I mean, looking at the Philippines now, I think joining the Union would have been a better choice than independence.
Hi, not discouraging other responses here, but fyi, there have been a few posts on this question, so you can get started on some previous responses
Why did the US let the Philippines go? featuring /u/Zinegata
Why did Alaska and Hawaii become states but the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and the other Pacific islands did not? - featurning /u/The_Alaskan
Why didn't the Philippines become an American state? featuring /u/bug-hunter
Why were the Philippines not made a US state similar to Hawaii, but were instead granted independence? a bit more discussion