Philippines wants to form a military pact with China now.

https://www.todayonline.com/world/duterte-wants-create-balance-sending-troops-china-training

Besides asking China to secure the marine security in ASEAN, the Philippines is upping its ante by sending its troops to China for military training.  This development will require a military pact between China & Philippines.  Therefore, this will make it easier for China to have the excuse to secure a military base in the Philippines.

http://sg-stock.blogspot.sg/2018/02/philippines-wants-to-displace-singapore.html

The Philippines is fast becoming a leader in ASEAN because it has the political influences to spearhead any China developments in ASEAN.  To put things in perspective, China will discuss any ASEAN policy with the Philippines first before the future endeavour is being disseminated by the Philippines to ASEAN.  The ASEAN facilitator role is very important as the facilitator can influence China in the discussion and also get first-hand information from China.