Soaring and Dropping

Just this past week, Forbes Asia Magazine released their annual list of the 40 richest people of the Philippines. There are quite a few changes but it’s basically the same people. Once again, retail tycoon Henry Sy tops the list with his empire comprised of malls, insurance, banks and several more properties. Second to Sy is another cigar and beer mogul who has also been another mainstay of the list, Lucio Tan. Number 3 would be

Jaime Zobel de Ayala, now interested in art especially photography. Making a notable presence is presidential aspirant, Senator Manny Villar. He is 9th on the list and is the richest Solon of the country. Villar and his wife's networth is $530 million or about P25 billion according to Forbes Asia.

These people had their total networth higher compared to 2008. Henry Sy had an estimated $3.8 M which is 28% higher than last year. Most of the individuals had their total worth higher compared to last year's estimates. Overall, their wealth is about $16.4 billion which is $2.2 billion higher than 2008.

Up there, you can see that they have gotten wealthier as each day passed by. I'm not envious or something but I am extremely perplexed that they are richer year by year but the masses are falling deeper and deeper to the poverty line. Some are barely hanging to that 'average' level. They say that the country is recovering but I think the only ones gaining right now are these people. Maybe I should start believing in what most people say, the rich become richer and poor become poorer. What the hell is going on now? I know 'most' of them deserved their wealth right now but I do hope that they are aware that the country is under deep crisis. Most of our countrymen really need assistance.

BY: RONDELL CHAZ C. MABUNGA