Villanueva's statement on provisional jeepney fare hike

In light of the increasing prices of fuel and other commodities, I think the jeepney fare hike would sustain the livelihood of our jeepney drivers who, like all other consumers, carry the burden of rising prices of services and commodities.

However, the government really needs to step up to address the factors driving the accelerating prices of goods and services in the country.

In the Senate, we propose to lower the VAT to 10 percent and/or to liberalize our rice importation to allow Filipino families to avail of cheaper rice products.

We should find practical solutions to address these problems that continue to affect our workers and consumers in general.