Marcos shifts poverty agencies back under presidential control

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has moved to consolidate control over the Philippines' anti-poverty agenda by reassigning administrative supervision of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) and the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) directly under the Office of the President.

The directive, issued through Executive Order No. 123, transfers oversight and control of both agencies from their previous supervisory arrangement back to the presidential office. The move represents a significant organizational restructuring in the government's approach to poverty alleviation programs.

The NAPC serves as the primary government body tasked with coordinating anti-poverty initiatives across multiple agencies, while the PCUP focuses specifically on addressing the needs and concerns of urban poor communities. By centralizing their management under the Office of the President, Marcos has positioned these agencies for closer monitoring and faster policy implementation.

The executive order reflects the administration's emphasis on strengthening the institutional framework for poverty reduction efforts. Direct presidential oversight is expected to streamline coordination between the two agencies and improve the government's capacity to respond to emerging poverty-related concerns in the country.