Marcos among TIME's '100 Most Influential People of 2024'
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has been included in TIME Magazine's "100 Most Influential People of 2024."
TIME noted Marcos' attempt to rehabilitate the name of his dictator father, Ferdinand Marcos Sr., and that his win in the elections was thanks to the "whitewashing" of his family's legacy "through clever manipulation of social media."
"His dictator father plundered billions of dollars from state coffers and stood accused of grievous human-rights violations until his ouster in 1986. Bongbong’s rise to the Philippine presidency in 2022 was owed to whitewashing this family legacy through clever manipulation of social media," the write-up said.
His leadership, however, was praised for bringing technocrats back into government, reviving the post-pandemic economy, and "[elevating] the Philippines on the world stage."
The renowned magazine also cited his stance against China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea.
"Bongbong has stood steadfast against Chinese aggression in the disputed South China Sea and bolstered his nation’s alliance with the U.S. in the face of 'rising tensions in our region and the world,' as he said last May,"
"Many problems persist, including extrajudicial killings and journalists routinely attacked. But by trying to repair his family name, Bongbong may reshape his country too."
Marcos is listed in the Leaders category, alongside economist Yulia Navalnaya, human rights activist Narges Mohammadi, Poland Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Taiwan President Willian Lai, American politician Gregg Abbott, Brazilian politician and activist Marina Silva, and more.
