20-1-2024 (MANILA) The Presidential Security Command (PSC) has intervened to address the controversy surrounding President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s use of a helicopter to attend the concert of the British rock band Coldplay on Friday.
PSC Commander MGen. Nelson Morales issued a statement on Saturday, highlighting the security concerns arising from the heavy traffic caused by 40,000 concertgoers heading to the Philippine Arena. Morales emphasized that the traffic situation posed a potential security threat to the president, prompting the Presidential Security Group to opt for the presidential chopper.
Marcos attended a Coldplay concert just 32km from Malacañang in a helicopter.
The same Marcos who pushes for the phaseout of jeepneys in the guise of environmentalism, rides a helicopter to a concert!
The same Marcos who will massacre informal transport workers’ jobs by Feb 1! pic.twitter.com/3GZjNHGfd9
— PISTON (@pistonph) January 20, 2024
“This decision not only ensured the safety of our leader but also exemplified our commitment to prioritizing security in the face of unexpected challenges,” stated Morales.
The move came in response to recent data from transportation company TomTom Traffic, which ranked Metro Manila as the worst place for metro traffic globally in their 2023 Traffic Index. TomTom reported that Metro Manila drivers spent an average of 25 minutes and 30 seconds traveling just 10 kilometers in 2023, the slowest among the 387 areas covered in the study.
Morales sought understanding and support for such security measures, emphasizing their importance in maintaining the safety and well-being of the nation’s leadership.
The president’s choice of transportation, particularly a helicopter, drew criticism from Filipino internet users and attendees at the Philippine Arena. Many were offended, especially considering that taxpayers’ money funded the helicopter use. Coldplay’s commitment to environmental sustainability during their “Music of the Spheres” world tour, incorporating innovations like electricity-generating power bikes and reusable LED wristbands, further fueled disappointment.
On social media, netizens expressed frustration, with one user noting, “All the effort of Coldplay and their team in promoting sustainability while on tour, only for this person to fly in a chopper probably funded by… take a wild guess!”
Chris Martin, Coldplay’s lead vocalist, addressed the country’s traffic situation during the concert, thanking the audience for enduring the challenging conditions to attend the event. Despite the controversy, a video captured Marcos Jr. holding back laughter after Martin’s acknowledgment of the intense traffic.
Chris Martin called Manila traffic “bullshit” with Bongbong Marcos in the audience tonight. As he should’ve. LOL. Iconic ???????? #Coldplay #ColdplayManila #ColdplayBulacan pic.twitter.com/IEE92rB9dW
— Bernice Jathniela (@bernicearreola) January 19, 2024
