The Supreme Court (SC) En Banc has approved the Rules on Filipino Sign Language (FSL) Interpreting in the Judiciary (FSL Rules), a landmark measure implementing Republic Act No. 11106, or The Filipino Sign Language Act. The Rules aim to ensure equal, relevant, and effective access to justice for d/Deaf Filipinos and facilitate their full participation in court proceedings.
The FSL Rules apply to all court proceedings involving d/Deaf Filipinos in the Judiciary, at any litigation stage, with the right to choose their preferred mode of communication.
The Rules define “deaf” (with the lowercase “d”) as Filipinos with hearing loss who may or may not use sign language or identify with the Deaf community. “Deaf” (with the uppercase “D”) are those who use FSL and collectively identify as a community. This is to emphasize that all Filipino Deaf are deaf, but not all deaf Filipinos are Deaf.
Courts must appoint accredited FSL Interpreters and Deaf Relay Interpreters (interpreters). FSL interpreters translate spoken language into FSL and/or vice versa, while Deaf Relay Interpreters (DRIs) are Deaf persons who relay communication between linguistically isolated deaf persons and hearing non-signers. A linguistically isolated deaf person is a deaf with little or no exposure to sign language, resulting in limited communication skills. A hearing non-signer is a person who can hear but does not know or use sign language.
The Office of the Court Administrator (OCA) must provide all courts with an updated list of accredited interpreters every year. Courts shall refer d/Deaf parties or witnesses, within three calendar days upon receipt of request or on its own initiative, to the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) for a Visual Communication Assessment for the Deaf (VCAD) if the Court finds that the d/Deaf individual is not proficient in FSL. The purpose of the VCAD is to determine the d/Deaf person’s primary language and communication needs. The VCAD report must be submitted to the court within 10 calendar days from receipt of the referral order.
However, if the d/Deaf individual manifests proficiency in FSL, they must execute a waiver and the court shall directly appoint an FSL interpreter from the list furnished by the OCA. To ensure impartiality, the Rules prohibit courts from appointing interpreters who have conflicts of interest, such as relationship, financial, or professional ties to the d/Deaf party or witness.
If a d/Deaf party declines the court-provided interpreter due to unavailability, conflict of interest, or other justifiable reasons, they may hire interpreters at their own expense, with the other party’s consent, provided the interpreter is accredited.
To ensure effective communication, the Rules prescribe courtroom guidelines on the physical position of the interpreter relative to the d/Deaf party or witness during hearings, their access to case records, and video recording of d/Deaf testimonies. Remote interpreting is allowed when no accredited on-site interpreter is available, when the proceeding is brief and does not involve testimony, or when the case involves sensitive matters that may pose safety risks to the interpreter. The court must also meet technical standards for video and audio quality during proceedings. However, in-court interpreting remains mandatory for complex proceedings, cases involving d/Deaf children or multiple d/Deaf participants, when equipment is impaired by noise or poor lighting, or when videoconferencing is not feasible.
In cases of interpreting errors or ambiguities, the court shall consult with counsel and interpreters to assess if the error is substantial. If it is, the court will hold a hearing to determine the correct interpretation.
The FSL Rules set interpreting protocols for court proceedings. Interpreters may use consecutive or simultaneous interpreting. To review case materials in advance, they may request access to documents that will be used during the proceedings. 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 d/Deaf to pause until the judge rules on the objection.
Interpreters must act professionally and responsibly, provide accurate interpretation, remain impartial, maintain confidentiality, and respect the d/Deaf person’s identity, language, culture, status, and personal characteristics, and beliefs.
Courts may 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. Courts shall appoint a replacement from the official list provided by the OCA and furnish both the OCA and the KWF with a copy of the removal order.
The OCA grants accreditation to FSL court interpreters. Applicants must submit a verified application with proof that they are Filipino citizens and residents, of legal age, and of good moral character. They must also present valid certification from the KWF confirming that they have completed basic orientation training and passed the basic court sign language interpreter examination. Applicants must also show proof that they have either completed formal interpreter training or have served as interpreters in at least three court proceedings. They must also affirm that they have not been convicted of a crime involving dishonesty. All required documents must accompany the application.
However, until the KWF establishes a national system of standards, accreditation, and procedures for FSL interpreting, the certification, training, and examination requirements mentioned above shall not yet be mandatory. In the meantime, applicants may submit proof of interpreter training conducted by a sign language training institution or association, or certificates of court appearances in at least three instances.
The certificate of accreditation is valid for three years from the date of approval of the application unless revoked.
To maintain accreditation, interpreters must complete at least 24 hours of continuing education every three years and submit official documentation of attendance to the OCA for accreditation renewal.
The OCA, on its own or upon recommendation by the KWF, may revoke an interpreter’s accreditation if they no longer meet the qualifications or if any grounds for removal exists.
The Rules were drafted by the Technical Working Group headed by SC Associate Justice Japar B. Dimaampao as Chairperson and Associate Justice Jose Midas P. Marquez as Vice Chairperson.
The Rules shall take effect on December 15, 2025 following its publication in two newspapers of general circulation on November 29, 2025, and on the SC website. (Press release courtesy of the SC Office of the Spokesperson)
Originally published by the Supreme Court Public Information Office.
