Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE 0F REPRESENTATIV
Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
HousEBILiNo.5683
RECEIVED   .
INTRODUCED BY Representative CAMILLE A. VILLAR
AV ACT
ESTABLISHING  THE  PHILIPPINE  VIROLOGY  SCIENCE  AND  TECHNOLOGY
INSTITUTE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
In December 2019, an outbreak of a novel coronavirus (COVID-19, previously known as
2019-ncov)  originated  in Wuhan,  China.  Scientists  had  a  hard  time  identifying  the
origin of virus, which infected a few people but later on became to be one of the most
widespread pandemic that killed millions and transformed lives as the world bounces
back from the once seemingly endless crisis.
Around the world, 592 million people had been infected by COVID-19, with 6.4 million
registered  deaths,  according to the |ohns Hopkins University{oronavirus  Resource
Center.
A little over 12 billion vaccine doses have also been administered worldwide, as against
the backdrop of difficulty in procuring vaccines early into the pandemic due to high
demand especially coming from rich countries.
In the Philippines, there were 3.8 million people infected and 61,000 deaths, based on
the latest government tally.  Over 158 million doses had been administered for first,
second  and booster shots, with 72 million fully vaccinated Filipinos and  66%  of the
entire population received at least two doses.
Virologists   play   an   important   role   in   advancing   a   wide   range   of   research,
understanding and evolution of virus biology, including possible collaborations with


researchers around the world in developing potential antiviral drugs and vaccines for
certain diseases.
Once enacted into law, this legislation will better equip the country with mechanisms
and methods in dealing with another possible pandemic that could potentially wreak
havoc into the lives and livelihood of people.
While  the  world  is  preparing for  more breakthrough technologies  to  combat future
outbreaks  or  pandemic,  more  research  is  needed  in  order  to  help  understand  how
viruses work and develop potential drugs or vaccines.
The   proposed   Virology   Science   and   Technology   Institute   of  the   Philippines   as
envisioned  in  this  bill  was  included  among  the  priorities  that  the  President  asked
Congress to pass during his maiden State of the Nation Address last month.
Through  this  proposal,  it is hoped  that systems  can change  to better  handle  future
public health emergencies.
The proposed Virology Science and Technology Institute of the Philippines, a research
and development agency under the Department of Science and Technology, will be the
focal agency in carrying out research relating to viruses and viral diseases in humans,
plants and animals. It is also mandated to establish partnerships with global experts
and virology centers to conduct irmovative and pioneering researches that will advance
virology in the Philippines.
It is high time to pass this legislation as an immediate answer to prioritize the health
and welfare of our countrymen.
As such, approval of this measure is earnestly sought.
ueb49th
CAMILLE A. VILLAR


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE 0F REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
HousEB|L£No.5683
INTRODUCED BY Representative CAMILLE A. VILLAR
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING  THE  PHILIPPINE  VIROLOGY  SCIENCE  AND  TECHNOLOGY
INSTITUTE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be  it  .era.cted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  Of  the  Phiti:iapines  in  Congress
assembled:
SECTION  1.  Short  Title.  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
Prooress;
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.
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
epidemioiogical studies, and
e) Operation of a virus high containment laboratory dedicated to the study of highly
infectious and highly pathogenic viruses.
SECTION 4. Definition of Terms. mean: As used in this Act, the following terms shall
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 infectious 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,  a  research  and  development
institute under the Department of Science and Technology called the Virology Science
and Technology Institute of the Philippines OVIP) shall be created. 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 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, 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 R&D 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 researches on
virology:
h) Provide laboratory and technical services on virology:
i) Promote and advocate the national programs on virology science and technology: and
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  (DasT) 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 Ijaw, 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) Chairperson, Secretary of DOST
b) Co-chairperson, Undersecretary for R&D, 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 q'CAARRD)
vi. Executive Director of Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging
Technology Research & Development (PCIEERD)
vii. Director of Philippine Virology Science and Technology Institute OVIP)
viii.  Director  of  University  Of  the  Philippines-National  Institutes  of  Health
(UPNIH)
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  urrits  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 Baltk 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  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.
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  (P2,000,000,000.00)  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
Of 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  (P2,000,000,000.00)  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.  Ail  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,