SC greenlights use of sign language in court proceedings

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court (SC) has approved the rules institutionalizing the use of Filipino sign language (FSL) in court proceedings.

In its session held last Oct. 28, the high tribunal approved A.M. 21-12-04-SC or the “Rules on Filipino Sign Language Interpreting in the Judiciary,” which carries out Republic Act 11106 or the Filipino Sign Language Act.

In a press briefer, SC spokesperson Camille Ting said the FSL rules also affirms the state’s commitment under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, to guarantee the full participation of medically and culturally deaf Filipinos in judicial processes.

Ting said among the key features of the FSL rules is the mandatory engagement of qualified and accredited FSL interpreters in all judicial proceedings involving deaf parties or witnesses, “securing full and equitable access to justice.”

“The FSL rules also establish ethical and professional standards to guide court interpreters in the performance of their duties, with clear procedures for interpreter accreditation and payment,” she said.

Lastly, Ting said the FSL rules allow for both on-site and remote interpreting, “with built-in safeguards to maintain the accuracy, confidentiality and reliability of interpretations across all modes.”

The FSL rules form part of the SC’s Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022–2027, under its Access to Justice program.

Ting said a Technical Working Group chaired by Associate Justice Japar Dimaampao and composed of members from the Office of the Court Administrator, representatives of trial and appellate courts, the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino, deaf organizations and interpreters’ groups drafted the FSL rules.

The FSL rules shall take effect after publication in the Official Gazette or in two newspapers of national circulation, the SC said.

Ting said the full text of the FSL rules will be uploaded on the SC website once available.