Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City  
20TH CONGRESS  
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. 1413
Introduced by: REP. JOEL R. CHUA 
Explanatory Note 
This Bill seeks to establish a National Forensic DNA Database in the Philippines. This 
Representation proposed a similar measure during the 19th Congress but, due to lack of material 
time, the Bill remained in the House Committee level.  
This Bill is the same as what was submitted during the 19th Congress. As such, my 
explanation stated in the original is herein reiterated: 
Every cell in the human body contains Deoxyribonucleic Acid or DNA. Basically the DNA 
is the same regardless of the body part of a person – his/her DNA in the hair is also similar to the 
DNA which can be found in his/her blood, bone, skin tissue, and saliva. Moreover, no two people 
share the same DNA. It is distinct to every individual; a human can be identified based on their 
unique genetic makeup. Most importantly, the DNA of an individual does not change throughout 
his/her life. The DNA of a person since he/she was born is the same until he/she dies. 
DNA testing is a great assistance in identifying a person, including but not limited to, in 
cases of missing person and crime investigation. In crime investigation, DNA evidence collected 
from a crime scene plays a large role in convicting the guilty and proving the innocence of those 
who are wrongly accused. It can be used to identify criminals when there is doubt as to who the 
perpetrator is. Additionally, it would ease the work of our law enforcers in connecting previous 
crimes as they can collate and compare newly-gathered DNA evidence with those DNA profiles 
already encoded in the existing database – enabling them to easily identify habitual/repeated 
offenders. 
This Bill will help in the modernization of the Philippine National Police (PNP), and 
greatly improve our criminal justice system.  
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
REP. JOEL R. CHUA 
3rd District of Manila 
July 7, 2025
11:26 am


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City  
20TH CONGRESS  
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. 1413 
Introduced by: REP. JOEL R. CHUA 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE FORENSIC DNA DATABASE, APPROPRIATING 
FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Section 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Philippine DNA Database Act.” 
Section 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is hereby declared the policy of the State to establish 
and maintain a fair, responsible, ethical, and efficient criminal justice system. The State likewise 
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. 
Section 3. Definitions. – As used in this Act: 
a.
Biological Sample or DNA sample refers to any organic material originating from a
person’s body including those found in inanimate objects, that is susceptible to DNA
testing;
b. Buccal Swab refers to a sample of cellular material taken from the inside of a person’s
mouth;
c.
Certified DNA Collector refers to a police officer or a person who has successfully
completed the training prescribed by the PNP Crime Laboratory, in respect of the
taking of buccal sample;
d. Crime Scene Sample refers to 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 involved in an offense or crime;
e.
DNA refers to deoxyribonucleic acid, which is the chain of molecules found in every
nucleated cell of the body. The totality of an individual’s DNA is unique for the
individual, except identical twins;


f. DNA Evidence refers to constitutes the totality of the DNA profiles, results and other 
genetic information directly generated from DNA testing of biological samples; 
 
g. DNA Profile refers to genetic information derived from DNA testing of a biological 
sample obtained from a person, which biological sample is clearly identifiable as 
originating from that person; 
 
h. DNA Profiling or DNA Typing refers to a process where a minute sample genetic 
DNA material is taken from a human tissue and is given a computerized numeric value; 
 
i. Foreign Law Enforcement Agency refers to the law enforcement agency of foreign 
state and includes any recognized international organization; 
 
j. Forensic DNA Analysis refers to analysis of the DNA from a body sample or crime 
scene sample to determine forensic DNA profile;  
 
k. Forensic DNA Profile refers to result obtained from forensic DNA analysis on body 
sample or crime scene, providing a unique string of alpha numeric characters to provide 
identity reference; 
 
l. Intimate Sample refers to (i) a sample of flood, semen, or any other tissue or fluid 
taken from a person’s body, urine, or pubic hair; (ii) swab taken from any part of a 
person’s genitals (including pubic hair) or from a person’s body orifice over the mouth; 
 
m. Non-intimate Sample refers to (i) a sample of hair other than the pubic hair; (ii) a 
sample taken from a nail or from under a nail; (iii) a swab taken from any part of a 
person’s body other than a part from which a swab taken would be an intimate sample; 
or (iv) saliva; 
 
n. Philippine National Forensic DNA Database refers to the country’s central 
repository of DNA profiles established under this Act. 
 
Section 4. Establishment of Philippine Forensic DNA Database. – A forensic DNA 
database under the Philippine National Police (PNP), to be known as the Philippine Forensic DNA 
Database shall be established. The database shall consist of the following indices: 
 
a. Crime Scene Index shall contain DNA profile derived from an intimate sample or a 
non-intimate sample that is found on anything or at any place where an offense was 
committed; on or within the body of a victim of an offense; or on anything worn or 
carried by the victim or suspect at the time when the offense was committed; 
 
b. Arrested Person Index shall contain forensic DNA profiles derived from an intimate 
or a non-intimate sample taken from arrested persons; 
 
c. Convicted Offenders Index shall contain DNA profiles derived from an intimate or 
non-intimate sample taken from persons convicted of any offense under any written 
law; 


 
d. Detainee Index which contains DNA profiles derived from an intimate or non-intimate 
sample taken from a detainee; 
 
e. Elimination Person Index shall contain DNA profiles derived from an intimate or 
non-intimate sample taken from persons who had lawful access to the crime scene to 
be used for comparison with evidence for elimination purposes; 
 
f. Law Enforcement Personnel Index shall contain DNA profiles of all employees of 
government’s law agencies, derived by means of forensic; 
 
g. Military Personnel Index shall contain DNA profiles of all members of the Armed 
Forces of the Philippines derived by means of forensic DNA analysis, from a buccal or 
blood swab; 
 
h. Missing Person Index shall contain DNA profiles and any information in relation 
thereto derived from an intimate or a non-intimate sample taken from – (i) anything 
worn or carried by a missing person; or (ii) the next of kin of a missing person if so 
required; 
 
i. Unidentified Human Remains Index shall contain DNA profiles and any information 
in relation thereto derived from an intimate or a non-intimate sample taken from the 
body or parts of the body of an unidentified deceased person; 
 
j. Voluntary Person Index shall contain 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. 
 
Section 5. Objectives of the DNA Database. – The objective of the DNA Database is to 
establish, keep and maintain a comprehensive National DNA database to perform comparative 
searches for the following purposes: 
 
a. to serve as a tool for crime prevention and crime solution; 
b. to identify person who might have been involved in the commission of an offense; 
c. to prove the innocence or guilt of person allegedly involved in the commission of an 
offense; 
d. to exonerate a person wrongly convicted of an offense; or 
e. to assist in the identification of missing persons or unidentified human remains. 
 
Section 6. Management of DNA Database. – The PNP Forensic Group (FG) – DNA 
Laboratory Division shall manage the DNA databases, and shall have all such power as may be 
necessary for, in connection with, or incidental to the performance of its function under this Act, 
including the following: 
 
a. to be primary responsible for the general conduct, administration, and management of 
the DNA database; 


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 
DNA database; 
c. to ensure that DNA profiles and any information in relation thereto are Sectionurely 
always stored and remain confidential; 
d. to store and deposit samples taken for purpose of analysis in accordance with the 
provisions of this Act; 
e. to cooperate with both local and 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 incidental, or consequential to any of the functions specified in this 
Section or in furtherance of the objectives of the Philippine National Forensic DNA 
Database. 
 
Section 7. Access and Confidentiality of DNA Profiles and Information. – The DNA 
database and any information contained therein shall only be accessed by authorized personnel of 
the PNP Forensic Group DNA Laboratory on the following purposes: 
 
a. administering the database; 
b. comparing DNA profiles or information in the course of an investigation conducted by 
any law-enforcement agency or during judicial and quasi-judicial proceedings; and 
c. making the information available to a person to whom the information relates DNA 
profiles and all results or other information obtained from DNA testing shall be 
confidential, subject to the provisions of Republic Act No. 10173 otherwise known as 
the “Data Privacy Act of 2012.” 
 
Section 8. 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 may be used as evidence in any courts or 
proceedings in the country subject to the judicial rules on DNA evidence. 
 
Section 9. Collection of DNA Sample. – Only a certified PNP DNA Collector shall collect 
a biological sample from any person who on or after the effective date of this Act is: 
 
a. convicted of a crime for any offense; 
b. arrested for and formally charged of the crime before the court for an offense; 
c. legally detained under law; 
d. required to submit a DNA sample due to a judicial or quasi-judicial order because they 
are a suspect in a crime; 
e. needed to submit a DNA sample for elimination purposes; 
f. an active member of law enforcement agency; 
g. an active member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines; and 
h. a person who is voluntarily providing a sample to be placed into the DNA database. 
 
Section 10. Handling of Collected Biological Sample. – The integrity of the collected 
biological sample shall be always maintained through a clear, well documented chain of custody 
from the time a biological sample is collected until its disposal. Such chain of custody document 


shall be retained in the laboratory record to reflect the integrity of the sample during its receipt, 
handling, storage, preparation, retention, and/or disposal to protect interest of all parties. 
 
Section 11. Storage and Disposal of Biological Samples. – PNP DNA Laboratory 
Division shall preserve all biological samples, DNA profiles and results or other genetic 
information obtained from the DNA testing. All biological samples collected under Section 9 must 
be destroyed not later than six months after the DNA profile has been generated. 
 
Section 12. Deletion of DNA Profile from the DNA Database Indices. – A person whose 
DNA profile is contained in the voluntary or missing person’s indices as may request that their 
DNA profile, and any related information, be deleted from the DNA databank at any time. 
Members of law enforcement agencies, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines may request the 
same upon retirement or resignation from the service. The DNA Laboratory official in charge of 
the database shall, within six months from the time of notification of such request, delete the DNA 
profile and any information in relation to the profile. 
 
Section 13. Sample Given Voluntarily. – Any person may voluntarily give written 
consent to a certified DNA collector for the taking of his or her intimate or non-intimate sample 
provided that, before taking of intimate or non-intimate sample, the certified DNA collector shall 
inform the person from whom the sample is to be taken: (i) that the DNA profile and any 
information in relation thereto derived from the intimate sample or non-intimate sample may be 
stored in the National Forensic DNA Database and may be used for purposes of analysis, police 
inquiry, and for such purposes referred to in this act; (ii) that he/she may make a request for an 
access to his or her information; and (iii) that he/she may at any time demand the deletion of his/her 
DNA profile in the database. 
 
Section 14. Support from Voluntary Citizens. – To support the nationwide National 
DNA Database, employees of both government and private institutions and private citizens are 
hereby encouraged to submit DNA samples. The forensic DNA profiles and any information in 
relation thereto shall be included in the voluntary person index. 
 
Section 15. National DNA Database Scientific Advisory Committee. – A National DNA 
Database Scientific Advisory Committee shall be established for purposes of developing DNA 
testing database quality assurance standards for DNA testing and data basing including standards 
for testing the proficiency of forensic laboratories and forensic analysts conducting forensic DNA 
analysis. 
 
Section 16. Committee Members. – The Committee shall be composed of nine (9) 
members, with recognized expertise and competence to understand, develop and adopt DNA 
quality assurance standards necessary for the maintenance of the DNA database. Committee 
representatives shall be composed of three (3) representatives from the PNP, two (2) 
representatives from the National Bureau of Investigation, one (1) representative from the 
Department of Science and Technology (DOST), one (1) representative from the Department of 
Health (DOH), and two (2) representatives from other government agencies or institutions actively 
engaged in forensic DNA testing. The Committee shall be chaired by an official from the PNP 
being the repository of the database.  
 


Section 17. Tampering of DNA Records. – Any person who shall knowingly make any 
false entry or alter any DNA record or profile indexed or otherwise contained in the DNA database 
system, or who shall intentionally destroy, mutilate, conceal, remove, or otherwise impair the 
verity or availability of DNA records or profile without authority, shall suffer the penalty of twelve 
(12) years and one (1) day imprisonment with perpetual absolute disqualification for public office 
and a fine of not less than Six Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php600,000.00) at the discretion of the 
court. 
 
Section 18. Tampering, Abetting, or Attempting to Tamper DNA Samples. – Any 
person who shall knowingly tampers or causes to be tampered with any intimate sample or non-
intimate sample taken for the purposes of this Act or aids the commission of or attempts to tamper 
any intimate or non-intimate sample taken for the purpose of this Act, shall suffer the penalty of 
twelve (12) years and one (1) day imprisonment with perpetual absolute disqualification for public 
office or a fine not less than Six Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php600,000.00) or both, at the 
discretion of the court. 
 
Section 19. 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 DNA database system and who knowingly 
and willfully discloses such information in any manner to any person or agency not legally entitled 
to receive it to the prejudice and detriment of the public or person from whom the said DNA 
sample or 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 (Php500,000.00) or 
both, at the discretion of the court. 
 
Section 20. Refusal to Give Sample. – Any person who unjustly refuses to give a non-
intimate sample or obstructs the taking of such sample from, when legally ordered by competent 
authority to do so, shall be liable to a fine not exceeding Three Hundred Thousand Pesos 
(Php300,000.00) or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six (6) years or both. 
 
Section 21. Cooperation with Other Law Enforcement Agency. – The PNP, NBI and 
other law enforcement agency shall establish a system to ensure coordination and integration of 
the DNA database in their respective agencies. 
 
Section 22. Cooperation with Foreign Law Enforcement Agency. – The PNP may, upon 
request by a foreign law enforcement agency, compare a DNA profile received from the foreign 
law enforcement agency with the DNA profiles in the DNA Database to determine whether such 
DNA profile is already contained in the DNA Database and communicate any relevant. 
 
Section 23. Transitional. – Any existing DNA profile and any information in relation 
thereto kept and maintained by the Philippine National Police, immediately before the effectivity 
of this Act shall form part of Philippine Database in accordance with this Act. 
 
Section 24. Appropriations. – The amount necessary for the effective implementation of 
the provisions of this Act shall be taken from the current year’s appropriation of the PNP. 
Thereafter, such sum as may be needed for the continued implementation of this Act may be 
included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
 


Section 25. Venture with Private Entities. – The PNP may likewise enter into a joint 
venture or partnership with private entities to sustain the continuous operation of the provisions of 
this Act; Provided, that such agreements are advantageous to the government and ensures the 
people’s right to privacy.  
 
Section 26. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within one hundred and twenty 
(120) days, the Philippine National Police in consultation with government agencies other law 
enforcement offices shall formulate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective 
implementation of this Act. 
 
Section 27. Separability Clause. – If any portion or provision of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provisions not affected thereby shall remain in 
force and effect. 
 
Section 28. 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. 
 
Section 29. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following the 
date of its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general 
circulation, whichever comes first. 
 
Approved,