The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) confirmed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s old friends hosted a party featuring the English pop-rock band Duran Duran to celebrate the Chief Executive's 67th birthday.
"After a tiring day filled with official engagements, he attended a party thrown by his old friends at a hotel in Pasay, and to his surprise and appreciation, music was provided by Duran Duran," PCO said in an official statement on Saturday.
The statement was issued in response to numerous online criticisms after the news of the party emerged, with citizens expressing concerns that public funds were used for the event.
However, the PCO reiterated that the party was held at 'no cost' to the government, though citizens remained skeptical.
The PCO’s statement detailed President Marcos’ public engagements last Friday, which included assisting farmers and patients at government hospitals.
"He traveled hundreds of kilometers to grant farmers a condonation of their debts and gifted them with a new financing program that will boost farm yields and farmers’ incomes," PCO said.
The gates of Malacañang were opened, and food booths were set up to welcome people from near and far who came to celebrate Marcos' birthday.
PCO further emphasized that the President celebrated his birthday with compassion for the needy and the sick and appreciation for the farmers who feed the nation.
Marcos reportedly allocated more than P300 million to shoulder all the expenses of patients in Level 3 public hospitals, still as part of his birthday celebration.
