BAY
Republic o! the Philippines 2 r 2%
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES [| = Ngo anagr
Quezon Ci! . Metro Manila We ‘}
a
NINETEEN” H CONGRESS RY
First Rec slar Session &
5
House B i! No. 328

: SE,
y %%
(e" RECEIVED

Introduced by Rep: sentative Ron P. Salo

EXPLANE

TORY NOTE

Novel as it is, the severe acute -2spiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-

CoV2) has caught the world by surprise
CoV2 turned into a global pandemic m:
disease (COVID-19) in very short span ot
the virus has spread to every contir
Organization (WHO) reported on 19 Ma
4,735,622 confirmed cases of COVID- 1:
accounts for a 6.68% fatality rate, In the
reported that as of 19 May 2020, 12,94
the disease, and 837 of whom died thus +
crisis has also resulted in widespread soc
were devastating, especially to the poor

The ongoing outbreak presents «
clinical and public health management c
or what we call zoonotic viruses. Thi
information on viral pathogenesis; risk
diseases including clinical presentation
illnesses; the period of infectivity; modes
effective preventive measures: and
interventions. As of writing of this propos
vaccine available for COVID-19 altho:
efforts, including clinical therapeutic trial:

Aside from the above concerns.
novel, emerging, reemerging, and zoone
instance, the African Swine Fever (ASF)
and highly contagious viral disease 3*
provinces in the country. While it has bee
health, it is considered by the global vet:
pig production, food security, and biediv
vaccine currently exists that will prever
constant threat from some of the more
future pandemic from zoonotic viruses s

Pac

preading exponentially like a wildfire, SARS-
ions of people contracted the coronavirus
‘ime. Since its first occurrence late last year.
ent except Antarctica. The World Health
2020 (08:00 GMT+8) that there have been
and out of this number, 316,289 died which
hilippines, the Department of Health (DOH)
people were confirmed to have contracted
sulting to a fatality rate of 6.47%, This health
al and economic crises, the impacts of which
ind even the middle class

any concerns particularly on the effective
novel viruses that cross the species barrier
be attributed to very few studies and limited
‘actors for infection; the natural history of
nd outcomes; prognostic factors for severe
rnd extent of virus inter-human transmission:
‘ublic health response and containment
+d measure, there is no antiviral treatment or
yh aggressive research and development
are already ongoing across the world.

he country is also faced with problems on
‘c viruses affecting livestock and plants. For
hich is considered as one of the most severe
ecting pigs, has recently spread in many
said that ASF does not pose risks to human
‘inary society as one of the major threats to
‘sity in the world. Unfortunately, no cure or
the spread of this virus. There is also the
ygressive viruses that can potentially cause
ch as influenza virus which often crosses the

210f8



species barrier and mutates into a more c
the Philippines is a tropical country an
jumping the species barrier

Attention should also be given to
in the country. Among the known viruses
papaya ringspot, banana and abaca bur
leaf curl, Once the crops are infected. th
yield losses thus, creating negative imps

These are issues that can only &
specifically through research and devel
we establish a Research Institute that fo
of virology. The country needs diagnest
spread of the existing viruses: vaccines |
save lives in the short-term, and socia
societal implications.

In light of the foregoing, the pa:

9

sadly strain (swine flu. 1N1, HSN1, etc) since
is a possible hotspot for zoonotic viruses

he viruses and viroids affecting many crops
affecting Philippine crops are the rice tungro,
‘hy top, and tomato and squash mosaic and
se viruses can potentially cause substantial
ts on food production and food security.

addressed using science and technology
ment (R&D). It is therefore imperative that
uses into the study of viruses or in the field
tools and techniques to detect and limit the
provide long-term protection: treatments to
science to understand their behavioral and

ge of this bill is most earnestly sought

Gy

RON P. SALO
KABAYAN Party List

20f8


Republic of he Philippines
HOUSE OF RE°RESENTATIVES
Quezon Cit, Metro Manila

NINETEEN? 4 CONGRESS
First Reg ilar Session

House Bii No. _5 28

Introduced by Reprsentative Ron P. Salo

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE VIKOLOGY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
INSTITUTE AND APPROPIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and the Hou 2 of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SEC. 1. Short Title. ~ This Act shi! be known as the “Virology Institute of the

Philippines (VIP) Act of 2020."

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. ~ | is hereby declared the policy of the State:

a) To protect and promote the righ to health of the peopie and insti health

consciousness among them

b) To undertake appropriate healt’. manpower development, and research,

responsive to the country’s heaith reeds and challenges:

¢) To recognize that science ari technology are essential for national

development and progress;

4) To give priority to research and © 2velopment, invention, innovation, and their

utilization: and

e) To support indigenous, approp’

chalienges.

To this end, it is recognized the the establishment of an insti

and preservation of national life.

. and self-reliant scientific and technological
capabilities, and their application to address the country's health needs and

fe that will
conduct research and development ac ‘ivities and in-depth study on the viruses
affecting the lives of our people and res: urces is vital for the protection of our health


SEC. 3. Objectives. - This Act sees to establish a virology institute that shail
focus on the following Key Developmen Areas for virology science and technology
applications to ensure the State’s sustain--d progress:

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

b) Development of diagnostics. accines, and therapeutics (Molecular
Biotechnology):

c) International cooperation, linkac2s and network of databases of virus
infections.

d) Operation of a virus gene bank. v-us genome laboratory, and virus reference
laboratory to focus on viruses irculating in the Philippines for disease
prevention and epidemiological st: dies; and

€) Operation of a virus high containment laboratory dedicated to the study of highly
infectious and highly pathogenic v: uses.

SEC. 4. Definition of Terms. — A: used in this Act, the following terms shall
mean:

a) Virology — is the scientific disciplin» concerned with the study of the biology of
viruses and viral diseases, inc’ ding the distribution. pathogenicity, viral
cytopathicity, biochemistry, phys ology, molecular biology, biotechnology.
ecology, tropism, spillover or inter vecies transmission, evolution, and clinical
aspects of viruses:

b) Diagnostics - relates to methods, ‘sts, techniques, and tools in viral diagnosis
for humans, animals, and plants

c) Therapeutics — anti-viral, nancte< inology treatment approach, nucleic acid-
based treatment, remedial agents rugs for the treatment of viral diseases and
infections for humans, animals. ar : plants; and

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

SEC. 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 unde: the Department of Science and Technology
called the Virology Science and Technoic 3y Institute of the Philippines (VIP)

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

Pag 4 of 8


The Institute shall establish stra‘gic partnerships with the world’s leading
scientists. virology centers. and institu'2s and conduct innovative and pioneering
researches that will advance the frontier: of virology in the country.

SEC. 6, Mandate. — The Institute s* all implement policies, plans, programs, and
projects for the development of virology s sience and technology in the country and the
promotion of scientific and technologic! activities for both the public and private
sectors, and ensure that the results of ese activities are properly applied towards
self-reliance and utilized to accelerate e: 7nomic and social development towards the
protection of the citizens and its resource s.

SEC. 7. Powers, Functions, and ‘\uties. - To accomplish its mandate, the VIP
shall have the following powers. function .. and duties

a) Serve as the lead convener of t ¢ Virology research agenda as part of the
National Unified Health Research Agenda (NUHRA).

b) Undertake scientific and technolo: ical research and development (R&D) in the
field of virology.

c) Conduct product R&D in the area’ of diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines.

d) Promote and undertake the tran: ‘er of the resuits of scientific research and
development to concemed gover ment agencies, industry, and academe.

e) Develop and maintain an information system on virology science and
technology for use by both the pu’ tic and private sectors.

f) Develop and implement, togethe’ with other entities concerned, programs for
strengthening scientific and techs siogical capabilities in virology and relevant
disciplines through human rescur: > development, infrastructure, and institution
building.

g) Undertake policy research, tec anoiogy assessment, and other related
researches on virology.

h) Provide laboratory and technical = =rvices on virology.

i) Promote and advocate the na‘onal programs on virology science and
technology

i} Establish linkages with local ard |. ternational partners.

SEC. 8. Organizational Structur:. — The VIP shall be an attached agency of
the Department of Science and Techr logy (DOST) for purposes of policy and
program coordination, and to ensure al:.nment in national policies and priorities. it
shall be headed by a Director and twe (2. Deputy Directors, one (1) for Research and
Development. and another one (1) for Si sport, Policy. and Linkages.

Pag +5 of8


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 di 'sions’

a) Virus Research.
b) Diagnostics and Therapeutics Res -arch
c) Vaccines Research

d) Technical Services and Training

e) Policy, Planning, and Linkages: a+

f) Finance and Administration

The Deputy Director for Research a’ d Development shall head the first three (3)
divisions while the Deputy Director for S port, Policy, and Linkages shall head the
next three (3) divisions.

Subject to the approval of the Deps tment of Budget and Management (DBM)
the VIP shall determine its organizationa structure and create new divisions or units
as it may deem necessary and shaii point officers and employees of the VIP
following the civil service laws, rules, anc -egulations.

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

SEC. 9. The Governing Board. ~ The Governing Board shall be the principal
policy-making body for scientific and tech :ological activities of the Institute. It shall be
composed of the following:

a) Chair, Secretary of the DOST
b) Vice-chair. Undersecretary for Reszarch and Development, DOST
) Members
i. Secretary of the Depart ent of Health (DOH), or his authorized
representative who must be an Undersecretary
ii Secretary of the Departm:-nt of Agriculture (DA), or his authorized
representative who must be an Undersecretary
ili, Director of Centers for Diese Control and Prevention Philippines (CDC
PHL)
iv. Executive Director of Pr iippine Councit for Health Research &
Development (PCHRD)
v. Executive Director of Phili; pine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and
Natural Resources Resear’ 1 and Development (PCAARRD)
vii Executive Director of Ph--ppine Council for industry. Energy and
Emerging Technology Rese arch and Development (PCIEERD)
Vi, Director of Philippine Viroio-.y Science and Technology Institute (VIP);
viii, Director of University of the “hilippines-National Institutes of Health (UP-
NIH); and
ix. Three (3) representatives “om the Private Sector elected by the ex-
officio Board Members.

Pag’ 6 of B


The ex-officio Board Members shail be entitled to per diem allowances as
approved by the Board in accordance wit : pertinent guidelines of the DBM

The private sector representatives nust have known expertise on virology or
other related disciplines. They shall serv» for three (3) years and may be re-elected
once, They shall be entitled to per diem, «-presentation and transportation allowances
as approved by the Board in accordance with pertinent guidelines of the DBM.

SEC. 10. Transfer of offices and waits. — All offices and units under the DOST
system that are handling matters related 9 virology shall be transferred to the VIP.

The transfer of an office or unit shal: nclude 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.

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

SEC. 12. International Cooperatio, - The VIP may enter into a memorandum
of agreement or memorandum of unders:anding with international partners, upon the
approval of its Governing Board

SEC. 13. Official Site of VIP. ~ A ot with an area equivalent to at least five (5)
hectares under the administration of ne Bases Conversion and Development
Authority {BCDA) within the New Clark ! conomic Zone in Tarlac shall be allocated
exclusively for the Institute, its researc’ facilities, and laboratories. The biosafety
infrastructure shall be designed basec on risk assessment for handling specific
pathogens following the World Healt? Organization (WHO) guidelines on the
establishment of a virology laboratory in “veloping countries.

SEC. 14. Entitlement to Magns Carta Benefits. - Qualified employees of
VIP, including the private sector representatives, and its attached units shall be
covered by Republic Act No. 8439, othe: wise known as “Magna Carta for Scientists,
Engineers, Researchers and Other Science and Technology Personnel in
Government.”

SEC. 15, Annual Report. - Tne vIP shall submit to the President and the
Committee on Science and Technology 1 both Chambers of the Congress not later
than the 30th of March of every year fo’ owing the effectivity of this Act. The report
shall provide a detailed account of the <‘atus of the implementation of this Act and
recommended legislation, where applica’ ie and necessary

SEC. 16. Virology Research Fu.rd. ~ There is hereby created a Virology
Research Fund to be used exclusively fo. the implementation of the Virology Institute
Strategic Plan, which shall be administer:d by the VIP following, existing government
budgeting, accounting, and auditing rules and regulations. The Fund shall be sourced
from the following:

Pag 7 of 8



a) The initial amount of Two Billion psos (P 2,000,000,000.00) to be taken from
the current fiscal year's appropri ion, in case the General Appropriation Act
(GAA) was approved before this lew is enacted:

b) The income produced from its op2rations, technology transfer, and licensing
agreements; and

c) Loans. contributions, grants, bequ~'sts, gifts, and donations whether from local
‘or foreign sources. Provided, that acceptance of grants, bequests,
contributions, and donations from ‘oreign governments shall be subject to the
approval of the President upon te recommendation of the Secretary of the
DOST and Secretary of the Depart nent of Foreign Affairs (DFA). The Secretary
of DOST, with the approval of the VEDA and subsequently, the Department of
Finance (DOF), is hereby grantec the authority to enter into loan agreements
with foreign financial institutions

SEC. 17. Use of Income. - The Vi’ shall be authorized to use all of the income
generated from its operations, as well as « onations, bequests, grants for the upgrading
if its physical and human resources, and “or the augmentation of its budget, in case of
a shortfall

SEC. 18. Appropriations. - he sum of Two Billion Pesos (Php
2,000,000,000.00) is hereby appropriate 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 cluded in the General Appropriation Act.

SEC. 19. implementing Rules anc Regulations. - Within one hundred twenty
(120) days from the effectivity of this Ac the DOST in coordination with DBM, Civil
Service Commission, and other relevan' government agencies, shall promulgate the
necessary rules and regulations for the ¢ fective implementation of this Act.

SEC. 20. Separability Clause. - ny portion or provision of this Act that may
be declared unconstitutional or invatic st all 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 entire

SEC. 21. Repealing Clause. - Ail aws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations
or other issuances or parts thereof inc: ysistent with the provisions of this Act are
hereby repealed or modified accordingly

SEC. 22. Effectivity. - This Act shali take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or any wo (2) newspapers of general circulation in
the Philippines.

Approved.

Pag= 8 of 8