Republic Act No. 1196

: The primary purpose of Republic Act No. 1196 is to amend Republic Act No. 911 by inserting a new section (Section 18-A) which empowers the President to change rates of import duty under specific conditions.
: Section 18-A authorizes the President, upon investigation and recommendation by the Tariff Commission, to decrease import duty rates by up to 60% or increase them by up to ten times when necessary for the national economy, general welfare, or national defense.
: The Tariff Commission must conduct an investigation and make a recommendation before the President can modify import duty rates.
: The President can decrease import duty rates by not more than 60 percent.
: The President can increase import duty rates by not more than ten times the previously established rates.
: Changes may be made if, in the President's judgment, the modification is necessary in the interest of the national economy, general welfare, or national defense.
: The rates are effective until modified by Congress.
: Yes, Section 18-A states that its provisions apply notwithstanding other provisions of the Act to the contrary.
: The authority expires on December 31, 1955.
: The Act took effect upon its approval on August 25, 1954.