Proclamation of Tagalog as National Language

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EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 134: Proclamation of Tagalog as National Language

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Title Source: Supreme Court: Proclamation of Tagalog as National Language

Law: Executive Order No. 134

Decision Date: Dec 13, 1937

Manuel L. Quezon proclaims Tagalog as the basis of the national language of the Philippines, following the recommendation of the Institute of National Language, while ensuring that English remains the primary medium of instruction in public schools.

Law Summary

Creation and Composition of the Institute of National Language

The President appointed members from various ethnolinguistic groups to form the Institute of National Language on January 12, 1937.
Members included representatives of Samar-Leyte Visayan, Ilocano, Cebu Visayan, Bicol, Panay Visayan, Moro, and Tagalog language communities.
The Institute was tasked to study Philippine tongues and recommend the national language.

Studies and Resolution by the Institute of National Language

After thorough study of Philippine languages, the Institute resolved on November 9, 1937, that Tagalog most fulfills the requirements of Commonwealth Act No. 184.
The Tagalog language was found to be the most widely used and accepted among Filipinos.
The conclusion was supported by scholars, patriots of diverse backgrounds, and public opinion reflected in media and publications.

Compliance with Constitutional Provisions on Language

The adoption of the national language based on Tagalog does not conflict with Section 1, Subsection 8 of the Ordinance appended to the Constitution.
The Ordinance mandates that public school instruction be primarily conducted in English, which remains unaffected by this order.

Formal Adoption of Tagalog as the Basis of the National Language

The Institute formally selected Tagalog as the basis for the national language development and evolution.
The Institute recommended to the President to officially adopt Tagalog as the national language basis.

Presidential Proclamation and Effectivity

President Manuel L. Quezon approved and proclaimed the adoption of Tagalog as the national language of the Philippines on December 30, 1937.
The proclamation took effect two years from the date of issuance.

Important Legal Concepts and Clarifications

The national language refers specifically to the language evolved and adopted based on Tagalog.
This proclamation respects the existing constitutional framework on language education.
The law aims to foster national unity through a common language while maintaining English as the primary language of instruction in public schools.

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