Incoming congressman Michael Romero of 1-Pacman party-list has emerged as one of the richest members of the House of Representatives and the youngest billionaire in Asia.
The 42-year-old Romero is the first nominee of the party-list group which placed second in the May 9 race, earning two seats in the House. The second nominee for 1-Pacman party-list is the business adviser of Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel Pacquiao, who was the richest congressman in 2015.
Romero earned the tag the Philippines richest as published by Forbes Asia Magazine in 2013, when he was just 40 years old, and 2014.
Pacquiao was the richest House member with a net worth of P1.7 billion based on his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth he filed in the House.
The 2015 SALN of congressmen will be released by end of May.
In the 2013 Forbes list of rich Filipinos, Romero, then only 40, ranked 26th with an estimated $490 million or about P23.75 billion in net worth.
The following year, Romero’s fell six rungs lower, landing 33rd in the Forbes’ list.
Nonetheless, his estimated networth was placed at $375 million or P17.81 billion, higher than the combined net wealth of Pacquiao.
Romero, whose 1PACMAN recently forged an alliance with the Nationalist Alliance Coalition and vowed support for Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez as the next speaker, has presented a legislative platform that seeks to prioritize sports development, education and job creation.
Romero boasts two doctorate degrees in business administration and political economics.
He said the first bill he will file as a congressman is one that seeks to restore the National Economic Council that was abolished in the 1960s by the then President Ferdinand E. Marcos.
Romero was a former varsity player of the La Salle Green Archers. He formed the One Patriotic Coalition of Marginalized Nationals (1-PACMAN) while acting as team owner of Global Port Batang Pier in the Philippine Basketball Association.
