SC approves Filipino Sign Language rules in courts
The Supreme Court has approved rules that would require having Filipino Sign Language (FSL) interpreters in all court proceedings involving deaf Filipinos.
In a press release on Dec. 1, the high court revealed its "FSL Rules," which would apply to all court proceedings with deaf Filipinos at any litigation stage. It aims to "ensure equal, relevant, and effective access to justice for deaf Filipinos and facilitate their full participation in court proceedings," according to the SC.
Under the new rules, courts must appoint accredited FSL interpreters and deaf relay interpreters (DRIs). DRIs will translate for deaf individuals with little or no exposure to sign language and hearing non-signers.
Interpreters who have conflicts of interest, such as a relationship or financial and professional ties to the deaf party or witness, will be prohibited from participating.
Additionally, the SC noted that if a deaf party declines the court-provided interpreter, they may hire their own accredited one at their own expense.
In its rules, the high court also states that remote interpreting is allowed when an on-site one is unavailable, when the proceeding is brief and does not involve testimony, and when the case involves sensitive matters that may pose safety risks to the interpreter. However, if the case involves deaf children or multiple deaf participants, the interpreter must be in court.
"If unfamiliar or critical terms arise, interpreters shall inform the court through counsel, and the court may allow clarification, repetition, or time to verify terms. Interpreters must relay responses exactly as given, even if the answer is non-responsive. When an objection is raised, they shall interpret up to that point and signal the [deaf] to pause until the judge rules on the objection," the SC said.
Courts may remove interpreters for incapacity, fraud, dishonesty, breach of confidentiality, failure to appear with good cause, or willful violation of prescribed rules and policies.
Accreditation for FSL interpreters will be granted by the Office of the Court Administrator. The said translators also need a certification from the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino—however, the agency has yet to establish a national system of standards, accreditation, and procedures for FSL interpreting.
The SC said that the rules will take effect on Dec. 15.
In 2018, the Senate passed Republic Act No. 11106, or the Filipino Sign Language Act, which declared FSL as the national sign language for the Filipino deaf and the official sign language in government transactions.