MANILA, Philippines: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is one of the notable personalities included in Time Magazine's "100 Most Influential People of 2024."

The US publication cited Marcos' post-pandemic initiatives to keep the economy afloat and for having "elevated the Philippines in the world stage."

Time Magazine correspondent Charlie Campbell also lauded the chief executive for his stance on the issue on the West Philippine Sea and China's increasingly aggressive maneuverings in the contested waterway.

"He brought technocrats back into government, steadied the post-pandemic economy, and elevated the Philippines on the world stage," part of the article published on Thursday (Manila time) read.

"Bongbong has stood steadfast against Chinese aggression in the disputed South China Sea and bolstered his nation's alliance with the US in the face of "rising tensions in our region and the world," as he said last May. Many problems persist, including extrajudicial killings and journalists routinely attacked. But by trying to repair his family name, Bongbong may reshape his country too," it added.

The President joins an elite cast that includes Hollywood celebrities Dua Lipa, Taraji P. Henson, and Michael J. Fox as well as big-named sports personalities such as National Football League (NFL) superstar Patrick Mahomes, Dallas Mavericks team owner Marc Cuban, and Formula One racer Marx Verstappen.

Other notable names on the list are World Bank president Ajay Banga, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, and Qatar Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, among others.

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