A deaf-friendly court has recently been launched to enhance accessibility and ensure inclusive justice.
On March 13, 2025, Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justices Rodil V. Zalameda and Jose Midas P. Marquez led the inauguration of new courtrooms for Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branches 114 to 119 at the Main Square Mall in Barangay Bayanan, Bacoor City.
Among them, Branch 115, led by Presiding Judge Charisma I. Nolasco, has taken the initiative to enhance accessibility for deaf litigants as part of the Judiciary’s broader push for inclusive justice.
The court staff of Branch 115 has undergone training in basic sign language, equipping them to communicate directly with deaf individuals and ensure their full participation in trials without relying solely on external interpreters.
This initiative aligns with the SC’s commitment to accessibility as outlined in the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027 (SPJI).
In his remarks, Justice Zalameda emphasized that the inauguration reflects a shared vision for a fair and efficient justice system, reinforcing the Judiciary’s commitment to accessibility and excellence.
“Accessibility ensures that justice is truly available. Having the proper facility for our trial court improves court efficiency and prevents delayed proceedings… Greater efficiency means better service to our people,” Zalameda said.
Also present at the event were Court Administrator Raul B. Villanueva, Deputy Court Administrator Leo Tolentino Madrazo, SC Spokesperson Atty. Camille Sue Mae L. Ting, RTC Bacoor Executive Judge Amalia Gumapos-Ricablanca, and other judges and court personnel from the RTC and the Municipal Trial Courts in Cities, Bacoor City.
Recently, the SC also conducted a stakeholder consultation at the University of the Philippines College of Law in Diliman, Quezon City, to discuss the pioneering Rules on Filipino Sign Language (FSL) Interpreting in the Judiciary (FSL Rules).
Follow Tan Briones & Associates on LinkedIn for more legal updates and law-related articles.