Faces of the News: Bono

Illustration by Rene Elevera

Bono, rock band U2’s front man, ruffled sensitive political feathers when he sent a “soft message” to President Rodrigo Duterte that the Philippines “can’t compromise on human rights” before the band’s one-night concert at the Philippine Arena.

The group soon hit another nerve by including in a slideshow of empowered women the likes of beleaguered journalist Maria Ressa and the late President Cory Aquino — not exactly favorites in this administration.

While detractors slammed his political stance, Bono gained more fans when he refused to do the Duterte fist bump.

The President’s already “very popular” and has no need for Bono to be on his side, he said.