Senator Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano are collaborating to establish the Virology Institute of the Philippines (VIP), an agency dedicated to virology research and vaccine development.
The sibling senators advocated for this legislative initiative through Senate Bill No. 2893, as outlined in Committee Report No. 196.
This bill aims to create the VIP in response to the increasing threat posed by pathogens and disease-causing agents affecting humans, animals, and plants.
During the plenary session last December 9, Senator Pia Cayetano discussed the significance of this measure, emphasizing that the creation of the VIP would complement and support the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), strengthening the country’s research and development efforts regarding viral diseases.
“The goal was to create a well-considered and strategic bill—not a reactionary measure driven by panic—but one that effectively addresses the country’s needs without wasting our limited resources,” she stated.
Currently, the RITM oversees research programs focused on infectious and tropical diseases. Once established, the VIP will enhance the country’s capacity to study emerging and recurring viral diseases and develop vaccines.
Meanwhile, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano initiated a public hearing on this measure in April 2024 while serving as chair of the Senate Science and Technology Committee. He underscored the urgency of addressing public health and economic challenges.
“The entire government must, and will, act quickly to address the public health and economic crisis that threatens the lives and livelihood of our kababayan,” he remarked.
The VIP Act was initially discussed during the COVID-19 pandemic and has garnered significant support from the 18th Congress.
In addition to the Cayetanos, Senators Christopher Lawrence Go, Jinggoy Estrada, Loren Legarda, Juan Miguel Zubiri, Sherwin Gatchalian, Ramon Bong Revilla Jr., Mark Villar, Joseph Victor Ejercito, Joel Villanueva, Robinhood Padilla, Raffy Tulfo, Manuel Lapid, and Cynthia Villar have co-authored the bill.
