The Duran Duran and Bongbong Marcos (BBM) Birthday Concert Controversy

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) released a statement a few hours after posts about the private concert went viral online. Here's the contents of the statement:

The President spent his birthday as just another busy day in the office, with the same dedication to his job that has marked his presidency. 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.

He ordered the payment of the bills incurred that day by qualified patients in third-level DOH hospitals. He opened the gates of MalacaƱang, where 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.

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.

Senator Grace Poe and Senator Chiz Escudero were allegedly present at the private concert.