[AlexW]

” The Philippines spends almost nothing on its own defense, preferring to ask the US taxpayer to defend its borders”
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I think you are confusing past and present.
The US left the Philippines years ago after closing the Subic bay base. It was a big mistake on the part of the Philippines, as they asked the US to pull out.

The US is now working on increasing presence here to counter China and its expansionist plans in the Pacific, as seen by their attempt to claim the Spratly Islands.
They are not coming here to protect the country.
The Philippine army is quite busy as it is, fighting muzies on Mindanao.

US presence here now consist of a US ship that grounded on a delicate coral reef. They will now have to break up the ship to move it.

[Alter Kaker]

I'm not confusing anything. I'm well aware of the fact that Subic Bay closed. Are you aware of the fact that the US and the Philippines have a mutual defense treaty, which the Philippines relies on to avoid spending its own budget on its own defense?

Yes, it is fighting what's left of the insurgency on Mindanao (along with 600 or so US Marines), but it has done nothing to upgrade its Navy or Air Force to even remotely counter an external threat. Instead, it relies on the US (which still has forces in the region) for protection from China and other regional threats. The US should give the Philippines a choice -- either do your part, or ward of Chinese expansion yourself.