Title
Supreme Court
Use of Filipino in Official Government Transactions
Law
Executive Order No. 335
Decision Date
Aug 25, 1988
An executive order in the Philippines mandates the use of the Filipino language in all official communications and transactions, requiring government offices to assign personnel for handling Filipino correspondence and translating office names and signboards, while also promoting the development and enrichment of the language.

Law Summary

Scope and Applicability

  • The directive applies to all departments, bureaus, offices, agencies, and instrumentalities of the government, both national and local.
  • All official transactions, communications, and correspondence are covered.

Mandatory Measures for Government Offices

  • Government offices must take steps to increase the use of Filipino in official matters.
  • Assign personnel specifically responsible for managing communications and correspondence in Filipino.
  • Translate names of offices, buildings, and public offices into Filipino, with optional English subtitles.
  • Adapt the "Oath of Office" for government officials and personnel into Filipino.
  • Incorporate training programs that improve personnel proficiency in Filipino for official communication purposes.

Role of the Institute of Philippine Languages

  • Formulate and implement programs promoting Filipino as a tool for national unity and progress.
  • Conduct an information campaign emphasizing the importance of Filipino.
  • Translate the Executive Order and government terms into Filipino for use as reference.
  • Organize training for government officials and personnel in Filipino language use.
  • Monitor compliance and submit regular progress reports to the Office of the President via the Department of Education, Culture and Sports.
  • Explore additional strategies to achieve full implementation of the Order's objectives.
  • Authorized to coordinate with all government units to facilitate implementation.

Supersession and Authority

  • This Executive Order revokes and replaces Executive Order No. 187 dated August 6, 1969.

Effective Implementation and Accountability

  • Offices held accountable to enhance Filipino usage in official affairs.
  • Monitoring and reporting mechanisms ensure compliance and progress.
  • Training and resource development emphasize capacity building in the Filipino language.

Legal Enforcement and Directives

  • Issued by the President of the Philippines, Corazon C. Aquino.
  • Emphasizes the strategic use of Filipino for communication, unity, and national identity within government operations.

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