MANILA, Philippines – Hours after President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo named him “ambassador" for peace and understanding” boxing icon Manny Pacquiao was also appointed “special assistant to the secretary of the Department of Justice on intelligence matters.”

This time, it was Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez who issued the appointment through DO 344, dated May 8.

“In the interest of public service and with the provision of existing law, Master Sergeant Emmanuel Pacquiao has been hereby designated as special assistant to the secretary of the Department of Justice in intelligence matters,” the order said.

Gonzalez said Pacquiao may “coordinate with the National Bureau of Investigation and may “perform such other functions to be assigned to him by the secretary of justice.