The Supreme Court (SC) has approved the Rules on Filipino Sign Language Interpreting in the Judiciary (FSL Rules) to guarantee equal and effective access to justice for d/Deaf Filipinos. The rules require courts to appoint accredited Filipino Sign Language (FSL) interpreters and Deaf Relay Interpreters (DRIs), the latter being Deaf individuals who assist those with limited sign language skills in communicating with hearing participants.

The Office of the Court Administrator (OCA) will maintain an updated list of accredited interpreters. The SC emphasized that “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 person refuses the court-provided interpreter, they may hire accredited interpreters at their own expense, provided the opposing party agrees. The OCA oversees accreditation, which is valid for three years unless revoked.

To retain accreditation, interpreters must complete at least 24 hours of continuing education every three years and submit proof of attendance for renewal. Courts may remove interpreters for incapacity, dishonesty, breach of confidentiality, or willful violation of rules.

The SC reminded interpreters to meet strict ethical standards: “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.”

The rules also define “deaf” as Filipinos with hearing loss, while “Deaf” refers to those who use FSL and identify as part of the Deaf community. “This is to emphasize that all Filipino Deaf are deaf, but not all deaf Filipinos are Deaf,” the SC said.

The FSL Rules apply to all court proceedings involving d/Deaf Filipinos, ensuring they may choose their preferred mode of communication.