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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 3936
Introduced by Representative BELLA VANESSA B. SUANSING 
AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE FORENSIC SCIENCE INSTITUTE IN THE 
UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES SYSTEM, DEFINING ITS FUNCTIONS AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
 The 1987 Philippine Constitution guarantees the right of all Filipinos to due process, equal 
protection, and a fair trial. The Constitution obligates the State to value human dignity and ensure 
full respect for human rights. Republic Act No. 9745, also known as the “Anti-Torture Act of 
2009,” and Republic Act No. 9208, referred to as the “Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003,” 
both mandate evidence-based investigations and subsequent, evidence-based documentary outputs 
with the ultimate goal of protecting the right to due process. These constitutional and statutory 
provisions collectively call for the establishment of a Forensic Science Institute that can provide 
impartial, scientifically grounded evidence in support of due process, particularly in cases of abuse, 
trafficking, and other human rights violations. 
The establishment of a forensic institute also aligns with the Philippines’ commitments as 
a signatory to international human rights frameworks and treaties, including the International 
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention Against Torture (CAT), and the 
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). 
This bill proposes the establishment of a Forensic Science Institute within the University 
of the Philippines System to serve as the national center for research, development, and innovation 
in the various fields of forensic science. It aims to advance investigative methods in search for 
verified facts, enhance the competence and capabilities of the country’s forensic laboratories, and 
provide competent, scientific, and modern technical services, including advanced medical facilities 
for crime detection and investigation. The Institute shall strengthen existing forensic laboratories 
and deliver specialized training to criminal justice personnel engaged in forensic investigation, 
ensuring they remain equipped with the latest scientific knowledge, techniques, and procedures. 
As the State’s premier national university, the University of the Philippines is uniquely positioned 
to conduct professional forensic work using modern scientific methods and instrumentation — 
August 20, 2025
5:58 pm


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supported by its network of colleges, centers, and institutes with expertise across multiple forensic 
disciplines. 
In constant pursuit of a more righteous justice system and with the continuous evolution of 
nefarious methods in trafficking, abuse, and torture, it is essential for agencies and personnel in 
the criminal justice system to develop a pool of professionals skilled in modern forensic methods 
and instrumentation to augment the knowledge development of medico-legal experts and 
technicians in government service. The specialized expertise of qualified forensic practitioners 
remains an indispensable component in the effective investigation, prosecution, and resolution of 
crimes in the country. 
This bill is a re-filed version of House Bill No. 1052, introduced by Hon. Gilberto C.  
Teodoro during the 12th Congress. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
BELLA VANESSA B. SUANSING 
2nd District of Sultan Kudarat 


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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 3936 
Introduced by Representative BELLA VANESSA B. SUANSING 
AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE FORENSIC SCIENCE INSTITUTE IN THE 
UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES SYSTEM, DEFINING ITS FUNCTIONS AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Forensic Science Institute Act of 
2025" 
SECTION 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
(d) 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.
SECTION 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, medicine, 
molecular biology, social sciences, statistics and other pertinent disciplines, who may be drawn 
within the System or outside. 


 
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SECTION 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; 
(c) 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 of existing laboratories, 
medical centers, and educational institutions 
  
SECTION 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 lnstitute's faculty lad staff. 
  
SECTION 6. Appropriation. - The amount of Three Hundred Million Pesos 
(P300,000,000) 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 2026-2027. 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. 
  
SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. - All laws, rules and regulations or part thereof contrary 
to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amend or modified 
accordingly. 
  
SECTION 8. Effectivity - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication 
in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
  
  
Approved,