Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No._79.

Introduced by Hon, Bernadette S. Barbers _

AN ACTPROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE
PHILIPPINE DNA DATABASE SYSTEM

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to institutionalize a national forensic DNA database to be known as the
Philippine DNA Database System.

The most important function of a DNA database is to produce matches between the
suspected individual and crime scene bio-makers. It provides evidence to support criminal
investigations which can lead to the identity of potential suspect/s in criminal investigations.
Forensic DNA can also assist in the identification of missing persons or unidentified human
remains in times of accidents and calamities. In the Philippines, DNA technology is largely
used to establish paternity and other family relationships.

The Philippine DNA Database System (PDDAS) shall be the central repository of DNA
profiles in the Philippines. It shall contain the forensic DNA profiles of persons categorized
under the following indices: crime scene index, suspected persons index, convicted offenders
index, detainee index, drug dependents index, missing person index, voluntary persons index,
uniformed personnel index, and government employees index. Aq inter-agency organization
to be called the Philippine DNA Database Office, shall be responsible for the general conduct,
administration, management, and all other functions relative to the furtherance of the
objectives of the Philippine DNA Database System. It shall be composed of personnel from
the Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine Drug Enforcement
‘Agency and Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The Philippine DNA Database System and any information contained thereof shall only
be accessed by the Philippine DNA Database Office. Any other law enforcement agencies
who may wish to access information in the Philippine DNA Database System shall get prior
clearance from the PDDO. Records collected and maintained for the purpose of identification
of criminal suspects or offenders shall only be disclosed upon lawful order of the court. A
Philippine DNA Database System Scientific Advisory Committee, to be headed by a
representative from the University of the Philippines—Philippine General Hospital, shall be
established to develop a DNA testing database quality assurance standard. Tampering,
improper disclosure, improper access and use shall be penalized accordingly under this Act.

In view of the foregoing considerations, approval of this bill is highly rgeommended.

ETTE S. BARBERS
2™ Dittrict, Surigao de! Norte


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

‘TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No._75.

Introduced by Hon. Bernadette S. Barbers

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 |
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 tain a fair, responsible, ethical and efficient criminal justice
system. The State li fise 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:


Detainee a person arrested and detained under existing laws;

. Deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA - a biochemical molecule found in the cells
and makes each species unique;

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;

|. 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;

Forensic DNA analysis - analysis of the DNA from a body sample or crime
scene sample to determine forensic DNA profile;

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;

. 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) Aswab taken from any part of a person's genitals (including pubic hair)
or from a person's body orifice other than the mouth.

. Non-intimate sample-
1) Asample of hair other than the pubic hair;
2) Asample 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


:

a

4) Saliva.
Offense - any act or omission punishable by law;

Philippine DNA Database System (PDDS) - is the country's central
repository of DNA profiles created under this Act;

Philippine DNA Database Office (PDDO) — an inter-agency organization
composed of personnel from the Philippine National Police, National
Bureau of Investigation, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and Armed
Forces of the Philippines;

. Uniformed personnel — any members of the AFP, BJMP, BFP, PNP, PCG,

and other law enforcement agencies.

ARTICLE Il
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:

2

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) onor 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.

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;

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;

Detainee index which shall contain forensic DNA profiles derived from an
intimate or a non-intimate sample taken from a detainee;

._ Drug dependents index which shall contain forensic DNA profiles derived

from an intimate or a non-intimate sample taken from a drug dependent;


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

|. 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.

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.

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.

b.

to serve as a tool for crime prevention and crime solution;

to identify person who might have been involved in the commission of an
offense;

. to prove the innocence or guilt of person allegedly involved in the

commission of an offense;

. to exonerate a person wrongly convicted of an offense;

. to assist in the identification of missing persons or unidentified human

remains; or
to establish paternity and family relations and genealogy

ARTICLE Ill

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;

c. 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 PODAS 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 clearance
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) Incase 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

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 shalll 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;

¢. Toadefendant 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 such 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 after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved.