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TWENTIETH CONGRESS Stuy

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First Regular Session INDE

House Bill No._3659

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
eight (8) people. While cats on the other hand, are the second most popular
domesticated animal in the Philippines. From these data provided, it is quite clear that
the Philippines is a pet- loving country. It is easy to understand 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, itis only proper that pet owners are
allowed to bring their pets with them on public utility vehicles (PUV).

‘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 to their
pets. The passage of this bill limits the unfortunate occurrence of having to leave pets at
home just because of issues in public 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 different places which in turn contributes to their pets’
physical, social, emotional and mental well-being.

This bill intends to allow pet-owners to bring their pets on PUVs. It further
mandates PUV owners to provide designated animal compartments to accommodate
said animals.

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

ew ce.
ERIC L. OLIVAREZ


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

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 3659

Introduced by: REPRESENTATIVE ERIC L. OLIVAREZ

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

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known ad 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 of 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. - Pet owners shall be allowed bring their
pets on PUVs provided that the following conditions are observed:

a) Incase there are other passengers onboard the PUV, the pet should be placed
inside a carrier/cage that will then be positioned at designated animal
compartments of the PUV;

b) Ifthere are no other passengers onboard the PUV, the pet may be allowed to be
carried by the owner as long as said animal is free from foul odor and that the
owner maintains cleanliness and sanitation.

) The possessor or pet owner shall make sure that his or her pet does not cause
any damage in the PUV, which includes, but shall 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 or any other passenger, the possessor or pet
owner shall be made liable for the damage caused;

4) Safety, convenience and comfort of the passengers of the PUV 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 the government
office or agency in coordination with all the stakeholders and covered establishments
and institutions.

SECTION 7. Separability Clause. —
unconstitutional or otherwise invalid, the val
affected thereby.

if any provision of this Act is declared
ty of the other provisions shall not be

SECTION 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations
or parts thereof inconsistent with 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.