Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill Number __________ 
Introduced by REP. JANE T. CASTRO 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Our DNA (or Deoxyribonucleic acid) stores genetic information that is unique to each 
individual.  Because of this, DNA analysis, comparison, and storage are widely used all over the 
world by governments as a tool for law enforcement and judicial processes.   
Countries have started to establish their respective DNA Databases systems in the mid-
1990s.  The United Kingdom created their DNA Database system in 1995; the USA passed their 
DNA Identification Act in 1994.  Then in 1997, the countries of the European Union followed 
with the Netherlands as the first to adapt the system, then Austria, Germany, and France. All in 
all, 70 countries have DNA Databases, a figure given by Interpol in its 2019 report.  
This bill seeks to establish a Philippine DNA Database System which would help in 
preventing and solving crimes, prove the guilt or innocence of suspects, identification of missing 
persons and unidentified human remains, and the establishment of paternity and family relations. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
JANE T. CASTRO
June 10, 2025
2:28 pm
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill Number __________ 
Introduced by REP. JANE T. CASTRO 
AN ACT  
PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PHILIPPINE DNA 
DATABASE SYSTEM 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives in Congress duly 
assembled: 
ARTICLE I PRELIMINARY 
SECTION 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the "Philippine DNA 
Database Act of 2025." 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared the policy of the State to 
establish and maintain a fair, responsible, ethical and efficient criminal justice system. 
The State likewise reaffirm the goals of the United Nations in the field of crime 
prevention and criminal justice, specifically, more efficient and effective law 
enforcement and administration of justice, respect for human rights and fundamental 
freedoms, and the promotion of the highest standards of fairness, humanity, and 
professional conduct. 
Towards this end, the State shall provide a statutory framework for the creation 
and establishment of a centralized and nationwide DNA database system for 
collection, storage, and maintenance of genetic identification information and 
empower pertinent government agencies to collect, analyze, type or profile, and record 
any and all genetic markers contained in or derived from DNA. 
SEC. 3. Definitions. For purposes of this Act, the following terms shall mean: 
a.
Buccal swab a sample of cellular material taken from the inside of a
person’s mouth;
b. Certified DNA Collector — For purposes of this Act, any law
enforcement personnel who has successfully completed the training as
certified by his/her agency with respect to DNA collection;
c. Crime scene sample — physical evidence retrieved from the crime scene
or any other place where evidence of the crime may be found and may
include physical evidence collected from the body of a person;
d. Detainee a person arrested and detained under existing laws;
e.
Deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA - a biochemical molecule found in the cells
and makes each species unique;
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f. DNA profile - genetic information derived from a forensic DNA analysis; 
  DNA sample - any biological specimen or sample of an individual which 
may either be intimate or non-intimate samples, on which a DNA analysis 
can be carried out; 
h.  DNA profiling or DNA typing-a process where a minute sample of genetic 
DNA material is taken from a human tissue and is given a computerized 
numeric value in the form of a "bar code;" 
 
 Drug dependent- a person, pursuant to the Comprehensive Dangerous 
Drug Act of 2002, who possesses a cluster of physiological, behavioral and 
cognitive phenomena of variable intensity, in which his or her use of 
psychoactive drug takes on a high priority thereby involving, among others, a 
strong desire or a sense of compulsion to take the substance and the 
difficulties in controlling substance-taking behavior in terms of its onset, 
termination, or levels of use; 
 
 Foreign law enforcement agency - the law enforcement agency of foreign 
state and includes an international organization established by the 
government of states or an international organization; 
k.   Forensic DNA analysis - analysis of the DNA from a body sample or crime 
scene sample to determine forensic DNA profile; 
1.  Forensic DNA profiles - the result obtained from forensic DNA analysis on 
body sample or crime scene, providing a unique string of alpha numeric 
characters to provide identity reference; 
m. Intimate sample - 
1) 
A sample of blood, semen or any other tissue or fluid taken from a 
person's body, urine or pubic hair; or 
2) 
A swab taken from any part of a person's genitals (including pubic hair) or 
from a person s body orifice other than the mouth. 
n. Non-intimate sample - 
1) A sample of hair other than the pubic hair; 
2) A sample taken from a nail or from under a nail; 
3) A swab taken from any part of a person's body other than apart from 
which a swab taken would be an intimate sample; or 
 
4) Saliva. 
 
o. Offense - any act or omission punishable by law; 
 
p. Philippine DNA Database System (PDDS) — is the country s central 
repository of DNA profiles created under this Act; 
 
q. Philippine DNA Dafabase Office (PDDO) — an inter-agency 
organization composed of personnel from the Philippine Nationa! Police, 
National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 
and Armed Forces of the Philippines; 
r. Uniformed personnel —any members of the AFP, BJMP, BFP, PNP, 
PCG, and other law enforcement agencies. 
 


 
ARTICLE II FORENSIC DNA DATABASE 
 
SEC. 4. Establishment of the Philippine Forensic DNA Database. There shall 
be an established forensic DNA database, to be known as the Philippine DNA 
Database Analysis System (PDDAS). The database shall consist of the following 
indices: 
 
a. Crime scene index which shall contain forensic DNA profile and any 
information in relation thereto derived from an intimate sample or a non- 
intimate sample that is found— 
1) 
on anything or at any place where an offense was committed; 
2) 
on or within the body of a victim of an offense; or 
3) 
on anything worn or carried by the victim or within the body of any 
person reasonably suspected at the time when the offense was 
committed. 
 
b. Suspected persons index which shall contain forensic DNA profiles 
derived from an intimate or a non-intimate sample taken from persons 
reasonably suspected of having committed an offense and includes 
suspects who have not been charged in any court for any offense; 
 
c. Convicted offenders index which shall contain forensic DNA profiles 
derived from an intimate or a non-intimate sample taken from persons 
convicted of any offense under any written law; 
 
d. Detainee index which shall contain forensic DNA profiles derived from 
an intimate or a non-intimate sample taken from a detainee; 
 
e. Drug dependents index which shall contain forensic DNA profiles derived 
from an intimate or a non-intimate sample taken from a drug dependent; 
f. Missing persons index which shall contain forensic DNA profiles and any 
information in relation thereto derived from an intimate or a non-intimate 
sample taken from— 
1) 
the body or parts of the body of an unidentified deceased person; 
2) 
anything worn or carried by a missing person; or 
3) 
the next of kin of a missing person if so required; and 
g. Voluntary persons index which shall contain forensic DNA profiles and 
any information in relation thereto derived from an intimate or a non- 
intimate sample taken from a person who volunteers to submit the same for 
the purpose of storage of the DNA information in the DNA Databank. 
 
h. Uniformed personnel index which shall contain forensic DNA profiles of 
all government uniformed personnel, derived by means of forensic DNA 
analysis, from a buccal or blood swab. 
 
i. Government employees index which shall contain forensic DNA profiles of 
all government personnel, derived by means of forensic DNA analysis, from 
a buccal or blood swab. 
 


SEC. 5. Objectives of the DNA Database. The objective of the DNA Database is 
to establish, keep and maintain a comprehensive National DNA database in order to 
perform comparative searches for the following purposes: 
a. to serve as a tool for crime prevention and crime solution; 
b. to identify person who might have been involved in the commission of an 
offense; 
c. to prove the innocence or guilt of person allegedly involved in the 
commission of an offense; 
d. to exonerate a person wrongly convicted of an offense; 
e. to assist in the identification of missing persons or unidentified human 
remains; or 
f. to establish paternity and family relations and genealogy 
 
 
ARTICLE III 
MANAGEMENT AND ACCES TO INFORMATION OF THE PHILIPPINE 
DNA DATABASE SYSTEM 
 
 
SEC. 6. The Philippine DNA Database Office. There shall be an established 
Philippine DNA Database Office (PDDO) which shall manage the Philippine DNA 
Database System (PDDAS) as specified under Article II of this Act. The Philippine 
DNA Database Office shall have all such powers as may be necessary for, or in 
connection with, or incidental to the performance of its function under this Act, 
including the following: 
a. To be responsible for the general conduct, administration, and 
management of the PDDAS; 
 
b To establish mechanisms to facilitate the connection, storage, and 
dissemination of data in connection with DNA profiles and any 
information in relation thereto stored in the PDDAS; 
G. To ensure that DNA profiles and any information in relation thereto are 
securely stored and remain confidential; 
 
d To store and dispose samples taken for the purpose of forensic DNA 
analysis in accordance with the provisions of this Act; 
 
e. To cooperate with foreign law enforcement agencies in accordance with the 
provisions of this Act; and 
 
f. To carry out any other functions conferred by or under this Act and to 
perform any other functions that are supplemental, incidental, or 
consequential to any of the functions specified in this section or in 
furtherance of the objectives of the DNA Database. 
 
SEC. 7. Composition of the Philippine DNA Database Office. The Philippine 
DNA Database Office shall be composed of three (3) organic personnel from each 
agency: Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine Drug 
Enforcement Agency and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, who shall perform the 
functions stipulated under Section 6 of this Act. 
 
 
 


SEC. 8. Access to DNA profiles and information. The PDDAS and any 
information contained therein shall only be accessed by Philippine DNA Database 
Office. They shall only access the same for purposes of administering the database and 
comparing DNA profiles or information in the course of an investigation conducted by any 
law enforcement agency. Any other law enforcement agencies who may wish to access 
information in the Philippine DNA Database System shall get prior clearances from the 
PDDO. 
SEC. 9. Biological Sample or Genetic Markers derived from DNA as 
Evidence. Expert testimony or evidence relating to the use of these biological sample 
or genetic markers contained in or derived from DNA for identification shall be 
admissible and accepted as evidence in all cases arising in all courts or proceedings in 
the country. Provided, however, that the trial courts or other quasi-judicial bodies shall 
be satisfied that the expert testimony or evidence meets the criteria for admissibility 
under the existing rules on evidence. 
 
ARTICLE IV 
TAKING, PROCESSING, STORING, DISPOSING OF DNA SAMPLES 
AND PRIVACY PROTECTION 
 
SEC. 10. Taking of biological sample. Only a certified DNA Collectors, as 
specified under Section 3 (b) under this Act, shall collect a biological sample from any 
person who: 
 
a. On the effective date of this Act, is currently in jail/prison or on 
probation, for any offense. 
 
b. On or after the effective date of this Act: 
 
1) Is convicted of a crime for any offense; 
2) Is arrested for and formally charged of the crime by a court for an 
offense; 
3) Is legally detained under law; 
4) Is required to submit a DNA sample due to a judicial order because they 
are a suspect in a crime; or 
5) Voluntarily provides a sample to be placed into the DNA database. 
6) In case of minor or incapacitated person, consent of parent or guardian 
is required. 
SEC. 11. Sample given voluntarily. 
 
a. Any person, other than the person whose intimate sample or non- 
intimate sample may be taken under Section 10, may voluntarily give an 
appropriate consent in the prescribed form to authorized personnel for 
the taking of his intimate sample or non-intimate sample. 
 
b. Where an appropriate consent is given under subsection (1), authorized 
personnel shall, before the taking of the intimate sample or non-intimate 
sample, inform the person from whom the sample is to be taken— 
1) that the DNA profiles and any information in relation thereto 
derived from the intimate sample or non-intimate sample may be 
stored in the PDDAS and may be used for the purposes of forensic 
DNA analysis, police inquiry and for such purposes referred to in 
Section 7; 
 


 
2) that he may make a request to a police officer for an access to the 
information; and 
 
3) that he may at any time withdraw his consent given under subsection (1). 
 
SEC. 12. Refusal to give sample. A certified DNA Collector may use reasonable force 
to collect a DNA sample from a person listed in Article IV, Section 10, Subsection (a) and (b) 
(1), (2), (3), and (4), if such person refuses to voluntarily submit a sample. 
 
SEC. 13. Processing and analysis of biological samples. The University of the 
Philippines — Philippine General Hospital, within three (3) years from the effectivity of this 
Act, shall set-up a state-of-the-art laboratory for DNA testing and analysis. Upon completion 
of the laboratory, all DNA processing and analysis shall be handled exclusively by the UP-
PGH DNA laboratory. 
 
Until such time, the PNP Crime Laboratory shall be the authorized institution to 
process and analyze all biological samples collected for the purpose of this Act. 
 
SEC. 14. Storage and disposal of biological samples. PNP Crime Laboratory shall 
safely and securely store all biological samples that are collected for the purpose of this Act. 
Unless ordered by the court. all biological samples collected under Section 10 must be 
destroyed after the DNA profile is generated or within six months after the sample has been 
taken, whichever comes first. Preservation and disposal of biological samples upon order of 
the court shall follow the Rules on DNA evidence. 
The procedures for the storage and disposal of an intimate sample and a non- intimate 
sample shall be as prescribed by the implementing rules and regulations (IRR). Written 
notice of such destruction as prescribed in the IRR must be immediately given to persons 
specified under Section 10. 
SEC. 15. Support from Private Sectors. To support the Philippine DNA Database 
System, employees of private institutions may submit their DNA samples. 
SEC. 16. Privacy Protection Standards. Except upon lawful order of the court, DNA 
records collected and maintained for the purpose of identification of criminal suspects or 
offenders shall be disclosed only: 
a. To criminal justice 
agencies 
for law enforcement 
investigation 
or 
identification purposes; 
b. In judicial proceedings, following applicable laws and rules of procedure; 
c. To a defendant for criminal defense purpose; and 
 
d. Other persons as determined by the court 
EXCEPTION: If personally identifiable information is not available, test results may 
be disclosed for a population statistics database, for identification research and protocol 
development purposes, or for quality control purposes. 
 
ARTICLE V 
QUALITY ASSURANCE STANDARDS 
 
 
  SEC. 17. Philippine DNA Database System Scientific Advisory Committee. A 
Philippine DNA Database System Scientific Advisory Committee shall be established for 
purposes of developing DNA testing database quality assurance standards for DNA testing and 
databasing including standards for testing the proficiency of forensic laboratories and forensic 
analysts conducting forensic DNA analysis. 
 


SEC. 18. Members of the PDDAS Scientific Advisory Committee. The PDDAS 
Scientific Advisory Committee shall be composed of a maximum of ten (10) individuals 
scientifically qualified to understand, develop and adopt DNA quality assurance standards, 
with representatives from UP-PGH as Chair and other government entities and institutions 
actively engaged in forensic DNA testing and analysis as members. 
SEC. 19. Laboratory Standards. The PDDAS Scientific Advisory Committee shall 
develop, adopt, and amend Quality Assurance Standards for forensic DNA testing 
laboratories. Once adopted, these standards shall be required for any forensic laboratory in the 
Philippines that produces samples to be used in the national DNA database. 
 
 
ARTICLE VI 
CRIMINAL ACTS AND PENALTIES 
 
 
SEC. 20. Tampering of DNA Samples and Records. Any person who shall knowingly 
make any false entry or falsely alter any DNA record or profile indexed or otherwise 
contained in the DNA database system or; or who shall intentionally destroy, mutilate, conceal, 
remove or otherwise impair the verity or availability of DNA records or profile, shall suffer 
the penalty of twelve (12) years and one (1) day imprisonment or a fine not less than Six 
Hundred Thousand Pesos (P600,000.00) or both, at the discretion of the court. 
SEC. 21. Improper Disclosure of DNA Samples and Records. Any person who, by 
virtue of employment or official position, has possession of, or access to, individually 
identifiable DNA information indexed or otherwise contained in the PDDAS as referred to in 
this Act and who knowingly and willfully discloses ouch information in any manner to any 
person or agency not entitled to receive it to the prejudice and detriment of the public or 
person from whom the said DNA sample information was taken shall suffer the penalty of 
eight (8) years and one (1) day imprisonment or a fine not lower than Five Hundred Fifty 
Thousand Pesos (P500,000.00) or both, at the discretion of the court. 
SEC. 22. Failure to Deliver DNA Records or Samples. Any person who shall possess 
a DNA record in the PDDAS or DNA samples and refuse to deliver the same upon request of 
a person lawfully entitled to receive the same shall suffer the penalty of six (6) years and one 
(1) day imprisonment or a fine not lower that Four Hundred Thousand Pesos (P400,000.00) 
or both, at the discretion of the court. Provided that, no action, suit, prosecution or other 
proceedings shall lie or be brought against the aforesaid person if he/she failed to deliver the 
DNA records or samples for cause/s outside his/her control. 
 
SEC. 23. Improper Access to and Use of DNA Samples and Records. Any person 
who, without proper authorization, knowingly and willfully obtains DNA samples or any 
individual identifiable DNA information indexed or contained in the PDDAS shall suffer the 
penalty of four (4) years and one (1) day of imprisonment or a fine not lower than Three 
Hundred Thousand Pesos (P300,000.00) or both, at the discretion of the court. 
 
ARTICLE VII 
GENERAL PROVISIONS 
 
 
SEC. 24. Cooperation with foreign law enforcement agency. 
 
a. The Philippine DNA Database Office, upon request by a foreign law enforcement 
agency, may compare a DNA profile received from the foreign law enforcement 
agency with the DNA profiles in the Philippine DNA Database System (PDDAS) 
in order to determine whether such DNA profile is already contained in the 
PDDAS and communicate any relevant information to the foreign law 
enforcement agency. 
 
 


b. The Philippine DNA Database Office, upon a request by a foreign law 
enforcement agency in the course of an investigation of an offence or a 
prosecution of a criminal offence in that foreign state, may communicate a DNA 
profile contained in the DNA Database to that foreign law enforcement agency. 
c. For purposes of this section, “foreign law enforcement agency” means the law 
enforcement agency of a foreign state and includes an international organization 
established by the government of states that Philippines is an official member, or 
an international organization. 
SEC. 25. Regulations. The Philippine Database Office shall work with other relevant 
Philippine government agencies and interests to develop regulations as necessary to give full 
effect to, or for carrying out, the provisions of this Act. 
SEC. 26. Implementing Rules and Regulations. Within one hundred and twenty (120) 
days, the necessary rules and regulations for the implementation of this Act shall be 
promulgated by the Department of Interior and Local Government in coordination with the 
Department of Justice, Office of the President, Department of Health and the University of the 
Philippine — Philippine General Hospital. 
SEC. 27. Appropriations. The amount necessary for the implementation of this Act 
shall be included in the General Appropriations Act of the year following its enactment into 
law and thereafter. 
 
SEC. 28. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Act or an application thereof to 
any person or circumstance is held to be invalid, the other provisions of this Act, and the 
application of such provision to other persons or circumstances, shall not be affected thereby. 
 
SEC. 29. Repealing Clause. All existing laws, orders, rules and regulations or parts 
thereof deemed inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified 
accordingly. 
 
SEC. 30. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following the date of its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation, 
whichever comes first. 
Approved.