Forbes Philippines 40 Richest

Still the country is showing signs of life, according to Forbes. Its stock market is up a third, making it one of the best performers in Asia this year. And foreign investors and businesses are more welcomed than in the past, thanks to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's policies. 

In summary, the top 10 richest Filipinos are:

1. Henry Sy & family; US$3.1 billion ( SM Malls, Banco de Oro)

2. Lucio Tan & family; $1.5 billion (Asia Brewery, Tanduay Holdings,Fortune Tobacco,Philippine Airlines, University of the East.Philippine National Bank,Allied Bank, Eton Properties)

3. Jaime Zobel de Ayala & family; $1.2 billion (Ayala Malls and Corp,)

4. Andrew Tan; $700 million (Megaworld Corporation,Emperador Distillers Incorporation)

5. Tony Tan Caktiong & family; $690 million (Jollibee Fastfood Chain, Red Ribbon, Chowking, Greenwich, Delifrance Philippines and Manong Pepe's.)

6. John Gokongwei Jr. & family; $680 million (Cebu Pacific,Sun Cellular,Universal Robina Corp.,Robinson Malls)

7. Eduardo Cojuangco Jr.; $610 million  (San Miguel Corporation,

8. Enrique Razon Jr.; $525 million (International Container Terminal Services (ICTSI)

9. George Ty & family; $435 million (Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company,Bank of the Philippine Islands,Philippine Savings Bank,

10. Inigo & Mercedes Zobel; $430 million