Among the earliest studies is Llamzon’s (1969) Standard Filipino English, which attempts to establish English spoken in the Philippines as a distinct variety. His term covers the English spoken by educated Filipinos and considered intelligible and acceptable not only in educated Filipino circles, but also among native speakers of Canadian English and American English. Where phonology is concerned, initial objections were raised stipulating that there can be no Standard Philippine English pronunciation because of regionalisms. Bautista (2000), however, points out that the existence of regionalisms need not prevent the development and recognition of a standard variety.

Other synchronic studies of PhlE focused on its phonology, lexicon and syntax (Casambre 1986) and its use in the mass media (Gonzalez and Alberca 1978). Llamzon’s (1997) study initiated a shift in focus from research on a single standard used by Filipinos in educated circles to the different varieties of PhlE across the levels identified as acrolect, basilect, and mesolect.

Among the diachronic studies were the generational studies of Sta. Ana (1983) which sought to determine the problem sounds and grammatical features of Philippine English spoken across eight generations and that of Gonzalez, Jambalos and Romero (2003) which described Philippine English spoken across generations in line with historical landmarks on developments in English language teaching in the country. The generational studies showed “perduring” features of Philippine English phonology which have remained stable through the years as well as developments that took place in the course of time.