19 Abril 2024, Biyernes
more birthdays to come JO GOD-SAVES MONTOJO LOPEZ
welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay
supports International Autism Day, April 1-8, 2024
FMJ makes TIME’s ‘100 Most Influential People of 2024’
By Nidz Godino
“For Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos to make history, he first needed to rewrite his nation’s…his dictator father plundered billions of dollars from state coffers and stood accused of grievous human-rights violations until his ouster in 1986,” article written by Time correspondent Charlie Campbell read, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.is among this year’s 100 most influential people of Time magazine, depicted him as someone who rewrote history but who has “elevated Philippines on the world stage.”
Time’s description of Marcos, only Filipino in this year’s list, was not flattering. It called President’s late father and namesake dictator and attributed his 2022 electoral victory to “whitewashing” of his family legacy and “clever” social media manipulation.
However, Time also cited his efforts to stabilize post-pandemic economy, enhance Philippines’ image and stand up to China, has sparked fears and tensions because of its aggressive actions in South China Sea.
“Yet Bongbong’s desire to rehabilitate Marcos name has resulted in other shifts. ..he brought technocrats back into government, steadied post-pandemic economy, and elevated Philippines on the world stage,” it added.
According to Time, Marcos has “stood steadfast” against China’s aggression in South China Sea and bolstered Philippines alliance with US in face of rising regional and global tensions.
“Many problems persist, including extrajudicial killings and journalists routinely attacked…but by trying to repair his family name, Bongbong may reshape his country too,” article read.
Malacañang said Marcos’ inclusion in Time 100 list “reflects his brand of leadership that puts national interest and welfare of every Filipino above all else.”
In statement, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said Philippines under Marcos experienced “robust” economic growth and recovery, exceeding expectations and instilling confidence in the country’s economic outlook.
“Despite geopolitical tensions and hurdles posed by COVID-19 pandemic, President Marcos has elevated Philippines on world stage and contributed to regional stability, notably in Indo-Pacific region, President continues to steer country towards peace and prosperity towards his vision of Bagong Pilipinas ,new Philippines,” PCO said.
Marcos was included in the leaders category, along with Yulia Navalnaya, widow of the Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny; Iranian human rights activist Narges Mohammadi; Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk; incoming Taiwan president William Lai, Texas Governor Greg Abbott; Brazil environment minister Marina Silva; Central Intelligence Agency director William Burns; American journalist E. Jean Carroll; Singapore ambassador for oceans and law of the sea issues Rena Lee; Argentinian President Javier Milei; Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, US lawmaker Elise Stefanik, Ecuador attorney-general Diana Salazar Mendez; US Special Counsel Jack Smith; Rachel Goldberg-Polin, mother of American-Israeli hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin; World Bank president Ajay Banga; California Governor Gavin Newsom; Kenya President William Ruto; Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni; Chinese Premier Li Qiang; Jigar Shah, head of the US energy department loan programs office; Lauren Blauvelt, executive director of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio; and Andriy Yermak, head of the office of Ukraine’s president.
Other Filipinos who were part of previous Time 100 lists include late president Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, former president Rodrigo Duterte, Sen. Leila de Lima and Rappler chief executive officer Maria Ressa.
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