The President of the Philippines, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., has been recognized as one of TIME magazine’s 100 most influential people for 2024. This honor is given in the context of Marcos Jr. being portrayed as a person who has changed history and improved the Philippines’ standing internationally.
The portrayal of Marcos Jr. by TIME, the only Filipino on this esteemed list, was not entirely accurate. The magazine recognized his efforts to counter China’s encroachment in the South China Sea, improve the nation’s worldwide image, and stabilize the economy following the pandemic. It did, however, also draw attention to concerns regarding the nation’s media freedom and human rights violations as well as the “whitewashing” of his family’s history.
The TIME piece emphasized the difficult political history of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. by bringing up the contentious dictatorship of his father, who was charged with corruption and violating human rights. In spite of this, TIME acknowledged Marcos Jr.’s efforts to restore his family’s reputation, introduce technocrats into the government, and fortify relations with the US in the face of difficulties in the region.
The story of Marcos Jr.’s leadership style, which emphasizes economic recovery and national interests, is reflected in his selection on TIME’s list. Through the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the Philippine government stated its satisfaction in Marcos Jr.’s recognition, highlighting his contributions to regional stability, economic progress, and his vision for a “new Philippines.”
Marcos Jr.’s inclusion on TIME’s 100 list for 2024, which highlights his role in influencing domestic and international agendas, places him with a wide range of influential people from throughout the world.
