Introduced by:
REPRESENTATIVE ATTY. GERVILLE ``TINKY BITRICS" R. LUISTRO
EXPLANATORY NOTE
When the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2),
popularly  known  as  COVID-19  virusl,  surfaced  and  spread  globally  in  2019,  all
nations were caught unprepared.  Countries, in their efforts to curb the ill effects of
the  COVID-19,  closed  down  their  borders  and  ipiplemented  strict  measures  to
prevent  it  from  further  dispersal.     Policies  on  travel  restrictions  were  strictly
implemented to ensure that healthcare facilities can accommodate and control health
care demands of the people caused by the virus. In effect, the economy of numerous
countries  had  shut  down.    The  scarcity  of  resources,  both  basic  necessities  and
medical supplies,  worsened.   At present,  the World  Health Organization  (WHO)
recorded  570 million cases  of COVID-19 infectious  globally,  including  6.3 million
deaths2.
In the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) reported that at least 3.7
minion Filipinos have been infected with COVID-19, which concluded the lives of at
leaLst 60,0003.   It exposed the country's vulnerability, in terms of health emergency
preparedness and responsiveness.
Globally, Virology acquired a larger importance due to the pandemic.  Since it
encompasses the study of ecology, virus progression, interaction of a certain vin]Ls to
other viruses and other microorganisms, and the virus' ability to deliver their own
and heterologous genetic information into cells, the information it generates, as a
scientific  data,  provide  significant interventious  in and  solutious  related  to  virus
management.  In fact, the data gathered by various virology institutions, around the
]https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/technical-guidance/naming-the-
coronavirus-disease-(covid-2019)-and-the-virus-that-causes-
it#:~:text=Naming%20the%20coronavirus%20disease%20(COVID.the%20virus%20that%20causes%20it
WHO:  Overview of Covid  19 lnfections globally (https://covidl9.who.intn
DDOH:COVID19CaseTracker(https://doh.gov.ph/2019-ncov)


globe, has led to the discovery of the vaccine effective against COVID-19. Through
continuous research and development, supported by scientific findings, nation will
be  constantly  armed  with  up~to-date  data  or  an  effective  endemic  or  pandemic
management.
This   measure   seeks   to   establish   the   Philippine   Virology   Science   and
Technology  Institute  (PVSH)  which  shall  be  the  country's  primary  research  and
development arm to help improve crisis response. In addition, it also seeks to timely
develop  methodical  approaches  for  necessary  government  interventions  during
health emergencies. The establishment of a virology institute is critical as it wi]] store
and  process  comprehensive  data  analyses  on  viruses,  whether  emerging  or  re-
emerging.
The  proposed,  PVSTI  will  also  be  lead  agency  that will conduct scientific
study on different viruses and provide significant data on the virus' evolution and
effects,  and  potential  pathogens  that  may  cause  disease  -  whether  to  humaus,
animals,  or plants.  PVSTI  shall collaborate  with other  scientific  institutions  from
different countries.
With the lessors brought upon COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative for the
State to fully invest the field of virology and microbiology to further develop its
healthcare system, medical faciHties, and health crisis response.
It  is  also  noteworthy  to  acknowledge  the  efforts  poured  by  the  primary
authors of this proposed measure during the 18th Congress, namely, Representatives
|oey Sarte Salceda, Angehina "Helen" D.L. Tan, MD., Cheryl Deloso-Montalla, Strike
`8. .Reviila, Arigelo Marcos 8. Barba, Leoriardo L. Babasa, Rori P. Salo, Luis Rayffiund
``LRay" F. Villafuerte, Rufus 8. Rodriguez, and |oaquin M. Chipeco, including other
honorable   members   who   have   supported,   contributed,   and   engaged   in   the
committee and plenary dehiberatious. Their valuable inputs resulted to the passage
of this measure in the 18th Congress, specifically in the 3rd Reading.
In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
Nineteenth Congress
First Regular Session
Hou;eB-iuNo.5796
Introduced by:
REPRESENTATIVE AITY. GERVILLE ``TINKY BITRICS" R. LUISTRO
AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE VIROLOGY SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it e_n_ac_ted by  the  Senate  and the 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 Act" .
SECTION  2.  Declaration  of  Policy.  It  is  the  poliey  of  the  State  to  protect  and
promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness  among
them.    The  State  recognizes  that science  and  technology  is  essential  for  national
development and progress.
To  this  end,  the  State  shall  formulate  and  implement  policies  that  shall
address current health issues, such as the quahity and the adequacy of health and
medical human resources, health iustitutious, and delivery of health services, and
shall give priority to research,  the development and promotion of irmovatious in
both  technology  and  services,  the  use  of  safe  and  indigenous  health-promoting
practices, and their appropriate utilization by the health sector.
In this regard, the State shall prioritize the estabhishment of an institute that
will conduct in-depth studies on vrfuses and their potential disease-causing agents
that affect people, plants, and animals, in order to provide the scientific bases for the
treatment of viral diseases, and for the formulation of policies that shall prevent the
transmission of these diseases within the community and national context.


SECTION 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 in plants, animals, and humans:
a)   Research on viruses using a modern approach such as molecular biology
and its application or biotechnology;
b)  Development of diagnostics, vaccines and therapeutics;
c)   International cooperation and network of databases of virus infectious;
d)  Operation  of  a  vrfus  gene  bank,  vrfus  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 contairment laboratory dedicated to the study of
highly infectious and highly pathogenic virus.
SECTION 4. Definition of Terms. As used in this Act:
a)   B¢cferz.apJ2flgr  refers  to  any  group  of viruses  that  infect specific  bacteria,
usually causing their disintegration or dissolution;
b)  Bt.os#/gfty refers to a condition in which the probability of harm, injury, and
damage resulting from the intentional and unintentional introduction or
use of a regulated article is within acceptable and manageable levels;
c)   Bz.osccztrz.fry refers to the strategic and integrated approach to analyzing and
managing relevant risks to plant, animal and human life, and health and
associated  risk  for  the  environment.    It  is  based  on recognition  of the
critical linkages between sectors, with system-wide consequences;
d)  Dz.flg7zosfz.cs refer to methods, tests, techniques, and tools in viral diagnosis
for plants, animals and humaus;
e)   Tlherflpcztfz.cs refer to anti-viral, bacteriophages, nanotechnology treatment
approach,  nucleic  acid-based  treatment,  remedial  agents,  drugs  for  the
treatment of viral diseases and infectious of plants, animals and humaus;
D    V¢cc!.7ic  refers  to  a  product  that  induces  or  stimulates  active  acquired
immunity by producing antibodies to a specific infectious agent.   It helps
the body's immune system to recognize and fight pathogeus like viruses
or bacteria; and
g)   Vt.roJogy refers to the scientific discipline concerned with the study of the
biology of vrfuses and viral diseases of plant, animal and human medical
importance    and    pandemic    potential,    including    the    distribution,
pathogenicity,  viral  cytopathicity,  biochemistry,  physiology,  molecular
biology,   biotechnology,    ecology,    tropism,   spillover   or   interspecies
transmission, evolution, and clinical aspects of viruses.
SECTION 5.  Creation  of the Virology  Science  and  Technology  Institute of the
Philippines. The Virology Science and technology Institute of the Philippines OVIP)
is hereby created and shall be an attached agency under the Department of Science
and Technology (DOST) for purposes of policy and program coordination to ensure
alignment in national policies and priorities.


The VIP shall serve as the premiere research and development institute in the
field  of virology,  encompassing  all  kinds  of viruses  and  viral  diseases  in plants,
animals and humans.  It shall be a venue for scientists, research institutes and other
organizations in the Philippines and abroad, to work collaboratively to study viruses
of agricultural, industrial, clinical, and environmental importance.
SECTION  6.  Mandate.  The  VIP  shall  implement  pohcies,  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.  It sham 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 resources.
SECTION 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  for  the  formulation  of  the  National  Virology
Research Agenda, in consultation with all concerned stakeholders, that will
encompass research involving viruses of plant, animal and humaus;
b)  Undertake scientific and technological research and development in the field
of virology;
c)   Conduct  product  research  and  development  in  the  area  of  diagnostics,
therapeutics,   and  vaccines   in  cooperation  with  the   private   sector   and
concerned government agencies;
d)  Promote and undertake the transfer of the results of scientific research and
development in  coHaboration with government  agencies,  industiry  and  the
academe;
e)   Promote,   advocate   and   oversee  virology   research  ethics,   biosafety   and
biosecurity;
f)   Develop  and  maintain  an  information  system  on  virology  science   and
technology for use by both the public and private sectors;
g)  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;
h)  Undertake pohicy research, technology assessment, and other related studies
On virology;
i)   Provide laboratory and technical services on virology;
j)    Promote  and  advocate  the  national  programs  on  virology  science  and
technology; and
k)  Establish linkages with local and international partners.
SECTION 8. Organizational Structure. The VIP shall be headed by a Director and
two (2) Directors for Research and Development, and Support, Policy, and Linkages.


The VIP shall be composed of the following divisions:
1)   Virus Research;
2)   Diagnostics and Therapeutics Research;
3)   Vaccines Research;
4)   Technical Services and Training;
5)   Policy, Planning, and Linkages; and
6)   Finance and Administration.
The   Deputy  Director  for  Research  and   Development  shall  oversee   the
operations  of  the  Virus  Research,  Diagnostics  and  Therapeutics  research,  and
Vaccine Reseai.ch Divisions.  The Deputy Director for Support, Pohicy, and Linkages
shall oversee the operations of the Technical Services and Training, Policy, Planing,
and Linkages, and Finance and Administration Divisions.
The  VIP  shall  have  the  technical  and  administrative  support  staff  and
consultants.   The consultants may come from the public and private sectors on a
cousultancy or contractual basis, and shall be  granted honoraria or allowances in
accordance with the existing rules and regulations.
Subject  to  the  approval  of  the  Department  of  Budget  and  Management
(DBM), the VIP shall determine its organizational structure, create new divisions or
unit as it may deem necessary, and appoint its officers and employees.
For this purpose, the VIP shall, in consultation with the DBM, determine the
necessary  position  qualifications  and  standards  for  its  personnel  following  civil
service laws, rules and regulations.
SECTION 9. Qualifications of the VIP Director and Deputy Directors. Upon the
recommendation  of  the  Governing  Board,  the  President  of the  Philippines  shall
appoint the Director of the VIP who must possess a bachelor's degree in the field of
microbiology and a postgraduate degree in virology, and should have at least three
(3) years experience in the field of diagnostic virology.   The Director of VIP shall
have  the  rank  of  Director  IV,  Salary  Grade  (SG)-28,  and  sham  exercise  overall
responsibility over the activities of the VIP, including the supervision over VIP staff.
The  Director  of  the  VIP  shall  report  to  the  President  of  the  Republic  of  the
Philippines  and  the  Secretary  of the  Department  of Science  and  Technology  the
results of the various diagnostic assay and research studies undertaken by the VIP.
Each of the Deputy Directors of the VIP shall have a rank of Director Ill, SG-
27.   Each must possess a bachelor's degree in Microbiology or in a similar field and
at least a Master's Degree in Virology.
SECTION  10.  The  Governing  Board.  The  Governing  Board  shall  be  the  policy-
making body for the scientific and technological activities of the VIP, composed of
the following:


Chairperson:
a)   Secretary of DOST;
Co-Chairpersons:
b)  Secretary of Department of Health (DOH);
c)   Secretary of Department of Agriculture (DA);
Members:
d)  Undersecretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources
(DENR);
e)   Undersecretary of the Technology for Research and Development of the
DOST;
f)   Undersecretary    of   the   Department   of   Foreign   Affairs    (DFA)    for
International Economic Relations;
g)  Chairperson of the Commission of Higher Education (CHED);
h)  Director of the Research Institute for Tropical Medical Medicine (RITM);
i)   Director General of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA);
j)    Director of VIP;
k)  Executive Director of the Uhiversity of Philippines-National Institute of
Health (UP-NIH);
1)   Representative from the National Academy of Science and Technology;
in) Representative from the National Research Council of the Philippines; and
n)  Three   (3)   representatives   from   the   private   sector   appointed   by   the
President of the Philippines, as nominated by the Governing Board.  These
representatives   shall  have   distinguished   themselves  in   the   fields   of
medical     virology,     genomics,     plant     virology,     animal     virology,
epidemiology, genetic engineering and other related disciplines.
The VIP Secretariat shall serve as the Secretariat of the Governing Board.
SECTION 11. Transfer of Units, Offices and Functions. All offices and units under
the DOST system which functions are related to virology shall be transferred to the
VIP.
All powers, functions, assets, capital, records, funds, receivables, equipment
and facilities of the DOST units or its divisions shall be transferred to the VIP.  The
DOST shall conduct an audit and inventory of assets, liabilities and human resources
of  the  transferred  offices  and  units  under  the  DOST  system  to  the  VIP.     All
transferred  and  new  employees  under  the  DOST  system  shall  be  subject  to  the
qualification standards provided for in the laws, rules and regulations of the Civil
Service Commission (CSC).
SECTION 12. Engagement of the Balik Scientist and Foreign Experts. The VIP may
engage the services of Balik Scientist and foreign experts who shall work together
with local scientists and experts, fonowing the terms of reference and compensation


structure in accordance with Republic Act No. 11035 or the ``Balik Scientist Program
Act" and other existing laws.
SECTION   13.    International   Cooperation.   The   VIP   sham   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.     It  may  enter  into  a  memorandum  of  agreement  or
understanding  with  international  partners,  upon  the  approval  of  the  Governing
Board and in compliance with existing laws, rules, regulations and issuances of the
DFA.  The DFA shall provide 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.
SECTION 14.  Interdepartmental Cooperation. The VIP shall collaborate with the
DOH,  Department of Finance  (DOF), FDA,  RITM and other relevant government
agencies,  in  accessing  and  mobilizing  available  information,  reports,  technical
expertise, equipment, materials and supplies as may be required to implement this
Act.
The scientific findings of the VIP shall be integrated in other plans relating to
disease control and prevention and in the plans of the Inter-Agency Task Force on
Emerging Infectious Diseases, as created by the Executive Order No. 168 s. 2014, or
its  successor  body,  for  the  management of public  health emergencies  relating  to
infectious diseases.
SECTION 15.  Public-Private  Partnerships  (PPPs).  The  Department  of Trade  and
Industry (DTT), the DOH, Pubhic-Private Center and the DOST shah collaborate in
seeking Private-Public Partnerships (PPPs) for the development of new industries,
products and services where the VIP shall be the main research and development
unit.
The  DOST  may  also  request  the  assistance  of  other  national  and  local
government agencies in seeking PPPs where the VIP shall be the main research and
development unit.
SECTION 16. Promotion of Virology Industry. The DOST, in partnership with the
DTI  and  the  DOH,  shall jointly  develop  an  industry  roadmap  for  products  and
services that can be created, improved, or optimized by research from the VIP.   As
far as practicable, the industry roadmap shall include the use of local materials in the
development  of new  products.    The  industry  developed  or  established  resulting
from  the  VIP  researches  shall  be  included  in  the  national  government's  priority
industries for incentives.


SECTION 17.  Promotion of Knowledge-Transfer and Research in the Academe.
The VIP shall promote the creation of hubs and programs for virology research and
development  in  the  academe,  particularly  in  the  state  universities  and  colleges
(SUCs).   Towards this end, the VIP shall assist the SUCs in the creation of virology
courses and programs, open interuships and scholarships for qualified students of
higher education institutions  (HEls),  and collaborate with HEls in the creation of
virology research centers.
The CHED shall conaborate with the DOST in the promotion of the IIEI-VIP
partnerships.
SECTION 18.  Protection of VIP-developed  Intellectual  Property.  The Governing
Board of the VIP shall ensure that all technologies developed exclusively by the VIP
with  full  funding  from  the  Filipino  taxpayers  shall  be  protected  by  intellectual
property  law  in  accordance  with  Republic  Act  No.  10055  or  the  ``Technology
Transfer Act of 2009" and other appncable laws.  Any patent or property right award
granted to the VIP shall be held by and in the name of the Philippine Government,
with the corresponding intellectual protection.
SECTION 19. Procurement of Specialized Materials, Equipment and Services. The
VIP  shall  undertake  the  procurement  of  specialized  materials,  equipment,  and
services  to  be  used  by  the  VIP  in its  operation  and  administration,  in  the  most
expeditious  manner,  and  adopt  the  most  suitable  and  appropriate  method  of
procurement  that  it  deems  fit  based  on  its  identified  needs  and  requirements
depending  on  the  existing  conditions  and  requirements  that justify  the  use  of  a
particular  alternative  modality  provided  for  by  Republic  Act  No.  9184  or  the
"Government Procurement Reform Act" and its revised IRR.
SECTION 20.  Official Site of VIP. A lot with an area of at least five  (5) hectares
under  the  administration  of  the  Bases  Conversion  and  Development  Authority
(BCDA)  within the  New Clark  Economic  Zone  in Tarlac  Province  shall allocated
exclusively  for  the  VIP,  its  research  fachities,  and  laboratories.     The  biosafety
infrastructure  shall  be   designed  based   on  the  risk  assessment  standards  and
guidelines  of the WHO for handling specific pathogeus and the establishment pf
virology laboratories in developing countries.
SECTION 21. Entitlement to Magma Carta Benefits. Qualified employees of the VIP
shall be covered by Republic Act No. 8439, otherwise known as the ``Magna Carta
for Scientist, Engineers, Researchers and other Science and Technology Personnel in
Goverrment".
SECTION   22.   Virology   Research   Fund.   All   donations,   contributions,   grants,
bequests, or gifts, in cash or in-kind, received by the VIP from various sources shall
be  placed  into  a  fund,  to  be  known  as  the  Virology  Research  Fund  and  such
donations  shall be  exempt from  Donor's  Tax:  Prot7i.czed,  That acceptance  of grants,
bequests, contributions, and donations from foreign governments shall be subject to


the approval of the President of the Philippines, upon the recommendation of the
Secretary of DOST and the Secretary of DFA.
SECTION  23.  Authority  to  Solicit,  negotiate,  and  Receive  Donations,  Grants,
Gifts,  Legacies,  Endowments,  and  Contributions.  The VIP may solicit,  negotiate
with, and receive from any public or private domestic or foreign sources legacies,
gifts, donations, grants, endowments, contributions or other transfers of ownership
and/or possession of real or personal properties of all kinds in favor and for the
benefit of the VIP, which shall all be part of the special account in the general fund.
SECTION 24. Tax Exemptions. Donation, grants, gifts, endowments, legacies, and
contributions used actually, directly and exclusively for the purpose of the VIP shall
be  exempt  from  Donor's  Tax  and  the  same  shall  be  considered  as  allowable
deduction from gross income for the purposes of computing the taxable income of
the donor, in accordance with Section 34 (H)(2)(a) of the National Internal Revenue
Code  of 1997,  as  amended.   Likewise,  such  other  transfers  of ownership  and/or
possession of real or personal properties of all kinds shall be exempt from all taxes.
SECTION  25.  Annual  Report.  The  VIP  shall  submit  its  annual  report  to  the
President  and  to  the  Committees  on  Science  and  Technology  in  both  houses  of
Congress, not later than the 30th of March of every year following the effectivity of
this Act.  The annual report shall provide a full and detailed account of the status of
the implementation of this Act and policy recommendations.
SECTION  26.  Joint  Congressional  Oversight  Committee.  There  shall  be  a  Joint
Congressional Oversight Committee on the implementation of this Act, which shall
be jointly chaired by the Chairpersons of the Committees on Science and Technology
of  the  Senate  and  the  House  of  Representatives.    It  shall  be  composed  of  the
Chairpersons   of   the   Senate   Committees   on   Health   and   Demography,   and
Agriculture,  Food  and  Agrarian Reform,  the  Chairpersons  of the Committees  on
Health,  and  Agriculture  and  Food  of the  House  of Representatives,  and  two  (2)
Members from each House representing the minority who shall be appointed by the
Senate President and the Speaker of the House of representatives.
SECTION 27. Appropriations. The initial amount for the implementation of this Act
shall be charged against the current year's appropriations of the DOST.  Thereafter,
the funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
SECTION 28. Transitory Provisions.
a)   The functions and assets of the DOST units enumerated herein shall be
transferred to the VIP within three (3) years without need of conveyance
and transfer of assignment.
b)  To the greatest extent possible and in accordance with the existing laws,
all employees of the affected offices, agencies and units shall be absorbed
by the VIP.  Personnel hired on a permanent basis and with appointments


attested by the CSC who may be affected by the transition of the DOST
unit of the VIP, or who will not be absorbed in the new positions of the
new staffing patter of the different offices in the VIP, shall have the option
to:
1)   Be   transferred   to   other  units   or  offices   within  the   DOST  in
accordance with civil service law, rules and regulations; or,
2)   Avail   of   the    applicable   retirement   benefits   and    separation
incentives  as  provided  under  Repubhic  Act  No.  6656  and  other
relevant laws.
c)   Incumbent DOST officials  and employees may be considered to assume
positions   in   the   VIP,   subject   to   competency   evaluation   and   CSC
regulations.
d)  Research grants acquired during the transition of DOST transferred units
to the VIP shall be utilized solely for the grants' intended purposes for
each of the affected units or offices.
e)   Existing contracts and agreements entered into by the affected offices with
third parties prior to the enactment of this Act shall remain vahid.
SECTION 29. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The DOST Secretary shall, in
consultation  with  DBM,  DOH,  Civic  Service  Commission,   and   other  relevant
government agencies  promulgate  the  necessary  rules  and  regulations  within  one
hundred twenty (120) days from the effectivity of this Act.
SECTION 30. Separability Clause. If any portion or provision of this Act is declared
invalid or unconstitutional,  other provisions hereof shall remain in full force and
effect.
SECTION 31. 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.
SECTION  32.  Effectivity.  This  Act  shall  take  effect  fifteen  (15)  days  after  its
pubncation in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
ALpproved,