The life of a politician in the Philippines is as controversial as the life of actors and actresses in the showbiz; their lifestyle is always scrutinized by the people. Most of the time, they are blamed for the poverty experienced by their constituents.
In accordance to Republic Act No. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, politicians are required to submit their duly accomplished Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) to declare their assets such as real properties and cars, their liabilities such as loans, debts and dependents. And of course, their net worth or what is left of their assets minus the liabilities.
Based on the summary report of filed Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs) for 2017 of members of the House of Representatives and Senate of the 16th Congress, it shows that Senator Cynthia Villar remains to be the richest politician in the Philippines. While, ANAKPAWIS Party List Representative, Fernando “Ka Pando” L. Hicap remains to be the poorest with a net worth of only P95, 572 although this figure has already increased compared to P37, 722 back in 2015.
Below is the list of the Top 12 richest politicians in the Philippines:
12. Manuel Roxas II- P202 Million
Roxas is the only 2016 presidential candidate who made it to the Top 12 Richest Politicians in the Philippines with a net worth of P202.08 million. He is the fourth richest cabinet secretaries of President Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III with Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario being the richest having a net worth of P838.8 million.
Roxas is a son of the former senator, Gerardo Roxas and was named after his grandfather Manuel Roxas who was the First President of the Third Philippine Republic. He is married to a broadcast journalist, Korina Sanchez.
Roxas has served as Congressman of the 1st District of Capiz and was elected as Majority Leader of the House of Representatives in 1993 at the age of 33. He also served as a senator in the 13th and 14th congress. He was also the Secretary of Trade and Industry in 2000 under President Joseph Estrada, Secretary of Transportation and Communications in 2011, and Secretary of the Interior and Local Government after former Sec. Jesse Robredo died in a plane crash in 2012.
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