MANILA - SPO3 Ricky Sta. Isabel, the primary suspect in the killing of Korean businessman Jee Ick Joo, had P20 million in total net worth at one point, the Philippine National Police said Thursday.

PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief Director Roel Obusan told senators that Sta. Isabel and his wife reported P20,366,000 million in 2014, according to their statement of assets liabilities and net worth.

In 2015, the couple reported over P17,328,000 in assets, Obusan said.

"As to the financial aspect of the financial investigation on the spouses Sta. Isabel, we first get into the SALN as the fundamental of everything. For 2015, Sta. Isabel has an asset of P14.443 million. For the real properties and personal properties amounting to P2,885,000 -- amounting to a total of P17,328,000," Obusan said.

Among the couple's real estate properties, Obusan said, were "5 house and lots, all in Bagumbong, Caloocan City and one in Cubao, Quezon City where he owns a 4-storey commercial building."

Sta. Isabel also has several vehicles and motorcycles, he said.

But Sta. Isabel admitted that he only earns about P8,000 per month as a cop.

He attributed his wealth to the business ventures of his wife, Jinky, who has insurance commissions, and manages several businesses like Western Union, Bayad Center, and Lotto outlets.

"Iyung misis ko po talaga ang nagpapatakbo ng business namin. Gumraduate po iyung misis ko sa MLQU, cum laude po, kaya magaling po si misis at saka masipag po," Sta. Isabel said.

"Sa sipag niya po, dahil sa insurance po, commission basis po diyan kaya napalago po ang business po namin," he added.

(My wife runs our business. She graduated cum laude at the Manuel L. Quezon University so she's industrious.

Because of her perseverance in selling insurance, we were able to grow our business.)

-- With a report from Adrian Ayalin, ABS-CBN News