Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

Nineteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 47

Introduced by Representative JOEY SARTE SALCEDA

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 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 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, are ongoing across the world.

‘The country is also faced with problems on 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 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

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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.

The proposed measure shall serve as a complementary measure to House Bill No. 6096,
creating the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which shall tackle the public
health aspects of combatting infectious diseases. Ideally, the VIP shall provide R&D-based
solutions to the problems identified by the CDC in its Sudden-Onset Health Emergency
Management Plan. Together, these bills should serve as a foundation for a resolutely science-
based manner of addressing infectious diseases and epidemics.

The proposed measure was a priority in the 2021 State of the Nation Address, the Economic
Development Cluster priority measures, and the Legislative Executive Development Advisory
Council (LEDAC) Common Legislative Agenda.

Why create a Virology Institute

The study of viruses in the Philippines has thus far been specialized mostly in the Research
Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), whose focus is human infectious diseases, not
exclusively viruses. As a result, the country has not been able to sufficiently study viruses as
they originate from animals, or when they occur in plants. Studying viruses once they migrate
to humans may already be too late.

Some recent non-human viruses that have been costly for the Philippines include:

a) African Swine Fever — P135 billion in damage (2020-2021)

b) Tungro virus ~ Around P25 billion in damage (2021 cropping season alone)

c) Avian flu ~ a total of 60,289 birds died from the virus, while 43,714 others were killed
or disposed of to stop its spread as of March 2022.

) Pineapple mealybug wilt-associated viruses

e) Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV), Banana streak viruses (BSV), Banana bract mosaic
virus (BBrMV), which affected 1/4th of Davao Region’s banana plantations in 2020

f) Tilapia lake virus (TiLV), which killed 101,000 tilapia in one Bulacan pond alone in
2017.

Countries with a well-supported virology or microbiology institute have been able to better
respond to some of these threats. Some of the examples are:

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a) Vietnam’s NAVETCO (National Veterinary Joint Stock Company), formerly the
National Institute of Microbiology has developed the world’s first ASF vaccine in 2020

b) India’s National Institute of Virology isolated the 11 strains of SARS-CoV-2 virus and
helped India becoming the fifth country in world to isolate the strain

Moreover, there are also good viruses to study. Beneficial plant viruses include several acute
viruses (Brome mosaic virus, family Bromoviridae, Cucumber mosaic virus, family
Bromoviridae, Tobacco rattle virus, family Virgaviridae, and Tobacco mosaic virus, family
Virgaviridae), which confer tolerance to drought and freezing temperatures in several different
crops. .Like “vaccinating” plants, plant virus strains with mild symptoms have been used for
cross-protection against more severe strains, and this phenomenon has been exploited in
pathogen-derived transgenic resistance strategies.

Features of the proposed bill

> Creation of a Virology Institute attached to the Department of Science and Technology,
and governed by a multisectoral, state-led board. This will allow the creation of plantilla
positions as well as institutionalize its annual appropriations.

> The agency will be allowed to engage scientists under the Balik Scientist Program and
foreign experts. The Institute will also work with international agencies and foreign
institutions under the guidance of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

> The Virology Institute will engage in Public-Private Partnerships. The Department of Trade
and Industry (DTI), the Department of Health (DOH), Public-Private Partnership (PPP)
Center and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will work together in
seeking PPPs for the development of new industries, products and services where the
Virology Institute shall be the main research and development unit.

> The institute will also develop a roadmap for industries that virology could strengthen. This,
mandate will work best in conjunction with the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for
Enterprises (CREATE) Act, and the Strategic Investment Priorities Plan

> It will also promote knowledge transfer in universities and institutions of higher learning
in the country.

> To ensure that scientists of the institute are paid competitively, the institute’s technical
personnel will be qualified for the enhanced remuneration under the Magna Carta for
Scientists.

> There will also be a P2 billion appropriation for its seed endowment and initial
appropriations.

Recent developments
The Virology Institute campus was included in the Revised List of Infrastructure Flagship

Projects (IFPs), with a P500 million funding, and a P150 million funding for the DPWH in
2022 GAA. The DOST is hoping to get the campus ready by 2023 or 2024

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The Virology Institute is already an organized DOST program with seven existing projects,
namely:

1)
2)

3)
4)
5)

6)
2)

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

Isolation and Purification of Philippine Common Viruses with Medical Importance and
Pandemic Potential for Antigen-Antibody Studies;

Combination Therapy: Lytic Bacteriophages and Plant Extracts against Multidrug-
Resistant Bacteria; Detection of Food- and Water-borne Bacterial Pathogens using
Phage-based Diagnostics;

De novo synthesis of a Non-infective Zika Pscudovirus as Reference for Diagnostics
and Vaccine Development.

Development of a Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction for Point-of-Need Detection
for African Swine Fever Virus;

Development of a PCR-based detection kit for Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus-
Philippine strains;

Antigenic Peptides as Potential Candidates for COVID-19 Vaccine (with SLMC); and
Development of Antibody Test Kits for COVID-19 using Enzyme Immunoassay (with
RITM).

JOEY SARTE SALCEDA

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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

Nineteenth Congress
First Regular Session

AT

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative JOEY SARTE SALCEDA.

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.”

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, and for
the formulation of policies that shall prevent the transmission of these 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 modern approach such as molecular biology and its
application or biotechnology;

(b) Development of diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics;

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(©) Intemational cooperation and network of databases of virus infections;

(@ 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; and,

(©) Operation of a 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;

(©) Biosecurity refers to the strategic and integrated approach to analyzing and
managing relevant risks to plant, animal and human life, and health and associated risks 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 methods, tests, techniques, and tools in viral diagnosis for
plants, animals and humans;

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

(f) Vaccine refers to a product that induces or stimulates 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; and

(g) 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 the 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 scientists, research institutes and other organizations in the Philippines

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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
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 concerned stakeholders, that will encompass researches
involving viruses of plant, animal and humans;

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

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

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

(e) Promote, advocate and oversee virology research ethics, biosafety, and biosecurity;

(f) 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;

(j) 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:
(a) Virus Research

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(b) Diagnostics and Therapeutics Research
(c) Vaccines Research

(d) Technical Services and Training

(e) Policy, Planning, and Linkages

() 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, create new divisions or units as it may deem
necessary, and appoint its 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 recom-
mendation of the Governing Board, the President of the Philippines shall appoint the Director
of the 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) years’ 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 Secretary of 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 a similar field and at least a Master's
Degree in Virology.

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

Chairperson:
(a) Secretary of the DOST;

Co-Chairpersons:

(b) Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH);
(c) Secretary of the Department of Agriculture;

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Members:

(d) Undersecretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources;

(e) Undersecretary for Technology for Research and Development of the
DOsT;

() 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;

() 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 Units, Offices and Functions. ~ All offices and units under the
DOST system whose 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 Scientists and Foreign Experts. — The VIP may engage
the services of Balik Scientists and foreign experts who shall work together with the local
scientists 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 shall establish strategic partnerships
with the world’s leading scientists, virology centers and institutes, and conduct innovative and
pioneering research 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.

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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 the 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 the 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 research 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
HEls 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 taxpayers 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 be held by and in the name of the
Philippine Government. In the case of partnerships, where the VIP is a 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 the 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 it 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 or 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 Authority (BCDA) within
the New 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
tisk

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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 the VIP 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”.

SEC. 22. Virology Research Fund. ~ All donations, contributions, grants, bequests, or
gifis, 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 from foreign
governments shall be subject to the 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 with, and receive
from any public or private domestic or foreign sources legacies, gifts, donations, grants,
endowments, contributions or other transfers 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, gifts, endowments, legacies, and
contributions used actually, directly and exclusively for the purpose of the VIP shall be exempt
from donor’s tax and the same shall be considered as allowable deduction from gross income
for purposes 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 its annual report to the President and
to the Committees on Science and Technology in both Houses of Congress, not later than the
30th of March of every year following the effectivity of this Act. The annual report shall
provide a full and 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.

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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.

(©) 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 consul-
tation 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,

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