Manny Pacquiao returns to Philippines politics as boxing great takes on anti-poverty role

Former boxing champion Manny Pacquiao has returned to Philippine politics, taking on the role of head of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC). The 47-year-old, who has achieved eight world championship titles in various weight divisions, joined President Ferdinand Marcos Jr's cabinet on Tuesday.

Pacquiao, who has expressed his commitment to helping Filipinos cope with poverty, vowed to coordinate government efforts to reduce poverty during his tenure as lead convener of the NAPC. He shared his personal experiences, saying, "I came from poverty. I experienced sleeping on cardboard on the streets, drinking only water, having nothing to eat, and saving loose coins just to help my family."

Born into a family living in poverty, Pacquiao faced numerous hardships, including homelessness and hunger. He earned only $2 per fight as a young boxer and eventually overcame these challenges. His net worth is estimated at $220 million, thanks to his illustrious 73-fight boxing career. As the Marcos administration aims to reduce poverty incidence to 8-9 per cent by 2028, Pacquiao takes over the NAPC at a crucial time.

Although Pacquiao retired from boxing in 2021, he made a brief return to the ring in July 2025, facing Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title in Las Vegas. The bout ended in a draw, and he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in the same year. Pacquiao was also set to face Floyd Mayweather in a rematch later this year, but the fight fell through due to issues on Mayweather's side.

Pacquiao is reportedly considering a return to the ring in January and has been linked with a potential bout against Shakur Stevenson, the American WBO light-welterweight champion.