Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City
|9th Congress
First Regular Session
House  Bill  No.
---------------------------------------------------------.- I -.-.-.----------.-- I, -- I- - -
Introduced by HONORABLE PETER 8. MIGUEl
-__------------------------------------------------------a,--,I.--.-I--------------
AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE VIROLOGY AND VACCINE INSTITUTE OF THE
PHILIPPINES AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
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.
In this regard, the State shall prioritize the establishment of an institute that will conduct in-depth studies
on viruses and their potential disease¢ausing 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.
The  emergence  of SARS-CoV-2,  a novel  strain of the  coronavirus,  in 2020 highlighted the  need for
research  and  development  capacities  in  virology  research.  Having  a pool  of highly-trained  virology
experts and appropriate facilities could have enabled local researchers to conduct studies on the virus as
quickly as possible and guided authorities in implementing evidence-informed response strategies.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) I  emphasized that the emergence of SARS-CoV-2
in 2020 highlighted the need for Research and Development capacities in virology research through the
establishment of the Virology and Vaccines Institute of the Philippines (VIP). Even with the availability
of vaccines against Covid-19 nowadays, the country must be prepared in the long run by establishing a
dedicated government agency that will 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. Thus, this
bill, in creating the VIP, will provide for a pool of highly-trained local virology experts and appropriate
facilities which can enable researchers to rapidly conduct studies on any virus and guide authorities in
implementing evidence-informed response strategies.
To  better prepare the  country  for similar health emergencies, the  creation of a research institute that
specializes in virology research is a must. Responding to this need is one of the objectives of the virology
and vaccine institute. Alongside the study on viruses is also the development of products to address these
viruses.
What we are aiming with the passage of this bill is to be self-sufficient from the other countries in doing
research to conduct studies on the virus and thereafter producing the necessary vaccines. I firmly believe
that our country will be able to do that in terms of human resources. We will not only carry out research
on a virus that attacks humans but also those that attack the livestock and crops.
The VIP will focus on building the body of research on virus strains and the diseases they cause to serve
as  the  foundation of applied  research  studies  and the  development of diagnostic  kits,  vaccines,  and
therapeutics not just for humans, but also for animal and plant diseases that cause significant losses for
local farmers and impact animal and agronomic health and food supplies.


These efforts will serve as the foundation of applied research studies and the development of diagnostic
kits, vaccines, and therapeutics not just for humaus, but also for animal and plant diseases. In the same
way, these initiatives will impact the agriculture sector by addressing viral diseases that affect crops and
livestock that cause significant losses for local farmers.
This will improve access and availability to low-cost, quality diagnostic kits that will benefit both the
health and agriculture sector.
Through  this  Act,  the  creation  of public  entities  dedicated  to  managing  emerging  diseases  will  be
achievable. With this purpose in mind, the immediate approval of this bill is strongly requested.
Representative, 2nd District South Cotabato


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
HoUsE BILL`N-o.    6210
(In substitution of House Bills Numbered 10, 47, 282, 308, 462, 528, 602,1179,1262,1491,
1710,1721,1903, 2413, 2456, 2736, 2777, 2904, 2979, 3043, 3118, 3147, 3398, 3407, 3503,
3693, 3723, 4186, 4270, 4450, 4862, 5683, 5796, 5861, 5895, 5908, and 5912)
J#/rodz/ccc7 dy Represe#/c}/z.veg Ciriaco 8.  Gato, Jr., Carlito  S.  Marquez, Ferdinand Martin G.
Romualdez, Yedda Marie K. Romunldez, Ferdinand Alexander A. Marcos, Jude A. Acidre, Joey
Sarte Salceda, Keith Micah "Arty. Mike" D.L. Tan, Luis Raymund "LRay" F. Villafuerte, Jr.,
Miguel Luis R. Villafuerte, Tsuyoshi Anthony G. Horibata, Nicolas C. Enciso VIII, Juan Carlos
"Arjo" C. Atayde, Ron P. Salo, Edgar M. Chatto, Bryan 8. Revilla, Divina Grace C. Yu, Ma.
Lucille  L.  Nava,  M.D.,  Dan  S.  Femandez,  Anthony  Rolando  T.  Golez,  Jr.,  Ruth  Mariano-
Hemandez, Jeyzel Victoria C. Yu, Angelo Marcos Barba, Rufus 8. Rodriguez, JC Abalos, Alfred
C. Delos Santos, Florida "Rida" P. Robes, Michael L. Romero, Ph.D., Christopherson `Coco'
M. Yap, Reynante U. Arrogancia, Ambrosio C. Cruz, Jr., Carlito S. Marquez, Paolo Z. Duterte,
Eric  Go Yap, Edward Vera Perez Maceda, Marlyn "Len" a.  Alonte, Edvic G. Yap, Jeffrey
Soriano, Harris Christopher M. Ongchuan, Gus S. Tambunting, Anna York P. Bondoc, Marlyn
L. Primicias-Agabas, Camille A. Villar, Gerville R. Luistro, Joseph Gilbert F. Violago, Maria
Vanessa C. Aumentado, and Jose "Bong" J. Teves, Jr.
1
2                                                                                 AN ACT
3                  ESTABLISHING THE VIROLOGY AND VACCINE INSTITUTE OF TII]E:
4                             PHILIPPINES AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
5
6       Be it eracted by the Senate and the  House Of Representatives Of the  Philippines in Congress
7       assembled:
8
9      SECTION 1. S#o# ri.JJc. -This Act shall be known as the "Virology and vaccine Institute of
10       the philippines (VIP) Act".
11      SEC. 2. Dcc/arm/I.o# a/Po/i.c}7. -It is the policy of the state to protect and promote the right to
12      health of the people and instill health consciousness among them.  The  State recognizes that
13       science and technology is essential for national development and progress.
14      To this end, the State shall formulate and implement policies that shall address curent health
15      issues,  such  as  the  quality  and  adequacy  of health  and  medical  human  resources,  health
16       institutions, and delivery of health services, and shall give priority to research, the development
17      and promotion of innovations in both technology and services, the use of safe and indigenous
18      health-promoting practices, and their appropriate utilization by the health sector.
19      In this regard, the state shall prioritize the establishment of an institute that will conduct in-depth
2o      studies  on  viruses  and  their  potential  disease-causing  agents  that affect  people,  plants,  and
21      animals, in order to provide the scientific bases for the treatment of viral diseases, and for the
Page 1 of 8


1      formulation of policies that shall prevent the transmission of these diseases within the community
2       and national context.
3       SEC. 3. Orjcctz.veg. -This Act seeks to establish a virology and vaccine institute that shall focus
4      on the following key science and technology applications to ensure the state's sustained progress:
5                 a) Research on viruses and other pathogens using a modem approach such as molecular
6                 biology and its application on biotechnology and bioinformatics;
7                 b) Development ofdiagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics on viruses and other pathogens;
8
9
10
11
12
13
c) International cooperation and network of databases of virus infections;
d) Operation of a virology laboratory, virus gene bank and virus genome laboratory, to
focus on viruses circulating in the Philippines for disease prevention and epidemiological
studies; and
e)  Operation of a virus  high containment  laboratory  dedicated to  the  study  of highly
infectious and highly pathogenic viruses.
14      SHC.4. De,Hj./I.o# a/rcrus. -As used in this Act:
15                 a. Bac/erz.apfecrge refers to any group of viruses that infect specific bacteria, usually causing
16                 their disintegration or dissolution;
17                 b.  Bz.oscr/edy refers to  a condition in which the probability of harm,  injny and damage
18                 resulting from the intentional and unintentional introduction or use of a regulated article is
19                 within acceptable and manageable levels;
2o                 c. Bz.osec#rtry refers to the strategic and integrated approach to analyzing and managing
21                 relevant risks to plant,  animal  and human life,  and health and associated risks  for the
22                 environment. It is based on recognition of the critical linkages between sectors and the
23                 potential for hazards to move within and between sectors, with system-wide consequences.
24                 d. Dz.cJgror/J.es refer to methods, tests, techniques, and tools in viral diagnosis for plants,
25                 animals and humans;
26                 e.  77zerczp€#/j.cs refer to anti-viral, bacteriophages,  nanotechnology treatment approach,
27                 nucleic acid-based treatment, remedial agents, drugs for the treatment of viral diseases and
28                 infections of plants, animals and humans;
29                 f.  ycrccz.#e  refers  to  a product that  induces  or  stimulates  active  acquired  immunity  by
30                 producing antibodies to a specific infectious agent. It helps the body's immune system to
31                 recognize and fight pathogens like viruses or bacteria; and
32                 g.  yj.ro/og}/ refers to the scientific discipline concerned with the study of the biology of
33                 viruses and viral diseases of plant, animal, and human medical importance and pandemic
34                 potential,  including  the  distribution,  pathogenicity,  viral  cytopathicity,  biochemistry,
35                 physiology, molecular biology, biotechnology, ecology , tropism, spillover or interspecies
36                 transmission, evolution, and clinical aspects of viruses.
€]      S;rf]C. S. Creation of the virology and vaccine Institute of the philippines. -Thevirohogy arid
38      Vaccine Institute of the philippines (VIP) is hereby created and shall be an attached agency under
39      the  Department  of Science  and  Technology  (DOST)  for  purposes  of policy  and  program
40      coordination to ensure alignment in national policies and priorities.
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1      The VIP shall serve as the premier research and development institute in the field of virology,
2      encompassing all kinds of viruses and viral diseases in plants, animals and hunans. It shall be a
3      venue for scientists, research institutes and other organizations in the philippines and abroad, to
4      work collaboratively  to  study  viruses  of agricultural,  industrial,  clinical,  and  environmental
5       importance.
6       SEC. 6. A4l¢#d¢/c.  - The VIP shall implement policies, plans, programs, and projects for the
7      development of virology science and technology in the country and the promotion of scientific
8      and technological activities for both the public and private sectors. It shall ensure that the results
9      of these activities are properly applied towards self-reliance and utilized to accelerate economic
10      and social development towards the protection of the citizens and resources.
11       SEC. 7. Powers, Fw"c/I.o"s, ¢#d D#/z.eg. -To accomplish its mandate, the VIP shall have the
12       following powers, functions, and duties:
13                 a)  Serve as the  lead convener for the  formulation of the National  Virology  Research
14                 Agenda, in consultation with all concerned stakeholders, that will encompass researches
15                involving viruses of plant, animal and humaus;
16                 b)  Undertake  scientific  and  technological  research  and  development  in  the  field  of
17                  virology;
18                 c) Conduct product research and development in the areas of diagnostics, therapeutics, and
19                 vaccines in cooperation with the private sector and concerned agencies;
20                 d) Promote and undertake the transfer of the results of scientific research and development
21                 in collaboration with government agencies, industry, and the academe;
22                 e) Promote, advocate and oversee virology research ethics, biosafety, and biosecurity;
23                 D Develop and maintain an information system on virology science and technology for use
24                 by both the public and private sectors;
25                 g)   Develop   and  implement,  together  with  other  entities   concerned,   programs   for
26                 strengthening scientific and technological capabilities in virology and relevant disciplines
27                through human resource development, infrastructure, and institution building;
28                 h) Undertake policy research, and other related studies on virology;
29                 i) Provide laboratory and technical services on virology;
30                j) Promote and advocate the national programs on virology science and technology;
31                 k) Establish linkages with local and international partners; and
32                 I) Assume additional functions such as, but not limited to, clinical research or trials and
33                 other incidental works, as may be deemed appropriate.
34      SEC. 8. Org¢#¢.z¢/I.o"¢/Strwcfwrt7. -The VIP shall be headed by a Director and two (2) Deputy
35      Directors for Research and Development, and support, Policy, and Linkages.
36      The VIP shall have technical and administrative support staff and consultants. The consultants
37      may come from the public and private sectors on a consultancy or contractual basis, and shall be
38      granted honoraria or allowances in accordance with existing rules and regulations.
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1      Subject to the approval of the Deparfuent of Budget and Management (DBM), the VIP shall
2      determine its orgahi2ational structure, create divisions or units as it may deem necessary, and
3      appoint its officers and employees.
4      For this purpose, the VIP shall, in consultation with the DBM, determine the necessary position
5      qualifications and standards for its personnel following civil service laws, rules, and regulations.
6      SIEC. 9. Qualiif ilcations of the VIP Director and Deputy Directors.  -Uponthe reco:"[uendation
7      of the Governing Board, the president of the philippines shall appoint the Director of the VIP
8       whomustpossess:
9             a)   a bachelor's degree in the field of microbiology or any other specialization; and
10             b)   a postgraduate degree in virology or any other related fields;
:i             c)   at leastthree (3) years experience in the field ofdiagnostic virology.
13       The Director of the VIP shall have the rank of Director IV, Salary Grade (SG)-28, and shall
14      exercise overall responsibility over the activities of the VIP, including the supervision over VIP
15      staff. The Director of the VIP shall report to the president of the philippines and the secretary
16      of the Department of science and Technology the results of the various diagnostic assays and
17      research studies undertaken by the VIP.
18      Each of the Deputy Directors of the VIP shall have a rank of Director Ill, SG-27. The Deputy
19      Director for Research and Development must possess a Bachelor's Degree in Microbiology or in
20      a similar field and at least a Master's Degree in virology while the Deputy Director for support,
21       Policy, and Linkages must possess a Bachelor's degree and a Master's Degree relevant to thejob.
22      SEC.10. rHC Govemi.#g Board. -The Governing Board shall be the policymaking body for the
23      scientific and technological activities of the VIP, composed of the following:
24                  Chaixperson :
25                       a) Secretary of the DOST;
2 6                  Co-Chairpersons :
27                      b) Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH);
28                      c) Secretary of the Department of Agriculture;
29                  Members :
30                     d) Undersecretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources;
31                      e) Undersecretary for Research and Development of the DOST;
32                      I)  Undersecretary  of  the  Department  of  Foreign  Affairs  (DFA)  for  International
33                       Economic Relations;
34                      g) Chairperson of the commission on Higher Education (CHED);
35                      h) Director of the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM);
36                      i) Director General of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA);
37                      j) Director of vIP;
38                      k) Executive Director of university of the philippines-National Institute of Health;
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1                       1 ) Representative from the National Academy of science and Technology;
2                      in) Representative from the National Research council of the philippines; and
3                      n) Three (3) representatives from the private sector appointed by the president of the
4                      Philippines, as nominated by the Governing Board.  These representatives shall have
5                      distinguished themselves in the fields of medical virology, genomics, plant virology,
6                      animal virology, epidemiology, genetic engineering and other related disciplines.
7       The VIP secretariat shall serve as the secretariat to the Governing Board.
8      SEC. 11. rrans/cr a/ ZJ"i.ts, a/orces a„d Fw#ctr.o#s. -All offices and units under the DOST
9      system which functions are related to virology shall be transferred to the VIP.
10      All powers, functions, assets, capital, records, funds, receivables, equipment and facilities of the
11       DOST units or its division shall be transferred to the VIP. The DOST shall conduct an audit and
12      inventory of assets, liabilities and human resources of the transferred offices and units under the
13       DOSTsystemtothevIP.
14      All transferred and new employees under the DOST system shall be subject to the qualification
15       standards provided for in the laws, rules and regulations of the civil service commission (CSC).
16      Sne.. +2„ Engagement Of Balik Scientists and Foreign Experts. -The VT:I may  engalge [ha
17       services ofBalik scientists and foreign experts who shall work together with the local scientists
18      and experts, following the terms of reference and compensation structure in accordance with
19       Republic Act No.11305 or the "Balik scientist program Act" and other existing laws.
20      SEC.13. J#1t7r#¢/!.o#¢/ Cooperofro#. -The VIP shall establish strategic partnerships with the
21      world's leading scientists, virology centers and institutes, and conduct imovative and pioneering
22      researches  that  will  advance  the  frontiers  of virology  in  the  country.  It  may  enter  into  a
23      memorandum of agreement or understanding with international partners, upon the approval of
24      its Governing Board and in compliance with existing laws, rules, regulations and issunces of
25      the DFA. The DFA shall provide the vIp advice and assistance on drafting and negotiations of
26      international legal instruments.
27      The  Regional  Office  of the  World  Health  Organization  (WHO)  in  the  Philippines,  World
28      Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) and other relevant international organizations shall
29      also be consulted upon approval of the Governing Board of the VIP.
30      SEC.   14.  J#/erdep¢"#®e#f¢/  Coopcro/I.o#.   -  The  VIP   shall  collaborate  with  the  DOH,
31      Department of Finance, FDA, RITM and other relevant government agencies, in accessing and
32       mobilizing available information, reports, technical expertise, equipment, materials and supplies
33       as may be requiredto implement this Act.
34      The Scientific findings of the VIP shall be integrated in other plans relating to disease control
35      and prevention and in the plans of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases,
36      as created by Executive Order No.  168 s. 2014, or its successor body, for the management of
37      public health emergencies relating to infectious diseases.
38      SEC.15. Pri.tute-Pwb/i.c Pu.#Hewhi.pr /PPPs/. -The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI),
39      the DOH,  DA, Public-Private Partnership Center and the DOST shall collaborate in seeking
4o      Private-Public partnerships (PPPs) for the development of new industries, products and services
41      where the VIP shall be the main research and development unit.
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1      The DOST may also request the assistance of other national and local goverrment agencies in
2       seeking ppps where the VIP shall be the main research and development unit.
3      SEC.16. I+omo/I.o# a/ yl.ro/ogy J#dustry. -The DOST, in partnership with the DOH, DA and
4      the DTI, shalljointly develop an industry roadmap for products and services that can be created,
5      improved, or optimized by research from the VIP. As far as practicable, the industry roadmap
6      shall  include  the  use  of local  materials  in  the  development  of new  products.  The  industry
7       developed or established resulting from the VIP researches shall be included in the national
8      govemment's priority industries for incentives.
9      SE:a. T]. Promotion Of Knowledge-transifer and Research in the Acadene. -The VTP s:MIl
1o      promote  the  creation  of hubs  and  programs  for  virology  research  and  development  in  the
11       academe, particularly in state universities and colleges (SUCs). Towards this end, the VIP shall
12      assist sucs in the creation of virology courses and programs, open intemships and scholarships
13       for qualified students of higher education institutions (HEls), and collaborate with HEls in the
14      creation of virology research centers.
15       The CHED shall collaborate with the DOST in the promotion ofHEI-VIP partnerships.
16      STC.18. Protection of vIPLdeveloped Intellectual property. -The GoverningBoard of the VIP
17       shall  ensure that  all  technologies  developed  exclusively  by  the  VIP  with  full  funding  from
18      Filipino taxpayers shall be protected by intellectual property laws in accordance with Republic
19       ActNo.10055, also known as the "Technology Transfer Act of2009," and other applicable laws.
20      Any patent or property right award granted to the VIP shall be held by and in the name of the
21      Philippine Government. In the case of partnerships, where the vIp is a collaborating research
22      partner, the Governing Board shall ensure that technologies co-developed by the VIP shall also
23      be co-owned by the philippine Government, with the corresponding intellectual protection.
24      S;mc. +9. Procurenent Of Specialized Materials, Equipnent and Services.  -The Vtr  st[AIl
25      undertake the procurement of specialized materials, equipment, and services to be used by the
26      VIP in its operation and administration, in the most expeditious marmer, and adopt the most
27      suitable or appropriate method of procurement that it deems fit based on its identified needs and
28      requirements depending on the existing conditions and requirements that justify the use of a
29      particular alternative modality provided for by Republic Act No. 9184, otherwise known as the
30       "Government procurement Reform Act" and its 2016 Revised IRR.
31      SEC. 20. OJorreJ.a/Si./e a/ PIP. -A lot with an area equivalent to at least five (5) hectares under
32      the administration of the Bases conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) within the New
33       Clank Economic zone in Tarlac province shall be allocated exclusively for the VIP, its research
34       facilities,  and  laboratories.   The  biosafety  infrastructure  shall  be  designed  based  on  risk
35      assessment  standards  and  guidelines  of the  WIIO  for  handling  specific  pathogens  and  the
36      establishment of virology laboratories in developing countries.
37      SEC. 21. E#/I.I/cme#/ to „¢g"¢ Car/a Bc"efts. - Qunlified employees of the VIP shall be
38      covered by Republic Act No. 8439, otherwise known as "Magma carta for scientists, Engineers,
39      Researchers and other science and Technology personnel in Government," as amended.
4o      SEC. 22. yz.ro/ogy jRcscarc„ Fw#d. -All donations, contributions, grants, bequests, or gifts, in
41      cash or in-kind, received by the VIP from various sources shall be placed into a fund, to be
42      known as the Virology Research Fund and such donations shall be exempt from donor's tax:
43      Provided,  That,  acceptance  of grants,  bequests,  contributions,  and  donations  from  foreign
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1      goverrments  shall  be  subject  to  the  approval  of the  President  of the  Philippines,  upon  the
2      recommendation of the secretary of DOST and the secretary of DFA.
3      SHC. 23. Use a/J"come. -The VIP shall be authorized to use all of the income generated from
4      its operations, as well as donations, bequests, grants for the upgrading of its physical and human
5      resources, and for the augmentation of its budget, in case a shortfall.
6      S_EC_. 24. Authority  to  Solicit, Negotiate,  and  Receive  Donations,  Grants,  Giif its,  Legacies,
7      E#downe#ts, ¢#d co#JrJ.bwrz.our. -The vIp may solicit, negotiate with, and receive from any
8      public or private domestic or foreign sources legacies,  gifts,  donations, grants, endowments,
9      contributions or other transfers of ownership and/or possession of real or personal properties of
1o      all kinds in favor of and for the benefit of the VIP, which shall be released in a timely marmer to
11      address an existing or emerging public emergency or consistent with the urgent nature of VIP
12      mandate and functions, subject to existing budgeting, accounting and auditing laws, rules and
13       regulations.
14      SHC. 25. rae ELexp/I.oHs. -Donations, grants, gifts, endowments, legacies, and contributions
15       used actually, directly and exclusively for the purpose of the VIP shall be exempt from donor's
16      tax and the same shall be considered as allowable deduction from gross income for purposes of
17      computing the taxable income of the donor, in accordance with see. 34 (H)(2)(a) of the National
18      Internal Revenue code of 1997, as anended. Likewise, such other transfers of ownership and/or
19      possession of real or personal properties of all kinds shall be exempt from all taxes.
20      SEC. 26. 4##wa/ Report. -The VIP shall submit its annual report to the President and to the
21      Committees on science and Technology in both Houses of congress, not later than the 30th of
22      March of every year following the effectivity of this Act. The annual report shall provide a full
23      and detailed account of the status of the implementation of this Act and policy recommendations.
24      SEC. 27. Joint congressional oversight committee. -There shall be a Joint congressional
25      Oversight committee on the implementation of this Act, which shall be jointly chaired by the
26      Chairpersons of the Committees on Science and Technology of the  Senate and the House of
27      Representatives. It shall be composed of the chairpersons of the senate committees on Health
28      and  Demography,  and  Agriculture,  Food  and  Agrarian  Reform,  the  Chairpersons  of  the
29      Committees on Health, and Agriculture and Food of the House of Representatives, and two (2)
3o      Members  from each House representing the  minority  who  shall  be appointed by the  Senate
31      President and the specter of the House of Representatives.
32      SHC.  28. 4prroprJ.¢fl.o#s.  -  The  initial  anount for the  implementation of this Act shall be
33      charged against the current year's appropriations of the DOST. Thereafter, the funding of which
34      shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
35      EEC.Z9. Transitory provisions.  -
36                 a. The functions and assets of the DOST units enumerated herein shall be transferred to
37                the VIP within three (3) years without need of conveyance and transfer of assigrment.
38                 b. To the greatest extent possible and in accordance with existing laws, all employees of
39                 the affected offices, agencies and units shall be absorbed by the VIP. Persormel hired on a
40                permanent basis and with appointments attested by the csc who may be affected by the
41                 transition of DOST units to VIP, or who will not be absorbed in the new positions of the
42                new staffing pattern of the different offices in the VIP, shall have the option to:
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1                            1. Be transferred to other units or offices within the DOST in accordance with civil
2                            service laws, rules and regulations; or
3                            2. Avail of the applicable retirement benefits and separation incentives as provided
4                           under R.A. No. 6656, or "An Act to protect the security ofTenure of civil service
5                           Officers and Employees in the Implementation of Government Reorganization," and
6                            other relevant laws.
7                 c. Incuinbent DOST officials and employees may be considered to assume positions in the
8                VIP, subject to competency evaluation and csc regulations.
9                 d. Research grants acquired during the transition of DOST transferred units to VIP shall
10                 be utilized solely for the grants' intended purposes for each of the affected units or offices.
11                 e. Existing contracts and agreements entered into by the affected offices with third parties
12                 prior to the enactment of this Act shall remain valid.
13       SEC. 30. Jxp/ane#ft.#g jRw/es aHd jRcgwJ¢/I.ons.  -The DOST Secretary shall, in consultation
14      with DBM, DOH, CSC, and other relevant government agencies, promulgate the necessary rules
15       and regulations within one hundred twenty (120) days from effectivity of this Act.
16      SEC. 31. Scprrobi.Ji.fy c7ause. -If any portion of this Act is declared invalid or unconstitutional,
17      other provisions hereofshall remain in full force and effect.
18      SEC. 32. Rcpco/I.#g cJ¢use. -All laws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations or other issuances
19      or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified
20       accordingly.
21      SEC. 33. Ej7ccrfurty.  -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
22      Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
23
2A       Approved,
25
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