The correct answer is: Realizing the strategic value of the Philippines, the United States ordered a surprise attack on the Spanish fleet as soon as war was declared.
The United States felt that its West Coast was vulnerable to attacks, and felt that attacking the Philippines had a strategic value to protect themselves. Also, it concerned the United States the fact that a great power, such as Germany, could take the Phillipines for itself, taking advantage of the chaos that was installed by the war.