Wazzup Pilipinas!?
On January 22, 2025, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed Administrative Order (AO) No. 29, which aims to establish a Technical Working Group (TWG) tasked with creating the National Forensics Institute (NFI). This move underscores the government’s commitment to improving the country’s justice system and advancing forensic science expertise.
Purpose of the National Forensics Institute
The NFI is envisioned as a hub for state-of-the-art research and laboratory services, designed to support comprehensive justice reforms. It aims to provide rigorous academic programs, specialization opportunities, and capacity-building initiatives in forensic science to address gaps in the country’s justice and investigative systems.
Composition of the Technical Working Group
The TWG will be chaired by the Office of the Executive Secretary, with the Department of Justice (DOJ) serving as co-chair. Members will include representatives from various government agencies such as the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Health, Department of Budget and Management, Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the Presidential Human Rights Committee, and the University of the Philippines - Manila.
Initial Steps for Implementation
The TWG is mandated to conduct a comprehensive study and provide recommendations for the swift establishment of the NFI. These include:
Assessing the current state of forensic science in the country,
Identifying deficiencies in resources and expertise, and
Developing strategies to address these issues.
The TWG is also required to submit quarterly progress reports to the President, detailing accomplishments and updates on the establishment of the NFI.
Recent Developments in Forensic Science
Even before the issuance of AO No. 29, efforts to enhance forensic science in the Philippines had already been initiated. In November 2024, the University of the Philippines - Manila entered into a memorandum of understanding with Monash University in Australia. This partnership focuses on delivering specialized training programs in forensic science to improve the country’s capabilities in this field.
Forensic pathologist Dr. Raquel Fortun hailed this partnership as a vital step toward addressing critical gaps in the country’s justice system. She emphasized the importance of having a robust death investigation system to ensure accurate resolutions of cases and contribute to public health and safety.
Impact of the NFI on the Justice System
The establishment of the NFI is expected to revolutionize the justice system by enabling faster and more accurate case resolutions, particularly those requiring forensic analysis. The availability of cutting-edge technology and well-trained experts will enhance investigative processes and court proceedings. This initiative also aims to restore public confidence in the country’s justice system by ensuring transparency and accountability in investigations.
Conclusion
The issuance of Administrative Order No. 29 and the ongoing steps toward the creation of the National Forensics Institute signal the government’s determination to modernize the justice system. With collaborative efforts from key institutions and international partnerships, the NFI is poised to become a game-changer in addressing long-standing challenges in forensic science and justice delivery in the Philippines.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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