MANILA – The Malacañang has defended President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s recent birthday party that has English pop band Duran Duran as special guest.
In a statement, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said the Chief Executive’s party at the Manila Marriott Hotel in Pasay City was organized by his “old friends”.
“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,” the PCO said.
PCO released the statement after vlogger Sass Rogando Sassot released a leaked picture of Duran Duran singing in the private party of President Marcos.
The PCO further said in their statement that Marcos spent his birthday “as just another busy day in the office, with the same dedication to his job that has marked his presidency.”
Earlier in the day, Marcos spent time with Filipino farmers in Nueva Ecija province, leading the launch of the Agri-Puhunan at Pantawid Program in Guimba town, and the distribution of Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgage to agrarian reform beneficiaries in Palayan City.
“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,” the PCO said.
The PCO also said Malacañang opened its gates and “food booths awaited people from all walks of life who came from near and far to greet him a happy birthday.”
“The President celebrated his birthday with his signature compassion for the needy and the sick, and his deep appreciation for the farmers who feed the nation,” it said./PN
