(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte has won Time 100’s online poll, edging out the likes of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Facebook chief executive officer Mark Zuckerberg, among others.
Duterte took five percent of the total “yes” votes in the online survey, which aims to determine whom readers want in the annual list of 100 most influential people in the world released by the publication.
The poll opened on March 24, and closed on April 16.
Following Duterte were Trudeau and Zuckerberg, who each received 3 percent of the total “yes” number of votes.
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and Catholic Pope Francis II also each got 3 percent of that total number.
The official TIME 100 list will be announced on April 20.
Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said “what makes (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,” he said, noting Duterte’s aims for “prosperity for all.”
He also pointed out the President’s objective of restoring the public trust in government, and the creation of a “fair and equitable society.”
“Indeed Filipinos find in the President a kindred spirit— a leader who acts for the common good,” he said.
