(MANILA BULLETIN)

A measure filed in the 19th Congress seeks to prohibit the Filipino dubbing of English language movies and television programs, and instead promotes the use of Filipino subtitles. 

Negros Occidental 3rd district Rep. Jose Francisco "Kiko" Benitez penned and filed House Bill (HB) No.9939, which sought to tap mass media as a learning platform for English as a Second Language (ESL). 

"English proficiency is often cited as the key factor to the growth of the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry in the country, which earned the Philippines the title of "call center capital of the world," read the explanatory note of Benitez's bill. 

Dubbing refers to replacing foreign language dialogue in a motion picture or television program with a recording of spoken Filipino translation thereof. 

Subtitles, on the other hand, refer to on-screen text of the translation of any foreign- language dialogue, music or audio content ini a motion picture or television program. 

Benitez's bill said that while the Philippines has always been known to have high proficiency in English, several case studies find varying proficiency levels among K-12 students. 

An assessment of senior high school students in Leyte using the International English Language Testing System rubrics' found that 60 percent of students speak English at "good" or "competent" levels. 

A study in Cagayan also reported high level of comprehension of English-language literary texts, however, only at the literal level. The study noted that the respondents "could hardly answer questions elicited by why and how. They lack skills in giving judgment and generating ideas that are implicitly stated in the selections." 

Another study which assessed the English proficiency of K-12 graduates in Batangas found that '"'students can comprehend the interviewer's questions but have difficulty expressing their thoughts/ideas using the English lan guage." 

"To address this, We must enhance learning delivery to enable açquisition of English as second language (ESL). Mass media can be a platform for learning ESL. Mass media can enable children to acquire ESL and develop English proficiency. There is rich literature to support this," Benitez said. 

He said business groups have recently expressed concern that the country might lose its competitive advantage in the BPO sector "if we do not enhance education, particularly ESL learning". 

"We must therefore help younger generations acquire English in different settings, and through different media, to enable them to communicate better and explore new horizons in

terms of employment and social interaction," HB No.9939 further read. 

The bill provides for the payment of fines ranging from P50,000 to P100,000 and/or imprisonment for six months to one year against violators from audiovisual production, broadcasting, film distribution, or streaming services.