Senator Francis Pangilinan has lauded the recent order by the Supreme Court (SC) to all courts to appoint accredited interpreters in the judiciary “to ensure that ensure that access to justice does not depend on one’s physical abilities, and affirm every Filipino’s equal and dignified access to judicial process.”
The Senator said the SC order has long been overdue. “Finally, the grievances of our countrymen with hearing problems have been heard. Every Filipino – including our countrymen with physical disabilities – has the right to participate in the trial process and the court),” he added.
Based on the SC resolution dated October 28, 2025, the Filipino Sign Language rules shall take effect immediately.
Pangilinan, who chairs the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, has earlier called for a budgetary allocation for Filipino Sign Language in courts. He said the budget must be used for training, accreditation, and interpretation services to ensure due process for those with communication disabilities.
“This is a meaningful investment to strengthen our justice system,” he stressed.
