Manila: The ranks of the Filipino billionaire elite have expanded, with fifteen tycoons making the prestigious list from Forbes in 2025. Their fortunes, primarily from shares in major local conglomerates, are growing in status globally. Topping the list is property tycoon Manuel Villar, a former fishmonger’s fortune now totals an astounding $17.2 billion.
However, this year’s list features one less billionaire than in the previous year, where sixteen local billionaires were recognized. The new addition to this elite circle is Eusebio Tanco, whose $1.2 billion net worth is attributed to the soaring valuation of DigiPlus Interactive Corp, a major player in online gaming, demonstrating the industry’s profitability.
Among the returnees, Enrique Razon Jr. retains the second position with a wealth of $10.9 billion, followed closely by Ramon Ang, Commander of San Miguel Corp, with $3.7 billion. The Sy family continues to showcase their wealth, bolstering the legacy established by the late Henry Sy Sr. with all six of his children appearing on the list, collectively amassing over $12 billion. Together, their wealth could hypothetically purchase any major mall in the Philippines!
The full list of 2025 Filipino billionaires is as follows:
- 1. Manuel Villar – $17.2 billion
- 2. Enrique Razon Jr. – $10.9 billion
- 3. Ramon Ang – $3.7 billion
- 4. Lucio Tan – $3 billion
- 5. Henry Sy Jr. – $2.3 billion
- 6. Hans Sy – $2.2 billion
- 7. Herbert Sy – $2.1 billion
- 8. Harley Sy – $1.9 billion
- 9. Teresita Sy-Coson – $1.9 billion
- 10. Elizabeth Sy – $1.7 billion
- 11. Andrew Tan – $1.6 billion
- 12. Lucio Co – $1.4 billion
- 13. Susan Co – $1.3 billion
- 14. Tony Tan Caktiong – $1.3 billion
- 15. Eusebio Tanco – $1.2 billion
On the global front, Elon Musk has surged back to the top as the wealthiest individual, surpassed Bernard Arnault with a fortune of $342 billion. The significant rise in Musk’s wealth, driven by successes in xAI, SpaceX, and Tesla, highlights an increase of 75%.
With the new count revealing 3,028 billionaires globally possessing a combined worth of $16.1 trillion, 2025 stands out as a remarkable year for the ultra-wealthy. It’s a mystery who will join these ranks next—only future stock performances will tell.
