Following the public backlash over President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s use of a presidential helicopter to attend Coldplay’s concert at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan on Friday night, the Presidential Security Command has defended the decision, citing concerns for the president’s safety amid heavy traffic. According to the official statement, the use of the helicopter was deemed necessary due to the “unprecedented influx” of 40,000 concertgoers, which led to a significant traffic jam in the vicinity.

The heavy congestion faced by thousands of motorists on their way to the arena became a focal point of criticism, prompting Coldplay frontman Chris Martin to address the issue during the concert. Martin, in a candid remark, commented on the traffic situation, stating that the Philippines has the worst traffic in the world.

This unexpected acknowledgment from an international artist further fueled the discourse surrounding the challenges of traffic management in the country and raised questions about the adequacy of arrangements for large-scale events to prevent such disruptions. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about balancing the convenience of VIP movements with the impact on the general public during major events.