The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomes the recent development on Senate Bill (SB) No. 941, also known as the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines Act. This legislation, which began as a proposed bill in the House and was then transmitted to the Senate, is now being discussed as a means for the Philippines to improve its approach to public health issues.

SB No. 941, filed by Sen. Win Gatchalian, focuses on establishing a body of research in the country which will search as the foundation of the research and development of diagnostic kits, vaccines, and therapeutics as a response to the emergence of various virus strains and diseases. The Commission takes note of the similar bills filed by Senators Raffy Tulfo and Cynthia Villar, namely SB Nos. 1818 and 1928.

Additionally, CHR recognizes the efforts of Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, head of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, for recognising the bill’s potential to “streamline research efforts and expertise towards viruses.”[1] After all, it is important for the Philippine government to prioritize efforts addressing the growing demand for improved health policies, especially in light of the country’s experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If passed into law, this measure will benefit every Filipino by advancing both public health and economic development. It is important to note that although this initiative mainly aims to advance health research for the well-being of Filipinos, the proposed virology research also addresses related matters on plants and animals, which will help mitigate significant losses in the country’s agriculture and livestock industries on the onslaught of various outbreaks.

CHR applauds this proposed bill as it seeks to provide concrete measures to improve the country’s response to public health issues, which further promotes the Filipino’s right to health. As such, we also believe that this will positively impact the country’s overall approach towards improving a more feasible environment for farmers, fisherfolk, and those in the livestock industries, thereby safeguarding their livelihoods. On a broader scale, we hope this will lead to a more accessible and affordable food supply across the country.

In upholding the Filipinos’ rights, it is essential that we also place our attention towards the promotion and protection of every Filipino’s right to health, livelihood, and access to healthy food. We look forward to the potential of science and technology in driving progress for the advancement of human rights in the country.

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[1] Cayetano pushes Virology and Vaccine Institute Bill ahead of Senate deliberation | 24 April 2024, https://legacy.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2024/0424_cayetanoa3.asp