Be it enacted by the Senate and Borne of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Republic Act Numbered Nine is hereby amended by inserting between sections eighteen and nineteen thereof a new section to be known as section eighteen-A which shall read as follows:

“SEC. 18-A. The President, upon prior investigation by and recommendation of the Commission, is hereby empowered to decrease by not more than sixty per centum or to  increase by not more than ten times the rates of uort duty however established when in his judgment reduction or increase is necessary in the interest national economy, general welfare, and national defense, other provision of this Act to the contrary notwithstanding: Provided, That  such  rates   shall be effective until modified by Congress: Provided, further, That the authority herein  granted  to  the  President shall  expire on December thirty-one, nineteen hundred and fifty-five."

SEC. 2. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved, August 25, 1954.