SEC Registration No.

8255
ADOPTED CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS
of the
PHILIPPINE VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, INC.
(Amended 1997)
We the members of the Philippine veterinary profession invoking the aid of the Divine Providence, in
order to establish an organization that will embody our ideals of public services, safeguard our interest
and maintain ethical and professional standards, do hereby ordain and promulgate this constitution
and by-laws.

ARTICLE I
NAME AND DOMICILE
The name of this organization shall be the "PHILIPPINE VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION,
INCORPORATED" (PVMA) and its principal office shall be located at Unit 233 Union Square
Condominium, 15th Avenue, Cubao, Quezon City 1109.

ARTICLE II
DECLARATION OF AIMS AND PURPOSED

Section 1. It shall be the aim of this association to unite all members of the veterinary

profession in the Philippines into a single vital body capable of playing an important role in the
promulgation of professional and ethical standards for the practice of veterinary science and
medicine.
Section 2. It shall likewise be the aim of the Association to foster cooperation and

friendliness with the members of the different allied professions and organizations for the best
interest of the State and the public in general.
Section 3. The Association shall strive to relate itself in the execution of the policies and

the performance of the duties and responsibilities of government institutions and agencies in
the interest of high professional standards.
Section 4. It shall initiate and/work for legislation and promulgation of lawful orders
intended to increase the serviceability of the veterinary profession as well as safeguard and
protect its inherent rights and obligations to society.

ARTICLE III
MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Membership in this Association shall be exclusive to those graduate

Veterinarians licensed by the PROFESSIONAL REGULATIONS COMMISSION (PRC) to practice in
the Philippines. To maintain membership, the life or regular members shall have to update
his/her PRC registration.

Section 2. Classification of Membership. Membership in this Association shall be

classified into:

a.
b.

c.

Regular members - are those stipulated in Section 1 and paying their annual
PVMA membership dues and regularly updating his/her PRC registration.
Life members - are regular members who have been religiously paying their
PVMA annual membership dues for the past five (5) years and whose application was
accepted and approved by the National Officers and Board of Directors. He/She shall pay the
lifetime membership fee as determined by the National Officers and Board of Directors.
Honorary members - are individuals recognized for their contribution to PVMA
and to the profession. They are those who have rendered eminent and distinguished service
of great value to veterinary medicine and are willing to contribute to the cause of this
Association. They shall be nominated through the National Officers and Board of Directors
and elected in an annual convention, their admission shall be made as provided in the Bylaws. They shall enjoy the privileges of regular members but shall not hold office or vote.

Regular or Life members can not be elected to Honorary Membership.

Section 3. Rights and Privileges of Members of Good Standing - Members shall have

rights and privileges to participate in all activities of the PVMA. Lifetime and Regular Members
shall enjoy the right to vote and to be elected to any elective position in the National Officer
and Board of Directors or Councils. This include other elective positions and appointments in
standing committees.
Section 4. All members shall fulfill all requirements which the National Officers and

Board of Directors may set forth to safeguard the welfare and interest of the Association.
Section 5. National Officers and members of the Association maybe reprimanded,

suspended or expelled for cause by 2/3 vote of the members and the National Officers and
Board of Directors, whose decision shall be final, after proper investigation of the members
concerned.
Section 6. Loss of Membership - Membership in the Association maybe lost by:

a.
b.
c.
d.

e.

Death
Non-compliance and or infraction of the rules, regulations, agreements
of stated policies of the Association
Gross unethical conduct
Non-payment of fees and dues and only upon the affirmative vote of the
majority of the entire National Officers and Board of Directors and membership in
a meeting called for the purpose, and
Resignation
Section 7. A certificate of membership shall be issued to each regular member upon
admission. The certificate of membership shall state the date of admission as member, and
shall be in a form prescribed by the National Officers and Board of Directors, duly signed by
the President and Secretary, and duly sealed with the seal of Association.

ARTICLE IV
FEES, FUNDS AND DONATION

Section 1. Newly admitted members shall pay an admission fee of P 500.00. Annual

membership fee shall be P 300.00 to be paid on or before every annual convention of the
Association. Life membership fee shall be P 5000.00
Section 2. All membership dues shall be placed in a Trust Fund.
Section 3. The National Officers and Board of Directors shall have the power to increase

membership as well as other fees, when deemed necessary.

Section 4. All Regular and Lifetime members shall pay such special assessment as the

National Officers and Board of Directors may require.

Section 5. Additional funds of the Association shall be spent only as authorized and
approved.

ARTICLE V
MEETING OF MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Annual Meeting - The annual meeting of the members of the Association shall

be held any day of the third week of February at the principal office of Greater Manila, or on
such date and place which the National Officers and Board of Directors may deem most
appropriate, but must in no way unnecessarily delay the holding of the meeting. In this
meeting, the members shall elect the National Officers and Board of Directors of the
Association and may transact any business, as may be properly brought before the meeting.
Section 2. Special Meeting - Special meeting of the members maybe called by the

President or by order of a majority of the National Officers and Board of Directors whenever it
may deem necessary or at the written request of at least 30% of the entire membership.
Section 3. Notices. - Notices of every meeting of members shall be given by the

Secretary, or such other officers of the National Officers and Board of Directors, to each
members at their address registered with the Association, sent or transmitted by mail,
facsimile, courier or related route. Notice for special meetings shall include a brief statement
of the purposes of the objects of the meeting.
Section 4. Quorum. - Attendance of the majority of the entire membership in good

standing and entitled to vote and present in person shall be requisite to constitute a quorum
at all meetings of the National Officers and Board of Directors at least a majority of the duly
constituted membership, provided a legal quorum herein is met, except in cases wherein the
Corporate law expresses requires the concurrence of a great number.
Section 5. Voting - At every meeting of the members, each member of good standing

shall be entitled to vote in person. Voting by proxy shall not be allowed.

Section 6. Order of Business - The order of business of annual meeting and, as far as
practicable at all other meetings, shall be as follows, unless otherwise provided by the
Association.

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

Calling of the roll

Secretary's proof of due notice and quorum
Election of the Board of Directors
Reading and disposal of any unapproved minutes
Report of officers, annual or otherwise

f.
g.
h.

Unfinished business
New business
Announcement of newly elected officers by the committee on elections.
Section 7. Committee on Elections - A Committee on Elections composed of a chairman

and four (4) members shall be appointed by the National Officers and Board of Directors . It
shall supervise the conduct of elections, screen votes and candidates, and proclaim the duly
elected officers. Any ruling of the Committee may be appealed to the National Officers and
Board of Directors. Whose decision shall be final. Members of the Committee on Election shall
not be qualified to any elective position.
Section 8. Election Inspectors - Each candidate to an elective position shall be entitled

to be represented by an election inspector identified and indorsed during the canvassing of

votes or ballots.
Section 9. Rules and Procedures on Election - The following conditions and procedures
shall be followed in the election of Vice-President and President Elect, Treasurer, Auditor and
six (6) members of the Board of Directors of the Association and the Standing Councils.

a.

b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.

A member is qualified to be nominated and voted upon as a candidate provided

he is a regular member and shall have been a member of good standing for at least one (1)
year prior to election as duly certified by the National Officers and Board of Directors and
provided he is willing to serve.
Election shall be by secret ballot.
Any member who has not settled all his accounts and financial obligations shall
not be qualified to vote or be nominated for any position.
A majority of the total number of members who are of good standing shall be
required to make an election valid.
The candidates garnering the highest number of votes cast win.
A tie shall be resolved by the Committee on Elections in a manner approved by
the National Officers and Board of Directors.
The duly elected officers and directors shall assume office on the date of their
election for a term of one (1) year unless sooner disqualified for cause.

ARTICLE VI
APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Each application for membership shall be submitted in writing and be duly

vouched by two (2) regular members of good standing of the Association. It must be
accompanied by Five Hundred (P 500.00) pesos to cover membership fee and the first year's
due, which sum shall be returned to the applicant should he be not elected to membership.
Section 2. All participants for membership shall be filed with the National Officers and

Board of Directors which shall decide its approval or rejection. Applications adversely
considered and re-submitted to the Board shall be final and not again entertained until one (1)
year from the date it was rejected.
Section 3. Only those graduates from veterinary schools or colleges, recognized by the

Government and duly licensed by veterinary schools or associations of other countries

acceptable in standing by the Association may be admitted to membership.
Section 4. Nominations for Honorary Membership shall be submitted by any regular
member to the National Officers and Board of Directors accompanied by a brief statement

setting forth the accomplishments of the nominee upon which a right to honorary membership
shall be based. Such nomination shall be the hand of the National Officers and Board of
Directors at least two (2) days before any regular meeting. The nomination shall be considered
at the next meeting of the National Officers and Board of Directors. If the action is
unfavorable, the nomination shall be returned to the nominator and no report shall be made to
the Association. If the nomination is acceptable, the Board shall recommend and present at
least twenty four (24) hours shall have elapsed between the nomination and the election. Not
more than three (3) honorary membership may be conferred in any one (1) year.

ARTICLE VII
NATIONAL OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1. National Officers and Board of Directors. The corporate powers of the
Association shall be exercised and its business conducted by the National Officers and Board
of Directors composed of the following:

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.

President
Vice-Prcsident and President-Elect
Treasurer
Auditor
Six (6) Board of Directors
Immediate Past President
Section 2. Positions to be elected (officers and members of the board to be nominated)
during the annual meeting are Vice-President and President-Elect, Treasurer, Auditor and Six
(6) Board of Directors and four (4) Council Members. Each nominee shall be present to indicate
his willingness to serve when elected in order to be considered for election. The Vice-President
and President-Elect shall automatically become the President after the latter's term expires.
He shall point the Secretary and Public Relations Officer from among the six (6) Directors. The
Immediate Past President shall automatically become a member of the Board of Directors with
the title of Immediate Past President. He is disqualified to run for Vice-President and PresidentElect until after his term as Immediate Past President shall have expired. Any elected official
that resigns his/her position is ineligible to run for any elective position within three (3) years
from resignation.

Only those who have been elected and served as a member of the National Officers and Board
of Directors including Treasurer and Auditor and the Standing Councils can be nominated and
elected as Vice-President and President-Elect. He should have served at least two (2) full terms
within a period often (10) years from election or nomination, one of the terms having been
served at least within five (5) years from election or nomination.

Section 3. Meetings - The National Officers and Board of Directors shall hold regular
meetings once a month at the PVMA Home or in such time and place as the Officers and Board
may designate. Special meetings may be called by the President or upon the written request
of at least four (4) Board Directors. A majority of the National Officers and Board of Directors

shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business. Notices,either verbal or written,
are necessary in all regular meetings. Notices of all special meetings of the National Officers
and Board of Directors shall be mailed to each officers and directors at his last known address,
or delivered to him personally, or transmitted by facsimile/telegraph or telephone, at least two
(2) days prior to the date fixed for the meeting.
Section 4. Specific Powers - Without in any way the power of management, direction

and control conferred upon the National Officers and Board of Directors under Section 1 of this
Article, authority is hereby conferred upon the National Officers and Board of Directors to state
from time to time the policy of the Association in matters of general interest to the members
for their guidance and welfare. No member shall act contrary to a policy so stated, under
penalty of loss of membership, as herein provided.
Section 5. To carry out the objectives and activities of the Association, the following
committees shall be created.

a.
b.
c.
d.

Education and Information Committee - five members

Legislation and Resolution Committee - three members
Finance Committee - five members
Program Committee - three members
Section 6. Apart from the foregoing standing committees, the National Officers and

Board of Directors may create such other committees necessary to the full realization of the
objectives of the Association.
Section 7. The Chairman of each of the various committees shall be chosen from the

members of the National Officers and Board of Directors. Thereafer, the chairman of each
committee shall draw his members from among the regular members of the Association and
shall submit the composition of his/her committee to the Board for confirmation.
Section 8. The functions of the standing committees and such other committees that
may be created shall be defined by the National Officers and Board of Directors on the basis of
current and anticipated situations which affect the objectives and interests of the Association.
All committees shall therefore be amenable to the National Officers and Board of Directors.

ARTICLE VIII
DUTIES OF THE NATIONAL OFFICERS

Section 1. The National Officers of the Association shall consist of the President, VicePresident and President-elect, Secretary, Treasurer, Public Relations Officer, Auditor and the
Board of Directors. No President shall be eligible for re-election after his term has expired but
maybe qualified and elected anew one (1) year thereafter. He shall serve as Immediate Past
President and cannot run for Vice-President and President-Elect in the election during his term
as President. Any resignation of a member as President and Immediate Past President
automatically disqualifies him to run for Vice-President and President-Elect and other elective
positions for a period of five (5) years starting immediately from the time of resignation.
Section 2. Duties and Powers of the President

a.
b.

The President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Association

He shall preside at all meetings of the Board and the Association.

c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.

a.
b.
c.

a.

b.
c.
d.
e.

f.

a.
b.

c.
d.
e.

He shall carry into effect the decision and resolution of the National Officers and
Board of Directors and the will of the members of the Association.
He shall supervise the affairs and activities of the Association.
He shall attend to all negotiable instruments, checks, notes, contracts and other
papers pertaining to the Association.
He shall submit an annual report to all officers and members of the Association at
the annual meeting.
He shall also perform all the duties and functions inherent in the office of the
President and such other assignments required.
He shall be the ex-officio member of all committees.
Section 3. Duties of the Vice-President and President-Elect

He automatically becomes President one (1) year after his election and he shall
assume office immediately after the annual convention.
He shall perform the duties of the President in case of the latter's absence or
inability to serve or conduct the affairs of the Association.
He shall perform such other duties and functions as the National Officers and
Board of Directors or the President may, from time to time assign to him.
Section 4. Duties of the Secretary

The Secretary shall properly keep and file records of the minutes of the meetings
of the National Officers and Board of Directors and the members of the Association and other
documents.
He shall be the custodian of the Association seal and banner.
He shall attest all membership certificates and all formal contracts executed by
the Association or by the National Officers and Board of Directors.
He shall attend to all correspondence of the Association.
He shall send our notice for all regular and special meetings of the National Office
and Board of Directors as prescribed under Section 3 Article VII of this By-laws and notices to
all members of the Association regarding the National/Chapter convention and similar events.
He shall also perform such other duties and functions as the National Officers and
Board of Directors or the President may, from time to time assign to him.
Section 5. Duties of the Treasurer

The Treasurer shall have custody of all the funds, properties of the Association.
He shall keep proper and accurate account of funds, property, assets and
liabilities of the Association and have such accounts open for examination during office hours
by duly authorized person by the National Officers and Board of Directors.
He shall deposit the funds of the Association in such bank or banks as may be
designated by the National Officers and Board of Directors in the name of the Association.
He shall render reports as to the financial position of the Association at every
annual meeting or in any meetings by the National Officers and Board of Directors.
He shall be bonded for an amount to be determined by the Board, the premium
payment being at the expense of the Association.

f.

He shall perform such other duties as the National Officers and Board of Directors
or the President may, from time to time assign to him.
Section 6. Duties of the Auditor

a.
b.
c.
d.

The Auditor shall examine and pass upon all accounts of the Association.
He shall countersign the annual report of the Treasurer.
He shall prepare the financial statement of the Association.
He shall perform such other duties as the National Officers and Board of Directors
or the President may from time to time assign to him.
Section 7. Duties of the Press Relations Officer

a.

The Public Relations Officer shall see to it that the policies of the Board regarding
publication and publicity shall be implemented.
It shall be his duty to release for publication in any newspaper or magazine such
news of the Association which it may desire to be published.
He shall see to it that the activities and accomplishments of the Association are
published an made known to the people by means of any media available to him.
He shall also promote cordial relations with other professional, business and civic
organizations with the end in view of creating a respectable image and reputation of the
Association.
He shall perform such other duties as the National Officersand Board of Directors
or the President may, from time to time assign to him.
Section 8. In case of sickness or absence or any disability of any of the above

b.
c.
d.

e.

mentioned National Officers and Board of Directors, The President may designate and entrust
the powers, duties and functions of the sick, absent or disabled officer to any of the Board of
Directors.
Section 9. Resignation - Any officer may resign subject to the approval of the National

Officers and Board of Directors. Upon approval of such resignation, subject officer shall turn
over to the Board all property, records, papers, etc. entrusted to him and to settle whatever
accountability he has with the Association.
Section 10. Removal - Any officer at any time maybe removed from office with cause

upon the affirmative vote of the majority of the National Officers and Board of directors.
Section 11. Vacancies - Vacancies in any office shall be filled by election by the National
Officers and Board of Directors constituting a quorum, from among themselves, or from the
regular membership for the unexpired term only.

ARTICLE IX
THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES: CHAPTERS, AFFILIATES, COUNCILS

Section 1. Chapters maybe established in appropriate places subject to the PVMA

Constitution and By-laws and upon the approval of the National Officers and Board of
Directors.
Section 2. Affiliates may be recognized by the PVMA upon mutual understanding with
the concerned Veterinary Organization in the Philippines and upon approval of the Board and
Ratification of the General Assembly of members in an annual meeting provided that the
members of the affiliating organization/s are also bonafide members of the PVMA and has

affirmed its application with the National Office. Veterinary related organizations may also be
considered, however, their relationship would be limited in form as stipulated in the
memorandum of agreement. They will be called associate affiliates. They shall "not" be
entitled to representation in the House of Delegates.
Section 3. House of Delegates. It shall be composed of the National President and
elected President of Respective Chapters and Affiliates, as well as Chairman of each of the
Standing Committees and the other National Officers and Board of Directors. The decision to
send the President or the Elective Representative shall depend on the Chapters and Affiliates
concerned. It shall act on issues brought about by members of the Council. It shall draft
recommendations and resolutions to be presented to the National Officers and Board of
Directors for their decision and action. It shall act as advisory to the Board of Directors for their
decision and action. It shall act as advisory to the Board. It shall elect a Speaker and a Speaker
Pro-tempore from among members. The PVMA National President shall be an ex-Officio
member of the assembly. It shall convene at least once a year before the annual
meeting/convention.

Section 4. There shall be the following Councils which positions shall be elected during
the annual meeting. There shall be five (5) members in each council who shall serve for a
period of five (5) years. Election for one (1) member of each council shall be held yearly during
the annual meeting to fill the expired term of one (1) council member. Vacated positions shall
be filled in the same manner. No officer or member of the Board of Directors shall hold a
concurrent position in the councils. No council member shall hold a concurrent position in
other councils. He must resign in one (1) position to run in another position. Only regular or life
members with five (5) years of continuous membership are qualified to be nominated for any
council seat.

In case a council member resigns or is removed from office, elections shall be held at the
same time during annual election for the vacated position. However, those elected under this
situation shall have a term of office equal only to the unexpired term of the vacated position.

A Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Secretary shall be elected every two years by the members of
each council from among the members of each individual councils.

Council on Legislation - shall advise the Board of Directors on internal and external
legislation agenda. It shall assist the President or in his absence represent the Association in
the public hearings set by the Philippine government. It shall draft bills that will affect the
profession and upon approval of the Board of Directors submit such to the Philippine House of
House of Representatives and the Philippine Senate for their action. Corollary to this, it shall
lobby for the approval of such bills. It shall examine the PVMA Constitution and By-laws and
from time to time submit proposed amendments to the National Officers and Board of
Directors for their action. It shall act on other legal and legislative matters assigned to it by
the National Officers and Board of Directors may assign to it.
Council on Ethics - shall safeguard the proper conduct of the PVMA members. It shall from
time to time review the PVMA Code of Ethics for the purpose of updating the code and

proposing amendments. It shall interpret the Code of Ethics with reference to issues and
complaints referred to it by members thru the National Officers and Board of Directors. It shall
adjudicate complaints on fellow members submitted to the National Officers and Board of
Directors. Being an autonomous arm, it shall decide on these complaints and present its
decision to the National Officers and Board of Directors for dispositions
Council on Biologies and Therapeutic Agents - shall represent the PVMA in matters of this
nature, such as the Committee of Veterinary Drugs of the Bureau of Food and Drugs. It shall
advise the PVMA on matters pertaining to drug reactions, drug usage and others. It shall work
on matters related to its title, and such other matters assigned to it by the National Officers
and Board of Directors.
Council on Animal Welfare - Shall deal with issues on Animal Welfare. It shall promulgate
rules and regulations, positions and opinions regarding Animal Welfare.
Council on Continuing Professional Education - shall represent the association in external
mattes such as but not limited to representation of the PVMA in the Professional Regulations
Commission - Continuing Professional Education Council on Veterinary Medicine (PRC-CPECVM) and CPE activities of the national organization, chapters and affiliates.
The Standing Council shall perform other duties and functions as the National Officers and
Board of Directors or the President may, from time to time, assign to them.

All reports, decisions and opinions of the Councils shall be presented or forwarded as a
resolution to the National Officers and Board of Directors for their decision and final
implementation.

ARTICLE X
FISCAL YEAR

Section 1. The corporate year of the Association starts after the third week of February
of each year after the National Officers and Board of Directors are elected and ends on the
same period of the succeeding year when the term of the elected officers expire.

ARTICLE XI
SEAL

Section 1. Form of Seal. The corporate seal of the PVMA shall be circular and bear the

Veterinary symbol and name of the Association. The seal if altered shall be presented to the
general membership for approval.
Section 2. The seal of the Association shall be used or reproduced for any purpose
approved by the National Officers and Board of Directors.

ARTICLE XII
AMENDEMENTS AND ADDITIONAL RULES

Section 1. The National Officers and Board of Directors may from time to time adopt and
promulgate rules and regulations that may deem necessary not otherwise inconsistent with

these By-laws, but shall not amend, alter or repeal any provisions of these By-laws and its
amendments thereto.
Section 2. The PVMA Constitution and By-laws maybe amended, repealed or altered in
whole or in part by a majority vote of members of good standing who are entitled to vote at
any regular or special meeting duty called for the purpose.

Section 3. Proposed amendments shall be forwarded by National Officers and Board of

Directors.

VOTED upon and Adopted on the 21 st day of February 1997 during the Business Meeting of
the General membership at the 64th PVMA Annual Scientific Convention and 90th Anniversary
at Ccbu Plaza Hotel, Lahug, Cebu City, Philippines.

PHILIPPINE VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, INC.

CODE OF ETHICS
ARTICLE 1. Professional Deportment

Section 1. Title. No member of the Philippine Veterinary Medical Association (PVMA) who

is licensed to practice Veterinary Medicine shall use a degree or title to which he is not
entitled.
Section 2. Mutual Respect. No member of the association shall be little nor injure the

professional standing of another member nor unnecessarily condemn the character of his
professional acts.
Section 3. Undercharging. No member of the association shall endeavor to build up a

practice by undercharging another practitioner.

Section 4. Reputation. It shall be considered a breach of this code for a member to

assail the professional reputation of a fellow practitioner particularly for his own individual
advancement.
Section 5. Compliance to Laws. All members shall comply with the common laws

governing their obligations to the clients and shall obey without obvious fault the official public
regulations and laws governing their acts.
Section 6. Professional Deportment. Members are expected to conduct themselves at all
times as professional deportment. He shall conduct himself in a manner completely above
suspicion or reproach. Any flagrant violation of these principles shall be con-sidered as a
violation of this code and may subject the violator to suspension or expulsion.

ARTICLE II. Duty to the Community

Section 7. Primary Duty. The veterinarian's primary duty of servicing the public is
accomplished by giving the best professional service and to act himself in such a manner as to
hold the profession in high esteem.
Section 8. Emergency Service. A veterinarian when consulted in an emergency by the
client of another, shall attend only to the conditions leading to emergency. Upon completion of
the treatment, the patient must be referred back to the attending veterinarian. However, if the
client refuses to go back and decides to stay, the veterinarian who attended the emergency
case may accept the case. The following conditions should be present: (a) Findings and
discussions with the client shall be handled in such a confidential manner as to avoid criticism
of the attending veterinarian act; (b) in making emergency calls upon a patient already under

treatment, it is unethical to institute radical changes in the treatment previously prescribed in

such a way as to attract unusual attention.
Section 9. Authorized Visit of a Consultant as requested by the attending veterinary.

When in the course of unauthorized visit it will be unethical to offer services whether free or
compensated or to give advice other than that service which comes strictly within the scope of
the official call.
Section 10. Revisit of Patient. Consultants shall not revisit the patient or client or

communicate directly with the client without the knowledge or consent of the attending
veterinarian.
Section 11. Veterinary Auxiliaries. It is the primary responsibility of the practicing

veterinarian that laboratory workers, clinic assistants, veterinary aides. Medical Technologists,
Radiologic Technologists and other auxiliaries shall act in such a manner that will not
contradict any provision of the code.
Section 12. Billing Clients by the Consultant.' In no instance, under no circumstances,

shall a consultant take charge of a case or problem without the consent of all concerned,
particularly when the client's financial obligations to the attending veterinarian have not yet
been settled/adjusted/cleared.
Section 13. Delegation of Service. A veterinarian shall not delegate to any person such

as but not limited to veterinary auxiliaries (unlicensed veterinarian, veterinary aides, x-ray
technicians, medical technologists, animal caretakers, agricultural extension technicians) the
performance of any service or operation which requires competence as a professional, unless
expressly authorized by law.
Section 14. Supervision of Work. The veterinarian shall supervise associates or

auxiliaries personally in the performance of the duties.

Section 15. Professional Fees. The veterinarian shall charge fees taking into

consideration the nature of the case (span of time used in the operation and improvement of
facilities of the veterinarian to work with ease, grace and comfort thereby constituting to the
highest professional level of services), efforts, skills and materials involved and the capacity of
the client to pay. The veterinarian is obliged to reveal to client when requested. The itemized
details of the professional fees charged. No demand rebates and commissions shall be
demanded nor split fees other than the legitimate professional fees.
Section 16. Discoveries of Works. In the interest of the veterinary profession and public

health, the veterinarians must make available discoveries, inventions or research works useful
in safeguarding or promoting health subject to patent or copyright laws. He shall not claim
discoveries not his own.
Section 17. Volunteer Programs. The veterinarian may be encouraged to participate in
programs designed for veterinary public health education and animal health care. Members
can participate in volunteer programs of the delivery of veterinary services in un-derserved or
unserved areas. In case of disasters or national emergencies, the veterinarian may assist in
alleviating the sufferings of stricken animal and human population of affected areas.

Section 18. Animal Welfare. Cognizant of the Animal Welfare, the veterinarian shall
ensure the patients are taken good care of properly handled and managed as humanely as
possible.

Animals used for experiments/instructional purposes should be managed properly and

humanely.

Section 19. Professional Commitment to Service. In all efforts to improve professional

service and the health of the public, the veterinarian shall make available to the community
his skills, knowledge and experience.

ARTICLE III. Duty to the Profession

Section 20. Keeping Professionally Competent. The veterinarian shall endeavor to be

professionally competent by updating knowledge, skill and efficiency thus better serving the
clients, community and country.

a.

Continuing Professional Education

Every veterinarian shall pursue continuing professional education programs offered by the
PVMA, its Chapters and Affiliates, specialty groups, schools, alumni associations, study clubs,
and veterinary associations abroad duly accredited by the PVMA Board and the Professional
Regulation Commission.
CPE Credit Units
Every veterinarian shall complete a minimum CPE credits every 3 years in accordance with
the accreditation guidelines set by the PVMA.
Each specialty group shall evolve its own system of accreditation, establish its
council, police its own ranks and shall at all times safeguard the public against those who do
not meet the qualifications prescribed by this code.
Section 21. Display of Certificate. No certificates, plaques, or testimonials, except

recognition and awards by peers other than the veterinarian's school diploma, certificates
issued by the specialty council, the PVMA Board, PRC License, PTR and such other required by
law shall be displayed in the Clinics or reception room at all items.
Section 22. Duty to Report. The veterinarian either in government or private service

shall report all violations of the Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Act, the rules and regulations
governing the practice of Veterinary Medicine and this code, which comes to his knowledge, to
the appropriate chapter of affiliate society, the PVMA Board or the Professional Regulation
Commission.
Section 23. Professional Consultation and Referral. The veterinarian may seek

b.

c.

consultation or make a referral whenever the welfare of the patient requires recourse to those
who possess special skills, knowledge and experience.

a.
b.

a.

The consultant shall hold the detail of the consultation in confidence and shall
not undertake an operative procedure without the consent of the referring veterinarian.
The consultant shall observe post-operative conditions and immediately
thereafter return the patient to the referring veterinarian. In making emergency calls upon a
patient already under treatment by another veterinarian it is unethical to institute radical
treatment previously prescribed in such a way as to attract unusual attention.
Section 24. Criticism and Expert Testimony.

Justifiable Criticism.
Every veterinarian shall report to the appropriate authority or professional society, instances
of repeated faulty treatment by an-other veterinarian but his should be kept confidential.

b.

Expert Testimony.
The veterinarian may provide expert testimony whenever called upon to do so in
administrative, judicial, quasi-judicial or legislative proceeding.
Section 25. Unfair Means to Gain Professional Advancement. The veterinarian shall not

use unfair means to gain professional advancement, or injure the opportunities of other
veterinarians. He must be receptive to new ideas and suggestions from the veterinary
practitioners and ready to recognize, encourage and accredit those to whom such credit is
due. Constructive suggestions from other veterinarians should be given careful attention.
Section 26. Use of Term Clinic or Hospital. A veterinarian shall use only the term "Clinic,

Hospital or Center" in his veterinary practice following the guidelines set by the Philippine
Animal Hospital Association (PAHA) only.
Section 27. Testimonials. A veterinarian or any association of veterinarians shall not

give testimonials, directly or indirectly to any therapeutics/prophylactic agents or to the

preparation such as remedies, vaccines and other articles for prevention of disease.
Section 28. Soliciting Patients. A veterinarian shall not solicit patients personally or

employ his clients, agents or agencies to solicit patients or clients including such practice as
"door to door" solicitation.
Section 29. Cover up for illegal Acts. No veterinarians shall willfully engage in such

services that shall cover up or facilitate prejudicial practices by certain commercial or

industrial establishments (public or private)
Section 30. Performance of Obligations. The veterinarian shall perform in good faith and
with due diligence all his obligations arising from agreements with clients or other persons,
and financing institutions or other instrumentalities, in order not to undermine the prestige of
the profession.

ARTICLE IV. Advertising

Section 31. Advertising in General. Advertising as a means of obtaining patronage is

objectionable, unethical and unprofessional. Some objectionable advertising consists of:

a.
b.
c.
d.

Personal superiority over one's colleague

Secret remedies or exclusive method
Fixed fees for given services
As a corporation or partnership beyond that which would be ethical for either
party.

e.
f.
g.

Reports allegedly unintentional

Hospital or clinic equipment and other special services rendered therewith
Solicited and repeated publicity of the building or occupation of a new hospital.
Section 32. Authorized Advertising. The best and honorable means by which the
veterinarian may make known and advance his reputation for skill and competence in the
practice of veterinary medicine is through his professional services to his patients and the
public.

a.
b.

The veterinarian or veterinary clinic or hospital shall have not more than one
window or building sign per exposure.
Letters for windows or building signs of the first floor shall not be larger than 1/5
of the facade and shall show only the name of the veterinarian and the term "veterinarian."

c.
d.

The term "gas anesthesia or air-conditioned" or any technical term must not
appear in the card, stationaries, office doors and signboards of the veterinarian.
A veterinarian may identify himself as veterinary practitioner only in the following
manners:

1.

Cards, letterheads, announcements a veterinarian may properly utilize

professional cards, recall notices to clients of records and letterheads when the style and
text are consistent with the dignity of the profession.
2.
Announcement cards may be sent when there is change in location or an
alteration in the character of practice, but only to other veterinary members and to clients of
records.
3.
Professional cards must be of traditional size and type and shall not
include more than the veterinarian's name, title, address, telephone number and office
hours. If he confines himself to the specific field of practice, he may include the following,
"practice limited to, or if Board certified, specialist in... (specialty)."
e.
Office Door Lettering and Signs. The use of door lettering should be limited to 1/5
of the size of the door and shall show only the name of the veterinarian. Window or building
signs above the first floor shall show the name of veterinarian and term veterinarian only and
the letter shall be no bigger than 16 cms. in size.
f.
Building Directory. When placing his name upon the directory of an office
building, a veterinarian must adopt only the size of lettering regularly used by the tenants in
said building.
g.
The veterinarian shall not use neon signs and/or mobile signboard flashing lights
in any form.
h.
Directional signboards may be used by veterinarians but shall not be more than
two along the street where the veterinarian is practicing and shall be limited to the name of
the veterinarian, the address and an arrow.
i.
A veterinarian shall not allow his name to be listed in the directories in bold face
or advertise his hospital or clinic in any way differing from the established standard style.
j.
A veterinarian shall not allow his name to printed in public directories as a
specialists in the treatment of any disease or in the performance of any service within the
scope of veterinary practice.

Section 33. Advertising in Local Newspapers.

a.

b.

c.

Advertisement in local newspaper should be reasonable in size and splay. It

should be limited to name, title, address, of fice hours, and telephone number. Such
advertisements should be placed under Section on "Professional" and not under "Pet Section"
Members are encouraged to write articles for the local press announcing the
presence of a contagious disease and their control or treatment, provided the motive is a
bonafide attempt to inform the clients rather than personal gain.
A veterinarian shall use a newspaper announcement only when opening 9 new
clinic/hospital or when changing location or limiting the character of his practice, provided
that the newspaper announcement shall not be larger than 2 column inches by 2 column
inches and shall be within 30 days from he date of opening,change or limitation of practice.

1.

2.

The veterinarian shall use only the usual titles and academic degrees
such as "Doctor, Veterinarian, DVM, or VMD" in connection with the name or signature, such
as but not limited to MS, PhD, LLB; recognized specialty titles, may be if legitimate holders.
The veterinarian is authorized to the listing of his name in telephone or
other directory, provided that the listing shall not be in bold type nor in a box or in different
colors.
Section 34. Advertising in Mail. The distribution in cards, circulars by mail or otherwise

reminding clients that the time at hand for rendering certain services other than vaccination,
is a questionable practice.
Section 35. Advertising by Personal Cards and Letterheads. The letterhead of a

professional should be modest, announcing his name, title, address, telephone number and
office hours.
Section 36. Advertising by Display Signs. Display signs of reasonable size and

dimensions in veterinary hospitals or clinics are not objectionable provided they do not
announce special services such as bathing, plucking, clipping and x-ray works which
characterizes the ways of the charlatan. Streamers announcing such practices as free
consultation, vaccination, bathing, etc. should b avoided. Use of outside displays like mounted
dogs, cats or large pictures of animals depicting various practices, etc. are considered
objectionable.
Section 37. Testimonials, Guarantees, Frauds. It is considered unprofessional or
unethical to:

a.

b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.

a.
b.

Write testimonials as to the proprietor/ remedies or food except to report the

results of properly controlled experiments or studies, such report to be given publicity
through a veterinary journal or at convention or meeting of the association,
Guarantee a cure.
Employ questionable method to attract public attention or boast of possessing
superior skill in the treatment or prevention of a disease.
Issuing of false certificates of health or official documents.
Accept a fee from the seller if employed by the buyer to inspect an animal for
soundness
Criticize unfairly an animal about to be sold.
Act or serve as judge in accredited animal shows.
Section 38. Illegal Practices

It is unprofessional to aid in illegal practices of others, practicing without license,

teaching other to do so in violation of the laws governing the practice of veterinary medicine.
It is the duty of members of the association to report illegal practices to the
proper authorities and to report such practices by members of the associations to the PVMA.
Section 39. Use of Association's endorsement. No member or employee of the PVMA
shall use the name of the association in connection with the promotion or advertising or
endorsement of any commercial product or commercial services, or any service without
written permission from the Board of Directors.
Section 40. Loyalty. The veterinarian should first of all be a good citizen and a leader in
movements to advance community welfare. He should commit no act that will reflect
unfavorably upon the worthiness of the profession.

Section 41. Membership and Financial Support. It is the duty and responsibility of the

veterinarian to be an active member of the PVMA and bonafide chapters and affiliates of the
association within the area of his practice. His membership requires financial support in
reasonable amount fixed by his association or chapter.
Section 42. Enforcement. Violation of this code and the interpretation of any provision

thereof shall be determined by the Council of Ethics.

Section 43. Sanctions. Reprimand, suspension or expulsion from the Philippine

Veterinary Medical Association for the violation of this code.

Section 44. Council of Ethics. The findings of an Ad Hoc Ethics Committee would be

submitted to the council of Ethics for Adjudication.

Section 45. confidentiality. Proceedings conducted by the Ad Hoc Committee on Ethics
shall remain confidential. All proceedings of the investigations being conducted by the Ad Hoc
Committee and the Council of Ethics involving any member of the Philippine Veterinary
Medical Association shall be conducted with utmost decorum.

ARTICLE V. Effeetivity

Section 46. This code shall be published in the PVMA Journal, Newsletter, or souvenir
Program upon ratification by the members of the PVMA in a Business Meeting during the
Annual Convention and shall take effect within 15 days after ratification on February 23, 1992
in Cagayan de Oro.

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