Another bill vs veterinary malpractice filed

Three lawmakers are seeking a measure that would protect fur babies and livestock from bad vets who face fines of up to P250,000 and could lose their license to practice, apart from paying damages for the harm they caused.

Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte, Benguet Rep. Eric Yap, and Anti-Crime and Terrorism Community Involvement and Support party-list Rep. Edvic Yap filed House Bill No. 7896, which would also require veterinarians to avail of malpractice insurance for possible damage claims.

The lawmakers noted that while there is an existing law regulating the veterinary practice, particularly Republic Act No. 9268 or the Philippine Veterinary Medicine Act of 2004, there is no enabling legislation that would hold a veterinarian liable for malpractice. —JEANNETTE I. ANDRADE

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