Very soon, deaf litigants and witnesses can “hear” and the speech impaired can “talk” during court proceedings before the country’s courts.
The Supreme Court (SC) has approved the rules on Filipino Sign Language (FSL) interpreting in the judiciary, a landmark measure that institutionalizes the use of FSL in court proceedings to ensure equal access to justice for the hearing and speech impaired litigants and witnesses.
The rules will be implemented 15 days after publication in two newspapers of general circulation.
Under the rules, qualified and accredited FSL interpreters will be engaged in all judicial proceedings involving d/Deaf parties or witnesses to secure full and equitable access to justice.
The term “deaf” refers to individuals with hearing loss, regardless of their knowledge or use of sign language, while “Deaf” refers specifically to members of a linguistic and cultural community that primarily uses FSL.
The SC said the rules will also establish ethical and professional standards to guide court interpreters in the performance of their duties, with clear procedures for interpreter accreditation and payment.