Marcos Jr. makes TIME’s ‘100 Most Influential People of 2024’
MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos is among this year’s 100 most influential people of Time magazine, which depicted him as someone who rewrote history but who has “elevated the Philippines on the world stage.”
Time’s description of Marcos, the only Filipino in this year’s list, was not flattering. It called the President’s late father and namesake a dictator and attributed his 2022 electoral victory to the “whitewashing” of his family legacy and “clever” social media manipulation.
However, Time also cited his efforts to stabilize the post-pandemic economy, enhance the Philippines’ image and stand up to China, which has sparked fears and tensions because of its aggressive actions in the South China Sea.
“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,” an article written by Time correspondent Charlie Campbell read.
“Yet Bongbong’s desire to rehabilitate the Marcos name has resulted in other shifts. He brought technocrats back into government, steadied the post-pandemic economy, and elevated the Philippines on the world stage,” it added.
According to Time, Marcos has “stood steadfast” against China’s aggression in the South China Sea and bolstered the Philippines alliance with the US in the 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,” the article read.
Malacañang said Marcos’ inclusion in the Time 100 list “reflects his brand of leadership that puts the national interest and the welfare of every Filipino above all else.”
In a statement, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said the Philippines under Marcos experienced “robust” economic growth and recovery, exceeding expectations and instilling confidence in the country’s economic outlook.
“Despite geopolitical tensions and the hurdles posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, President Marcos has elevated the Philippines on the world stage and
