NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
S. No. 1890
(©ffirp of tlir SE
1 pnn>
23 FEB 15 P5 38
RliCEIVID BY;
Introduced by Senator MANUEL "LITO" M. LAPID
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE VIROLOGY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 
INSTITUTE, TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has greatly affected the 
world with Philippines being one of the hardest hit in South East Asia based on the 
reported number of COVID-19 cases and deaths. Our country struggled in keeping our 
national healthcare systems and capacities running and was unable to keep up with 
the exponential increase of COVID-19 cases.1
The Philippines is part of ASEAN, a region that has been seen as usual origin of 
lethal disease outbreaks over the years and, thus, has been recognized as a hotspot 
for emerging infectious diseases, including those with pandemic potential.2
The Philippines continues to confront issues in responding to public health 
emergencies due to poorly dispersed and managed resources and capabilities. The 
advent of SARS-CoV-2, a novel strain of the coronavirus, in 2020 emphasized the need 
for increased and more organized activities in research and development in virology
1 https://www.unescap.Org/sites/default/d8files/2020-07/SG-Policy-brief-COVID-19-and-South-East-Asia-30- 
July-2020.pdf
2 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21269678/ | Coker RJ, Hunter BM, Rudge JW, Liyerani M, Hanvoravongchai 
P, 2011. Emerging infectious diseases in southeast Asia: regional challenges to control. Lancet 377: 599-609.


and infectious disease. The establishment of a research institution specializing in 
virology research is essential in better preparing the country for such health calamities.
Sa kadahHanang ang siyentipikong pananaliksik ay mahalaga sa pambansang 
kaunlaran at upang ingatan ang karapatan ng mga mamamayan sa kalusugan, ating 
ipinapanukata ang pagtatatag ng Virology Institute of the Philippines. Ang panukaiang 
batas na ito ay magtatatag ng isang institusyong na bibigyan ng kakayahan ang bansa 
ng tumindig sa sariii at magkaroon ng kakayahan sa pananaliksik at daiubhasaan sa 
iarangan ng virology. Ito ang magbibigay sa ating bansa ng kakayahan na gumawa 
magpauniad ng ating sariUng diagnostic kits, vaccines, at gamotna lunas sa idinadaing 
na mga sakit at karamdamam hindi iamang ng mga tao kundi pad na rin ng mga 
hayop at haiaman.
Recognizing the importance of research and development capacities in virology, 
this measure seeks to establish the Virology Institute of the Philippines. An institution 
that specializes in virology that will enable Filipino researchers to conduct studies on 
the emerging infectious diseases as quickly as possible. It will likewise strengthen the 
country's virology research capacity that is crucial in supporting support the country's 
public health preparedness, and guide authorities in implementing evidence-informed 
response strategies.3
Furthermore, it shall mandate the government to invest more in research 
advancement, develop an equitable and secure national research framework, improve 
public awareness regarding the importance of such initiatives, and develop a stronger 
international collaboration with regards to research efforts in virology.
In view of the foregoing, early passage of this bill is earnestly
MANUEL "LITO" M. LAPID
Senator
3 https://www.stii.dost.gov.ph/1444-dost-secretary-emphasizes-the-benefits-of-a-ph-virology-and-vaccine- 
institute
2


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. No. 1890
'T-,., ^euatr
of ll)r ^ ■ .ri'rnro
23 FEB 15 P5:38
RLCEIVLD BY;
Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid
1 
AN ACT
2 
ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE VIROLOGY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
3 
INSTITUTE, TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER
4 
PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled:
5 
SECTION 1. Short Title.
6 
of the Philippines (VIP) Act".
This Act shall be known as the "Virology Institute
7 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is the policy of the State to protect and
8 
promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them.
9 
The State recognizes that science and technology is essential for national development
10 
and progress.
11 
To this end, the State shall formulate and implement policies that shall address
12 
current health issues, such as the quality and adequacy of health resources including
13 
human resources for health, health institutions, and delivery of health services, and
14 
shall give priority to research, the development and promotion of innovations in both
15 
technology and services, the use of safe and indigenous health-promoting practices,
16 
and their appropriate utilization by the health sector.
17 
In this regard, the State shall prioritize the establishment of an institute that
18 
will conduct in-depth studies on viruses and their potential disease-causing agents
19 
that affect people, plants, and animals, in order to provide the scientific bases for the
1


1 
treatment of viral diseases, and for the formulation of policies that shall prevent the
2 
transmission of these diseases within the community and national context.
3 
SECTION 3. Objectives. — This Act seeks to establish a virology and vaccine
4 
institute that shall focus on the following key science and technology applications:
5 
a. Research on viruses and other pathogens using a modern approach such as
6 
molecular biology and its application on biotechnology and bioinformatics;
7 
b. Development of diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics on viruses and other
8 
pathogens;
9 
c. International cooperation and network of databases of virus infections;
10 
d. Operation of a virology laboratory, virus gene bank and virus genome
11 
laboratory, to focus on viruses ^circulating in the Philippines for disease
12 
prevention and epidemiological studies; and
13 
e. Operation of a virus high-containment laboratory dedicated to the study of
14 
highly infectious and highly pathogenic viruses.
15 
SECTION 4. Definition of Terms. — As used in this Act:
16 
a. Bacteriophage refers to any group of viruses that infect specific bacteria, usually
17 
causing their disintegration or dissolution;
18 
b. Biosafety refers to a condition in which the probability of harm, injury and
19 
damage resulting from the intentional and unintentional introduction or use of
20 
a regulated article is within acceptable and manageable levels;
21 
c. Biosecurity refers to the strategic and integrated approach to analyzing and
22 
managing relevant risks to plant, animal and human life, and health and
23 
associated risks for the environment. It is based on recognition of the critical
24 
linkages between sectors and the potential for hazards to move within and
25 
between sectors, with system-wide consequences;
26 
d. Diagnostics refer to methods, tests, techniques, and tools in viral diagnosis for
27 
plants, animals and humans;
28 
e. Therapeutics refer to anti-viral, bacteriophages, nanotechnology treatment
29 
approach, nucleic acid-based treatment, remedial agents, drugs for the
30 
treatment of viral diseases and infections of plants, animals and humans;
2


1 
f. Vaccine refers to a product that inGi ces or stimulates active acquired immunity
2 
by producing antibodies to a specific infectious agent. It helps the body's
3 
immune system to recognize and fight pathogens like viruses or bacteria; and
4 
g. Virology refers to the scientific discipline concerned with the study of the
5 
biology of viruses and viral diseases of plant, animal, and human medical
6 
importance and pandemic potential, including the distribution, pathogenicity,
7 
viral cytopathicity, biochemistry, physiology, molecular biology, biotechnology,
8 
ecology, tropism, spillover or interspecies transmission, evolution, and clinical
9 
aspects of viruses.
10 
SECTION 5. Creation of the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines.
11 
— The Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines (VIP) is hereby created and
12 
shall be attached to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for purposes
13 
of policy and program coordination and to ensure alignment in national policies and
14 
priorities.
15 
The VIP shall serve as the premier research and development institute in the
16 
field of virology, encompassing all kinds of viruses and viral diseases in plants, animals
17 
and humans. It shall also be a venue for scientists, research institutes and other
18 
organizations in the Philippines and abroad, to work collaboratively to study viruses of
19 
agricultural, industrial, clinical, and environmental importance.
20 
SECTION 6. Mandate. — The VIP shall implement policies, plans, programs,
21 
and projects for the development of virology science and technology in the country
22 
and the promotion of scientific and technological activities for both the public and
23 
private sectors. It shall ensure that the results of these activities are properly applied
24 
towards self-reliance and utilized to accelerate economic and social development
25 
towards the protection of the citizens.
26 
SECTION 7. Powers, Functions, and Duties. — To accomplish its mandate, the
27 
VIP shall have the following powers, functions, and duties:


1 
a. Serve as the lead convener for the formulation of the National Virology
2 
Research Agenda, in consultation with all concerned stakeholders, that will
3 
encompass researches involving viruses of plant, animal and humans;
4 
b. Undertake scientific and technological research and development in the field of
5 
virology;
6 
c. Conduct product research and development in the areas of diagnostics,
7 
therapeutics, and vaccines in cooperation with the private sector and concerned
8 
agencies;
9 
d. Promote and undertake the transfer of the results of scientific research and
10 
development in collaboration with government agencies, industry, and the
11 
academe;
12 
e. Promote, advocate and oversee virology research ethics, biosafety, and
13 
biosecurity;
14 
f. Develop and maintain an information system on virology science 
and
15 
technology for use by both the public and private sectors;
16 
g. Develop and implement, together with other entities concerned, programs for
17 
strengthening scientific and technological capabilities in virology and relevant
18 
disciplines through human resource development, infrastructure, and institution
19 
building;
20 
h. Undertake policy research, and other related studies on virology;
21 
i. Provide laboratory and technical services on virology;
22 
j. Promote and advocate the national programs on virology science and
23 
technology;
24 
k. Establish linkages with local and international partners; and
25 
I. Assume additional functions such as the conduct of clinical research or trials
26 
and other incidental works, as may be deemed appropriate.
27 
SECTION 8. Organizational Structure. — The VIP shall be headed by a Director
28 
and two (2) Deputy Directors for Research and Development, and Support, Policy, and
29 
Linkages.
30


1 
The VIP shall have technical and administrative support staff and consultants.
2 
The consultants may be selected from the public and private sectors and shall serve
3 
on a contractual basis. They shall be granted honoraria or allowances in accordance
4 
with existing rules and regulations.
5 
Subject to the approval of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM),
6 
the VIP shall determine its organizational structure and staffing pattern, subject to the
7 
existing compensation and position classification system and civil service rules and
8 
regulations.
9 
SECTION 9. Qualifications of the VIP Director and Deputy Directors. — Upon
10 
the recommendation of the Governing Board, the President of the Philippines shall
11 
appoint the Director of the VIP.
12 
The Director must possess:
13 
a. a bachelor's degree in the field of microbiology or any other specialization;
14 
b. a postgraduate degree in virology or any other related fields; and,
15 
c. at least three (3) years work experience in the field of virology.
16 
The Director of the VIP shall have the rank of Director IV, Salary Grade (SG) -
17 
28, and shall exercise overall responsibility over the activities of the VIP, including the
18 
supervision over VIP staff. The Director of the VIP shall report to the President of the
19 
Philippines and the Secretary of the DOST the results of the various diagnostic assays
20 
and research studies undertaken by the VIP.
21 
Each of the Deputy Directors of the VIP shall have a rank of Director III, SG -
22 
27. The Deputy Director for Research and Development must possess a Bachelor's
23 
Degree in Microbiology or in a similar field and at least a Master's Degree in Virology.
24 
The Deputy Director for Support, Policy, and Linkages must possess a Bachelor's
25 
degree and a Master's degree relevant to the position.
26 
SECTION 10. The Governing Board. — The VIP shall have a Governing Board
27 
which shall be the policymaking body for the scientific and technological activities of
28 
the VIP. It shall be composed of the following:


1 
a. Chairperson:
2 
b. Secretary of the DOST;
3 
c. Co-Chairpersons:
4 
1. Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH);
5 
2. Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA);
6 
d. Members:
7 
1. Undersecretary of the Department 
of Environment and Natural
8 
Resources;
9 
2. Undersecretary for Research and Development of the DOST;
10 
3. Undersecretary of the Department 
of Foreign Affairs (DFA) 
for
11 
International Economic Relations;
12 
4. Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED);
13 
5. Director of the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM);
14 
6. Director General of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA);
15 
7. Director of VIP;
16 
8. Executive Director of University of the Philippines-National Institute of
17 
Health;
18 
9. Representative from the National Academy of Science and Technology;
19 
10. Representative from the National Research Council of the Philippines;
20 
and Three (3) representatives from the private sector appointed by the
21 
President of the Philippines, as nominated by the Governing Board.
22 
These representatives shall have distinguished themselves in the fields
23 
of medical virology, genomics, 
plant virology, animal virology,
24 
epidemiology, genetic engineering and other related disciplines.
25
The VIP Secretariat shall serve as the Secretariat to the Governing Board.


1 
SECTION 11. Transfer of Units, Offices, and Functions. — All offices and units
2 
under the DOST system which functions are related to virology shall be transferred to
3 
the VIP.
4 
All powers, functions, assets, capital, records, funds, receivables, equipment
5 
and facilities of the DOST units or its division shall be transferred to the VIP. The DOST
6 
shall conduct an audit and inventory of assets, liabilities and human resources of the
7 
transferred offices and units under the DOST system to the VIP.
8 
All transferred and new employees under the DOST System shall be subject to
9 
the qualification standards provided for by law, and by the rules and regulations of
10 
the Civil Service Commission (CSC).
11 
SECTION 12. Engagement of Baiik Scientists and Foreign Experts. - The VIP
12 
shall endeavor engage the services of Baiik Scientists and foreign experts who shall
13 
work together with the local scientists and experts, following the terms of reference
14 
and compensation structure in accordance with Republic Act No. 11035 or the "Baiik
15 
Scientist Act" and other existing laws.
16 
SECTION 13. Internationai Cooperation. — The VIP shall establish strategic
17 
partnerships with the world's leading scientists and virology centers and institutes,
18 
and conduct innovative and pioneering researches that will advance the frontiers of
19 
virology in the country. It may enter into a memorandum of agreement or
20 
understanding with international partners, upon the approval of its Governing Board
21 
and in compliance with existing laws, rules, regulations and issuances of the DFA. The
22 
DFA shall provide the VIP advice and assistance on drafting and negotiations of
23 
international legal instruments.
24 
The Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO) in the Philippines,
25 
World Organization for Animal Health and other relevant international organizations
26 
shall also consulted upon approval of the Governing Board of the VIP.
27 
SECTION 14. Interdepartmentai Cooperation. — The VIP shall collaborate
28 
with the DOH, Department of Finance, FDA, RITM and other relevant government
29 
agencies, in accessing and mobilizing available information, reports, technical
7


1 
expertise, equipment, materials and supplies as may be required to impiement this
2 
Act.
3 
The Scientific findings of the VIP rhali be integrated in other plans relating to
4 
disease controi and prevention and in the plans of the Inter-Agency Task Force for
5 
the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, as created by Executive Order No.
6 
168 s. 2014, or its successor body, for the management of public health emergencies
7 
relating to infectious diseases.
8 
SECTION 15. Private-Public Partnerships (PPPs). — The Department of Trade
9 
and Industry (DTI), the DOH, DA, Public-Private Partnership Center and the DOST
10 
shall collaborate in seeking Private-Public Partnerships (PPPs) for the development of
11 
new industries, products and services where the VIP shall be the main research and
12 
development unit.
13 
The DOST may also request the assistance of other national and local
14 
government agencies in seeking PPPs.
15 
SECTION 16. Promotion of Virology Industry. — The DOST shail, in
16 
partnership with the DOH, DA and the DTI, jointly develop an industry roadmap for
17 
products and services that can be created, improved, or optimized by research from
18 
the VIP. As far as practicable, the industry roadmap shall include the use of local
19 
materials in the development of new products. The industry developed or established
20 
resulting from the VIP researches shall be included in the national government's
21 
priority industries for incentives.
22 
SECTION 17. Promotion of Knowledge-transfer and Research in the Academe.
23 
— The VIP shall promote the creation of hubs and programs for virology research and
24 
development in the academe, particularly in state universities and colleges (SUCs). To
25 
this end, the VIP shall assist SUCs in the creation of viroiogy courses and programs,
26 
open internships and scholarships for qualified students of higher education
27 
institutions (HEIs), and coliaborate with HEIs in the creation of virology research
28 
centers.


1 
The CHED shall collaborate with the DOST in the promotion of HEI-VIP
2 
partnerships.
3 
SECTION 18. Protection of VIP-developed Intellectual Property. — The
4 
Governing Board of the VIP shall ensure tiiat all technologies developed exclusively by
5 
the VIP with full funding from Filipino t:^xpayers shall be protected by intellectual
6 
property laws in accordance with Republic Act No. 10055, also known as the
7 
"Philippine Technology Transfer Act of 2009," and other applicable laws. Any patent
8 
or property right award granted to the VIP shall be held by and in the name of the
9 
Philippine Government. In the case of partnerships, where the VIP is a collaborating
10 
research partner, the Governing Board shall ensure that technologies co-developed by
11 
the VIP shall also be co-owned by the Philippine Government, and correspondingly
12 
accorded intellectual property protection under the iaw.
13 
SECTION 19. Procurement of Specialized Materials, Equipment, and Services.
14 
— The VIP shall undertake the procurement of specialized materials, equipment, and
15 
services to be used by the VIP in its operation and administration, in the most
16 
expeditious manner, and adopt the most suitable or appropriate method of
17 
procurement that it deems fit based on its identified needs and requirements
18 
depending on the existing conditions and requirements that justify the use of a
19 
particular alternative modality provided for by Republic Act No. 9184, otherwise known
20 
as the "Government Procurement Reform Act" and its 2016 Revised Implementing
21 
Rules and Regulations.
22 
SECTION 20. Official Site of VIP. — A lot with an area equivalent to at least
23 
five (5) hectares under the administration of the Bases Conversion and Development
24 
Authority within the New Clark Economic Zone in Tarlac Province shall be allocated
25 
exclusively for the VIP, its research facilities, and laboratories. The biosafety
26 
infrastructure shall be designed based on risk assessment standards and guidelines of
27 
the WHO for handling specific pathogens and the establishment of virology
28 
laboratories in developing countries.
29 
SECTION 21. Entitlement to Magna Carta Benefits. — Qualified employees of
30 
the VIP shall be covered by Republic Act No. 8439, otherwise known as the "Magna
9


1 
Carta for Scientists, Engineers, Researchers and Other S&T Personnel in the
2 
Government," as amended.
3 
SECTION 22. V/ro/ogy Research Fund. — All donations, contributions, grants,
4 
bequests, or gifts, in cash or in-kind, received by the VIP from various sources shall
5 
be placed into a fund, to be known as the Virology Research Fund, and such donations
6 
shall be exempt from donor's tax: Provided, That acceptance of grants, bequests,
7 
contributions, and donations from foreign governments shall be subject to the
8 
approval of the President of the Philippines, upon the recommendation of the
9 
Secretary of the DOST and the Secretary of the DFA.
10 
SECTION 23. Authority to Solicit, Negotiate, and Receive Donations, Grants,
11 
Gifts, Legacies, Endowments, and Contributions. — The VIP may solicit, negotiate
12 
with, and receive from any public or private domestic or foreign sources legacies, gifts,
13 
donations, grants, endowments, contributions or other transfers of ownership and/or
14 
possession of real or personal properties of all kinds in favor of and for the benefit of
15 
the VIP, which shall be released in a timely manner to address an existing or emerging
16 
public emergency or consistent with the urgent nature of VIP mandate and functions,
17 
subject to existing budgeting, accounting and auditing laws, rules and regulations.
18 
SECTION 24. Tax Exemptions. — Donations, grants, gifts, endowments,
19 
legacies, and contributions used actually, directly and exclusively for the purpose of
20 
the VIP shall be exempt from donor's tax and the same shall be considered as
21 
allowable deduction from gross income for purposes of computing the taxable income
22 
of the donor, in accordance with Sec. 34 (H)(2)(a) of the National Internal Revenue
23 
Code of 1997, as amended. Likewise, such other transfers of ownership and/or
24 
possession of real or personal properties of all kinds shall be exempt from all taxes.
25 
SECTION 25. Annual Report. — The VIP shall submit its annual report to the
26 
President and to the Committees on Science and Technology in both Houses of
27 
Congress, not later than the 30th of March of every year following the effectivity of
28 
this Act. The annual report shall provide a full and detailed account of the status of
29 
the implementation of this Act and policy recommendations.
10


1 
SECTION 26. Joint Congressional Oversight Committee. — There shall be a
2 
Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on the VIP Act, which shall be jointly chaired
3 
by the Chairpersons of the Committees on Science and Technology of the Senate and
4 
the House of Representatives. It shall be composed of the Chairpersons of the Senate
5 
Committees on Health and Demography, and Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform,
6 
the Chairpersons of the Committees on Health, and Agriculture and Food of the House
7 
of Representatives, and two (2) Members from each House representing the minority
8 
who shall be appointed by the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of
9 
Representatives.
10 
SECTION 27. Appropriations. — The initial amount for the implementation of
11 
this Act shall be charged against the current year's appropriations of the DOST.
12 
Thereafter, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations
13 
Act.
14 
SECTION 28. Transitory Provisions. —
15 
a. The functions and assets of the DOST units which shall be absorbed by the VIP
16 
shall be transferred accordingly pursuant to Section 11 (Transfer of Units,
17 
Offices and Functions) hereof within three (3) years without need of
18 
conveyance and transfer of assignment.
19 
b. To the greatest extent possible and in accordance with existing laws, all
20 
employees of the affected offices, agencies, and units shall be absorbed by the
21 
VIP. Personnel hired on a permanent basis and with appointments attested to
22 
by the CSC who may be affected by the transfer of DOST units to VIP, or who
23 
will not be absorbed in the new positions of the new staffing pattern of the
24 
different offices in the VIP, shall have the option to:
25 
1. Be transferred to other units or offices within the DOST in accordance
26 
with civil service laws, rules and regulations; or
27 
2. Avail of the applicable retirement benefits and separation incentives as
28 
provided under Republic Act No. 6656, entitled "An Act to Protect the
29 
Security of Tenure of Civil Service Officers and Employees in the
11


1 
Implementation of Government Reorganization," and other relevant
2 
laws.
3 
c. Incumbent DOST officials and employees may be considered to assume
4 
positions in the VIP, subject to competency evaluation and CSC regulations.
5 
d. Research grants acquired during the transition of DOST transferred units to VIP
6 
shall be utilized solely for the grants' intended purposes for each of the affected
7 
units or offices.
8 
e. Existing contracts and agreements entered into by the affected offices with
9 
third parties prior to the enactment of this Act shall remain valid.
10 
SECTION 29. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — The DOST Secretary
11 
shall, in consultation with DBM, DOH, CSC, and other relevant government agencies,
12 
promulgate the necessary rules and regulations within one hundred twenty (120) days
13 
from effectivity of this Act.
14 
SECTION 30. Separability Clause. — If any portion of this Act is declared
15 
invalid or unconstitutional, other provisions hereof shall remain in full force and effect.
16 
SECTION 31. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, orders, rules, and
17 
regulations or other issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this
18 
Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
19 
SECTION 32. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
20 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
21
Approved,
12