Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

~ 4450

HOUSE BILL Ni

Introduced by Rep. Anna York P. Bondoc, MD

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

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) has caught the world
unprepared. Spreading exponentially, SARS-CoV? resulted in a global pandemic as millions and
millions of people contracted the corona virus diseases (COVID-19). Since its first occurrence
late year 2019, the virus spread to every continent.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported on 23 August 2022 (08:00 GMT+18)
that there have been 599,825,400 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and out of this number,
6,469,458 died. In the Philippines, the Department of Health reported that as of 31 August 2022,
3,880,229 people were confirmed to have contracted the disease, and 61,814 of whom died. 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 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;
tisk 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.

This 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), on 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 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 may 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.

There 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 of the field of virology. The country needs
diagnostic detect and limit the spread of the existing viruses; vaccine to provide long-term
protection; treatments to save lives in the shorter-term, and social science to understand their
behavioral and social implications. Hence, this proposed measure.

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

are Yue? Pr

Rep. Anna Yqfk P. Bondoc, MD
Fourth District, Pampanga


Republic of the Philippines
Bouse of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro flanila

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No #450

INTRODUCED BY HON. ANNA YORK P. BONDOC, MD

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 1. Short Title. — This act shall be known as the “Virology Institute of the Philippines
(VIP) Act.”

SEC. 2 Declaration of Policy. — It is the policy of the State to protect and promote the right to
health of the people and instill health consciousness among them. The State recognizes that science
and technology is essential for national development and progress

To this end, the State shall formulate and implement policies that shall address current health
issues, such as the quality and adequacy of health and medical human resources, health institutions,
and delivery of health services, and shall give priority to research, the development and promotion
of innovations in both technology and services, the use of safe and indigenous health-promoting
practices, and their appropriate utilization by the health sector.

In this regard, the State shall prioritize the establishment of an institute that will conduct in-depth
studies on viruses and their potential disease-causing agents that affect people, plants, and animals
in order to provide the scientific bases for the treatment of viral diseases within the community
and national context.

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 in plants, animals, and
humans:

a), Research on viruses using a modem. approach such as molecular biology and its
application or biotechnology;

b). Development and manufacturing of diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics;
c). International cooperation and network of databases of virus infections;
4). Operation ofa 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 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:

a). Bacteriophage refers to any group of viruses that infect specific bacteria, usually
causing their disintegration or dissolution;

b). Biosafety refers to a condition in which the probability of harm, injury, and damage
resulting from the intentional and unintentional introduction or use of a regulated article is within
acceptable and manageable levels;

c). Biosecurity refers to the strategic and integrated approach to analyzing and managing
relevant risk to plant, animal, and human life, and health and associated risk for the environment.
It is based on recognition of the critical linkages between sectors and the potential for hazards to
move within and between sectors, with system-wide consequences;

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

©). Therapeutics refer to anti-viral, bacteriophages, nanotechnology treatment approach,
nucleic acid-based treatment, remedial agents, drugs for the treatment of the viral diseases and
infections for humans, animals and plants;

f). Vaccines refers to a product 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 of bacteria; and

8). Virology refers to the scientific discipline concerned with the study of the biology of
viruses and viral diseases of plant, animal, and human medical importance and pandemic potential,
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 Virology Science and Technology Institute of the Philippines. - The
Virology Science and Technology Institute of the Philippines (VIP) is hereby created and shall be
an attached agency under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for purposes of
policy and program coordination to ensure alignment in national policies and priorities.

The VIP shall serve as the premier research and development institute in the field of virology,
encompassing all kinds of viruses and viral diseases in plants, animals and humans. It shall be a
venue for scientist, research institutes and other organizations in the Philippines and abroad, to
work collaboratively to study viruses of agricultural, industrial, clinical, and environmental
importance.

SEC. 6. Mandate - The VIP 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. It shall 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

a). Serve as the lead convener for the formulation of the National Virology Research
Agenda, in consultation with all concemed stakeholders, that will encompass research involving
viruses of plant, animal and humans;


b). Undertake scientific and technological research and development in the field of
virology;

©). Conduct product research and development in the areas of diagnostics, therapeutics, and
vaccines in cooperation with the private sector and concerned government agencies;

4). Promote and undertake the transfer of the results of scientific research and development
in collaboration with government agencies, industry, and the academe;

€). Promote, advocate, and oversee virology research ethics, biosafety, and biosecurity;

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

g). 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:

h). Undertake policy research, technology assessment, and other related studies on
virology;

i). Provide laboratory and technical services on virology;
4). Promote and advocate the national programs on virology science and technology; and
k), Establish linkages with local and international partners,

SEC. 8.— Organizational Structure. - The VIP shall be headed by a Director and two (2) Deputy
Directors for Research and Development, and Support, Policy, and Linkages.

The VIP shall be composed of 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 oversee the operations of the Virus
Research, Diagnostics and Therapeutics Research, and Vaccines Research Divisions. The Deputy
Director for Support, Policy, and Linkages shall oversee the operations of the Technical Services
and Training, Policy, Planning, and Linkages, and Finance and Administration Divisions
The VIP shall have technical and administrative support staff and consultants, The consultants
may come from the public and private sectors on a consultancy or contractual basis, and shall be
granted honoraria or allowances in accordance with existing rules and regulations.
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 appoint officers and employees.


For this purpose, the VIP shall, in consultation with the DBM, determine the necessary position
qualifications and standards for its personnel following civil service laws, rules, and regulations
SEC. 9. Qualifications of the VIP Director and Deputy Directors. - Upon the recommendation
of the Governing Board, the President of the Philippines shall appoint the Director of VIP who
must possess a bachelor’s degree in the field of microbiology and a postgraduate degree in
virology, and should have at least three (3) year experience in the field of diagnostic virology. The
Director of the VIP shall have the rank of Director IV, Salary Grade (SG)-28, and shall exercise
overall responsibility over the activities of the VIP, including the supervision over VIP staff. The
Director of the VIP shall report to the President of the Republic of the Philippines and the
Department of Science and Technology the results of the various diagnostic assays and research
studies undertaken by the VIP.

Each of the Deputy Directors of the VIP shall have a rank of Director III, SG-27. Each must possess
a Bachelor's Degree in Microbiology or in similar field at least a Master’s Degree in Virology.

SEC. 10. The Governing Board. - The Governing Board shall be the principal policy-making
body for scientific and technological activities of the VIP, composed of the following:

Chairperson:
a). Secretary of DOST;

Co-Chairpersons:

b). Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH);

©), Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA);

Members:

4d). Undersecretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources;
e). Undersecretary for Technology for Research and Development of the DOST;

f). Undersecretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for International Economic
Relations;

g). Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED);

h). Director of the Research Institute for Tropical Medical Medicine (RITM);

i). Director General of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA);

j). Director of VIP;

k). Executive Director of University of the Philippines-National Institute of Health;

1), Representative from the National Academy of Science and Technology;

m), Representative from the National Research Council of the Philippines; and

n). Three (3) representatives from the private sector appointed by the President of the
Philippines, as nominated by the Governing Board. These representatives shall have distinguished

themselves in the fields of medical virology, genomics, plant virology, animal virology,
epidemiology, genetic engineering and other related disciplines.


The VIP Secretariat shall serve as the Secretariat to the Governing Board.

SEC. 11. Transfer of offices and units. — All offices and units under the DOST system which
functions are related to virology shall be transferred to the VIP.

All powers, functions, assets, capital, records, funds, receivables, equipment and facilities of the
DOST units or its division shall be transferred to the VIP. The DOST shall conduct an audit and
inventory of assets, liabilities and human resources of the transferred offices and units under the
DOST system to the VIP. All transferred and new employees under the DOST System shall be
subject to the qualification standards provided for in the laws, rules and regulations of the Civil
Service Commission.

SEC. 12. Engagement of Balik Scientist and Foreign Experts. - The VIP may engage the services
of Balik Scientist and foreign experts who shall work together with the local scientist and experts,
following the terms of reference and compensation structure in accordance with Republic Act. No.
11035 or the “Balik Scientist Program Act” and other existing laws.

SEC. 13. International Cooperation. - The VIP may shall establish strategic partnership 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. It may enter into a
memorandum of agreement or understanding with international partners, upon the approval of its
Governing Board and in compliance with existing laws, rules, regulations and issuances of the
DFA. The DFA shall provide legal and other forms of assistance to the VIP.

The Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO) in the Philippines shall also be
consulted upon approval of the Governing Board of the VIP.

SEC. 14. Interdepartmental Cooperation. — The VIP shall collaborate with the DOH, Department
of Finance, FDA, RITM, and other relevant government agencies, in accessing and mobilizing
available information, reports, technical expertise, equipment, materials and supplies as may be
required to implement this Act.

The scientific findings of the VIP shall be integrated in other plans relating to disease control and
Prevention and in the plans of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases, as
created by Executive Order No. 168 s. 2014, or its successor body, for the management of public
health emergencies relating to infectious diseases.

SEC. 15. Private-Public Partnerships (PPPs). ~ The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI),
the DOH, Public-Private Partnership Center and DOST shall collaborate in seeking Private-Public
Partnerships (PPPs) for the development of new industries, products and services where the VIP
shall be the main research and development unit.

The DOST may also request the assistance of other national and local government agencies in
seeking PPPs where the VIP shall be the main research and development unit.

SEC. 16. Promotion of Virology Industry. ~ The DOST, in partnership with the DTI and the DOH
shall, jointly develop an industry roadmap for products and services that can be created, improved,
or optimized by research from the VIP. As far as practicable, the industry roadmap shall include
the use of local materials in the development of new products. The industry developed or
established resulting from the VIP researches shall be included in the national government’s
priority industries for incentives.

SEC. 17. Promotion of Knowledge-transfer and Research in the Academe. — The VIP shall
Promote the creation of hubs and programs for virology research and development in the academe,
particularly in state universities and colleges (SUCs). Towards this end, the VIP shall assist SUCs
in the creation of virology courses and programs, open internships and scholarships for qualified


students of higher education institutions (HEIs), and collaborate with HEIs in the creation of
virology research centers.

The CHED shall collaborate with the DOST in the promotion of HEI-VIP partnerships.

SEC. 18. Protection of VIP-developed Intellectual Property. - The Governing Board of the VIP
shall ensure that all technologies developed exclusively by the VIP with full funding from Filipino
tax payers shall be protected by intellectual property laws in accordance with Republic Act No.
10055 or the “Technology Transfer Act of 2009” and other applicable laws. Any patent or property
right award granted to the VIP shall held by and in the name of the Philippine Government. In the
case of partnerships, where the VIP is collaborating research partner, the Governing Board shall
ensure that technologies co-developed by the VIP shall also be co-attributed to the Philippine
Government, with corresponding intellectual protection.

SEC, 19. Procurement of Specialized Materials, Equipment and Services. - The VIP shall
undertake the procurement of specialized materials, equipment, and services to be used by the VIP
in its operation and administration, in the most expeditious manner, and adopt the most suitable or
appropriate method of procurement that in deems fit based on its identified needs and requirements
depending on the existing conditions and requirements that justify the use of a particular alternative
modality provided for by Republic Act No. 9184 of the “Government Procurement Reform Act”
and its 2016 Revised IRR.

SEC. 20. 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 (BCDA) within Clark Economic
Zone in Tarlac Province shall be allocated exclusively for the VIP, its research facilities, and
laboratories. The biosafety infrastructure shall be designed based on risk assessment standards and
guidelines of the WHO for handling specific pathogens and the establishment of virology
laboratories in developing countries.

SEC. 21. Entitlement to Magna Carta Benefits. — Qualified employees of VIP shall be covered
by Republic Act No, 8439, otherwise known as “Magna Carta for Scientist, Engineers, Researchers
and Other Science and Technology Personnel in Government”

SEC. 22. Virology Research Fund. ~ All donations, contributions, grants, bequests, or gifts, in
cash or in-kind, received by the VIP from various sources shall be placed into a fund, to be known
as the Virology Research Fund and such donations shall be exempt from donor’s tax: Provided,
That, acceptance of grants, bequests, contributions, and donations form foreign governments shall
be subject to approval of the President of the Philippines, upon the recommendation of the
Secretary of DOST and the Secretary of DFA.

SEC. 23. Authority to Solicit, Negotiate, and Receive Donations, Grants, Gifts, Legacies,
Endowments, and Contributions. - The VIP may solicit, negotiate, and receive from any public
or private domestic or foreign sources legacies, gifts, donations, grants, endowments, contributions
or other transfer of ownership and/or possession of real or personal properties of all kinds in favor
and for the benefit of the VIP, which shall all be part of the special account in the general fund.

SEC. 24, Tax Exemptions. ~ Donations, grants, gifis, endowments, legacies, and contributions
used actually, directly and exclusively for the purpose of the VIP shall be exempted from donor’s
tax and the same shall be considered as allowable deduction from gross income for purpose of
computing the taxable income of the donor, in accordance with Sec. 34 (H)(2\(a) of the National
Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended. Likewise, such other transfers of ownership and/or
possession of real or personal properties of all kinds shall be exempt from all taxes

SEC. 25. Annual Report - The VIP shall submit annual report to the President and to the
Committee on Science and Technology in both Houses of Congress not later than the 30" 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 policy recommendations.


SEC. 26. Joint Congressional Oversight Committee. — There shall be a Joint Congressional
Oversight Committee on the implementation of this Act, which shall be jointly chaired by the
Chairpersons of the Committees on Science and Technology of the Senate and House of
Representatives. It shall be composed of the Chairpersons of the Senate Committees on Health and
Demography, and Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform, the Chairpersons of the Committees
on Health and Agriculture and Food of the House of Representatives, and two (2) Members from
each House representing the minority who shall be appointed by the Senate President and the
Speaker of the House of Representatives.

SEC. 27. Appropriations. - The initial amount for the implementation of this Act shall be charged
against the current year’s appropriations of the DOST. Thereafter, the funding of which shall be
included in the annual General Appropriations Act

SEC. 28. Transitory Provisions. —

a. The functions and assets of the DOST units enumerated herein shall be transferred to
the VIP within three (3) years without need of conveyance and transfer of assignment.

b. To the greatest extent possible and in accordance with existing laws, all employees of
the affected offices, agencies and units shall be absorbed by the VIP. Personnel hired
on a permanent basis and with appointments attested by the CSC who may be affected
by the transition of DOST units to VIP, or who will not be absorbed in the new positions
of the new staffing pattern of the different offices in the VIP, shall have the option to:

1. Be transferred to other units or offices within the DOST in accordance with
civil service law, rules and regulations; or,

2. Avail of the applicable retirement benefits and separation incentives as
provided under R.A. No. 6656 and other relevant laws.

¢. Incumbent DOST officials and employees may be considered to assume positions in
the VIP, subject to competency evaluation and CSC regulations.

d. Research grants acquired during the transition of DOST transferred units to VIP shall
be utilized solely for the grants’ intended purposes for each of the affected units or
offices.

e. Existing contracts and agreements entered into by the affected offices with third parties
Prior to the enactment of this Act shall remain valid.

SEC. 29. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — The DOST Secretary shall, in consultation with
DBM, DOH, Civil Service Commission, and other relevant government agencies, promulgate the
necessary rules and regulations within one hundred twenty (120) days from the effectivity of this
Act.

SEC. 30. Separability Clause. ~ If any portion or provision of this Act is declared invalid or
unconstitutional, other provisions hereof shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 31. 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. 32. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation,

Approved,