The president of the Philippines is facing social media criticism after utilizing a presidential helicopter to attend a Coldplay concert in a province north of the capital, Manila.

Ferdinand Marcos Jr and his wife were observed arriving at the Philippine Arena via helicopter on Friday, prompting critics to accuse them of misusing government resources.

Mr. Marcos Jr's office defended the decision, citing "unforeseen traffic complications."

The head of Mr. Marcos' Presidential Security Group (PSG), Brig Gen Jesus Nelson Morales, explained in a statement published on Saturday that the "unprecedented influx of 40,000 individuals eagerly attending a concert" caused traffic issues, posing a security threat to the president.

Brig Gen Morales appealed for the public's understanding, emphasizing that "continued understanding and support for these measures are crucial in maintaining the safety and well-being of our nation's leadership."

Situated deep in the suburbs, the Philippine Arena is typically a 40-minute car ride from the presidential palace, excluding the capital's notorious traffic jams. By public transport, the same route can take one to two hours.

Mr. Marcos Jr and his wife, Liza Araneta-Marcos, joined thousands of fans at Coldplay's concert at the Philippine Arena, considered the world's largest indoor arena.

Videos and photos of the first couple drew criticism on social media, with users expressing disapproval of Mr. Marcos' use of taxpayer money.

Marcos, the son, and namesake of the late strongman president whose rule ended nearly four decades ago in a historic "people power" revolution, was accused of abusing power or misusing government resources for personal and non-official activities, according to a post by a Facebook user James Patrick Aristorenas on Saturday.

"We paid for the use of the chopper, fuel, and security, who knows even for the tickets for everyone," Facebook user Arvine Concepcion said.

In a survey published on Friday, Metro Manila topped the 2023 TomTom Traffic Index list of metro areas with the slowest travel time, taking an average time of 25 minutes and 30 seconds to travel 10km in the region.

This has been blamed on creaking infrastructure and an inadequate public transport system.

Filipino office workers in the Metro Manila area often spend hours stuck in traffic. Many wake up before dawn to get to work on time.

According to the news site Rappler, Coldplay's frontman Chris Martin also remarked on the Philippine traffic, thanking fans for braving it to see the band live.

"We've seen some traffic. But I think you have the number one [traffic] in the world. Thank you for making the effort...to be here," he said.

Noted