Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
‘Second Regular Session

House Bill No. _6992

Introduced by Representative Ron P. Salo

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Novel as it is, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-
CoV2) has caught the world by surprise. Spreading exponentially like a wildfire, SARS-
CoV2 tured into a global pandemic millions of people contracted the coronavirus
disease (COVID-19) in very short span of time. Since its first occurrence late last year,
the virus has spread to every continent except Antarctica. The World Health
Organization (WHO) reported on 19 May 2020 (08:00 GMT+8) that there have been
4,735,622 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and out of this number, 316,289 died which
accounts for a 6.68% fatality rate. In the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH)
reported that as of 19 May 2020, 12,942 people were confirmed to have contracted
the disease, and 837 of whom died thus resulting to a fatality rate of 6.47%. This health
crisis has also resulted in widespread social and economic crises, the impacts of which
were devastating, especially to the poor and even the middle class.

The ongoing outbreak presents many concerns particularly on the effective
clinical and public health management of novel viruses that cross the species barrier
or what we call zoonotic viruses. This can be attributed to very few studies and limited
information on viral pathogenesis; risk factors for infection; the natural history of
diseases including clinical presentation and outcomes; prognostic factors for severe
illnesses; the period of infectivity; modes and extent of virus inter-human transmission;
effective preventive measures; and public health response and containment
interventions. As of writing of this proposed measure, there is no antiviral treatment or
vaccine available for COVID-19 although aggressive research and development
efforts, including clinical therapeutic trials, are already ongoing across the world.

Aside from the above concerns, the country is also faced with problems on
novel, emerging, reemerging, and zoonotic viruses affecting livestock and plants. For
instance, the African Swine Fever (ASF) which is considered as one of the most severe
and highly contagious viral disease affecting pigs, has recently spread in many
provinces in the country. While it has been said that ASF does not pose risks to human
health, it is considered by the global veterinary society as one of the major threats to
pig production, food security, and biodiversity in the world. Unfortunately, no cure or
vaccine currently exists that will prevent the spread of this virus. There is also the
constant threat from some of the more aggressive viruses that can potentially cause
future pandemic from zoonotic viruses such as influenza virus which often crosses the

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species barrier and mutates into a more deadly strain (swine flu, 1N1, HSN1, etc) since
the Philippines is a tropical country and is a possible hotspot for zoonotic viruses
jumping the species barrier.

Attention should also be given to the viruses and viroids affecting many crops
in the country. Among the known viruses affecting Philippine crops are the rice tungro,
papaya ringspot, banana and abaca bunchy top, and tomato and squash mosaic and
leaf curl. Once the crops are infected, these viruses can potentially cause substantial
yield losses thus, creating negative impacts on food production and food security.

These are issues that can only be addressed using science and technology,
specifically through research and development (R&D). It is therefore imperative that
we establish a Research Institute that focuses into the study of viruses or in the field
of virology. The country needs diagnostic tools and techniques to detect and limit the
spread of the existing viruses; vaccines to provide long-term protection; treatments to
‘save lives in the short-term, and social science to understand their behavioral and
societal implications.

In light of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is most eamestly sought.

nod P. SALO

KABAYAN Party List

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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

House Bill No. 6992

Introduced by Representative Ron P. Salo

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE VIROLOGY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
INSTITUTE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SEC. 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Virology Institute of the
Philippines (VIP) Act of 2020.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — \tis 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 challenges;

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 address the country's health needs and
challenges.

To this end, it is recognized that the establishment of an institute that will
conduct research and development activities and in-depth study on the viruses
affecting the lives of our people and resources is vital for the protection of our health
and preservation of national life.

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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:

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

b) Development of diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics (Molecular
Biotechnology);

c) International cooperation, linkages 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; and

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 concemed 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.

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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 concemed, 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
shalll be headed by a Director and two (2) Deputy Directors, one (1) for Research and
Development, and another one (1) for Support, Policy, and Linkages.

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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 divisions:

a) Virus Research;

b) Diagnostics and Therapeutics Research;
c) Vaccines Research;

4) Technical Services and Training;

e) Policy, Planning, and Linkages; and

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
policy-making body for scientific and technological activities of the Institute. It shall be
composed of the following:

a) Chair, Secretary of the DOST
b) Vice-chair, Undersecretary for Research and Development, DOST
c) Members:
i. Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH), or his authorized
representative who must be an Undersecretary
ii. Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA), or his authorized
representative who must be an Undersecretary
ili. Director of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Philippines (CDC
PHL)

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 and Development (PCIEERD)
Director of Philippine Virology Science and Technology Institute (VIP);
Director of University of the Philippines-National Institutes of Health (UP-
NIH); and
ix. Three (3) representatives from the Private Sector elected by the ex-

officio Board Members.

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The ex-officio Board Members shall be entitled to per diem allowances as
approved by the Board in accordance with pertinent guidelines of the DBM.

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

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 Balik Scientists and foreign experts following the terms of
reference and compensation structure of the Balik 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, including the private sector representatives, 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 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. 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:

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a) The initial amount of Two Billion pesos (P 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; and

¢)

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.

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