WHEREAS, as a result of the widespread destruction of life and property occasioned by war and owing to the shortage of work animals, the activities of the farmers of the Philippines have not yet been normalized, particularly those in connection with the raising of food crops;

WHEREAS, there exists a serious shortage of rice and an imminent danger of inflation of prices as a result of manipulation resorted to by those in control of the limited stock at the present available for local needs;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, SERGIO OSME A, President of the Philippines, do hereby declare, under the provisions of Act No. 4198 entitled "An Act amending section eleven of the Act entitled ˜An Act to raise revenue for the Philippine Islands, and for other purposes, ™ approved by the Congress of the United States on August fifth, nineteen hundred and nine, as amended, for the purpose of admitting free entry of certain merchandise in time of emergency," an emergency to exist, and do hereby authorize the importation of rice heretofore made or hereafter to be made by or for the account of the Government or a relief organization designated by the President of the Philippines, free of duty, subject to such rules and regulations as the Insular Collector of Customs may prescribe, with the approval of the Secretary of Finance. The free importation of rice herein authorized shall continue during the existence of the emergency unless sooner withdrawn by the President of the Philippines.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Commonwealth of the Philippines to be affixed to be affixed.

Done at the City of Manila, this 6th day of April, in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and forty-six, and of the Commonwealth of the Philippines, the eleventh.


By the President:
(Sgd.) JOSE S. REYES
Secretary to the President