Our fellow Pinoys who are members of the deaf community (this is their preferred reference) have another request for the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the TV networks who are hosting the presidential and vice presidential debates, dubbed as Pilipinas Debates 2016.
In the first installment of the debate series, which was broadcast live from Cagayan De Oro City last Feb 21, there was no Sign Language interpreter.
READ: Deaf community to Comelec: We are voters, too
The Deaf community made a request and the Comelec promptly provided one for the next installment of Pilipinas Debates 2016, which was broadcast live from cebu City last Sun, Mar 20.
However, as Deaf community member Ana Arce pointed out: “We need a bigger interpreting inset.” She then presented a photo showing the ideal proportion of the interpreting inset. (See below.)
Other Deaf community members and advocates are also asking candidates not to talk at the same time, as this would cause confusion with the Deaf interpreter who can only focus on one person at a time.
The next presidential debate is set on Apr 24, 2016 (5pm) at the University of Pangasinan, Dagupan City (Luzon leg). It will be hosted by Manila Bulletin and ABS-CBN.
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