English is considered the Philippines' second language because it is widely spoken and used in various aspects of society, such as education, government, business, and media. While Filipino is the national language, English is also an official language and is taught in schools. It has become an important tool for communication and is used by many Filipinos in their daily lives, especially in urban areas. Additionally, English proficiency is highly valued and sought after in the job market, making it an essential language for many Filipinos to learn and use.