The Supreme Court has approved rules institutionalizing the use of Filipino Sign Language in court proceedings. The decision, made during a session on October 28, aims to ensure full participation of deaf individuals in the justice system. This move supports Republic Act 11106 and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
During its session on October 28, the Supreme Court approved A.M. 21-12-04-SC, or the 'Rules on Filipino Sign Language Interpreting in the Judiciary.' This implements Republic Act 11106, the Filipino Sign Language Act, enabling the use of Filipino Sign Language (FSL) in court proceedings.
Supreme Court spokesperson Camille Ting stated that the rules affirm the state's commitment under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to guarantee full participation of medically and culturally deaf Filipinos in judicial processes. Key features include 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 rules also establish ethical and professional standards to guide court interpreters, with clear procedures for accreditation and payment. They allow for both on-site and remote interpreting, with built-in safeguards to maintain accuracy, confidentiality, and reliability across all modes.
This forms part of the Supreme Court's Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022–2027, under its Access to Justice program. A Technical Working Group, chaired by Associate Justice Japar Dimaampao and including 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 rules.
The FSL rules shall take effect after publication in the Official Gazette or in two newspapers of national circulation, the Supreme Court said. The full text will be uploaded on the SC website once available.