Marcos picks Manny Pacquiao as anti-poverty czar

NAPC LEAD CONVENOR. Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao takes his oath as National Anti-Poverty Commission lead convenor on September 8, 2026. Presidential Communications Office 'Pinahayag ng Pangulo ang kanyang tiwala sa pamumuno ni Sec. Pacquiao sa pagpapaigting ng mga pagsisikap ng pamahalaan laban sa kahirapan,' says Malacañang MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed boxing icon Manny Pacquiao as lead convenor of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC). Pacquiao, who replaces Lope Santos III, took his oath before Marcos in Malacañang on Tuesday, September 8. As NAPC lead convenor, he has the rank of Cabinet secretary. “Pinahayag ng Pangulo ang kanyang tiwala sa pamumuno ni Sec. Pacquiao sa pagpapaigting ng mga pagsisikap ng pamahalaan laban sa kahirapan, pagsusulong ng repormang panlipunan, at paglalapit ng mga programa at serbisyo sa mga komunidad sa buong bansa,” Malacañang said in a statement. (The President expressed his trust in the leadership of Sec. Pacquiao to boost government efforts in fighting poverty, pursuing social reforms, and bringing programs and services closer to communities in the whole country.) The boxing champ ran for senator in the 2025 elections under the administration ticket but lost. The appointment ban on defeated 2025 candidates lapsed on May 13. Pacquiao’s life story is often described as an inspiring tale of perseverance and success. Born into poverty in the Philippines, he left home in Mindanao as a teenager to seek a better future in Manila. Through hard work and exceptional boxing talent, he rose to become the sport’s first eight-division world champion and achieved global fame. – Rappler.com How does this make you feel? Loading