Duterte’s critic recognised by ‘Time’

MAnilA: She was bashed on social media last year for protesting extrajudicial killings and the hero’s burial accorded to authoritarian President Ferdinand Marcos during a rally, with netizens describing her and the contingent of students from St Scholastica’s College as brainwashed.

But standing up for her beliefs gained Grade 9 student Shibby de Guzman a slot in the list of the 30 Most Influential Teens of 2017 released on Thursday by Time magazine.

The annual list recognises youths from around the world across numerous fields for their global impact through social media and the overall ability to drive news.

Protesting the lionisation of Marcos and speaking out against President Duterte was a risky move, the magazine said, describing how Duterte lashed out against the European Union, Oxford University and outspoken critic Senator Leila de Lima.

None of this deterred De Guzman, the magazine noted.

In an interview, De Guzman expressed surprise and excitement over her inclusion in the list.

“I think that I didn’t really earn my spot, but I did use the opportunity (given to me) to do good,” she said. “I just thought that it was the right thing to do.”

The young activist said she wanted to make a change and do something about the injustice she was witnessing in the country.