JHOUSEGF REPRESENTATIVES:

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Republic of the Philippines RECEIVED
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |

Quezon City DATE: _3.0 JUN 2016,
twies_ Tee Pm
17" CONGRESS ey:
First Regular Session —_

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RESISTRATION UNIT
HOUSE BILL NO.__4.17 | sits AND INDEX SERVIGE

Introduced by REP. EVELINA G. ESCUDERO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to create a Forensic Science Institute in the University of the
Philippines System (1) To promote research and development in the various fields of forensic
science and advance the search for truth; (2) To enhance the competence and capabilities of
existing laboratories in the country and prepare them for accreditation; (3) To develop a corps
of professionals and prepare them for a career in forensic science; and (4) To train and
upgrade the technical, scientific and management skills of personnel presently involved in
forensic science so as to improve the administration of justice.

Forensic science, often known as forensics, applies a broad spectrum of sciences and
technologies to investigate and establish facts of interest in relation to criminal or civil law

As such, it is a specialized subject with unlimited applications and thus of inherent
interest to the justice system. Other countries have already made steps in developing their
forensic science capabilities and have already begun reaping the rewards with better
techniques in evidence gathering and airtight cases in litigation.

‘Thus, earnest passage of this bill is sought.

EVELINA G. ESCUDERO


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

17" CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 417

Introduced by REP. EVELINA G. ESCUDERO

AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE FORENSIC SCIENCE INSTITUTE IN THE
UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES SYSTEM, DEFINING ITS FUNCTIONS AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFORE,

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Republic of the
Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Forensic Science Institute
Act.”

SEC.2. Creation and objective of the Institute. - There is hereby created a Forensic
Science Institute in the University of the Philippines System with the following objectives:

a. To promote research and development in the various fields of forensic science and
advance the search for truth;

b. To enhance the competence and capabilities of existing laboratories in the country
and prepare them for accreditation;

c. To develop a corps of professionals and prepare them for a career in forensic
science; and

4, To train. and upgrade the technical, scientific and management skills of personnel
presently involved in forensic science so as to improve the administration of
justice.

SEC. 3. Delegation of Authority to the Board of Regents. - The Board of Regents
of the University of the Philippines System is hereby authorized to establish the Forensic
Science Institute under the direct supervision of the Office of the President of the University,
which shall have a faculty and staff with expertise in the disciplines of biology, chemistry,
law, molecular biology, social sciences, statistics and other pertinent disciplines, who may be
drawn within the system or outside.

SEC. 4. Functions of the Institute. — The Forensic Science Institute will have the
following functions:


a. To provide competent, scientific and advance medical and technical services for
the detection and investigation of crimes;

b. To maintain a network of modern laboratories for the development and adoption
of analytical methods and procedures related to forensic evidence;

¢. To offer degree and non-degree programs to students inclined towards the various
areas of forensic science;

d. To undertake research in all fields of forensic science; and

e. To provide continuing education on modern scientific methods and
instrumentation and on validation of forensic evidence to technicians and
personnel laboratories, medical centers and educational institutions.

SEC. 5. Implementing Authority. ~ The Board of Regents of the University of the
Philippines System is hereby mandated to formulate implementing guidelines to carry out the
provisions of this Act and to take appropriate steps to ensure that the establishment of the
Forensic Science Institute shall aim at the speedy realization of the objectives and at the
execution of the powers and functions stated above. Towards this end, the Board shall
determine the structure, composition, and size of the Institute’s faculty and staff.

SEC. 6. Appropriations. - The amount of Three Hundred Million Pesos
(P300,000,000.00) is hereby appropriated out of any funds in the National Treasury not
otherwise appropriated to carry out the objectives and provisions of this Act from its
effectivity until the next fiscal year. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary to carry out
the provisions of the Act shall be included in subsequent annual General Appropriations Act
under the University of the Philippines System,

SEC. 7. Repealing Clause. - All laws, rules and regulations or part thereof contrary to
or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified

accordingly.

SEC. 8. Effectivity. ~ This Act shall take effect upon its approval fifteen (15) days
following its publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspaper of general circulation
in the Philippines.

Approved,