Why did the US grant independence to Cuba but not to the Philippines at first?

The U.S. granted independence to Cuba following the Spanish-American War primarily due to a commitment to self-determination and the desire to avoid the long-term costs of governance. In contrast, the Philippines was viewed as strategically valuable for military and economic reasons, leading the U.S. to establish control rather than granting immediate independence. The U.S. justified its actions in the Philippines by arguing that it was a "civilizing mission," believing that the Filipino people were not yet ready for self-governance. This led to a protracted conflict and eventual annexation, as opposed to the relatively swift transition to independence for Cuba.