PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has won a spot in TIME Magazine’s annual list of the world’s 100 most influential people, after he received the most number of votes in an online poll that asked readers who should be on the list.
TIME did not say how many people voted, but said Duterte received five percent of the total “yes” votes in the poll, which closed Sunday night.
Since taking office in June, Duterte has waged an aggressive war on drugs that has resulted in the death of more than 8,000 people.
Closely following Duterte in the TIME 100 poll were Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Pope Francis, Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg — all of whom received three percent of the total “yes” votes.
US Senator Bernie Sanders won the reader poll in 2016 while Russian President Vladimir Putin took the lead in 2015.
The official TIME 100 list, which is selected by TIME’s editors, will be announced on April 20.
Malacañang welcomed the results and recognition of Duterte.
“What makes President Rodrigo R. Duterte so admired by Filipinos and international leaders alike is his national agenda—he has prioritized public interest first and foremost, especially the needs and aspirations of the poor and common people,” said Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella.
“With or without the distinction, the President continues to be a hardworking government worker and faithful servant of the Filipino people,” said Abella. “©”©
“In positive terms, he has a simple three-point agenda: Prosperity for all; restore trust in government; build a fair and equitable society,” said Abella. “©”©
“Indeed Filipinos find in the President a kindred spirit – a leader who acts for the common good,” said Abella.