NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
* '©ffitp of the ?tney
72 SEP 19 PI :08
RECEIVLOB;
SENATE
S. B. No. 1322
Introduced by SENATOR JOEL VILLANUEVA
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE VIROLOGY SCIENCE AND 
TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, 
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The COVID-19 pandemic and the African Swine Fever, two unprecedented 
events in the past two years, have exposed the gaps in our government programs and 
policies and emphasized the need to establish a virology and vaccine institute.
In response. Congress allotted P983 million in the 2022 National Budget for the 
establishment of the Virology Science and Technology Institute of the Philippines. It 
was envisioned to be the country’s premier virology facility that will help the 
government study and address novel, emerging, and re-emerging viruses.1
To better prepare the country for future similar emergencies and protect our 
people’s health and welfare, this proposed measure seeks to institutionalize the 
establishment of a Virology Institute under the Department of Science and 
Technology. It shall serve as the premier research and development institute in the 
field of virology, encompassing all areas in viruses and viral diseases in humans, 
plants, and animals. It shall also act as a venue for scientists, both in the Philippines 
and abroad, to work collaboratively to study viruses of agricultural, industrial, clinical, 
and environmental importance.
1 DBM, FY 2022 National Budget Highlights, Available at https://www.dbm.qov.ph/index.php/secretarv-s- 
corner/press-releases/list-of-press-releases/2036-recoverv-qrowth-and-sustainabilitv-hiqhliqhted-in-the-
siqned-fv-2022-national-budqet (Accessed on September 5, 2022).-


This will ensure that government responses to future pandemics are science- 
and evidence-based. Further, this will not only protect the lives of our people but also 
their livelihood, especially farmers who have suffered significant losses from viral 
diseases that have infected their crops and livestock.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this measure is earnestly sought.
SENATOR JQBL VILLAN


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S.B. No. 1322
®rnat?
of tije ^
‘22 SEP 19 P1 :08
R!:C£iVi:D BY.
Introduced by SENATOR JOEL VILLANUEVA
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE VIROLOGY SCIENCE AND 
TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, 
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the 
Philippines in Congress assembled:
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SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Virology Institute of
the Philippines (VIP) Act.”
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State:
a) 
To protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health 
consciousness among them;
b) 
To undertake appropriate health, manpower development, and research, 
responsive to the country's health needs and problems;
c) 
To recognize that science and technology are essential for national 
development and progress;
d) 
To give priority to research and development, invention, innovation, and their 
utilization; and
e) 
To support indigenous, appropriate, and self-reliant scientific and technological 
capabilities, and their application to the country's productive systems and 
national life.


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To this end, it is recognized that the establishment of an institute that will 
conduct research and development activities/in-depth study on the viruses affecting 
the lives of its people and resources is vital for the protection of the health of its people 
and the preservation of the national life.
SEC. 3. Objectives. - This Act seeks to establish a Virology Institute that shall 
focus on the following key development areas for virology science and technology 
applications to ensure the state’s sustained progress;
a) 
To protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health 
consciousness among them;
b) 
Research on viruses using a modern approach such as molecular biology and 
its application or biotechnology:
c) 
Development of diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics (Molecular 
Biotechnology);
d) 
International cooperation and network of databases of virus infections;
e) 
Operation of a virus gene bank, virus genome laboratory, and virus reference 
laboratory to focus on viruses circulating in the Philippines for disease 
prevention and epidemiological studies; and
f) 
Operation of a virus high containment laboratory dedicated to the study of highly 
infectious and highly pathogenic viruses.
SEC. 4. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following terms shall
mean:
a)
Virology is the scientific discipline concerned with the study of the biology of 
viruses and viral diseases, including the distribution, pathogenicity, viral 
cytopathicity, biochemistry, physiology, molecular biology, biotechnology, 
ecology, tropism, spillover or interspecies transmission, evolution, and clinical 
aspects of viruses;
b) 
Diagnostics relates to methods, tests, techniques, and tools in viral diagnosis 
for humans, animals, and plants;
c) 
Therapeutics shall include anti-viral, nanotechnology treatment approach, 
nucleic acid-based treatment, remedial agents, drugs for the treatment of viral 
diseases and infections for humans, animals, and plants; and
d) 
Vaccines are products that induce or stimulate active acquired immunity by 
producing antibodies to a specific infectious agent. It helps the body’s immune 
system to recognize and fight pathogens like viruses or bacteria.


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SEC. 5. Creation of the Virology Science and Technology Institute of the 
Philippines. - To carry out the provisions of this Act, a research and development 
institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) called the Virology 
Science and Technology Institute of the Philippines (VIP) shall be created.
The VIP shall serve as the premier research and development institute in the 
field of virology, encompassing all areas in viruses and viral diseases in humans, 
plants, and animals. It shall act as a venue for scientists, both here and abroad, to 
work collaboratively to study viruses of agricultural, industrial, clinical, and 
environmental importance.
The Institute shall establish strategic partnerships with the world’s leading 
scientists, virology centers, and institutes and conduct innovative and pioneering 
researches that will advance the frontiers of virology in the country.
SEC. 6. Mandate. - The VIP shall implement policies, plans, programs, and 
projects for the development of virology science and technology in the country and the 
promotion of scientific and technological activities for both the public and private 
sectors, and ensure that the results of these activities are properly applied towards 
self-reliance and utilized to accelerate economic and social development towards the 
protection of the citizens and its resources.
SEC. 7. Powers, Functions, and Duties. - To accomplish its mandate, the 
VIP shall have the following powers, functions, and duties:
a) 
Serve as the lead convener of the virology research agenda as part of the 
National Unified Health Research Agenda (NUHRA), as defined and mandated 
under Republic Act No. 10532, otherwise known as the “Philippine National 
Health Research System Act of 2013;”
b) 
Undertake scientific and technological research and development (R&D) in the 
field of virology:
c) 
Conduct product R&D in the areas of diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines;
d) 
Prepare the Virology Institute Strategic Plan;
e) 
Promote and undertake the transfer of the results of scientific research and 
development to concerned government agencies, industry, and academe;
f) 
Develop and maintain an information system on virology science and 
technology for use by both the public and private sectors;
g) 
Develop and implement, together with other entities concerned, programs for 
strengthening scientific and technological capabilities in virology and relevant 
disciplines through human resource development, infrastructure, and institution 
building;


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h) 
Undertake policy research, technology assessment, and other related 
researches on virology:
i) 
Provide laboratory and technical services on virology:
j) 
Promote and advocate the national programs on virology science and 
technology: and
k) 
Establish linkages with local and international partners.
SEC. 8. Organizational Structure. - The VIP shall be an attached agency of 
the DOST for purposes of policy and program coordination, and to ensure alignment 
in national policies and priorities. It shall be headed by a Director-General and two (2) 
Deputy Directors-General, in-charge of (i) Research and Development, and (ii) 
Support, Policy, and Linkages.
The VIP shall be composed of the Office of the Director-General, Office of the 
Deputy Director-General for Research and Development, Office of the Deputy 
Director-General for Support, Policy, and Linkages and the following divisions:
a) 
Virus Research:
b) 
Diagnostics and Therapeutics Research:
c) 
Vaccines Research:
d) 
Technical Services and Training:
e) 
Policy, Planning, and Linkages: and
f) 
Finance and Administration.
The Deputy Director-General for Research and Development shall head the 
Virus Research, Diagnostics and Therapeutics Research, and Vaccines Research 
Divisions. The Deputy Director-General for Support, Policy, and Linkages shall head 
the Technical Services and Training, Policy, Planning, and Linkages, and Finance and 
Administration Divisions.
Subject to the approval of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), 
the VIP shall determine its organizational structure and create new divisions or units 
as it may deem necessary and shall appoint officers and employees of the VIP 
following the civil service laws, rules, and regulations.
For this purpose, the Institute shall draw up the necessary position 
qualifications and standards for its personnel following the civil service law, rules, and 
regulations, in consultation with the DBM.


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SEC. 9. Qualifications of the VIP Director-General and Deputy Directors- 
General. - The VIP and Deputy Directors-General shall be appointed by the President 
of the Philippines, upon the recommendation of the DOST Secretary.
The Director-General, with a rank of Undersecretary, shall be a qualified expert 
possessing at least a Master’s degree in Biology, Microbiology, and/or an allied 
discipline: preferably with a doctorate degree in medical sciences and/or in virology- 
related discipline with ten years of experience in diagnostic virology. He or she shall 
have overall responsibility for the activities, including the supervision of all the staff 
working in the VIP. In addition, he or she shall be directly responsible for reporting to 
the DOST Secretary and the President of the Philippines the results of the various 
diagnostic assays and research studies performed in the Institute.
Each of the Deputy Directors-General of the VIP shall have a rank of Assistant 
Secretary. The Deputy Directors-General shall possess at least the education 
background qualification for the VIP Director-General position.
The Director-General and the Deputy Directors-General of the VIP shall be 
appointed by the President for a term of seven years, pursuant to civil service laws, 
rules, and regulations. Of those first appointed, the Director-General shall hold office 
for a term of seven (7) years, one Deputy Director-General shall hold office for a terms 
of five (5) years, and the other Deputy Director-General shall have a term of three (3) 
years.
SEC. 10. The Governing Board. - The Governing Board shall be the principal 
policy-making body for the scientific and technological activities of the Institute. It shall 
be composed of the following:
a) 
Secretary of DOST as Chairperson;
b) 
Undersecretary for R&D of the DOST as Co-chairperson; and
c) 
The following as members:
1) Undersecretary of Department of Health (DOH);
Undersecretary of Department of Agriculture (DA);
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
Director of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Philippines (CDC 
PHL):
Executive Director of Philippine Council for Health Research & 
Development (PCHRD);
Executive Director of Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and 
Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD);
Executive Director of Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging 
Technology Research & Development (PCIEERD);


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7) 
Director-General of the Philippine Virology Science and Technology 
Institute (VIP);
8) 
Director of the University of the Philippines-National Institutes of Health 
(UP-NIH); and
9) 
Three (3) representatives from the private sector appointed by the 
President of the Philippines, as nominated by the Governing Board. 
These representatives shall have distinguished themselves in the field of 
medical virology, genomics, plant virology, animal virology, epidemiology, 
genetic engineering, and other related disciplines.
The three (3) private sector representatives shall come from each of the 
following:
i. 
An association of medical or allied-health professionals;
ii. 
The Philippine Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association or from a 
recognized pharmaceutical industry:
iii. 
An academic institution with research and development activities in 
the field of medical virology, genomics, plant virology, animal 
virology, epidemiology, genetic engineering, and other related 
disciplines.
The VIP shall serve as the Secretariat of the Governing Board with the 
VIP Director-General acting concurrently as the Executive Director of the 
Secretariat.
SEC. 11. Transfer of Offices and Units. - All offices and units under the 
DOST system that are handling matters related to virology shall be transferred to the 
VIP.
The transfer of an office or unit shall include the functions, appropriations, 
funds, records, equipment, facilities, choses in action, rights, other assets, and 
liabilities, if any, of the transferred office or unit as well as the personnel thereof, as 
may be necessary.
SEC. 12. Engagement of Balik Scientists and Foreign Experts. - The 
Institute may engage Balik Scientists and foreign experts following the terms of 
reference and compensation structure of the Balik Scientist Program.
SEC. 13. International Cooperation. - The VIP may enter into a memorandum 
of agreement or memorandum of understanding with international partners, upon the 
approval of its Governing Board.
SEC. 14. Official Site of VIP. - A lot with an area equivalent to at least five (5) 
hectares under the administration of the Bases Conversion and Development 
Authority (BCDA) within the New Clark Economic Zone in Tarlac shall be allocated 
exclusively for the Institute, its research facilities, and laboratories. The biosafety


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infrastructure shall be designed based on risk assessment for handling specific 
pathogens following the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on the 
establishment of a virology laboratory in developing countries.
SEC. 15. Entitlement to Magna Carta Benefits. - Qualified employees of VIP 
and its attached units shall be covered by Republic Act No. 8439, otherwise known as 
“Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers, Researchers and Other Science and 
Technology Personnel in Government.”
SEC. 16. Annual Report - The VIP shall submit to the President and the 
Committee on Science and Technology in both Chambers of the Congress not later 
than the 30th of March of every year following the effectivity of this Act. The report 
shall provide a detailed account of the status of the implementation of this Act and 
recommended legislation, where applicable and necessary.
SEC. 17. Virology Research Fund. - There is hereby created a Virology 
Research Fund to be used exclusively for the implementation of the Virology Institute 
Strategic Plan, and shall be administered by the VIP following existing government 
budgeting, accounting, and auditing rules and regulations. The Fund shall be sourced 
from the following:
a) 
The initial amount of Two Billion pesos (P2,000,000,000.00) to be taken from 
the current fiscal year’s appropriation, in case the General Appropriation Act 
(GAA) was approved before this law is enacted; Provided an amount which 
shall not be less than One Billion pesos (PI,000,000,000.00) shall be annually 
included in subsequent General Appropriations Acts;
b) 
The income produced from its operations, technology transfer, and licensing 
agreements: and
c) 
Loans, contributions, grants, bequests, gifts, and donations whether from local 
or foreign sources; Provided, That acceptance of grants, bequests, 
contributions, and donations from foreign governments shall be subject to the 
approval of the President upon the recommendation of the Secretary of the 
DOST and Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
SEC. 18. Use of Income.- The VIP shall be authorized to use all of the Income 
generated from its operations, as well as donations, bequests, and grants for the 
upgrading of its physical and human resources, and for the augmentation of its budget, 
in case of a shortfall.
SEC. 19. Appropriations. - The sum of Two Billion Pesos 
(P2,000,000,000.00) is hereby appropriated as an initial operating fund for the 
operation of the Institute, taken from the current fiscal year’s appropriation. Thereafter, 
the amount needed for its annual operation shall be included in the General 
Appropriation Act.
SEC. 20. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within one hundred 
twenty (120) days from the effectivity of this Act, the DOST, in coordination with DBM, 
Civil Service Commission, and other relevant government agencies, and upon


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consultation with relevant stakeholders, shall promulgate the necessary rules and 
regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.
SEC. 21. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, 
proclamations, rules and regulations, and other issuances, or parts thereof which are 
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified 
accordingly.
SEC. 22. Separability Clause. - If, for any reason, any part, section, or 
provision of this Act is held invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions not 
affected shall continue to be in full force and effect.
SEC. 23. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general 
circulation.
Approved,