President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. was flown by a chopper to Bulacan for Coldplay's concert due to the "potential threat" posed by the "unforeseen traffic", the Presidential Security Group (PSG) defended on Saturday, January 20.
"Yesterday, the Philippine Arena experienced an unprecedented influx of 40,000 individuals eagerly attending a concert, resulting in unforeseen traffic complications along the route," PSG Commander Nelson Morales said in a statement.
"Recognizing that this traffic situation posed a potential threat to the security of our President, the PSG took decisive action by opting for the presidential chopper," he added.
Morales underscored that they only wanted to ensure the President's safety while also exemplifying their commitment to prioritize security "in the face of unexpected challenges."
The PSG commander asked for the public's "continued understanding and support" over their decision, saying that such a step is "crucial in maintaining the safety and well-being of our nation's leadership."
Marcos drew flak from netizens after he was spotted getting off and taking off a chopper rider in the Philippine Arena on Friday, January 19.
Eagle-eyed Codplay concertgoers posted videos of the presidential chopper's arrival and departure from the concert venue.
Marcos attended the concert with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and their youngest child, Vinny.
"[S]inetch itey naka-[M]alacañang chopper na umattend sa concert ng [C]oldplay sa [Philippine] [A]rena habang nung nakaraan lang may mga nag-rally about sa jeepney phaseout," a Facebook user shared.
"BBM leaving Philippine Arena in his fancy helicopter after watching #Coldplay #ColdplayBulacan #Coldplaymanila meanwhile everyone endured the horrendous traffic after the concert," X user posted.
BBM leaving Philippine Arena in his fancy helicopter after watching #Coldplay #ColdplayBulacan #Coldplaymanila meanwhile everyone endured the horrendous traffic after concert. pic.twitter.com/TXc5ipmHlZ
— Richie Valdy (@chadvaldymort) January 20, 2024
In the same concert, the President drew falk after Coldplay's frontman Chris Martin jokingly said that the Philippines top the world's worst traffic globally.
"The traffic, holy sh*t. We've seen some traffic but I think you're the number 1 in the world," he said.
"We've seen some traffic but I think you're the number 1 in the world". - Chris Martin pic.twitter.com/dmJ89OGiw6
— Philippine Concerts (@philconcerts) January 19, 2024
The study conducted by the TomTom Traffic Index showed that Metro Manila traffic ranked the worst in 387 metro areas in the world in 2023.
