Press Release
January 10, 2008

DNA TECHNOLOGY WILL IMPROVE JUSTICE SYSTEM -- ANGARA

To cut down inaccuracies in biological evidences in criminal proceedings, Senator Edgardo J. Angara today stressed the need to maximize the capacity of forensic DNA technology saying that it will help expedite resolution of crimes.

"DNA forensic technology has altered the landscape of the criminal justice system. It can be used to identify criminals with incredible accuracy when biological evidence exists, and it can also be used to clear suspects and exonerate persons mistakenly accused or convicted of crimes," said Senator Angara.

He added, "this is not a panacea to all of society's ills. But it continues to place a human face on the statistical probability of error that has always existed in our criminal system."

In a 1992 case of US vs. Jakobetz, it pointed out that "for the most part (outside of gross human error), the actual technology of DNA typing is considered unquestionably sound and reliable by the scientific community and the courts.

DNA analysis is found to have several uses for forensic investigation which includes: (1) identification of potential suspects whose DNA match evidence left at crime scenes; (2) establish paternity and other family relationships through its variable number tandem repeats patterns; (3) identification of endangered and protected species as an aid to wildlife officials; (4) match organ donors with recipients in transplant programs.

"Any type of organism can be identified by examination of DNA sequences unique to that species. To identify individuals, forensic scientists will scan 13 DNA regions that vary from person-to-person and use the date to create a DNA profile. A match allows DNA experts to identify an individual as a suspect or exclude him from suspicion," explained Senator Angara.

In this light, Senator Angara has filed a bill that seeks to reform the criminal justice system by taking full advantage of DNA technology.

Under this bill, a comprehensive national DNA database called National DNA Index System (NADIS) will be established and administered by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director. This DNA database will store: DNA identification records of persons convicted of crimes, analyses of DNA samples recovered from crime scenes, analyses of DNA samples recovered from unidentified human remains; and analyses of DNA samples voluntarily contributed from relatives of missing persons.

"I am strongly optimistic that enhancing the generation and the use of genetic information thru DNA analyses will contribute greatly to the field of criminal investigation and in effect, downgrade with expediency crime rates in the country," said Senator Angara.

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