Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE 0F REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Philippines
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First RegTilar Session
House Bill No.  792 0
Introduced by HON. NICANOR M. BRIONES
Rep7ieserLfcit{.ue, AGAP Party List
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Animal meat and other animal products have been a staple not only in the
Filipino diet, but also in the manufacturing of other food products.  In fact,
poultry  and  livestock  are  known  to  be  the  most  important  agricultural
subsectors in the country.  Its  supply,  however,  is continuously threatened
by rising costs of production, especially fuel and feeds, and animal disease
outbreaks.
The Avian Influenza or Bird Flu outbreak was first declared in the country in
2017.  Since then,  four million birds including chickens,  quails,  and ducks
have either died from the disease or have been culled to contain its spread.
More than five years have passed,  the  disease remains a threat to poultry
farmers as no vaccine has yet been available.
The  same  goes with African  Swine  Fever  or ASP.  More  than  three  million
hogs have been killed due to the disease. This translates to millions of pesos
lost by livestock raisers.  Unfortunately,  as ASP continues to affect various
parts   of  the   country,   local   hog   production   in   affected   cities   and
municipalities are limited. Thus, resort to imported pork and pork products
becomes inevitable.
However, importation cannot be the end resolution of these problems. These
animal  diseases  are  not confined  to  the  Philippines.  Many  countries  have
likewise reported of such outbreaks. ASP and bird flu are just a few of the
animal diseases whose outbreaks have great impact to the economy and the
every day life of the F`ilipinos.  We recall the mad cow disease, leptospirosis,
rabies,  and other parasitic infections.  Certain animal diseases can also be
transmitted  to  humans,  thus  posing  dangers  to  human  health  as  well.
Hence, animal health is just as important as our health. What we need is to
build our capacity to protect animal health and control the spread of such
diseases.


The Bureau of Animal Industry  (BAI)  was  created  in  1930  by virtue  of Act
3639.  The  BAI  was  mandated  to  "investigate,  study  and  report  upon  the
condition of the domestic animals in the Philippine Islands,  their improved
methods  of reproduction  and  care,  inquire  into  and  report  the  causes  of
dangerous  communicable  diseases  alnong  them,  and  the  means  for  the
prevention and cure of the same".  Meanwhile, veterinary services remained
with the local government units by virtue of the Local Government Code.
The   1987  Constitution  mandates  the  protection  of  the  people's  right  to
health.  The Constitution  likewise  ensures the  protection of life,  liberty and
property  and  seeks  the  sustained  increase  in  the  amount  of goods  and
services produced by the nation for the benefit of the people as one of the
nation's economic goals.
This  bill  is  therefore  filed  to   strengthen  animal  health  and  veterinary
services  in  the  country  and  respond  to  the  need  of  ensuring  safe  and
adequate food made by the Filipinos for the F`ilipinos. This measure aims to
improve   and   ensure   animal   production   food   safety   and   prevention,
surveillance, and management of animal diseases, and promote compliance
with   sanitary  and   phytosanitary   (SPS)   measures   and   other  veterinary
protocols with international standards.
The bill also provides for disease compensation and eradication trust fund
that will compensate owners of culled animals,  and the establishment of a
competent national authority for animal health and veterinary services. This
likewise strengthens local government veterinary services as it mandates the
establishment of such in all classes of LGUs.
This  measure  also  makes  vaccination  of  animals  mandatory  for  certain
diseases.  This also  provides  penalties for violations of this  legislation  such
as failure to report notifiable diseases,  refusal to vaccinate,  and illegal use
and sale of veterinary and human drugs, among others.
In sum, the bill recognizes animal health and veterinary services as a public
good  and  aims  to  build  stronger  safeguards  to  promote  animal  health,
animal welfare  and  animal  production  food  safety,  all  towards  the  goal  of
attaining food security, protecting public health, and improving global trade
competitiveness in the country.
With the foregoing premises considered, the approval of this bill is earnestly
sought.
2


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Philippines
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
House Bill No.7 9 2 0
Introduced by HON. NICANOR M. BRIONES
Representative, AGAP Patty List
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE ANIMAL HEALTH AND VETERINARY SERVICES
IN THE PHILIPPINES OTHERVISE KNOWN AS THE ANIMAL HEALTH
AND VETERINARY SERVICES ACT
Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  arid  the  House  Of  Represeutatiues  Of  the
Philippines in Corvgress assembled:
Chapter I
INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS
SECTION  1.  "tle.  - This Act shall be known as the "Animal Health
and Veterinary Services Act".
SEC. 2.  Decharat€ori a/Po[€cg. -   It shall be the policy of the State to
promote  and  protect  animal  health,  strengthen  and  enhance  veterinary
services  and  systems,  and  recognize  the  importance of animal  health  and
veterinary services as a public good.
Towards  this  end,  the  State  shall  establish  a  competent  national
authority for animal health and veterinary services, ensure efficient delivery
of  sanitary  measures,  encourage  the  participation  of  various  veterinary
service providers, and secure the development of the animal industry for the
attainment of stronger safeguards and food security for the country's animal
and  human  populations,  improved  public  health  and  environment,  and
enhanced global trade competitiveness.
SEC.  3.  Cocerage.  - This Act  shall apply to  all  programs,  activities
and  undertakings  of  persons,   corporations,   associations,   organizations,
farmers, and private or government entities that, directly or indirectly, deal
with animal health related matters such as, but not limited to:
(a)  Animal and zoonotic disease diagnosis, treatment, prevention, control
and eradication;
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(b)  Early   detection   systems   and   compulsory   reporting   of  important
animal diseases and zoonoses;
(c)  Regulation  and  monitoring  of:  (i)  animals,  animal  products  and  by-
products,   and   animal   production   practices;   (ii)   animal   facilities,
premises,  equipment,  means of transportation,  and other inanimate
objects in contact with animals and/or animal products;  (iii)  animal
feeds, feed ingredients, supplements and additives; and (iv) veterinary
drugs/products,  veterinary  biological  and  immunological  products,
veterinary cosmetics and veterinary devices;
(d) Training and research on animal health; and
(e)  Use of veterinary drugs, veterinary biologicals and diagnostic reagents
in animals.
SEC. 4.  OLjectitles. - The State shall endeavor to achieve the following
objectives:
(a)  Protect  human  and  environmental  health  from  hazards  caused  by
animal diseases and zoonoses;
(b)  Establish a modern and responsive veterinary services;
(c)  Formulate, promote, enforce, implement rules, policies and programs
for the promotion of animal health with One Health Approach;
(d)  Institutionalize   national   and   local   inter-agency,   multi-sectoral
cooperation on animal health and veterinary services program;
(e)  Ensure animal production food safety and security; and
(f)   Promote compliance and harmonization of sanitary and phytosanitary
(SPS)   measures  and  other  veterinary  protocols  with  international
standards.
SEC.  5.  De/!n{t!on  a/ Terms.  -  As  used  in  this  Act,  the  following
terms and phrases shall be defined as follows:
(a)  Accrledftation  -  the  formal  recognition  by  an  independent  body,
generally  known  as  accreditation  body,  that  a  certification  body  is
capable  of carrying  out  certification.  Accreditation  is  not  obligatory
but  it  adds  another  level  of confidence,  as  `'accredited"  means  the
certification  body  has  been  independently  checked  to  make  sure  it
operates according to international standards;
(b) Anirml  - vertebrate  and  invertebrate  species  whether  domestic  or
wild  (exotic  or  indigenous)  animals  which  include  food  producing,
companion,  aquatic,  laboratory,  birds,  worms,  bees  and  butterflies.
The term excludes human;
(c)  Antrrlaz E/Teats - litter or manure,  hay,  fodder or the like,  used as
blankets, chains, harnesses, ropes, buckets, boxes or crates and the
like used by animals;
(d) An€ri'ia[  Fac£Z€ty - permanent  or temporary  structures  or  premises
generally  used  for  purposes  of  caring,  breeding,  rearing,  holding,
4


gaming,   training,   trading,   transporting,   treating,   testing   and
exhibiting animals,  such as but not limited to farms,  zoos,  aviaries,
apiaries,  kennels,  racetracks,  cockpits,  pet  shops,  pounds,  animal
rescue   centers,   airport  and   seaport  quarantine   stations,   animal
holding  facilities  including  those  found  in  ports,  railways  and  bus
stations,   stables,   livestock   auction   markets,   slaughterhouses,
veterinary clinics, and veterinary hospitals;
(e)  Animal   Feeds   -  mixture   or   combination   of  feed   ingredients,
supplements and additives, in any form, by specific formula to be fed
directly as a sole ration to animals which is capable of furnishing the
nutritional needs or requirements of the animal in order to maintain
life,   promote   growth,   production   and   reproduction   without   any
additional  substance  except  water.  This  includes  commercial,  non-
commercial and on-farm feeds;
(I)   Arl€maz  Health  -  the  over-all  physical  condition  and  well-being  of
animal(s);
(g)  An€rrla[ Jdenttficatior. - the  combination  of the  identification  and
registration  of  an  animal  individually,  with  a  unique  identifier,  or
collectively by its epidemiological unit or group, with a unique group
identifier;
(h) Anzmaz  Jdentfficat!orL   Sg/stem  -  the   inclusion   and   linking   of
components such as identification of establishments, owners, person
or persons responsible for the animal(s), animal movements and other
records with an animal identification;
(i)  Animal Jndrstr]/ - any activity relating to the production, breeding,
caring,  rearing,  holding,  trading,  transporting,  and  use  of animals;
animal  processing;  and  manufacturing,  trading  and  marketing  of
animal production inputs such as, but not limited to feeds, veterinary
drugs and biologicals;
0.)  Ani#la[ Prodttction  Food  Sa/edy - measures  taken  in  farms  and
production areas to safeguard the health of the consuming public and
ensure   that   the   food   derived   there from   is   safe.   This   includes
measures taken to regulate and control the introduction of non-food
animals to the food chain;
(k) Animal  Prodrcts  and  Bg-Prodticts  -  any  meat,  fat,  milk  whey,
cream, butter, cheese, egg, honey or other food or foodstuffs derived
from an animal;  or any part of the viscera of an animal,  hide,  skin,
hair,  wool,  feathers,  shell,  horn or hoof;  or any article or substance
derived from dung, urine, feces,  bone, or blood of an animal;  or any
secretion of an animal or any product or biological preparation made
or derived from any animal tissue or animal secretion; or any article
or substance derived from an animal such as semen, whether or not
5


in  combination  with  any  article  or  substance;   or  any  article  or
substance or thing that is declared by order to be an animal product
for the purposes of this Act;
(1)   CapacftE/ btt!Id!ng - defined as the development and  strengthening
of human  and  institutional  resources  of public  and  private  sectors
including non-government organizations ;
(in) Cqpacftg/  detie[opment  -comprehensive  and  sustainable  process
whereby people, organizations, and society strengthen, create, adapt,
and maintain capacity over time;
(n)  Certification -the procedures by which official certification bodies or
officially recognized certification  bodies provide written or equivalent
assurance that an establishment/entity conforms to requirements set
by Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI);
(o)  Chfe/  VcterinarI/   OJficer  /CUO/  -  a  veterinarian   who   has   the
responsibility   and   competence   of  ensuring   and   supervising   the
implementation of animal health and welfare measures, international
veterinary  certification  and  other  standards  and  guidelines  in  the
Terrestrial Animal Health Code of the World Organization for Animal
Health   or   Oj7ice   J7tfemcitfonciz   c!es   Epizooti.es   (OIE)   in   the   entire
country;
(p)  Commztn!cabze An!maz Diseases - diseases which are transmissible
from one animal to another;
(q)  Competent VeterinarI/ Attthoritgr - the Veterinary Authority or other
Governmental Authority  of a  Country having the  responsibility  and
competence for ensuring or supervising the implementation of animal
health  and  welfare  measures,  international  veterinary  certification
and  other  standards  and  recommendations  in  the  OIE  Trrestrial
Animal  Health  Code  and  in  the  OIE Aquatic Animal  Health  Code  in
the whole territory;
(r)  Con;fiscatfon -the taking into custody of animals, animal parts and/
or products, and/or of animal effects by the competent authority for
its  proper disposal  for  having been  the  subject of violation  of rules
and regulations or posing risk to general human and animal welfare;
(s)  Disease - the impairment of normal state of living animals showing
sub-clinical,  clinical/pathological  manifestation  with  infectious  and
non-infectious condition;
(t)  Domestic  motlemcnt  -  the  transfer/transport  of  animals,  animal
product, by-products and effects within the country;
6


(u) Earlgr  detection  sg/stem  -  a  system  for  the  timely  detection  and
identification  of  animal  and  zoonotic  diseases  which  includes  the
following characteristics,  namely:  (i)  representative coverage of target
animal   populations   by   veterinary   field   services;   (ii)   ability   to
undertake effective disease investigation and reporting;  (iii)  access to
laboratories   capable   of  diagnosing   and   differentiating   relevant
diseases;   and  (iv)   training  program  for  veterinarians  and  animal
health   technicians   for   detecting   and   reporting   unusual   disease
occurrence;
(v)  Emerig{ng "sease - a new infection resulting from the evolution or
change of an existing pathogenic agent,  a known infection spreading
to   a   new   geographic   area   or   population,   or   a   previously
unrecognizable  pathogenic  agent  or  disease  diagnosed  for  the  first
time and which has a significant impact on animal or public health;
(w) Epidlem€o{ogg  -  the  science  concerned  with  the  study  of  factors
determining   and   influencing   the   frequency   and   distribution   of
disease, injury, and other health-related events and their causes in a
defined population;
(x)  Eradication - the elimination of a pathogenic agent or disease from
the country or zone/area/region;
fy)  Establishment - entities  engaged  in  the  manufacture,  production,
preparation,  handling,  importation,  exportation,  sale,  storage,  offer
for sale, distribution, transfer, use, testing, promotion, advertising or
sponsorship of animals, animal products and by-products, veterinary
drugs  or  products  and  veterinary  biological  products,  animal  feeds
and feed ingredients, veterinary cosmetics, and veterinary devices;
(z)  Exportation  -  the   transportation   of  commodities   such   as   live
animals, animal products, animal by-products, animal effects, animal
feeds,  veterinary  drugs/products  and  veterinary  biological  products
from the Philippines to another country;
(aa)  Elcotic Animal "seases ~ any  disease  known  to  exist  in  foreign
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   drugs/products   and
veterinary biological products;
(bb)   Fake   VeterinarE/   Dnigs  -  counterfeit,   falsified,   unregistered
veterinary  drugs/products,  as  well  as  unapproved  parallel  imports,
compounded pharmaceuticals and illegal autogenous vaccines;
(cc) Feed Jngred€ents -all articles, in any form, that are added or mixed
into  the  composition  or  which  are  used  as  raw  materials  in  the
formulation of a feed or ration, base feed, base mix, concentrate, feed
7


supplement,   feed   additive,   specialty   feed   and/or   special   feed
preparation  purporting to  supply  additional  nutrients,  such  as  but
not  limited   to,   proteins,   carbohydrates,   fats,   minerals,   vitamins,
growth promoting factors and/ or correcting nutritional disorders;
(dd)  Hrst  Border  JrLspecctorL -  assessment  and  verification  done  on
incoming animals,  animal products and by-products,  animal effects,
animal  feeds  veterinary  drugs/products   and  veterinary  biological
products  at  international  ports  of  entry  by  veterinary  quarantine
officers;
(ee)  Hazard - a biological, chemical or physical agent, or a condition of
an animal or animal product with the potential to cause an adverse
health effect;
(ff) Jlr|portat!on - the bringing into the country of commodities such as
live  animals,  animal  products,  animal  by-products,  animal  effects,
animal  feeds,  veterinary  drugs/products  and  veterinary  biological
products from foreign countries;
(gg) JndemnfJicat!on - the payment for any loss of animals or damage to
its by-products in accordance with the guidelines established by the
Veterinary Authority;
(hh) L!tiestock - food animals including poultry;
(ii)  Net"orfe!rig - the act of making contact and exchanging information
with   other   people,   groups   and   institutions   to   develop   mutually
beneficial relationships, or to access and share information;
tij)  IVotifiabze "sease - disease listed by the Veterinary Authority and
that,  as  soon  as  detected  or  suspected,  must  be  brought  to  the
attention  of  the  Veterinary  Authority  in  accordance  with  national
regulations;
(kk)   IVot€fication   -  the   procedure   by   which   the   Local   Veterinary
Authority informs the National Veterinary Authority of the occurrence
of an outbreak of disease or infection;
([1) OIE  (Office   Internationale   dos  Ep{zoottes)  or  the  World
Organisation for Animal Health - the intergovernmental organization
responsible for improving animal health and veterinary services and
is   recongnized   as   a   reference   organization   by   the   World   Trade
Organization (WTO) ;
(mm)  One Health - a collaborative, multisectoral, and transdisciplinary
approach  ensuring  communication  and  coordination  at  the  local,
regional, national, and global levels, with the goal of achieving optimal
8


health  outcomes  recognizing  the   interconnection   between   people,
animals, plants, and their shared environment;
(nn)  Pro-border Inspection  - assessment  of animal  health  inspection
and biosecurity system of exporting countries prior to authorization of
export;
(oo)  Potl[trE/ - chickens,  turkeys,  guinea fowl,  game fowls,  ducks,  geese,
quails,  pigeons,  pheasants,  partridges,  and ratites reared or kept in
captivity for breeding, production of meat or eggs for consumption or
for re-stocking supplies of game;
(pp)Qtlararlt€ne -the act of   isolating animals from other animals with
no  direct  or  indirect  contact  with  other  animals,   to  prevent  the
transmission   of   specified   pathogen(s)   while   the   animals   are
undergoing  observation,  and,  if appropriate,  testing  and  treatment,
for a specified length of time and/or to determine their freedom from
disease;
(qq)Qt.aran€£ne Station -a facility under the control of the Veterinary
Authority where  animals  are  maintained  in  isolation  with  no  direct
contact or indirect contact with other animals, to ensure that there is
no  transmission  of specified  pathogen/s  outside  the  establishment
while the animals are undergoing observation for a specified length of
time and, if appropriate, testing and treatment;
(rr)Risk Anazgsis  -the  whole  of process  of determining  the  hazard/
s,  the  likelihood  of the  hazard  to  occur,  and  if it occurs  how grave
would  it  be.  The  process  consists  of  the  following  steps,  namely,
planning,  hazard  identification,  risk  assessment,  risk  management,
and risk communication;
(ss)  Sartitar=i and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) - measures apphed
to:  (i) protect human or animal life from risks arising from additives,
contaminants,  toxins or disease-causing organisms in  their food;  (ii)
protect human life from plant-or animal-carried diseases; (iii) protect
animal   or   plant   life   from   pests,   diseases,   or   disease-causing
organisms;  and  (iv)  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;
(tt) Second  Bordler  Jnspect{on  -   activities   done   by   a   competent
authorities  such  as  the  Bureau  of Animal  Industry  (BAI),  National
Meat Inspection Service (NMIS), and Bureau of F`isheries and Aquatic
Resources  (BFAR)  at  authorized  facilities  such  as  cold  storages  and
quarantine  areas  where  thorough  and  final  inspection  of animals,
meat and fish products are carried out;
9


(uu) SJilppfng Permit ~ the document issued by the BAI authorizing the
person indicated therein to ship or transport the stated commodity to
their indicated destination(s) ;
(w)  S"€l[ - kitchen refuse and scraps of waste food mixed with water for
feeding to animals;
(ww)  I+aceab![!ty - a  tool  for controlling disease  in  animals  and  food
safety.  It  constitutes  the  ability  to  follow  or  monitor  link  between
animal health, food safety and the organoleptic characteristics of food
to its origin;
(xx)   Transshlpment  -  the   shipment  of  goods  or  containers  to  an
intermediate destination and from there to yet another destination;
fry)  Vcoc€nation ~ the  successful immunization of susceptible  animals
through   the   administration   of  appropriate   immunizing   agents
comprising of antigens or bacterins or any agent appropriate  to  the
disease to be controlled;
(zz) Veterinarian - a person who has been registered and issued a valid
certificate   of  registration   and   professional   identification   card   by
Professional Regulatory Commission Board of Veterinary Medicine of
the Philippines;
(aaa) VeterinarI/ Attthoritg -the  government  authority,  comprising  of
duly   licensed   veterinarians   and   allied   professionals,   having   the
responsibility   and   competence   of  ensuring   or   supervising   the
implementation of animal health and welfare measures, international
veterinary  certification  and  other  standards  and  guidelines  in  the
Terrestrial Code of the OIE;
(bbb)Veterinarl/  Bfozogicaz  Prodrcts  -  all  microorganisms  (viruses,
bacteria,   fungi,   protozoa,   etc.)   components   or   products   of
microorganisms, antigens,  antisera, bacterins, immunoglobulins and
analogous   products   of  natural   or   of  synthetic   origin,   including
genetically modified organisms, diagnostic kits and reagents, serums,
toxins  and  antitoxins  intended  for use  in  the  diagnosis,  prevention
and   treatment   of  animal   diseases   and   for  veterinary   research
purposes;
(ccc) Veterinary Cosmetics -any substance or preparation intended to
be  placed  in  contact with  the  various  external  parts  of the  animal
body or with the teeth, mucous membranes of the oral cavity, with a
view   exclusively   or   mainly   to   cleaning   them,   perfuming   them,
changing their appearance  and/or correcting the body odor,  and/or
protecting the body or keeping the same in good condition;
10


(ddd) Veterinar!/ Deutces -any instruments,  apparatuses,  implements,
machines,  appliances  or  contrivances,  including  their  components,
parts   and   accessories   intended   for  use   in   the   diagnosis,   cure,
mitigation, treatment and prevention of animal diseases, or to affect
the structure or any function of the body or animals;
(eec)Veterinart/   Drt.gs   -  articles   for   use   in   the   diagnosis,   cure,
mitigation, treatment or prevention of diseases of animals;
(fff) VeteririarI/ J7eazth  Cerfzficate -document  issued  by  the  licensed
veterinarian specifying among others therein that the animals, animal
products  and  by-products,  or animal  effects  intended  for  transport
are free from any communicable animal diseases or are not carriers
thereof;
(ggg) Veterinarl/ Ptlnqpro/ess€ona[ -a  properly  trained  person  who  is
authorized   to   carry   out   designated   tasks   related   to   veterinary
medicine under the immediate supervision of a veterinarian;
(hhh) VeterinarI/ Prodt.cts  -collectively  refer  to  veterinary  biologicals,
veterinary   drugs/products,   veterinary   devices,   and   veterinary
cosmetics  as  defined  herein  and  to  other  substances  applied  to
animal facilities such as but not limited to disinfectants, insecticides,
and   substances   that   modify   or   extend   physiological   functions,
behaviors or availability such as but not limited to hormones, growth
promotants, stimulants, enhancers, probiotics and acidifiers;
(iii) Veterinar]/   O//icer  -a   duly-licensed   veterinarian   employed   or
deputized by the Director of the BAI specifically tasked to investigate,
diagnose  and control  animal diseases,  including the  performance of
such duties and functions provided in this Act and other laws;
(jjj) Veterinarg/ Serutces - the activities in the implementation of animal
health,  welfare,  feed  control,  and  animal  production  food  safety  by
government and non-government organizations;
(kkk)  Zone  - a  part  of a  country  defined  by  the  Veterinary Authority,
containing  an  animal  population  or  subpopulation  with  a  specific
animal health status with respect to an infection or infestation for the
purposes of international trade or disease prevention or control.
Chapter 11
STRUCTURE, POWERS AND FUNCTIONS
SEC.  6.  Orgariisat€onaz St"ctt4re.  - The technical,  administrative,
finance  and  support  services  of the  BAI  shall  be  strengthened  as  may be
appropriate and necessary to carry out effectively the provisions of this Act.
11


SEC.  7.  Poroers arid Ftincttorrs.  - The BAI  shall have the  following
principal powers through the Director or his duly designated representative:
(a)  Regttzator=/  Potuers  and  Ft(nctiorLs  -  The  BAI  shall  assume  full
control  and  direction  in  the  conduct of animal disease  surveillance,
early disease detection and epidemiological investigation and disease
diagnosis,  prevention,  control and eradication,  and  shall be the  sole
national   controlling   authority   to   regulate   animal   health,   animal
welfare,  animal  production  food  safety  and  matters  connected  or
pertaining  to,  but  not  limited  to,  general  sanitary  measures,  risk
analysis,  animal  quarantine  and  inspection,  animal  feeds  and  feed
ingredients,   veterinary   drugs/products,   veterinary   biological
products, and other pharmaceuticals and products used on animals
and the environment, animal facilities, equipment, veterinary devices
and veterinary cosmetics, veterinary research, animal production and
international certification procedures.
The BAI, in coordination with the competent authority on meat
and   meat  products   inspection,   shall   also   be   responsible   in   the
regulation   of  importation   and   transport/movement   of  all   meat
products, including processed meat products.
(b) Poucg  Issuance  on  Artirial  Hearth  8b  Vcteri:na;ry  Serihoes  and
Sgsteias  cnd.  Techaieal  Asststwce  cnd.  Saperviston  o-]er  ail
Natter.al Gouerri;rriieut Ager.des and Outfaces u]tth Artinial Hearth
Rela:ted Functions and lrocat Goi}ernmerit Units -
(i)   Policies  related  to  veterinary  services  and  animal  health  shall  be
formulated by the BAI, in consultation with relevant stakeholders,
and jointly implemented by all national government agencies and
offices   with   animal   health   related   functions   and   the   Local
Government Units (LGUs).
(ii)  The BAI,  in partnership with Agricultural Training Institute  (ATI),
Technical  Education  and  Skills  Development  Authority  (TESDA),
and/or other  training  service  providers,  shall  extend  training  for
capability  building  and  strengthening of livestock  and  veterinary
services   and   animal   health   related   functions   of  all   national
government agencies and offices and LGUs.
(iii) The BAI shall provide technical assistance to all stakeholders when
requested.  However,  the  exercise  of  technical  supervision  of  all
national   government   agencies   and   offices  with   animal   health
related  functions  and  the  local government units  shall  be vested
solely with the BAI.
(c)  Emergeney Preparedness and ResporLse - The BAI  shall lead and
direct the  investigation  and  management of outbreaks of dangerous
communicable and zoonotic animal diseases, where the animal and/
or  human  health  status  of  the  country  is  in  actual  or  imminent
danger and the economic status and food security of the country are
threatened.
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(d)  Wtsitorial Po"er - The BAI,  through its duly authorized personnel,
upon  presenting  appropriate  credentials  or  authority  to  the  owner,
manager, or any person-in-charge,  shall have the power to enter and
inspect the premises of livestock and poultry farms and other animal
establishments,   conduct   collection   of  laboratory   specimens   and
samples, and when required by circumstances and as authorized by
the  Director,  impose  preventive  and  control  measures  therein,  in
coordination with concerned owners and caretakers.
(e)  Declarat{orl   oJ  Ottarantine  -  The   Director   or   his   authorized
representative through a written order of quarantine shall cause the
immediate closure, holding or detention for such period, if necessary,
for observation and/or mandatory  testing of animals,  animal  parts,
products,   and   by-products,   animal   feeds,   feed   ingredients,   feed
supplements  and   feed  additives,   veterinary  biologicals,   veterinary
drugs/products and veterinary devices,  and such other materials or
substances  which  are  suspected  or  deemed  to  be  affected  with  or
carriers of dangerous animal diseases or found to be undocumented,
or  of  unknown  source  and  conditions,   and  posing  an  imminent
danger, threat and injury to the overall animal health situation in the
country.
(fl  Management  off  Veterinar€i   Drug  Residues,   Antimierobtat
Reststance  (:AMR},  and  Arttindcrobtat  Use  (AMU}  -  Tt\e  BAI  and
NMIS  laboratories on veterinary drug residues, AMR,  and AMU  shall
be merged and renamed as the Philippines Veterinary Drug Residues
Center to strengthen the country's capability to detect veterinary drug
residues, AMR, and AMU and to undertake intensive surveillance and
control  of  the  development  and  spread  of  antimicrobial  resistant
pathogens in  animal production  and  in the  food chain following the
One Health Approach.  The initial operation of the center during and
the  following year  of the  enactment  of this  Act  shall  be  on  a  cost-
sharing  scheme   between  the   BAI   and  the   NMIS.   Thereafter,   the
amount  necessary  to  carry  out  this  provision  of  this  Act  shall  be
included in the General Appropriations Act.
(g)  Conr[scation   and  Disposal  -  The   Director   or   his   authorized
representative,  through an appropriate destruction order,  shall have
the   authority  to   immediately  confiscate   and  dispose   of  animals,
animal   parts,   products,   and   by-products,   animal   feeds,   feed
ingredients,   feed   supplements/additives,   veterinary   biological
products,   veterinary   drugs/products,   veterinary   devices,   other
potential  vectors  of  animal  diseases  and  such  other  materials  or
substances that are declared prohibited or banned; or showing signs
and  symptoms  of dangerous  animal  diseases;  or,  in  case  of animal
feeds,  veterinary  drugs/products,  biological  and  other  materials  or
substances,  tested  positive  for  adulteration,  or  contamination  with
toxic chemicals or substances.
13


Articles or items that are undocumented or of unknown source
and  conditions,  not  covered  in  the  preceding  paragraph  which  the
possessor, owner, consignee or importer, as the case maybe, failed to
substantiate through submission of requisite documents, or establish
the origin thereof and its compliance with pertinent regulations within
seventy-two  (72)  hours from quarantine  shall,  likewise,  be  subject to
confiscation and appropriate disposal.
(h)  Calz /or Assistance - The  Director may call upon  any government
agency for any form of assistance consistent with its powers,  duties,
and  responsibilities  for  the  purpose  of  ensuring  the  effective  and
efficient  implementation  of  this  Act  and  the  rules  and  regulations
promulgated hereunder.
(i)   Dezegatfon a/Attthori€gr -The BAI Director shall have the authority
to deputize government and private veterinarians to perform disease
control functions, administer measures to address any animal health
concerns, and such other functions for the proper implementation of
national disease control policies and programs at all levels.
Chapter Ill
PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL STAFFING 0F VETERINARY
sERVIcrs
SEC. 8.  CJt€e/ VcterinarI/ OJyscer. ~ The Director of the BAI, who is a
duly licensed veterinarian, shall be the Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) of the
country.   He   shall   be   primarily   responsible   in   the   formulation   and
implementation of national policies, strategies, priorities and action plans on
animal health, animal welfare and animal production food safety.   He shall
also  represent  the  country  in  official  international  dialogues  on  animal
health matters.
The   CVO   shall   coordinate   and   establish   linkages   with   allied
government agencies, the private sector and academe in the implementation
of plans and programs in animal disease prevention, control and eradication
to  ensure  prompt  mobilization  of all  essential  personnel  and  resources  in
the event of animal disease emergencies.
The   CVO   shall   address   current,   recurring,   new  and   prospective
national issues and concerns on animal health, animal welfare, safe animal
feeds  and  animal  production  food  safety  and  security,  with  regional  and
global  impact  through  the  help  of  other  allied  government  agencies  and
stakeholders.
SEC.   9.   Vetertnarg   Officers  (V0s)   and  Vetertnarg
Parqpro/essionats  /ITPs/.   -  The   Director  of  the   BAI   shall   appoint
veterinarians  and  other personnel under its  employ as Veterinary Officers
and Veterinary paraprofessionals.  He  shall deputize other personnel under
14


regional  offices  and  local  government  units  as  VO   and  VPP.   He   shall
prescribe the duties and responsibilities of the VO and VPP.
In  the  interest  of the  service,  the  VO  and  VPP  shall  be  entitled  to
incentives,   overtime   pay   and   reimbursement   of  expenses   for   services
rendered  outside  of office  hours  which  shall  be  chargeable  to  the  parties
served,   at   the   rates   prescribed   by   the   Department   of  Budget   and
Management (DBM) and approved by the Secretary of Agriculture upon the
recommendation of the Director of BAI.
SEC.   10.   Veterinarians.   -  All  government  agencies  and  private
entities  performing  veterinary  and  related  functions  shall  cooperate  fully
with  the  Director of the  BAI as  CVO  and  comply with  the  set policies and
technical standards for veterinary services and practices as set by BAI and
Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
SEC.  11.  Hc[zand a[[o"ance.  -VOs, VPPs,  and other veterinarians
employed  or  deputized  by  the  BAI,   including  their  administrative  and
support  personnel  directly  exposed   to  veterinary  public   health   related
activities  and  research  shall  be  entitled  to  hazard  allowance  and  other
benefits  provided  under Republic Act No.  7305,  also  known  as  the  Magma
Carta for Public Health workers and Republic Act No.  8439,  also known as
Magma Carta for Scientists,  Engineers,  Researchers and other Science and
Technology Personnel in Government.
Chapter IV
ADvlsoRT coMMITTErs
S;B®. ±2. National and Regtor.al Advisorsi Com;mittees for Ar.inrial
"seases and Emengencgr.  - The existing National and Regional Advisory
Committees  on  Animal  Disease  Control  and  Emergency  (NAC-ADCE/RAC-
ADCE),   are   hereby   renamed   as   the   National   and   Regional  Veterinary
Advisory  Committee  (NVAC/RVAC)   providing  advice  to  the  Office  of  the
Secretary of Agriculture.
The Chairperson of the NVAC shall be a duly licensed veterinarian of
good  standing,  competence  and  probity  in  the  veterinary  profession.  He
shall be designated as such by the Secretary of Agriculture.
The  manner in  the  filling up  of the  members  of the  committee  and
sub-committees   shall  be  prescribed  and  approved  by  the  Secretary  of
Agriculture upon recommendation of the Director of BAI. The composition of
the committee shall be updated from time to time and as may be needed by
circumstances.
SEC.  13.  Dtities  and  Ftinct!oris.  - The  NVAC  and  RVAC  shall  be
directly  responsible  to  the  Secretary  of Agriculture  and  shall  perform  the
following duties and functions:
15


(a)  To   give   advice   and   recommendations   to   the   DA   Secretary/BAI
Director on the following issues and concerns:
(i)   Prevention,  control,  eradication  and  monitoring  of  economically
harmful animal diseases including those transmissible to humans.
(ii)  Procedures to be followed in times of emergencies, e.g., epidemic of
animal diseases and disasters, man-made and natural.
(iii)Verification  of reports  of emerging  animal  diseases.  Assist  in  the
dissemination of information in all aspects of animal diseases.
(b)  Create  special  working  committees  to  address  special  issues  and
concerns of the Department through the BAI and the NMIS.
SEC.  14.  Other Adutsor!/ Committees. - Other Advisory Committees
may  be  created  to  assist  the  BAI  in  the  implementation  of  its  various
programs  and  projects.  All  advisory  committees  shall  be  administratively
and financially supported by BAI.
Chapter V
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE REGIONAL FIELD AND I+OCAL
COVERNMENT UNIT VETERINARY OFFICES
SEC.  15.  RegzorLaz and LGU Assistance  and  Coopena[t!orL.  - The
DA Regional Field Offices  (RFOs)  and Local Government Units  (LGUs)  shall
assist  and  closely  cooperate  with  the  BAI  in  the  implementation  of  the
provisions of this Act. They shall extend any available manpower,  security,
material and financial resources to any national animal disease prevention
and  control  measures,  animal welfare  and  other  national  programs  being
undertaken by the BAI within their respective jurisdictions.
SEC.   16.   Ouersight  Ft.nation.   -  The   BAI   shall   have   oversight
function over all national and regional government agencies and offices, and
the  local government units on  animal health  related  functions.  It has the
power  to  review  and  monitor  the  implementation  of the  plans,  programs,
and projects on animal disease prevention, control, and eradication by the
LGU veterinary officers oVOs) and veterinary paraprofessionals oVPPs) and to
assess whether they are achieving expected results, outputs represent good
value  for  money,  and  they  are  in  compliance with  all  issued  policies  and
ethical standards.
S:E®.  ±T.  Cr.eaLtion Of Veterina:ry  Positions tn Local Ctoverri:meat
Units.  Amending  Sections  443,  454,  463,  and  489,  of  Republic  Act  No.
7160, also known as the "Local Government Code of 1991", as amended by
Section 7 (10) of Republic Act No. 9482 otherwise known as the "Anti-Rabies
Act of 2007",  the position of Provincial,  City and Municipal Veterinarian is
deemed mandatory in all classes of LGUs.
S:EC.   ±8.   Responsthitities  Of  Provincial,   Citu  and  Muwlctpal
Weterinariarrs. - In addition to the duties of LGU veterinarians as provided
in   Section   489   of  Republic   Act   No.   7160,   also   known   as   the   "Local
16


Government Code of 1991" and in all other relevant laws, LGU veterinarians
shall perform the following:
(a)  Ensure  the implementation  of policies,  rules and  regulations issued
by   BAI   and   other   concerned   agencies   in   accordance   with   the
provisions  of  this  Act  and  its  related  laws,  rules  and  regulations
towards   the   enforcement   of  animal   disease   prevention,   control
measures and regulations;
(b)  Extend  assistance,   as   may  be   necessary,   to   the   BAI   and  other
concerned agencies in the  implementation or enforcement of animal
disease   prevention   and   control   measures   within   their   area   of
responsibility;
(c)  Comply with all reportorial and documentary requirements needed by
the BAI and other concerned agencies in the implementation of this
Act;
(d)  Establish  database  for  animal  facilities  and  establishments  in  their
jurisdiction as defined under this Act; and
(e)  Link with  national  technical  networks  and  administrative  networks
and comply with its respective standards in the practice of veterinary
medicine.
SEC.  19.  Jssoance  a/ Ifagor's Permit.  -  No  LGU  shall  issue  any
Mayor's  Permit  or  Business  Permit  to  operate  any  farm,  slaughterhouse,
clinic,  animal facility,  kennel or any other veterinary establishment unless
the  owner/operator  has  secured  clearance  from  the  provincial,  city  or
municipal  veterinarian  attesting  to  the  fact  that  the  establishment  has
complied  with  all  the  requirements  prescribed  under  national  laws,  rules
and regulations.
Chapter VI
ROLE OF ALLIED GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, WON-COVERNMENT
ENTITIES AI\TD OTHER SECTORS
SEC. 20. AZzfed Goziemment Agencies. - Allied government agencies
that are performing veterinary services and related functions in accordance
with their legal mandate shall continue to do so. The Director of BAI as the
CVO  may  call  upon  the  allied  government  agencies  and  academe  in  the
implementation of this Act.
SEC.  21.  Other Agencies  a[nd  Sectors.  - The  BAI  shall  establish
agreements with other government sectors, non-government entities, private
sectors,  academe  and  other relevant agencies  such  as  but  not limited  to,
Department  of the  Interior  and  Local  Government  (DILG),  Department  of
Education  (DepEd),  Department  of Health  (DOH),  Department  of F`inance
(DOF), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of National
Defense   (DND)   and   stakeholders   in   the   implementation   of  plans   and
programs in animal disease prevention, control and eradication and ensure
prompt mobilization of all essential personnel and resources in the event of
animal disease emergencies.
17


Chapter VIE
ANIMAL HEALTH AND ANIMAL PRODUCTION FOOD SAFETY
SEC. 22. D(.ty to Report JVotzfic]bze DiseaEses. - The BAI Director as
the CVO shall issue the list of Notifiable Animal Diseases. This list shall be
updated annually or as necessary.
All animal and livestock producers, owners, establishment operators,
and managers, farm veterinarians, and farm consultants who have in their
possession or care, animals or animal products infected or suspected to be
infected,  or have  reasonable  grounds to  believe  that the  animal or animal
product is infected with a Notifiable Disease are duty bound to report to the
concerned  Local  Government  Unit-Veterinary  Office  or to  the  BAI  and  DA
RFO  immediately  within  twenty-four  (24)  hours  by  the  quickest  means
possible.
S:EC.  28.  Proper  ELsposal  Of Poker.tialtg  lnfiectiue  Materials.  ~
Dead animals, manure and other potentially infective materials from regular
operations  of  farms,  slaughterhouses,  clinics,  animal  disease  diagnostic
laboratories,  and  other  animal  facilities  shall  be  disposed  in  accordance
with  existing  laws,   rules  and  regulations  and  other  specific  guidelines
issued by BAI and other regulatory agencies.
BBC.  24.  Animal  msease  Suruetlhace  and Epidenviotogg.  - A;Il
agencies and entities performing veterinary services shall be responsible in
monitoring animal  disease  situation  by  conducting regular  surveillance  of
the animal and livestock population in their respective jurisdiction and are
required to report to BAI as provided by Chapter VII of this act.
SEC.  25.  Registration  and  7+aceabi[£ty.  -  Each  farm  shall  be
issued a number which the owner shall use to identify the animals coming
from  the  farm.  The  same  farm and  animal  identification  number shall  be
used by the NMIS in the identification and traceability of the meat. Within
one (1) year from the effectivity of this Act, the BAI and NMIS shall issue the
guidelines on  farm registration,  identification,  and  traceability which  shall
be jointly  implemented  by  BAI,  NMIS,  and  the  LGUs.  All  animal  raisers,
backyard and/or commercial, shall register with the LGU where the farm is
located.
SEC.  26.  Andmaz  Jleazth  Jri/ormatiorL  Sg/stem.  -  The  BAI  shall
strengthen the Philippine animal health information system involving other
agencies   and   other   stakeholders   on   animal   health   through   the
establishment of an  effective  information  network.  AIl  information  derived
from the system shall be consolidated into the National Registry.
SEC.  27.  jMrandatong/  Va[cc!nation.  -  The  BAI  shall  issue  a  list  of
diseases requiring mandatory vaccination to prevent, control, and eradicate
emerging  or  re-emerging,  communicable  and  exotic  diseases.  All  animals
18


shall have to be vaccinated in accordance with the guidelines issued by BAI.
In  case  of  refusal  to  vaccinate  despite  due  notice,  the  BAI  shall  have
authority to require the LGU concerned to revoke the Mayor's and Business
Permits issued for the operation of the establishment,  and/or impose fines
or penalties to owners.
SEC.   28.   Errlergenqg/  Preparedness.  -  The  BAI   shall  draft  the
National Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Plans in response to animal
health   and   animal   production   food   safety   issues.   Measures   shall   be
developed  consistent  with  One  Health  approach  and  shall  be  regularly
tested through simulation exercises.
SEC.   29.   Risk  Anazg/sis.  -  Principles  of  risk  analysis   shall  be
incorporated in all policy formulation and standard setting such as, but not
limited  to,   declaration  of  animal  diseases,  emergency,   quarantine,  and
importation of animals, animal products, by-products, veterinary biological
products, animal feeds and animal effects.
SEC.  30.  Veterinarty Hib[!c Heaztfu  - The  BAI  shall  take  the  lead
role  in  the  formulation  and  implementation  of  veterinary  public  health
programs   and   activities   particularly  in   the   prevention   and   control   of
zoonoses, antimicrobial resistance, and animal production food safety.
S;EC. 31. Veterinary and Retoted Researchies on Atiinial Hearth. -
All  government  agencies,   entities  or  instrumentalities,   and  government
academic  institutions  conducting veterinary  and/or  related  researches  on
animal health  shall  furnish  a copy of the  research  output to  the  BAI.  An
experts  team  for  research  and  development  composed  of  veterinarians,
researchers, marketing professionals and legal practitioners shall assist the
researcher in determining the area of application, the end users, the follow-
up research/es when needed, and the marketability of the new technology,
and  provide  expert  advice  on  the  ways  forward  to  the  researcher  and
interested user/ s, create a research registry, develop a communication plan,
and   publish   annually   all   veterinary   and   related   researches   for   the
information  of the  stakeholders.  ProL".c{ecz,  that  intellectual  property  right
shall  not  be  impaired.   ProLJi.czecz jtrfher,  that  Department  of  Agriculture
through   the   National   Livestock   Program   shall   provide   priority  funding
support to developed technology that will prevent,  control,  stamp out,  and
eradicate zoonosis and diseases of economic importance.
SEC.   32.   Researches  on  Anfmaz  Jreazt7L  -  The  Department  of
Agriculture  shall prioritize  funding support to develop technology that will
prevent,   control,   stamp   out,   and   eradicate   zoonosis   and   diseases   of
economic importance. All government agencies, entities or instrumentalities,
and government academic institutions conducting veterinary and/ or related
researches on animal health shall furnish a copy of the research output to
the Bureau of Animal Industry.
19


SEC.   33.   Prohth€tiori   o/  SzpZZZ   Feeding.   -   F`eeding   of  swill   is
prohibited unless it is properly heated or re-cooked since it can potentially
cause  infection  in  animals.  The  BAI,  together with  concerned  government
agencies and other entities,  shall take initiatives to develop technologies to
transform swill into safe material for animal feeding and other uses. It shall
be the  duty of the  LGU to monitor the disposal  of swill in their locality in
accordance to the guidelines set by BAI.
S;EC. 34r. Mandatong Bngagemeut Of thie Profiesstonal Serdees Of
a Veterinarian. - All animal facilities and establishments such as, but not
limited  to,  farms,  zoos,  kennels,  apiaries,  aviaries,  livestock  markets  and
slaughterhouses,   animal   race   tracks   and   cockpits   shall   engage   the
professional   services  of  a  veterinarian   based  on   minimum  number  of
animals and other parameters to be prescribed by the BAI, in consultation
with concerned sectors.
BBC.   315.   Standardls,  pcun;meters   and  protocols  for  Artinrtal
Health FarTrL - The BAI, in consultation with stakeholders, shall establish
the  standards,  parameters  and  protocols  pertaining to animal  health  and
good   animal   husbandry   practices   for   purposes   of  undertaking   farm
inspection and issuance of certification.
CELAFTER VIII
QUARANTINE MEASURES, FACILITIES AND BORDER SECURITY
SEC.   36.   VcterinarI/  Q(.arantzne.  -  The  BAI  shall  upgrade  the
veterinary  quarantine  system  in  order  to  prevent  the  entry  of  animal
diseases and other hazards into the country. This shall include modernizing
and   upgrading   the   quarantine   stations   to   facilitate   the   inspection   of
animals,   animal  products,   animal  by-products,   animal  feeds  and  feed
ingredients,  veterinary  drugs/products,  veterinary  biologicals,  veterinary
cosmetics  and  veterinary  devices  through  the  constniction  of  first  and
second   border   facilities,   designated   cold   examination   areas   at   ports,
checkpoints,  installing    disinfection  systems and  proper disposal facilities
and procedures for condemned items as listed in this paragraph.
SEC. 37. Import Border Control - The BAI shall institute measures
to  protect  the  country's  borders  through  implementation  of  pre-border
measures  based  on  risk  analysis,  first  border  measures,  second  border
measures and release from custom zones. The BAI shall issue regularly an
updated list of prohibited importation from countries known or declared to
be infected with dangerous communicable diseases. All kinds of wildlife that
are   subject   to   veterinary   quarantine   regulations   shall   be   under   BAI
jurisdiction. All transshipments of live animals, animal products, animal by-
products,  animal  feeds  and  feed  ingredients,  veterinary  drugs/products,
veterinary   biologicals,   veterinary   cosmetics   and   veterinary   devices   at
domestic or international ports of call shall comply with the animal health
and welfare rules and regulations prescribed by the BAI.
20


SEC. 38.  Export CorLtroz. - No animals, animal products, animal by-
products,  animal  feeds  and  feed  ingredients,  veterinary  drugs/products,
veterinary biologicals, veterinary cosmetics and veterinary devices  shall be
allowed  to  be  exported  and  loaded  on  board  ships  and  airplanes  or  any
vehicle  unless  it  is  accompanied  by  the  prescribed  documents  and  such
other documents as may be required by the competent authority and it has
complied with the quarantine requirements of the country of destination.
SEC.   39.   Domestic  «oziemerlt.   -  All   inland   and   inter-island
shipments of animals,  animal products,  animal by-products,  animal feeds,
feed   ingredients,   veterinary   drugs/products,   veterinary   biologicals,
veterinary cosmetics and veterinary devices from one province or region/ or
island  province/region  to  another  shall  be  accompanied  by  a  veterinary
health certificate and transport authorization duly issued by the BAI or duly
authorized   representative.   All   agencies/entities   managing   airports   and
seaports  shall  require  the  owner,  agent  or  master  of carrier,  or vessel  or
other means of transport to secure and submit a copy of clearance from the
Veterinary   Officer/Inspector   or   his   deputies   assigned   thereat   as   a
prerequisite to issuance of clearance to depart from the port. The Veterinary
Quarantine  Officer  (VQO)   shall  clear  all  shipments  of  animals,   animal
products,  animal  by-products,  animal  feeds,  feed  ingredients,  veterinary
drugs/products, veterinary biologicals, veterinary cosmetics and veterinary
devices  being carried by incoming or outgoing domestic vessel or aircraft.
(a)  JZzegaz or tJrLa«thorized lfozlemerit - Shipments of animals, animal
products,  animal  by-products,  animal  feeds  and  feed  ingredients,
veterinary   drugs/products,   veterinary   biologicals,   veterinary
cosmetics and veterinary devices which are found to be in violation of
this Act and its rules and regulations, or orders of the Director or his
duly authorized representative shall be confiscated and disposed of in
a manner prescribed by the BAI.
(b) Regts€ratton  Of  Commercial  Traders  and  Shippers  -  A:II
commercial livestock trader and shippers or handlers of live animals,
animal products, animal by-products, animal feeds, feed ingredients,
veterinary   drugs/products,   veterinary   biologicals,   veterinary
cosmetics  and  veterinary  devices  who  are  engaged  in  the  inter-
provincial,  inter-regional,  inter-island  and  international  shipment/
transportation  of  livestock  shall  register  with  the  BAI  in  order  to
maintain  disease  free  areas  and  achieve  safe,   clean  and  orderly
handling of commodities through the various  stages of marketing or
distribution channels.
SEC.   40.   Qb4ararLtirLe  Protocols.   -  The  BAI   shall  establish  and
implement   protocols   prescribing   standard   operating   procedures   for
Veterinary  Quarantine  Services,  declaration  of affected  areas,  premises  or
zones  under  quarantine,  movement  in  infected  areas,  lifting  of  order  of
quarantine,  duty  of owner  or  holder,  controlled  shipments,  depopulation
21


order, destruction order, cleaning and disinfection order, disease-free areas
and disposal of food/garbage from vessels or plane.
S:EC. 4L. Ebcpenses Of Quarutine and Authorit€] to Dispose. ~ rrhe
owner,  consignee,  or possessor of the  imported  animals  placed  under  the
30-day  quarantine  shall  shoulder  all  quarantine-related  costs  such  as
testing of animals and shall reimburse the BAI for other incidental expenses
incurred during the quarantine period of such animals. In case of his failure
to  do  so  after a notice  of release  of quarantine  has  been  issued  and duly
served upon him, the BAI shall have the right to auction off his animals to
recover such expenses made after due notice.
SEC. 42. Pagment a/ Expenses. -All charges for insurance, storage,
demurrage,  cartage,  labor  and  other  incidental  expenses  relative  to  the
inspection,   cost  of  disinfection   and   disposition   and   other  post   border
requirement shall be paid by the importer,  exporter,  shipper or consignee,
as the case may be.
SEC.  43.  JVon-L€ab![€tgr CZouse. - The Veterinary Quarantine Officer
or  any  other  authorized  personnel  of the  Veterinary  Quarantine  Services
shall  not  be  held  liable  for  damages  to  the  live  animals,  meat  products,
commodities or any other damages in the course of implementation of the
provisions of this Act, as well as its implementing rules and regulations.
S"3. 44p.   Responstbtlfty] Of Bureau Of Customs @OC), PhitSppine
Ports  Authoritg  PEA),  Civil  Aviaflon  Authority  Of  the  Philippines
(CAAP) and Opera:tors Of CIther Ports. ~
(a) The BOC, PPA, CAAP and other seaport and airport authorities shall
fully   cooperate   with   the   Veterinary   Quarantine   Service   in   the
enforcement  of this  Act  or  any  rules  and  regulations  issued  in  the
implementation  thereto,  and  enforce  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 veterinary biologics.
(b) The  CAAP  and  other  airport  authorities  shall  provide  a  respectable
Veterinary Quarantine Office space in all airports in the country free
of charge,  while the PPA and other seaport authorities shall provide
the  same  for  the  establishment  of Veterinary  Quarantine  Stations/
Offices within the port premises, also free of charge.
Chapter K
DISEASE COMPENSATION AND ERADICATION TRUST FUND
S:BC. 4r5.  Creation Of a Disease Compensation ar.d Eradha;tion
7hist  Ftind.  -  A  Disease  Compensation  and  Eradication  Trust  Fund  is
hereby established and the initial amount or seed fund of Two Billion Pesos
22


(Php 2,000,000,000.00)  is hereby appropriated for the purpose. Thereafter,
the  Fund  shall  be  included  in  the  annual  General  Appropriations  Act  in
such amounts as may be warranted by existing needs and requirements.
The Fund shall be held in a special trust account by the Bureau of
Treasury to  be  released  to  the  BAI  in  accordance  with  existing rules  and
regulations.  The  Fund  shall  not  be  reduced  below Two  Billion  Pesos  (Php
2,000,000,000.00) annually and any unobligated amount remaining after a
fiscal year shall not revert to the General F`und.
BBC.   46.   Authoritg  off  LGUs  to  create  the  Local  Disease
CoaperLsatiorL  and  ErndzcatiorL  ft.nd.  -  Cities  and  municipalities  are
granted the authority to create a counterpart Local Disease  Compensation
and Eradication Fund by way of an ordinance. The Fund shall be sourced
from   amounts   collected   from   owners   of  animals   slaughtered   in   the
slaughter/dressing   facility   located   within   their  jurisdiction,   at   rates
prescribed   by   the   local   Sanggunian.   Following  the   national   guidelines
prescribed by BAI on fund utilization as required under Sections 45 and 50
of this Act, the LGU shall be responsible in the use of their locally generated
fund,   complying   with   existing   accounting   and   auditing   rules   and
regulations.
SEC.  47.  fund  Ut£[izat!on.  -  The  Ftrnd  shall  be  applied  for  the
payment of compensation to the owner of animals that are culled as part of
the  government's disease  control program.  It shall also  be  utilized  for the
payment of other expenses directly connected with controlling,  eradicating
or preventing, the spread of any animal disease decreed by the BAI.
SEC.  48.  Couerage  o/ Coaperisat!on.  -  Only  those  animals  that
were culled pursuant to  the  Depopulation Order issued by the  Director to
prevent further spread of the disease shall be indemnified.
SEC.  49.   Coirapensab[e  Amottnt.  -  The  amount  of  compensation
payable shall not be more than  sixty percent (60°/o)  of the market value of
the identified animals that are ordered depopulated on account of a disease.
SEC.  50.  Jssz4ance  a/ CoaperLsat{on  Gtt3dezznes.  ~  Guidelines  for
the   payment   of   compensation   shall   be   prescribed   by   the   BAI,   in
consultation with stakeholders.
Chapter X
VETERINARY DIAGNOSTIC AND ANALYTICAL LABORATORIES
SEC.  51.  OJficial Accreditat€on. -The BAI shall be responsible for
regulating both government and private veterinary testing laboratories. Only
results  from  BAI  officially  accredited  veterinary  diagnostic  and  analytical
testing laboratory facilities shall be recognized for purposes of diagnosis and
analysis.  The  BAI  shall  develop  guidelines  and  standards  in  the  official
23


accreditation  of various  veterinary  laboratory  facilities  and  adopt  quality
systems towards international certification.
SEC.  52.  JvatiorLaz  Veterzriaq/    Imborator=/ Jvletttrorfe.  - A National
Veterinary  Laboratory  Network  that  includes  among  others,   diagnostic,
analytical  and  chemical  laboratories  both  public  and  private,   shall  be
established  by  BAI  to  meet  all  the  needs  of the  Veterinary  Services  for  a
sustainable, effective, safe and efficient implementation of the provisions of
this  Act.   The   laboratory  network   shall  include   modern   methodologies,
infrastructure,   equipment,  maintenance  and  personnel.   Performance  of
laboratories  shall  be  regularly  reviewed,   audited  and  updated  through
national,   regional   or   international   proficiency   testing   and   competency
assessment  programs.  The  BAI  shall  be  responsible  in  gaining  access  to
international reference laboratories or OIE reference laboratories to obtain
further confirmatory tests analysis.
SEC. 53. Bfosa/cry arid BZoseourft!/. - Standards and guidelines for
laboratory biosafety and  biosecurity  shall  be  established  and  practiced  by
veterinary   and   feed   analysis   laboratories   based   on   national   and
international recommendations.
SEC.   54.   Re/enence  Dzagriostzc  IAlboncztor!/.   -  The   BAI-Animal
Disease  Diagnosis  and  Reference  Laboratory  (ADDRL)  shall  serve  as  the
national reference laboratory for animal disease diagnosis and analysis. The
ADDRL  shall  join  international  competency  assessment  to  maintain  its
capacity as the reference laboratory.
Chapter XI
REGULATIONS ON ANIMAL FEEDS AND VETERINARY DRUGS AND
PRODUCTS
SEC.  55.   ControzI{ng  atithoritE/.  -  In  the  overriding  interests  of
protecting  the  animal  and  public  health  of  the  country,  the  BAI  is  the
national controlling authority for veterinary biological products,  veterinary
drugs/products,   veterinary  devices,   veterinary  cosmetics,   mixed  animal
feeds, feed ingredients, feed supplements, feed additives, concentrates, base
feeds, base mixes,  specialty feeds,  special feed nutrient preparations, other
feed products and their establishments. The BAI shall provide the necessary
rules   and   regulations   on   their   manufacture,   production,   importation,
exportation, distribution, handling, storage, sale, and use.
SECTION   56.   Colzaborlating  Agreement±  -  To   ensure   livestock
protection  from  diseases  and  prevent  associated  human  health  risks,  the
BAI  will  enter into  collaborating agreement with  Food  and  Drug Authority
(FDA) where BAI shall report on the registration of relevant products to FDA
and  set regular  meetings  to  update  FDA on  the  product registration  and
other issues.
24


S;BC.  57.  I;teeustng  Of aninal feeds,  i]eterha;r=i d:rags/prod:ucts
and  bfozogfcs  esta[bzishmerLts.  -  Any  entity  desiring  to  engage  in  the
manufacture   and/or   production,   importation,   exportation,   repacking
distribution and sale of veterinary biological products, veterinary drugs and
products, veterinary devices, veterinary cosmetics, mixed animal feeds, feed
ingredients, feed supplements, feed additives, concentrates, base feeds, base
mixes, special feeds, special feed nutrient preparations, other feed products
shall first be licensed by the BAI.
SEC.  58.  Rcgtstration  a/ Prodticts.  -  Each  type,  brand  or  kind
of  veterinary  biological  products,   veterinary  drugs/products,   veterinary
devices,  veterinary  cosmetics,  veterinary  cosmetics,  mixed  animal  feeds,
feed ingredients, feed supplements, feed additives, concentrates, base feeds,
base mixes,  specialty feeds,  specialty feed nutrient preparations, and other
feed products, manufactured, imported, distributed, exported or offered for
sale shall first be registered with Bureau of Animal Industry.
BBC.  59.  Importation  Of  Ar.inial  Feeds,  Veterinar=|  Btotogtcal
products,  Veterinar=i  Drugs  and  Related  Products.  -  \rrxportation  Of
veterinary   biological   products,   veterinary   drugs/products,   veterinary
devices,  veterinary  cosmetics,  mixed  animal  feeds,  feed  ingredients,  feed
supplements, feed additives, concentrates, base feeds, base mixes, specialty
feeds,  special feed nutrient preparations, other feed products without valid
SPS and permits duly issued by the BAI  shall not be allowed entry.  All in-
transit  shipments  at  the  time  of  the  occurrence  of a  foreign  disease  or
contagion shall be subjected to strict quarantine and laboratory testing, or
automatically  denied  entry  and/or  confiscation  and  disposal,  as  the  BAI
may  determine,  in  the  overriding  interests  of protecting  the  animal  and
public health of the country.
S;B®.  60.  Temporars]  Rei)ocation  and  Suspension Of Lieer.se  or
Permit, and/or Stoppage o/Prodt.ct!on. -Failure of any grantee of license
registration and permits to comply with any of the requirements provided in
this Act or its implementing rules and regulations shall be sufficient ground
for  the  immediate  temporary  suspension  or  revocation  of such  license  or
permit,  and/or  stoppage  of  production  and  marketing  for  the  particular
product, with authority to institute recall order for said product, subject to
the  institution  of  immediate  formal  proceedings  against  the  grantee  or
licensee.
Chapter XII
cAPAclTy BulLDING AND DEVEropMENT
SEC.  61.   Cqpac€ty  Btiiiding.  -  The  BAI  and  ATI  shall  design  a
standard capacity building program that follows the Day One and advanced
competencies prescribed by OIE. The program shall be implemented across
national and local government units to address animal health. The academe
and   private   sector   shall   be   encouraged   to   adopt  and   implement   the
Program.
25


SEC.  62.  Cqpac{t£/  dellelopment.  -  The  government  shall  ensure
that  necessary  tools  to  implement  animal  health  programs  and  address
animal health challenges are developed and applied. These may include, but
not limited to, use of epidemiology assessment tools, laboratory assessment
tools and diagnostic kits, data management and analysis.
Chapter XIII
INTERNATIONAL AND DOMESTIC COLIIABORATION
S:EC.  63.   Membership  to  lrttemationaz  0rgantwtions.  -  rThe
Philippines  shall  maintain  its  membership  in  the  World  Organisation  for
Animal Health (OIE) and participate actively in   activities relevant to animal
health undertaken by other recognized international organizations such as,
but not limited to,  Codex Alimentarius  Commission,  Food  and Agriculture
Organization   of   the   United   Nations   (FAO-UN)   and   the   World   Health
Organization OvHO).
SEC.  64r.       Parttctpatton  tn  Internattonat  Meetings  and
Worfeshops  on An€ma[ Healtfu  - The  veterinary  services  at  central  and
local  unit  levels  shall  ensure  that  veterinary  staff participate  in  relevant
international  and  national  meetings  and  workshops  on  animal  health  to
keep abreast with current developments on animal health.
S:EC.  65.  Cotlaboratior.  with  Partners  to  Str)engtheri  Ar.inrat
Health Capacity. - The veterinary services at central and local unit levels
shall   ensure   that   collaboration   and   cooperation   with   international
development   partners   and   national   development   partners   involved   in
strengthening capacity on animal health are maintained and enhanced.
S;BC. 66. Cornptlanee u]ith lnterrationat Obugations/Standards.
-The BAI, as the designated competent authority on animal health, shall be
responsible  for ensuring and/or supervising the implementation of animal
health   and   welfare   measures,   international   veterinary   certification,
international reporting obligations and adoption of standards.
CHARTER AV
pROHIBITIONs AND pENALTlrs
SEC.   67.   Fqzzt(rie  to  Report  Jvbt!fiabze  J»seases.  -  All  animal
producers,  owners,  operators,  establishment managers,  veterinarians,  and
consultants who have sufficient knowledge of a notifiable disease and fail to
report  it  to  the  LGU  Veterinary  Office  or  to  the  BAI  or  to  the  DA  RFO
immediately within twenty-four (24)  hours by the quickest means possible
shall  be  fined  for  the  first  offense,  the  amount  of not  less  than  Twenty
Thousand Pesos (Php 20,000.00)  and for each succeeding offense by a fine
of not less than Thirty Thousand Pesos (Php 30,000.00) or an imprisonment
of not less than Thirty (30) days but not more than Six (6) months or both at
the discretion of the court.
26


SECTION  68.  Obst"ction  o/ "ity.  -  Any  person  who  disobeys,
evades,  obstructs  or  hinders  the  BAI  Director  or  any  of his  enforcement
officers or deputized officers to perform his duty shall be penalized by a fine
of Twenty Thousand Pesos (Php 20,000.00). A repetition of the same offense
shall  be  penalized  by  a  fine  of not  less  than  F`ifty  Thousand  Pesos  (Php
50,000.00) or an imprisonment of not less than Six (6) Months but not more
than One (1) year, or both at the discretion of the court, and cancellation of
the  registration,  permit,  or license  of such  person,  farm  or establishment
owner, transport operator whichever is applicable.
SEC. 69. False Statement. - Any person who knowingly makes false
declaration or misleading statement, such as but not limited to forging and
re-using  of  Veterinary  Health   Certificate,   laboratory  results   and   other
relevant   documents,   in   his   application   for   an   authorization   shall   be
penalized by a fine of not less than Fifty Thousand Pesos (Php 50,000.00) or
an imprisonment of not less than One (1) month but not more than Six (6)
months, or both at the discretion of the court.
SEC.  10.   Non-registration  of  Transport  Fac£Itfies  and
Eftyt.fpments.  -  F`ailure  of  the  owner  to  register  vessels,  vehicles,   and
equipment  related   to   transport  of  animals,   animal   products   and   by-
products,   animal   feeds   and   feedstuffs,   veterinary   drugs/products,
veterinary biological products,  veterinary devices and other products  shall
be  penalized  by  a  rine  of  not  less  than  Twenty  Thousand  Pesos  (Php
20,000.00)  or  an  imprisonment  of not  less  than  Thirty  (30)  days  but  not
more than Sixty (60) days, or both, at the discretion of the court.
S:BC. 71.  Uncruthorized Tha;nsport and Move\'r\jeut Of Products. -
Any   person,   officers   of  corporation,   association,   organization,   or
establishment found to  be transporting animals,  animal products and by-
products,  processed  animal  products,  animal  feeds  and  feed  ingredients,
veterinary  drugs,   veterinary  products,   veterinary   biologicals,   veterinary
cosmetics and veterinary devices without first securing authorization  from
the BAI shall be penalized by a fine of not less than Twenty Thousand Pesos
(Php  20,000.00)  for  the  first  offense,  not  less  than  F`ifty  Thousand  Pesos
(Php  50,000.00)  for  the  second  offense,  and  not  less  than  One  Hundred
Thousand  Pesos   (Php   loo,000.00)   for  the  third  offense.   Likewise,   any
person found to be transporting animals, animal products and by-products,
processed  animal  products,  animal  feeds  and  feed  ingredients,  veterinary
drugs, veterinary products, veterinary biologicals, veterinary cosmetics and
veterinary devices in a commercial quantity as defined by the BAI shall be
penalized by a fine of not less than Two Hundred and F`ifty Thousand Pesos
(Php  250,000.00)  for the  first offense,  Five  Hundred Thousand  Pesos  (Php
500,000.00)   for   the   second   offense,   and   One   Million   Pesos   (Php
1,000,000.00)   for   the   third   and   any   succeeding   offense,   with   an
imprisonment of not less than Thirty (30) days, or both, at the discretion of
the court.
27


Sgpe._ 72.  Non-obsenra;nee Of Prescribed ProcedhaTes. - ALny person
or establishment operator which (a)  during the course of regular operation
falls to observe  BAI or his authorized representative approved procedures,
or  (b)  during seizure,  detention or quarantine fails to  seek clearance  from
BAI  on  the  handling,  disposal,  or destruction and  removal of live  or dead
animals,  animal  products,  animal  by-products,  animal  effects,  veterinary
biological   products,   veterinary   drugs/products   and   veterinary   devices,
animal feeds and feed ingredients,  shall be penalized by a fine of not less
than Fifty Thousand pesos (Php 50,000.00) or an imprisonment of not less
than  Thirty  (30)  Days  but  not  more  than  Sixty  (60)  days,  or  both  at  the
discretion of the court.
S:B®.   18.   Urrauthorteed  Operation  and  Use  Of  Regtstrattori
Mtmber. - Establishment operators/owners found without a valid  License
to Operate from BAI or unlawfully using the registration number of another
establishment  shall  be  penalized  by  a fine  of not  less  than  One  Hundred
Thousand  Pesos  (Php  loo,000.00)  or  an  imprisonment  of  not  less  than
Thirty (30) Days but not more than One (1) year, or both, at the discretion of
the court.
?The:   74_I_.   F¥_1ture  to   Disptag   and  Use   Of  Fake   or  Ebcpired
Reg±stration Cert!ficatc. - Establishment operators found not displaying
the License to Operate or displaying fake or expired licenses in the premises
of the establishments shall be penalized by a fine of not less than Twenty
Thousand  Pesos  (Php  20,000.00)  for  the  first  offense  and  closure  of said
establishments for second offense.
S:BC.  7_5.  Itfegal Manufacture  and Marketer.g  Of Arit„ral Feeds,
Veterinary Dru_g_sproducts and veterha;ry Biologtoal Products. - A;ny
person   or  establishment  operator   engaged   in   the   manufacture,   trade,
importation,  distribution,  use  or  sale  of banned,  substandard,  tampered,
adulterated,  deficient, unlabeled or mislabeled,  unbranded or misbranded,
expired,  repacked,  unregistered or damaged through improper handling of
veterinary   biological   products,   veterinary   drugs/products,   veterinary
devices,   mixed   animal   feeds,   feed   ingredients,   feed   supplements,   feed
additives,  premixes,  base  feeds,  base  mixes,  concentrates,  specialty feeds,
special  feed  nutrient  preparations  and  other  feed  products,  in  any  form
shall be penalized by a fine of not less than One Hundred Thousand Pesos
(Php  100,000.00)  but  not  more  than  Five  Hundred  Thousand  Pesos  (Php
500,000.00)  or an imprisonment of not less than Thirty (30)  Days but not
more than One (1) year or both, at the discretion of the court.
S;E®.  76.  Iuegal  Acts  on  lnbeting  Of  Fake  and  Adul;tero[ted
Vcterina:ry Drugsftyod:uets and Veterina:r:]i Btotogtoal Products. - A;ny
person   or   establishment  operator  found   guilty  of  tampering,   altering,
mutilating, destroying, obliterating or removing the whole or any part of the
labeling material packages and tags or labels of, or using fake or adulterated
veterinary  biological  products,  veterinary  drugs/products  and  veterinajry
devices,   mixed   animal   feeds,   feed   ingredients,   feed   supplements,   feed
28


additives, base feeds, base mixes, concentrates, specialty feeds, special feed
nutrient  preparations  and  other  feed  products,   in  any  form   shall  be
penalized  by  a  fine  of not  less  than  One  Hundred  Thousand  Pesos  (Php
loo,000.00) but not more than One Million Pesos (Php  1,000,000.00) or an
imprisonment of not less  than  Sixty  (60)  Days  but not more  than  One  (1)
year or both, at the discretion of the court.
S;BC. 77. Itkegal Use and Sale Of Veterinar±i and Hui'nan Drugs. -
Any person found to be using and selling unauthorized veterinary or human
drugs  for animals  raised  for human  consumption  shall  be  penalized  by a
fine of not less than Twenty Five Thousand Pesos  (Php 25,000.00)  but not
more   than   One   Hundred   Thousand   Pesos   (Php   loo,000.00)   or   an
imprisonment of not less than Thirty (30)  days but not more than One  (1)
year, or both, at the discretion of the court.
SEC.  78.  ReJitsaz to  Vaccinate Anfrriats. - Refusal of an owner or
caretaker  to  have  his  animals  vaccinated  against  diseases  covered  by
mandatory  vaccination  shall  be  penalized  by  a  fine  of not  less  than  Ten
Thousand Pesos (Php  10,000.00)  or an imprisonment of not less than Ten
(10)  Days but not more than Thirty (30)  days,  or both,  at the discretion of
the court.
SEC.  79.  Other  V[o[ations  a/ tJits Act.  -  Any  person,  officers  of
corporation,   association,   organization  or  establishment  found  to  be  in
violation  of any  of the  provisions  of this Act  that  are  not  covered  by  the
foregoing  provisions,  or  rules  and  regulations  issued  therewith,  shall  be
penalized  by a fine  of not less  than Twenty Thousand .Pesos  (Php  20,000)
but  not  more  than  One  Hundred  Thousand  Pesos  (Php  loo,000)  or  an
imprisonment of not less than Thirty (30)  days but not more than One  (1)
Year, or both, at the discretion of the court.
SEC.  80.  Eiccept!ons «rLder certqzri  condftzoes.  - Nothing in  this
Chapter   shall   be   construed   as   requiring   the   Director   to   certify   for
prosecution  any  first violation  of this  Act  whenever  sufficient  compliance
and public interest, with no damage caused to the public or any individual,
will  be  adequately  served  by  a  suitable  written  notice  of  violation  and
warning  duly  endorsed  by  the  appropriate  Hearing  Committee  described
under   Chapter  XV   hereof,   and   recommended   by   the   Director   to   the
Secretary of Agriculture for approval.
SEC. 81. Repeated Wfolat{on. -Any person found to have committed
a second violation of the  same offense  shall suffer the penalty of fine and
imprisonment prescribed for said offense.
Chapter XV
REVOCATION AND SUSPENSION PROCEEDINGS
SEC.  82.  Jristitrtion  a/ Coapha€nt.  -  The  Director  or  upon  the
instance  of any  interested  party  may  file  a  complaint  before  the  hearing
29


committee for the formal suspension or revocation of the license or permit
duly  issued  by  the  BAI  for  violation  of its  terms  and  conditions,  or  any
provisions of the rules and regulations applicable thereto.
SEC.  83.  Hearing  Commfttee.  -  A  hearing  committee  is  hereby
created to hear any complaint filed under the preceding section. It shall be
composed of at least three (3) members. The Assistant Director and two (2)
Division Chiefs or other BAI Officers as may be designated by the Director,
as members thereof.
SEC.  84.  Po"ers  and  Ft.nations.  - The  Hearing  Committee  shall
have the following powers and functions:
(a) To conduct formal investigation and hearings on  the cases before it
and   make   recommendations   for  appropriate   actions   thereon   for
approval of the Director;
(b) To  administer  oaths,  issue  summons  and  subpoenas  requiring  the
attendance  and  testimony  of witnesses  or  the  production  of  such
books, papers, contracts, records, statement of accounts, agreements,
and other documents as may be material to a just determination of
the matter under investigation,  and to testify in any investigation or
hearing conducted in pursuance to this Act;
(c)  To  hold  any  person  in  contempt,  directly  or  indirectly,  and  impose
appropriate  penalties  therefore  ranging  from  One  Thousand  Pesos
(Php  1,000.00) to Ten Thousand Pesos (Php 10,000.00);
(d) To enjoin any or all acts involving or arising from any case pending
before  it  which,  if  not  restrained  forthwith,  may  cause  grave  or
irreparable damage to any party or the government; and
(e)  To use every and all reasonable means to ascertain the facts,  issues
and  applicable  laws,  rules  and jurisprudence  in  each  case  speedily
and   objectively   and   without   regard   to   technicalities   of  law   or
procedure, all in the interest of due process.
In   any   proceeding   before   the   Committee,   the   parties   may   be
represented  by a legal counsel.  The  Committee  Report,  when approved by
the  Director  shall  be  final  and  binding  on  the  parties  after  the  lapse  of
fifteen (15) days from its date of receipt by said parties. Subject to execution
pending  appeal,   any   aggrieved   party   may  appeal   to   the   Secretal.y  of
Agriculture within the same period.
Chapter XVI
GENERAL PROVISIONS
SEC. 85.  ConLfidlentiaztt=/ a/ rechrLtcaz JrL/ormacton. - The BAI shall
take  such  measure  as  may be  necessary to  protect trade,  industrial  and
policy data of industry stakeholders acquired or gathered during the course
of official business when disclosure  of such information will prejudice the
competitiveness or operational viability of concerned persons or entities.
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SEC.  86.  IVon-LfabilftE/ Chattse.  - All implementors of this Act shall
not be held liable for any damages and losses incurred by any individual or
entity arising from the performance of their duties and functions under this
Act.
S;EX3. 8]. Regulatory Fees and Reteritton Of lr.coi'rlje. ~
(a) The   BAI   shall   have   the   authority   to   impose   charges   and   fees,
including  but  not  limited  to  application,  authorization,  registration,
inspection,  certification,  or processing fees  for the  services  rendered
in  the  implementation  of  this  Act  subject  to  the  approval  of  the
Secretary of Agriculture.
(b) The fees imposed shall annually be determined and reviewed by the
BAI  and  any  proposed  increase  shall  be  published  in  a  leading
newspaper of general circulation.
(c)  All  collected  fees  relative  to  the  enforcement  of this  Act  of the  BAI
collected   relative   to   enforcement   of  regulatory   and   laboratory
activities as mandated by this Act shall be deposited in an authorized
government  depository  bank  as  a  special  account  called  Animal
Health Protection Fund. Any interest earned by such fund shall form
part of the retained income. Such fund shall be used primarily for but
not limited to the acquisition and expansion of ofrice and laboratory
space,  human  resource  development  and  expansion,  animal  health
programs, hazard allowances, purchase of laboratory equipment and
motor vehicles, the upgrading of its current facilities and equipment,
and   maintenance,   other   operating   expenses   of  the   central   and
regional  laboratories,  and  other  activities,  services  of the  agency in
the   performance   of  its   mandate   and   support   enforcement   and
monitoring activitie s.
(d) The Animal Health Protection F`und shall be allowed to accept grants,
donations and other endowments from local and external sources in
accordance with pertinent laws, rules and regulations.
(e)  Any contribution,  donation,  bequest,  subsidy or financial aid which
may  be  made  to  the  BAI  for  the  implementation  of this  Act  shall
constitute as an allowable deduction from the taxable income of the
donor/ giver and shall be exempted from donor's tax.
(I)  The retention, use and application of this fund shall not be delayed,
amended, altered, or modified, or affected in any way by an order or
directive  from  any  executive  office,  but  will  be  subject  only  to  the
general accounting rules and guidelines by the Commission on Audit
(COA). The primary purpose of the fund as herein stated shall prevail
over  any  other  purpose  that  may  be  pursued  by  BAI  on  its  own
initiative  or through  an  order or directive  by any  higher office.  The
BAI   shall  submit  annually  to  the  Secretaries  of  Agriculture  and
31


Budget & Management a report on how funds were utilized including
its accomplishments.
(g)  There shall also be established a legal fund out of the interest earned
from the retained income for use in case of legal actions against the
officials,  employees  of the  BAI  in  the  course  of the  exercise  of their
official functions and duties.
SEC.  88.  Foreign and locaz Grqrits cznd Azds. - The BAI, in itself,
or in collaboration with other agencies shall receive grants and other funds
for its research activities and various programs.
SEC.  89.  VeterirLar=/ JM«cation.  - The BAI in coordination with the
Commission   on   Higher   Education   and   PVMA   shall   regularly   provide
recommendations to make the veterinary medical curriculum responsive to
the needs and imperatives of the country.
Chapter RTI
TRANSITORY PROVISIONS
SEC.   90.   J7rpzemerLctng  Rt(Zes  and  Regz4Zat!orLs.  -  The  BAI,   in
consultation with various stakeholders,  shall formulate and recommend to
the Secretary of Agriculture the necessary rules and regulations for the full
implementation  of this  Act,  provided,  however,  that  the  formulated  rules
and   regulations   shall   be   submitted   to   both   Houses   of  Congress   for
information and guidance. Such rules and regulations shall take effect after
fifteen  (15)  days  following  the  completion  of its  publication  in  the  Official
Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
SEC.  91.  «odl/icatfon  plan.  -  Within  ninety  (90)  days  from  the
effectivity  of  this  Act,  the  BAI  shall  formulate  and  submit  to  DBM  the
organizational modification plan for the strengthening of BAI to implement
the provisions of this Act.  DBM  shall review and approve the plan no later
than ninety (90) days from its final submission by BAI.
SEC. 92.  Creatlorl and ReczasstficatiorL a/ PosttiorLs. -The BAI is
hereby   authorized   to   create,   upgrade,   collapse   or   reclassify   existing
positions   to   veterinary   and   related   positions   necessary   to   effectively
implement the provisions of this Act.
Chapter "11
FINAL PROVISIONS
SEC.93.  Appropriations.  - The  appropriations  for  BAI  included  in
the  budget  of  the  Department  of Agriculture  under  the  current  General
Appropriations Act shall be used to effectively cany out the implementation
of this Act. The appropriation may be augmented by the income which the
agency is authorized to use under this Act. Thereafter,  such sums as may
32


be  necessary  for  its  continued  implementation  shall  be  included  in  the
annual General Appropriations Act.
SEC. 94. Mandatort/ Retrfeun. - The Congress of the Philippines shall
undertake a mandatory review of this Act at least once every five (5) years
and as often as it may deem necessary,  to ensure  that veterinary policies
and guidelines remain responsive to changing circumstances.
SEC.  95.  Repea[£ng  Chattse.  -  Any  provision  of law  or  regulation
inconsistent   with   this   Act   shall   be   considered   modified   or   repealed
accordingly.   However,  the  provisions  of  Act  No.   3639,  Republic  Act  No.
8435,   as   amended,   otherwise   known   as   the   "Agricultural   Fisheries
Modernization  Act",   Executive  Order  No.   292,   otherwise  known  as  the
"Administrative  Code  of  1987",   Republic  Act  No.   1556,  as  amended  by
Presidential  Decree  No.  7,  otherwise  known  as  the  "Livestock  and  Poultry
Feeds  Act",  Act  No.  3101,  Republic  Act  No.   1071,  Republic  Act  No.   1578,
otherwise known as the "Livestock Promotion Fund", Batas Palnbansa 81g.
97,  Republic Act No.  8485,  otherwise known as the "Animal Welfare Act of
1998", Republic Act No.  10631, otherwise known as the "Anti-Rabies Act of
2007",  and such other laws which are not inconsistent with this Act shall
remain valid and in full force and effect.
SEC.  96.  SeparaEb€Z€t=/ Czaztse.  - If any portion  or provision  of this
A6t is declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other portions or provisions
hereof, which are not affected thereby, shall continue to be in full force and
effect.
SEC. 97. EJTect€trity. -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after
its  publication  in  the  Ofricial  Gazette  or in  two  (2)  newspapers  of general
circulation.
Approved,
33