Deaf community urges PBBM to sack 8 KWF Commissioners

MANILA -- The Philippine Federation of Deaf and Allies on Friday (May 31) urged President Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos, Jr. to dismiss from the service the eight Commissioners of the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF). 

In a protest rally staged by the group at Liwasang Bonifacio in Lawton, Manila led by Carolyn Dagani and Patrick Ablaza, they also urged for the resignation of the following:

KWF Chairman Arthur P. Casanova and Commissioners Reggie O. Cruz, Jesus C. Insilada, Melchor E. Orphilla, Christian N. Aguado, Hope S. Yu, Jimmy B. Fong, and 

Abraham P. Sakili. 

Through an interpreter, the deaf community asked for the implementation

of Republic Act 11106, otherwise known as the "Filipino Sign Language Law".

It's the first time in history that the deaf community staged a protest rally at Liwasang Bonifacio. 

In 2018, they went out in the open and fought for the passage of RA 11106 into law.

They are now fighting for their right to implement the law. 

The indignation rally was prompted by the termination of employment of seven KWF employees, including two deaf personnel, for unjustifiabe reason. 

The seven terminated KWF staff have only until June 30, 2024 to remain in their government position. 

Those terminated belong to the Filipino Sign Language Unit of the KWF. 

The deaf community called for the following:"Defend equity and inclusivity. KWF Commissioners resign! Abuse of power to the deaf! Karapatan ng mga Bingi, Isulong! Diskriminasyon Laban sa mga Bingi, Labanan! Protection and equal employment opportunities for the Deaf! Suporta sa Bingi ang Kailangan! Stop the FSL Massacre."

"Hope Yu: Tinanggalan ng Pag-asa ang mga Manggagawang Bingi! Protect Deaf Rights in the Workplace! Sahod, Trabaho at Karapatan ay Ipaglaban! Mga Binging Pilipino, Huwag alisan ng espasyo sa gobyerno! Casanova: Walang puso sa mga Binging Pilipino!" 

"'Wag patayin ang FSL! Respect FSL Law! Respect Deaf Rights! Respect Human Rights! Resign Arthur Casanova!" "Pantay na Pagtrato ang Kailangan ng Bawat Tao! Arthur Casanova abusado't mamamatay ng Katutubong Wikang Filipino! Patalsikin ang mamamatay wika:'Wag kitilin ang Katutubong Wika! FSL personnel and staff must stay! Marcos appointees and Arthur Casanova for the injustice of Deaf rights and labor! Step down! By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr. JTR Reports 053124--MHE