Except where a repealing or amendatory ordinance specifically provides otherwise, the amendment or repeal of any portion of Article 1 or Article 1.5 shall not be construed to operate as a release or waiver of any liability or sum of money which may be due or owing to the City of Los Angeles from any person under the provisions of said articles as they existed prior to such amendment or repeal. The rule of construction required by this section is declared to be in clarification and confirmation of the existing intent of said articles, and is not to be construed as applying solely to the effect of repealing or amendatory ordinances adopted subsequent to the effective date of this section.