MANILA— Malacañang on Tuesday defended the appointment of Zofia Canlas as commissioner of the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP), citing her previous work in the agency and dedication to public service amid questions about her qualifications.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Canlas was already familiar with the commission’s mandate, having previously served as chief of staff to its chairperson.

“Matagal na po siyang parte ng Presidential Commission for Urban Poor. Dati na po siyang chief of staff ng chairperson. So, ang trabaho sa loob ng Presidential Commission for Urban Poor ay hindi na po bago kay Ms. Zofia Canlas (She has long been part of the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor. She previously served as the chairperson’s chief of staff. So, the work within the commission is not new to Ms. Zofia Canlas),” Castro said in a Palace briefing.

Castro said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. prioritizes dedication to public service when selecting government appointees, regardless of their age or socioeconomic background.

“Anuman ang estado mo sa buhay, mayaman ka, mahirap ka, kung ikaw ay may kakayanan na magtrabaho, magsilbi para sa bayan, iyan po ang numero uno para sa Pangulo – ang totoo at dedikado, may dedikasyon na makapagsilbi sa bayan (Regardless of your status in life, whether rich or poor, if you have the ability to work and serve the country, that is the President’s foremost consideration — sincerity and dedication to public service),” she said.

Canlas’ appointment has drawn criticism online, with questions raised about whether her educational background and professional experience meet the demands of a commission tasked with addressing the concerns of urban poor communities.

She graduated from De La Salle University in 2024 with a degree in Biology, major in Medical Biology.

Castro maintained that Canlas’ previous work within the PCUP had given her familiarity with the agency’s operations.

Asked about the need for the commission when other government agencies and local government units also handle housing, relocation and social protection, Castro pointed to the PCUP’s role in negotiating with affected families before eviction orders are implemented.

She said the commission seeks to ensure that relocation arrangements do not place an undue burden on families facing displacement. (Info from PNA)