House’s richest: Pacman, Jules

MANILA, Philippines – There are now two billionaires in the House of Representatives in the outgoing 16th Congress: world boxing icon and senator-elect Manny Pacquiao and Negros Occidental Rep. Julio “Jules” Ledesma IV.

This is according to the 2015 summary of statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) released by the House.

Pacquiao is ending his term as Sarangani representative on June 30 along with Ledesma. Both are also known for their poor attendance in plenary sessions.

Based on the summary released by the Office of the Secretary General, Pacquiao declared a net worth of P3,268,200,088, a huge jump from the P1.69 billion he reported in 2014.

Second richest in the House in 2015 is Ledesma, who reported a net worth of P1,004,951,837.92. He was ranked fifth richest in 2014.

Third richest in the chamber is Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., who reported a net worth of P941,648,636.42.

He was followed by Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos, who has a net worth P917,800,000.

Fifth richest is Negros Occidental Rep. Alfredo Benitez, who has a net worth of P880,017,206.

Outgoing Las Piñas Rep. Mark Villar and his wife, DIWA party-list Rep. Emmeline Aglipay, declared a net worth of P689,535,772.

Eighth richest is outgoing Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, who has a net worth of P475,619,805.59.

For the first time, former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is in the top 10 list, placing seventh with P393,915,603.71.

Former first gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo explained that they sold their properties in Calamba and Cabuyao, Laguna in September 2015. They have paid all the necessary taxes in the sale.

Outgoing Rizal Rep. Joel Roy Duavit rounds out the list with P302,624,883.79 in net worth.

Poorest lawmakers

Meanwhile, nine out of the 10 poorest lawmakers come from party-list groups.

Anakpawis Rep. Fernando Hicap was the poorest lawmaker in 2015 with a net worth of only P43,239.14.

Other poorest lawmakers are Kalinga party-list Rep. Abigail Ferriols, who declared a net worth of P715,150; Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate, P1,124,626; Gabriela party-list Rep. Emmerenciana de Jesus, P1,395,000; Sulu Rep. Maryam Arbison, P1,400,000; Abakada Rep. Jonathan de la Cruz, P1,450,000; Abang Lingkod Rep. Joseph Paduano, P1,584,425.19; Akbayan Rep. Angelina Katoh, P1,790,000; Kabataan Rep. Terry Ridon, P1,939,193; and 1-Care party-list Rep. Edgardo Masongson, P2,524,350.