A Filipino lawmaker has hit out at Singapore for allegedly signing an exclusive deal for the Taylor Swift ‘The Eras Tour’ concerts.
The politician claimed the move disregards neighbouring countries which lose out on the many benefits a big concert could bring.
Source: Taylor Swift on Facebook
He therefore urged the Philippines’ foreign affairs department (DFA) to seek an explanation from the Singapore Embassy in Manila about the move.
On Wednesday (28 Feb), Filipino representative Joey Salceda issued a media statement criticising Singapore’s alleged move, reported The Straits Times.
Source: Wikidata
Citing undisclosed sources, Salceda claimed that the Singapore government had given concert promoter Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) about US$3 million (S$4 million) in exchange for regional exclusivity for the concert.
“If true, [this] isn’t what good neighbours do”, he said.
He pointed out that the move came at the expense of neighbouring countries, which could not attract foreign concertgoers.
In addition, fans from these countries have no choice but to travel to Singapore to enjoy the concert.
Despite his disapproval, Salceda acknowledged that the move paid off.
According to Philippines news site GMA News, the lawmaker estimated that demand for Singaporean hotels and airlines rose by about 30% over the period. This came to about US$60 million (S$80 million) in additional revenue, based on his estimates.
Noting the economic benefits, Salceda pointed out that the Philippines should do more to attract such events:
We need to up our game. That is what agencies like the Tourism Promotions Board were made for.
Pointing out that Singapore and the Philippines are “good friends”, Salceda urged the country’s DFA to send a note verbale to the Singapore Embassy in Manilla, asking for an explanation on the alleged exclusive deal.
He claimed the move contradicted the “principle of consensus-based relations and solidarity on which ASEAN was founded”.
As such, he urged the country’s authorities to register their opposition as they shouldn’t “let things like this pass”.
Also read: STB provided grant for Taylor Swift concerts in S’pore, says tour will boost country’s economy
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Featured image adapted from Joey Sarte Salceda on Facebook and @taylorerastour on Instagram.
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