HOW RICH ARE THEY? Bongbong, Sara declare SALN

National

PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta‑Marcos jointly declared a net worth of ₱389.357 million as of Dec. 31, 2024.

Based on their Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN), the first couple had notable increase from their ₱329.229 million net worth as of mid‑2022, when Marcos first assumed office. According to the SALN, their assets include real property, investments, cash, jewelry, vehicles, and art, a report by Philstar stated.

Under the standard Civil Service Commission (CSC) method for valuation, Marcos reported no liabilities. However, his SALN also contained an appraisal by a private firm, Cuervo Appraisers, Inc., which placed the fair market value of his assets at ₱1.375 billion — significantly higher than the CSC‑based figure.

Breaking down the declared assets, Marcos and his wife listed ₱142.03 million in real property and ₱247.33 million in personal property. Their personal property includes ₱38.7 million in cash, around ₱134.2 million in market investments, and ₱74.4 million in items such as paintings, jewelry, and motor vehicles.

On the art front, Marcos reportedly owns 126 paintings valued at roughly ₱82.8 million, including works by renowned Filipino artists like Fernando Amorsolo, Ben Cabrera, and Arturo Luz. Among his vehicles is a Mercedes‑Benz Maybach, appraised at ₱10.5 million.

Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte declared a net worth of ₱88.512 million as of the end of 2024 — up from ₱71.058 million at the start of her term. Her assets include ₱66.8 million in real properties and about ₱31.65 million in personal properties like vehicles and other personal items.

However, her liabilities — notably ~₱9.95 million — are tied to personal loans listed under her husband, Manases Carpio, rather than in her name.

Analysts say the net worth increases for both Marcos and Duterte reflect significant asset growth during their first three years in office.

Some also point out the wide gap between the CSC‑based valuations and the private appraisal, raising questions about how public officials’ wealth is assessed and reported.(Victoria Diana, USJR Comm Intern)