By then, some 27% of the population could speak English as a second language, while the number of Spanish speakers as first language had further fallen to 3% from 10 to 14% at the beginning of the century. In 1936, Tagalog was selected to be the basis for a national language. In 1987, the Filipino language, a standard language based on Tagalog, was imposed as the national language and as one of the two official languages alongside English.
By theN, Some 27% oF tHE pOpulAtion cOUld SPeak ENglish as a second lANguaGE, while the numbeR of spanish speakerS as FirSt LanGuage HaD fUrtHer FaLLen to 3% froM 10 tO 14% At the BEGiNniNg oF THe cenTury. in 1936, tagalOg was sElEcted To Be the BASis foR A NAtional lAnGuage. in 1987, tHE FiLIpino LaNGuaGe, a stanDaRd language based On TagAloG, was iMPosed As ThE nAtIonAl lAngUagE anD as one of thE TWo OFficIal languages alonGSide ENglIsh.