Fifteen of the Philippines’ wealthiest individuals experienced a major upswing in 2025, with their total fortunes rising to $53.7 billion—driven by gains in real estate, logistics, retail, and digital ventures.
MANILA, Philippines — In a year marked by aggressive expansion, digital disruption, and post-pandemic recovery, the Philippines’ wealthiest tycoons not only held their ground—they gained momentum. According to Forbes’ 2025 World’s Billionaires List, 15 Filipino billionaires have made the cut, with a combined net worth swelling to $53.7 billion, up nearly 9% from the previous year.
The surge highlights a rebalancing of wealth in the region, with Filipino capital making deeper inroads into global markets through real estate empires, port operations, food conglomerates, and tech-driven ventures. From legacy heirs to new digital players, this year’s roster reflects a more dynamic and diversified face of Filipino wealth.
Manny Villar Tops the List with $17.2 Billion
At the top of the local rankings is Manuel “Manny” Villar Jr., whose fortune jumped to $17.2 billion, landing him at 117th worldwide. A former politician turned property tycoon, Villar controls a vast empire that includes Vista Land & Lifescapes, Golden MV Holdings, and a fast-growing retail arm featuring AllHome and AllDay Supermarket. His companies continue to benefit from suburban housing demand and large-scale township development.
Razon’s Global Empire Anchors His $10.9 Billion Fortune
Coming in second is Enrique Razon Jr., chairman of International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI). His wealth, estimated at $10.9 billion, ranks him 227th globally. Razon’s influence stretches from global port logistics to luxury leisure, through his ownership of Bloomberry Resorts, operator of Solaire Resort & Casino—one of the top integrated resorts in Southeast Asia.
Ramon Ang Maintains Stronghold in Infrastructure
ATTRIBUTION : KING RODRIGUEZ/ PPD, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Ramon Ang, the driving force behind San Miguel Corporation, secured the 979th spot on the list with a net worth of $3.7 billion. Under his leadership, San Miguel has expanded its reach across sectors—from power generation to tollways and from breweries to airports, including the upcoming New Manila International Airport in Bulacan.
The Sy Siblings: Holding the SM Legacy Together
The legacy of the late Henry Sy Sr. lives on through his six children, who continue to steward the sprawling SM Group—a conglomerate with interests in retail, banking, and real estate. Their individual fortunes are as follows:
- Henry Sy Jr. – $2.3B
- Hans Sy – $2.2B
- Herbert Sy – $2.1B
- Harley Sy – $1.9B
- Teresita Sy-Coson – $1.9B
- Elizabeth Sy – $1.7B
Collectively, they remain a formidable force in Southeast Asia’s business scene, anchored by SM Supermalls, BDO Unibank, and SMDC.
Lucio Tan Rebounds with Revived Ventures
ATTRIBUTION : U.S. Embassy in the Philipines, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Now valued at $3 billion, Lucio Tan returns to the list with renewed confidence. The 89-year-old tycoon helms LT Group, a diverse enterprise spanning Asia Brewery, Tanduay, PNB, and Philippine Airlines, which is gradually recovering from pandemic-induced losses.
Andrew Tan’s Mixed Portfolio Delivers Steady Growth
via Wikimedia Commons
Andrew Tan, head of Alliance Global Group, holds a net worth of $1.6 billion. Known for his township development model via Megaworld, global alcohol brand Emperador, and Resorts World Manila, Tan continues to leverage cross-industry synergy and international expansion.
Lucio and Susan Co: Supermarket Moguls of Puregold
Retail billionaires Lucio Co and Susan Co remain pillars of mass-market commerce through Puregold Price Club and Cosco Capital. With fortunes of $1.4 billion and $1.3 billion respectively, their dominance in the supermarket and liquor distribution sectors has continued unabated.
Tony Tan Caktiong: Jollibee’s Global Flavor
ATTRIBUTION : Lauro Montellano Jr./ Malacañang Photo Bureau/PNA, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
With a net worth of $1.3 billion, Tony Tan Caktiong—founder of Jollibee Foods Corporation—remains one of the most recognizable names in Filipino business. JFC’s international acquisitions and expansion have turned a homegrown fast-food brand into a global player with a loyal diaspora following.
Digital Gamechanger: Eusebio Tanco Makes His Debut
PHOTO CREDIT : LRWC
A newcomer to the list, Eusebio H. Tanco enters with a net worth of $1.2 billion, thanks to his growing stake in DigiPlus Interactive Corp., the company behind BingoPlus. Already a respected figure in education through STI Holdings, Tanco is now tapping into the country’s booming digital entertainment economy.
Global Context: Billionaire Surge Continues Worldwide
This year, Forbes recorded 3,028 billionaires globally, the highest ever, with a collective fortune of $16.1 trillion. While the Philippines accounts for a modest share of that pie, the steady rise of its top tycoons speaks to deeper economic resilience and entrepreneurial agility.
From cement and casinos to e-learning and esports, the fortunes of these billionaires tell a larger story—of how Filipino capital is adapting, expanding, and increasingly influencing the global stage.
Bravo, Cora Oriel! We’ve known it but this is the proof.
Thank you for keeping us in the know. I have Forbes too, but I read yours before theirs. Ha!