Solon pushes for PH DNA database system

Surigao del Norte Rep. Ace Barbers has filed House Bill No. 7215 which seeks to institutionalize a national forensic DNA database called the Philippine DNA Database System. (Photo: Ace Barbers/Facebook)

MANILA – A lawmaker in the House of Representatives is pushing for the establishment of a centralized DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) database system in the Philippines.

Surigao del Norte Rep. Ace Barbers has filed House Bill No. 7215 which seeks to institutionalize a national forensic DNA database called the Philippine DNA Database System.

Barbers said the proposed DNA database would help “solve crimes faster, locate missing persons, identify remains, and establish paternity and other family relationships.”

The database shall contain forensic DNA profiles of persons categorized under the following indices: crime scene suspected persons, convicted offenders, detainee, drug dependents, missing persons, voluntary persons, uniformed personnel, and government employees.

Barbers cited DNA as a powerful investigative tool, noting that no two people have the same DNA.

“We cannot undermine its importance especially in investigating criminal cases such as murder and rape, resolving disputed paternity, and identifying victims of calamities. DNA analysis has also become a common form of evidence in courts,” he added.

The bill mandates the creation of a Philippine DNA Database System Scientific Advisory Committee to develop quality assurance standards for DNA testing database.

It shall be headed by a representative from the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital.

Under the bill, The Philippine DNA Database Office (PDDO) — composed of personnel from the Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Armed Forces of the Philippines — has the sole authority to access the database and its contents.

Any other law enforcement agencies who may wish to access information in the database shall get prior clearance from the PDDO.

Records collected and maintained for identification of criminal suspects or offenders shall only be disclosed upon lawful order of the court.

The bill seeks to impose a penalty of imprisonment ranging from 8 years and one day or a fine not lower than PHP500,000 or both for improper disclosure of DNA samples and records.