Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO.  
Introduced by Representative Divina Grace C. Yu 
1st District, Zamboanga del Sur 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill seeks to establish Philippine Virology Science And Technology Institute. 
The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome CoronaVirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) outbreak has 
resulted in a global pandemic as millions and millions of people contracted the coronavirus 
disease (COVID-19}. Not only that it has affected millions of people, it has also shut down 
even the stable economies of developed countries worldwide. Thus, this health crisis has 
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, am 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 (ASP), 
one of the most severe and highly contagious viral diseases of pigs, has recently become 
prevalent in many provinces in the country. While it has 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 come 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, 1N1, H5Nl, etc.) ae the Philippines is a tropical country and 1s a possible 
hotspot for zoonotic viruses jumping the species barrier. 
Equal attention should also be given to the viruses and viroid 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, end tomato and squash mosaic and 
leaf curl. The diseases cause substantial yield losses thus, creating negative impacts on food 
production and food 
Through the expertise and focused study on viruses that the Philippine Virology 
Institute can offer, we can address these issues and unmask the identities of these unseen 
enemies lurking around our environment. 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 
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long-terror protection; treatments to save lives in the shorter-term, and social science to 
understand their behavioral and societal implications.  
In light of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
 
 
 
     DIVINA GRACE C. YU 
          
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First regular Session 
 
                                                             HOUSE BILL NO.  
 
Introduced by Representative Divina Grace C. Yu 
1st District, Zamboanga del Sur 
 
AN ACT  
ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE VIROLOGY SCIENCE AND  
TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE AND APPRPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in the 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1.   Short Tide. - . This Act shall be known as the “Virology Institute of the 
Philippines (VIP) Act of 2022”. 
SECTION 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. 
f) 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. 
SECTION 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 biotechnology. 
b) Development 
of 
diagnostics, 
vaccines, 
and 
therapeutics 
(Molecular 
Biotechnology) 
c) International cooperation and network of databases of virus infections 
d) 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. 
e) Operation of a virus high containment laboratory dedicated to the study of highly 
infectious and highly pathogenic viruses. 
SECTION 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 — 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 
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. 
SECTION 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 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. 
SECTION 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. 
SECTION 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). 
b) Undertake scientific and technological research and development (R&D} in the field 
of virology. 
c) Conduct product RED in the areas of diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines. 
d) Promote and undertake the transfer of the results of scientific research and 
development to concerned government agencies, industry, and academe. 
e) Develop and maintain an information system on virology science and technology for 
use by both the public and private sectors. 
f) 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. 
g) Undertake policy research, technology assessment, and other related research on 
virology. 
h) Provide laboratory and technical services on virology. 
i) Promote and advocate the national programs on virology science and technology 
j) Establish linkages with local and international partners. 
SECTION 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:  
a) Virus Research 
b) Diagnostics and Therapeutics Research 
c) Vaccines Research 
d) Technical Services and Training 
e) Policy, Planning, and Linkages 
f) 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.. 
SECTION 9.   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: 
a) Chair, Secretary of DOST 
b) Co-chair, Undersecretary for RED, DOST 
c) Members: 
i. 
Undersecretary of Department of Health (DOH) 
ii. 
Undersecretary of Department of Agriculture (DA) 
iii. 
Director of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Philippines (CDC 
PHL) 
iv. 
Executive Director of Philippine Council for Health Research & Development 
(PCHRD) 
v. 
Executive Director of Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural 
Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD)  
vi. 
Executive Director of Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging 
Technology Research 8s Development (PCIEERD) 
vii. 
Director of Philippine Virology Science and Technology Institute 
viii. 
Director of University of the Philippines-National Institutes of Health (UP-
NTH) 
ix. 
Three (3) representatives from the Private Sector elected by the ex-officio 
Board Members 
 
SECTION 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 personnel thereof, as may be necessary. 
SECTION 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. 
SECTION 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.  
SECTION 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. 
SECTION 14.   Entitlement of 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” 
SECTION 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. 
SECTION 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: 
a) The initial amount of Two Billion pesos (P 2,000,000,000.00} to be taken from the 
current fiscal year's appropriation, in case the General Appropriation Act (GAA) was 
approved before this law is enacted. 
b) The income produced from its operations, technology transfer, and licensing 
agreements. 
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). 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. 
SECTION 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. 
SECTION 18.  Appropriations - The sum of Two Billion Pesos (Php 2,000,000,000.00) 
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. 
SECTION 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. 
SECTION 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. 
SECTION 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. 
SECTION 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,