Concert Producer Withdraws From Jim Paredes Benefit Concert for Marawi Victims?

The concert producer for a supposed benefit concert of veteran singer-composer Jim Paredes to help the victims of the ongoing crisis in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur has decided to withdraw from the said event. This is according to netizen who claimed to have knowledge, and sent us some details why it is very likely not to push through.

According to a friend who requested me not to reveal her name, the planned Jim Paredes benefit concert for Marawi victims might not happen. In events like this, all the proceeds usually go the beneficiaries. And for Jim, this is probably his own little way to help them. But apparently, there are two major problems why the producer allegedly changed his mind.

First, the former APO member wanted to perform at Music Museum, which has a capacity of 1,000. However, the said concert producer is worried that the venue might not be filled. Second, Jim Paredes allegedly asked for ten percent (10%) from the earnings as his talent fee. So far, it remains unknown if the 65-year old singer will still look for another financier.

Paredes, who is known for being a staunch critic of President Rodrigo Duterte, has been in the controversy lately. Last February 25, which marked the 31st anniversary of the 1986 People Power Revolution, he confronted some members of the Dutete Youth at the People Power Monument, along EDSA. There, he was caught on video condemning the group.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has raised P13 million as trust funds for the Marawi victims, On the other hand, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) opened two bank accounts at Land Bank of the Philippines for donations, One is for the families of soldiers who were killed during the battle against the Maute group, and the other is for Marawi evacuees.

As of posting, Jim Paredes has not issued a statement on this issue. Meanwhile, there will be benefit concert for Marawi victims to held at the GT-Toyota Asian Cultural Center at UP Diliman in Quezon City today, Wednesday, June 21. Titled, "Tabang para sa Katawhan", performers included are Noel Cabangon, Chikoy Pura, UP Guitar Society, and many more.

Contributed by Karenina Saulo