FACT CHECK: Video of Duterte’s ranking in ‘most powerful people’ lists lacks context

The video splices together multiple clips from various news reports, such as a 24 Oras report in 2016 about Duterte being part of Forbes magazine’s World’s Most Powerful People list. Clips from GMA’s Balitanghali and UNTV’s Why News were about Duterte leading the online poll for Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2017.  

The video also includes footage of Duterte’s meetings with world leaders such as Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump.

The post’s comments section shows congratulatory remarks, with users commenting “The Best President of our Country” and “Congratulations, Pilipinas.” 

The facts: The video crafts a misleading narrative of Duterte’s inclusion in these lists. It falsely suggests that inclusion in these lists equates to praise, when it does not and could even be seen as derogatory. It lacks context about the selection process in creating the lists and leaves out how Duterte was described by the magazines.

Understanding Duterte’s recognitions: Duterte has been named among the World’s Most Powerful People by Forbes, ranking 70th in 2016 and 69th in 2018. Meanwhile, Time magazine listed him as among the 100 Most Influential People in the world in 2017. 

In its write-up, however, Forbes highlighted Duterte’s blunt leadership style and controversial war on drugs, which have kept him in the headlines, while also noting his pivot toward China and away from the US, marking a shift in the Philippines’ foreign policy. Similarly, Time, through a write-up by former Colombian President César Gaviria, criticized his drug war as violent and ineffective, yet acknowledged his undeniable influence and strong public support.

Both Forbes and Time explained how they select names for inclusion in their lists. Forbes has four criteria for inclusion in the list: power over a number of people; the financial resources controlled by the person; power in “multiple spheres” of influence; and if that person is using that power. For Time, the merit is based on a figure’s political, cultural, and economic influence, whether it be positive or negative. Controversial figures like North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin have also been included multiple times in such lists. 

Not an honor: Duterte was earlier featured in the 2016 Time magazine Asia cover, titled  “The Punisher”, which explained why many Filipinos supported him but also highlighted the controversies surrounding his violent anti-crime approach.

Duterte was also part of Time’s 2018 cover story on the “strongmen era,” which highlighted authoritarian leaders and their threats to democracy. This was also featured in the misleading Facebook video. Contrary to what it suggests, however, this was not an honor: “strongman” describes a leader who controls by force of will and character. Duterte himself denounced this description of him. (FALSE: Duterte honored by Time magazine)

Other fact checks: Rappler has fact-checked several claims about Duterte:

• FACT CHECK: Post praising Duterte used ‘quote’ from fictional character Nick Fury
• FALSE: Queen Elizabeth II impressed by Duterte’s good governance
• FACT CHECK: No US anti-corruption award given to Duterte 
• FALSE: Duterte honored by Time magazine
• FACT CHECK: ICC has imprisoned individuals convicted of grave int’l crimes

– Cyril Bocar/Rappler.com 

Efren Cyril Bocar is a student journalist from Llorente, Eastern Samar, enrolled in English Language Studies at the Visayas State University. A managing editor of Amaranth, Cyril is a graduate of the Aries Rufo Journalism Fellowship of Rappler for 2024. 

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