Nacionalista Party (NP) standard-bearer Senator Manny Villar Wednesday called on the rich to extend a helping hand in alleviating the plight of the poor.

Villar issued the call when he spoke before the powerful and elite Makati Business Club (MBC) at Dusit Thani Manila Hotel where he was the guest of honor and speaker of the club’s Presidential Candidates Series.

He said that while his main campaign agenda is pro-poor, it does not mean that he is against the rich.

It was Villar’s first appearance before the MBC where he answered sharp and tough questions about his economic plans and policy if he is elected president in the May 10 elections.

LP standard-bearer Sen. Benigno Aquino III was the first guest and speaker of MBC last month.

Although the forum was centered on business and economic matters, Villar did not escape query about the C-5 Road controversy.

In his speech, the NP standard-bearer reiterated his determination to pursue poverty alleviation program which is the centerpiece of his platform in this hotly contested polls.

He assured, however, that while he will be pursuing pro-poor programs, businessmen must also be protected, underscoring the need for businesses to grow and thrive so that the economy can move forward and our people can find employment.

Villar seized the opportunity to tell the audience, mostly local and foreign businessmen, about his humble beginnings but said he achieved what he is now through sheer hard work and patience.

“What can I say, that perhaps many of you cannot, is that I know what it feels like to be poor. I know what the poor are going through right now. I grew up in Tondo. Galing ako ng Moriones.

Maybe some of you in this room have never even set foot in Tondo. Yes, all candidates are pro-poor... remember nobody in the history of this country ever get elected on a pro-rich platform, Villar said to the delight of the audience.

“But for me pro-poor doesn’t mean being anti-rich, Villar said.

He said if he wins, he will focus on the poor first, saying he understands their plight. But I also understand that we will need businessmen to move our economy. “I am sure that companies associated with the Makati Business Club employ thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of people.

“Just as I have promised to the people, we will make poverty alleviation our top priority. However, this is something that everyone, including the poor themselves, must strive for and work towards. What I can do is give more access and opportunities to those who don’t have it because they are poor, Villar repeatedly stated.

To accomplish his promise for the poor, Villar said he will build safety nets for the less fortunate – more access to healthcare for example. “For our OFWs, there must be a system to address their needs when they encounter trouble overseas and to bring them back if need be.”

Unlike Aquino, Villar did not promise that no new taxes will be imposed but said that to increase revenues, he will work hard to improve tax collection by going after smugglers and tax evaders.

“I cannot promise no new taxes as the next administration will inherit empty coffers. The fiscal deficit this year is projected to balloon to over 300 billion pesos or about 3.5% of GDP. It would be irresponsible of me to limit my options knowing the magnitude of the problem. Of course, we will push to raise revenues and spend wisely. But as we have seen, raising revenues is not a simple matter. We already have one of the highest tax rates in the region. People will have to pay their taxes,” Villar told businessmen.

Villar said he can do this stressing I am beholden to no one and I will be in a strong position to reduce tax evasion and smuggling.

Villar acknowledged and thanked the invitation by the MBC as he said he is deeply honored to be their guest of honor.