Boxing Legend Manny Pacquiao Leads Philippines Poverty Fight

The kid who once slept on cardboard boxes in the streets of General Santos City is now leading his country's fight against poverty.

President Marcos swore in Manny Pacquiao as lead convener of the National Anti-Poverty Commission on Tuesday, giving the 47-year-old boxing legend Cabinet secretary rank. Pacquiao replaces Lope Santos III, who had led the commission since 2023.

The appointment pulls Pacquiao back into public service just one year after his latest boxing comeback. As the only eight-division world champion in boxing history, he's conquered every challenge in the ring. Now he's taking on poverty across the Philippines.

"I came from poverty," Pacquiao said during his oath-taking ceremony at Malacañang Palace. "That is why my heart is truly with the poor."

His new role puts him at the helm of the NAPC Secretariat, where he'll direct daily operations and coordinate poverty reduction programs across national and local governments. The commission works with 14 basic sectors representing the country's most marginalized communities.

Pacquiao's journey from poverty to global superstardom makes him uniquely qualified for the challenge. He left school as a child to help support his family, selling donuts on the street and working construction jobs before discovering boxing.

Why This Inspires

This appointment represents more than a political move. It's a full-circle moment that shows how far determination can take someone.

Pacquiao isn't just coordinating programs from an office. He'll ensure that poor and marginalized Filipinos have a real voice in government decision-making processes, something the commission is legally mandated to provide under Republic Act No. 8425.

The boxing champion brings both personal understanding and proven commitment to the role. During his time as senator from 2016 to 2022, he consistently championed poverty alleviation programs and social services for struggling Filipinos.

President Marcos chairs the commission, while Pacquiao manages the interagency coordination and institutional engagement. His position is separate from Presidential Adviser Larry Gadon's role in poverty alleviation, allowing for multiple approaches to tackling the issue.

For millions of Filipinos still struggling with poverty, Pacquiao's appointment sends a powerful message: someone who truly understands their daily battles now has the authority to fight for them at the highest levels of government.