SENATOR Grace Poe on Friday called on the House of Representatives to immediately act on the counterpart measure of the proposed Revised Animal Welfare Act, which the Senate unanimously approved on third reading earlier this week.
Senate Bill No. 2975, principally authored and sponsored by Poe, seeks to enhance the country’s current animal welfare framework by establishing stricter regulations on the keeping, handling, transporting, breeding, training, and treatment of animals.
The measure was passed on June 2, 2025, with full support from all senators.
“This bill is not merely token legislation. We cannot continue treating animal protection as an afterthought,” Poe said.
“More importantly, it is a declaration of dignity—for the voiceless creatures that live among us and for the kind of society we aspire to be.”
The proposed legislation responds to a growing number of animal cruelty cases in the country and aims to reinforce the accountability of pet owners, breeders, transporters, and animal-related establishments through a clearer regulatory and enforcement framework.
Poe stressed the urgency of passing the bill’s House version, emphasizing that cruelty against animals must be met with firm legal consequences.
“I urge our colleagues in the House to consider this a priority. Protecting animals is a reflection of our values as a humane and just nation,” she added.
The measure proposes stricter penalties for violations and reinforces the mandate of the Animal Welfare Division under the Bureau of Animal Industry, with provisions for inter-agency coordination, monitoring, and education campaigns.
Once the House approves its version of the bill, both chambers will meet in a bicameral conference committee to finalize the measure before it can be signed into law.