DPWH chief Villar is lone billionaire in Duterte’s Cabinet

Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar is the richest Cabinet official under the Duterte administration with a P1.41 billion net worth, his latest Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth showed.

Based on the documents obtained by GMA News Online from the Office of the President, Villar has a total of P1.42 billion in assets and about P15 million in liabilities as of December 2016.

His assets include at least four condominiums and three lots with houses amounting to a total of P135 million. The remaining P1.29 billion in “other real and personal properties” were not specified.

The next richest man in Duterte’s Cabinet is the President’s long-time friend and Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez with a total of P352 million net worth without liabilities. The bulk of his assets came from his shares of stocks and advances amounting to P166 million.

Following Dominguez is Information and Technology Secretary Rodolfo Salalima with P305 million in total assets and net worth. His personal properties include 13 vehicles including two models of Mercedes Benz, one with an acquisition cost of P4 million—the most expensive in his collection along with a Toyota Land Cruiser.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade’s net worth amounts to P302 million including P57 million worth in offshore investments.

Former Environment Secretary Gina Lopez declared a P266-million net worth in her SALN, a few days before she was rejected by the Commission on Appointments on May 3. Her successor, Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu was appointed only on May 8.

Meanwhile, the “poorest” members of Duterte’s official family include Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana with P3.7 million in net worth, Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo with around P2 million, and Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial with P1.2 million.

Two non-millionaires are also part of Duterte’s Cabinet. They are the two left-leaning officials—National Anti-Poverty Commission Secretary Liza Maza with P731,716 in total net worth and Agrarian Reform Secretary Rafael Mariano with P273,629.58 in books and cash in bank only.

The documents obtained by GMA News Online did not include the SALNs of Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco,  and Special Assistant to the President Secretary Bong Go. — RSJ, GMA News