The last video of Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson at Drew Olivar is not funny, according to Senator Nancy Binay who described it as “disrespectful” to the deaf/mute community who already struggle in airing their concerns and aspirations.
As author and co-sponsor of the Filipino Sign Language Bill that intends to recognize and support the implementation of sign language in all transactions and in the education of the deaf community that was just passed in the Senate, Binay raised alarm over such ridicule.
She noted that such discriminatory actions set back our efforts to make our society more inclusive by providing a more conducive environment for deaf Filipinos to exercise their right to expression without prejudice.
“I wish to remind Asec. Mocha that as a public official, it is paramount that she refrain from mocking the people she serves,” she said.
“And just so the others also become more aware, making fun of persons with disabilities is in violation of the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons.”
Again, she said sign language should never be made an amusement piece.
As this developed, Senator Paolo Aquino said deaf Filipinos would soon be empowered with their own national language after the Senate passed on third and final reading the Filipino Sign Language Act.
The Senate approved Senate Bill No. 1455 on third and final reading via 20 affirmative votes, zero negative vote, and no abstention.
“We hope to build a society where every Filipino is valued and respected. Let’s support and empower the Filipino deaf community,” said Aquino who explained that the FSL Act seeks to recognize Filipino Sign Language or FSL as the national sign language and endeavors to bring it to the mainstream.
In his sponsorship speech as vice chairman of the Committee on Education, Aquino said the FSL would give the deaf community better access to government services, information, education, and justice.
If enacted into law, the FSL will become the official mode of communication of the deaf for government services, calling for trained interpreters in various government offices.
The measure also aims to make FSL as means of interpretation in broadcast media, delivering news and information consistently to the deaf community.
In the 17th Congress, Aquino filed Senate Bill No. 967 requiring Filipino Sign Language insets for local news programs.
He also filed Senate Bill No. 1249 seeking to mandate government offices and private companies to allocate a percentage of their workforce for PWDs.