Manila: The presidential palace has spotlighted President Benigno Aquino III’s inclusion in Time Magazine’s list of “100 most influential” saying that the recognition is proof his leadership style is being recognised before the world stage.
Time Magazine annually releases its list of 100 Most Influential People in the World and having Aquino’s name mentioned in the roster alongside leaders, artists, pioneers, titans and icons; means that the Aquino’s impact in the field of ladership is being acknowledged not just by Filipinos, but other countries as well, the palace said.
“President Aquino was recognised for stabilsing and invigorating the economy, for his leadership in pushing vital legislation such as the Reproductive Health and Responsible Parenthood law…,” Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said.
Initially perceived as a lame duck leader who was elected and handed the presidency in 2010 while riding on the coat-tails of his former Senator father, Benigno Aquino Jr and EDSA revolt hero Corazon Aquino, the current President had used his immense popularity to barrel-in important legislation and governance changes.
In his descriptive of Aquino, Time Magazine writer Howard Chua-Eoan hailed the President’s resolve and courage for doing what has to be done without regard to its political cost.
“Aquino pushed through a reproductive-rights law that many said was impossible in the fervently Catholic nation. Most important, he became the face of the regional confrontation with Beijing over its claim to virtually all of the South China Sea. It is a brave stance, the long-term consequences still unknown,”
“In a country of nicknames, Filipinos proudly call their President PNoy — a pun on the word they use for themselves: Pinoy. For his courage, however, he really should have the pet name the family gave his eldest sister Maria Elena: Ballsy,” Chua-Eoan, a former news director for Time Magazine in Europe, said.
“The article is a recognition of the true grit which characterises his leadership, and the optimism, dynamism and renewed pride which has restored the standing of our nation in the eyes of Filipinos and the world,” Lacierda pointed out.
“We take pride in how the ideas of good governance and inclusive growth that are the major thrusts of the Aquino presidency resonate not just with Filipinos but with the entire world. This is especially relevant today, as countries all over are trying to become more inclusive economically, politically, and even culturally, President Aquino is already doing it in the Philippines,” Lacierda concluded.
The President’s inclusion in the Time 100 list was “the first time President Aquino appears in the list,” said Lacierda in a statement.