Ginelle Sequitin
Watch Ginelle Sequitin’s full video on PGMN’s YouTube channel here:
MANILA, Philippines – Peanut Gallery Media’S Ginelle Sequitin is dropping truth bombs in her latest video—she’s calling out the stark reality that the top 1% of Filipinos control nearly 40% of the country’s wealth.
While the majority of Filipinos work tirelessly just to get by, the ultra-wealthy live a life of luxury that seems worlds apart. But it’s not just about the money—Sequitin digs into the systems that uphold this massive divide, showing how factors like education, capital, and exclusive networks keep the 1% securely on top.
And she’s not just pointing out the problem—she’s challenging us to do something about it.
The numbers are as shocking as they are telling. Over 109 million Filipinos share just 60% of the country’s wealth, while the top 1% sit comfortably on the rest. It’s not just a Philippine problem, either. Across Asia, the wealth gap continues to widen. But in countries like Singapore, government-backed programs help middle-class families thrive. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, a lack of access to resources makes it incredibly hard for many to break out of poverty.
Sequitin doesn’t just lay out these stats—she connects the dots. Why do the rich keep getting richer? Ginelle identifies three key factors: education, access to capital, and social networks.
Education plays a pivotal role in perpetuating the wealth gap in the Philippines. Top private schools and universities offer more than just quality education—they provide access to exclusive networks and opportunities that can shape careers. While only about 30% of Filipinos graduate from college, students from wealthier families are more likely to receive a world-class education, along with the valuable connections that come with it. This creates an uneven playing field where some individuals begin with a significant advantage.
Capital also plays a critical role in maintaining this divide. Wealthy families often inherit their wealth, making it easier for them to invest, start businesses, and fund their goals. In contrast, the average Filipino faces high interest rates and limited credit options, which create significant barriers to financial mobility. Additionally, wealthy families are able to leverage their social connections, tapping into exclusive networks that provide access to lucrative deals and insider knowledge. For most people, building such networks is a long and challenging process.
However, Sequitin argues that the system is not beyond repair. She urges Filipinos to take control of their financial education, emphasizing that understanding concepts like budgeting, investing, and compounding interest can be transformative. With only 25% of Filipinos financially literate, many are missing out on opportunities that could change their financial trajectory. By taking small steps—such as building an emergency fund, making initial investments, or learning better money management—anyone can begin to work toward financial independence.
On a larger scale, Sequitin points to progressive taxation models used in countries like Denmark and Norway, where higher taxes on the wealthy have been used to fund education, healthcare, and social programs. These policies have helped to reduce the wealth gap and create more equitable societies. In the Philippines, initiatives like the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion or the TRAIN Law have eased the burden on low-income families, but much more is needed to ensure fairer distribution of wealth. Stronger policies and more effective enforcement could go a long way in leveling the playing field.
Sequitin concludes her video with a compelling question: “Is the system rigged, or are we missing out on opportunities to succeed?” This isn’t just a question for economists—it’s a challenge for all Filipinos. Whether it’s advocating for better policies, improving financial literacy, or taking actionable steps toward personal financial growth, the power to create change lies both in individual efforts and collective action.