Pacquiao appointed asanti-poverty head in Philippines

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr on Tuesday appointed former world boxing champion and ex-senator Manny Pacquiao as head of the government’s anti-poverty agency.

“The president expressed his confidence in Secretary Pacquiao’s leadership in intensifying the government’s efforts against poverty, advancing social reform, and bringing programmes and services closer to communities across the country,” Marcos’ office said.

In a statement, Pacquiao, 47, said he was grateful for the opportunity to again serve the public. Pacquiao served as senator from 2016 to 2022.

Pacquiao said he himself had experienced sleeping on the streets, going hungry and surviving on nothing but water, and saving up coins just to help his family.

“That is why my heart truly goes out to our fellow citizens who are struggling,” he added.