Jauhn Etienne Villaruel

Article (news)

COURT-GAVEL

ABS-CBN News Digital Intern

<div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1777765999114IMG_1136.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Sample evidence from a victim for DNA testing used by the UPD DNA Analysis Laboratory Natural Sciences Research Institute.<br/></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — Under the harsh fluorescent lights of a public hospital at three o&#x27;clock in the morning, a child shivers in fright, accompanied with a family who’s equally shattered, searching for answers to a violence that should never have occurred. </p><p>But instead of an immediate forensic collection, doctors and residents scramble, hunting for a simple cotton swab or improvised materials just to preserve fleeting evidence.</p><p>This is the agonizing reality that Dr. Maria Corazon A. De Ungria and Miriam Ruth M. Dalet of the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) DNA Analysis Laboratory Natural Sciences Research Institute are determined to end. </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177776655695320260421-up-rape-kit-corazon-de-ungria-JC4910.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Dr. Corazon De Ungria attends a photo call after her interview with ABS-CBN News at Miranda Hall, University of the Philippines (UP), Quezon City, on April 21, 2026. <em>Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News</em></span></span></span></div><p>With the development of the UP Sexual Assault Investigation Kit, the conversation has shifted from mere laboratory science to a matter of moral obligation and national justice to abused children. </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>TECHNOLOGY IN SERVICE OF THE VULNERABLE</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>The SAI.kit developed by the UPD team is far more than a simple medical supply. It is a self-contained system featuring standardized swabs and meticulous instructions to ensure a foolproof chain of custody. </p><p>Crucially, these kits are non-expiring, making them ideal standard equipment for every emergency room in stock in every local hospital.</p><p>&quot;The production of the kit is only one step,&quot; Dr. De Ungria emphasized in a recent interview. </p><p>&quot;The availability of the DNA test is another. But what we need is a holistic solution to help a victim from crime, collection to conviction, involving LGUs, police, hospitals, NGOs and the court.&quot;</p><p>The success of this initiative hinges on more than just a purchase order; it requires a sustained, strategic conversation within local government units (LGUs). Currently, there is a disconnect between the available technology that is comparable overseas and the local frontline.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/2/5/cop-accused-of-raping-woman-in-qc-motel-surrenders-to-nbi-1714">Cop accused of raping woman in QC motel surrenders to NBI</a></div><p>By fostering this dialogue, LGUs move from being reactive to being proactive guardians of their constituents.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>FUNDING SUGGESTION</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>A primary hurdle is the cost, with each kit estimated at P800 to P1,000. While seemingly a modest sum, it is often viewed as an extra burden by cash-strapped municipalities. </p><p>However, Dr. De Ungria points to an existing legal lever: the 5 percent gender and development (GAD) budget mandated for every LGU. In addition, this price does not include the cost of the actual DNA tests after samples are collected. </p><p>The message to mayors and local councils is clear: protecting women and children—regardless of gender—is a mandate, not an option. </p><p>Using GAD funds to stock local hospitals with these kits must be viewed as an integral part of an LGUs compliance with the GAD law.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>THE URGENT CALL FOR A DNA LAW</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Collecting samples is futile if they cannot be processed. Currently, the high cost of DNA testing is exacerbated by a global crisis that has driven up the price of imported chemical reagents.</p><p>&quot;We are willing to work with LGUs. If you buy the reagents, we will allocate our expertise to run the tests,&quot; De Ungria stated. </p><p>&quot;But the ultimate solution lies in the halls of Congress: a comprehensive Legislated DNA Law that has been long in coming but so needed given that we had been using DNA technology for criminal investigations, human identification and filial testing for over 30 years.”</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/5/14/supreme-court-says-genital-contact-not-required-to-prove-attempted-rape-1320">Supreme Court says genital contact not required to prove attempted rape</a></div><p>&quot;We all have children to protect... We must not allow a child’s trauma to be compounded by a systemic failure to gather evidence. The kit is ready. The expertise is here. The only missing piece is the political will to make justice accessible in every corner of the Philippines,&quot; De Ungria added. </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2026/2/26/teacher-arrested-for-alleged-sexual-abuse-of-students-in-cavite-1537">Teacher arrested for alleged sexual abuse of students in Cavite</a></div><div><br/></div><p>.</p>

<p>The SAI.kit developed by the UPD team is far more than a simple medical supply. It is a self-contained system featuring standardized swabs and meticulous instructions to ensure a foolproof chain of custody.</p>

The SAI.kit developed by the UPD team is far more than a simple medical supply. It is a self-contained system featuring standardized swabs and meticulous instructions to ensure a foolproof chain of custody.

After developing rape kits, PH scientists call for DNA law to 'make justice accessible'

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After developing rape kits, PH scientists call for DNA law to 'make justice accessible'

ABS-CBN News Digital Intern,

Izel Manata

Published May 03, 2026 01:28 PM PHT

Read More:

DNA Law

rape kit

forensic

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