MANILA – Former senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, who is eyeing a return to the Senate, has called for an investigation into ticket scalping, particularly for the upcoming 2NE1 concert in Manila, and has proposed legislation to address the issue.
In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), Pangilinan voiced his concern about scalpers reselling concert tickets at inflated prices, leaving many Filipino fans at a disadvantage.
“Maraming Pinoy concertgoers ang binubudol ng mga scalpers at itong darating na concert ng 2NE1 nga ay binubudol na naman ang ating mga kababayan,” he posted.
(Many Filipino concertgoers are being scammed by scalpers, and with the upcoming 2NE1 concert, our fellow citizens are being deceived again.)
Pangilinan emphasized the need for an investigation, particularly due to the increasing prevalence of digital ticket purchases.
“At dahil digital na rin ang pagbili ng tickets, kailangan na ring imbistigahan pati ang mga bot scalpers,” he added.
(And since ticket purchases are now digital, there is also a need to investigate bot scalpers.)
The former senator, who filed his candidacy for the 2025 elections earlier this month, also suggested legislation to ensure fairness in ticket sales.
“Ang ating iminumungkahing batas ay lilikha ng isang mas patas at mas bukas na merkado. Sa ganitong paraan, mapoprotektahan ang mga mamimili mula sa pagsasamantala,” he said, without specifying the details of the proposed bill.
(The proposed law will create a fairer and more open market. In this way, consumers will be protected from exploitation.)
There has been no response yet from the concert’s organizers regarding Pangilinan’s call.
2NE1, whose member Sandara Park is a well-known celebrity in the Philippines, is scheduled to perform at the Mall of Asia Arena in November as part of their “Welcome Back” reunion tour, celebrating their 15th anniversary.
Tickets for both concert dates have already sold out, according to promoter Live Nation Philippines.