Philippines relief-force alternative

What if Japan did not attack Pearl Harbor but started the war in the Philippines and attacked the American relief force as the great battle?

That approach makes more sense for Japanese decisive-battle logic because it draws the U.S. fleet toward submarines, reconnaissance, air attack, and night torpedo threats, though the Americans might not have cooperated exactly as hoped.

The idea fits Japanese decisive-battle logic better than the historical opening because it forces the U.S. fleet toward Japanese submarines, reconnaissance aircraft, air attacks, and night torpedo tactics. The Americans might not have obliged, although a hard enough move against the Philippines could have forced a response. The answer also returns to the Pearl Harbor problem: either turn it into a true decisive battle or use a limited strike to draw the U.S. fleet west.