National DNA Database Act gets Senate nod in final reading

Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa —File photo/Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate on Monday approved on third and final reading Senate Bill No. 2474 or the National DNA Database Act.

The measure was approved during the chamber’s plenary session on Monday. It garnered 23 affirmative, zero negative votes, and zero abstentions.

Sen. Bato dela Rosa, sponsor of the measure, expressed his gratitude to his colleagues shortly after the measure was approved.

READ: Dela Rosa wants to establish DNA database to help solve crimes

“This landmark legislation is indeed our way of making leaps and bounds in our quest for a more efficient and more effective administration of justice. With the aid of technology, our police will have access to an essential tool that will help them in solving crimes,” said dela Rosa.

According to Dela Rosa, similar to a typical bank, the DNA database will be a repository of a valuable item, which is the identity of a person.

“While it is not a treasure trove of money or precious gems, it will be the storehouse of answers; the archive of the truth. After all, justice, especially for those who seek it, is priceless,” said Dela Rosa.

“For our law enforcement agents, this law is a weapon, a deterrent, against criminals. The existence of a DNA Database will also equip our prosecutors with the necessary evidence to convict law offenders. Correspondingly, the DNA Database can be instrumental to another suspect’s exoneration,” he added.