A prominent leftist party, Bayan Muna, calls for the removal of US troops, citing concerns over Donald Trump's aggressive foreign policy and threats towards other nations.
Despite the warnings, political analysts believe there is substantial public support for stronger ties between Manila and Washington to counter Chinese aggression.
Under the Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), US military access was expanded in 2023, raising fears about the impact on regional stability.
Critics argue that the ongoing US military presence and equipment deployments could compromise Philippine sovereignty and align the country with US interests.
Conversely, some experts suggest that US troops serve to deter Chinese aggression and bolster Philippine security in contested waters.