Pacquiao Sworn In as Philippines Anti-Poverty Chief
Pacquiao Sworn In as Philippines Anti-Poverty Chief
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Key Points
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Executive Order No. 123 moved oversight of the National Anti-Poverty Commission and the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor from the Department of Social Welfare and Development to the Office of the President, giving Pacquiao’s appointment a more direct presidential reporting structure.
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Under Republic Act No. 8425, the NAPC is tasked not only with coordinating anti-poverty programs but also with monitoring their performance, proposing policy changes, helping guide resource allocation and ensuring marginalized communities participate in policymaking.
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Pacquiao’s return follows two recent electoral defeats: he finished third in the 2022 presidential election with about 3.66 million votes, then placed 18th in the 2025 Senate race despite receiving more than 10.3 million votes.
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Pacquiao replaces Lope Santos III, who had led the commission since 2023; the new post is separate from Larry Gadon’s existing role as Marcos’ presidential adviser on poverty alleviation.
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Pacquiao’s sporting credentials remain central to his public profile: he is the only boxer to win world titles in eight weight divisions, with 12 major world titles, and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2025.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed boxing legend Manny Pacquiao as secretary and lead convenor of the National Anti-Poverty Commission, giving him cabinet rank. Sinar Daily reports Pacquiao took his oath at Malacañang Palace, returning to government after failed presidential and Senate bids. The 47-year-old champion will coordinate poverty-reduction efforts across national agencies, local governments, and private groups.
The Philippines currently has a 9.7 percent national poverty rate in 2025, and the government aims to reduce it to 8–9 percent by 2028, according to The Global Filipino Magazine. Pacquiao, who experienced homelessness and hunger in his youth, said his personal struggles shaped his commitment to helping disadvantaged Filipinos. President Marcos expressed confidence that Pacquiao would advance social reforms and bring programs closer to struggling communities.
From Boxing Ring to Anti-Poverty Fight
Pacquiao is the only boxer to win world titles in eight weight divisions, holding 12 major world titles total. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2025. Now, at 47, he trades the ring for a cabinet seat to tackle the Philippines' poverty crisis with the same intensity he brought to 26 years of professional boxing.
His government return comes after two electoral defeats. Yahoo reports Pacquiao finished third in the 2022 presidential election with about 3.66 million votes, then placed 18th in the 2025 Senate race despite receiving more than 10.3 million votes. His new appointment bypasses the ballot box but gives him direct influence over the nation's anti-poverty strategy.
New Powers for the Anti-Poverty Commission
Executive Order No. 123 moved oversight of the National Anti-Poverty Commission from the Department of Social Welfare and Development to the Office of the President. This gives Pacquiao's role a direct reporting line to Marcos and stronger presidential authority. Lente Desportiva notes the restructuring elevates the commission's status within the cabinet hierarchy.
Under Republic Act No. 8425, the NAPC must coordinate anti-poverty programs, monitor their performance, propose policy changes, guide resource allocation, and ensure marginalized communities participate in policymaking. Pacquiao replaces Lope Santos III, who led the commission since 2023. His appointment is separate from Larry Gadon's existing role as Marcos' presidential adviser on poverty alleviation.
Pacquiao's Personal Connection to Poverty
Pacquiao's path from street poverty to world champion gives him credibility on anti-poverty issues. He has spoken openly about experiencing homelessness and hunger as a child. SG Head Topics reports he vowed to help Filipinos facing hardships familiar to him from his own early life struggles. This personal narrative shaped his decision to pursue public service focused on poverty reduction.
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