Palace on Forbes’ list: Real power emanates from people

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte’s true source of power is the people, Malacañang said Wednesday.

"The presidency, in the mind of [Duterte], begins and ends with public trust where real power emanates," presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said.

Roque was reacting to Duterte’s inclusion in Forbes Magazine’s list of the most powerful people in 2018. The president ranked 69^th of the 75 individuals in the roster, one place higher from his 2016 ranking at 70^th. 

The entry about Duterte took note of his war against drug trade and street crimes and his “raw and vulgar vocabulary.”

READ: Duterte on Forbes’ most powerful people list once again

“As chief executive for almost two years, he has faithfully served our people by promoting the interests of the Filipino people and the Filipino nation first,” the president’s mouthpiece said.

Roque also said that the pursuit of a so-called independent foreign policy, the pro-poor policies and program of the current administration, and the war on drugs—which has killed more than 4,000 in law enforcement operations—reflect the government’s “advancing the welfare of the greatest number of our countrymen.”

Chinese President Xi Jinping, whom the president has said he loves, seized the top spot in the 2018 Forbes ranking. He replaced Russian President Vladimir Putin, who held the title for four consecutive years. Duterte has expressed admiration for both leaders.

Last week, Duterte was also named as one of the strongmen in TIME magazine’s cover story alongside Putin, Xi, and US President Donald Trump.

READ: Palace on TIME cover: Filipinos appreciate ‘strongman’ Duterte’s brand of leadership