Section 29Sec./Art. 29

Powers of the President. - Notwithstanding Section 27 of this Act and consistent with the Philippine national interest and the objectives of safeguarding local alt producers and consumers, the President is hereby empowered to act with full delegated authority subject to the provisions of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), in the following circumstances:

(a) The President may revise or adjust existing rates of customs duties on salt imports consonant with the country's international agreements, including any ncessary change in classification applicable to their importation: Provided, That the adjustment is time-bound and that the power herein delegated to the President shall only be exercised when Congress is not in session: Provided, further, That any order issued by the President adjusting the applied tariff rates shall take efect fifteen (15) days after publication; and

(b) In the event of any imminent or forecasted shortage, or such other situation requiring government intervention, the President is empowered for alimited period and/or a specified volume, to allow the importation of salt at a lower applied tariff rate to address the situation. Such order shal take effect immediately and can be issued even when Congress is in session.

The power herein delegated to the President may be withdrawn or terminated by Congress through a joint resolution.