AN ACT MAKING IT OBLIGATORY UPON INTERISLAND VESSELS TO PROVIDE TONNAGE FOR THE SHIPMENT OF RICE OR ANY OTHER ARTICLE OF PRIME NECESSITY WHENEVER REQUIRED TO DO SO BY THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE AND COMMUNICATIONS UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS.

• Number: Act No. 2827
• Sections: 5

Section 1

SECTION 1. The Secretary of Commerce and Communications or any person that may be authorized by him to act in his place is hereby empowered to require of any interisland vessel operating in the waters of the Philippines to load cargoes of rice or any other article of prime necessity in any amount to the exclusion of other cargoes whenever in the opinion of said Secretary of Commerce and Communications public welfare or necessity demand it.

Section 2

SEC. 2. The rate of freight to be paid for the rice required to be shipped by the Secretary of Commerce and Communications shall be that agreed upon between said Secretary or his representative and the owner, agent, charterer, captain, or person in charge of the vessel concerned: Provided, That in case of disagreement as to the rate of freight that should be paid or charged, the question shall be submitted to the Public Utility Commissioner, whose decision shall be final.

Section 3

SEC. 3. Any owner, agent, charterer, captain, or person in charge of any interisland steamer who refuses to comply with any of the provisions of this Act shall, upon conviction, be fined in an amount not less than two thousand pesos nor more than ten thousand pesos or imprisoned for not less than six months nor more than two years, or suffer both fine and imprisonment, in the discretion of the court.

Section 4

SEC. 4. All Acts or parts of Acts inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed.

Section 5

SEC. 5. The public good requiring the speedy enactment of this Act, the same shall take effect on its approval.

Approved, March 5, 1919.