Purpose over paper

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February 26, 2026 | 12:00am

Animal welfare advocacy is finally gaining stronger traction in the Philippines, with more organizations and citizens recognizing its importance — as they should. At the forefront of this movement is the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), the country’s pioneer organization championing compassion and humane treatment of animals for decades. With such a longstanding role in shaping awareness and driving reforms, it is crucial that their work continues unhindered, especially by unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles.

This is why a recent post by PAWS executive director, Atty. Anna Cabrera, was deeply troubling. In her message, she shared how the organization became a casualty of bureaucracy. According to her, the Quezon City Veterinary Department refused to issue a veterinary clearance to PAWS due to a technicality: the appearance of the words “administrative office” on their permit. This is the very same permit that, as Cabrera noted, the Quezon City government has consistently approved for PAWS since 2002.

In her social media post, Atty. Cabrera lamented the situation, noting: “This is how public employees delay processing of permits for compliant establishments-with technicalities that do not serve the purpose of why we grant permits in the first place. It is not because we operate with unlicensed vets or that we have animal welfare violations. It is because, this year, the words ‘administrative office’ appearing on the document suddenly matters more than what common sense dictates.”

For an organization that has rescued, rehabilitated, and advocated for countless animals and collaborated with government agencies for decades, this kind of setback is more than a paperwork issue. It highlights the gap between policy and practice, between intent and implementation. And for frontline advocates like PAWS, every delay has real?world consequences for the animals and communities they serve.

I revisited Atty. Cabrera’s post and was encouraged to see that FPJ Panday Bayanihan party?list Rep. Brian Poe had already reached out to Quezon City Mayor Belmonte regarding the matter. According to him, the good Mayor has committed to act on it immediately. I remain hopeful that the issue will be resolved soon, so that PAWS’ vital work and the services they provide to animals and communities will not be disrupted.

Permits exist to ensure that facilities meet standards of safety, legality and accountability. PAWS has consistently met those standards as proven by the permits the local government granted it in the past. Now, to suddenly deny clearance because of a semantic quibble is to betray the very spirit of regulation. Rules are meant to protect the public, not to obstruct organizations that are already doing good work.

While I do not question the need for permits for institutions, bureaucracy and technicalities should not be weaponized against institutions, especially those that help communities. Permits should be implemented consistently.

To suddenly deny a compliant institution clearance over a bureaucratic technicality is not only counterproductive, it is also an obstruction of the service that institution provides. When government agencies make life harder for organizations like PAWS, they are not just inconveniencing administrators- they are undermining public confidence.

Technicalities should never outweigh compassion, common sense and decades of proven service.

For years, PAWS has been a lifeline for animals and pet owners, not just in Quezon City. As an animal welfare advocate myself, I have long been a witness to this.

Since its founding, PAWS has operated a registered low-cost spay-neuter clinic and shelter. It served indigent pet owners who had nowhere else to turn, offering affordable veterinary care that helped reduce stray populations. Its shelter has rescued, rehabilitated and rehomed thousands of animals. In every aspect, PAWS has been part of the solution to a problem that continues to plague our communities. The city should be proud to have such an institution within its jurisdiction and should work to support, not hinder, its ability to serve.

Animal welfare is not a luxury. It is a reflection of our humanity.

In the end, this is not just about PAWS. It is about the kind of governance we want to see in our communities. Do we want a system that punishes compliance and discourages service? Or do we want one that recognizes the value of organizations that have dedicated themselves to the public good?

I sincerely hope that a few words on a permit will not eclipse decades of advocacy, compassion and service. The animals and the communities who depend on PAWS deserve far better than bureaucratic setbacks. When rules silence service, the community pays the price. Let’s choose better.