Language barrier blocks justice — Diokno

Akbayan Partylist Rep. Chel Diokno has renewed his push to translate national laws into major Philippine languages, saying ordinary Filipinos cannot fully exercise their rights if they cannot understand the laws that govern them.

Diokno reiterated his call to amend the Administrative Code of 1987 to require the translation of laws carrying penal provisions into major local languages, including Filipino, Cebuano, Ilokano and Bisaya.

“Our laws should be accessible to every Filipino. If ordinary people cannot understand the law, how can they know and exercise the rights it guarantees?” Diokno said.

The country celebrates Buwan ng Wika in August.

“It is not just about translation but ensuring equal access to justice. No one should be left behind simply because they cannot understand the language of the law,” he added.

Under House Bill 3863, the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino would lead the translation of national laws, while the Presidential Communications Office would publish the translated versions through the Official Gazette.

The proposal covers key statutes such as the Revised Penal Code, the Labor Code, the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act, the Safe Spaces Act and other laws with significant legal consequences.

Diokno noted that several Southeast Asian countries, including Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Timor-Leste, already publish their laws in their respective national languages.

House Bill 3863, first filed in August 2025, remains pending before the House Committee on Revision of Laws.