CHR backs Senate Bill on Virology and Vaccine Institute
It is about time the government takes initiative in advancing health research for the well-being of Filipinos, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said as it supported Senate Bill (SB) No. 941, the proposed law on Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines.
The CHR said that the 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 was filed by Senator Sherwin "Win" Gatchalian, and its main focus is the establishment of a body of research in the country which will serve 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 CHR noted that other bills have been filed by Senators Raffy Tulfo and Cynthia Villar, namely SB Nos. 1818 and 1928.
It said: "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."
It also pointed out that the proposed law will provide concrete measures to improve the country’s response to public health issues such as the Covid-19 pandemic. With an improved healthcare system, the CHR believes that many other aspects will follow suit.
"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," the CHR added.
With a more advanced science and technology system in the country, the CHR expressed hopes for the promotion and protection of every Filipino’s right to health, livelihood, and access to healthy food.