Section 16. Appointment of Board Members. – Within thirty (30) days from the date of effectivity of GOVPH Home Transparency Seal About this Act, the President of the Philippines shall appoint the members of the Board as well as the Service Director General and Deputy Director General(s). (http://www.gov.ph) (http://pitahc.gov.ph) (http://pitahc.gov.ph/transparency/) Us Section 17. Transfer of Functions of the Traditional Medivine Unit. – Upon the establishment of the Institute, the functions, personnel and assets of the Traditional Medicine Unit and all the Contact Us (http://pitahc.gov.ph/contact-us/) Search …  pharmaceutical and herbal processing plants of the Department of Health shall be transferred to the Institute without need of conveyance, transfer of assignment. For the year, during which this Act was approved, the unexpended portion of the budget of the offices, agencies and units merged shall be utilized for establishing the Institute and initiating its operations, including the formulation of the rules and regulations necessary for the implementation of this Act. Incumbent officials and employees of the affected offices shall continue to exercise their respective functions, duties and responsibilities with the corresponding benefits and privileges. To the greatest extent possible and in accordance with existing laws, all employees of the affected offices, agencies and units shall be absorbed by the Institute. ARTICLE VI MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS Section 18. Oversight Function. – The Institute shall submit to Congress an annual accomplishment report which shall include the status of its priority researches and operation. In the exercise of its oversight functions, Congress may inquire into the programs of the Institute. Section 19. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within thirty (30) days from the completion of their appointments, the Board shall convene and, in collaboration with the Department of Health – Traditional Medicine Unit, formulate the rules and regulations necessary for the implementation of this Act. Said rules and regulations shall be issued within one hundred eighty (180) days from the date of the Board’s initial meeting and shall take effect upon publication in a newspaper of general circulation. Section 20. Repealing Clause. – All laws, decrees, executive orders, and other laws including their implementing rules and regulations inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby amended, repealed or modified accordingly. Section 21. Separability Clause. – If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional or invalid, other provisions thereof which are not affected thereby shall continue in full force and effect. Section 22. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. Approved: December 9, 1997 SOURCE: HTTP://WWW.LAWPHIL.NET/STATUTES/REPACTS/RA1997/RA_8423_1997.HTML  /