House panel okays bills on TV sign language insets

MANILA, Philippines - The House of Representatives committee on public information has approved two bills seeking to require the use of Filipino sign language (FSL) insets for local TV news programs for the benefit of persons with disabilities (PWDs), especially the hearing-impaired.

The committee chaired by Antonio Tinio of party-list group Alliance of Concerned Teachers endorsed for plenary consideration Bill 2588 filed by Maximo Rodriguez Jr. of Cagayan de Oro City and Bill 3027 by Carlos Isagani Zarate of Bayan Muna.

The two measures would amend the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities by requiring all TV stations to provide Filipino sign language insets and, where possible, closed captions or subtitles in at least two newscast programs a day and special programs covering events of national significance.

The amendment further provides that “free-to-air television stations may likewise opt to provide FSL insets in other programs such as those pertaining to cultural affairs, livelihood and those catering to children.”

“With the advancement in information technology and the relevance of television programs, motion pictures and other audio-visual presentation as tools of learning, there is a need to enable persons with hearing impairments to take advantage of such technology and enjoy audio-visual entertainment with their seemingly unbounded innovations,” Rodriguez said.