• Authorizing the Court Administrator to Act on and Approve Requests of Lower Courts for the Hiring of Sign Language Interpreters
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OCA Circular No. 89-07•Sep 14, 2007•Supreme Court Issuances

OCA Circular No. 89-07, issued on September 14, 2007, authorizes the Court Administrator to approve requests from lower courts for the hiring of sign language interpreters. This change aims to expedite the process in cases involving parties or witnesses who require such services, thereby preventing potential miscarriages of justice due to communication barriers. The Court Administrator is empowered to set interpreter fees on a per day or appearance basis, with costs covered by the savings in lower court appropriations. This directive is intended to enhance accessibility and efficiency within the judicial system.

September 14, 2007

OCA CIRCULAR NO. 89-07

TO : The Court of Appeals, Sandiganbayan, Court of Tax Appeals, Regional Trial Courts, Shari'a District Courts, Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts in Cities, Municipal Trial Courts, Municipal Circuit Trial Courts, Shari'a Circuit Courts, the Office of the State Prosecutor, Public Attorney's Office and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines
     
SUBJECT : Authorizing the Court Administrator to Act on and Approve Requests of Lower Courts for the Hiring of Sign Language Interpreters

 

For the information and guidance of all concerned, quoted hereunder is Memorandum Order No. 59-2004 dated 10 September 2004, to wit: DTAESI

"xxx xxx xxx

WHEREAS, some cases before trial courts may involve parties or require witnesses who, to be fully understood and prevent possible miscarriage of justice, may require a sign language interpreter; and

WHEREAS, in such cases, the trial judge has to request the Supreme Court, through the Office of the Court Administrator, to hire the services of a sign language interpreter. The Court Administrator would, thereafter, recommend to the Court the hiring of the sign language interpreter. The procedure may cause delays.

WHEREFORE, in the interest of the service, the Court Administrator is hereby authorized to act on and grant requests of trial court judges to hire the services of sign language interpreters in actions or proceedings where such services would be rendered.

The Court Administrator may affix the fee of the sign language interpreter on a per day or per appearance basis, and such expenditure shall be chargeable against the savings in appropriations for the Lower Courts.

xxx xxx xxx"

(SGD.) CHRISTOPHER O. LOCKCourt Administrator