Philippines rewritten history

I am requesting an expansion of the Philippine territory to encompass all none-currently claimed territories within the former Spanish East Indies to be included within the territory of the Philippines (the Philippine Islands, the Caroline Islands, Palau, and the Marshall Islands); as well as an increase of its GDP (nominal). In justification of both, I would like to start my rewritten history following the defeat of Spain, in the Spanish-American war. After signing the treaty of Paris, the Spanish East Indies would be transferred from Spain to the United States, formally establishing the Commonwealth of the American East Indies, also informally the Philippine Islands, or simply the Philippines. It would be directly administered, as an organised unincorporated territory of the United States, until 1907, when the Commonwealth of the Philippines would be established in preparation for the territory's eventual independence. Future President, Howard Taft, who at the time was the Commonwealth's Governor-General, would work to establish the administration of the Commonwealth suited for leadership amongst the Filipino people. Dr. Jose Rizal would take on the role of the negotiator for the Katipunan, the Filipino revolutionary movement that rebelled against Spanish rule, to ensure a cordial working relationship between the most affluent local political organization and militia, with the United States. An agreement would be signed in January of 1909, between the Katipunan, now Ang Pagpupulong ng Calamba (the Council of Calamba), and the United States intending for full Philippine independence by 1914.

Though despite a few setbacks, on 3 February 1914, the Republic of the Philippines would be established in Manila. Following independence, the Philippines would seek to establish relations with other independent states in the region. Being China, Japan, Indonesia, and Siam, the Philippines would become a major middle power in the region, as it began to pursue its own interests. Though being significantly smaller than some of its other neighbours, procuring arms from European and American manufacturers, would provide the country with a formidable armed force. By 1935 the Philippine armed forces would be composed of 40 Renault FT light tank, a naval fleet of 10 destroyers, 6 destroyer escorts, and 8 submarines, and a small airforce of 30 fighter and 12 bombers. During this time, some innovation would also come in local attempts of producing war aeroplanes, Although eventually leading to nothing. In 1940, Filipino war strategists advised that a Filipino air raid over the island of Formosa should be performed targeting Japanese airfields as war against Japan was not only inevitable but would also buy the Philippines valuable time, as well as deny Japanese air superiority over the Luzon strait for several weeks. But this would be turned down by the Philippine Congress, fearing that provocation of Japan would not guarantee American support. A year later, Japan would strike Pearl Harbour, and the invasion of the Philippines would begin. Within 3 weeks of fighting, the Philippine navy would be absolutely obliterated, the Philippine army outnumbering Japanese forces, initially performed well, but after 2 months the entire archipelago would capitulate to Japanese control.

Following its liberation after the War, the Philippines would pursue a strong defensive military doctrine, in preparation and prevention of another major invasion. What was known as the Prepare and Prevent doctrine, the Philippines throughout the late 40s through early 50s would work to build up its naval forces to always contend against any major power of the region. This policy would also force Manila to lean towards the West, who had prevailed in establishing the new international order. Very conscious of its own security, the Philippines would work to create deterrence, even attempting to initiate a nuclear weapons program early on, but this would lead to nothing due to a lack of technological capabilities. Still, the Philippine navy would be among the most well-equipped and well-maintained in Southeast Asia. Though never reaching its intended capacity, it had still fulfilled the requirements of the Prepare and Prevent doctrine. During the 70s, Manila would begin a reconciliation effort with Japan, as well as building ties with its neighbors, this era would see a significant shift in policymakers. Once, a region of mistrust, Manila sought to better its ties with its neighbors through diplomatic partnership. Strong Pan-Asian movement also was prevailing in the country at the time, whilst economic ties were booming between the Philippines and its neighbors, a local movement would follow along known as "Peaceful Asia", that would essentially see the deterioration of the Philippine armed forces for much of the 70s and 80s despite being at the height of the Cold War.