Pampanga 1st District Representative Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. has called on the Angeles City Police Office (ACPO) to investigate an alleged animal cruelty incident and identify the person responsible within 72 hours.
Lazatin made the call following the circulation of a video on October 5 showing an alleged college dean from Systems Plus College Foundation (SPCF) beating a dog inside a building.
Subsequent social media posts claimed that the dog, reportedly bleeding from the head, was placed inside an empty water drum in an apparent attempt to suffocate it. The claims remain subject to investigation.
“If proven to be true, these actions are a violation of the Animal Welfare Act of 1998,” Lazatin said, urging authorities to file the appropriate charges based on the results of the investigation.
“There is no room in a civilized society for this kind of senseless violence toward a helpless animal,” he said, stressing that even stray animals that accidentally enter private or school premises should be treated with patience and compassion.
Lazatin also expressed disappointment that the alleged act involved an educator, saying that the pursuit of higher education should never come at the expense of morality and compassion.
A longtime advocate of animal welfare, Lazatin filed House Bill No. 8710 in March 2026, seeking to strengthen the implementation of the Animal Welfare Act through the establishment of “No-Kill” animal shelters and public veterinary offices in cities and municipalities nationwide.
During his tenure as Angeles City mayor, the city established the province’s first Bureau of Animal Industry-accredited “no-kill” animal shelter. The 103-capacity facility was accredited in May 2023 and formally opened in July of the same year.
The shelter later received the Department of Agriculture Field Office III’s Best LGU Dog Pound/Animal Shelter award in October 2024.
Through the City Veterinary Office, the city also implemented free spaying and neutering and anti-rabies vaccination programs, benefiting thousands of pets.
Cong Pogi’s latest directive underscores his call for accountability and stronger protection for animals against cruelty and abuse.
Photo: Cong Pogi Lazatin with ACPO City Director PCOL. Robert Domingo during Domingo’s visit to Lazatin’s office on August 4, 2026.
