Republic of the Philippines

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tJ CATPHN 02 20e0 =
Quezon City TIME: 8'7nam
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Sesion
6913
HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE LEONARDO L. BABASA, JR.

EXPLANATORY NOTE
“The unseen enemy is always the most fearsome one.”!

Throughout the history, the world has been in numerous battles which have
claimed huge parts of the population. But the battle we are currently facing is
a peculiar one: it is against an unseen enemy which attacks an unsuspecting
victim treacherously while evading defensive measures against it.

This bill secks to establish the Philippine Virology Science and Technology
Institute which shall take the forefront in the fight against viruses, the
unseen enemy through research and development.

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome CoronaVirus 2 (SARS-CoV2)
outbreak has resulted in a global pandemic as millions and millions of people
contracted the coronavirus disease (COVID-19}. Not only that it has affected
millions of people, it has also shut down even the stable economies of
developed countries worldwide. Thus, this health crisis has 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

* George RR. Martin

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fast track research and development efforts, including clinical therapeutic
trials, are ongoing across the world.

The country is also faced with problems on a novel, emerging, reemerging,
and enzootic viruses affecting livestock and plants. For instance, the African
swine fever (ASF), one of the most severe and highly contagious viral diseases
of pigs, has recently become prevalent in many provinces in the country.
While it has been said that ASF is not a risk to human health, it is considered
by the global veterinary society as one of the major 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, 1N1, HSN1, 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.

Through the expertise and focused study on viruses that the Philippine
Virology Institute can offer, we can address these issues and unmask the
identities of these unseen enemies lurking around our environment. It is
therefore imperative that we establish a Research Institute that delves into
the study of viruses or the field of virology. The country needs diagnostics to
detect and limit the spread of the existing viruses; vaccines to provide
long-term protection; treatments to save lives in the shorter-term, and social
science to understand their behavioral and societal implications. Hence, this
proposed measure.

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

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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bit no. 6913

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE LEONARDO L. BABASA, JR.

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

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the “Virology Institute of
the Philippines (VIP) Act of 2020”.

SECTION. 2. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared the policy of the
State:
a) To protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill
health consciousness among them;
b) To undertake appropriate health, manpower development, and
research, responsive to the country's health needs and problems;
¢) To recognize that science and technology are essential for national
development and progress;
d) To give priority to research and development, invention, innovation,
and their utilization; and
€) To support indigenous, appropriate, and self-reliant scientific and
technological capabilities, and their application to the country's
productive systems and national life.

To this end, 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:

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

b) Development of diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics (Molecular
Biotechnology)

©) International cooperation and network of databases of virus infections

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 epidemiological studies.

©) Operation of a virus high containment laboratory dedicated to the
study of highly infectious and highly pathogenic viruses.

SECTION 4. Definition of Terms. As used in this Act, the following terms
shall mean:

a) Virology - is the scientific discipline concerned with the study of the
biology of viruses and viral diseases, including the distribution,
pathogenicity, viral cytopathicity, biochemistry, physiology, molecular
biology, biotechnology, ecology, tropism, spillover or interspecies
transmission, evolution, and clinical aspects of viruses.

b) Diagnostics ~ relates to methods, tests, techniques, and tools in viral
diagnosis for humans, animals, and plants

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

d) Vaccines - are products that induce or stimulate active acquired
immunity by producing antibodies to a specific infectious agent. It
helps the body's immune system to recognize and fight pathogens like
viruses or bacteria.

SECTION 5. Creation of the Virology Science and Technology Institute of
the Philippines. To carry out the provisions of this Act, there is hereby
created a research and development institute under the Department of
Science and Technology called the Virology Science and Technology Institute
of the Philippines (VIP).

The VIP shall serve as the premier research and development institute in the
field of virology, encompassing all areas in viruses and viral diseases in
humans, plants, and animals. It shall act as a venue for scientists, both
here and abroad, to work collaboratively to study viruses of agricultural,
industrial, clinical, and environmental importance.

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.

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SECTION 6. MANDATE. The Institute shall implement policies, plans,
programs, and projects for the development of virology science and
technology in the country and the promotion of scientific and technological
activities for both the public and private sectors, and ensure that the results
of these activities are properly applied towards self-reliance and utilized to
accelerate economic and social development towards the protection of the
citizens and its resources.

SECTION 7. Powers, Functions, and Duties. To accomplish its mandate,
the VIP shall have the following powers, functions, and 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.

©) 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.

¢) 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.

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

h) Provide laboratory and technical services on virology.

i) Promote and advocate the national programs on virology science and
technology

j) Establish linkages with local and international partners.

SECTION 8. Organizational Structure. The VIP shall be an attached
agency of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for purposes of
policy and program coordination, and to ensure alignment in national policies
and priorities. It shall be headed by a Director and two (2) Deputy Directors,
one (1) for Research and Development, and another one (1) for Support, Policy,

and Linkages.
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

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b) Diagnostics and Therapeutics Research
©) Vaccines Research

d) Technical Services and Training

¢) Policy, Planning, and Linkages

f) Finance and Administration

‘The Deputy Director for Research and Development shall head the first three
(3) divisions while the Deputy Director for Support, Policy, and Linkages shall
head the next three (3) divisions.

Subject to the approval of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM),
the VIP shall determine its organizational structure and create new divisions
or units as it may deem necessary and shall appoint officers and employees of
the VIP following the civil service laws, rules, and regulations.

For this purpose, the Institute shall draw up the necessary position
qualifications and standards for its personnel following the Civil Service Law,
rules and regulations, in consultation with the DBM.

SECTION 9. The Governing Board. The Governing Board shall be the
principal policy-making body for scientific and technological activities of the
Institute. It shall be composed of the following:

a) Chair, Secretary of DOST
b) Co-chair, Undersecretary for R&D, DOST
c) Members:
i, Undersecretary of Department of Health (DOH)
Undersecretary of Department of Agriculture (DA)
Director of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Philippines
(CDC PHL)
iv. Executive Director of Philippine Council for Health Research &
Development (PCHRD)
v. Executive Director of Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic,
and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD)
vi. Executive Director of Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and
Emerging Technology Research & Development (PCIEERD)
vii. Director of Philippine Virology Science and Technology Institute
(VIP)
viii. Director of University of the Philippines-National Institutes of Health
(UP-NIH)
ix. Three (3) representatives from the Private Sector elected by the
ex-officio Board Members

SECTION 10. Transfer of offices and units. All offices and units under the
DOST system that are handling matters related to virology shall be
transferred to the VIP.

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The transfer of an office or unit shall include the functions, appropriations,
funds, records, equipment, facilities, choses in action, rights, other assets,
and liabilities, if any, of the transferred office or unit as well as the personnel
thereof, as may be necessary.

SECTION 11. Engagement of Balik Scientists and Foreign Experts. The
institute may engage Balik Scientists and foreign experts following the terms
of reference and compensation structure of the Balik Scientist Program.

SECTION 12. International Cooperation. The VIP may enter into a
memorandum of agreement or memorandum of understanding with
international partners, upon the approval of its Governing Board.

SECTION 13. Official Site of VIP. A lot with an area equivalent to at
least five (5) hectares under the administration of the Bases Conversion and
Development Authority (BCDA) within the New Clark Economic Zone in
Tarlac-shall be allocated exclusively for the Institute, its research facilities,
and laboratories The biosafety infrastructure shall be designed based on risk
assessment for handling specific pathogens following the World Health
Organization (WHO) guidelines on the establishment of a virology laboratory
in developing countries.

SECTION 14. Entitlement to Magna Carta Benefits. Qualified
employees of VIP and its attached units shall be covered by Republic Act No.
8439, otherwise known as “Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers,
Researchers and Other Science and Technology Personnel in Government”.

SECTION 15. Annual Report. The VIP shall submit to the President and
the Committee on Science and Technology in both Chambers of the Congress
not later than the 30th of March of every year following the effectivity of this
Act. The report shall provide a detailed account of the status of the
implementation of this Act and recommended legislation, where applicable
and necessary.

SECTION 16. Virology Research Fund. There is hereby created a Virology
Research Fund to be used exclusively for the implementation of the Virology
Institute Strategic Plan, which shall be administered by the VIP following,
existing government budgeting, accounting, and auditing rules and
regulations. The Fund shall be sourced from the following:

a) The initial amount of Two Billion pesos (P 2,000,000,000.00) to be
taken from the current fiscal year’s appropriation, in case the General
Appropriation Act (GAA) was approved before this law is enacted.

b) The income produced from its operations, technology transfer, and
licensing agreements.

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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 if its physical and human resources, and for the
augmentation of its budget, in case of a shortfall.

SECTION 18. Appropriations. The sum of Two Billion Pesos (Php
2,000,000,000.00) is hereby appropriated as an initial operating fund for the
operation of the Institute, taken from the current fiscal year’s appropriation.
Thereafter, the amount needed for its operation shall be included in the
General Appropriation Act.

SECTION 19. Implementing Rules and Regulations. Within one
hundred twenty (120) days from the effectivity of this Act, the DOST in
coordination with DBM, Civil Service Commission, and other relevant
government agencies, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations
for the effective implementation of this Act.

SECTION 20. Separability Clause. Any portion or provision of this Act
that may be declared unconstitutional or invalid shall not have the effect of
nullifying the other portions or provisions hereof as long as such remaining
portion or provision can still subsist and be given effect in their entirety.

SECTION 21. Repealing Clause. All laws, decrees, orders, rules, and
regulations or other issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with the
provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 22. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after

its publication in the Official Gazette or any two (2) newspapers of general
circulation in the Philippines.

Approved,

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