Malacañang defended the appointment of Zofia Canlas as commissioner of the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP), citing her previous experience in the agency and dedication to public service amid questions about her qualifications.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Tuesday that Canlas was already familiar with the commission’s work, having served as chief of staff to its chairperson before her appointment.
“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,” Castro said during a Palace briefing.
Castro added that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. considers dedication to public service a primary qualification for 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,” she said.
Canlas’ appointment has drawn criticism online, with questions raised about her academic background and professional experience.
She graduated from De La Salle University in 2024 with a degree in Biology, major in Medical Biology, and has been working since graduating from college two years ago.
Critics have questioned whether her education and experience meet the demands of a commission tasked with addressing the concerns of urban poor communities.
Castro, however, maintained that Canlas’ previous role within the PCUP had familiarized her with its responsibilities.
Asked why the commission remains necessary given that other government agencies and local government units also handle housing, relocation and social protection, Castro pointed to the PCUP’s role in negotiating with families affected by eviction orders.
She said the commission seeks to ensure that relocation arrangements do not impose an undue burden on affected families.
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