Statement of Sen. Joel Villanueva on the recent signing of the Rice Tarrification Law

We hail the recent passage into law of the Rice Tarrification bill that will ease import restrictions and lead to a decrease in the price of rice, the Filipino family's staple food.

The Rice Tariffication Law is a significant piece of legislation that will provide our consumers adequate supply of rice, and fund the mechanization and industrialization of our agricultural sector.

Sa kasalukuyan, naghihikahos po ang ating sektor ng agrikultura. Sa pamamagitan ng batas na ito, pasisiglahin at gigisingin muli ang ating agrikultura.

Under this law, the proceeds from imposing tariffs on imported rice will mainly be used to support the development and procurement of modern farm machinery for our small farmers.

Rest assured that as one of the authors of this law, we have instituted safeguards to ensure that importers comply with stringent requirements for agricultural and food safety to protect our local industry and ensure the industrialization of our agriculture sector.