12 SEC. 19. Transition Period. — The transfer of functions, assets, funds, equipment, properties, transactions, and personnel of the affected agencies, and the formulation ofthe internal organic structure, staffing pattern, operating system, and revised budget of the Department, shall be completed within six (6) months from the effectivity of this Act, during which time, the existing personnel shall continue to assume their posts in holdover capacities until new appointments are issued: Provided, That after the abolition of the agencies as specified in Section 15(a) of this Act, the Department, in coordination with the DBM, shall determine and create new positions, the funding requirements of which shall not exceed the equivalent cost of positions abolished. meses ERIN ath aa Act No. 8439, which provides a magna carta for scientists, engineers, researchers and other science and technology personnel in the government. 13 SEC. 24. Effectivity.—This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. Approved, Le Abe resident of the Senate fhe Speaker of the House ze of Representatives This Act was passed by the House of Representatives as se Bill No. 6198 on October 9, 2015 and adopted by the Senate as an amendment to Senate Bill No. 2686 on December 15, 2015. SEC. 20. Appropriation. — The amount needed for the initial implementation of this Act shall be taken from the current fiscal year's appropriation of the ICTO and all agencies herein absorbed by or attached to the Department. Thereafter, the amount needed for the operation and maintenance of the Department shall be included in the General Appropriations Act. Secretary of the Approved: SEC. 21. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — The ICTO, the DBM, the CSC, and other government agencies concerned shall issue within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act. SEC. 22. Separability Clause. — If any provision of this Act shall be declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions not otherwise affected shall remain in full force and effect. SEC. 23. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations and other issuances or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly. Senate Secretary General House of Representatives MAY 2 3 2016 BENIGNO S. AQUINO III President of tha Philippines oO i a PNOY021285 .