.OO to 20,000.00, depending upon the seriousness of the offense committed, 
and subject to the sound discretion of the court. 
Any violation of the provisions of SEC.’s 10, 11,13 and 19 of this Act and its 
implementing rules and regulations shall be penalized by imprisonment of one (1) 
month to six (6) months, and/or a fine of P1,OOO.OO to P5,000.00, depending upon 
the seriousness of the offense committed, and subject to the sound discretion of 
the court. 
SEC. 23. Appropriation. - The amount necessary for the implementation of 
this act shall be included in the budget of the Department of Agriculture, under 
the General Appropriations Act of each year, which shall be specifically 
designated, in addition to the amount retained from its collection from regulatory 
fees. 
SEC. 24. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Secretary of Agriculture 
shall issue rules and regulations necessary to ensure the effective implementation 
of the provisions of this Act and impose appropriate penalties thereof. 
SEC. 25. 
Repealing Clause. - Provisions of laws, orders, regulations and 
issuances inconsistent with any provisions of this act are hereby repealed or 
modified accordingly. 
SEC. 26. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is 
declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other portions or provisions hereof, 
which are not affected thereby shall continue in full force and effect. 
SEC. 27. Efectiuity .- This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation in the Philippines. 
Approved. 
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