Might be a hot take, but it seems completely justified. Crawling traffic would pose a serious security threat. They also have a right to be upset about the traffic situation. 2 things can be true at the same time.
For context, we are having a transport crisis here in PHL. Aside from being the worst in the world for traffic, a major public transport system is about to be modernized and the cost is unbearable for the drivers.
Also the president has a record of being a "party boy", going to lots of events and parties all over the world.
Going to the concert through a helicopter using public money is insensitive, and I'm being extremely generous.
Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos Jr has been criticised for using a presidential helicopter to attend a Coldplay concert north of the capital Manila, bypassing the area’s notorious traffic jams.
On social media, many accused the president of wasting taxpayers’ money, and pointed out that the public has to endure Metro Manila’s infamous traffic daily while commuting.
The Presidential Security Group said the Philippine Arena had “experienced an unprecedented influx of 40,000 individuals eagerly attending a concert, resulting in unforeseen traffic complications along the route”.
However, activist Renato Reyes described the decision as “a grave insult to millions of Filipino commuters”, adding that Metro Manila has been ranked as having the worst traffic in a recent international survey.
The late dictator Marcos Sr ruled the Philippines for two decades, and the family, known for their extravagance, were accused of plundering billions of dollars.
Others pointed out that Marcos Jr’s mode of travel contrasted with Coldplay’s wider efforts to make their shows as low-carbon as possible.
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