f GO.
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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
‘Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bi No: 6808

Introduced by: Hon. Angelina “Helen” D.L. Tan, M.D.

AN ACT.
ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE VIROLOGY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Novel as it is, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) has caught the
world unprepared. Spreading exponentially, SARS-CoV2 resulted in a global pandemic as millions and
millions of people contracted the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Since its first occurrence late last year, the
virus has spread to every continent except Antarctica,

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported on 19 May 2020 (08:00 GMT+8) that there have
been 4,735,622 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and out of this number, 316,289 died ~ this accounts for a
6.68% fatality rate. In the Philippines, the Department of Health reported that as of 19 May 2020, 12,942
people were confirmed to have contracted the disease, and 837 of whom died ~ giving us a fatality rate of
6.47%. This health crisis has also resulted in widespread social and economic crises, the impacts of which
were devastating, especially to the poor.

The ongoing outbreak presents many concerns, particularly on effective clinical and public health
management specially on novel viruses that cross the species barrier or what we call zoonotic viruses. This is
due to very few studies and limited information on viral pathogenesis; risk factors for infection; the natural
history of disease including clinical presentation and outcomes; prognostic factors for severe illness; the
period of infectivity; modes and extent of virus inter-human. transmission; effective preventive measures; and
Public health response and containment interventions. As of writing, there is no antiviral treatment or vaccine
available for COVID-19 yet although fast track research and development efforts, including clinical
therapeutic trials, are ongoing across the world.

The country is also faced with problems on a novel, emerging, reemerging, and enzootic viruses
affecting livestock and plants. For instance, the African swine fever (ASF), one of the most severe and highly
contagious viral diseases of pigs, has recently become prevalent in many provinces in the country. While it
thas been said that ASF is not a risk to human health, it is considered by the global veterinary society as one of
the major threats to pig production, food security, and biodiversity in the world. Unfortunately, no cure or
vaccine currently exists for this virus. There is also a constant threat from some more important viruses that
‘can potentially cause a future pandemic from zoonotic viruses such as influenza virus which often crosses the
species barrier and mutates into a more deadly strain (swine flu, INI, HSNI, etc) as the Philippines is a
‘tropical country and is a possible hotspot for zoonotic viruses jumping the species barrier.

Equal attention should also be given to the viruses and viroids affecting many crops in the country.
‘Among the known virus diseases affecting Philippine crops are the rice tungro, papaya ringspot, banana and
abaca bunchy top, and tomato and squash mosaic and leaf curl. The diseases cause substantial yield losses
thus, creating negative impacts on food production and food security.


These are issues that can only be addressed using science and technology, specifically through
research and development (R&D). It is therefore imperative that we establish a Research Institute that delves
into the study of viruses or the field of virology. The country needs diagnostics to detect and limit the spread
of the existing viruses; vaccines to provide long-term protection; treatments to save lives in the shorter-term,
and social science to understand their behavioral and societal implications. Hence, this proposed measure.

In light ofthe foregoing, the passage of this bill is most earnestly sought.

Gin

ANGELINA “HELEN” D.L. TAN, M.D.
4th District, Quezon


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

6808

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by: Hon. Angelina “Helen” D.L. Tan, M.D.

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE VIROLOGY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION |. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Virology Institute of the Philippines (VIP)
Act of 2020”.

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the Stat

1), To protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among,
them;

2), To undertake appropriate health, manpower development, and research, responsive to the country's
health needs and problems;

3). To recognize that science and technology are essential for national development and progress;

4). To give priority to research and development, invention, innovation, and their utilization; and

5). To support indigenous, appropriate, and self-reliant scientific and technological capabilities, and
their application to the country's productive systems and national life.

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). Research on viruses using a modern approach such as molecular biology and its application or
jotechnology;

). Development of diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics (Molecular Biotechnology);
). International cooperation and network of databases of virus infections;

4). 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


¢). 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). Diagnostics refer to those methods, tests, techniques, and tools in viral diagnosis for humans,
animals, and plants;

b). Therapeutics refer to 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;

©). Vaccines refer to the 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; and

4). Virology refers to 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.

SEC. 5. Creation of the Virology Science and Technology Institute of the Philippines. - To carry out
the provisions of this Act, there is hereby created a research and development institute under the Department
of Science and Technology called the Virology Science and Technology Institute of the Philippines (VIP).
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
hhere 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 Institute 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:

4). Serve as the lead convener of the Virology research agenda as part of the National Unified Health
Research Agenda (NUHRA);

b). Undertake scientific and technological research and development (R&D) in the field of virology;
). Conduct product R&D in the areas of diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines;

4). Promote and undertake the transfer of the results of scientific research and development to
concerned government agencies, industry, and academe;

¢). Develop and maintain an information system on virology science and technology for use by both
the public and private sectors;

). 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;

2). Undertake policy research, technology assessment, and other related researches on virology;

h), Provide laboratory and technical services on virology;

'). Promote and advocate the national programs on virology science and technology; and

{). Establish linkages with local and international partners.

SEC. 8. Organizational Structure. - The VIP shall be an attached agency of the Department of
Science and Technology (DOST) for purposes of policy and program coordination, and to ensure alignment in
national policies and priorities. It shall be headed by a Director and two (2) Deputy Directors, one (1) for
Research and Development, and another one (1) for Support, Policy, and Linkages.

The VIP shall be composed of the Office of the Director, Office of the Deputy Director for Research
and Development, Office of the Deputy Director or Support, Policy, and Linkages and the following
divisions:

1). Virus Research;

2). Diagnostics and Therapeutics Research;

3). Vaccines Research;

4). Technical Services and Training;

5). Policy, Planning, and Linkages; and

6). Finance and Administration

‘The Deputy Director for Research and Development shall head the first three (3) divisions while the
Deputy Director for Support, Policy, and Linkages shall head the next three (3) 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.

SEC. 9. The Governing Board. - The Governing Board shall be the principal policy-making body for
scientific and technological activities of the Institute. It shall be composed of the following:

».¢I
2). Co-chair, Undersecretary for R&D, DOST; and

3). Members:
1), Undersecretary of Department of Health (DOH);

2). Undersecretary of Department of Agriculture (DA);


3). Director of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Philippines (CDC PHL);
4), Executive Director of Philippine Council for Health Research & Development (PCHRD);

5). Executive Director of Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources
Research and Development (PCAARRD);

6). Executive Director of Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research
& Development (PCIEERD);

7). Director of Philippine Virology Science and Technology Institute (VIP);
8). Director of University of the Philippines-National Institutes of Health (UP-NIH); and
9). Three (3) representatives from the private sector elected by the ex- officio Board Members

SEC. 10. 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 personne! thereof, as may be necessary.

SEC. 11. 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. 12. 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. 13. 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 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. 14. 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. 15. 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. 16. Virology Research Fund. - There is hereby created a Virology Research Fund to be used
exclusively for the implementation of the Virology Institute Strategic Plan, which shall be administered by the
VIP following, existing government budgeting, accounting, and auditing rules and regulations. The Fund shall
be sourced from the following:

1). The initial amount of Two Billion pesos (P2,000,000,000.00) to be taken from the current fiscal
‘yeat’s appropriation, in case the General Appropriation Act (GAA) was approved before this law is enacted;

2). The income produced from its operations, technology transfer, and licensing agreements; and


3). 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). The Secretary of DOST, with the approval of the NEDA and
subsequently, the Department of Finance (DOF), is hereby granted the authority to enter into loan agreements
with foreign financial institutions.

SEC. 17. Use of Income. - The VIP shall be authorized to use all of the income generated from its
operations, as well as donations, bequests, grants for the upgrading if its physical and human resources, and
for the augmentation of its budget, in case of a shortfall.

SEC. 18. Appropriations. - The sum of Two Billion Pesos (Php2,000,000,000.00) 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 operation shall be included in the General Appropriation
Act.

SEC. 19. 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, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of
this Act.

SEC. 20. Separability Clause. - Any portion or provision of this Act that may be declared
unconstitutional or invalid shall not have the effect of nullifying the other portions or provisions hereof as
long as such remaining portion or provision can still subsist and be given effect in their entirety.

SEC. 21. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations or other issuances or
parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 22. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official
Gazette or any two (2) newspapers of general circulation in the Philippines.

Approved,