Rights of Deaf Filipinos Under Philippine Law

Understanding Republic Act No. 11106: The Filipino Sign Language Act
In 2018, a historic law was passed in the Philippines that gave the Deaf community something they’ve long fought for — recognition, inclusion, and respect.

That law is Republic Act No. 11106, also known as the Filipino Sign Language (FSL) Act. If you’re a Deaf Filipino, a parent of a Deaf child, a teacher, or simply an ally, knowing this law is empowering. It’s more than just a legal document — it’s a symbol of equal rights and access.
Let’s break it down and explore what it really means.

What is Republic Act No. 11106?
RA 11106 is the Filipino Sign Language Act, signed into law on October 30, 2018. It officially recognizes Filipino Sign Language (FSL) as the national sign language of the Filipino Deaf community.

It mandates that FSL must be used in:

Government transactions
Courtrooms
Schools
Broadcast media
Workplaces

This recognition is more than symbolic — it ensures that Deaf Filipinos can fully participate in society without discrimination or exclusion.
Source: Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines

Right to Education in FSL

RA 11106 requires that Deaf education in the Philippines must use FSL as the primary language of instruction.
This includes:

Kindergarten to Grade 12
State universities and colleges
Teacher training institutions

Why is this important? Because teaching Deaf children in a spoken language they can’t hear limits their development. Teaching them in their native language — FSL — opens doors to learning, identity, and self-worth.

“Language is not just a tool for learning. It is the key to thinking, connection, and growth.”
Philippine Deaf Resource Center
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The law also mandates that teachers of Deaf students must be trained in FSL, ensuring better communication and more inclusive learning environments.

Right to Interpreters in Courts and Public Services

Deaf Filipinos now have the legal right to qualified FSL interpreters in:

Court hearings
Legal consultations
Government offices
Police stations and hospitals

This is crucial. Before RA 11106, many Deaf individuals had to rely on family members to “translate” — often leading to miscommunication, injustice, or lack of confidentiality.

With this law, interpreting services are no longer a luxury — they’re a legal right.

Right to Information and Access in Media

RA 11106 also requires television networks and broadcast agencies to provide inset sign language interpreters for news and emergency broadcasts.

This includes:

Live news coverage
Public service announcements
Disaster or emergency alerts

Deaf people deserve to be informed — especially in times of crisis. This law ensures they’re not left in the dark.

Accountability and Implementation

The law designates various government agencies to implement these rights:

DepEd and CHED – For Deaf education
DOJ – For interpreter services in legal settings
DOLE – For workplace accessibility
NCCA and KWF – For cultural preservation of FSL
Media agencies – For interpreter access on TV

The Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) is tasked to develop and preserve FSL as part of our cultural heritage.

What This Means for You

If you are:

Deaf – You have the legal right to education, interpreters, and media access in FSL.
A parent – You can demand FSL instruction and interpreter access for your child.
A teacher – You have a duty to learn and use FSL in Deaf education.
An ally – You can support by spreading awareness and advocating for implementation.