Villar is the richest senator; Trillanes the poorest

Senators Cynthia Villar, Manny Pacquaio and Antonio Trillanes IV. INQUIRER FILE PHOTOS

The Senate continues to have two billionaires in Senators Cynthia Villar, whose family has a real estate empire, and Manny Pacquiao, an international boxing superstar.

Villar remains the richest senator, reporting a net worth of P3.611 billion as of the end of 2017. Her wealth consisted of residential lots and shares of stock, the latter making up the bulk of her assets. She has no liabilities.

Her net worth was slightly higher than the P3.606 billion at the end of 2016.

She is slightly ahead of Pacquiao, whose latest net worth of P2.946 billion was P126 million less than his net worth at the end of 2016.

Pacquiao’s wealth consisted mostly of numerous residential, commercial and agricultural lots, cash and jewelry. His liabilities are made up of bank loans worth P129.779 million.

At the bottom of heap

Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV continues to report the lowest net worth, which stood at P6.871 million at the end of 2017, although this was a slight increase from his previous year’s P6.506 million net worth.

His assets included residential lots and cash in bank, while his liabilities consisted of various loans.

Also at the bottom of the heap were Sen. Leila de Lima, who reported a net worth of P7.945 million, and Sen. Francis Escudero, whose net worth stood at P8.502 million.

Sen. Ralph Recto is the third richest senator with a net worth of P538.89 million, consisting of residential and agricultural lots, investments in stocks and club shares, and personal effects.

Behind Recto are Sen. Miguel Zubiri with a net worth of P152.094 million; Sen. Sonny Angara, P131.766 million; and Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, P93.727 million.

Poe, Gatchalian, Gordon

Next on the list are Sen. Grace Poe with a net worth of P90.674 million; Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, P88.226 million; Sen. JV Ejercito, P78.953 million; and Sen. Richard Gordon, P69.509 million.

Sen. Vicente Sotto III reported a net worth of P64.730 million, followed by Sen. Nancy Binay with P60.613 million; Sen. Loren Legarda, P51.317 million; and Sen. Bam Aquino, P39.193 million.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson’s net worth stood at P36.305 million,  Sen. Gregorio Honasan II, P25.244 million; Sen. Joel Villanueva, P23.728 million; and Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, P18.110 million.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros reported a net worth of P16.197 million, while Sen. Francis Pangilinan had P13.472 million.

Government officials and employees are required to file their statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) every year, on or before April 30.

The SALN includes a waiver that authorizes the Ombudsman or his or her representatives to secure documents that may show assets, liabilities, net worth, business interests and financial connections from all appropriate government agencies. — LEILA B. SALAVERRIA