The Supreme Court’s (SC) decision to assign sign language interpreters in all courts is “a major step toward inclusive justice,” Senator Kiko Pangilinan said, as he welcomed this “long-overdue” step that will affirm every Filipino’s equal and dignified access to the judicial process.
“This is a historic and overdue step to ensure that access to justice does not depend on one’s physical abilities. Finally, nadinig na rin ang hinaing ng ating mga kababayan na may problema sa pandinig,” Pangilinan stressed.
“Karapatan ng bawat Pilipino—kasama na ang mga kababayan natin na may pisikal na problema—ang makilahok sa proseso ng paglilitis at ng hukuman.”
“Karapatan ng bawat Pilipino—kasama na ang mga kababayan natin na may pisikal na problema—ang makilahok sa proseso ng paglilitis at ng hukuman,” the veteran legislator added.
The seasoned lawmaker’s remarks came as the Supreme Court ordered all courts to appoint accredited interpreters after its en banc approved its Rules on Filipino Sign Language Interpretation in the judiciary.
The resolution, dated October 28, 2025, said the FSL rules shall take effect on December 15, 2025, following its publication in the Official Gazette, two newspapers of general circulation, and on the Supreme Court Website.
Pangilinan, who chairs the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, has earlier called for a budgetary allocation for Filipino Sign Language in courts.
The senator said the budget must be used for training, accreditation, and interpretation services to ensure due process for those with communication disabilities.
“Bahagi ito ng pagtupad ng judiciary sa kanilang tungkuling gawing abot-kamay ang hustisya para sa lahat, kasama ang may kapansanan.”
“Tulad ng mga naunang dagdag-pondo, bahagi ito ng pagtupad ng judiciary sa kanilang tungkuling gawing abot-kamay ang hustisya para sa lahat, kasama ang may kapansanan,” he said. “Hindi luho ang nasabing budget item. This is a meaningful investment to strengthen the justice system.”
Pangilinan urged the judiciary, relevant government agencies, and civil society organizations to work together to ensure the smooth implementation of the SC’s latest order.
He also underscored the need for more accredited interpreters nationwide, as well as to equip the courts and to inform Filipinos with hearing impairments of their rights under the new rules.
Pangilinan affirmed his commitment to ensuring that laws and institutions serve all Filipinos, including the marginalized, as he promised to support further legislative and institutional reforms that advance the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities.
