FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) 
First Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
S. No 427 
Introduced by Senator Antonio "Sonny" F. Trillanes IV 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
(; 
Article XIV Section 2 of the 1987 Constitution provides that science and technology are essential 
for national development and progress. The state shall give priority to research and development, 
invention, innovation, and their utilization; and to science and technology education, training, 
and services. It shall support indigenous, appropriate, and self-reliant scientific and technological 
capabilities, imd their application to the country's productive systems and national life. In 
furtherance of this policy, this measure seeks to establish a Forensic Science Institute in the 
University of the Philippines, the first in the country. 
Science has been reaching out aggressively to the legal system through a number of innovative 
forensic applications now being introduced in the country, such as DNA testing.' Inasmuch as 
the responsibility of the courts is to provide the search for truth, when that process can be aided 
by forensic science that yields reliable results, the interests of the justice system and society are 
served.2 However, forensic science is relatively new in the country. Forensic laboratory 
caseloads exceed the growth of qualified forensic scientists who are adequately prepared to 
handle the analysis of evidence. 
It is in this light that this measure seeks to establish a Forensic Science Institute in the University 
of the Philippines. The university'S impeccable reputation of integrity and independence in its 
commitment to the truth and the highest standards of academic and professional excellence 
places it in a leadership role in this endeavor. It is hoped that the passage of this bill shall address 
the scarcity of forensic pathologists in the country, promote research and development in 
forensic science, strengthen and improve the administration of justice by educating and training 
forensic scientists, forensic pathologists, law enforcement and legal and medical professionals. 
In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this measure is earnestly sought. 
~~ 
J~. 
TRIUANES IV 
Senator 
1 Information retrieved from: http://www.up.edu.phluDforum.php?i~125&archive~yes&Yr=.2006&mn~11. Retrieved 
on 3 June 2009. 
2 Information rep-ieved from: http://asialaw.tripod.com/articles/dnavi1ches.html. Retrieved on 3 June 2009. 
1 


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) 
First Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
S. No 427 
---~~-
Introduced by Senator Antonio "Sonny" F. Trillanes IV 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING THE FORENSIC SCIENCE INSTITUTE IN THE UNIVERSITY OF 
THE PHILIPPINES SYSTEM, DEFINING ITS FUNCTIONS AND APPROPRIATING 
FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted in the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
I 
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Forensic Science Institute 
2 
Act." 
3 
4 
SEC. 2. Creation and Objective of the Institute. - There is hereby created a Forensic 
5 
Science Institute in the University of the Philippines System with the following objectives: 
6 
(a) To promote research and development in the various fields of forensic science and advance 
7 
the search for truth: 
8 
(b) To enhance the competence and capabilities of existing laboratories in the country and 
9 
prepare them for accreditation; 
10 
(c) To develop a corps of professionals and prepare them for a career in forensic science; and 
II 
(d) To train and upgrade the technical, scientific and management skills of personnel presently 
12 
involved in forensic science so as to improve the administration of justice. 
13 
14 
SEC. 3. Delegation of Authority to the Board of Regents. - The Board of Regents of the 
15 
University of the Philippines System is hereby authorized to establish the Forensic Science 
16 
Institute under the direct supervision of the Office of the President of the University, which shall 
17 
have a faculty and staff with expertise in the disciplines of biology, chemistry, law, medicine, 


molecular biology, social sciences, statistics and other pertinent disciplines, who may be drawn 
2 
within the System or outside. 
3 
SEC. 4. Functions of the Institute. - The Forensic Science Institute will have the 
4 
following functions: 
5 
(a) To provide competent scientific and advance medical and technical services for the detection 
6 
and investigation of crimes; 
7 
(b) To maintain a network of modem laboratories for the development and adoption of analytical 
8 
methods and' procedures related to forensic evidence; 
9 
(c) To offer degree and non-degree programs to students inclined towards the various areas of 
10 
forensic science; 
11 
(d) To undertake research in all fields offorensic science; and 
12 
(e) To provide continuing education on modem scientific methods and instrumentation and on 
13 
validation of forensic evidence to technicians and personnel of existing laboratories, medical 
14 
centers, and educational institutions. 
15 
16 
SEC. 5. Implementing Authority. - The Board of Regents of the University of the 
17 
Philippines System is hereby mandated to formulate implementing guidelines to carry out the 
18 
provisions of this Act and to take appropriate steps to ensure that the establishment of the 
19 
Forensic Science institute shall aim at the speedy realization of the objectives and at the 
20 
execution of the powers and functions stated above. Towards this end, the Board shall determine 
21 
the structure, composition, and size ofthe Institute's faculty and staff. 
22 
23 
SEC. 6. Appropriations. - The amount of Three Hundred Million Pesos (P300,000,000) 
24 
is hereby appropriated out of any funds in the National Treasury not otherwise appropriated to 
25 
carry out the objectives and provisions of this Act from its effectivity until the next fiscal year. 
26 
Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of the Act shall be 
27 
included in. the subsequent annual General Appropriations Act under the University of the 
28 
Philippines System. 
29 
2 


SEC. 7. Separability Clause. - If, for any reason whatsoever, any provision of this Act is 
2 
declared unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity of the other provisions not 
3 
declared as such. 
4 
5 
SEC. 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, rules and regulations, or part thereof, inconsistent 
6 
with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amend or modified accordingly. 
7 
8 
SEC. 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its publication 
9 
in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
3