MANILA (UPDATED) — Former Sen. Manny Pacquiao on Tuesday took his oath as the new secretary and lead convenor of the National Anti-Poverty Commission.
He succeeds former secretary Lope Santos III.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. administered Pacquiao's oath at the Palace. Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos was also in attendance.
"Ipinahayag ng pangulo ang kanyang tiwala sa pamumuno ni [Secretary] Pacquiao sa pagpapaigting ng mga pagsisikap ng pamahalaan laban sa kahirapan, pagsusulong ng repormang panlipunan, at paglalapit ng mga programa at serbisyo sa mga komunidad sa buong bansa," a Palace news release stated.
(The president has expressed trust in Secretary Pacquiao in strengthening government efforts to address poverty, advance social reforms, and bring programs and services closer to communities across the country.)
Presidential Adviser for Poverty Alleviation Larry Gadon meanwhile said he welcomes Pacquiao's appointment.
"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," he said.
Pacquiao ran for senator in the administration ticket during the 2025 midterm elections but lost.
He also ran for president in 2022 against Marcos.
Prior to that, Pacquiao served as senator from 2016 to 2022 and as a member of the House of Representatives from 2010 to 2016.