Charles Teves
Most Filipinos see something wrong with the billionaires in the Philippines getting wealthier amid the pandemic.
According to Forbes’ billionaire’s list, the real estate mogul Manny Villar, who has an estimated $8.3 billion net worth is still the country’s richest man. That made him the 263rd richest person in the world. Last year, he placed 352nd when he was a little over billion dollars short.
The second richest Filipino citizen is Enrique Razon Jr., 369th worldwide, who has a net worth of $6.7 billion. Henry Sy Jr. and Megaworld’s Andrew Tan tied at the 1096th spot with an estimated net worth of $2.8 billion.
https://twitter.com/cnnphilippines/status/1511539675777105921?s=20&t=JCWO1jfQD8OxEGr_Yo9m9w
Hans and Herbert Sy came in next with an equal net worth of $2.6 billion each. Ramon Ang, Lance Gokongwei, Tony Tan Caktiong, and Philippine Airlines’ Lucio Tan followed the siblings.
Converge ICT Solutions Inc.’s Maria Grace Uy and Dennis Anthony Uy, Monde Nissin’s Betty Ang, and members of the Genomal family also entered the list.
Some netizens think that the one percent in the country should be taxed more as the difference in wealth only means only little is done to mitigate inequality.
'Yung mere existence ng mga bilyonaryo sa Pinas, na lalong tumaas ang yaman sa gitna ng pandemya, ay scandalous, isang malaking anomalya. The State should impose additional tax on their wealth.
— Jerry B. Grácio (@JerryGracio) April 6, 2022
TAX THE RICH https://t.co/G5SKGvSeCN
— Mave Nice (@mave_nicegirl) April 6, 2022
Real estate tycoon Mamny Villar ranks 263rd on Forbes Rich List. Pero ang mga daan sa Las Pinas kung saan sila maghahari ay parang sa fourth class city lang – makitid, matrapik, may lubak lubak. #VillarsPalpakSaPublicService
— Raissa Robles (@raissawriter) April 6, 2022
Sipag, tiyaga…
… and having wife pass BBB infra budget in Senate, and son in DPWH build transport infra to your company’s subdivisions, condominiums, malls, convenience stores and coffee chains.
Being close to the president and having your own political party really pays off. pic.twitter.com/Zw5mX362oJ
— Sonny Africa (@sonnyafrica) April 6, 2022
Crony capitalism is also at an all-time high ever since Rodrigo Duterte took office.
Under the Duterte presidency, more Filipinos made it to the Forbes List while the Philippine economy had taken a dive.
Rising inequality right before our eyes. Vote wisely this 2022! https://t.co/3IShhpZrgw
— Ash Presto 💜 (@sosyolohija) April 6, 2022
Kung may iilang bilyonaryo na may limpak-limpak na salapi, pero maraming naghihirap at nagugutom, may mali sa sistema. We should impose a billionaire tax to redistribute wealth. #101KapamilyaPartylist. https://t.co/LxGvrJDQwR
— Jerry B. Grácio (@JerryGracio) April 6, 2022
