BENAN, Rhobee Jyn S.

February 13, 2018

LLB 3B

MYSTERY UNLOCKED

Time and time again, DNA testing is proved to be accurate. It has been used not
only in ascertaining identities in criminal cases but also in affirming identities in
historical aspects. Many anthropologists and historians adhere to such method to
identify bodies found in caves, taverns, tombs and melted icebergs among others. DNA
gave answers to both criminal and historical mysteries. One of which is the long
mysterious whereabouts of the Romanov Family.

Through DNA testing, a technology made only available to this generation, the
remains of human bones found in graves at Siberia were identified to be of the exiled
and executed family members and slaves of Nicholas Romanov. Without this technology
so called as DNA testing, these bones could have been a part of the unknown history
and the Romanov’s story could have not been as prestigious as it is to these days.

Because of the test done, a conspiracy was discovered and the royal treasures
were spared from going into the wrongs hands, from those who are not of the royal
blood line. DNA testing did not only save royal money from impostors but also saved
innocents from injustice. The admission of DNA test results in courts is a great
achievement for the modernization and evolution of the justice system not only within
the Philippine jurisdictions but also in foreign tribunals.

DNA, although proven to be 99% accurate, can have its disadvantages. First, it is
only available for those who can afford. Second, in history, there must be blood samples
from relatives of the cadaver being examined. The Romanov’s are lucky enough to have
relatives living up to this age. How about those who have none? How can a DNA test be
verified if there are no samples to compare it with? Third, a DNA test may be used to
defeat its purpose, that is to acquit the innocent, if the procedures are not appropriately
observed. For instance, the doctor may conspire with the accused to use samples not
from the latter but from anyone else.

Though there are disadvantages, the advantages of DNA testing negate the
negative side of it because its benefits are far more realized than its detriments. The use
of DNA testing in the case of the Romanov family is a convincing proof that DNA testing
is truly reliable.