Courts to have Filipino sign language interpreters

MANILA, Philippines — Deaf Filipinos in court proceedings can request for interpreters starting Dec. 15, according to the Supreme Court (SC).

A list of accredited Filipino sign language interpreters will be provided annually to all courts following the SC’s approval of the rules on FSL interpreting in the judiciary.

Certificates of accreditation with a three-year validity will be granted by the Office of the Court Administrator.

FSL court interpreters must complete at least 24 hours of continuing education every three years to maintain their accreditation.

Courts can remove interpreters for incapacity, fraud or dishonesty in performing duties, breach of confidentiality, failure to appear without good cause or willful violation of prescribed rules and policies.

“Interpreters must… respect the deaf person’s identity, language, culture, status and personal characteristics and beliefs,” the SC maintained.

Deaf people can hire their own accredited interpreters with the other party’s consent.

Remote interpreting is permitted when no on-site interpreter is available, if proceedings are brief and do not involve testimony or if a case involves sensitive matters that could pose safety risks to the interpreter.

In-court interpreting remains mandatory for complex proceedings and cases involving children or multiple parties, as well as in facilities where equipment is impaired by noise or poor lighting and video conferencing is not feasible.