Cost saving and Spain's neglected fleet training

Was Spain's lack of fleet practice caused by cost saving or reluctance to disturb local communities?

Cost saving. The Caribbean squadron last exercised in 1884, but the date of the Philippine squadron's last exercise could not be established.

Cost saving explains the lack of fleet practice. The Philippine squadron's last exercise remains uncertain because suitable records had not been found; Spanish-language material could still resolve it. The better-equipped Caribbean squadron is identified as having exercised in 1884 in response to a German threat, and Cervera was appalled by the long gap. Its newer and more important ships make the neglect of the Philippine force especially concerning, without establishing an exact date for that force's last maneuvers.