What was a strategic purpose of the conflict in the Philippines during the Spanish$-$American War?

The U$.$S$.$ hoped to send a message to Spain's allies that the U$.$S$.$ had a military strong enough to travel around the world.

By starting in the Pacific Ocean, the U$.$S$.$ hoped to disable the Spanish Naval fleet and prevent it from coming to assist in Cuba.

The Philippines was also a Spanish colony and the U$.$S$.$ hoped to deter Spain while also expanding its overseas presence into Asia.

The Philippines were close to the Spanish controlled area of China, where the U$.$S$.$ hoped to overthrow their rule.