Core Insights - The total wealth of the top 50 richest individuals in the Philippines increased by 6% to $86 billion, despite a mixed performance among the wealth holders [2][5][6] - The Sy siblings, heirs of the SM Group, remain at the top with a net worth of $11.8 billion, despite a $1.2 billion decrease in their wealth [2][10] - Economic growth in the Philippines reached 5.4% in Q1 2025, driven by domestic demand and infrastructure investments, although U.S. tariff policies posed challenges [2] Wealth Changes - Nearly half of the billionaires on the list saw their wealth increase, with Enrique Razon Jr. at $11.5 billion and Manuel Villar at $11 billion, maintaining the second and third positions respectively [5][12][13] - The largest percentage increase in wealth was observed for Dennis Anthony and Maria Grace Uy, founders of Converge ICT Solutions, whose net worth surged by 74% to $1.6 billion due to government initiatives promoting internet access [5][46] - Conversely, 20 billionaires experienced a decline in wealth, with William Belo of Wilcon Depot facing a 40% drop, bringing his net worth down to $520 million [6][74] Market Performance - The Philippine benchmark stock market index fell by 7% since the last assessment, although the strengthening of the peso mitigated some negative impacts [2] - SM Prime Holdings, under the Sy siblings, announced a $9 billion investment plan to expand its real estate business over the next five years [2] Notable Exits and Entries - The threshold for entering the billionaire list increased to $185 million, up from $170 million in 2024, indicating a higher bar for wealth accumulation [6] - Two billionaires from the previous year did not make the list this year, including Dennis Uy, who is working to reduce debt in his entertainment and telecommunications company DITO CME Holdings [6]