Section 23
SEC. 23. Section two hundred and thirty-four of Commonwealth Act Number Four hundred and sixty-six is hereby amended to read as follows: "SEC. 234. Stamp tax on charter parties and similar instruments.—On every charter party, contract, or agreement for the charter of any ship, vessel, or steamer, or any letter or memorandum or other writing between the captain, master, or owner, or other person acting as agent of any ship, vessel, or steamer, and any other person or persons for or relating to the charter of any such ship, vessel, or steamer, and on any renewal or transfer of such charter, contract, agreement, letter, or memorandum, there shall be collected a documentary stamp tax at the following rates: "(a) If the registered gross tonnage of the ship, vessel or steamer does not exceed three hundred tons, and the duration of the charter or contract does not exceed six months, eighteen pesos; and for each month or fraction of a month in excess of six months, an additional tax of three pesos shall be paid. "(b) If the registered gross tonnage exceeds three hundred tons and does not exceed six hundred tons, and the duration of the charter or contract does not exceed six months, thirty-six pesos; and for each month or fraction of a month in excess of six months, an additional tax of six pesos shall be paid. "(c) If the registered gross tonnage exceeds six hundred tons and the duration of the charter or contract does not exceed six months, seventy-two pesos; and for each month or fraction of a month in excess of six months, an additional tax of twelve pesos shall be paid."