Senate TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 25 AUG -4 P5:44 First Regular Session SENATE S. No. 861 Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE NATIONAL FORENSIC SCIENCE INSTITUTE IN THE UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES SYSTEM, DEFINING ITS FUNCTIONS, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR EXPLANATORY NOTE Forensic science is the use of scientific methods or expertise to investigate crimes or examine evidence that might be presented in a court of law. It involves a wide range of disciplines from hair, fiber and glass fragments analysis, ballistics and blood spatter analysis, up to DNA examination, forensic odontology, forensic pathology, among others. The use of scientific techniques in the discovery, preservation, documentation and analysis of physical evidence leads to the reconstruction of events that resulted to injury or death. Forensic science can effectively present proof of commission of crime, corroborate witness' testimonies, and provide convincing links to the perpetrators. This proposed legislation aims to establish a National Forensic Science Institute in the University of the Philippines which shall ensure a multidisciplinary, science- based and independent investigation of crimes. It shall also be mandated to develop a pool of scientists and experts, as well as a network of modern laboratories and facilities, which can be relied upon in the conduct of investigations and the pursuit of truth. 1 https://www.nist.gov/forensic-science
This measure realizes the country's commitment during the 75t anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of setting up a state-of-the-art training institute for forensic science in line with implementing comprehensive justice sector reforms. In view of enhancing the administration of justice and rule of law in the country through improved forensics capability and law enforcement, the passage of this measure is fervently sought. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA
Neonse of to Bring TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session AUG -4 P5:44 SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. No. Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE NATIONAL 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. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "National Forensic
Science Institute Act."
Sec. 2. Creation and Objectives of the Institute. - There is hereby created a
National Forensic Science Institute in the University of the Philippines System with the 5 following objectives: a) To promote research and development in the various fields of forensic science and advance the search for truth through application of techniques and methods of natural and physical sciences; b) To enhance the competence and capabilities of existing laboratories and forensic science facilities in the country and prepare them for accreditation; c) To educate and develop a corps of professionals and scientists 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, criminal investigation and law enforcement so as to improve the administration of justice.
Sec. 3. Delegation of Authority to the Board of Regents. - The Board of Regents
2 of the University of the Philippines System is hereby authorized to establish the National 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 5 disciplines of biology, chemistry, law, molecular biology, social sciences, statistics, 6 medicine, computer science, engineering, and other pertinent disciplines, who may be drawn within the system or outside.
Sec. 4. Functions of the Institute. - The National Forensic Science Institute will
9 have the following functions: a) To provide competent, scientific and advanced medical and technical service for the detection and investigation of crimes; b) To maintain a network of modern laboratories and facilities around the country for the development and adoption of analytical methods and procedures related to forensic evidence; c) To establish minimum quality assurance standards and promulgate best practices related to the accreditation and operations of laboratories and similar facilities related to forensic science; d) To establish linkages and cooperation with international bodies involved in forensic science to learn best practices, modern techniques and innovative advancements; e) To offer degree and non-degree programs to students and professionals inclined towards the various areas of forensic science; f) To undertake research in all fields and disciplines of forensic science; and g) 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 National Forensic Science Institute shall aim at the speedy realization of the objectives and at the execution of the powers and functions stated
1 above. Towards this end, the Board shall determine the structure, composition, size 2 of the Institute's faculty and staff.
Sec. 6. Appropriations. - The amount of Three hundred million pesos (Php
300,000,000.00) is hereby appropriated out of any funds in the National Treasury not 5 otherwise appropriated to carry out the objectives and provisions of this Act from its 6 effectivity until the next fiscal year. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary to 7 carry out the provisions of this Act shall be included in the subsequent annual General 8 Appropriations Act under the University of the Philippines System.
Sec. 7. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part hereof is held invalid or
unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision or part not otherwise affected shall remain valid and subsisting.
Sec. 8. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive
order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule, or regulation contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly.
Sec. 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,