As the world observes World Animal Day on Saturday, October 4, FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-list Rep. Brian Poe called on Filipinos to show greater compassion and responsibility toward animals, pointing out that the first step begins with a simple reminder: Do no harm.
‘On World Animal Day, we are reminded that compassion begins with the simplest act: to do no harm. The very least we can do for animals is to ensure they are treated with kindness, respect, and dignity,’ Poe said in his statement.
He warned that animals are too often the silent victims of cruelty, neglect, and exploitation, stressing that society has a moral duty to protect them. ‘Our duty as human beings is to protect them, care for them, and recognize that their well-being is closely tied to the kind of society we want to build,’ he added.
Poe also highlighted his legislative push for stronger protections through House Bill No. 1746, or the Revised Animal Welfare Act of 2025, which seeks to strengthen animal welfare laws, impose stricter penalties for cruelty, and promote responsible ownership and care.
‘If we strive for a more humane and compassionate Philippines, we must include in that vision the care and protection of creatures who cannot speak for themselves,’ he emphasized. ‘Let us never forget to rescue and safeguard our animals, for they too deserve protection and care in times of crisis,’ Poe reminded, noting that the Philippines has recently been struck by natural disasters.
The lawmaker has been actively supporting animal welfare initiatives. On September 28, 2025, Poe joined animal welfare advocates and pet owners in celebrating Mars Global Adoption Weekend, an annual event promoting pet adoption and responsible ownership.
Animal advocacy runs in the family, as his mother, former Senator Grace Poe, championed a Senate version of the Animal Welfare Bill during the 19th Congress.