Angara: DNA technology to enhance criminal justice system

Sen. Edgardo Angara sought the passage yesterday of a bill that would allow law enforcers to use forensic DNA as evidence and as investigative tool to solve crimes and improve the country’s criminal justice system.

Angara filed Senate Bill 2245 entitled "An Act Instituting Reforms in the Criminal Justice System by Enhancing DNA Technology Analysis as a Potent Investigative Tool, Creating the DNA Advisory Board under the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and for other purposes."

Angara said that the law, once enacted, would pave the way for the creation of the National DNA Index System in the country.

In pushing for his bill, Angara cited studies that showed that every person’s DNA is unique, except in the case of identical twins.

"This has made DNA samples one of the most important pieces of evidence from crime scenes. Any type of organism can be identified by the examination of DNA sequences unique to that species," Angara said.

Through his bill, Angara said the government would reaffirm its commitment to maintaining a free, responsible, ethical and efficient criminal justice system in the Philippines.

DNA analysis has several uses in forensic investigation. In crime investigations, for example, a "match" would allow DNA experts to identify a suspect or exclude him or her from suspicion.

"It will also help in the identification of crime and catastrophe victims, establish paternity and other family relationships, identify endangered and protected species as an aid to wildlife officials, and match organ donors with recipients in transplant programs," Angara said.

Angara also expressed optimism that with the use of genetic information through DNA analysis, law enforcers will be able to speed up investigations and expeditiously resolve crimes.  

"DNA forensic technology has altered the landscape of the criminal justice system. This is not an answer to all of society’s ills, true. But it helps reduce greatly the statistical probability of error that has always existed in our criminal system," Angara added.