Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
Twentieth Congress 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 817 
Introduced by Representative LORDAN G. SUAN 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING THE VIROLOGY AND VACCINE INSTITUTE OF THE 
PHILIPPINES AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
In June 2025, the Department of Health (DOH) raised serious concerns 
over the sharp increase in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) cases, 
urging the government to declare it a National Public Health Emergency. 
Alarming data revealed a 500% surge in infections among individuals aged 
15 to 25, a deeply troubling trend, especially in the absence of a definitive 
vaccine or cure. 
At the same time, the country is contending with the resurgence of 
Mpox (Monkeypox). From January 2024 to May 2025, the DOH confirmed 
911 cases nationwide. The situation is particularly concerning in Mindanao, 
where three regions reported more than a dozen cases each in May 2025 
alone, signaling growing challenges in controlling the spread of the virus. 
Adding to these concerns is the alarming rise in dengue cases. From 
January to May 10, 2025, the DOH recorded over 110,000 cases across the 
country. In Metro Manila alone, more than 19,000 cases were logged as of 
May 17, an astounding 224% increase compared to the same period in 2024. 
This dramatic uptick reflects the persistent threat posed by dengue, 
especially during the rainy season, and further exposes the vulnerabilities in 
our current public health system. 
July 1, 2025
1:35 pm


Recently, the Philippines, like many other countries, suffered the 
devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely impacted our 
healthcare system, economy, and the lives of countless Filipinos. This 
experience underscored the urgent need for better preparedness and 
stronger health measures and infrastructure. 
These unfolding public health threats highlight the critical need to 
strengthen the country’s capacity for disease surveillance, research, and 
rapid response. The establishment of a Virology Institute of the Philippines 
will be a key step in this direction. It will enable the country to conduct 
advanced studies on viruses, anticipate and mitigate potential outbreaks, 
and enhance our overall pandemic preparedness. 
In view of the foregoing and the urgency of this matter, the immediate 
passage of this measure is earnestly sought. 
LORDAN G. SUAN 
Cagayan de Oro City – 1st District 


Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
Twentieth Congress 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 817 
Introduced by Representative LORDAN G. SUAN 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING THE VIROLOGY AND VACCINE INSTITUTE OF THE 
PHILIPPINES AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Virology 
1 
Institute of the Philippines (VIP) act”. 
2 
SEC. 2. Declaration of policy. – It is the policy of the state to protect and 
3 
promote the right to health of the people, and instill health consciousness 
4 
among them. The state also recognizes that science and technology are essential 
5 
for national development and progress. To this end, the state shall adopt a one 
6 
health approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of humans, animals, 
7 
plants, and their shared environment. The state shall formulate and implement 
8 
policies to address one health issues, prioritizing research and development, 
9 
promoting innovations in both technology and services, ensuring the quality 
10 
and adequacy of human resources, strengthening biosafety standards, and 
11 
promoting the use and appropriate utilization of safe and indigenous practices. 
12 
In this regard, the state shall prioritize the establishment of an institute to lead 
13 
in-depth studies on pathogens and potential disease-causing agents affecting 
14 
people, plants, animals, and the environment. This institute shall provide the 
15 
scientific basis for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases, as well 
16 
as for the development of policy recommendations. It shall conduct research 
17 
and development on disease-causing pathogens, including diagnostics, 
18 


 
 
 
therapeutics, and vaccines, from discovery to the pre-clinical phase of 
1 
development. 
2 
 
SEC. 3. Objectives. – This act seeks to establish a virology institute that 
3 
shall focus on research and development to address pathogens and potential 
4 
disease-causing agents affecting plants, animals, and humans. Its mandate shall 
5 
include, but is not limited to, the following: 
6 
(a) 
 Undertaking discovery programs in the field of virology and 
7 
related disciplines, including molecular biology, bioinformatics, and other 
8 
related fields of research; 
9 
(b) 
Conducting vaccine research from discovery to the pre-clinical 
10 
phase of development; 
11 
(c) 
Conducting research and development of prototype diagnostics  
12 
and  therapeutics  on  viruses  and other pathogens; 
13 
(d) 
Collaborating, coordinating, and disseminating evidence-based 
14 
policies on virology and vaccine science to stakeholders;  
15 
(e) 
Establishing linkages with 
local and international networks 
16 
through cooperation 
and collaboration  with  institutions  engaged  in  
17 
virus  and pathogen research and development; 
18 
(f) 
Training and engaging with experts for capacity building of 
19 
virology and vaccine research; 
20 
(g) 
Investing on virology infrastructure, including high-containment 
21 
facilities, biobanks, and genome laboratories, for the research of potential 
22 
emerging and re-emerging outbreaks; and 
23 
(h) 
Providing technical assistance and laboratory use to support 
24 
research communities. 
25 
 
26 
 SEC. 4. Definition of terms. – As used in this act: 
27 
(a) 
Bacteriophage refers to any group of viruses that infect specific 
28 
bacteria, usually causing their disintegration or dissolution; 
29 
(b) 
Biosafety refers to containment principles, technologies, and 
30 
practices  that  are  implemented  to prevent unintentional exposure to 
31 
biological agents or their inadvertent release; 
32 
(c) 
Diagnostics refers to the development of tools such as medical 
33 
devices, techniques, and procedures used for the identification of 
34 
viruses and other pathogens that cause diseases in plants, animals, and 
35 
humans; 
36 
(d) 
Discovery programs refer to the first stage of research focused on 
37 
identifying and developing new vaccine candidates by exploring novel 
38 


 
 
 
antigens, immune targets, and technologies to combat infectious 
1 
diseases; 
2 
(e) 
High-containment facilities refer to facilities that are necessary for 
3 
carrying out research activities involving high-risk pathogens, such as 
4 
avian influenza and other hemorrhagic diseases that pose a serious 
5 
public health burden; 
6 
(f)  
One Health is a collaborative, multisectoral, and transdisciplinary 
7 
approach – working at the local, regional, national, and global levels – 
8 
with the goal of achieving interconnectedness among people, animals, 
9 
plants, and their shared environment; 
10 
(g) 
Pathogen refers to any microorganism, such as but not limited to a 
11 
virus, bacterium, fungus, or protozoan that can cause diseases in a host; 
12 
(h) 
Pre-clinical stages and/or phases refer to the stage of research and 
13 
development that occur before a drug or vaccine is tested on humans, 
14 
which aim to assess the safety, efficacy, and biological mechanism of a 
15 
candidate drug or vaccine in controlled laboratory settings; 
16 
(i)  
Therapeutics refer to bacteriophages, nanotechnology treatment  
17 
approach,  nucleic  acid-based treatment, remedial agents, or drugs for 
18 
the treatment of viral  diseases  and  infections  in  plants,  animals,  and 
19 
humans; 
20 
(j)  
Vaccine refers to a product that induces or stimulates active 
21 
acquired immunity by 
producing 
antibodies 
for 
a 
specific 
22 
infectious agent. it helps the body’s immune  system  to  recognize  and  
23 
fight  pathogens  like viruses or bacteria; and 
24 
(k) 
Virology refers to the scientific discipline concerned with the study 
25 
of the biology of viruses and viral diseases in plants, animals, and 
26 
humans, with medical importance and pandemic potential, including 
27 
the distribution, pathogenicity, viral cytopathicity, biochemistry, 
28 
physiology, molecular biology, biotechnology, ecology, tropism, spill 
29 
over or interspecies transmission, evolution, and clinical aspects of 
30 
viruses. 
31 
 
32 
SEC. 5. Creation of the virology institute of the Philippines. – The 
33 
Virology Institute of the Philippines (VIP) is hereby created and shall 
34 
be an attached agency of the Department of Science and Technology 
35 
(DOST) for purposes of policy and program coordination to ensure 
36 
alignment in national policies and priorities. The VIP shall serve as the 
37 
lead convenor for research and development in the field of virology, 
38 
encompassing all kinds of viruses and other pathogens in plants, 
39 


 
 
 
animals, and humans. It shall be a venue for scientists, researchers, 
1 
government agencies, research institutes, and other organizations in 
2 
the Philippines and abroad, to work collaboratively in studying viruses 
3 
and other pathogens of agricultural, industrial, clinical, and 
4 
environmental importance. 
5 
SEC. 6. Powers, Functions, and Duties. – To accomplish its mandate, 
6 
the vip shall have the following powers, functions, and duties: 
7 
(a) Serve as the lead convener for the formulation of the national  
8 
virology  research  agenda,  which  shall encompass researches 
9 
involving viruses and other pathogens of plants, animals, and 
10 
humans; 
11 
(b) Undertake research and development in the field of virology; 
12 
(c) Conduct product research and development in the areas of 
13 
diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines, in cooperation with 
14 
concerned government agencies and the private sector; 
15 
(d) promote  and  undertake  the  transfer  of  the results of scientific 
16 
research and development through collaboration with government 
17 
agencies, industry, and the academe; 
18 
(e) Promote, advocate, and oversee virology research ethics, biosafety, 
19 
and biosecurity; 
20 
(f)  Develop and maintain information systems on virology science and 
21 
technology for use by both the public and the private sectors; 
22 
(g) Develop and implement, together with concerned government 
23 
agencies and the private sector, programs for strengthening scientific 
24 
and technological capabilities in virology and relevant disciplines 
25 
through 
human 
resource 
development, 
infrastructure, 
and 
26 
institution and capability building; 
27 
(h) Undertake policy research and other policy-related studies on 
28 
virology; 
29 
(i)  Provide  laboratory  and  technical  services  on virology; 
30 
(j)  Promote and advocate for national programs on virology science 
31 
and technology; 
32 
(k) establish linkages with local and international partners; 
33 
(l) Foster linkage and alignment with the private sector for public-
34 
private partnership, in accordance with existing laws and 
35 
regulations; 
36 


 
 
 
(m) Establish  joint  research  programs  and  share expertise and 
1 
resources with the Research Institute For Tropical Medicine (RITM) 
2 
and other relevant institutions; 
3 
(n) Ensure seamless collaboration with RITM and other pertinent 
4 
research bodies to delineate specific roles and responsibilities, 
5 
ensuring that the research agenda is complementary rather than 
6 
duplicative; 
7 
(o) Foster an environment of equity in research and development  by  
8 
prioritizing  collaborative  projects  that advance scientific progress 
9 
for the mutual benefit of all involved institutions; and 
10 
(p) Perform such other powers and functions such as, but not limited 
11 
to, clinical research and clinical trials, as may be deemed necessary 
12 
and incidental for the effective implementation of this act. 
13 
 
SEC. 7. Director and deputy directors. – The VIP shall be headed by a 
14 
director assisted by two (2) deputy directors: one (1) for research and 
15 
development, and one (1) for support, policy, and linkages. The deputy 
16 
director for research and development shall oversee the operations of the 
17 
virus research, diagnostics and therapeutics research, vaccines research and 
18 
technical services 
and training 
for virology. The deputy director for 
19 
support, policy, and linkages shall oversee the operations of the policy, 
20 
planning, 
linkages, 
and 
finance 
and 
administration. 
Upon 
the 
21 
recommendation of the VIP board, as provided in section 8 of this act, the 
22 
president of the Philippines shall appoint the director who must possess a 
23 
bachelor’s degree in the field of microbiology or biology, a Doctorate degree 
24 
in virology or other related specialization, and have at least five (5) years of 
25 
experience in the field of virology. The director shall have the rank of director 
26 
IV, Salary Grade (sg) 28, and shall exercise overall responsibility over the 
27 
activities of the VIP. The director shall report the results of research and 
28 
development studies to the VIP board. The deputy directors shall have a rank 
29 
of director III, sg-27. The deputy director for research and development must 
30 
possess a bachelor’s degree in the field of microbiology or biology, at least a 
31 
Master’s degree in virology or other related specialization, and have at least 
32 
three (3) years of experience in the field of virology; while the deputy director 
33 
for support, policy, and linkages must possess at least a master’s degree and 
34 
at least three (3) years of experience relevant to the position. 
35 
 
SEC. 8. The VIP board. – There is hereby created a VIP board that shall be 
36 
the policy-making body for the scientific and technological activities of the VIP. 
37 
The VIP board shall be chaired by the secretary of the DOST and co-chaired by 
38 


 
 
 
the secretary of the Department of Health (DOH) and the secretary of the 
1 
Department of Agriculture (DA). The members shall be composed of the 
2 
following: 
3 
 
(a) Undersecretary of the department of environment and natural 
4 
 
resources (DENR); 
5 
 
(b)  Undersecretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA); 
6 
 
(c) Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED); 
7 
 
(d) Director general of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); 
8 
 
(e)  Director of the RITM; 
9 
  
(f) Director of VIP; 
10 
 
(g) Executive  Director  of  the  University  of  the Philippines-National  
11 
 
Institute of Health (UP-NIH); 
12 
 
(h) President of the National Academy of Science and Technology; 
13 
 
(i) Executive Director of the National Research Council of the 
14 
 
Philippines; and 
15 
 (j) Two (2) representatives from the private sector appointed by the 
16 
president of the Philippines, as nominated by the VIP  Board. They must 
17 
be Filipino citizens with recognized competence in the fields of medical 
18 
virology, genomics, plant virology, animal virology, epidemiology, genetic 
19 
engineering, or other related disciplines. The chairperson, co-
20 
chairpersons, and members shall each designate a permanent 
21 
representative in the board, who must possess sufficient and relevant 
22 
experience. The permanent representative shall be duly authorized to act 
23 
on behalf of his/her principal, in the principal’s absence. The chairperson 
24 
of the VIP board shall have voting rights in case of a tie. 
25 
 
SEC. 9. Secretariat. – There is hereby created a secretariat to support the 
26 
vip in carrying out its functions. The VIP board shall provide for the institutional 
27 
setup, qualifications, and compensation of employees composing the 
28 
secretariat, in accordance with existing laws, rules, and regulations. 
29 
 
SEC. 10. Salary, Staffing Pattern, and Qualifications. – Subject to the 
30 
approval of the Department Of Budget and Management (DBM), the VIP shall 
31 
determine its organizational structure, create divisions or units, as it may deem 
32 
necessary, and appoint its officers and employees, in accordance with existing 
33 


 
 
 
Civil Service Commission (CSC) laws, rules, and regulations. The VIP shall have 
1 
technical and administrative support staff and consultants. the consultants may 
2 
be hired  from  the  public  and  the  private  sectors  on  a consultancy or 
3 
contractual basis. 
4 
 
SEC. 11. Inter-Agency Cooperation. – The VIP shall collaborate with the 
5 
DOH, RITM, FDA, DA, DENR, DFA, CHED, UP-NIH, Department of Finance, and 
6 
other relevant government agencies, in accessing and mobilizing available 
7 
information, reports, technical expertise, equipment, materials, and supplies as 
8 
may be required to implement this act. The RITM shall retain its current 
9 
functions under the DOH and shall collaborate with the VIP. It shall continue to 
10 
provide expertise in the detection and identification of emerging 
infectious 
11 
diseases and laboratory support. In line with its current mandate and in close 
12 
collaboration with the VIP, the RITM shall conduct research, surveillance, and 
13 
diagnostics for newly identified pathogens to formulate effective strategies for 
14 
the prevention and control of emerging diseases. The scientific findings of the 
15 
VIP, RITM, and other concerned agencies shall be integrated in the plans 
16 
relating to disease control and prevention of the Inter-Agency Task Force on 
17 
emerging infectious diseases, as created by executive order no. 168 s. 2014, and 
18 
the National Task Force to prevent the entry of animal-borne diseases, as 
19 
created by Executive Order no. 105, s. 2020, or its successor body, for the 
20 
management of public health emergencies relating to infectious diseases. 
 
21 
 
SEC. 12. Engagement of Balik scientists and foreign experts. – The VIP 
22 
may engage the services of Balik scientists and foreign experts, who shall work 
23 
together with local scientists and experts, following the terms of reference and 
24 
compensation structure in accordance with Republic Act no. 11035 or the “balik 
25 
scientist act” and other existing laws. 
26 
 
SEC. 13. International cooperation. – The VIP shall establish strategic 
27 
partnerships with the world’s leading scientists, Virology centers and institutes, 
28 
international organizations, and non-government organizations, and conduct 
29 
innovative and pioneering research that will advance the frontiers of virology 
30 
and vaccine research and development in the country. It may enter into a 
31 
memorandum of agreement or understanding with international partners 
32 
including, but not limited to, the World Health Organization (WHO) and World 
33 
Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), upon the approval of its VIP board, 
34 
and in compliance with existing laws, rules, regulations, and issuances of the 
35 
DFA. The DFA shall provide legal and other forms of assistance related to 
36 
international cooperation with the VIP. 
37 


 
 
 
 
SEC. 14. Promotion of the Virology Industry. – The VIP, in partnership 
1 
with the DOH, RITM, DA, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and other 
2 
concerned agencies, shall jointly develop an industry roadmap for products and 
3 
services that can be created and improved by research from the VIP. This 
4 
roadmap shall include an outline of how the research and development 
5 
activities of the VIP will contribute to achieving vaccine self-reliance. As far as 
6 
practicable, the industry roadmap shall include the use of local materials in the 
7 
development of new products and services.  The developed or established 
8 
industry resulting from the VIP research shall be included in the 
national 
9 
government’s priority industries for incentives. 
10 
 
SEC. 15. Private-Public Partnerships. – The VIP, DTI, and Public-Private 
11 
Partnership Center shall collaborate in seeking Private-Public 
Partnerships 
12 
(PPPs) for the development of new industries, products, and services, including 
13 
the clinical phase of vaccine production. The VIP may also request the 
14 
assistance of other national and local government agencies in seeking PPPs. 
15 
SEC. 16. Promotion of Virology in the Academe. – The VIP shall assist 
16 
State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in the creation of virology courses and 
17 
programs, and in opening internships and scholarships for qualified students of 
18 
Higher Education Institutions (HEIS).  It shall also collaborate with HEIS in the 
19 
creation of Virology Research Hubs and Centers. 
20 
  
SEC. 17. Protection of VIP-Developed Intellectual Property. – The VIP 
21 
board shall ensure that all technologies developed exclusively by the vip shall 
22 
be protected by intellectual property laws, in accordance with Republic Act No. 
23 
10055 or the “Philippine Technology Transfer act of 2009”, Republic Act  No.  
24 
8293 or the “Intellectual Property code of the Philippines”, and other applicable 
25 
laws. 
26 
SEC. 18. 
Procurement of specialized materials, equipment, and 
27 
services. – The VIP shall undertake the procurement of specialized materials, 
28 
equipment, and services to be used in its operation and administration, in 
29 
accordance with republic act no. 12009 or the “new government procurement 
30 
act”, and other existing Laws, Rules, and Regulations. 
31 
SEC. 19. Official Site of VIP. – A lot with an area equivalent to at least five 
32 
(5) hectares under the administration of the Bases Conversion and 
33 
Development Authority (BCDA) within the new Clark Economic Zone in Tarlac 
34 
province shall be allocated exclusively for the VIP, its research facilities, and 
35 
laboratories.  The biosafety infrastructure shall be designed based on risk 
36 
assessment standards and guidelines of the WHO and the WOAH for handling 
37 


 
 
 
specific pathogens and the establishment of Virology laboratories in developing 
1 
countries. To safeguard the well-being and security of the human, plant, and 
2 
animal populations within the VIP facilities area, the VIP shall 
coordinate 
3 
with the Department of National Defense (DND) regarding the establishment 
4 
and security of the said facilities. 
5 
SEC. 20. Entitlement to Magna Carta Benefits.  – Qualified employees of 
6 
the VIP shall be covered by Republic Act No. 8439 otherwise known as the 
7 
“Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers, Researchers and other science and 
8 
technology personnel in government”, as amended, and other rules and 
9 
regulations issued by appropriate government agencies. 
10 
SEC. 21. Authority to negotiate, receive donations, grants, gifts, legacies, 
11 
endowments, and contributions. – The VIP may negotiate with and receive 
12 
from, any public or private domestic or foreign sources, donations, grants, gifts, 
13 
legacies, endowments, contributions, or other transfers of ownership and/or 
14 
possession of real or personal properties of all kinds in favor and for the benefit 
15 
of the VIP. 
16 
SEC. 22. Virology research fund. – All donations, grants, gifts, legacies, 
17 
endowments, contributions, and bequests, in cash or in kind, received by the 
18 
VIP from various sources, shall be placed into a fund, to be known as the 
19 
virology research fund, in accordance with accounting and auditing standards, 
20 
rules, and regulations:  
21 
Provided, that  acceptance  of  donations,  grants,  gifts,  legacies, 
22 
endowments,  contributions,  and  bequests  from  foreign governments  shall  
23 
be  subject  to  the  approval  of  the President of the Philippines, upon the 
24 
recommendation of the VIP board. 
25 
SEC. 23. Tax exemptions. – Donations, grants, gifts, endowments, and 
26 
contributions actually, directly, and exclusively used for the purpose of the VIP 
27 
shall be exempt from donor’s tax and considered as allowable deduction from 
28 
gross income for purposes of computing the taxable income of the donor, in 
29 
accordance with section 34(h) (2) (a) of Republic Act No. 8424 or the National 
30 
Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended.  Such other transfers of ownership 
31 
and/or possession of real or personal properties of all kinds shall be exempt 
32 
from all taxes. 
33 
SEC. 24. Annual Report. – The VIP shall submit its annual report to the 
34 
president and to the committees on science and technology of both houses of 
35 
congress, not later than the 30th of March of every year. The annual report shall 
36 


 
 
 
provide a full and detailed account of the status of the implementation of this 
1 
act and policy recommendations. 
2 
SEC. 25. Appropriations. – The initial amount for the implementation of 
3 
this act shall be charged against the current year’s appropriations of the DOST.  
4 
Thereafter, such funding shall be included in the Annual General Appropriations 
5 
Act. 
6 
SEC. 26. Transitory Provisions. –  
7 
(a) All offices and units under the DOST system whose functions are 
8 
related to virology research programs shall be absorbed by the VIP and 
9 
transferred accordingly within three (3) years. It shall include all functions, 
10 
assets, capital, records, funds, receivables, equipment, and facilities of the 
11 
concerned dost offices and units. The DOST shall conduct an audit and 
12 
inventory of assets, liabilities, and human resources of the transferred offices 
13 
and units under the DOST system to the VIP. To the greatest extent possible and 
14 
in accordance with Republic Act No. 6656 or “An Act to Protect the Security of 
15 
Tenure of Civil Service Officers and Employees in the Implementation of 
16 
Government Reorganization” and other existing laws, all employees of the 
17 
affected offices and units shall be absorbed by the VIP. Personnel hired on a 
18 
permanent basis and with appointments attested by the CSC who may be 
19 
affected by the transition of DOST offices and units to the VIP, or who will not 
20 
be absorbed in the new staffing pattern of the different offices and units in the 
21 
VIP, shall have the option to: 
22 
(1)  Be transferred to other offices or units within the DOST in 
23 
accordance with Civil Service Law, Rules, and Regulations; or 
24 
(2) Avail of the applicable retirement benefits and separation 
25 
incentives as provided under Republic Act No. 6656 and other 
26 
relevant laws. 
27 
(b) Incumbent dost officials and employees may be considered to assume 
28 
positions in the VIP, subject to competency evaluation and CSC regulations. All 
29 
project-based personnel of the DOST doing virology-related research and 
30 
development shall be subject to the qualification standards provided in the 
31 
laws, rules, and regulations of the CSC. 
32 
  
(c) Research grants acquired during the transition of DOST offices and 
33 
units transferred to VIP shall be utilized solely for the grants’ intended purposes 
34 
for each of the affected offices and units. 
35 


 
 
 
(d)  Existing contracts and agreements entered into by the affected 
1 
personnel with third parties prior to the enactment of this act shall remain 
2 
valid. 
3 
SEC. 27. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – The DOST Secretary, in 
4 
consultation with DOH, RITM, DA, DBM, CSC, and other relevant government 
5 
agencies, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations within ninety 
6 
(90) days from effectivity of this Act. Failure to promulgate the rules and 
7 
regulations of this act shall not prevent its implementation upon effectivity. 
8 
SEC. 28. Separability clause. – If any portion of this Act is declared invalid 
9 
or unconstitutional, other provisions hereof shall remain in full force and effect. 
10 
SEC. 29. Repealing clause. – All laws, decrees, orders, rules, regulations, 
11 
or other issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this act 
12 
are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
13 
SEC. 30. Effectivity. – This act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
14 
publication in the official gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
15 
 
16 
       Approved, 
17