Animal welfare? Sure! But what about human welfare?

The Senate recently passed on third reading Senate Bill No. 2975 “Revised Animal Welfare Act” on June 2, 2025.

- By DR. RAYMUNDO LO

The bill obviously had good intentions, as the current law it aims to replace. Unfortunately, good intentions are not good enough considering several circumstances in our local setting. The provisions for animal welfare were first enunciated in more economically advanced and prosperous nations that have laid the foundations for it by uplifting human living standards first.

We obviously have not done enough for the latter as the poverty rate is still high. Food prices are high and proper nutrition is beyond the means of ordinary citizens resulting in widespread malnutrition and resultant physical and intellectual stunting.

Living conditions for millions are substandard, with some actually living on the streets and others stuffed into filthy and crowded slums we euphemistically term "informal settlements."

Healthwise, many Filipinos die without seeing a doctor their whole lives. Many seek medical help only when desperately ill, and often die of their illnesses which could have been prevented with early medical attention. Government hospitals are overwhelmed with patients who get suboptimal care due to the volume and often broken-down and improperly maintained equipment.