Lito Lapid bats for use of Filipino in trial

In a statement, the senator who was unable to finish college said using Filipino will help the masses understand and develop interest in the proceedings. 

 

“Tingin ko naman ay hindi na mahalaga ang ipilit na isalin sa Tagalog lahat dahil alam naman natin na hindi lahat ng salita sa Ingles, lalo na yung mga tungkol sa batas, ay mayroon sa Tagalog,” he said. “Ang mahalaga ay kahit papaano ay makasali ang mga tulad nating salat sa Ingles na makita ang katotohanan sa paglilitis sa Chief Justice.” (I think it is not important to translate all words into Tagalog because we know that not all English words, especially legal terms, can be translated. What’s important is that somehow, those who have difficulty in English like myself will see the truth in the trial of the Chief Justice.”) 

 

Some Church leaders have called on the Senate to conduct the trial in Filipino for the benefit of viewers with difficulty understanding the language. Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile said he is open to the proposal but expressed concern about translating legal and technical terms. 

 

Enrile said the defense and prosecution lawyers, and senator-judges can speak in Filipino when questioning witnesses. 

 

Lapid has made no secret about his difficulty in understanding English as a legislator. During debates on the reproductive health bill, he said he was reluctant to join the interpellations because of the language.

 

Senators, however, allowed him to pose questions on the bill in Filipino. – Rappler.com