The Supreme Court in Complaint Against Emiliana A. Lumilang addressed the administrative liability of a court interpreter for inefficiency and incompetence. The Court found Emiliana A. Lumilang, a Court Interpreter III, guilty of inefficiency and incompetence due to her poor command of the English language, which resulted in inaccurate translations of testimonies given in court. As a result, she was suspended for three months without pay, with a stern warning against future similar offenses. This decision emphasizes the high standards of competence and diligence required of those serving in the judiciary, as their work directly impacts the fairness and accuracy of legal proceedings.

Lost in Translation: Can a Court Interpreter’s Errors Impact Justice?

This case arose from an anonymous complaint filed against Emiliana A. Lumilang, a Court Interpreter III at the Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. The complaint alleged that Lumilang was incompetent and committed misconduct in performing her duties. Specifically, the complainant claimed that Lumilang could not accurately translate testimonies from the Visayan dialect into English due to her poor command of the English language. The result was transcripts of stenographic notes (TSNs) that contained erroneous translations of witness testimonies. The complaint further stated that lawyers often had to correct Lumilang’s translations to ensure the record accurately reflected the witnesses’ statements. It was also alleged that she was arrogant in the workplace, particularly regarding requests for copies of TSNs.

In response, Lumilang argued that her job was to translate what she heard during hearings, not to transcribe stenographic notes. She maintained that she had been faithfully performing her duties, including preparing minutes and certificates of arraignment. She did not directly address the allegations of inaccurate translation or arrogance. The Office of the Court Administrator (OCA) initially referred the case for investigation. Ultimately, Acting Executive Judge Alcantar recommended that Lumilang be held administratively liable for incompetence, and the OCA recommended a three-month suspension without pay.

The Supreme Court adopted the findings of the OCA. The Court emphasized the constitutional mandate requiring all public officers and employees to serve with responsibility, integrity, and efficiency. The Court referenced the case of Judge Domingo-Regala v. Sultan, quoting:

No other office in the government service exacts a greater demand for moral righteousness and uprightness from an employee than the judiciary. The conduct and behavior of everyone connected with an office charged with the dispensation of justice, from the presiding judge to the lowliest clerk, must always be beyond reproach and must be circumscribed with the heavy burden of responsibility. Public officers must be accountable to the people at all times and serve them with the utmost degree of responsibility and efficiency. Any act which falls short of the exacting standards for public office, especially on the part of those expected to preserve the image of the judiciary, shall not be countenanced. It is the imperative and sacred duty of each and everyone in the court to maintain its good name and standing as a true temple of justice.

The Court stated that Lumilang failed to meet the standards required of a court employee. Despite complaints and an unsatisfactory performance rating, she did not show an honest effort to improve. The Court underscored the potentially severe consequences of inaccurate translations, noting that they could lead to unjust outcomes, either imprisoning the innocent or freeing the guilty. The Court then cited Section 46(B) of the Revised Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service (RRACCS), which classifies inefficiency and incompetence as grave offenses. However, the Court also noted that the RRACCS grants the disciplining authority the discretion to consider mitigating circumstances. Considering that this was Lumilang’s first offense, the Court deemed a three-month suspension without pay appropriate.

The Supreme Court’s decision to suspend Lumilang underscores the critical importance of accuracy and competence in the judicial system. Court interpreters play a vital role in ensuring fair and just proceedings, especially in multilingual contexts. The integrity of the judicial process depends on the accurate and reliable translation of testimonies and other relevant information. Inaccurate translations can undermine the foundation of justice, leading to wrongful convictions or acquittals. Therefore, the Court’s decision sends a clear message that incompetence in such a role will not be tolerated.

The case highlights the need for continuous professional development and training for court interpreters. Regular assessments and feedback mechanisms can help identify areas where interpreters may need additional support or training to improve their language skills and translation accuracy. Moreover, court administrators must ensure that interpreters are provided with the resources and tools necessary to perform their duties effectively. This includes access to dictionaries, glossaries, and other reference materials, as well as opportunities for ongoing education and skill enhancement.

The decision also emphasizes the importance of accountability within the judiciary. Public trust in the legal system depends on the integrity and competence of all court personnel, including interpreters. When individuals fail to meet the required standards of performance, it is essential that appropriate disciplinary action is taken. This not only serves to correct the individual’s behavior but also reinforces the message that incompetence and misconduct will not be tolerated. Furthermore, it helps maintain public confidence in the fairness and impartiality of the justice system.

Beyond the specific facts of this case, the decision has broader implications for the administration of justice in the Philippines. The country is a diverse nation with a multitude of languages and dialects. The need for competent and reliable court interpreters is paramount. The Supreme Court’s ruling serves as a reminder that language barriers must be addressed effectively to ensure that all individuals have equal access to justice, regardless of their linguistic background. By holding court interpreters to a high standard of competence, the Court is working to promote fairness, accuracy, and impartiality in legal proceedings throughout the country.

Building on this principle, the Court’s decision reinforces the importance of upholding ethical standards and professional conduct within the judiciary. The case serves as a reminder to all court personnel that they are expected to perform their duties with the utmost diligence and integrity. Failure to do so can have serious consequences, not only for the individuals involved but also for the credibility and reputation of the judicial system. The court emphasized that any conduct that diminishes public faith in the Judiciary should not be countenanced.

Moreover, the case emphasizes the judiciary’s role in safeguarding the rights of individuals who come before the courts. Accurate and reliable interpretation is essential to ensure that all parties have a fair opportunity to present their case and to understand the legal proceedings. This is particularly important for vulnerable populations, such as non-English speakers, who may be at a disadvantage if they cannot effectively communicate with the court. By holding court interpreters accountable for their performance, the Court is protecting the rights of these individuals and promoting equal access to justice for all.

The emphasis on continuous improvement and professional development is also a key takeaway from the case. The Court noted that despite receiving feedback about her inaccurate translations, Lumilang did not demonstrate an effort to improve her performance. This highlights the importance of ongoing training and education for court interpreters, as well as a willingness to learn and adapt to changing circumstances. The judiciary should invest in programs and initiatives that support the professional development of court interpreters and help them stay up-to-date on the latest language trends and translation techniques.

FAQs

What was the key issue in this case?	The key issue was whether a court interpreter could be held administratively liable for incompetence due to poor English language skills and inaccurate translations of witness testimonies.
What was the Court’s ruling?	The Court found the court interpreter guilty of inefficiency and incompetence and suspended her for three months without pay, with a stern warning against future similar offenses.
Why was the interpreter found liable?	The interpreter was found liable because she had a poor command of the English language, which resulted in inaccurate translations of testimonies, and she failed to improve despite feedback.
What standard of care does the Court expect of judiciary employees?	The Court expects all judiciary employees to serve with responsibility, integrity, and efficiency, and to uphold the good name and standing of the court.
What is the potential impact of inaccurate translations in court?	Inaccurate translations can lead to unjust outcomes, either imprisoning the innocent or freeing the guilty, thus undermining the foundation of justice.
What mitigating circumstances did the Court consider?	The Court considered that this was the interpreter’s first offense when deciding on the appropriate penalty.
What does the decision imply about the importance of language access in the courts?	The decision emphasizes the critical need for competent and reliable court interpreters to ensure fair and just proceedings for all individuals, regardless of their linguistic background.
What is RRACCS?	RRACCS stands for the Revised Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service, which classifies inefficiency and incompetence as grave offenses.

In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s decision in the Complaint Against Emiliana A. Lumilang serves as a critical reminder of the high standards of competence and diligence required of all those who serve in the judiciary. It emphasizes the importance of accurate and reliable translation in ensuring fair and just legal proceedings. By holding court interpreters accountable for their performance, the Court is working to uphold the integrity of the judicial system and protect the rights of all individuals who come before the courts.

For inquiries regarding the application of this ruling to specific circumstances, please contact ASG Law through contact or via email at frontdesk@asglawpartners.com.

Disclaimer: This analysis is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal guidance tailored to your situation, please consult with a qualified attorney.
Source: COMPLAINT AGAINST EMILIANA A. LUMILANG, A.M. No. P-14-3259, November 28, 2019