What if at the start of the Spanish-American War the USA makes it quite clear to the Philippine rebels that they must agree if the USA puts boots on the ground in the Philippines the rebels must agree in advance the USA can stay in control until it feels the Philippines are ready for self-government and can permanently keep a naval and military presence there to repel any other powers such as Germany and Japan from taking over? If the bargain is made the USA does observe it.
Do the rebels agree? What do they do if they don't? Can they be trusted?
Do the rebels agree? What do they do if they don't? Can they be trusted?