MANILA, Philippines (PNA) — A lawmaker who once proposed a Filipino version of the Senate rules now wants signages and billboards written in incomprehensible foreign languages also bear translations in the vernacular.
Senator Lito Lapid has filed Senate Bill 2639 or "An Act Amending Section 447(A) of the Local Government Code of the Philippines," requiring all signs, signboards, or billboards written in a foreign language to bear corresponding Filipino or English translation.
"It has been observed that there has been a widespread emergence of restaurants and other specialty shops in the country bearing signages in foreign languages or characters other than English. This is due to the migration of foreign nationals to the country, and their settlement into different communities within the country," Lapid said.
Lapid noticed the mushrooming of immigrants in the country, while signages and billboards written in Japanese, Korean, Chinese and other foreign languages have also increased specially dotting restaurants and specialty shops.
"As a means of livelihood, these foreign nationals establish businesses which cater primarily to the needs and wants of their fellow migrants," Lapid said.
"It should be remembered that, although these restaurants and shops are meant mainly to provide for the basic necessities of these foreigners, It is deemed irreverent that we Filipinos are left to wonder what these signages mean and what these businesses are for. In effect, we are being alienated in our very own country," he added.
Lapid said it is the responsibility of the government to protect Filipino consumers with the entry of many immigrants specially from India and China.
"We, as Filipinos, should never be subjected to the alienation and seclusion that we are experiencing due to this phenomenon. In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought," Lapid said.
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