Manny Pacquiao Appointed Lead Convenor of the Philippines’ National Anti-Poverty Commission

On September 8, 2026 (scheduled), President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will swear in former senator and boxing champion Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao as lead convenor of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), granting him Cabinet rank. The appointment follows Executive Order No. 123, which moved NAPC oversight from the Department of Social Welfare and Development to the Office of the President. Pacquiao replaces Lope Santos III, who held the post since 2023.

Philippine Daily InquirerThe Straits TimesManny Pacquiao named to Marcos Cabinet as anti-poverty chief

Established by Republic Act 8425 (the Social Reform and Poverty Alleviation Act), the NAPC coordinates poverty-reduction programs across national and local governments and ensures participation of the country’s 14 basic sectors—including farmers, fisherfolk, informal workers, Indigenous Peoples, women, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, disaster victims, youth, children, the urban poor, cooperatives and NGOs. As lead convenor, Pacquiao will oversee daily operations, inter-agency coordination, and nationwide grassroots consultations with agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development.

Marcos Appoints Manny Pacquiao as National Anti-Poverty Commission Lead Convenor and Cabinet-Rank Czar Manny Pacquiao named to Marcos Cabinet as anti-poverty chief Philippine Daily Inquirer

The Marcos administration has set a goal of reducing the poverty incidence to 8-9 percent by 2028. Government data show the rate fell to 9.7 percent in 2025, representing roughly 11.08 million Filipinos living below the poverty line. Pacquiao’s personal net worth was reported by Sports Illustrated as US $220 million in 2025, underscoring the contrast between his wealth and the hardships he experienced in childhood.

The Straits Times

The Presidential Communications Office announced Pacquiao’s upcoming oath-taking, noting that the former senator will serve as head of the NAPC Secretariat while President Marcos remains chair of the commission. Pacquiao has said his upbringing will guide his work, emphasizing direct delivery of anti-poverty programs to marginalized communities.

Philippine Daily InquirerThe Straits TimesMarcos Appoints Manny Pacquiao as National Anti-Poverty Commission Lead Convenor and Cabinet-Rank Czar

• “I came from poverty. I experienced sleeping on cardboard on the streets, drinking only water, having nothing to eat, and saving loose coins just to help my family,” — Manny Pacquiao

The Straits Times

• “Thank you to President Bongbong Marcos for the trust to provide service again. I came from poverty. I experienced sleeping on cardboard on the street, drinking only water, having nothing to eat, and saving coins just to help my family,” — Manny Pacquiao

Marcos Appoints Manny Pacquiao as National Anti-Poverty Commission Lead Convenor and Cabinet-Rank Czar