DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The youngest lawmaker in the 17th Congress remained to be the poorest among hundreds of members of the House of Representatives, who are mostly multimillionaires.
Kabataan Party-list Representative Sarah Elago has a net worth of Php 85,400 based on her 2018 statements of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN). It only has an uptick from her reported net worth of P75,800 in 2017.
Elago had the lowest net worth since she served as a party-list lawmaker. She started with a declared wealth of Php50,000 in 2016.
Following Elago, the next poorest legislator in the Lower House was Kabayan representative Paul Hernandez, who declared a net worth of Php340,000 in 2018.
Other lawmakers who were among the top ten poorest House members include: Camarines Sur Rep Gabriel Bordado Jr. (Php515,658.72); Gabriela Rep Arlene Brosas (Php518, 660); Diwa Rep Pepito Pico (Php680,000), ACT-Teachers Rep France Castro (Php912,809.05); Anakpawis Rep Ariel Casilao (Php913, 350.91); Coop-NATCCO) Rep Sabiniano Canama (Php1, 515, 634); Bayan Muna Rep Carlos Isagani Zarate (Php1, 710, 048.25); Gabriela Rep Emmi de Jesus (Php1, 895, 000).
Meanwhile, 1PACMAN Party-list Representative Michael Romero is still the richest legislator among 291 members of the House of Representatives. He has declared a net worth of Php7.858 billion.
The House of Representatives had released its summary report of declared SALN of its members in 2018 in its website this week.
Most prolific
Where multi-millionaires, landlords, and business tycoons are seated, Kabataan Party-list took pride that Elago has been named as the poorest member in the Lower House.
While being named as the poorest member of the House, Elago was recognized as the most first-term legislator in the 17th Congress, with the most number of privilege speeches delivered at the plenary.
As the sole youth representative in Congress, she has also principally authored 444 bills and measures, as well as 39 co-authored measures.
“The bulk of our resources goes to continuous support for various youth advocacy campaigns. After all, KABATAAN is not in Congress to make money, but to serve our constituents, the youth, and the Filipino people,” Kabataan Party-list said.
“As the Pag- Asa ng Bayan, together, we made history when the Free Education Law was passed. It is now being enjoyed by thousands of youth and students. We are proud of our stellar record of substantial legislative participation and passage of meaningful reforms,” it added.
The Makabayan bloc, which Elago belongs to, has won a total of six seats in the last May 13 midterm elections and remained to be an “independent minority” in Congress despite the relentless attacks by government officials and state forces against them, such as black propaganda, red-tagging among others.
The incoming 18th Congress will convene on July 22. (davaotoday.com)
