Palace cites Pacquiao’s heart for the poor in NAPC appointment

SECRETARY PACMAN – Boxing legend and former senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao takes his oath as lead convenor of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) in Malacañang on Sept. 8, 2026. (PHOTO FROM PCO) MANILA, Philippines — Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao’s “heart and genuine desire to help” especially poor Filipinos led to his appointment by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as head of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), Malacañang said on Wednesday. “We know that former Senator Manny Pacquiao has had firsthand experience interacting with many of our fellow Filipinos who are among the marginalized sectors of society,” Palace press officer Claire Castro said on Wednesday. “He has shown compassion toward our fellow Filipinos. In a way, he already has the aspiration and the genuine desire to help those at the bottom of society,” she added. Article continues after this advertisement Marcos on Tuesday led the oath-taking ceremony of Pacquiao in Malacañang as the lead convenor of the NAPC, with a rank of Cabinet Secretary, marking his return to public service. He replaced Lope Santos III, who had served as NAPC lead convenor since 2023. Malacañang, however, did not explain Santos’ removal from the Cabinet. In a statement, Santos congratulated his successor and expressed confidence in Pacquiao’s ability to lead the agency. “I am confident that his experience in public service and strong advocacy to uplift the lives of Filipinos will serve him well as he takes on his new role as Cabinet Secretary,” Santos said. Article continues after this advertisement “I wish him success as he leads the Commission and the 14 basic sectors as the People’s Champ Against Poverty,” he added. READ: Marcos appoints Manny Pacquiao as anti-poverty chief Article continues after this advertisement The NAPC was created under Republic Act No. 8425 to coordinate poverty reduction efforts by national and local governments. It also ensures that marginalized sectors have a voice in government decision-making. Marcos chairs the commission. Meanwhile, Pacquiao as lead convenor, heads the NAPC Secretariat and oversees its daily operations, coordination among government agencies and engagement with the country’s 14 basic sectors. Pacquiao thanked Marcos for giving him another opportunity to serve, saying his personal experience with poverty shaped his commitment to the poor. “I came from poverty… That is why my heart is truly with the poor,” Pacquiao said. He said he had continued helping poor Filipinos and building free housing even when he was no longer in government. “Now that we have been entrusted with the NAPC, with God’s help, we can accomplish even more,” he said. Pacquiao is expected to conduct nationwide grassroots consultations and coordinate poverty programs with 24 key government agencies. These include the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda), Department of Agriculture (DA), and Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD). His appointment followed Marcos’ issuance of Executive Order No. 123 in August. The order transferred oversight and control of the NAPC and the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor from the DSWD to the Office of the President. Pacquiao’s post is separate from that of Secretary Larry Gadon, who serves as Marcos’ presidential adviser for poverty alleviation. READ: Marcos hails Pacquiao’s boxing exploits in memorabilia turnover rites Pacquiao brings more than a decade of experience in government. He served as representative of Sarangani from 2010 to 2016 and as senator from 2016 to 2022. As a lawmaker, he pushed measures involving public housing, sports development, health care and employment. Beyond official legislative duties, Pacquiao’s humanitarian work through the Manny Pacquiao Foundation has also delivered direct relief to impoverished communities. His personal initiatives funded the construction of entire housing communities offering free houses and lots to thousands of homeless families in Sarangani and General Santos City, alongside nationwide medical missions and educational scholarships. /gsg Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful. SECRETARY PACMAN – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. leads the oath-taking ceremony of Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao as lead convenor of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) in Malacañang on Sept. 8, 2026. (PHOTO FROM PCO)