Archive · 8 Sep 2026
Pacquiao Joins Marcos Cabinet to Lead Philippines’ Anti-Poverty Fight
Manny Pacquiao is a famous Filipino boxer and former politician.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed him to lead the country’s anti-poverty agency.
This is Pacquiao’s first cabinet job.
The agency works with the government to help people who do not have enough money.
Pacquiao said he understands poverty because he experienced homelessness and hunger as a child.
The government says about 11.08 million Filipinos lived below the poverty line in 2025.
It wants to reduce the poverty rate to 8-9% by 2028.
Pacquiao said he will use his new role to help families facing hardship.
Manny Pacquiao was appointed lead convener of the National Anti-Poverty Commission, his first cabinet post.
Pacquiao said his experience growing up in poverty would help him understand struggling Filipinos.
The agency will coordinate government efforts to reduce poverty under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration.
The government aims to lower poverty incidence from 9.7% in 2025 to 8-9% by 2028.
Pacquiao, a former senator and eight-division boxing champion, returned to boxing in 2025 after retiring in 2021.
- Who
- Manny Pacquiao was appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to lead the National Anti-Poverty Commission.
- What
- Pacquiao joined the cabinet as the commission’s lead convener and will coordinate government anti-poverty efforts.
- When
- The appointment was announced Tuesday, Sept. 8.
- Where
- The appointment concerns the Philippines and was reported from Manila.
- Why
- The Marcos administration is seeking to reduce poverty, while Pacquiao says his own experience with hardship helps him understand poor Filipinos.
- New position
- Lead convener of the National Anti-Poverty Commission
- President
- Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
- Poverty rate
- 9.7% in 2025
- People below poverty line
- About 11.08 million Filipinos in 2025
- Government target
- Reduce poverty incidence to 8-9% by 2028
- Pacquiao’s political background
- Former congressman and senator; unsuccessful 2022 presidential candidate
- Boxing record noted
- Only boxer to win world titles in eight weight divisions