Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Quezon City, Metro Manila 8

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO, 6838

Introduced by HONORABLE STRIKE B. REVILLA

VEPRES,
he “N
/ RECEIVED ©

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Novel as it is, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2)
hhas 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 concems, 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 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

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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 of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is most eamestly sought.

REP, STRIKE B-REVILLA
2™4 District, Cavite

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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House BiLt No, 6838

Introduced by HONORABLE STRIKE B. REVILLA

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE VIROLOGY SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE 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 Institute of the
Philippines (VIP) Act of 2020”.

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;

©) 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

) 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, itis 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.

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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)

©) 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.

€) 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

©) 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.

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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 duti

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.

©) 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 concemed, programs for
strengthening scientific and technological capabilities in virology and relevant
disciplines through human resource development, infrastructure, and institution
building.

8) Undertake policy research, technology assessment, and other related researches
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

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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
©) Vaccines Research

4) Technical Services and Training

©) 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. 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:

a) Chair, Secretary of DOST
b) Co-chair, Undersecretary for R&D, DOST
©) 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 & Development (PCIEERD)

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vii. Director of Philippine Virology Science and Technology Institute (VIP)
Vili, Director of University of the Philippines-National Institutes of Health (UP-NIH)
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 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”.

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.

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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.

©) 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.

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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,

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