By Tracy Cabrera
Following the transfer of the administrative supervision of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), former senator and boxing icon Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Pacquiao has been appointed as the agency’s secretary and lead convenor.
After a brief lull from public service, Pacquiao accepted the appointment, returning to the government four years after ending his term at the Senate and this time as the lead official coordinating the Marcos Jr. administration’s anti-poverty programs.
The People’s Champ, a self-made millionaire through an illustrious boxing career, took his oath yesterday, September 8, before President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. at the Malacañan Palace.
He replaced Lope Santos III, who had served as NAPC’s top executive since 2023.
Created under Republic Act No. 8425, or the Social Reform and Poverty Alleviation Act, the NAPC coordinates poverty reduction programs among national and local government agencies and the private sector.
The president chairs the Commission while the lead convenor heads its secretariat and holds the rank of secretary as part of the president’s Cabinet.
Pacquiao previously served six years as member of the Senate with his term ending in June 2022.
The former legislator expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and stated that his own upbringing in poverty will guide his work to ensure the government’s anti-poverty programs directly reach the poorest Filipino families and communities.
Pacquiao emphasized that his personal background gives him a direct understanding of what the marginalized experience, vowing to commit his efforts to genuine public service and poverty alleviation.
