Recognizing The Spanish Language As An Official Language In The Philippines For Certain Purposes

Case Overview and Summary

Presidential Decree No. 155

Recognizing the Spanish Language as an Official Language in the Philippines for Certain Purposes

- Whereas Clause 1: The 1935 Constitution provided that English and Spanish shall continue as official languages until otherwise provided by law. (Section 3, Article XIV of the 1935 Constitution)
- Whereas Clause 2: The new Constitution provides that until otherwise provided by law, English and Pilipino shall be the official languages. (Section 3(3), Article XV of the new Constitution)
- Whereas Clause 3: A sizeable part of documents in government files are written in the Spanish language and have not been officially translated into either English or Pilipino language.
- Whereas Clause 4: It is advisable to maintain the legal admissibility of important documents in government files which are written in the Spanish language pending their translation into either English or Pilipino language.
- Whereas Clause 5: Spanish language is a part of our priceless national heritage, which we share with the great Hispanic community of nations.

- Operative Clause: The Spanish language shall continue to be recognized as an official language in the Philippines while important documents in government files are in the Spanish language and not translated into either English or Pilipino language.
- This Decree shall form part of the law of the land and shall take effect immediately.