Pacquiao heads National Anti-Poverty Commission

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed boxing legend and former senator Manny Pacquiao as lead convenor of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), replacing Lope Santos III. Pacquiao took his oath of office before the president on Tuesday in Malacañang. The Presidential Communications Office did not reply to media queries about why Santos was replaced. The president expressed his confidence in Pacquiao's leadership in intensifying the government's anti-poverty efforts, advancing social reform, and bringing programs and services closer to communities nationwide, the Palace said. Pacquiao thanked the president for his trust and confidence and for giving him the opportunity to return to public service. The Filipino boxing icon said that his new government role 'is rooted in his lived experience.' 'This is not politics. This is true public service to ensure that every government program is directly felt by the 14 basic sectors and our poorest countrymen and families nationwide,' he said. Presidential Adviser on Poverty Alleviation Larry Gadon welcomed Pacquiao's appointment, saying the boxing champion had a soft spot in his heart for the poor. 'His appointment is very timely now that the administration is pushing for further reduction of poverty incidence and the NAPC with the right direction could help more to achieve the poverty reduction efforts,' Gadon said in a statement. Under Republic Act 8425 (Social Reform and Poverty Alleviation Act), the president serves as NAPC chairman, while the lead convenor that holds a Cabinet rank directs daily operations, inter-agency convergence and institutional engagement with the country's 14 basic sectors.