NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
SENATE
s.No. 489
CKV ;f) 
C
\v' ■)i0ffirp of fiji’’ is: ••i fiar])
■22 JUL 13 PI :10
RIXEIV; ,J8V _
Introduced by Senator Loren B. Legarda
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE VIROLOGY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 
INSTITUTE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The entire world was unprepared for the onslaught of the COVID-19 
pandemic. The extensive social and economic issues brought on by this health crisis 
have severe effects, especially on the poor.
Recently, all seven continents have been affected by the SARS-CoV2 virus. As 
of 28 June 2022, the World Health Organization reported that there have been 
542,188,789 confirmed cases with a total of 6,329,275 deaths globally. In the 
Philippines, the Department of Health reported that as of 28 June 2022, there are a 
total of 3,702,319 confirmed cases in the country, out of which 60,531 have died.
Through efforts in research and development, COVID-19 vaccines have been 
produced. The Department of Health reported that as of 28 June 2022, there are a total 
of 153,714,245 doses administered, with 68,191,235 people vaccinated with the first 
dose, 70,580,562 people that have the complete dose, and 14,942,448 administered 
booster doses.
On another note, the Philippines was also affected by the African Swine Fever, 
a highly contagious viral disease in pigs, with its first case detected in 2019. The


Department of Agriculture reported that there were 3,657 barangays in 678 cities and 
municipalities, in 51 provinces affected since the onslaught in 2019. As of 31 March 
2022, the active cases of ASF are now only in two regions, four provinces, seven 
municipalities, and 20 barangays. However, the problem remains.
The appropriate chnical and public health management of viruses that breach 
the species barrier is one of the numerous issues that these outbreaks have brought 
up. It is evident that the country is lacking on research and knowledge on viral 
pathogenesis, risk factors for infection, and the natural history of diseases.
The country is facing issues with novel, emerging, and re-emerging viruses that 
are affecting humans, livestock, and plants. These can be addressed through effective 
research and development. Therefore, a research institute that caters to the field of 
virology is vital for long-term protection.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is most earnestly sought.
LOREN LEGARDA


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
SENATE 
S. No. "^^9
<NOEX
BILLS
Introduced by Senator Loren B. Legarda
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE VIROLOGY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 
INSTITUTE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled:
1 
Section. 1. Short Title. - This act shall be known as the "Virology Institute of the
2 
Philippines (VIP) Act of 2022".
3 
Sec. 2. Declaration 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
5 
health consciousness among them;
6 
b. To undertake appropriate health, manpower development, and
7 
research, 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,
11 
and their utilization; and
12 
e. To support indigenous, appropriate, and self-reliant scientific and
13 
. 
technological capabilities, and their application to the country's
14 
productive systems and national life.
15 
To this end, it is recognized that the establishment of an institute that will conduct
16 
research and development activities and in-depth study on the viruses affecting the
17 
lives of its people and resources is vital for the protection of the health of its people
18 
and the preservation of the national life.


1 
Sec. 3. Objectives - This Act seeks to establish a Virology Institute that shall
2 
focus on the following key development areas for virology science and technology
3 
applications to ensure the State's sustained progress:
4 
a. Research on viruses using a modem approach such as molecular biology
5 
and its application or biotechnology;
6 
b. Development of diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics (Molecular
7 
Biotechnology);
8 
c. International cooperation and network of databases of vims infections;
9 
d. Operation of a virus gene bank, vims genome laboratory, and vims
10 
reference laboratory to focus on viruses circulating in the Philippines for
11 
disease prevention and epidemiological studies; and
12 
e. Operation of a virus high containment laboratory dedicated to the study
13 
of highly infectious and highly pathogenic viruses.
14 
Sec. 4. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following terms shall mean:
15 
a. Virology - is the scientific discipline concerned with the study of the
16 
biology of vimses and viral diseases, including the distribution,
17 
pathogenicity, viral cytopathicity, biochemistry, physiology,
18 
molecular biology, biotechnology, ecology, tropism, spillover or
19 
interspecies transmission, evolution, and clinical aspects of viruses.
20 
b. Diagnostics - relates to methods, tests, techniques, and tools in viral
21 
diagnosis for humans, animals, and plants.
22 
c. Therapeutics - anti-viral, nanotechnology treatment approach, nucleic
23 
acid-based treatment, remedial agents, drugs for the treatment of
24 
viral diseases and infections for humans, animals, and plants.
25 
d. Vaccines - products that induce or stimulate active acquired
26 
immunity by producing antibodies to a specific infectious agent. It
27 
’ 
helps the body's immune system to recognize and fight pathogens
28 
like viruses or bacteria.
29 
Sec. 5. Creation of the Virology Science and Technology Institute of the Philippines. -
30 
To carry out the provisions of this Act, a research and development institute under
31 
the Department of Science and Technology called the Virology Science and
32 
Technology Institute of the Philippines (VIP) shall be created.


1 
The VIP shall serve as the premier research and development institute in the field of
2 
virology, encompassing all areas in viruses and viral diseases in humans, plants, and
3 
animals. It shall act as a venue for scientists, both here and abroad, to work
4 
collaboratively to study viruses of agricultural, industrial, clinical, and environmental
5 
importance.
6 
The Institute shall establish strategic partnerships with the world's leading
7 
scientists, virology centers, and institutes and conduct innovative and pioneering
8 
researches that will advance the frontiers of virology in the country.
9 
Sec. 6. Mandate. - The VIP shall implement policies, plans, programs, and
10 
projects for the development of virology science and technology in the country and
11 
the promotion of scientific and technological activities for both the public and private
12 
sectors, and ensure that the results of these activities are properly applied towards
13 
self-reliance and utilized to accelerate economic and social development towards the
14 
protection of the citizens and its resources.
15 
Sec. 7. Powers, Functions, and Duties. - To accomplish its mandate, the VIP shall
16 
have the following powers, functions, and duties:
17 
a. Serve as the lead convener of the Virology research agenda as part of the
18 
National Unified Health Research Agenda (NUHRA);
19 
b. Undertake scientific and technological research and development
20 
(R&D) in the field of virology;
21 
c. Conduct product R&D in the areas of diagnostics, therapeutics, and
22 
vaccines;
23 
d. Promote and undertake the transfer of the results of scientific research
24 
and development to concerned government agencies, industry, and
25 
academe;
26 
e. Develop and maintain an information system on virology science and
27 
technology for use by both the public and private sectors;
28 
f. Develop and implement, together with other entities concerned,
29 
programs for strengthening scientific and technological capabilities in
30 
virology and relevant discipline through human resource development,
31 
infrastructure, and institution building;


1 
g. Undertake policy research, technology assessment, and other related
2 
research on virology;
3 
h. Provide laboratory and technical services on virology;
4 
i. Promote and advocate the national programs on virology science and
5 
technology; and
6 
j. Establish linkages with local and international partners.
7 
Sec. 8. Organizational Structure. ~ The VIP shall be an attached agency of the
8 
Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for purposes of policy and program
9 
coordination, and to ensure alignment in national policies and priorities. It shall be
10 
headed by a Director and two (2) Deputy Directors, one (1) for Research and
11 
Development, and another one (1) for Support, Policy, and Linkages.
12 
The VIP shall be composed of the Office of the Director, Office of the Deputy
13 
Director for Research and Development, Office of the Deputy Director for Support,
14 
Policy, and Linkages, and the following divisions:
15 
a. Virus Research
16 
b. Diagnostics and Therapeutics Research
17 
c. Vaccines Research
18 
d. Technical Services and Training
19 
e. Policy, Planning, and Linkages
20 
f. Finance and Administration
21 
The Deputy Director for Research and Development shall head the first three
22 
(3) divisions while the Deputy Director for Support, Policy, and Linkages shall head
23 
the next three (3) divisions.
24 
Subject to the approval of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM),
25 
the VIP shall determine its organizational structure and create new divisions or units
26 
as it may deem necessary and shall appoint officers and employees of the VIP
27 
following the civil service laws, rules, and regulations.
28 
For this purpose, the Institute shall draw up the necessary position
29 
qualifications and standards tor its personnel following the Civil Service Law, rules
30 
and regulations, in consultation with the DBM.


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1.
ii.
iii.
iv.
V.
Sec. 9. The Governing Board. - The Governing Board shall be the principal policy­
making body for the scientific and technological activities of the Institute. It shall be 
composed of the following:
a. Chairperson, Secretary of DOST
b. Co-chairperson, Undersecretary for R&D, DOST
c. Members:
Undersecretary of Department of Health (DOH) 
Undersecretary of Department of Agriculture (DA)
Director of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
Philippines (CDC PHL)
Executive Director of Philippine Council for Health Research 
& Development (PCHRD)
Executive Director of Philippine Council for Agriculture, 
Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development 
(PCAARRD)
Executive Director of Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, 
and Emerging Technology Research & Development 
(PCIEERD)
Director of Philippine Virology Science and Technology 
Institute (VIP)
Director of University of the Philippines-National Institutes of 
Health (UP-NIH)
Three (3) representatives from the Private Sector elected by 
the ex-officio Board Members
Sec. 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. 
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.
VI.
Vll.
Vlll.
IX.


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Sec. 11. Engagement of Batik Scientists and Foreign Experts. - The Institute may 
engage Batik scientists and foreign experts following the terms of reference and 
compensation structure of the Batik Scientist Program.
Sec. 12. International Cooperation. - The VIP may enter into a memorcmdum of 
agreement or memorandum of understanding with international partners, upon the 
approval of its Governing Board.
Sec. 13. Officiat 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.
Sec. 14. Entittement to Magna Carta Benefits. - Qualified employees of VIP and 
its attached units shall be covered by Republic Act No. 8439, otherwise knowns as 
"Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers, Researchers and Other Science and 
Technology Personnel in Government".
Sec. 15. Annuat 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.
Sec. 16. Virotogy 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 (PHP 
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.


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
b. The income produced from its operations, technology 
transfer, and licensing agreements.
c. Loans, contributions, grants, bequests, gifts, and donations 
whether 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.
Sec. 17. Use of Income. - The VIP shall be authorized to use all of the income 
generated from its operations, as well as donations, bequests, and grants for the 
upgrading of its physical and human resources, and for the augmentation of its 
budget, in case of a shortfall.
Sec. 18. Appropriations. - The sum of Two Billion Pesos (PFIP 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 Appropriations Act.
Sec. 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.
Sec. 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.
Sec. 21. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations, or 
other issuances or any parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this 
Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.


1 
Sec. 22. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
2 
publication in the Official Gazette or any two (2) newspapers of general circulation in
3 
the Philippines.
Approved,