After consistently leading the TIME magazine’s 100 most influential poll for 2017, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte emerged as the winner.
In an online survey, TIME magazine asked its readers to choose who should be included in its annual list, according to CNN Philippines news report.
Duterte received 5 percent of the total “yes” votes in the poll that ended on Sunday, the news report said. Duterte was followed by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Pope Francis, Bill Gates, and Mark Zuckerberg, who each received 3 percent of the total “yes” votes.
TIME listed 114 personalities it considered worthy to be on the “TIME 100.” After each vote readers are automatically shown the percentage of votes for “yes” or “no.”
Duterte has been drawing international attention over his administration’s war on drugs.
Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said Duterte is admired by Filipinos and the international community because he is a leader who acts for the common good. “He has prioritized public interest first and foremost, especially the needs and aspirations of the poor and common people,” Abella said in a statement reacting to the TIME online poll.
“With or without the distinction, the president continues to be a hardworking government worker and faithful servant of the Filipino people,” he added.
The official TIME 100 Most Influential People, selected by its editors will be announced on April 20.
In December 2016, Duterte was among the 74 Most Powerful People list of Forbes Magazine where he landed in the 70th spot.
Despite local and international criticisms, Duterte still enjoys a “very good” satisfaction rating for the first quarter of 2017 based on the latest Social Weather Stations survey.

Source: Arab News