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Republic of the Philippines is
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No, 4690

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RECEIVED “©
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Introduced by Rep. MARIO VITTORIO “MARVEY” A. MARINO.
5" District, Batangas

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Science and technology are undeniably important in nation building. The
1987 Constitution expressly recognized its significance. Section 10, Article XIV
of the Constitution reads:

Science and technology are essential for national
development and progress. The State shall give priority to
research and development, invention, innovation, and
their utilization; and to science and technology education,
training, and services. It shall support. indigenous
appropriate, and self-reliant scientific and technological
capabilities, and their application to the country's
productive systems and national life.

DNA technology is one of science and technology’s most. important
discoveries, DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is a molecule that contains the
instructions an organism needs to develop, live and reproduce,' A person’s DNA
contains information about his or her heritage and identity. It is also used to
diagnose genetic disorders through DNA sequencing and testing. DNA has,
indeed, continue to serve its purpose in the fields of science and medicine.

Over the years, however, DNA technology has also shown its importance in
forensic science, criminal justice, agriculture, paternity, and other important fields
in society.? DNA has been used in criminal investigations to determine the
identity not only of victims, but also of suspects. Gene insertions have also been
made to cultivate plants, Further, DNA samples have been used for identifi
and determine parentage.

In the Philippines, as in other countries, DNA analysis has been particularly
used to identify victims in mass fatalities brought about by mass tragedies like the
Kentex fire and the Maguindanao Massacre and natural calamities such as
typhoons Ondoy and Yolanda, DNA also plays a significant role in the criminal
justice system specifically in criminal investigation, prosecution, exoneration and
search for missing persons.

Considering how essential DNA technology is, DNA legislation is fervently
needed to improve DNA facilities in the country. The enhancement of DNA.

* Rettner, R. ONA: Definition, Structure, & Discovery. Live Science. June 6, 2013, retrieved from
btps//wwrwalivescience.com/37247-dna.html on December 13, 2016

2 “Murnaghan, |. The Importance of DNA. Explore ONA. November 21, 2016, retrieved from
http://www exoloredna.co.uk/the-importance-dna,html on December 13, 2016



facilities would require improving infrastructure and analytic capabilities of
laboratories in processing and storing DNA samples. Moreover, these
improvements in DNA facilities would not only lead to more breakthroughs in the
field of DNA analysis, but most importantly in the the areas of medicine, forensic

science, criminal justice, and the society as a whole.

In view of the foregoing, the early passage of this bill is earnestly requested.

MARIO VITTORIO “MARVEY” A. MARINO


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 4690

Introduced by Rep. MARIO VITTORIO “MARVEY” A. MARINO
5 District, Batangas

AN ACT IMPROVING DNA FACILITIES IN THE COUNTRY®

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

SECTION 1, Short Title - This Act shall be known as the “DNA Capacity
Enhancement Act”,

SECTION 2, Declaration of Policy - The State recognizes the need for
improving the DNA facilities in the country to answer the increasing demand for

DNA analysis for identity testing in mass fatalities, casework and research.

3. Definition of Terms - For purposes of this Act, the’ following
terms shall mean:

A. DNA Analysis means analysis of the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
identification information in a bodily sample

B. DNA facility means any government institution, laboratory or office which
conducts DNA analysis in the country.

SECTION 4. DNA Capacity Enhancement Plan ~ The Secretary of Science
and Technology, in consultation with the heads of the government-funded DNA
facilities including the DNA Analysis Laboratory at the University of the
Philippines, Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation
and the DNA Sequencing Facility of the Philippine Genome Center, shall draw up

an annual DNA Capacity Enhancement Plan that shall:

> This bill was originally filed by Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago in the Senate


‘A. Assess the prevailing capacities of existing government-funded DNA.
facilities in the country in terms of equipment and human resources, and identify
inadequacies and areas of improvement;

B, Propose the acquisition of necessary DNA analysis 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 quality assurance protocols and practices that the international
scientific community considers adequate to assure the quality of a DNA

laboratory; and

stab)

sh guidelines for better coordination and cooperation between
government-funded DNA facilities in the country as to provide a more efficient
DNA analysis system.

SECTION 5. Restriction On The Use of Funds Appropriated Under this Act -
Any part of the funds received from a grant made under this Act shall be used

strictly to develop or improve government-funded DNA fi

ties in the country.

‘Any DNA facility which receiv. not use more than

funding under this Act ma

ten percent (10%) of such funds for administrative expenses. For the purpose of
this Act, administrative expenses do not include research grants and trainings of
DNA forensic experts.

SECTION 6. Report to Congress - Not later than 90 days after the end of
cach fiscal year, the Secretary of Science and Technology, in coordination with
the heads of government-funded DNA facilities including the DNA Analysis
Laboratories at the University of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police
and National Bureau of Investigation and the DNA Sequencing Facility of the
Philippine Genome Center, shall submit to both Houses of Congress a report that

includes--


a.) The aggregate amount of funds made under this part to each
government-funded DNA facility; and

b,) The summary of information provided by each government-funded DNA
facility regarding the use of such funds under this Act.

SECTION 7. 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 8. 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 modifi

accordingly.

SECTION 9.

fectivity Clause - This Act shall take effect within fifteen (15)

days after its publica

in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers

of general circulation, whichever comes earlier.

Approved,