Dear PAO,

I am confused with the rules allowing pet animals in public utility vehicles. I recently decided to bring with me my two-year-old small aspin (native dog) for a commute to my province via a public utility van. When I was about to board the van, the inspector checked my pet, which was placed in a lap carrier. He asked for the breed of my dog. When I told him that my pet is an aspin the inspector told me that an “askal” (“asong kalye”) is not allowed since they only allow pet dogs with breed inside. I tried to explain that my small dog is trained and is even wearing a diaper and in a carrier. I was still denied despite my explanation. They insisted that the government rules only allow dogs with breed to travel in public vehicles. Disappointed, I decided to wait and try for the next van in the terminal. Luckily, another van allowed me to ride with my pet. Considering this confusion, I want to ask what the law says about allowing animals in public transport, and if there is really a rule prohibiting askals or aspins in public utility vehicles.

Carla

Dear Carla,

To answer your query, we shall refer to the memorandum circulars issued by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) that are related to your concern. Under LTFRB Memorandum Circular 2019-019, pet animals are expressly allowed inside public utility vehicles, subject to several conditions. Among these conditions are that the animals must be: inside carriers/cages; free from foul odors and must maintain cleanliness; and that the safety, convenience and comfort of other passengers must not be sacrificed.

On Jan. 27, 2020, the LTFRB issued Memorandum Circular 2020003 providing for supplemental guidelines on the policy allowing pet animals in public transport, in relation to the previously mentioned circular. Under this more recent circular, additional stipulations are imposed in allowing pet animals in mass transports. These included the requirement of wearing of diapers on the animals for sanitation; limitation of the size of allowed pets to small and medium sized pets only and payment of occupied seat of the carrier/cage of the pet animal if it is placed beside the passenger-owner.

Both of this cited LTFRB memorandum circulars express and specify how pet animals are already allowed in public transportation. And in both of these memorandum circulars, there is no provision that differentiates between nor discriminates against any specific breed of pet animals that are allowed in the public vehicles. With this, there is no legal basis for the claim that only animals with breed are allowed to ride in public utility vehicles. The restriction imposed against your aspin pet is baseless and clearly discriminatory. The law allows pet animals in public utility vehicles, subject to afore-mentioned conditions, without reference to any particular breed.

We hope that we were able to answer your queries. Please be reminded that this advice is based solely on the facts you have narrated and our appreciation of the same. Our opinion may vary when other facts are changed or elaborated.