Artists come together for ‘SONAgkaisa’ online concert

Various artists united for an online benefit concert streamed live while President Rodrigo Duterte delivered his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.

The “Tinig ng Bayan: SONAgkaisa Concert,” which streamed over Radyo Katipunan 87.9, featured musical performances from Frankie Pangilinan, Ebe Dancel, Itchyworms, Martin Nievera, True Faith, Moonstar88, Noel & Gab Cabangon, Joanna Ampil, Bullet Dumas and more.

The broadcast also featured a special performance of “Do You Hear the People Sing?” from the classic musical Les Miserables featuring Angel Locsin, Iza Calzado, and other artists.

According to Radyo Katipunan 87.9, the concert was for the benefit of ‘Project Paghilom” which aims to help the families of drug war victims.

The broadcast started past 3:30 p.m., a few moments before President Duterte arrived at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City to physically deliver his fifth SONA amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Alfonso said a prayer for the country as it faced an ongoing health crisis which had affected the economy and the jobs of many Filipinos.

The broadcast also featured several speakers, including Sen. Kiko Pangilinan and Jesuit priest Fr. Albert Alejo who weighed in on the passage of the Anti-Terrorism Act, the ABS-CBN shutdown, and the alleged human rights violations under the administration of President Duterte. – RC, GMA News