They didn't kick us out. They got greedy and wanted to renegotiate a HUGE increase in lease payments at Clark and Subic Bay. We told them to pound sand. It cost them dearly in the end...
Yeah, I'm sure they've since come to regret not having an American presence there. We're sort of a safety net to counterbalance the influence of China.
I've read that civilian airplanes landing in Manila are painted by Chi-com radars. And this was 20 years ago. That's no way to treat a neighbor.
Anyway, I think this idea is nuts. Nonetheless, it raises interesting possibilities. Such as: How do you think that China would feel if the USA admitted the P. as a state? Think of it: American territory leaping toward their mainland.
Google a map, see how close those two nations are. Really not far at all.
China would freak out and I cannot say I'd really blame them. ;)