Metro Manila, Philippines – Malacañang defended President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s appointment of former Sen. Manny Pacquiao as anti-poverty chief, citing his encounter with poverty and history of helping the poor.
Palace press officer Claire Castro said Pacquiao’s familiarity with people in the fringes of society and his desire to help them were among the reasons he was tapped to lead the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC).
“Alam naman po natin na si dating Sen. Manny Pacquiao kung papaano siya nakisalamuha ng ibang mga kababayan natin na nasa laylayan ng lipunan,” Castro said during a Palace briefing.
[Translation: We know how former Sen. Manny Pacquiao has connected with our fellow Filipinos who are among the most disadvantaged sectors of society]
Pacquiao, who has frequently spoken about growing up in poverty before becoming a world boxing champion, was sworn in by Marcos as NAPC secretary and lead convenor.
Castro said Pacquiao’s record of extending assistance to Filipinos was also factored in the president’s decision.
“Alam natin kung papaano siya dumamay sa ating mga kababayan. Kumbaga, nandoon na iyong kanyang mithiin, ang kaniyang damdamin na tumulong sa nasa ilalim nga ng lipunan at kung kinakailangan tulungan ay dapat na tulungan,” she said.
[Translation: We know how he has reached out to help our fellow Filipinos. He has shown a genuine desire and concern for people at the margins of society and a willingness to help those who need it.]
“Siguro doon nanggagaling ang dahilan kung bakit siya ang nai-appoint sa nasabing posisyon dahil nakikita natin na ang pagtulong ni Senator Manny Pacquiao sa ating mga kababayan ay nanggagaling sa kanyang puso, sa kanyang magandang mithiin,” Castro added.
[Translation: That may be the reason for his appointment to the position. We have seen that Senator Manny Pacquiao’s desire to help our fellow Filipinos comes from his heart and from his good intentions.]
As NAPC lead convenor, Pacquiao will help oversee the body tasked with coordinating poverty-reduction policies and programs for the basic sectors.
He succeeded Lope Santos III as NAPC lead convenor. Castro said no reason was given for the leadership change.
