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. ;)
I don't think the safety net was they're first "Oh Crap" thought. The loss of US$ for the lease and all the GI spending hit them in the pocket book HARD!!