Legal basis and governing intent
- The directive is issued “sa bisa ng kapangyarihang ipinagkaloob” to the President by law.
- The directive is expressly anchored on the constitutional and statutory mandate to develop and promote a national Filipino language, as stated for Saligang-Batas and Batas Komonwelt Blg. 570.
- The directive is driven by the policy that development and promotion of a national Pilipino language is a major objective of the administration’s governance.
- The directive links the Filipino language to nationalism and to the promotion of kaunlaran, katiwasayan, at pagkakaisa.
Coverage: who must follow
- All kagawaran, kawanihan, tanggapan, and “iba pang sangay ng pamahalaan” must comply with the directive.
- Compliance is required for government offices and entities that conduct opisyal na komunikasyon and transaksyon.
- The directive imposes a uniform instruction across the entire government apparatus covered by these categories.
Coverage: when Filipino language must be used
- Government agencies must use Wikang Pilipino hangga’t maaari during the Linggo ng Wika.
- Government agencies must continue using Wikang Pilipino pagkaraan nito for the same types of government activities.
- The directive applies to both the period of the Linggo ng Wika and the time that follows it.
Scope: what government activities are covered
- The directive covers lahat nang opisyal na komunikasyon (all official communications) of government.
- The directive covers lahat ng transaksyon ng pamahalaan (all government transactions).
- The directive applies to communications and transactions of the covered government offices.
Mandated language requirement
- Government offices must use Wikang Pilipino hangga’t maaari.
- The directive requires the language to be used for opisyal na komunikasyon and transaksyon in government settings.
- The directive treats use of Wikang Pilipino as a continuing administrative practice from the Linggo ng Wika onward.