QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 382)
Republic Act No. 382 regulates the practice of veterinary medicine and surgery in the Philippines.
No, it is unlawful to practice veterinary medicine and surgery without a valid and existing license as stated in Section 2 of the Act.
The exceptions include castrating and spaying of animals and dehorning of cattle, which are not covered under the restrictions of unlawful practice.
A person must be over 21 years old, of good moral character and temperate habits, a graduate of an accredited high school, a graduate of an accredited veterinary college, have passed the Veterinary Examining Board examination, and be a Filipino citizen or declared intention to become one.
The Board consists of three reputable veterinarians appointed by the President of the Republic upon recommendation of the Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
License may be revoked or suspended for fraud in obtaining the license, conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude, chronic inebriety, association with illegal practitioners, violation of the Act, fraud in tests, false advertising, or failure to report contagious diseases.
Commissioned veterinarians in the United States or the Philippine Army are exempt from the provisions of this Act as per Section 3.
It must be approved by the Department of Education, require a four-year high school course for admission, and a five-year course in veterinary medicine covering specified subjects for graduation.
Examination fee is thirty pesos, license fee is ten pesos, certified statement fee is ten pesos, and issuance of duplicate license is ten pesos. No examination fee is required for a second exam within twelve months after failing.
Any person practicing without a license is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be fined between one hundred to two hundred pesos or imprisoned from thirty days to six months or both.
The secretary keeps minutes of the Board, maintains a registration book of licensed veterinarians, and provides a duplicate copy of these records to the Bureau of Civil Service.
The Board must meet and hold examinations at least once a year if there are applicants for the examination.
The Veterinary Examining Board may reciprocate with other countries for recognition and exchange of licenses based on equality of educational standards and mutual recognition.
They are required to prosecute persons violating this Act upon proper complaint being made.
Filing a forged or fraudulently obtained diploma is punishable by fines and imprisonment as provided by Philippine laws for the crime of forgery.