That’s false. The decision for our Naval bases to leave the Philippines was made in advance (a couple years so) of Mt. Pinatubo. I was there when it happened and by the time Mt. Pinatubo erupted (June 15, 1991) we had already closed many smaller bases. Being stationed in the Philippines was my favorite location while in the Navy and if the bases were still there, I might just move there.
I was at Subic 2 years ago when my brother got married. Drove there with another cousin and it’s a yuppie’s paradise...condos mixed within an economic zone. Retiring there would also be a good idea. I never thought I could quit driving in the RP..damn, they’re crazy in Metro Manila. I almost had heart attacks in the city and I’m not even 30. It’s only when I got to outside of the MM on the highways that I breathed easily, and I’m from L.A.
I’d do the same. Was stationed at NAS Cubi Point 1988-1990.
Many ex-patriot Navy & Marine still live there after being separated or retired.