Manny Pacquiao returns to gov’t as NAPC chief

September 8, 2026

By ABOGADO.COM.PH Staff

Former senator and boxing legend Manny Pacquiao has returned to the government service as lead convenor and secretary of the National Anti-Poverty Commission.

Pacquiao officially took his oath on Tuesday before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Malacañang.

Pacquiao replaced former NAPC secretary Lope Santos III and now occupies a seat in Marcos’ Cabinet.

The NAPC is the coordinating and advisory council tasked to implement the social reform agenda of the government.

Under Republic Act 8425 or the Social Reform and Poverty Alleviation Act, the NAPC lead convenor is also head of the NAPC secretariat and has the rank of a Cabinet secretary.

This is Pacquiao’s first government post since his term as senator ended in June 2022.

Instead of seeking reelection, he ran for President, finishing third behind Marcos and then Vice President Leni Robredo.

He attempted to return to the Senate during the 2025 midterm polls as part of Marcos’ administration slate, but lost.

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