Amendment to Section 1417 of the Administrative Code
Commonwealth Act No. 497, enacted on September 30, 1939, amends Section 1417 of the Administrative Code regarding tonnage dues for vessels involved in Philippine trade. It establishes a fee of twelve and one-half centavos per net ton or thirty-five centavos per thousand kilograms of merchandise for vessels entering or leaving Philippine ports, regardless of nationality. The Act allows the President to increase these dues up to five pesos per net ton and can suspend the option for vessel masters or consignees to choose their payment basis. The law takes effect immediately upon approval.
September 30, 1939
COMMONWEALTH ACT NO. 497
AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION ONE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED AND SEVENTEEN OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
SECTION 1. Section one thousand four hundred and seventeen of the Administrative Code is amended to read as follows: ASDTEa
"SEC. 1417. Tonnage dues on vessels engaged in Philippine trade. — There shall be collected at all ports and places in the Philippines from any vessel coming from or going to a port or place outside of the territory of the Philippines, irrespective of nationality, twelve and one-half centavos per net ton as expressed in her certificate of registry, or thirty-five centavos per thousand kilograms of merchandise discharged or laden in Philippine ports, at the option of the master or consignee of the vessel: Provided, however, That the President may, by executive order, increase the tonnage dues to an amount not exceeding five pesos per net ton as expressed in the certificates of registry of such vessels, and suspend the privilege above granted to the masters or consignees of vessels to exercise the option of selecting as basis for the payment of the said tonnage dues between registered net tonnage and the amount of cargo discharged or laden."
SECTION 2. This Act shall take effect on its approval.
Approved, September 30, 1939.