Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _____________ 
Introduced by Rep. MARIO VITTORIO “MARVEY” A. MARIÑO 
5th District, Batangas 
AN ACT IMPPROVING AND SUSTAINING GENOMICS AND 
FORENSIC 
SCIENCE 
FACILITIES, 
AND 
ESTABLISHING 
SEPARATE DATABASES FOR GENOMICS AND FORENSIC DNA 
IN THE COUNTRY AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid is one of science and technology’s most important 
discoveries and has greatly contributed in the formation and development of society. 
DNA is a molecule that contains the instructions an organism needs to develop, live 
and reproduce. It has not only been used to determine an individual’s identity and 
parentage but also diagnose genetic disorders through DNA sequencing and testing—
an indispensable tool for basic and applied research in health and medicine, agriculture, 
biodiversity, ethnicity, industry, environment, and forensic science.   
Considering how essential DNA is, the Department of Science and Technology 
(DOST) supported the formation of the Genomics Research and Development Program 
and the establishment of DNA Sequencing Core Facility and Bioinformatics Core 
Facility of the Philippine Genome Center. However, increasing demand for DNA 
sequencing and analysis for research and development require further upgrading of 
Genomics facilities and infrastructure.  
This holds true even in the field of forensic science. While, the Philippine National 
Police (PNP) has acquired the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) used for routine 
casework analysis, the current facilities and infrastructures require upgrading to 
improve criminal investigation and crime laboratory capabilities for higher crime 
solution efficiency.  
The establishment of databases for each field—genomics and forensic science—
are deemed necessary to further boost the country’s DNA capabilities in the areas of in 
health and medicine, agriculture, biodiversity, ethnicity, industry, environment, and 
forensic science. These improvements would not only lead to more breakthroughs in 
research and development, but most importantly in practical applications. 
Science and technology are undeniably important in nation building. The 1987 
Constitution says that science and technology are essential for national development 
July 1, 2022 
12:25 pm
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and progress. It further states that the State shall give priority to research and 
development, invention, innovation, and their utilization. It is high time the State lives 
up to this mandate.  
In view of the foregoing, the early passage of this bill is earnestly requested. 
MARIO VITTORIO “MARVEY” A. MARIÑO 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. __________ 
Introduced by Rep. MARIO VITTORIO “MARVEY” A. MARIÑO 
5th District, Batangas 
AN ACT IMPPROVING AND SUSTAINING GENOMICS AND 
FORENSIC 
SCIENCE 
FACILITIES, 
AND 
ESTABLISHING 
SEPARATE DATABASES FOR GENOMICS AND FORENSIC DNA 
IN THE COUNTRY AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
TITLE 1 – GENERAL PROVISIONS 
SECTION 1. Short Title – This Act shall be known as the “Genomics and Forensic 
Science Capacity Enhancement Act”. 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. – The State recognizes the need for upgrading 
genomics and forensic science facilities and infrastructures in the country to respond to 
the increasing demand for DNA sequencing and analysis for various applications, such 
as research and development, legal proceedings, disaster response, and the 
enhancement of human capabilities, skills or expertise. 
SECTION 3. Definition of Terms - For purposes of this Act, the following terms 
shall mean: 
A. Bioinformatics facility means data processing and analytical services for clients
wishing to outsource data analysis for their next-generation sequencing data, and make 
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available our high-performance computing servers for clients who wish to do their own 
data analysis.  
B. Department means the Department of Science and Technology (DOST); 
C. Secretary means the Secretary of the DOST; 
D. Deoxyribonucleic Acid or DNA is a macromolecule that contains the genetic 
instructions an organism needs to develop, live and reproduce; 
E. DNA analysis means analysis of the DNA identification information in a bodily 
sample. 
F. DNA sequencing is a technology that allows researchers to determine the order 
of bases in a DNA sequence. The technology can be used to determine the order of 
bases in genes, chromosomes, or an entire genome. 
G. DNA sequencing facility means any government institution, laboratory or office 
which conducts DNA sequencing analysis in the country. 
H. Forensic DNA Analysis is the use of DNA specimens in legal proceedings. 
I. Forensic DNA Profile is the information derived from a forensic DNA analysis. 
J. Forensic Science – is the application of the methods of the natural and physical 
sciences to matters of criminal and civil law.  
K. Genomics means the study of the full genetic complement of an organism (the 
genome). It employs recombinant DNA, DNA sequencing methods, and bioinformatics 
to sequence, assemble, and analyze the structure and function of genomes. 
L. Genomics profile is the genetic information derived from a DNA sequencing 
and analysis; 
M. Philippine Forensic DNA Database (PFDD) is the country’s central repository 
of Forensic DNA profiles created under this Act. 


 
N. Philippine Genomics Database (PGD) is the country’s central repository of 
genomic profiles created under this Act. 
O. Philippine Genomics Database Bureau (PGDB) is the bureau under the DOST 
tasked to manage the PGDS. 
TITLE II - GENOMICS 
SECTION 4. Genomics Capacity Enhancement Plan - The Secretary, in 
consultation with the heads of the government-funded DNA sequencing facilities 
including the DNA Analysis Laboratory at the University of the Philippines, 
Department of Health (DOH), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department 
of Agriculture (DA), Department of Information and Communications Technology 
(DICT), National Privacy Commission (NPC), National Institute of Health (NIH) UP-
Manila, and the Philippine Genome Center (PGC), subject to the requirements of the 
Data Privacy Act, shall draw up an annual Genomics Capacity Enhancement Plan, that 
shall: 
A. Continuously assess the prevailing capacities of existing government-funded 
DNA sequencing facilities in the country in terms of equipment and human resources, 
and identify inadequacies and areas of improvement; 
B. Propose the acquisition of necessary equipment and recruitment and training of 
scientists, accompanied by the corresponding budget for its accomplishment to be 
included in the proposed general appropriation items of the head agencies of the 
facilities involved herein, whenever applicable; 
C. Promulgate rules and regulations, regarding DNA analyses, methods and 
facilities, including security protocols on handling, access and storage of individual 
personal information; quality assurance protocols and practices that the international 


 
scientific community considers ethical and adequate to assure the quality of a genomics 
laboratory; and  
D. Promote and boost the technical capability of the PGC and other centers as hubs 
of excellence in gene discovery and genomics research and development, specifically 
to be:  
a.) Equipped with state of the art technologies compliant to international 
standards and protocols to provide efficient, high-quality and cost-competitive 
sequencing and analytical services using bioinformatics for local and 
international stakeholders; 
b.) Allowed expeditious procurement of the needed state-of-the-art 
equipment, supplies and reagents for both genomics and bioinformatics; 
c.) Provided with additional permanent and accountable personnel 
required for the sustainable management and operations of the genomics 
facilities.  
E. Continuous funding support for the implementation of the National Genomics 
Research and Development Roadmap as the technological platform to revolutionize 
research and development in health, agriculture and biodiversity for socio-economic 
development in the country, which includes the following components: 
a.) Upgraded DNA Sequencing Core Facilities for basic and advanced 
sequencing 
b.) Upgraded Bioinformatics Core Facilities  
c.) Biobank Facility 
d.) Health Program: Filipinized personal medicine and nutrigenomics 
e.) Agriculture: Endemic and Staple Crops, Microbes, Fisheries, Livestock  
f.) Biodiversity for Drug Discovery and Bio-energy  


 
g.) Ethnicity 
h.) Food and other related products 
i.) Ethics, Legal and Social Issues  
j.) Computational Genomics and Systems Biology 
F. Address needs in the region by establishing basic sequencing and bioinformatics 
facilities in selected HEIs and SUCs nationwide. 
G. Build the capacity of existing researchers and experts on new technologies, 
techniques, processes, protocols, standards and the like by sending them to international 
training programs. 
H. Increase number of stem graduates as well as MS and PhD in molecular biology, 
genetics, chemistry, computer science, medicine, bioinformatics and engineering 
through S&T scholarships linked with said facilities in order to increase human capital. 
I. Provide assistance to genomics services start-up companies, if any. 
J. Offer subsidized costs for sequencing and analysis once the target facilities are 
improved and/or new ones established in the regions. 
TITLE III – PHILIPPINE GENOMICS DATABASE 
SECTION 5. Establishment of the Philippine Genomics Database. – A genomics 
database to be known as the Philippine Genomics Database (PGD) is hereby established 
to store genomic profiles and any information in relation thereto from any DNA 
sequencing and analysis in the country. The PGD shall consist of well-curated 
databanks in: 
a. Health and Medicine 
b. Agriculture  
c. Biodiversity 
d. Ethnicity 


 
e. Other related fields. 
SECTION 6. Objectives of Genomics Database – PGDS is established for the 
following purposes: 
1. To utilize the technological advances in genomics for practical purposes in 
health, medicine, agriculture, biodiversity, ethnicity and other related fields; 
2. To facilitate coordination with other agencies, sharing of data, protection and 
handling of sensitive or classified information and dealing with ethical, legal 
and social issues. 
TITLE IV – MANAGEMENT, SHARING, AND ACCESS  
TO INFORMATION OF THE PHILIPPINE  
GENOMICS DATABASE 
SECTION 7. The Philippine Genomics Database Bureau. – A Philippine 
Genomics Database Bureau (PGDB), under the control and supervision of Advanced 
Science and Technology Institute of the DOST (ASTI), is hereby established to manage 
the PGDS as specified in Title III of this Act.  
The Department of Health (DOH), its attached agencies and corporations, 
University of the Philippines System (UP System), and all other government agencies 
with existing DNA Database shall share, subject to the provisions of the Data Privacy 
Act, all genomic profiles and information in relation thereto to the PGDB. The PGDB 
shall have all such powers as may be necessary for, in connection with, or incidental to 
the performance of its function under this Act, including the following: 
1. To be responsible for the general conduct, administration, and management of 
the PGD; 


 
2. To establish mechanisms to facilitate the connection, storage, and 
dissemination of data in connection with genomics profiles and any 
information in relation thereto stored in the PGD; 
3. To ensure that genomics profiles and any information in relation thereto are 
securely stored and remain confidential; 
4. To cooperate with both local and foreign government agencies in accordance 
with the provisions of this Act; and 
5. 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 
other functions specified in this section or in furtherance of the objectives of 
the PGDS. 
TITLE V – FORENSIC SCIENCE 
SECTION 8. Forensic Science Enhancement Plan – The Department of Justice 
(DOJ), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Department of Interior and 
Local Government (DILG), the Philippine National Police (PNP), the scientists and 
experts at the DNA Analysis Laboratory at the University of the Philippines, and the 
National Privacy Commission (NPC) shall draw up a five-year Forensic Science 
Enhancement Plan, that shall: 
A. Assess the prevailing capacities of all crime laboratories in the country in 
conducting Forensic DNA Analysis in terms of equipment and facility, human 
resources, and identify inadequacies and areas of improvement; 
B. 
Propose the acquisition of the necessary equipment units in making Forensic 
DNA analysis available in crime laboratories all over the country as well as building 
human capacity through training, workshops that will produce a local talent pool, 
accompanied by the corresponding budget for its accomplishment to be included in the 


 
proposed general appropriation items of the head agencies of the facilities involved 
herein, whenever applicable; 
C. 
Promulgate rules and regulations regarding forensic DNA analyses, methods, 
storage, and facilities, including quality assurance protocols and practices that the 
international scientific community considers adequate to assure the quality of forensic 
DNA laboratory; 
D. Establish guidelines for better coordination and cooperation between and 
among law enforcement agencies and government-funded DNA facilities in the country 
as to provide a more efficient forensic DNA analysis and database which may be useful 
for disaster risk mitigation and forensic casework; and 
E. 
Professionalize Forensic DNA Analysts by creating a licensing or 
accreditation unit under the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) to ensure the 
quality of the talent pool and specialists in forensic DNA analysis in the country. 
TITLE VI – PHILIPPINE FORENSIC DNA DATABASE  
SECTION 9. Establishment of a Philippine Forensic DNA Database – A Forensic 
DNA database to be known as the Philippine Forensic DNA Database (PFDD) is hereby 
established to store Forensic DNA profiles and any information in relation thereto from 
any forensic DNA analysis in the country. The database shall consist of the following 
indices classified as follows: 
a. For purposes of criminal identification, a crime scene index, a convicted 
offenders index and a victims index; 
b. For purposes of finding missing persons and identifying human remains, a 
missing persons index, a relative/s of missing persons index, and a human 
remains index; and 
c. For purposes set out in (a) and (b), and for other purposes, voluntary index.  


 
SECTION 10. Management, Sharing and Access to Information. – The DOJ, DILG, 
NBI, PNP, and NPC shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the 
management of and access to the database. The DOJ, DILG, NBI, PNP, and other law 
enforcement agencies shall share, subject to the provisions of the Data Privacy Act, and 
integrate all existing forensic DNA profiles in their respective databases into the PFDD. 
TITLE VII – CRIMINAL ACTS AND PENALTIES 
SECTION 11. Tampering of Genomics Records and Forensic DNA Profiles. – 
Any person who shall knowingly make any false entry or falsely alter any sample, 
record or profile or otherwise contained in the database; or who shall intentionally 
destroy, mutilate, conceal, remove or otherwise impair the verity or availability of 
Genomics records or Forensic DNA profile shall suffer the penalty ranging from twelve 
(12) years to Twenty (20) years or a fine not less than One Million Pesos 
(PhP1,000,000.00) but not more than Five Million Pesos (PhP5,000,000.00). 
SECTION 12. Improper Disclosure of Genomics Records and Forensic DNA 
Profiles. – Any person who, by virtue of employment or official position, has 
possession of, or access to individually identifiable genomics and forensic DNA 
information indexed or otherwise contained in the database 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 genomics information was taken shall suffer the penalty 
of imprisonment ranging from six (6) years to twelve (12) years and a fine of not less 
than Five hundred thousand pesos (Php500,000.00) but not more than Four million 
pesos (Php4,000,000.00). 
SECTION 13. Improper Access to and Use of Genomics Records and Forensic 
DNA Profiles. – Any person who, without proper authorization, knowingly and 


 
willfully obtains any individual identifiable information indexed or contained in the 
database shall suffer the penalty of imprisonment ranging from three (3) years to six (6) 
years and a fine of not less than Five hundred thousand pesos (Php500,000.00) but not 
more than Four million pesos (Php4,000,000.00).  
 SECTION 14. Failure to Deliver Genomics Records and Forensic DNA Profiles. 
– Any person who shall possess a genomics record in the database and refuse to deliver 
the same upon request of a person lawfully entitled to receive the same shall suffer the 
penalty ranging from three (3) years to six (6) year or a fine of not less than Four 
Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php400,000.00) but not more than Two million 
(Php2,000,000.00): 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 records 
for cause(s) outside his/her control. 
TITLE VIII – MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS 
SECTION 15. Implementing Rules. – Within ninety days upon effectivity of this 
Act, all concerned agencies shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the 
implementation of this Act.  
SECTION 16. 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. 
SECTION 17. Separability Clause - If any provision or part hereof, is held invalid 
or unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected 
shall remain valid and subsisting. 
SECTION 18. Repealing Clause - All the laws, orders, issuances, rules and 
regulations or part thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby 
repealed, amended, or modified accordingly. 


 
SECTION 19. Effectivity Clause - This Act shall take effect within fifteen (15) 
days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of 
general circulation, whichever comes earlier.  
 
Approved,