Marcos supporters stage concert in QC on SONA day

Thousands of administration supporters on Monday gathered near Sandiganbayan in Quezon City for a concert on the day of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s second State of the Nation Address (SONA).

The event’s director, Njel de Mesa, told GMA News Online that an estimated 7,000 people attended the event, which started at 12 p.m. and finished around 4 p.m.

“Gusto lang namin pagtipun-tipunin ang mga tao na talagang nag-susuporta sa ating mahal na Pangulo, mga volunteers, at saka yung mga artists particularly yung Musicians for Bongbong at saka mga support groups na parallel groups from before,” he said.

(We just want to gather the people who really supported our beloved President—volunteers, artists particularly the Musicians for Bongbong, support groups, and parallel groups from before.)

Among the artists who performed and hosted the event were John Nite, Plethora, Moymoy Palaboy, Superband, Richard Reynoso, Beware of Death Threat, Mighty Band, Shaneley Santos, Kyle Velino, Myrus Apacible, Amazing Arnold, and Jeno Sotto.

According to the Quezon City Police District (QCPD), the crowd was estimated at 6,000.

The QC government earlier said it has allowed both pro and anti-administration rallies but reminds all groups to follow laws and regulations and not to disrupt peace and order in the affected areas.

According to progressive group Bayan, around 10,000 people joined the anti-administration rallies who called for a wage hike and for government to focus its efforts on solving common people's problems.

Protesters also exhibited and burned effigies of Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte during the demonstration.

“QC is a bastion of free speech, and we value the right of everyone to peacefully assemble as protected by our Constitution,” Mayor Belmonte said.

The local government designated an area along Commonwealth Avenue near the Commission on Audit for pro-administration groups while the protesters are set to assemble along Commonwealth Avenue near Tandang Sora overpass. —VAL, GMA Integrated News