Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has tapped boxing icon Manny Pacquiao as the new head of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) with a Cabinet rank.
The former senator took his oath Tuesday, Sept. 8, as secretary and lead convenor of the NAPC, succeeding Lope Santos III.
Malacañang said Marcos expressed confidence in Pacquiao’s leadership as the government seeks to strengthen its fight against poverty, advance social reforms, and bring programs and services closer to communities nationwide.
Pacquiao said his own experience growing up in poverty would guide him in his new role.
“Sa kahirapan doon ako galing. Naranasan ko matulog sa karton sa kalsada, uminom lang ng tubig, walang makain at mag-ipon ng barya para lang makatulong sa pamilya. Kaya ang puso ko, naroroon talaga sa mga kababayan nating naghihirap,” Pacquiao said in a statement.
[Translation: I came from poverty. I experienced sleeping on cardboard on the streets, surviving on water when there was nothing to eat, and saving coins just to help my family. That is why my heart is with Filipinos who are struggling.]
Pacquiao also sought to separate his appointment from politics.
“Hindi ito pulitika. Ito ay totoong serbisyo publiko upang siguruhin na ang bawat programa ng gobyerno ay direktang mararamdaman ng 14 basic sectors at ng pinakamahirap nating mga kababayan at mga pamilya sa buong bansa,” he said.
[Translation: This is not politics. This is a genuine public service aimed at ensuring that every government program is directly felt by the 14 basic sectors and the poorest Filipino families across the country.]
Pacquiao was a former Sarangani representative from 2010 to 2016 and senator from 2016 to 2022. He ran against Marcos in the 2022 presidential election. He also ran for senator in the 2025 midterm elections under the Marcos-backed Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas.
Under the Social Reform and Poverty Alleviation Act, the president serves as NAPC chairman, while the lead convenor oversees its operations and coordinates government efforts involving the country’s basic sectors.
Pacquiao’s camp said he will begin nationwide grassroots consultations and coordinate with key government agencies on poverty reduction programs.
