Palace on TIME poll: Duterte admired for aspirations for the poor

Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

How is it possible for a president of the Philippines to be voted “most influential” based on TIME Magazine’s online poll?

It’s all about “national agenda,” Malacañang said on Monday.

Presidential  Spokesperson Ernesto Abella, responding to questions about the online survey, said, “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.”

“With or without the distinction, the President continues to be a hardworking government worker and faithful servant of the Filipino people,” he said.

READ: Duterte wins TIME’s ‘most influential’ poll

Abella reiterated Duterte’s three-point agenda of “prosperity for all; restore trust in government; build a fair and equitable society.”

“Indeed Filipinos find in the President a kindred spirit – a leader who acts for the common good,” he said.

Duterte received five percent of the total votes for TIME Magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world.