President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s net worth has made headlines for its mind-blowing rise: declared at just P79 million in 2005 as Ilocos Norte governor, and soaring to over P1.375 billion as of December 31, 2024, now as the country’s president—a staggering 1600% increase in nearly 20 years.
How Did The Numbers Add Up?
Analyses from GMA Integrated News Research and asset valuation experts at Cuervo Appraisers break it down year-by-year. Marcos’ Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) showed a steady climb:
- 2005: P79M, start of tracking as governor
- 2007: P120M, end of governorship
- 2008: P180M, as congressman
- 2009: Jumped P135M after the Sandiganbayan returned a Cabuyao property to the family
- 2010: P315.5M as senator
- 2012: P437M, thanks to investments, shares of stock, and an art collection
- 2014: P510M, continued asset growth
- 2015: P533M, pre-vice presidential run
- 2016: P619M, last SALN as senator
- 2022: P908M after presidential victory
- 2024: P1.375 billion, current appraisal by Cuervo
The family’s fortune ballooned despite declaring liabilities of more than P34 million at various points. Marcos began using Civil Service Commission stipulated rules for his SALN starting 2012, showing P193M in assets at that time—eventually reaching P389M by the end of 2024 under CSC’s net worth calculation method.
What’s Behind The Growth?
- Multiple asset entries: real estate, investments, shares of stocks, and art collections comprise his wealth.
- Legal victories: Landmark court decisions, like the retrieval of the Cabuyao property in 2009, played a role in significant jumps.
- Political milestones: Each new office—governor, congressman, senator, president—came with a visible uptick in declared assets.
Cuervo Appraisers have been monitoring the couple’s assets since 1997, ensuring annual appraisals reflect real-time property values and holdings.
Marcos’ Wealth: In The Eyes Of The Public
Though wealth declarations are routine for public officials, this level of increase has drawn intense scrutiny from watchdogs, media, and ordinary Pinoys, especially with the country’s long-standing issues of transparency and political legacy. Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos’ assets continue to be the subject of annual review and, often, debate.
Final Word: “Asenso or Kontrobersiya?”
From P79M to P1.375B, President Marcos Jr.’s wealth exemplifies rapid asset expansion in Philippine politics. For everyday Cebuanos and Filipinos, ma-feel gyud nato ang “asenso,” pero daghan pud mangutana—unsaon pag-abot ana nga kwarta? As new SALN disclosures come in, expect more public debates, deeper analysis, and discussions on the real meaning behind such staggering wealth.
Bantay lang ta sa next update, Sugbo! Transparency and accountability are still the real “power-ups” in Philippine politics.
