Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ________ 
Introduced by Hon. John Marvin “Yul Servo” C. Nieto 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2), also named 
‘Coronavirus Disease 2019’ (COVID-19), has exposed the need for further 
preparation during a global pandemic. Since the first recorded case last year, the 
deadly virus has infected millions of people and has spread to every continent in 
the world with the exception of Antartica. 
This is a problem that needs to be addressed by utilizing resources and empowering 
science and technology research and development. Therefore, more than ever, 
there is a need to establish a research institute that specializes on the study of 
viruses and the complex field of infectious diseases. 
The propose measure seeks to establish a virology institute that shall focus on the 
research of viruses, development of diagnostics and vaccines, international 
cooperation and network of databases of virus infections, operation of a virus 
genome laboratory, and operation of virus high containment laboratory dedicated 
to study of pathogenic viruses. The establishment of this institute will strengthen 
the capability of our country to address future issues that may arise from deadly 
viral infections. 
In light of the foregoing, the approval of this measure is earnestly sought. 
JOHN MARVIN “YUL SERVO” C. NIETO
May 24, 2021
2:55 pm
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ________ 
Introduced by Hon. John Marvin “Yul Servo” C. Nieto 
AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE VIROLOGY SCIENCE AND 
TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR  
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:  
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Virology Institute of 
the Philippines (VIP) Act".  
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State: 
a) To protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health
consciousness among them;
b) To undertake appropriate health, manpower development, and research,
responsive to the country's health needs and problems;
c) To recognize that science and technology are essential for national development
and progress;
d) To give priority to research and development, invention, innovation, and their
utilization; and
e) To support indigenous, appropriate, and self-reliant scientific and technological
capabilities, and their application to the country's productive systems and national
life.
To this end, it is recognized that the establishment of an institute that will conduct 
research and development activities/in-depth study on the viruses affecting the 
lives of its people and resources is vital for the protection of the health of its people 
and the preservation of the national life.  
SEC. 3. Objectives. - This Act seeks to establish a virology institute that shall 
focus on the following Key Development Areas for virology science and technology 
applications to ensure the State's sustained progress:  
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a) Research on viruses using a modern approach such as molecular biology and its 
application or biotechnology; 
 
b) 
Development 
of 
diagnostics, 
vaccines, 
and 
therapeutics 
(Molecular 
Biotechnology);  
 
c) International cooperation and network of databases of virus infections; 
 
d) Operation of a virus gene bank, virus genome laboratory, and virus reference 
laboratory to focus on viruses circulating in the Philippines for disease prevention 
and epidemiological studies; 
 
e) Operation of a virus high containment laboratory dedicated to the study of highly 
infectious and highly pathogenic viruses.  
 
SEC. 4. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following terms shall mean:  
 
a) Virology – is the scientific discipline concerned with the study of the biology of 
viruses and viral diseases, including the distribution, pathogenicity, viral 
cytopathicity, biochemistry, physiology, molecular biology, biotechnology, ecology, 
tropism, spillover or interspecies transmission, evolution, and clinical aspects of 
viruses;  
 
b) Diagnostics – relates to methods, tests, techniques, and tools in viral diagnosis 
for humans, animals, and plants;  
c) Therapeutics – anti-viral. nanotechnology treatment approach, nucleic acid-
based treatment, remedial agents, drugs for the treatment of viral diseases and 
infections for humans, animals, and plants; And 
 
d) Vaccines – are products that induce or stimulate active acquired immunity by 
producing antibodies to a specific infectious agent. It helps the body's immune 
system to recognize and fight pathogens like viruses or bacteria. 
 
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 under the Department of Science and 
Technology called the Virology Science and Technology Institute of the Philippines 
(VIP). The VIP shall serve as the premier research and development institute in the 
field of virology, encompassing all areas in viruses and viral diseases in humans, 
plants, and animals. It shall act as a venue for scientists, both here and abroad, to 
work collaboratively to study viruses of agricultural, industrial, clinical, and 
environmental importance.  
 
The Institute shall establish strategic partnerships with the world's leading 
scientists, virology centers, and institutes and conduct innovative and pioneering 
researches that will advance the frontiers of virology in the country.  
 


SEC.6. Mandate. - The Institute shall implement policies, plans, programs, and 
projects for the development of virology science and technology in the country and 
the promotion of scientific and technological activities for both the public and 
private sectors, and ensure that the results of these activities are properly applied 
towards self-reliance and utilized to accelerate economic and social development 
towards the protection of the citizens and its resources.  
 
SEC. 7. Powers, Functions, and Duties. – To accomplish its mandate, the VIP 
shall have the following powers, functions, and duties:  
 
a) Serve as the lead convener of the Virology research agenda as part of the 
National Unified Health Research Agenda (NUHRA);  
 
b) Undertake scientific and technological research and development (R&D) in the 
field of virology; 
c) Conduct product R&D in the areas of diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines; 
 
d) Promote and undertake the transfer of the results of scientific research and 
development to concerned government agencies, industry, and academe;  
 
e) Develop and maintain an information system on virology science and technology 
for use by both the public and private sectors;  
 
f) Develop and implement, together with other entities concerned, programs for 
strengthening scientific and technological capabilities in virology and relevant 
disciplines through human resource development, infrastructure, and institution 
building;  
 
g) Undertake policy research, technology assessment, and other related researches 
on virology; 
 
h) Provide laboratory and technical services on virology;  
 
i) Promote and advocate the national programs on virology science and technology; 
 
j) Establish linkages with local and international partners.  
 
SEC. 8. Organizational Structure. - The VIP shall be an attached agency of the 
Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for purposes of policy and program 
coordination, and to ensure alignment in national policies and priorities.  
It shall be headed by a Director and two (2) Deputy Directors: one for Research 
and Development, and another one for Support, Policy, and Linkages.  
 
The VIP shall be composed of the Office of the Director, Office of the Deputy Director 
for Research and Development, Office of the Deputy Director for Support, Policy, 
and Linkages and the following divisions:  
 
a) Virus Research  
b) Diagnostics and Therapeutics Research  


c) Vaccines Research 
d) Technical Services and Training 
e) Policy, Planning, and Linkages  
f) Finance and Administration  
 
The Deputy Director for Research and Development shall head the first three (3) 
divisions while the Deputy Director for Support, Policy, and Linkages shall head the 
next three (3) divisions.  
 
Subject to the approval of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the 
VIP shall determine its organizational structure and create new divisions or units 
as it may deem necessary and shall appoint officers and employees of the VIP 
following the civil service laws, rules, and regulations.  
 
For this purpose, the Institute shall draw up the necessary position qualifications 
and standards for its personnel following the Civil Service Law, rules and regulations, 
in consultation with the DBM.  
 
SEC. 9. The Governing Board. - The Governing Board shall be the principal 
policymaking body for scientific and technological activities of the Institute. It shall 
be composed of the following:  
 
a) Chair, Secretary of DOST  
b) Co-chair, Undersecretary for R&D, DOST  
c) Members: 
i. Undersecretary of Department of Health (DOH) 
ii. Undersecretary of Department of Agriculture (DA)  
iii. Director of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Philippines 
(CDCPHL) 
iv. Executive Director of Philippine Council for Health Research & Development 
(PCHRD) 
v. Executive Director of Philippine Council for Agriculture. Aquatic, and Natural 
Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) 
vi. Executive Director of Philippine Council for Industry. Energy and Emerging  
Technology Research & Development (PCIEERD)  
vii. Director of Philippine Virology Science and Technology Institute (VIP) 
viii. Director of University of the Philippines-National Institutes of Health (UP-
NIH)  
ix. Three (3) representatives from the Private Sector elected by the ex-officio 
Board Members 
 
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.  
 


SEC. 11. Engagement of Balik Scientists and Foreign Experts. – The institute 
may engage Batik Scientists and foreign experts following the terms of reference 
and compensation structure of the Ralik Scientist Program.  
 
SEC. 12. International Cooperation. – The VIP may enter into a memorandum 
of agreement or memorandum of understanding with international partners, upon 
the approval of its Governing Board.  
 
SEC. 13. Official Site of VIP. - A lot with an area equivalent to at least five (5) 
hectares under the administration of the Bases Conversion and Development 
Authority (BCDA) within the New Clark Economic Zone in Tarlac shall be allocated 
exclusively for the Institute, its research facilities, and laboratories The biosafety 
infrastructure shall be designed based on risk assessment for handling specific 
pathogens following the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on the 
establishment of a virology laboratory in developing countries.  
 
SEC. 14. Entitlement to Magna Carta Benefits. - Qualified employees of VIP 
and its attached units shall be covered by Republic Act No. 8439, otherwise known 
as "Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers, Researchers and Other Science and 
Technology Personnel in Government".  
 
SEC.15. Annual Report. - The VIP shall submit a report to the President and the 
Committee on Science and Technology of both Chambers of 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. Virology Research Fund. - There is hereby created a Virology Research 
Fund to be used exclusively for the implementation of the Virology Institute 
Strategic Plan, which shall be administered by the VIP following, existing 
government budgeting, accounting, and auditing rules and regulations. The Fund 
shall be sourced from the following:  
 
a) The initial amount of Two Billion pesos (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.  
 
b) The income produced from its operations, technology transfer, and licensing 
agreements.  
c) Loans, contributions, grants, bequests, gifts, and donations whether from local 
or foreign sources. Provided, that acceptance of grants, bequests, contributions, 
and donations from foreign governments shall be subject to the approval of the 
President upon the recommendation of the Secretary of the DOST and Secretary of 
the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). The Secretary of DOST, with the approval 
of the NEDA and subsequently, the Department of Finance (DOF), is hereby granted 
the authority to enter into loan agreements with foreign financial institutions. 
 
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, grants for the 


upgrading if 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 (Php 2,000,000,000.00) 
is hereby appropriated as an initial operating fund for the operation of the Institute, 
taken from the current fiscal year's appropriation. Thereafter, the amount needed 
for its operation shall be included in the General Appropriation Act.  
 
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 parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are 
hereby repealed or modified accordingly.  
 
SEC. 22. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or any two (2) newspapers of general circulation 
in the Philippines.  
 
Approved,