Dictator-ish Philippines President Ferdinand “BongBong” Marcos has been catching a lot of shit from Manila-area residents for taking the presidential helicopter to go see Coldplay perform at a venue about 14 miles from his residence by air, but 19 miles and 90 minutes – probably much more – by road because of the fucking brutal traffic in the island country’s vast capital, Politiko.com.ph reports.
“Yesterday, the Philippine Arena experienced an unprecedented influx of 40,000 individuals eagerly attending a concert, resulting in unforeseen traffic complications along the route,” Philippines Presidential Security Group Commander Major General Nelson Morales said in a statement defending the move. “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.”
The choice of transportation method is a garden variety abuse of power scandal that obfuscates the real problem: Any national leader who likes Coldplay should be considered unfit for office. As such the Philippines military should immediately arrest this asshole and hold a new election.