Palace defends fresh grad's appointment as urban poor commission chief

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Malacañang on Tuesday defended the appointment of 27-year-old Zofia Canlas as head of the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP), saying she has the dedication and experience needed to perform the job.

At a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro defended Canlas' appointment, emphasizing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s position that the ability to serve the country matters most.

“Anuman ang estado mo sa buhay, mayaman ka, mahirap ka, kung ikaw ay may kakayahan na magtrabaho, magsilbi para sa bayan, iyan po ang numero uno para sa Pangulo,” Castro said.

(Regardless of one’s status in life, whether rich or poor, what matters most to the President is the ability to work and serve the country.)

Canlas’ appointment drew criticism on social media following her graduation from De La Salle University with a degree in biology in 2024 and her subsequent designation as the first nominee of the Batang Quiapo party-list.

Social media users also questioned her appointment by recirculating photos of her foreign travels, which she had posted on her personal account.

Castro explained the PCUP’s mandate, saying the agency handles matters involving informal settler families.

When a court issues an order affecting a settlement, the PCUP is expected to consult affected urban poor communities and issue the necessary certification to help ensure that their resettlement is properly managed.

Asked whether the position requires a legal background, Castro said lawyers are needed for the formal filing or processing of cases, but not necessarily for negotiations with affected communities.

“Pero ang pakikipag-negotiate para sa ating mga kababayan na nasa laylayan ng lipunan, hindi po kailangan lawyer. Kailangan lang na may dedikasyon at may puso sa kaniyang trabaho,” Castro said.

(But negotiating on behalf of our fellow Filipinos from marginalized communities does not require a lawyer. What is needed is dedication and a genuine commitment to the job.)

Castro added that Canlas was already familiar with the agency, having previously served as the PCUP chief of staff.

Asked about concerns over Canlas’ purported lifestyle, Castro urged the public to give her an opportunity to prove herself before judging her performance.

“Tingnan po muna natin kapag nakita ninyong nagkamali at saka po tayo pumuna. Sa ngayon ay bigyan natin ng pagkakataon dahil sinabi nga po natin matagal na rin po siya sa Presidential Commission for Urban Poor,” Castro said.

(Let us give her a chance first and criticize her if she makes mistakes. For now, let us give her an opportunity, especially since, as we have said, she has been with the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor for quite some time.)— MCG, GMA News

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