Journalist's killing raised need for more forensic pathologists

The recent killing of radio commentator Percy Mabasa (aka Percy Lapid because of his commentary 'Lapid Fire') brought to fore the country's need for more forensic pathologists, which could only be augmented if scholarships are provided to medical students aspiring to commit to the practice for the long-term and for medical doctors who want to specialize in forensic pathology practice.

Rep. Alfred C. Delos Santos filed House Bill (HB) 5129 or the Forensic Pathologist Scholarship Act, which seeks to provide scholarships to potential forensic pathologists, to the ranks of the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation for better crime investigations.

A forensic pathologist examines a cadaver from sudden and violent deaths. They are experts in determining the cause and manner of death.

They are crucial as they can solve criminal cases swiftly. However, the Philippines only has two practitioners in this department thus making the investigation of killings lengthy, especially in the case of Lapid thereby prolonging the dispensation of justice.

With De Los Santos' bill, medical students and doctors may be able to commit long-term in the area of forensic pathology thus increasing the number of practitioners under that program and delivering swift investigations.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) shall be the leading agency for HB 5129 and is entrusted with creating the scholarship program and issuing the necessary implementing rules and requirements.

“It is my hope that through the passage of this bill, victims and their loved ones will no longer have to endure the cruelty of waiting months, if not years, to find justice. This much we owe to our constituents.” Delos Santos said.

Tags: #HB, #ForensicPathology, #CHED, #PNP, #NBI, #Justice