Who is Zofia Canlas? The controversial urban poor commissioner

MANILA, Philippines – The newly appointed commissioner of the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) has drawn scrutiny from the public for her fashion-forward lifestyle and lavish trips abroad, which appear to contrast sharply with her role at the agency.

Zofia Canlas, who was sworn in as PCUP commissioner at 27 years old, graduated with a degree in biology from De La Salle University in 2024.

READ: Palace defends ‘jet-setter’ PCUP official amid lifestyle criticism

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She is the daughter of Jose Marcell Canlas, who, based on the Office of the President’s online directory as of September 2026, serves as an assistant secretary under the Office of the Executive Secretary.

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In 2024, Canlas was named the first nominee of the Batang Quiapo party-list, a position she held until May 2025.

However, she did not become a member of the House of Representatives as the party-list failed to secure a seat, finishing 87th in the elections.

Canlas was named PCUP chief of staff in July 2025 and held the position until her appointment as commissioner.

As commissioner, Canlas will serve alongside Reynaldo Galupo, who oversees the National Capital Region; lawyer Emmanuel Gison Jr., who oversees Luzon; lawyer Bret Monsanto, who oversees the Visayas; and Remedios Chan, who oversees Mindanao. The PCUP is currently chaired by Michelle Anne Gonzales.

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Canlas’ name and area of responsibility, however, had yet to be included in the PCUP’s official directory as of posting time.

During a briefing on Tuesday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro defended Canlas’ appointment, saying the public should not judge her without first seeing how she performs her duties.

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Castro urged the public to give Canlas a chance, adding that criticism would be warranted if she were later found to have made mistakes.

Canlas had deactivated her social media account as of posting time.

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INQUIRER.net also sought comment from the PCUP but had yet to receive a response as of posting time. /jpv