Law Summary
Key Definitions within the Act
- Commission: Commission on the Filipino Language.
- Chairman: Head of the Commission.
- Filipino: National language of the Philippines.
- Philippine languages: Indigenous languages including national, regional, and local languages.
- Regional language: Common lingua franca of a particular region.
- Major language: Spoken by at least 2% of Filipinos.
- Auxiliary language: Supports the national/official languages.
- Other languages: Foreign languages influencing indigenous languages.
- Ethnolinguistic regions: Geographical areas linked by a common language.
- Disciplines: Various fields of learning.
Establishment and Composition of the Commission
- A commission created to develop, promote, and preserve Filipino and Philippine languages.
- Directly under the Office of the President.
- Composed of 11 commissioners representing major languages and ethnolinguistic groups.
- At least four commissioners represent various disciplines.
- Chairman and two commissioners serve full-time; others part-time.
Appointment and Qualifications of Commissioners
- Appointed by the President with Commission on Appointments’ consent.
- Nominees submitted by ethnolinguistic regions.
- Chairman and two full-time commissioners appointed by the President.
- Commissioners serve varying terms: 7, 5, or 3 years, with reappointment limitations.
- Qualifications: natural-born Filipino, at least 30 years old, morally upright, and expert in linguistics/culture/language.
Terms of Office and Vacancy Rules
- Chairman and full-time commissioners: 7 years term.
- Other commissioners: 3 or 5 years terms.
- Reappointment allowed for one additional term.
- Replacement for vacancy serves the unexpired term.
- Commission recommends replacement within 30 days; if not, the President appoints from the nominees.
Compensation and Meeting Protocols
- Chairman and full-time commissioners receive salary equivalent to similar constitutional commissions.
- Part-time commissioners receive honorarium per meeting.
- Commission sets its own rules and holds at least monthly meetings.
- Majority of commissioners needed for quorum.
Organizational Structure and Personnel
- The Commission determines its structure.
- Technical personnel exempt from normal civil service eligibility.
- A Director General appointed for 7 years manages operations.
- Secretariat headed by the Director General supports Commission operations.
Powers, Duties, and Functions of the Commission
- Formulate policies and programs to develop and preserve Filipino and Philippine languages.
- Promulgate implementing rules and regulations.
- Conduct research and compile multi-lingual dictionaries including foreign influences.
- Propose linguistic standards for official uses.
- Promote writing and publication of works in Filipino and other languages.
- Maintain a translation division for laws, cultural works, textbooks, and other important documents.
- Call on government and private sector for cooperation.
- Conduct public hearings, seminars, and discussions nationwide.
- Adopt performance monitoring standards and submit annual progress reports to the President and Congress.
- Appoint and dismiss personnel.
- Reorganize the Commission without affecting existing personnel benefits.
Franking Privilege for Commission Publications
- Publications like dictionaries, grammars, and pamphlets are entitled to free postage.
Transfer of Functions and Assets
- Functions and assets of the Institute of Philippine Languages transferred to the Commission.
- Personnel transferred without loss of rank, salary, or benefits.
- Institute abolished upon Commission's organization and operation.
Appropriations and Budgetary Provisions
- Initial funding charged to the Institute's current fiscal appropriations.
- Subsequent funding included in the General Appropriations Act.
Language of Promulgation
- The Act promulgated in Filipino and English, with translations into regional languages.
- Filipino version prevails in case of doubt.
Separability and Repealing Clauses
- Invalid provisions do not affect the rest of the Act.
- Inconsistent laws and decrees are amended or repealed.
Effectivity Clause
- The Act takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.