EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Third Regular Session
)
SENATE 
S. No. 2329
F LEO
ihT&EX
Introduced by SENATOR RAMON BONG REVILLA, 3R.
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE VIROLOGY AND VACCINE INSTITUTE OF THE 
PHILIPPINES AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Philippines is a tropical country and one of the world's mega-diverse or 
diversity-rich nations, which means that as it is a home to a lot of wildlife species both 
flora and fauna, it is also host to a large pool of pathogens from where a novel virus 
could emerge. Given the rate of deforestation and destruction of natural habitats 
caused by human activities and climate change not only in the Philippines, but in many 
areas across the globe, triggering increased human interaction with wildlife and 
heightened risk of zoonotic disease transmission, it is likely that more infectious 
diseases, with equally devastating effects as the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, could 
surface and spread again, possibly even more frequently1 in the future.
Hence, there is a need to prepare for this, and establish a premier institution 
that will lead the comprehensive study and scientific research on the nature of viruses 
affecting human lives, as well as plants and animals. Creating a foremost authority on 
virology could guide the policymakers and national leadership with science-based 
evidence and information on how to manage outbreaks and public health emergencies 
and mitigate its adverse impact on the economy and the whole of society.
1 "The next pandemic is already coming, unless humans change how we interact with wildlife, scientists say." 
April 4, 2020. https://www.washingtonpost.eom/science/2020/04/03/coronavirus-wildlife-environment/


This measure is part of the ten priority iegisiation to "vigorousiy advance 
science, technoiogy and innovation" under the updated Philippine Deveiopment Pian 
2017-2022, in response to the needs of the New Normai. As justified therein, "The 
country needs diagnostics to detect and iimit the spread cf the existing viruses; 
vaccines to provide iong-term protection; treatments to save iives in the shorter term; 
and social science to understand their behavioral and societal implications."
I
Lastly, as we have learned how dependent oUr country has been with the 
foreign suppliers which delayed the implementation; of our Covid-19 vaccination
V
program and therefore our economic reopening and recovery, it is wise to build and 
expand our capabilities in developing our own vaccines, similar to those of our 
neighbors in Southeast Asia.
In this light, the immediate passage of this bill is highly recommended.
RAMOI0ONG REVILLA, JR.


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Third Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
S. No. 2329
FLED
TW.IE
Introduced by SENATOR RAMON BONG REVILLA, 3R.
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE VIROLOGY AND VACCINE INSTITUTE OF THE 
PHILIPPINES AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Phiiippines in 
Congress assembied:
1 
Section 1. Short Tide. - This Act shall be known as the "Virology and Vaccine
2 
Institute of the Philippines (VIP) Act of2021."
3 
Sec. 2. Deciaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State:
4 
a) 
To protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health
5 
consciousness among them;
6 
b) To undertake appropriate health, manpower development, and research,
7 
responsive to the country's health needs and problems;
8 
c) 
To recognize that science and technology are essential for national
9 
development and progress;
10 
d) To give priority to research and development, invention, innovation, and
11 
their utilization; and
12 
e) 
To support indigenous, appropriate, and self-reliant scientific and
13 
technological capabilities, and their application to the country's productive
14 
systems and national life.
15 
To this end, the State shall give high priority to the establishment of an institute
16 
that will conduct research and development activities and in-depth studies on the
17 
viruses affecting the lives of its people and resources, such as plants and animals, is


1 
vital for the protection of the health of its people and the preservation of the national
2 
life.
3 
Sec. 3. Objectives. - This Act seeks to establish a virology institute that shall
4 
focus on the following key development areas for virology science and technology
5 
applications in plants, animals, and humans:
6 
a) Research on viruses using a modern approach such as molecular biology
7 
and its application or biotechnology;
8 
b) Development of diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics (Molecular
9 
. Biotechnology);
10 
c) International cooperation and network of databases of virus infections;
11 
d) Operation of a virus gene bank, virus genome laboratory, and virus
12 
reference laboratory to focus on viruses circulating in the Philippines for
13 
disease prevention and epidemiological studies; and,
14 
e) Operation of a virus high containment laboratory dedicated to the study of
15 
highly infectious and highly pathogenic viruses.
16 
Sec. 4. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act:
17 
a) Viroiogy- refers to the scientific discipline concerned with the study of the
18 
biology of viruses and viral diseases of plant, animal, and human of medical
19 
importance and pandemic potential including the distribution,
20 
pathogenicity, viral cytopathicity, biochemistry, physiology, molecular
21 
biology, biotechnology, ecology, tropism, spillover or interspecies
22 
transmission, evolution, and clinical aspects of viruses;
23 
b) Diagnostics - refers to methods, tests, techniques, and tools in viral
24 
diagnosis for plants, animals and humans;
25 
c) Therapeutics - refers to anti-viral, bacteriophages, nanotechnology
26 
treatment approach, nucleic acid-based treatment, remedial agents, drugs
27 
for the treatment of viral diseases and infections of plants, animals and
28 
humans;
29 
d) Vaccines - refer to products that induce or stimuiate active acquired
30 
immunity by producing antibodies to a specific infectious agent. It helps the
31 
body's immune system to recognize and fight pathogens like viruses or
32 
bacteria;


1 
e) Biosafety- refers to a condition in which the probability of harm, injury and
2 
damage resulting from the intentional and unintentional introduction and/or
3 
use of a regulated article is within acceptable and manageable levels;
4 
f) Bacteriophage - refers to any group of viruses that infect specific bacteria,
5 
usually causing their disintegration or dissolution;
6 
g) Biosecurity- refers to a strategic and integrated approach to analyzing and
7 
managing relevant risks to plant, animal and hurran life and health and
8 
associated risks for the environment. It is based on recognition of the
9 
critical linkages between sectors and the potential for hazards to move
10 
within and between sectors, with system-wide consequences;
11 
Sec. 5. Creation of the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Phiiippines (VIP).
12 
- The Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines (VIP) is hereby created, which
13 
shall be an attached agency under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)
14 
for purposes of policy and program coordination to ensure alignment with national
15 
policies and priorities.
16 
The VIP shall serve as the premier research and development institute in the
17 
field of virology, encompassing all areas in viruses and viral diseases in plants, animals
18 
and humans. It shall be a venue for scientists, research institutes and other
19 
organizations here in the Philippines and abroad, to work collaboratively to study
20 
viruses of agricultural, industrial, clinical, and environmental importance.
21 
Sec. 6. Powers, Functions, and Duties. - To accomplish its mandate, the VIP
22 
shali have the following powers, functions, and duties:
23 
a) Serve as the lead convener for the formulation o' the National Virology
24 
Research Agenda, in consultation with all concerned stakeholders, that will
25 
encompass researches involving viruses of plant, animal, and human
26 
importance;
27 
b) Undertake scientific and technological research and development (R&D) in
28 
the field of virology;
29 
c) Conduct product research and development (R&D) in the areas of but not
30 
limited to diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines;
31 
d) Promote and undertake the transfer of the results of scientific research and
32 
development to concerned government agencies, industry, and academe;


1 
e) Promote and advocate virology research ethics, biosafety, and biosecurity;
2 
f) Develop and maintain an information system on virology science and
3 
technology for use by both the public and private sectors;
4 
g) Develop and implement, together with other entities concerned, programs
5 
for strengthening scientific and technological capabilities in virology and
6 
relevant disciplines through human resource development, infrastructure,
7 
and institution building;
8 
h) Undertake policy research, technology assessment, and other related
9 
studies on virology;
10 
i) Provide laboratory and technical services on virology;
11 
j) Promote and advocate the national programs on virology science and
12 
technology; and
13 
k) Establish linkages with local and international partners.
14 
Sec. 7. Organizational Structure. - The VIP shall be headed by a Director-
15 
General and two (2) Deputy Directors-General, one (1) for Research and
16 
Development, and one (1) for Support, Policy, and Linkages. The VIP shall be
17 
composed of the following divisions:
18 
a) Virus Research
19 
b) Diagnostics and Therapeutics Research
20 
c) Vaccines Research
21 
d) Technical Services and Training
22 
e) Policy, Planning, and Linkages
23 
f) Finance and Administration
24 
The Deputy Director-General for Research and Development shall head the
25 
Virus Research, Diagnostics and Therapeutics Research, and Vaccines Research
26 
Divisions. The Deputy Director-General for Support, Policy, and Linkages shall head
27 
the Technical Services and Training, Policy, Planning, and Linkages, and Finance and
28 
Administration Divisions.
29 
The VIP shall have technical and administrative support staff and consultants.
30 
The consultants may come from the public and private sectors on a consultancy or
31 
contractual basis, and shall be granted honoraria or allowances in accordance with
32 
existing rules and regulations.


1 
Subject to the approval of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM),
2 
the VIP shall determine its organizational structure, create new divisions or units as it
3 
may deem necessary, and appoint its officers and employees.
4 
For this purpose, the VIP shall, in consultation with the DBM, determine the
5 
necessary position qualifications and standards for its personnel following civil service
6 
laws, rules, and regulations.
7 
Sec. 8. Qualifications of the VIP Director-General and Deputy Directors-Generai.
8 
- The VIP Director-General and the Deputy Directors-Generai shall be appointed by
9 
the President of the Philippines upon the recommendation of the DOST Secretary.
10 
The Director-General with a rank of an undersecretary shall be a qualified
11 
expert possessing at least a Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Microbiology and/or an allied
12 
discipline; preferably with a doctorate degree in medical sciences and/or in virology-
13 
related discipline with three to five years of experience in diagnostic virology. He shall
14 
have overall responsibility for the activities including the supervision of all the staff
15 
working in the VIP. In addition, he shall be directly responsible for reporting to the
16 
Secretary of Science and Technology and the President of the Philippines the results
17 
of the various diagnostic assays and research studies performed in the institute.
18 
Each of the Deputy Directors-Generai of the VIP shall have a rank of assistant
19 
secretary. The Deputy Director-General shall possess at least the educational
20 
background of the VIP Director-General.
21 
The Director-General and the Deputy Directors-Generai shall be appointed by
22 
the President. Of those first appointed, the Director-General shall hold office for seven
23 
years, one Deputy Director-General for five years, and the other Deputy Director-
24 
General for three years. Appointment to any vacancy shall be only for the unexpired
25 
portion of the term of the predecessor.
26 
Sec. 9. The Governing Board. - The Governing Boa'd shall be the highest
27 
policy-making body for the scientific and technological activities of the VIP, composed
28 
of the following:
29 
a) The Secretary of the DOST, as Chairperson;
30 
b) The Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH), as Co-Chairperson;
31 
c) Secretary of Department of Agriculture (DA), as Co-Chairperson;


1 
d) The Secretary of Trade and Industry, as may be represented by an
2 
Undersecretary for Industry Development and Trade Policy;
3 
e) The 
Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, as may be
4 
represented by an Undersecretary (DENR), as member;
5 
f) The Undersecretary for Research and Development of the DOST, as
6 
member;
7 
g) The 
Secretary of Foreign Affairs, as may be represented by the
8 
Undersecretary for International Economic Relations, as member;
9 
h) The Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), as
10 
member;
11 
i) The Director of the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), as
12 
member;
13 
j) The Director-General of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as
14 
member;
15 
k) The Director-General of the VIP, as member;
16 
I) The Executive Director of University of the Philippines-National Institutes of
17 
Health (UP-NIH), as member; and
18 
m) Three (3) representatives from the private sector appointed by the
19 
President of the Philippines, as nominated by the Governing Board. These
20 
representatives shall have distinguished themselves in the field of medical
21 
virology, genomics, plant virology, animal virology, epidemiology, genetic
22 
engineering, and other related 
disciplines.
23 
The private sector shall be represented by the following:
24 
i. An association of medical or allied-health professionals
25 
ii. Philippine Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association or from a
26 
recognized pharmaceutical industry
27 
iii. An academic institution with research and development activities in the
28 
field of medical virology, genomics, plant virology, animal virology,
29 
epidemiology, genetic engineering, and other related disciplines
30 
The VIP shall serve as the Secretariat of the Governing Board with the VIP
31 
Director acting concurrently as the Executive Director of the Secretariat.


1 
Sec. 10. Functions of the Governing Board. - The Governing Board shall be
2 
the policy-making body for the scientific and technological activities of the VIP. It shall:
3 
a) Promulgate rules and regulations regarding the management and operation
4 
of the VIP;
5 
b) Collect fees, through its Secretariat, in connection with the exercise of its
6 
regulatory powers;
7 
c) Apply for, receive, and accept bequests, grants, and donation of funds,
8 
equipment, materials and services needed for the attainment of its
9 
objectives;
10 
d) Provide grants, research fund, materials and equipment for the conduct of
11 
virology researches by both public and private higher education institutions;
12 
e) Establish an editorial office of a refereed journal of virology and a library
13 
which shall collect and preserve books, journals and other reference
14 
materials in the field of virology; and
15 
f) Perform such other related activities as may be assigned by the DOST
16 
Secretary.
17 
Sec. 11. Compiiance with Existing Government Reguiations. - The VIP shall
18 
comply with the procedures, rules and regulations of other Government Offices
19 
mandated to oversee the practice of virology and other related disciplines as well as
20 
the operation of laboratories, clinics, diagnostics and similar facilities; but not limited
21 
to the following; procurement of specimen, supplies, materials, and equipment;
22 
handling, storage, the study of specimen, and disposal of specimen, equipment and
23 
other forms of waste.
24 
The Department of Health (DOH) through the Health Facilities and Services
25 
Regulatory Bureau (HFSRB) shall establish guidelines and regulate the operation of
26 
virology-related facilities to be assisted by the DA-Bureau of Animal Industry, DA-
27 
Bureau of Plant Industry, and other relevant stakeholders.
28 
The DOH-Health Human Resource Development Bureau shall establish
29 
guidelines on the practice of virology profession in the country to be assisted by the
30 
Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and its health-related accredited
31 
professional organizations, together with the Commission on Higher Education


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(CHED), Department of Labor and Employment, Civil Service Commission, Bureau of 
Immigration, and other relevant government offices.
The DENR through the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) and the 
National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC) shall ensure compliance of 
the VIP and other virology facilities with regards to waste disposal.
Finally, research proposals prior to its undertaking within the VIP shall be 
reviewed by the Philippine Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB) or through its 
accredited ethics review committees or entities. Processes and regulations of the Food 
and Drug Administration, Health Technology Assessment Council and/or of the 
Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines shall be strictly observed prior to 
commercialization of any drug, vaccine, diagnostics, device and other similar products.
An Inter-Agency Task Force may be created to monitor compliance of all 
virology-related professions and facilities throughout the country to be headed by the 
DOH-Health Facilities and Services Regulatory Bureau.
Sec. 12. Engagement of Batik Scientists and Foreign Experts. - The VIP may 
engage the services of Batik 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. Internationai Cooperation. - The VIP 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. The VIP can 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 
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). The DFA shall provide technical, 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. Interdepartmentat Cooperation. - The VIP shall collaborate with the 
Department of Health (DOH), Department of Finance (DOF), Food and Drugs 
Administration (FDA), RITM and other relevant government agencies, in mobilizing


1 
resources such as but not limited to research information, reports, technical expertise,
2 
equipment, materials and supplies as may be required to implement this Act.
3 
Sec. 15. Inter-Agency Contribution of the VIP. - The research outputs of the
4 
VIP shall be integrated with the plans made by the Inter-Agency Task Force on
5 
Emerging Infectious Diseases, as created by Executive Order No. 168 s. 2014, or its
6 
successor body, for the management of public health emergencies relating to
7 
infectious diseases.
8 
The research outputs of the VIP shall also be integrated into other plans relating
9 
to disease control and prevention.
10 
Sec. 16. Private-Public Partnerships (PPPs). - The Department of Trade and
11 
Industry (DTI), the Department of Health (DOH), Public-Private Partnership (PPP)
12 
Center and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) shall collaborate in
13 
seeking Private-Public Partnerships (PPPs) for the development of new industries,
14 
products and services where the VIP shall be the main research and development unit.
15 
The DOST may also request the assistance of other national and local
16 
government agencies in seeking PPPs where the VIP shall be the main research and
17 
development unit
18 
Sec. 17. Promotion of Virology Industry. - The DOST, in partnership with the
19 
DOH-Health Promotion and Communication Service and Disease Prevention and
20 
Control Bureau and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Board of Investments,
21 
shall jointly develop an industry roadmap for products and services that can be
22 
created, improved, or optimized by research from the VIP. As far as practicable, the
23 
industry roadmap shall include the use of local materials in the development of new
24 
products. The industry that shall be developed or established resulting from the VIP
25 
researches shall be included in the national government's priority industries for
26 
incentives.
27 
SEC. 18. Promotion of Knowledge-transfer and Research in the Academe. - The
28 
VIP shall promote the creation of hubs and programs for virology research and
29 
development in the academe, particularly in state universities and colleges (SUCs).
30 
Towards this end, the VIP shall assist SUCs in the creation of virology courses and
31 
programs, open internships for qualified students of higher education institutions
32 
(HEIs) and collaborate with HEIs in the creation of virology research centers.


1 
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) shall collaborate with the DOST
2 
in the promotion of HEI-VIP partnerships.
3 
Sec. 19. Protection of VIP-developed Intellectual Property. — The Governing
4 
Board of the VIP shall ensure that all technologies developed exclusively by the VIP
5 
with full funding from Filipino taxpayers shall be protected by intellectual property laws
6 
in accordance with Republic Act No. 10055 or the Technology Transfer Act of 2009
7 
and other applicable laws Any patent grant or property right awarded or granted to
8 
the VIP shall be held by and in the name of the Philippine Government. In the case of
9 
partnerships, where the VIP is a collaborating research partner, the Governing Board
10 
shall ensure that technologies co-developed by the VIP shall also be co-attributed,
11 
with the corresponding intellectual protections, to the Philippine Government.
12 
Sec. 20. Procurement of Specialized Materials, Equipment and Services. - The
13 
VIP shall undertake the procurement of specialized materials, equipment, and services
14 
to be used by the VIP in its operation and administration, in the most expeditious
15 
manner, as exemptions from the provisions of Republic Act No. 9184 or the
16 
"Government Procurement Reform Act" and other relevant laws.
17 
Provided, that during public health emergency, the following shall be observed:
18 
a) Less stringent procurement procedures allowing negotiated procurement,
19 
higher caps on allowable down payment for procurement of goods,
20 
supplies, equipment and services;
21 
b) Authority to the DOST Secretary to approve advance payment of more than
22 
15% for procurement of goods, supplies, equipment and services, for faster
23 
facilitation;
24 
c) Simplified process for foreign procurement especially with specialized
25 
equipment, reagents, and supplies not available in the Philippines;
26 
d) Exemption from customs duties and taxes for all VIP supplies and
27 
equipment procured abroad; and
28 
e) Exemption from taxes on income generated through training and other
29 
delivery of services of VIP.
30 
Sec. 21. Official Site of VIP. - A lot with an area equivalent to at least five (5)
31 
hectares under the administration of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority
32 
(BCDA) within the New Clark Economic Zone in Tarlac shall be allocated exclusively
10


1 
for the free use of for the Institute, its research facilities, and laboratories. The
2 
biosafety infrastructure shall be designed based on risk assessment for handling
3 
specific pathogens following the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on the
4 
establishment of a virology laboratory in developing countries.
5 
Sec. 22. Entitlement to Magna Carta Benefits. - Qualified employees of the VIP
6 
shall be covered by Republic Act No. 8439, otherwise known as "Magna Carta for
7 
Scientists, Engineers, Researchers and Other Science and Technology Personnel in
8 
Government".
9 
Sec. 23. Virology Research Fund. - There is hereby created a Virology Research
10 
Fund to be used and administered by the VIP following existing government
11 
budgeting, accounting, and auditing rules and regulations. The Fund shall be sourced
12 
from the following:
13 
a) The initial amount of Two Billion pesos (Php 2,000,000,000.00) to be taken
14 
from the current fiscal year's appropriation, in case the General
15 
Appropriations Act (GAA) was approved before this law is enacted;
16 
b) The income produced from its operations, technology transfer, and
17 
licensing agreements;
18 
c) Loans, contributions, grants, bequests, gifts, and donations whether from
19 
local or foreign sources. Provided, that acceptance of grants, bequests,
20 
contributions, and donations from foreign governments shall be subject to
21 
the approval of the President upon the recommendation of the Secretary
22 
of the DOST and Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). The
23 
Secretary of DOST, with the approval of the NEDA and subsequently, the
24 
Department of Finance (DOF), is hereby granted the authority to enter into
25 
loan agreements with foreign financial institutions.
26 
Sec. 24. Authority to Solicit, Receive Donations, Grants and the Like. - The VIP
27 
may solicit, negotiate with, and receive from any public or private domestic or foreign
28 
sources legacies, gifts, donations, grants, endowments, contributions or other
29 
transfers of ownership and/or possession of real or personal properties of all kinds in
30 
favor and for the benefit of the VIP, which shall be exempt from donor's tax and shall
31 
all be part of the special account in the general fund managed by the Department of
32 
Finance.
11


1 
The VIP shall prescribe the measures necessary for the proper use,
2 
maintenance and safekeeping of said donations, grants, endowments, contributions
3 
or transfers and the compliance of the terms and conditions thereon, if any, in
4 
accordance with pertinent accounting and auditing laws, rules and regulations.
5 
Sec. 25. Use of Income. - The VIP shall be authorized to use all of the income
6 
generated from its operations, as well as donations, bequests, grants for the
7 
upgrading of its physical and human resources, and for the augmentation of its
8 
budget.
9 
Sec. 26. Mandatory Adoption of Publicly Funded Technologies. - Mandatory
10 
adoption of publicly funded and generated technologies developed by the VIP
11 
whenever feasible and practicable, shall strictly be implemented by all government
12 
entities or instrumentalities All national government agencies (NGAs), government-
13 
owned-and-controlied corporations (GOCCs), state universities and colleges (SUCs),
14 
and local government units (LGUs) performing science and technology development
15 
projects shall adopt publicly-funded technologies.
16 
Sec. 27. Annual Report. - The VIP shall submit its annual report to the President
17 
and to the Committees on Science and Technology in both Chambers of Congress, not
18 
later than the 30th of March of every year following the effectivity of this Act. The
19 
annual report shall provide a full and detailed account of the status of the
20 
implementation of this Act and policy recommendations.
21 
Sec. 28. Joint Congressional Oversight Committee. - There shall be a Joint
22 
Congressional Oversight Committee on the implementation of this Act, which shall be
23 
jointly chaired by the Chairpersons of the Committees on Science and Technology of
24 
the Senate and House of Representatives. It shall be composed of, as members, the
25 
Chairpersons of the Senate Committees on Health and Demography and Agriculture,
26 
Food and Agrarian Reform, the Chairpersons of the Committees on Health and Food
27 
and Agriculture of the House of Representatives, and two others from each chamber
28 
of Congress to be appointed by the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of
29 
Representatives.
30 
Sec. 29. Appropriations.-The. sum of Two Billion Pesos (Php 2,000,000,000.00)
31 
is hereby appropriated for the initial operation fund of the VIP from the current fiscal
12


1 
year's appropriation. Thereafter, the amount needed for its operation shall be included
2 
in the General Appropriations Act.
3 
Sec. 30. Transitory Provisions. - Upon the establishment of the VIP, the
4 
functions and assets of the concerned DOH units shall be transferred to the VIP
5 
without need of conveyance, transfer of assignment.
6 
a) For the year, during which this Act was approved, the unexpended portion
7 
of the budget of the offices and units transferred shall be utilized for
8 
establishing the VIP and initiating its operations, including the formulation
9 
of the rules and regulations necessary for the implementation of this Act;
10 
b) To the greatest extent possible and in accordance with existing laws, all
11 
employees of the affected offices, agencies and units shall be absorbed by
12 
the VIP. Personnel hired on a permanent basis and with appointments
13 
attested by the CSC who may be affected by the transition of DOST units to
14 
VIP, or who will not be absorbed in the new positions of the new staffing
15 
pattern of the different offices in the VIP, shall have the option to:
16 
1) Be transferred to other units/offices within the DOST without reduction
17 
in pay; or
18 
2) Avail of the applicable retirement benefits and separation incentives as
19 
provided by existing laws.
20 
c) Incumbent DOST officials and employees of affected DOST offices may be
21 
considered as a VIP official or employee, subject to competency evaluation
22 
and CSC regulations;
23 
d) Research grants acquired during the transition of DOST transferred units to
24 
VIP shall be utilized solely for the grants' intended purposes for each of the
25 
affected units or offices;
26 
e) Existing contracts and agreements entered into by the affected offices with
27 
third parties prior to the enactment of this Act shall remain valid.
28 
Sec. 31. Impiementing Ruies and Reguiations. - The DOST Secretary, in
29 
consultation with DBM, DOH, Civil Service Commission, and other relevant government
30 
agencies, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations within one hundred
31 
twenty (120) days from the effectivity of this Act.
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1 
Sec. 32. Separability Clause. — If any provision or part hereof is held invalid or
2 
unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision or part not otherwise
3 
affected shall remain valid and subsisting.
4 
Sec. 33. Repealing Clause. — Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive
5 
order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule, or regulation contrary to or
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inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, modified, or amended
7 
accordingly.
8 
Sec. 34. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
9 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,
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