Sen. Manuel Villar, Jr. yesterday vowed zero tolerance of graft but said there may be new taxes because the next president will inherit empty coffers.

“If elected, I will set the tone during the first 100 days, the first year of my administration. Large contracts can be bidded out and televised for all to see. This would send a message that we mean business. The government has to set the example for all to follow,” he told the Makati Business Club.

“The fiscal deficit this year is projected to balloon to over P300 billion. It would be irresponsible of me to limit my options knowing the magnitude of the problem,” he said.

Villar promised to “make poverty alleviation our top priority.” “What I can do is give more access and opportunities to those who don’t have them because they are poor. I will work hard to raise education standards, build more schools, and reward deserving teachers. I intend to accomplish this by spending more for education. I will also try to create a more competitive environment among schools, among teachers, so that those that perform well are rewarded, and those that don’t are held accountable,” he said.

”I will build safety nets for the less fortunate – more access to healthcare for example. For our OFWs (overseas Filipino workers), there must be a system to address their needs when they encounter trouble overseas and to bring them back if need be,” Villar said.

”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. I am beholden to no one and I will be in a strong position to reduce tax evasion and smuggling,” he added.
Bernadette E. Tamayo