When justice speaks in a foreign tongue

When justice speaks in a foreign tongue

This August, as the country celebrates Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa, the Philippine Trial Lawyers Association (PTLA) has once again urged the Supreme Court to allow the use of Filipino in all court proceedings nationwide. The call draws attention to a gap that has long existed between the language of our laws and the people they are meant to serve.For many Filipinos, the courtroom can feel like a place where justice is spoken in a foreign tongue. Wh…