HOW ABOUT DNA tests are made compulsory right after birth? Like birth certificate. What’s your view? In the Philippines, DNA technology is largely used to establish paternity and other family relationships. There are less than 20 DNA testing clinics in Metro Manila, including Makati Medical Center, a few are registered in Angeles City and the City of San Fernando. These clinics offer personal DNA testing fee of P15,000 for familial relationships such as paternity as early as nine weeks into the pregnancy.
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Happy birthday greetings to: Former mayor/congressman Francis Blueboy and Gepoy Nepomuceno, US Navy Master Chief June “The Judge” Centeno of San Diego USA, Chevalier School Caballeros Dr. Jun Biag, Jaime Cunanan Jr., Cyril Bengco, Fernan Panlilio, Rommel Yuson and Jerome Sanchez, Tita Remy Bautista Canlas, Pamela Angeles-Flores, Jovi Salem, Engr Jane David-Bulaun, Marlon Cortez, Tatang Boy Santiago, Kelly Colian, Jepoy Cruz, Dr. Jess Villaroman, Angie Salas, Kagawad Luz Nava, Beth Jose-Magat, Bro. Rey Pamintuan, Alex Toliong, Madam Antonette Navarro, Allyanna Ira Dayrit, Kong Norberto ‘Boy’ De Leon, and Chef Erick Sulivas. Happy reading to all the members of Concerned Senior and Junior Citizens of Angeles (CONSENCIA) founded and organized by Alexander S. Cauguiran.
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DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) evidence is collected from blood, hair, skin cells, and other bodily substances. Nearly every cell in a person’s body has the same DNA. An important property of DNA is that it can replicate, or make copies of itself.Aside from paternal or maybe maternal DNA tests, it is even being used to solve old crimes that occurred prior to the development of DNA-testing technology. In 1986 was when DNA was first used in a criminal investigation by Sir Alec John Jeffreys, a British geneticist, who developed techniques for genetic fingerprinting and DNA profiling which are now used worldwide in forensic science to assist police detective work.
His techniques were used in rape and murder cases that had happened in 1983 and 1986. Recently, DNA tests were also used for the identification of plane crash victims of the Pakistan International Airlines. In court trials, compared to fingerprinting or eyewitness testimony, which both have inherent flaws and inaccuracies, DNA evidence is a highly effective way to match a suspect to samples collected during a criminal investigation.Our very own forensic pathologist Dra. Racquel B. del Rosario–Fortun went to UP–PGH and completed Residency Training in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology. She later specialized in Forensic Pathology in Seattle, Washington, USA and an Exchange Scientist in Legal Medicine, Kobe University School of Medicine, Japan.
The public began realizing the caliber and depth of her capabilities in the aftermath of the Ozone disco fire. She volunteered to assist in the identification of the grisly burned remains of mostly young teenage victims in March 1996. Her work has carried her to many countries as consultant forensic pathologist in various crimes, air crashes or other man–made disasters like the Asian Spirit crash in December 1999, the Payatas Disaster in July 2000 and in East Timor.
A year ago, Rep. Robert Ace Barbers (2nd District, Surigao del Norte) proposed to institutionalize a national forensic DNA database in the country. He filed House Bill 72 which seeks to establish the Philippine DNA Database Analysis System. Barbers explained that the most important function of a DNA database is to produce matches between the suspected individual and crime scene bio-makers.
The system shall contain the forensic DNA profiles of persons with the following indices: crime scene, suspected persons, convicted offenders, detainee, drugs dependent, missing persons, voluntary, uniformed personnel index, and government employees index. A penalty of 12 years and one day imprisonment is imposed or a fine of not less that P600,000, or both, at the discretion of the court for any person found guilty of tampering of DNA samples and records.
Any person found guilty of improper disclosure of DNA samples and records shall suffer the penalty of eight years and one day imprisonment or a fine of not lower than P500,000, or both, for improper disclosure of DNA samples and records, or both at the discretion of the court.
Any person who is found guilty of failure to deliver DNA records and samples shall suffer the penalty of six years and one day imprisonment or a fine of not lower that P400,000, or both, at the discretion of the court.
***A major educational requirement for forensic DNA analysts is a Bachelor’s degree inforensic science, chemistry, or biology, with sufficient course work on genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, and statistics. This 4-year degree course is offered at the University of the Cordilleras, University of Baguio, and University of the Philippines.
In the United States the top four best online Bachelor’s Programs in Forensic Science 2020 according to ranking is Hampton University VA, Columbia College SC, Liberty University VA and Excelsior College NY. An entry level forensic scientist (1-3 years of experience) earns an average salary of Php 309,196. On the other end, a senior level forensic scientist (8+ years of experience) earns an average salary of Php 530,801.
As technology advances, the use of forensic information is expected to increase. This is good news for anyone interested in pursuing a forensic science career. Employment in this area is expected to grow 17 percent through 2026.
EDITOR’S NOTE:
MARK ALLEN C. SISON is former feature writer of Manila Times and Panorama magazine. He later served as correspondent of Manila Standard before joining Sun Star Pampanga as columnist.
He also served as reporter of the local weekly The Angeles Sun and for a time a stringer of the Associated Press.