1PACMAN Party-list Representative Michael Odylon L. Romero is the richest member of the House of Representatives, according to the recently published statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALNs) of House members dated as of Dec. 31, 2016.

But according to a report by interaksyon.com, Mr. Romero, who is caught in a legal battle with his father, Reghis Romero II, over control of Harbor Centre Point Terminal Inc., “has not been seen in plenary sessions or hearings since his last attendance was entered in the journal of records December last year.”

Mr. Romero, a first-term lawmaker, has a declared average net worth of P7 billion.

He is followed by Representative Emmeline Aglipay Villar with a net worth of around P1.4 billion. Mrs. Villar is the wife of Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark A. Villar, who topped the list of the richest Cabinet members of President Rodrigo R. Duterte with a net worth of P1.4 billion.

Rounding off the top five richest members of the House are Alfredo Abelardo Benitez from the 3rd District, Negros Occidental with an average net worth of P943 million; former first lady and Ilocos Norte Representative Imelda R. Marcos with about P918 million; and former House speaker and Quezon City Representative Feliciano R. Belmonte with about P852 million.

Former Philippine president and incumbent Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is the 11th richest with a net worth of about P435 million.

House Speaker Pantaleon D. Alvarez is at number 50 with a net worth of P86 million. House Majority Leader Rodolfo C. Farinas, on the other hand, is at number 25 with a net worth of about P169 million.

At the bottom of the list is Kabataan Representative Sarah Jane I. Elago with a net worth of P50,000.00. — with Mario M. Banzon

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