NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
SENATE 
S. No.
281
CSSTf {i J i /T ' O' 
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Introduced by SENATOR JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE VIROLOGY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 
INSTITUTE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The challenges posed by the novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 or COVID-19 to 
the structure, systems, capacity, competence and readiness of the country to arrest 
the spread of the virus Is unprecedented. It highlighted the need for sufficient number 
of highly-trained virology experts, supported by a system that will provide them with 
adequate resources and strategic support. Moreover, it emphasized the need to 
enhance the country's capacity and self-reliance in the development and production 
of vaccines.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Health 
(DOH) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) are espousing for the establishment of 
the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines (VIP) which is "envisioned to be 
the country's foundation of research and Innovation on human, animal, and plant 
viruses in the next 10 to 15 years". It should be designed to focus on virology research 
for health and agriculture; on diagnostics for human, animal, and plant diseases; and 
on the development of locally-made vaccines.
The "Virology Institute of the Philippines (VIP) XIof"seeks to provide the legal 
framework for the establishment of a government body that will conduct extensive


studies on viruses and their potential disease-causing agents in order to provide the 
scientific bases for the treatment of viral diseases. The proposed VIP will also 
formulate policies that will prevent the transmission of disease within the community 
and national context. The Institute aims complement the current efforts of the 
Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) on research and creation of vaccines.
This measure was supported by the Department of Science and Technology 
(DOST) and according to the agencvv some Filipino scientists who are currently based 
abroad already expressed their willingness to assist in the projects under the proposed 
institute through the Ballk Scientist Program of the DOST.
This bill was approved on Third Reading by the House of Representatives in the 
18th Congress.
In this light, the immediate passage of this bill is highly recommended.
INGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
Ci ihc ’' I'ffii'w
■22 JUL11 P6:32
SENATE 
S. No. 281
Introduced by SENATOR 3INGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA
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:
1 
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Virology Institute of the
2 
Philippines (VIP) Act."
3 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to protect and
4 
promote the right to health of the people and Instill health consciousness among them.
5 
The State recognizes that science and technology Is essential for national development
6 
and progress.
7 
To this end, the State shall formulate and implement policies that shall address
8 
current health issues, such as the quality and adequacy of health and medical human
9 
resources, health institutions, and delivery of health services, and shall give priority to
10 
research, the development and promotion of innovations in both technology and
11 
services, the use of safe and indigenous health-promoting practices, and their
12 
appropriate utilization by the health sector.
13 
In this regard, the State shall prioritize the establishment of an institute that
14 
will conduct in-depth studies on viruses and their potential disease-causing agents
15 
that affect people, plants, and animals in order to provide the scientific bases for the
16 
treatment of viral diseases, and for the formulation of policies that shall prevent the
17 
transmission of these diseases within the community and national context.


1 
Sec. 3. Objectives. - This Act seeks to establish a virology institute that shall
2 
focus on the following key development areas for virology science and technology
3 
applications in plants, animals, and humans:
4 
a) Research on viruses using a modern approach such as molecular biology
5 
and its application or biotechnology;
6 
b) Development of diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics;
7 
c) International cooperation and network of databases of virus infections;
8 
d) Operation of a virus gene bank, virus genome laboratory, and virus
9 
reference laboratory to focus on viruses circulating in the Philippines for
10 
disease prevention and epidemiological studies; and,
11 
e) Operation of a virus high containment laboratory dedicated to the study of
12 
highly infectious and highly pathogenic viruses.
13 
Sec. 4. Definition of Terms. - As used In this Act:
14 
a) Bacteriophage - refers to any group of viruses that infect specific bacteria,
15 
usually causing their disintegration or dissolution;
16 
b) Biosafety- refers to a condition in which the probability of harm, injury and
17 
damage resulting from the intentional and unintentional Introduction or use
18 
of a regulated article Is within acceptable and manageable levels;
19 
c) Biosecurity- refers to a strategic and Integrated approach to analyzing and
20 
managing relevant risks to plant, animal and human life, and health and
21 
associated risks for the environment. It Is based on recognition of the
22 
critical linkages between sectors and the potential for hazards to move
23 
within and between sectors, with system-wide consequences;
24 
d) Diagnostics - refer to methods, tests, techniques, and tools In viral
25 
diagnosis for plants, animals and humans;
26 
e) Therapeutics - refers to anti-viral, bacteriophages, nanotechnology
27 
treatment approach, nucleic acid-based treatment, remedial agents, drugs
28 
for the treatment of viral diseases and infections of plants, animals and
29 
humans;
30 
f) Vaccine - refers to a product that induces or stimulates active acquired
31 
immunity by producing antibodies to a specific infectious agent. It helps the


1 
body's immune system to recognize and fight pathogens like viruses or
2 
bacteria;
3 
g) Virology- refers to the scientific discipline concerned with the study of the
4 
biology of viruses and viral diseases of plant, animal, and human of medical
5 
importance and pandemic potential. Including the distribution,
6 
pathogenicity, viral cytopathicity, biochemistry, physiology, molecular
7 
biology, biotechnology, ecology, tropism, spillover or interspecies
8 
transmission, evolution, and clinical aspects of viruses.
9 
Sec. 5. Creation of the Virology Science and Technology Institute of the
10 
Philippines (VIP). - The Virology Science and Technology Institute of the Philippines
11 
(VIP) is hereby created, which shall be an attached agency under the Department of
12 
Science and Technology (DOST) for purposes of policy and program coordination to
13 
ensure alignment with national policies and priorities.
14 
The VIP shall serve as the premier research and development Institute in the
15 
field of virology, encompassing all areas In viruses and viral diseases In plants, animals
16 
and humans. It shall be a venue for scientists, research institutes and other
17 
organizations In the Philippines and abroad to work collaboratively to study viruses of
18 
agricultural, industrial, clinical, and environmental importance.
19 
Sec. 6. Mandate. - The VIF shall implement policies, plans, programs, and
20 
projects for the development of virology science and technology in the country and
21 
the promotion of scientific and technological activities for both the public and private
22 
sectors. It shall ensure that the results of these activities are properly applied towards
23 
self-reliance and utilized to accelerate economic and social development towards the
24 
protection of the citizens and resources.
25 
Sec. 7. Powers, Functions, and Duties. - To accomplish its mandate, the VIP
26 
shall have the following powers, functions, and duties:
27 
a) Serve as the lead convener for the formulation of the National Virology
28 
Research Agenda, in consultation with all concerned stakeholders, that will
29 
encompass researches involving viruses of plant, animal, and humans;
30 
b) Undertake scientific and technological research and development (R&D) in
31 
the field of virology;


1 
c) Conduct product research and development (R&D) in the areas of
2 
diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines in cooperation with the private
3 
sector and concerned government agencies;
4 
d) Promote and undertake the transfer of the results of scientific research and
5 
development in collaboration with concerned government agencies,
6 
industry, and the academe;
7 
e) Promote, advocate and oversee virology research ethics, biosafety, and
8 
biosecurity;
9 
f) Develop and maintain an information system on virology science and
10 
technology for use by both the public and private sectors;
11 
g) Develop and implement, together with other entities concerned, programs
12 
for strengthening scientific and technological capabilities in virology and
13 
relevant disciplines through human resource development, infrastructure,
14 
and Institution building;
15 
h) Undertake policy research, technology assessment, and other related
16 
studies on virology;
17 
i) Provide laboratory and technical ser/ices on virology;
18 
j) Promote and advocate the national programs on virology science and
19 
technology; and
20 
k) Establish linkages with local and international partners.
21 
Sec. 8. Organizational Structure. - The VIP shall be headed by a Director and
22 
two (2) Deputy Directors - one (1) for Research and Development, and one (1) for
23 
Support, Policy, and Linkages.
24 
The VIP shall be composed of the following divisions:
25 
a) Virus Research;
26 
b) Diagnostics and Therapeutics Research;
27 
c) Vaccines Research;
28 
d) Technical Services and Training;
29 
e) Policy, Planning, and Linkages; and
30 
f) Finance and Administration.
31 
The Deputy Director for Research and Development shall oversee the
32 
operations of the Virus Research, Diagnostics and Therapeutics Research, and


1 
Vaccines Research Divisions. The Deputy Director for Support, Policy, and Linkages
2 
shall oversee the operations of the Technical Services and Training, Policy, Planning,
3 
and Linkages, and Finance and Administration Divisions.
4 
The VIP shall have technical and administrative support staff and consultants.
5 
The consultants may come from the public and private sectors on a consultancy or
6 
contractual basis, and shall be granted honoraria or allowances in accordance with
7 
existing rules and regulations.
8 
Subject to the approval of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM),
9 
the VIP shall determine Its organizational structure, create new divisions or units as It
10 
may deem necessary, and appoint its officers and employees.
11 
For this purpose, the VIP shall. In consultation with the DBM, determine the
12 
necessary position qualifications and standards for its personnel following civil service
13 
laws, rules, and regulations.
14 
Sec. 9. Qualifications of the VIP Director and Deputy Directors. - Upon the
15 
recommendation of the Governing Board, the President of the Philippines shall appoint
16 
the Director of the VIP who must possess a bachelor's degree in the field of
17 
microbiology and a postgraduate degree in virology, and should have at least three
18 
(3) years experience in the field of diagnostic virology. The Director of the VIP shall
19 
have the rank of Director IV, Salary Grade (SG)-28, and shall exercise overall
20 
responsibility over the activities of the VIP, including the supervision over VIP staff.
21 
The Director of the VIP shall report to the President of the Republic of the Philippines
22 
and the Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) the results
23 
of the various diagnostic assays and research studies undertaken by the VIP.
24 
Each of the Deputy Directors of the VIP shall have a rank of Director III, SG-
25 
27. Each must possess a Bachelor's Degree in Microbiology or in a similar field and at
26 
least a Master's Degree in Virology.
27 
Sec. 10. The Governing Board. - The Governing Board shall be the highest
28 
policy-making body for the scientific and technological activities of the VIP, composed
29 
of the following:
30 
a) The Secretary of the DOST, as Chairperson;
31 
b) The Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH), as Co-Chairperson;
32 
c) Secretary of Department of Agriculture (DA), as Co-Chairperson;


1 
d) Members:
2 
1) Undersecretary of the Department of Environment and Natural
3 
Resources (DENR);
4 
2) Undersecretary for Technology for Research and Development of the
5 
DOST;
6 
3) Undersecretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for
7 
International Economic Relations;
8 
4) Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED);
9 
5) Director of the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM);
10 
6) Director-General of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA);
11 
7) Director of VIP;
12 
8) Executive Director of University of the Philippines-National Institutes of
13 
Health (UP-NIH);
14 
9) Representative from the National Academy of Science and Technology;
15 
10)Representative from the National Research Council of the Philippines;
16 
and
17 
ll)Three (3) representatives from the private sector appointed by the
18 
President of the Philippines, as nominated by the Governing Board.
19 
These representatives shall have distinguished themselves in the 
field
20 
of medical virology, 
genomics, plant virology, 
animal 
virology,
21 
epidemiology, genetic engineering, and other related disciplines.
22 
The VIP Secretariat shall serve as the Secretariat to the Governing Board.
23 
Sec. 11. Transfer of Units, Offices and Functions. - All offices and units under
24 
the DOST system which functions are related to virology shall be transferred to the
25 
VIP.
26 
All powers, functions, assets, capital, records, receivables, equipment and
27 
facilities of the DOST units or its division shall be transferred to the VIP. The DOST
28 
shall conduct an audit and inventory of assets, liabilities and human resources of the
29 
transferred offices and units under the DOST system to the VIP. All transferred and
30 
new employees under the DOST system shall be subject to the qualification standards
31 
provided for in the laws, rules and regulations of the Civil Service Commission.


1 
Sec. 12. Engagement ofBaiik Scientists and Foreign Experts. - The VIP may
2 
engage the services of Baiik Scientists and foreign experts who shall work together
3 
with the local scientists and experts, following the terms of reference and
4 
compensation structure in accordance with Republic Act No. 11035 or the "Baiik
5 
Scientist Program Act" and other existing laws.
6 
Sec. 13. Internationai Cooperation. - The VIP shall establish strategic
7 
partnerships with the world's leading scientists, virology centers and institutes, and
8 
conduct Innovative and pioneering researches that will advance the frontiers of
9 
virology in the country. It may enter Into a memorandum of agreement or
10 
understanding with International partners, upon the approval of Its Governing Board
11 
and in compliance with existing laws, rules, regulations and Issuances of the
12 
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). The DFA shall provide technical, legal and other
13 
forms of assistance to the VIP.
14 
The Regional Office of the World Flealth Organization (WHO) In the Philippines
15 
shall also be consulted upon approval of the Governing Board of the VIP.
16 
Sec. 14. Interdepartmental Cooperation. - The VIP shall collaborate with the
17 
DOH, Department of Finance (DOF), FDA, RTTM and other relevant government
18 
agencies, in accessing and mobilizing available information, reports, technical
19 
expertise, equipment, materials and supplies as may be required to implement this
20 
Act.
21 
The scientific findings of the VIP shall be Integrated in other plans relating to
22 
disease control and prevention and in the plans of the Inter-Agency Task Force on
23 
Emerging Infectious Diseases, as created by Executive Order No. 168 s. 2014, or its
24 
successor body, for the management of public health emergencies relating to
25 
infectious diseases.
26 
Sec. 15. Private-Public Partnerships (PPPs). - The Department of Trade and
27 
Industry (DTI), the DOH, Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center and the DOST shall
28 
collaborate In seeking Private-Public Partnerships (PPPs) for the development of new
29 
industries, products and services where the VIP shall be the main research and
30 
development unit.


1 
The DOST may also request the assistance of other national and local
2 
government agencies in seeking PPPs where the VIP shall be the main research and
3 
development unit.
4 
Sec. 16. Promotion of Virology Industry. - The DOST, in partnership with the
5 
DTI and the DOH, shall jointly develop an industry roadmap for products and services
6 
that can be created, improved, or optimized by research from the VIP. As far as
7 
practicable, the industry roadmap shall include the use of local materials In the
8 
development of new products. The industry developed or established resulting from
9 
the VIP researches shall be Included in the national government's priority industries
10 
for incentives.
11 
SEC. 17. Promotion of Knowledge-transfer and Research in the Academe. - The
12 
VIP shall promote the creation of hubs and programs for virology research and
13 
development in the academe, particularly In state universities and colleges (SUCs).
14 
Towards this end, the VIP shall assist SUCs in the creation of virology courses and
15 
programs, open internships and scholarships for qualified students of higher education
16 
institutions (HEIs) and collaborate with HEIs in the creation of virology research
17 
centers.
18 
The CHED shall collaborate with the DOST In the promotion of HEI-VIP
19 
partnerships.
20 
Sec. 18. Protection of VlP-deveioped Intellectual Property. - The Governing
21 
Board of the VIP shall ensure that all technologies developed exclusively by the VIP
22 
with full funding from Filipino taxpayers shall be protected by intellectual property laws
23 
in accordance with Republic Act No. 10055 or the "Technology Transfer Act of 2009"
24 
and other applicable laws. Any patent or property right award granted to the VIP shall
25 
be held by and in the name of the Philippine Government. In the case of partnerships,
26 
where the VIP is a collaborating research partner, the Governing Board shall ensure
27 
that technologies co-developed by the VIP shall also be co-attributed to the Philippine
28 
Government, with the corresponding intellectual protection.
29 
Sec. 19. Procurement of Specialized Materials, Equipment and Services. - The
30 
VIP shall undertake the procurement of specialized materials, equipment, and services
31 
to be used by the VIP in its operation and administration, in the most expeditious
32 
manner, and adopt the most suitable or appropriate method of procurement that it


1 
deems fit based on its identified needs and requirements depending on the existing
2 
conditions and requirements that justify the use of a particular alternative modality
3 
provided for by Republic Act No. 9184 or the "Government Procurement Reform Act"
4 
and its implementing rules and regulations.
5 
Sec. 20. Official Site of VIP. ~ A lot with an area equivalent to at least five (5)
6 
hectares under the administration of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority
7 
(BCDA) within the New Clark Economic Zone in Tarlac Province shall be allocated
8 
exclusively for the VIP, its research facilities, and laboratories. The biosafety
9 
infrastructure shall be designed based on risk assessment standards and guidelines of
10 
the World Health Organization (V/HO) for handling specific pathogens and the
11 
establishment of virology laboratories in developing countries.
12 
Sec. 21. Entitiement to Magna Carta Benefits. - Qualified employees of the VIP
13 
shall be covered by Republic Act No. 8439, otherwise known as "Magna Carta for
14 
Scientists, Engineers, Researchers and Other Science and Technology Personnel in
15 
Government".
16 
Sec. 22. Virology Research Fund. - Ail donations, contributions, grants,
17 
bequests, or gifts, in cash or In-kind, received by the VIP from various sources shall
18 
be placed Into a fund, to be known as the Virology Research Fund and such donations
19 
shall be exempt from donor's tax: Provided, That acceptance of grants, bequests,
20 
contributions, and donations from foreign governments shall be subject to the
21 
approval of the President of the Philippines, upon the recommendation of the
22 
Secretary of the DOST and the Secretary of DFA.
23 
Sec. 23. Authority to Solicit Negotiate, and Receive Donations, Grants, Gifts,
24 
Legacies, Endowments, and Contributions. - The VIP may solicit, negotiate with, and
25 
receive from any public or private domestic or foreign sources legacies, gifts,
26 
donations, grants, endowments, contributions or other transfers of ownership and/or
27 
possession of real or personal properties of all kinds in favor and for the benefit of the
28 
VIP, which shall all be part of the special account in the general fund.
29 
Sec. 24. Tax Exemptions. ~ Donations, grants, endowments, legacies, and
30 
contributions used actually, directly and exclusively for the purpose of the VIP shall be
31 
exempt from donor's tax and the same shall be considered as allowable deduction
32 
from gross Income for purposes of computing the taxable income of the donor. In


1 
accordance with Sec. 34 (H)(2)(a) of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as
2 
amended. Likewise, such other transfers of ownership and/or possession of real or
3 
personal properties of all kinds shall be exempt from all taxes.
4 
Sec. 25. Annual Report. - The VIP shall submit its annual report to the President
5 
and to the Committees on Science and Technology in both Houses of Congress, not
6 
later than the 30th of March of every year following the effectivity of this Act. The
7 
annual report shall provide a full and detailed account of the status of the
8 
implementation of this Act and policy recommendations.
9 
Sec. 26. Joint Congressional Oversight Committee. - There shall be a Joint
10 
Congressional Oversight Committee on the implementation of this Act, which shall be
11 
jointly chaired by the Chairpersons of the Committees on Science and Technology of
12 
the Senate and House of Representatives. It shall be composed of the Chairpersons
13 
of the Senate Committees on Health and Demography, and Agriculture, Food and
14 
Agrarian Reform, the Chairpersons of the Committees on Health, and Agriculture and
15 
Food of the House of Representatives, and two (2) members from each House
16 
representing the minority who shall be appointed by the Senate President and the
17 
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
18 
Sec. 27. Appropriations. - The initial sum for the implementation of this Act
19 
shall be charged against the current year's appropriations of the DOST. Thereafter,
20 
the funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
21 
Sec. 28. Transitory Provisions. -
22 
a) The functions and assets of the DOST units enumerated herein shall be
23 
transferred to the VIP within three (3) years without need of conveyance,
24 
transfer of assignment.
25 
b) To the greatest extent possible and in accordance with existing laws, all
26 
employees of the affected offices, agencies and units shall be absorbed by
27 
the VIP. Personnel hired on a permanent basis and with appointments
28 
attested by the CSC who may be affected by the transition of DOST units to
29 
VIP, or who will not be absorbed in the new positions of the new staffing
30 
pattern of the different offices in the VIP, shall have the option to:
31 
1) Be transferred to other units/offices within the DOST in accordance with
32 
civil service laws, rules and regulations; or
10


1 
2) Avail of the applicable retirement benefits and separation incentives as
2 
provided under R.A. No. 6656 and other relevant laws.
3 
c) Incumbent DOST officials and employees may be considered to assume
4 
positions in the VIP, subject to competency evaluation and CSC regulations;
5 
d) Research grants acquired during the transition of DOST transferred units to
6 
VIP shall be utilized solely for the grants' Intended purposes for each of the
7 
affected units or offices;
8 
e) Existing contracts and agreements entered into by the affected offices with
9 
third parties prior to the enactment of this Act shall remain valid.
10 
Sec. 29. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DOS!' Secretary, in
11 
consultation with DBM, DOH, Civil Service Commission, and other relevant government
12 
agencies, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations within one hundred
13 
twenty (120) days from the effectivity of this Act.
14 
Sec. 30. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part hereof is held invalid or
15 
unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision or part not otherwise
16 
affected shall remain valid and subsisting.
17 
Sec. 31. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive
18 
order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule, or regulation contrary to or
19 
Inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, modified, or amended
20 
accordingly.
21 
Sec. 32. Effectivity. -■ This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after Its
22 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,
11