Remember that then, pre-jet-travel, the Philippines were very remote, and shipping including paper mail took weeks. It wouldn't have been an easy task to integr

Remember that then, pre-jet-travel, the Philippines were very remote, and shipping including paper mail took weeks. It wouldn't have been an easy task to integrate into the USA, when looked at in 1946 or whenever. As a former colony itself, the USA was somewhat anti-colonial in its diplomacy in the early 19th century, especially in regards to (pre-communist) China. Helping a former colony become an independent democracy would have been the more attractive option at the time. It's likely true many things would be better for the people living there now, if the US had kept it. Not arguing. But those are the people who deserve to run it, for better or worse. The US is free to make whatever agreements, treaties, etc. that both parties think make sense, just like US relations with any other country. When their interests align with those of the US, the US would be smart to encourage. When not, it's just not to be.