Law Summary
Composition and Appointment of the Institute of National Language
- The President appointed members representing various Philippine language groups on January 12, 1937.
- Members include representatives from Samar-Leyte Visayan, Ilocano, Cebu Visayan, Bicol, Panay Visayan, Moro, and Tagalog.
- Jaime C. de Veyra served as Chairman; Cecilio Lopez was the Secretary.
Duties and Studies Conducted by the Institute
- The Institute’s role was to study Philippine languages and select one as a basis for a national language.
- Extensive studies of native tongues were undertaken to fulfill the law’s requirements.
Selection of Tagalog as the National Language Basis
- The Institute concluded that Tagalog best met the criteria set forth in Commonwealth Act No. 184.
- This conclusion was supported by a consensus among Filipino scholars, patriots, and the public.
- The Tagalog language was recognized as widely used and accepted across different regions.
Reconciliation with English Language Instruction
- The Ordinance appended to the Constitution requires public school instruction primarily in English.
- The adoption of Tagalog as the national language does not conflict with this requirement.
- English remains the primary medium of instruction in public schools while Tagalog evolves as the national language.
Formal Resolution and Presidential Approval
- The Institute formally resolved to select Tagalog as the national language basis on November 9, 1937.
- The resolution recommended approval by the President.
- President Manuel L. Quezon issued the Executive Order approving Tagalog’s adoption as the national language.
Effectivity and Implementation
- The Executive Order took effect two years from its promulgation date, December 30, 1937.
- This period allowed for the transition in language policy and any necessary preparations.
Summary of Legal Impact
- The Order officially declared Tagalog as the basis for the national language.
- It balanced the constitutional mandate for a national language with linguistic diversity and educational policy.
- The national language adoption aimed at fostering unity and communication among Filipinos through a common language.