Palace defends Urban Poor Commissioner amid backlash over luxury lifestyle

Malacañang on Tuesday defended the appointment of Zofia Canlas as the new commissioner of the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP), following widespread online criticism over her lavish lifestyle.

Canlas, a 2024 BS Biology graduate from De La Salle University, officially took her oath of office on October 19. Shortly after her swearing-in, photos depicting her high-end travels circulated widely across social media platforms.

Critics argued that such public displays of wealth are tone-deaf and unsuitable for an official heading an agency dedicated to serving marginalized Filipinos.

Canlas is the daughter of Jose Marcell Canlas, an assistant secretary under the Office of the Executive Secretary.

Despite the public outcry, the Palace maintained its support for her appointment, asserting that Canlas possesses the qualifications and dedication needed to drive the agency's mission to uplift urban poor communities. -RA Sibag/Paraluman News