Phl delivers on human rights pledge

The Philippines officially launched the National Forensics Institute Project in a ceremonial groundbreaking held at the University of the Philippines Manila on 18 June, marking a milestone reflective of the country’s highest-level commitment to upholding justice and human rights through science and technology.

The groundbreaking of the NFI marks the fulfillment of the third and final pledge made by the Philippines during the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Geneva, Switzerland in December 2023. 

This milestone completes all three commitments in just over a year and delivers on the country’s promise to strengthen the “capacity of forensic services and medico-legal systems to support the rule of law and human rights-based governance.”

The forensics institute will serve as the country’s state-of-the-art training and practice facility to support science-based criminal investigations and develop a new generation of forensic professionals.

It is envisioned that the NFI would one day become a leading hub for forensic education, research, and services — a center for excellence in the region.

“This moment represents more than the physical launch of the institution. It also proclaims our nation’s unwavering commitment to human rights and the rule of law,” Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin said in his keynote remarks during the launching.

The establishment of the NFI marks a decisive step towards realizing the Administration’s vision of addressing grave human rights violations, captured in President Marcos Jr.’s 2024 State of the Nation Address, where he emphasized, “Our law enforcers need to continue to earn the trust of our people. The strong pillars of our criminal justice system, especially in light of the new rules on criminal investigation, and our independent Judiciary, function in unison.” 

The development of the NFI builds on the recommendations outlined during the Colloquium on Benchmarking for the Best Forensics Institute in the Region hosted by the Department of Foreign Affairs on 23 August 2024, which convened over 140 stakeholders from more than 30 government, civil society, academia, and the diplomatic and international bodies.

The colloquium charted a path towards aligning Philippine forensic systems with global standards and underscored the Institute’s importance in advancing a more accountable and rights-based justice system.

The creation of the Philippines’ NFI was formalized with the issuance of Administrative Order No. No. 29, s. 2025 signed by President Marcos Jr., creating a Technical Working Group tasked to establish the Institute.

To date, the Philippines has completed its three pledges made at the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These includethe establishment of the Special Committee on Human Rights Coordination, the launch of the 4th Philippine Human Rights Plan; and the launch of the National Forensics Institute in June 2025.