Criticism continued to mount over Zofia Canlas‘ appointment as commissioner of the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP), as the Palace defended her designation.
The 27-year-old biology graduate has drawn attention after her appointment as urban poor commissioner, with questions raised about her background and credentials based on her online profiles.
Some Filipinos questioned Canlas’ suitability for the position after scrutinizing her Instagram account, which featured travel posts from the United States and several European countries, including Italy, France, Greece and Spain.
They also pointed to her academic background, noting that she earned a degree in biology with a major in medical biology — a field they felt was not align with the qualifications expected of an urban poor commissioner.
“Hindi naman issue kung gusto mong mag-travel and enjoy life. You are entitled to that. Pero knowing na you’re now a commissioner of the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor, an agency meant to serve some of the most vulnerable Filipinos, hindi ba medyo tone-deaf ‘yung ganitong optics, Zofia Canlas????” a Filipino previously wrote.
“You previously served as PCUP chief of staff, so you’re not exactly unfamiliar sa agency and the communities you serve. Kaloka lang kasi. I know, hindi naman kailangang magpanggap na mahirap, pero you’d expect a certain level of awareness and sensitivity, especially when so many Filipinos are struggling,” the X user added.
“Akalain mo, grumaduate siya ng Medical Biology noong 2024 tapos naging chief of staff agad ng PCUP at first nominee pa ng Batang Quiapo party-list noong 2025. Dahil ba anak siya ni ASEC Jose Marcell Canlas kaya mabilis lang ang lahat?” another wrote.
“Tapos meron din siyang pa-world tour sa France, Italy, Spain, Greece at US. Walang masama sa pag-travel, pero sobra naman kasi ang contrast ng ganitong privileged lifestyle sa realidad ng mga pamilyang walang disenteng tirahan, sapat na pagkain at access sa basic services,” the X user added.
Canlas reportedly took her oath as urban poor commissioner on Monday, October 19, thanking President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his trust and confidence.
She also vowed to serve and uplift urban poor communities, emphasizing her commitment to turning the opportunity into meaningful action for Filipinos.
Her oath-taking was witnessed by family members and friends, as well as PCUP Chairperson and CEO Michelle Anne Gonzales, Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos and Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo.
The Palace defended her appointment to a senior position at an agency focused on poverty issues amid mounting criticism, saying Marcos values honesty, competence and dedication to public service.
Palace press officer Claire Castro said Canlas has long been part of the PCUP, having served as its chief of staff since July 2025.
Before that, Canlas was the first nominee of the Batang Quiapo party-list in the 2025 midterm elections, while her sister was the sixth nominee.
Asked whether Canlas could fulfill the responsibilities of her position, Castro said, “We will not judge based on whether someone is young or old.”
Castro also said Canlas was appointed because of her “heart” and “dedication” to the job.
“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,” the Palace press officer said.
Castro urged the public to give Canlas a chance, noting that she is familiar with the work of the PCUP.
Despite this, some Filipinos continued to criticize her appointment to a government body tasked with implementing programs and policies to address the needs of the urban poor.
“I doubt, I am watching this sosyalerang opportunista, handling Urban Poor, mukhang magsasayang lang ng pera, malamang travel dito at travel doon ang gagawin niyan katulad ni Frasco, ano ba ang gobyerno na ito, hindi sensitive, basta basta na lang… wala na ba iba na mas may K?” an X user wrote.
Frasco refers to Christina Frasco, who served as tourism secretary from 2022 until March 2026.
“I am wondering if she is related or connected with someone holding higher position in government. If that’s the case, sorry for those who have been in the agency for so long, especially those who are equally competent and more experienced,” another said.
“Urban poverty is now [a] biological medical problem. What’s the cure for it now, aver?! Waste of people’s money!” a different Pinoy wrote.
“Keep criticizing!!!! ‘Di pwedeng nakakalagpas ganto. Pangit na nga serbisyo ng gobyerno, walang hiya, magdadagdag pa ng out of touch na wala namang magagawa,” another commented.
The PCUP serves as the direct link of the urban poor to the government in policy formulation and program implementation addressed to their needs.
Its functions include coordinating the speedy implementation of government policies and programs for the poor, planning and monitoring development programs and projects for urban poor communities in coordination with relevant agencies and facilitating funding for urban poor programs and projects from both domestic and foreign sources, among others.
A PCUP commissioner serves on the governing board alongside the chairperson to formulate policies, coordinate social infrastructure programs and protect the human rights of urban poor communities against unjust evictions.
