Pacquiao picked as anti-poverty chief for track record helping marginalized Filipinos – Palace

Abi Sarabia M., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 10, 2026

Photo courtesy: Presidential Communication Office

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang said former senator Manny Pacquiao’s history of helping poor and marginalized Filipinos was among the reasons he was chosen to lead the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC).

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Pacquiao’s experience engaging with disadvantaged communities and his long-standing efforts to assist Filipinos in need made him suited for the post.

Pacquiao was sworn in by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on September 8 as Secretary and Lead Convenor of the NAPC, placing him at the helm of the government body tasked with coordinating poverty reduction and social reform programs.

According to Castro, Pacquiao has shown a personal desire to help Filipinos on the margins of society.

She said his assistance to disadvantaged communities appeared to come from his own advocacy and concern for people struggling with poverty.

“Perhaps that is the reason why he was appointed to the position,” Castro said in Filipino, adding that Pacquiao’s efforts to help others came “from his heart and good intentions.”

Pacquiao succeeded Lope Santos III, who had served as NAPC Secretary and Lead Convenor since January 2023.

His appointment also comes after administrative supervision of the NAPC was transferred back to the Office of the President from the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Created under Republic Act No. 8425, or the Social Reform and Poverty Alleviation Act of 1997, the NAPC serves as the government’s coordinating and advisory body on poverty alleviation and social reform.

Among its responsibilities are coordinating the government’s Social Reform Agenda, strengthening anti-poverty policies and ensuring that basic sectors have a voice in governance and development.

Pacquiao previously served in the Senate from 2016 to 2022. He ran for president in 2022 and later sought a Senate comeback in the 2025 midterm elections but failed to secure a seat.