American-Philippine relations have experienced ups and downs over time. American intervention in the Filipino revolution against Spanish rule in 1898, followed by a long and bloody war in which the U.S. annexed the Philippines, served to tie American and the Philippines together. America's promise of Filipino independence, and American and Filipino shared experience against the Japanese in World War Two, began a 70+ years alliance between the two nations. The election of populist president Rodrigo Duterte, and his pro-Chinese comments have called the long history of relations between the U.S. and the Philippines into question.
Among the many events in this long history between America and the Philippines, is the military coup attempt against Philippine President Corazon Aquino in December of 1989, in which the U.S. military actively intervened to help save her government.
To aid Aquino, President George H.W. Bush used the U.S. military (based in the Philippines) to intervene on behalf of the Filipino government during a military coup.
President Corazon Aquino endured several coup attempts by her military forces, but the coup attempt in early December of 1989 led her to request help from the United States. American warplanes from the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise, as well as planes from the U.S. base at Clark Air Force Base outside of Manila. With U.S. F-4 fighter planes patrolling over rebel-held airfields, the coup quickly collapsed. About 100 U.S. Marines were sent to secure the U.S. Embassy, but no American ground forces participated in quelling the coup.
U.S. participation was code-named Operation Classic Resolve.
The link is to the letter that President Bush had to send to Congress per the War Powers Act.
December 2, 1989 --Letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate on United States Military Assistance to the Philippines.