Go urges stronger rabies fight
‘It’s heartbreaking that people are still dying simply because they did not receive timely treatment for an animal bite or scratch.’
Daily Tribune‘It’s heartbreaking that people are still dying simply because they did not receive timely treatment for an animal bite or scratch.’
PET owners bring their fur babies for free anti-rabies vaccination in San Juan City. The Department of Health has recorded 426 rabies-related deaths in 2024, underscoring the urgent need for responsible pet ownership, vaccination, and increased public awareness of rabies prevention.
Photograph by TOTO LOZANO FOR THE DAILY TRIBUNE
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, has raised alarm over recent rabies-related deaths in the Philippines and urged the Department of Health (DoH) to ramp up its anti-rabies initiatives, particularly its vaccination campaign nationwide.
In May 2025 alone, two rabies-related fatalities were recorded within a single week.
One of the victims, Janelo, a 31-year-old factory worker from Cabuyao City, Laguna, was bitten by his sibling’s dog in August 2024. Despite receiving initial treatment, he failed to complete the full course of anti-rabies vaccines. Nine months later, he developed symptoms and was rushed to the hospital, where he later died.
The second fatality involved 25-year-old Nichole from Bacolod City, who reportedly chose not to seek medical treatment after being bitten in March due to financial constraints.
Health experts have repeatedly warned that delays or incomplete treatment after an animal bite can lead to complications and drastically reduce the effectiveness of post-exposure prophylaxis, often resulting in death.
The DoH confirmed that 426 rabies-related deaths were recorded in 2024, while 55 cases have already been reported from 1 January to 1 March this year. Nearly half of these cases involved bites from household pets, many of which were unvaccinated. The regions with the highest cases were Central Luzon, SOCCSKSARGEN and CALABARZON.
In light of this, Senator Go called on the DoH to ensure the availability of free and complete anti-rabies vaccines, especially in rural and underserved areas.
“It’s heartbreaking that people are still dying simply because they did not receive timely treatment for an animal bite or scratch,” Go said.
“I appeal to the DoH to intensify its anti-rabies campaign and ensure that all Filipinos — especially those in remote areas — have access to free and complete rabies vaccinations,” he added.
The senator also urged the public not to downplay animal bites or scratches, reminding them that while rabies is 100 percent fatal, it is also 100 percent preventable.
“Let’s not ignore even a minor bite or scratch. Seek immediate care at the nearest animal bite center and complete the full dose of anti-rabies vaccines. Rabies is deadly, but with timely action, it is completely preventable,” he stressed.
Go also highlighted that PhilHealth provides a case rate package for rabies treatment, covering post-exposure prophylaxis and anti-rabies vaccination. An animal bite treatment package worth P5,850 is also available, which includes vaccines and wound care.
In addition, the senator underscored the need for long-term solutions to infectious diseases. He cited the proposed Virology Institute of the Philippines (VIP) as a key step toward building national capacity in vaccine research and disease prevention. Senate Bill No. 2893, which he authored and co-sponsored, was recently approved on third and final reading.
If enacted, the VIP will serve as the country’s central research institution for virology and vaccine development, reducing reliance on foreign sources during health crises.
Known as “Mr. Malasakit” for his health and welfare initiatives, Senator Go reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the country’s healthcare system through preventive and proactive measures.
“We should not only act when the problem is already there. It’s better to prevent it from getting worse. That’s why we must continue working together for a stronger and more resilient healthcare system. The health of every Filipino is equivalent to life itself,” he said.
