Legendary Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao has been officially appointed as the Coordinator of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. This significant appointment places Pacquiao in a ministerial-level position within the government, marking his return to public service.
The swearing-in ceremony took place before President Marcos at the Malacañang Palace on September 8. This role represents Pacquiao’s first cabinet-level position following an extensive career in Philippine politics, which included serving terms in both the National Assembly and the Senate. He also notably ran as a presidential candidate in the 2022 elections.
The 47-year-old ‘Philippine Boxing King’ succeeds Lope Santos III, who had held the NAPC Coordinator position since 2023. While President Marcos himself chairs the commission, Pacquiao, as the Coordinator, will also serve as the Secretary of the Secretariat, overseeing the day-to-day operations.
The NAPC, established under Public Law No. 8425, is tasked with coordinating the national government’s various poverty reduction programs from the national to the sub-national levels. Its crucial mandate is to ensure that vulnerable populations across the Philippines receive adequate consideration and support from the government’s initiatives.
Upon his appointment, Pacquiao expressed his deep personal understanding of poverty, drawing from his own life experiences. He stated, “I originated from poverty. I used to sleep on cardboard on the sidewalk, drinking tea with nothing to eat, trying to save a little money to help my family.” His personal journey is expected to bring a unique perspective and passion to the commission’s vital work.
