President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. swears in former senator and boxing icon Manny Pacquiao as secretary and lead convenor of the National Anti-Poverty Commission during an oath-taking ceremony in Malacañang on September 8, 2026. (Courtesy: PCO)
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday swore in former senator Manny Pacquiao as secretary and lead convenor of the National Anti-Poverty Commission, tasking the boxing icon-turned-politician with helping strengthen the government’s campaign against poverty.
Mr. Marcos expressed confidence in Pacquiao’s leadership as the administration seeks to expand social reforms and bring government programs and services closer to communities across the country.
Pacquiao’s appointment places him at the helm of the government body responsible for coordinating efforts to reduce poverty and promote the participation of basic sectors in policymaking.
Malacañang said Mr. Marcos expects Pacquiao to help intensify government initiatives addressing poverty, advance social reforms and ensure that assistance and public services reach communities nationwide.
Pacquiao, a former world boxing champion and senator, has long been involved in programs focused on providing assistance to poor and disadvantaged communities.
The NAPC welcomed Pacquiao as its new chief. He succeeds Lope Santos III, who served the organization as lead convenor for more than three and a half years.
Santos congratulated Pacquiao on his appointment and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the anti-poverty body.
“I am confident that his experience in public service and strong advocacy to uplift the lives of Filipinos will serve him well as he takes on his new role as Cabinet Secretary,” the outgoing NAPC chief said in a statement.
“I wish him success as he leads the Commission and the 14 basic sectors as the People’s Champ Against Poverty,” Santos added.
Pacquiao returns to government four years after leaving the Senate and is expected to sustain the gains of the Marcos administration in reducing the national poverty incidence to a single-digit and further advance its policies toward a more inclusive and equitable society.