Senate urged to provide sign language interpreters during hearings

FILE: Senate of the Philippines (PNA Photo)

MANILA — The Senate was urged Thursday to provide sign language interpreters for persons with hearing impairment attending Senate sessions and hearings.

“The growing presence and involvement of PWDs (persons with disabilities) in matters of national importance is an indication of their resolve to participate in the development of our nation and it is the duty of the Senate to promote their rights by policy or by law,” Binay said in a press statement.

“This is why we in the Senate must recognize the rights, privileges, and freedoms of PWDs and provide the assistance they need during our sessions and committee hearings,” she added.

Binay filed Senate Resolution No. 480 this week citing the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons which explains that the “State shall adopt policies ensuring the rehabilitation, self-development, and self-reliance of disabled persons.”

She said that Magna Carta states that “PWDs should be able to live freely and as independently as possible. This includes their participation in discussions on significant social, economic and political issues.”

“…Bigyan natin sila ng oportunidad na makilahok sa pagtalakay sa mga importanteng pagpupulong, lalung-lalo na dito sa Senado (Let’s give them the opportunity to participate in tackling important meetings, especially here in the Senate),” she further said.

Binay has earlier co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 1455 which calls for the declaration of the Filipino Sign Language as the national sign language of the Filipino deaf.

 (PNA)