What is an official language?

An official language is the language used by the agencies of the government. It is typically the language used in the country's legislative bodies.

The 1987 Philippine Constitution implicitly defined "official language": "For purposes of communication and instruction, the official languages of the Philippines are Filipino and, until otherwise provided by law, English." (Art. XIV, Sec. 7)

Other usage of the term would include under "official language" those languages which had received "official recognition".