MANILA – The Supreme Court (SC) has approved rules institutionalizing the use of Filipino Sign Language (FSL) in all court proceedings, ensuring that deaf individuals are granted full and equitable access to justice.

In its session on October 28, the SC adopted A.M. No. 21-12-04-SC, or the Rules on Filipino Sign Language Interpreting in the Judiciary, implementing the provisions of Republic Act 11106 or the Filipino Sign Language Act.

SC spokesperson Camille Ting said the measure affirms the government’s commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which upholds the participation and inclusion of medically and culturally deaf Filipinos in legal processes.

Among the key provisions of the new rules is the mandatory engagement of qualified and accredited FSL interpreters in all judicial proceedings involving deaf parties or witnesses, guaranteeing “full and equitable access to justice,” Ting said.

The rules also establish ethical and professional standards for interpreters, along with clear procedures for accreditation and payment, to ensure consistent and professional interpretation services across all courts.

In addition, the rules allow both on-site and remote interpreting, incorporating safeguards to maintain accuracy, confidentiality, and reliability in all modes of communication.

The FSL rules form part of the SC’s Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations (SPJI) 2022–2027, specifically under its Access to Justice program.

A Technical Working Group (TWG) chaired by Associate Justice Japar Dimaampao, with members from the Office of the Court Administrator, representatives from trial and appellate courts, the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino, and various deaf and interpreters’ organizations, drafted the implementing rules.

The SC said the FSL rules will take effect after publication in the Official Gazette or in two newspapers of national circulation, and the full text will be uploaded on the SC website once available.