Section 2
SEC. 2. The total liabilities to a branch of a foreign banking corporation doing business in the Philippine Islands of any person, or of any company, corporation or firm for money borrowed, including in the liabilities of the company or firm the liabilities of the several members thereof, shall not exceed an amount to be determined as follows: Five per cent of its average deposits payable within the Philippine Islands during the preceding calendar year, plus fifteen per cent of the amount due by such branch to the home office and branches outside the Philippine Island after deducting from such amount sums due such branch from the home office and outside branches: Provided, however, That additional liabilities may be incurred by a borrower up to five per cent of the said average deposits and fifteen per cent of the said net amount due to the home office and branches outside the Philippine Islands, provided such additional liabilities are secured by shipping documents, warehouse receipts, or other similar documents, transferring or securing title covering readily marketable, non-perishable staples, when such staples are fully covered by insurance, and when such staples have a market value equal to at least one hundred twenty-five per cent of such additional liabilities. The discount of bills of exchange drawn in good faith against actually existing values, and the discount of commercial and business paper actually owned by the person negotiating the same, shall not be considered as money borrowed within the meaning of this section. The net amount due the home office and branches outside the Philippine Islands shall not be reduced during the life of any loan if by such reduction such loan would become illegal. Nothing in this Act shall be considered as restricting in any manner loans made by a branch of a foreign banking corporation operating within the Philippine Islands for account of its home office or branches outside the Islands. During the first year of the existence of a branch of a foreign banking corporation commencing business in the Philippine Islands after the date when this Act shall take effect, the Bank Commissioner, with the approval of the Secretary of Finance, shall determine the maximum amount which may be loaned to any one borrower.