Filipina makes it to 50 Global Leaders list

A Filipina made it to this year’s list of "50 Global Leaders," a ranking by the Eurasia Group of politicians, activists, entrepreneurs, social and religious leaders who helped shape national, regional or international politics in 2005.

Journalist Marites Danguilan Vitug, who ranked 45, was cited for heading a newsmagazine that has "won acclaim for its critical coverage of politics in society."

"In 2005, Newsbreak’s in-depth reporting on alleged electoral fraud by the administration, supposed corruption in the military, the election commission and the president’s allies provided the people with details and a point of view not often seen in the Philippines," the citation said.

"Vitug’s team has proven to be resilient and continually gains access to insiders and operatives in Philippine politics," it added.

Vitug was the only Filipino to make the list and one of only five Southeast Asians. The others are Indonesian President Bambang Yudhoyono, Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi, former Malaysian deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim, and Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, who is fighting for his life in a Jerusalem hospital after suffering a stroke, led this year’s 50 Global Leaders ranking.