USA doesn't care about the Philippines. They damn care about China, placing offensive (not defensive) assets there. And those offensive assets are manned by US troups. Not Philippino.
Like, there is a good Jewish saying, which goes as "if someone promises to kill you - believe them".
As a kind reminder, throughout 1942 US, lost 4 fleet carriers out of 7 they began the war with, that aside from half a year of endless defeats, and being almost thrown out of the whole region. Including Philippines, btw, which were meant to do more or less the same thing as today.
No, global dominance is not cheaper than two carriers (out of a dozen available). If you want to fight this conflict - do at least better than Japanese did back then.