SC urged to allow courts to use Filipino language during ‘Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa’ celebration on Aug. 1 to 31

The Supreme Court (SC) has been asked to allow courts in the country to use the Filipino language to celebrate the Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa, the National Language Month, from August 1 to 31. The plea was contained in a letter sent to Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo by the Philippine Trial Lawyers Association, Inc (PTLA) which is headed by Atty. Pete S. Principe as president. Attached in the letter was a resolution adopted by the PTLA on June 1, 2026. The yearly celebration of the National Language Month is mandated under Proclamation No. 1041 issued by then president Fidel V. Ramos. The PTLA’s letter sent to Chief Justice Gesmundo was dated July 8, 2026. The lawyers’ group said its request is in line with the government’s push for the strong use of Filipino language to strengthen the economic programs of the government. It noted that President Marcos himself has been using Filipino in his official meetings and instructions as well as in his speeches nationwide since 92 percent of Filipinos can fully understand and speak the Filipino language. “Tagalog is the nucleus of Filipino National Language and is known as the major native tongue and widely recognized as the leading language out of around 176 languages all over the country,” Principe said. He also recalled that Chief Justice Gesmundo used the Filipino language in his speech in Caloocan City when he was keynote speaker during the 2026 Independence Day celebration and during his speech at the 18th Graduation Ceremony of Bulacan State University Law School. At the same time, the PTLA noted that Associate Justice Ramon Paul L. Hernando was warmly applauded by delivering a speech mixed with Tagalog during the 20th Graduation Ceremony of the Bulacan State University Law School. PTLA Secretary General Atty. Yolando F. Lim, on...