PB wants interpreters in court

Saturday, February 4, 2012

THE Provincial Board (PB) wants Cebu’s courts to hire sign language interpreters, saying there are many unresolved cases involving persons with hearing disabilities.

The request was made in a resolution passed in mass motion in one of the PB’s regular sessions. The letter was addressed to Executive Judge of the Regional Trial Court Meinrado Paredes.

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But the PB, during their session, failed to point out that Paredes already turned over his post to Executive Judge Sylvestre Maamo Jr. 

PB Member Arleigh Sitoy, sponsor of the resolution, quoted a Philippine Deaf Resources Center (PDRC) study that due to the absence of court interpreters during the proceedings, there are cases that are left unresolved.

Sitoy, chairman of the committee on persons with disabilities (PWDs), said this should not be overlooked especially that one out of three women with hearing disabilities is believed to be a victim of rape.

Sitoy said that according to PDRC, 65 percent to 70 percent of deaf children are victims of molestation.

Memorandum

Sitoy said he is confident that hiring interpreters is possible because of a memorandum of the Supreme Court (SC).

The memorandum authorized court administrators to act on and grant requests of trial court judges to hire sign language interpreters.

Under Republic Act (R.A.) 7277, known as Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities, Sitoy said, the state should promote respect for PWDs.

All efforts to remove social, cultural, economic, environmental and attitudinal barriers should be exerted, the law requires.

“The PB deems it appropriate and necessary to request the executive judge to encourage all regional and municipal trial courts (to hire interpreters),” the resolution further said.

He said all persons shall be given equal opportunity, due process and speedy dispositions of their cases.