Of course, so-called international morality means nothing to all countries. Since the United States and Spain have already declared war on each other, it's not just about the Philippines; even if they were to advance to Spanish soil, there would be no issue.
Now, however, with East Africa and France backing Spain, Spain truly seized this opportunity to negotiate with the United States over the Philippines issue, though naturally, the United States couldn't possibly return the Philippines.
Ultimately, the compromise reached between both parties was that the United States would purchase the Philippines for the same amount as in history, still twenty million US Dollars. However, compared to history, the United States has suffered a heavy loss; on one hand, the losses from this war are greater, and on the other hand, Mindanao Island in the Philippines has already been sold to East Africa. Thus, the United States pays the same price but can only obtain two-thirds of the Philippines.
