Malacañang on Tuesday defended the appointment of Zofia Canlas as commissioner of the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP), saying her previous experience with the agency has prepared her for the role amid online criticism over her qualifications and alleged lavish lifestyle.
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,” Castro said.
Canlas’ appointment has drawn questions online over her academic background and work experience. She graduated from De La Salle University in 2024 with a degree in Biology, major in Medical Biology, prompting some critics to question whether her qualifications and experience align with the responsibilities of an agency tasked with addressing the concerns of urban poor communities.
Castro urged the public not to judge Canlas based on her lifestyle before she has had the opportunity to demonstrate her performance in office.
She said the new commissioner should be given time to prove her capabilities, adding that criticism would be more appropriate if shortcomings emerge in the performance of her duties.
The PCO official also stressed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. considers an appointee’s ability, honesty and dedication to public service rather than their economic or social standing.
“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.
Castro added that a person’s age or background should not be the basis for judging their capacity to serve, particularly when the work involves helping marginalized communities.
“Kapag ang tao may puso, bata man may edad kung ang tunay na pagtatrabaho ay para para pagsilbihan ang mga kababayan lalong-lalo na ‘yung mga nasa laylayan ng lipunan,” she said.
“Kung ang puso mo ay walang kikilingan at totoo ang iyong dedikasyon madaling magampanan ang inyong trabaho. Alam na po niya (PCUP Commissioner Zofia Canlas) ang mandato ng ahensya,” Castro added.
The PCUP is mandated to coordinate with urban poor communities, particularly families facing demolition and relocation, to help protect their welfare and ensure that their concerns are addressed.
Responding to questions about the commission’s role alongside other government agencies and local government units responsible for housing, relocation and social protection, Castro said the PCUP has a distinct function in engaging with affected families before eviction orders are implemented.
She said the commission seeks to facilitate negotiations and help ensure that relocation measures do not impose an undue burden on affected communities.
