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CORPORATION LAW - In cases of slander, libel and other forms of defamation


(should not qualify because the code does not qualify
Corporation is one of the types of business whether natural or juridical) Art. 2219 of the civil code:
organizations. It is also the most important in economic
development. Art. 2219. Moral damages may be recovered
in the following and analogous cases:
INTRODUCTION

(1) A criminal offense resulting in physical injuries;


Sole proprietorship

(2) Quasi-delicts causing physical injuries;


- One man form of business entity, personally answers all
liabilities, but enjoys all the profits with the exclusion of
others (3) Seduction, abduction, rape, or other lascivious acts;
- Limited shareholders responsibility
- Paid subscription in full, you are no longer liable (4) Adultery or concubinage;

Partnership
(5) Illegal or arbitrary detention or arrest;

- Based on mutual trust and confidence


(6) Illegal search;

Joint venture
(7) Libel, slander or any other form of defamation;
- one time grouping of persons whether they be natural or
juridical (8) Malicious prosecution;
- does not entail continuity because after the undertaking
is completed it is already the end
(9) Acts mentioned in Article 309;
- particular partnership and joint venture would be
similar, but there is already a decision of the Supreme
(10) Acts and actions referred to in Articles 21, 26, 27,
Court declaring them as different
28, 29, 30, 32, 34, and 35.
- when they do not register, it does not exist
- Foreign corporations enters into an agreement with a
domestic corporation, it must be registered. Generally The parents of the female seduced, abducted, raped, or
they do not need to be registered. abused, referred to in No. 3 of this article, may also
recover moral damages.
Corporations
The spouse, descendants, ascendants, and brothers and
- They may enter into joint venture, but generally they sisters may bring the action mentioned in No. 9 of this
cannot enter into a partnership, but there are article, in the order named.
exceptions allowed by the SEC: the 3 exceptions must go
hand in hand Advantages (SEE LADIA BOOK)
1. The articles of incorporation expressly authorized
the corporation to enter into contracts of - No. 2 may also be a disadvantage
partnership; - No. 5 may also be a disadvantage
2. The agreement or articles of partnership must
provide that all the partners will manage the A corporation is a person, therefore protected by the due
partnership; and process clause and equal protection clause of the
3. The articles of partnership must stipulate that all Constitution
the partners are and shall be jointly and severally
liable for all obligations of the partnership. CLASSIFICATION OF CORPORATIONS
DEFINITION AND ATTRIBUTES
Section 3 Stock and non-stock
4 attributes of a corporation
- Importance of knowing, determining what provisions of
1. Artificial being the code or the law may be applicable
2. Created by operation of law
3. Right of succession
4. Powers, attributes and properties expressly authorized Section 3. Classes of corporations. -
by law or incident to its existence. Corporations formed or organized under this Code may
be stock or non-stock corporations. Corporations which
have capital stock divided into shares and are
Doctrine of limited capacity
authorized to distribute to the holders of such shares
dividends or allotments of the surplus profits on the
- Only such powers as are expressly granted to it by law basis of the shares held are stock corporations. All other
and by its articles of incorporation including others corporations are non-stock corporations. (3a)
which are incidental to such conferred powers, those
reasonably necessary to accomplish its purpose and Non-stock- title 10
those which may be incidental to its existence
Stock- section 51
- Can do things as the law asks or allows it to do
- If it does anything beyond, it shall be considered as
Stockholders must generally cast their votes in the
ULTRA VIRES
meeting; section 4 governed primarily by the law
creating them
General rule: Moral damages cannot be granted to
corporations
Section 4. Corporations created by special
Exception: Filipinas Broadcasting Network Inc. vs. Ago laws or charters. - Corporations created by special laws
or charters shall be governed primarily by the provisions
Med
of the special law or charter creating them or applicable
to them, supplemented by the provisions of this Code,
insofar as they are applicable. (n)
Notes on Corporation Law
Notes come in handy only when you have studied
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2

Section 3 De facto

- The two requisites must always concur - exists by virtue of colorable compliance
1. That they have a capital stock divided into shares; and, - Attached directly only by the state in a quo warranto
2. That they are authorized to distribute dividends or proceeding
allotments as surplus profits to its stockholders on the
basis of the shares held by each of them. Corporation by estoppel

Section 4 - So defectively formed, but still considered corporation,


but only in relation to those who cannot deny their
- Created by a special law, they have their own character existence section 20 and 21
- They are not immune from suit unless provided by the FORMATION AND ORGANIZATION
law of their creation 3 stages
- Primarily governed by the law creating them 1. Creation
- Their subsidiaries are entirely different or independent 2. Re-organization or quasi-reorganization
from that of the other 3. Dissolution/winding-up
Purpose clause
Close corporation - Defining the scope of authority of the corporate
enterprise pr undertaking. Both confirmed and limited
- There is no exemption it is absolute 4 limitations of purpose clause
1. Lawful
2. Specific or stated concisely
Public corporation
3. More than one, the primary and secondary must
be specified
- Political or governmental purposes
4. Lawfully combined
- Those formed or organized for the government or a
- Provision that states, cannot be issued less than par,
portion of the State or any of its political subdivision
exception is treasury shares because it can be issued
and which have for their purpose the general good and
less than par
welfare
A corporation commences only upon issuance of the
Private Corporation
certificate, prior thereto it has no being and cannot
transact business. Promoters cannot act for a projected
- Immediate benefit, aim or advantage of private
corporation
individuals
- Those formed for some private purpose, benefit, aim or
Metro Manila- paid up capital requirement is 10 M
end
- Distinction: public for governmental purpose
Non- stock- mere mention of the operating capital

Corporation Sole
Mention the authorized capital

- Exemption to the rule because it is composed only of


Restrictions
one person
- An incorporator may also be a juridical person
- Mandatory in close
- Not mandatory in ordinary
Close corporation

Non-stock
- There is exclusivity of shares of stock
- Section 96-105
- Restrictions to transfer shares - If value is not more than 100,000
- Only those indicated can own shares
- Article must provide that there will be no public offering A corporation cannot use any other name unless it has
been amended
Open corporation
Section 19
- openly admit investors
- example: stock exchange - If confusingly similar it will not be allowed to be
registered
Domestic/ Foreign - Verification slip from the records officer

Test
Section 19. Commencement of corporate
existence. - A private corporation formed or organized
- Incorporation test under this Code commences to have corporate existence
- If incorporated under the laws of the Philippines it is a and juridical personality and is deemed incorporated
domestic corporation from the date the Securities and Exchange Commission
issues a certificate of incorporation under its official
ME Gray vs. CA seal; and thereupon the incorporators,
stockholders/members and their successors shall
- Parent or Holding/ subsidiaries and affiliates constitute a body politic and corporate under the name
- Affiliates- no majority vote stated in the articles of incorporation for the period of
time mentioned therein, unless said period is extended
SMC 12%
or the corporation is sooner dissolved in accordance
with law. (n)
HERSHEY CBPl 12%

12%
CBP - Words corporation or inc. either in full or abbreviated
form must be included
Affiliate is subject to common control by the 12 % owners
De jure Section 18. Corporate name. - No corporate
name may be allowed by the Securities and Exchange
- cannot be attached by the state even in a quo warranto Commission if the proposed name is identical or
proceeding deceptively or confusingly similar to that of any existing

Notes on Corporation Law


Notes come in handy only when you have studied
GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
3

corporation or to any other name already protected by - General rule: only natural persons
law or is patently deceptive, confusing or contrary to - Exception: cooperatives and corporation primarily
existing laws. When a change in the corporate name is organized to hold equities in rural banks
approved, the Commission shall issue an amended
certificate of incorporation under the amended name. (n) How about minors?

Doctrine of secondary meaning - NO, because they must be of legal age

- A word or phrase originally incapable of exclusive May a corporation organized by incorporators consisting
appropriation [usually generic] with reference to an solely of foreigners
article in the market, because of geographically or
otherwise descriptive, might nevertheless have been - Yes, there is no nationality requirement only residence,
used so long and so exclusively by one producer with as long as majority are residents of the Phil
reference to his article that, in that trade and to that
branch of the purchasing public, the word or phrase has Define incorporators <sec.5>
become to mean that the article was his product.
- Those person mentioned in the articles as originally
Section 18 forming the corporation and who are signatories of the
articles of incorporation.
- Lyceum of the Philippines case, the additional - Must be signatories to be incorporators
geographical name does not make it confusingly similar
- actual confusion is not necessary- Philips case it is
Section 5. Corporators and incorporators,
enough that there is probable confusion
stockholders and members. - Corporators are those who
compose a corporation, whether as stockholders or as
2 requisites must be proven members. Incorporators are those stockholders or
members mentioned in the articles of incorporation as
- that the complainant corporation acquired a prior right originally forming and composing the corporation and
over the use of such corporate name who are signatories thereof.
- identical, deceptively or confusingly, patently deceptive
Corporators in a stock corporation are called
principal office stockholders or shareholders. Corporators in a non-
stock corporation are called members. (4a)
- statement of principal office is required
- city and municipality not only province must be
Define corporators <sec.5>
specified
- principal office NOT operations office
- All persons who compose the corporation at any given
- necessary because it will establish the residence of
time and need not be among those who execute the
corporations
- venue of actions for or against the corporations articles of incorporation at the start of its formation and
- venue of meetings organization.
- section 51 meetings may only be within the boundaries - Originally or subsequently
of the city where the principal office - Section 5 provides:
- non-stock may be held anywhere in the Philippines, if Corporators in a stock corporation are called
provided in its by-laws stockholders or shareholders. Corporators in a non-
- where summons may be served stock corporation are called members. (4a)
- registration of chattel mortgage must be registered in
the register of deeds where the principal office is located May a corporation be a corporator?

Clavecilla Radio System vs. Antillon - YES. There is nothing to prevent a corporation from
being a stockholder
- action not upon a written contract
- city where the defendant resides Incorporator must subscribe to 1 share

term of existence There are those that are exclusively reserved to Filipinos

- corporate term required An incorporator maybe a corporator as long as he is a


- determining what point in time the juridical personality stockholder
will cease to exist
- enter into contract only when it has juridical personality section 6
- once it ceases to exist, it no longer has personality
- exist for another 3 years only for purposes of liquidation
- Dissolution- it is automatic Section 6. Classification of shares. - The
shares of stock of stock corporations may be divided into
When should extension be made? classes or series of shares, or both, any of which classes
or series of shares may have such rights, privileges or
restrictions as may be stated in the articles of
- General rule: Not earlier than 5 years
incorporation: Provided, That no share may be deprived
- Exception: unless there are justifiable reasons
of voting rights except those classified and issued as
"preferred" or "redeemable" shares, unless otherwise
May it be extended after expiration? provided in this Code: Provided, further, That there shall
always be a class or series of shares which have
- Alhambra cigar vs. SEC once it ceases to exist it has no complete voting rights. Any or all of the shares or series
vested politic, exist only for a period of 3 years only for of shares may have a par value or have no par value as
liquidation and for that purpose only may be provided for in the articles of incorporation:
Provided, however, That banks, trust companies,
insurance companies, public utilities, and building and
Article 5 How many incorporators should there be?
loan associations shall not be permitted to issue no-par
value shares of stock.
- 5-15

Preferred shares of stock issued by any


May a corporation be an incorporator?
corporation may be given preference in the distribution
Notes on Corporation Law
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GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
4

of the assets of the corporation in case of liquidation away with the minimum disqualifications lay down by
and in the distribution of dividends, or such other the Code.
preferences as may be stated in the articles of
incorporation which are not violative of the provisions of Qualifications of the governing board
this Code: Provided, That preferred shares of stock may
be issued only with a stated par value. The board of
- Requires mere residency <sec. 23>
directors, where authorized in the articles of
incorporation, may fix the terms and conditions of
preferred shares of stock or any series thereof: Provided, Section 23. The board of directors or trustees.
That such terms and conditions shall be effective upon - Unless otherwise provided in this Code, the corporate
the filing of a certificate thereof with the Securities and powers of all corporations formed under this Code shall
Exchange Commission. be exercised, all business conducted and all property of
such corporations controlled and held by the board of
Shares of capital stock issued without par directors or trustees to be elected from among the
value shall be deemed fully paid and non-assessable holders of stocks, or where there is no stock, from
and the holder of such shares shall not be liable to the among the members of the corporation, who shall hold
corporation or to its creditors in respect thereto: office for one (1) year until their successors are elected
Provided; That shares without par value may not be and qualified. (28a)
issued for a consideration less than the value of five
(P5.00) pesos per share: Provided, further, That the Every director must own at least one (1) share
entire consideration received by the corporation for its of the capital stock of the corporation of which he is a
no-par value shares shall be treated as capital and shall director, which share shall stand in his name on the
not be available for distribution as dividends. books of the corporation. Any director who ceases to be
the owner of at least one (1) share of the capital stock of
A corporation may, furthermore, classify its the corporation of which he is a director shall thereby
shares for the purpose of insuring compliance with cease to be a director. Trustees of non-stock
constitutional or legal requirements. corporations must be members thereof. A majority of
the directors or trustees of all corporations organized
under this Code must be residents of the Philippines.
Except as otherwise provided in the articles of
incorporation and stated in the certificate of stock, each
share shall be equal in all respects to every other share. May a domestic corporation have a governing board
consisting solely of foreigners?
Where the articles of incorporation provide for
non-voting shares in the cases allowed by this Code, the - YES, section 23 majority of them must be residents of
holders of such shares shall nevertheless be entitled to the Philippines, no nationality requirement
vote on the following matters:
Anti-dummy act <sec.2-A>
1. Amendment of the articles of incorporation;
- If the business undertaking or activity is only partially
nationalized, aliens can be elected as such directors,
2. Adoption and amendment of by-laws;
[unless the law provides otherwise] but their number
shall only be in proportion to their equity or
3. Sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge or other
participation in the capital stock of the corporation.
disposition of all or substantially all of the corporate
property;
Disqualifications <sec.27>

4. Incurring, creating or increasing bonded


- The disqualifications provided for is absolute and may
indebtedness;
not be done away with. Corporate by-laws may, however,
provide for additional qualifications and
5. Increase or decrease of capital stock;
disqualifications.

6. Merger or consolidation of the corporation with


another corporation or other corporations; Section 27. Disqualification of directors,
trustees or officers. - No person convicted by final
judgment of an offense punishable by imprisonment for
7. Investment of corporate funds in another corporation a period exceeding six (6) years, or a violation of this
or business in accordance with this Code; and Code committed within five (5) years prior to the date of
his election or appointment, shall qualify as a director,
8. Dissolution of the corporation. trustee or officer of any corporation. (n)

Except as provided in the immediately Section 27 and 23 minimum disqualifications and


preceding paragraph, the vote necessary to approve a qualifications
particular corporate act as provided in this Code shall
be deemed to refer only to stocks with voting rights. (5a) Lee vs. CA

How many directors should there be? - By laws may provide for additional

- General rule: Not less than 5 not more than 15 Govt vs. El hogar Filipino, Gokongwei vs. SMC
- Exceptions:
1. Educational corporations registered as non stock Capital structure
corporation whose number of trustees, though not less
than five and not more than [15] should be divisible by Foundation- minimum paid-up capital 3M
five [5], meaning they must have either five, ten, or
fifteen trustees and no other; Authorized capital 1 M No. of shares 1M shares
2. In close corporations where all the stockholders are par value 1.00
considered as members of the board of directors thereby
effectively allowing twenty members in the board. Amount of shares subscribed
3. The by-laws of a corporation may provide for additional
qualifications and disqualifications of its members of the 50 K A
board of directors or trustees. However it may not do

Notes on Corporation Law


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5

50 K B - For flexibility in price, particularly, no par shares may


be issued or sold from time to time at different price
C 250K depending on the net worth of the company since they
do not purport to represent an actual of fixed value.
D
Section 6
E
- Each shall be equal in all respects to every other share
PAID UP =62,500
Preferred shares
Corporation cannot exceed more than 1 M it is the maximum
amount it cannot issue more unless amended - Specific preference
- Dividends or during liquidation
Maximum shares it can issue is 1M shares unless amended
No par
How much shares should be subscribed?
- Can sell it with the network of the corporation
- Must be at least 25% of the authorized capital stock
Distinction between the subscribed and outstanding
Paid- up must be at least 25%-minimum stocks?

Section 30 - Section 137

- Total subscription compliance with minimum 25% total


Section 137. Outstanding capital stock
- Any combination would comply with the minimum
defined. - The term "outstanding capital stock", as used
required by section 30
in this Code, means the total shares of stock issued
under binding subscription agreements to subscribers
Section 30. Compensation of directors. - In or stockholders, whether or not fully or partially paid,
the absence of any provision in the by-laws fixing their except treasury shares. (n)
compensation, the directors shall not receive any
compensation, as such directors, except for reasonable - Voting and dividend rights, it refers to the outstanding
per diems: Provided, however, That any such capital stocks
compensation other than per diems may be granted to - Only outstanding stocks are allowed to vote and receive
directors by the vote of the stockholders representing at
dividends
least a majority of the outstanding capital stock at a
- Actually the same
regular or special stockholders' meeting. In no case shall
the total yearly compensation of directors, as such
directors, exceed ten (10%) percent of the net income Treasury shares
before income tax of the corporation during the
preceding year. (n) - are also subscribed shares
- while they remain in the treasury, no voting and
dividend rights
Minimum for a domestic corporation?
- may be reissued by the corporation
- once reissued they become outstanding stocks again
- In no case shall the paid- up capital be less than 5k

common shares
Is there a minimum authorized capital imposed by the
code?
- carry the right to vote

- If there is minimum paid-up logically there should also


preferred shares
be a minimum capital =5000

- grants the holder preference


Minimum paid-up capital for a financing company metro - preference as to dividends
manila 10 M if located in MM - preference as to distribution of the remaining assets
upon dissolution or
Shares of stock - both
- YOU MUST STATE THE PREFERENCE BECAUSE IF
Purpose of classification NOT THEY ARE PRESUMED TO BE EQUAL
- It may include such other preferences not inconsistent
- To specify and define the rights and privileges of the with the Code. This is so because Section 6 of the said
stockholders; law allows a stock corporation to issue preferred shares
subject only to the limitations imposed therein which
- For regulation and control of the issuance of sale of are:
corporate securities for the protection of purchasers and a. They can be issued only with sated par value; and,
stockholders. b. The preferences must be stated in the articles of
incorporation and in the certificate of stock, otherwise,
- As a management control device. each share shall be, in all respect, equal to every other
share.
- To comply with statutory requirements particularly
those which provide for certain limitations on foreign Participating
ownership and shares like overseas employment
agencies requiring to own at least 75% of the shares of - Must be stated because the presumption is that it is
stock thereof. participating

- To better insure return on investment which can be Cumulative


affected through the issuance of redeemable shares or
- Irrespective of whether or not they where earned
preferred shares, i.e., granting the holders thereof,
preference as to dividends and/or distribution of assets
Preferred
in case of liquidation; and,

Notes on Corporation Law


Notes come in handy only when you have studied
GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
6

- May be denied - Only preferred and redeemable shares are denied unless
- Unless denied they are still entitled provided in this code

What if hindi i-declare kahit na may dividends rights for - PWEDENG MA-DENY YUNG COMMON SHARES, KASI
the previous years? May they be denied dividend rights YUNG FOUNDERS SHARES MERON SILANG
because they are non holders of non-cumulative? NOTE: EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS NA SILA LANG ANG MERON, SO
YOU CANNOT COMPEL THE CORPORATION TO PWEDE SILANG BUMOTO WITH REGARDS TO
DECLARE DIVIDENDS UNLESS IT EXCEEDS 100 % SOMETHING NA HINDI NA SAKOP NG COMMON
PAID UP CAPITAL SEC. 43 SHARE RIGHTS

- Example: founders shares- may be given certain rights


Section 43. Power to declare dividends. - The
board of directors of a stock corporation may declare and privileges
dividends out of the unrestricted retained earnings
which shall be payable in cash, in property, or in stock - Even common shares may be denied the right to vote of
to all stockholders on the basis of outstanding stock founders shares issued <sec.7>
held by them: Provided, That any cash dividends due on
delinquent stock shall first be applied to the unpaid
balance on the subscription plus costs and expenses, Section 7. Founders' shares. - Founders'
while stock dividends shall be withheld from the shares classified as such in the articles of incorporation
delinquent stockholder until his unpaid subscription is may be given certain rights and privileges not enjoyed by
fully paid: Provided, further, That no stock dividend the owners of other stocks, provided that where the
shall be issued without the approval of stockholders exclusive right to vote and be voted for in the election of
representing not less than two-thirds (2/3) of the directors is granted, it must be for a limited period not
outstanding capital stock at a regular or special meeting to exceed five (5) years subject to the approval of the
duly called for the purpose. (16a) Securities and Exchange Commission. The five-year
period shall commence from the date of the aforesaid
approval by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Stock corporations are prohibited from (n)
retaining surplus profits in excess of one hundred
(100%) percent of their paid-in capital stock, except: (1)
when justified by definite corporate expansion projects Do you include non-voting shares in passing a valid
or programs approved by the board of directors; or (2) corporate act?
when the corporation is prohibited under any loan
agreement with any financial institution or creditor, - Even non-voting shares are entitled to vote under
whether local or foreign, from declaring dividends
section 6
without its/his consent, and such consent has not yet
been secured; or (3) when it can be clearly shown that
Redeemable shares
such retention is necessary under special circumstances
obtaining in the corporation, such as when there is need
for special reserve for probable contingencies. (n) - Discretionary/optional

- Obligatory or mandatory
- It depends because there are three types of non-
cumulative preferred shares
- Discretionary dividend type Generally a corporation can reacquire its own shares if
- Mandatory if earned it has unrestricted retained earnings
- Earned cumulative or dividend credit type
Exception: redeemable shares may be reacquired
Compare cumulative share from non-cumulative, earned irrespective of retained earnings
cumulative or dividend credit type
Treasury shares
- Cumulative share whether or not earned
- Non-cumulative earned cumulative or dividend credit - They are treasury while in the treasury account of the
type- only if earned corporation

Par May they be reissued by the corporation?

- stated par value; shall not be issued less than par - YES

No par If they are reissued will they be denied the right to vote?

- without stated par value - Once reissued they shall become outstanding stocks
again and purchasers shall be entitled to all the rights
- once fully paid no longer liable and privileges as the other holders have

Corporations cannot use its capitals in declaring Section 57 treasury shares have no voting and dividend
dividends; not all can issue no par value section 6 rights. Why not?

Voting
Section 57. Voting right for treasury shares. -
Treasury shares shall have no voting right as long as
- entitled to vote at any motion brought up in writing
such shares remain in the Treasury. (n)

Non-voting
- Answer: commissioner vs. manning page 62 first par.

- not entitled to vote


Although authorities may differ on the exact

What types of shares may be denied of the right to vote? legal and accounting status of so-called treasury shares,
they are more or less in agreement that treasury shares
- Preferred and redeemable shares are stocks issued and fully paid for and reacquired by
the corporation either by purchase, donation, forfeiture
Is it correct to state that common shares can never be or other means. Treasury shares are therefore issued
denied the right to vote? shares but being in the treasury they do not have the
Notes on Corporation Law
Notes come in handy only when you have studied
GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
7

status of outstanding shares. Consequently, although a Section 17. Grounds when articles of
treasury share, not having been retired by the incorporation or amendment may be rejected or
corporation re-acquiring it, may be re-issued or sold disapproved. - The Securities and Exchange
again, such shares, as long as it is held by the Commission may reject the articles of incorporation or
disapprove any amendment thereto if the same is not in
corporation as a treasury share, participates neither in
compliance with the requirements of this Code:
dividends, because dividends cannot be declared by the Provided, That the Commission shall give the
corporation to itself, nor in meetings of the corporation incorporators a reasonable time within which to correct
as voting stock, for otherwise equal distribution of voting or modify the objectionable portions of the articles or
powers among stockholders will be effectively lost and amendment. The following are grounds for such
the directors will be able to perpetrate their control of rejection or disapproval:
the corporation, though it still represents a paid for
interest in the property of the corporation. The foregoing 1. That the articles of incorporation or any amendment
essential features of a treasury stocks are lacking in the thereto is not substantially in accordance with the form
questioned shares. prescribed herein;

In this case, and under the terms of the trust 2. That the purpose or purposes of the corporation are
agreement, the shares of stock of Reese participated patently unconstitutional, illegal, immoral, or contrary
in dividends which the trustee received and the said to government rules and regulations;

shares were voted upon by the trustee in all corporation


meetings. They were not, therefore, treasury shares. 3. That the Treasurer's Affidavit concerning the amount
of capital stock subscribed and/or paid is false;
When the law speaks of outstanding rights it does not
include treasury shares 4. That the percentage of ownership of the capital stock
to be owned by citizens of the Philippines has not been
Treasury shares may be reissued complied with as required by existing laws or the
Constitution.

- They are actually assets of the corporation


No articles of incorporation or amendment to
- Once re-issued they become outstanding stocks again articles of incorporation of banks, banking and quasi-
banking institutions, building and loan associations,
trust companies and other financial intermediaries,
- The corporation may cancel them; in effect there will be
insurance companies, public utilities, educational
a reduction in the outstanding capital stocks
institutions, and other corporations governed by special
laws shall be accepted or approved by the Commission
- The code does not require ordinary corporations to unless accompanied by a favorable recommendation of
provide for restrictions, but it does not likewise prohibit the appropriate government agency to the effect that
restrictions such articles or amendment is in accordance with law.
(n)
- Example: right of first refusal
- But the grounds in section 17 are not exclusive
- The restriction must be contained in the articles of
incorporation When will the corporation commence to exist?

- If provided in by-laws but not in the articles of - Section 19


incorporation then it will not be binding

Section 19. Commencement of corporate


- Restrictions and preferences are mandatorily required in
existence. - A private corporation formed or organized
close corporations under this Code commences to have corporate existence
and juridical personality and is deemed incorporated
- If it does not provide restrictions it is not a close from the date the Securities and Exchange Commission
corporation issues a certificate of incorporation under its official
seal; and thereupon the incorporators,
- Specified persons- close corporations stockholders/members and their successors shall
constitute a body politic and corporate under the name
stated in the articles of incorporation for the period of
- If not one of those specified you are not included
time mentioned therein, unless said period is extended
because there is exclusivity in close corporations or the corporation is sooner dissolved in accordance
with law. (n)
- Should also be in the by-laws not only in the articles of
incorporation
A corporation de jure can come into existence only upon
the issuance of the certificate of registration by the
No transfer clause
SEC? TRUE OR FALSE?

Execution clause
- TRUE

Acknowledgment
- EXCEPTION: CORPORATION SOLE <sec. 112>

Treasurer affidavit part of the articles of incorporation


Section 112. Submission of the articles of
Section 23-27 minimum qualifications, but there may be incorporation. - The articles of incorporation must be
verified, before filing, by affidavit or affirmation of the
additional
chief archbishop, bishop, priest, minister, rabbi or
presiding elder, as the case may be, and accompanied by
Grounds for disapproval a copy of the commission, certificate of election or letter
of appointment of such chief archbishop, bishop, priest,
- Only substantial and not strict is required minister, rabbi or presiding elder, duly certified to be
correct by any notary public.
May the SEC refuse or reject registration?
From and after the filing with the Securities
- <Section 17> and Exchange Commission of the said articles of
Notes on Corporation Law
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8

incorporation, verified by affidavit or affirmation, and Existence of a de facto can be questioned only by the
accompanied by the documents mentioned in the State directly in a quo warranto proceeding only
preceding paragraph, such chief archbishop, bishop,
priest, minister, rabbi or presiding elder shall become a
Municipality of Malabang vs. Benito
corporation sole and all temporalities, estate and
properties of the religious denomination, sect or church
theretofore administered or managed by him as such - What is the missing link so as to consider it a de facto?
chief archbishop, bishop, priest, minister, rabbi or A law, because the executive order is unconditional
presiding elder shall be held in trust by him as a
corporation sole, for the use, purpose, behalf and sole - An unconditional act affords no rights, creates no office
benefit of his religious denomination, sect or church,
including hospitals, schools, colleges, orphan asylums, - Legal contemplation it was never passed at all
parsonages and cemeteries thereof. (n)

- It can therefore be questioned by any person


- CORPORATION SOLE- upon filing of the verified articles
of incorporation, once filed it is vested with a judicial If the certificate of registration has not been issued, may
capacity a corporation de facto exist?

General rule section 19 - NO!

- Vested with judicial capacity upon issuance of the - Number 4 requirement, good faith in claiming to be and
certificate by the SEC doing business as a corporation

o However it is not accurate according to atty. Hall vs. Piccio


Ladia because there are those that can issue
for example cooperatives- BUREAU OF - Missing link is good faith
COOPERATIVES which register, home
insurance guaranty corporation- HOME - The certificate was not yet issued by the SEC, the
OWNERS members knew and therefore they were not acting in
good faith, therefore anybody can question its existence

Cagayan Fishing vs. Sandika


Corporation by estoppel

- Corporations are created by law


- So defectively formed so that they are not to be
considered a de jure or de facto
- Commence to exist upon issuance by the CONCERNED
government corporation or agency
- General partners- liable even beyond his promise even
his personal properties are prone to attachment
- Prior there to it has no being

- The transfer of the property was not valid, it likewise did Lozano vs. Delos Santos
not have the right to transfer
- Founded on principle of equity
De jure
- Exercise corporate powers
- Strict or substantial compliance
- Enters with business with 3rd parties
De facto
- When there is no 3 rd persons involved and the problem
- 4 requisites must go hand in hand take out anyone of arises between there members, therefore they
them there can be no de facto corporation themselves know that there is no corporation by
estoppel
1. There is a valid statute under which the corporation
could have been created as a de jure corporation. Albert vs. University

2. An attempt, in good faith, to form a corporation - 1965 case, no section 21 yet


according to the requirements of law, which goes far
enough to amount to a colorable compliance with the - Applied where the rules governing agency
law;
- A person purporting in behalf of a non existing
3. A user of corporate powers, the transaction of business corporation
in some way as if it were a corporation; and,
- Section 21, you arrive at the same decision
4. Good faith in claiming to be and doing business as a
corporation. Chiang Kai Siek vs. CA

Are the rights and obligations between officers and - SC based its decision from the provision of the
directors of a de jure and de facto the same? education act

- YES. Governed by the same law, rules and regulations - It cannot immune itself by virtue of its non compliance
with the law
Only important in determining, is for the purpose of
applying the rules with regards to the direct and Assuming there was no law?
collateral attack
- YES, it may still be sued as a school for the past 32
The existence of a de jure cannot be questioned even by years the school represented itself as possessed of
the State, either directly or indirectly juridical personality

Notes on Corporation Law


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9

General rule: a 3rd party transacting with a non existent - Chiang kai siek case
corporation shall be estopped to deny
- Albert case
Asia banking vs. standard products
What would be the effect if the corporation failed to
- General rule: absence of fraud a person who has dealt commence transaction?
with a non incorporated corporation shall be stopped to
deny from actions in which it had benefited - Automatic

- Exemptions: when there is fraud the general rule shall Operated but becomes subsequently inoperative for 5
not apply years only a ground for suspension, proper notice and
hearing
Salvatierra vs. Garlitos
Commencement
- As a general rule a person who has contracted it a
corporation lacking personality - Example realty company

- Doctrine is not applicable where fraud takes part in the CORPORATE CHARTER AND ITS AMENDMENTS
transaction
What do you understand by the word charter? Is it the
Another exemption same as articles of incorporation?

International express travel and tours vs. CA - Corporate charter is broader

- No fraud in this case Franchise

- How come Kahn was made liable? - Primary power granted by the state to be and act as a
corporation
- Doctrine of incorporation
- Secondary franchise is the right or privilege that the
- Applies only if that person is trying to escape from a corporation may exercise
contract where he is benefited
You cannot issue investment contracts without a
- In this case petitioner is not trying to escape liability, secondary franchise, kailangan primary muna hindi
but rather the one claiming from the contract pwede mauna secondary kasi sa section 19 it does not
exist until issued with a certificate of registration or
Would this apply to foreign corporation? incorporation

- YES, it may apply Corporate entity

- Georg Grotjahn vs. Isnami - Corporation exist separately and independently from the
stockholders
A foreign corporation cannot gain access to our courts
unless they attain a license to engage in business in the - Stockholders cannot bring an action, to bring back the
Philippines but applying corporation by estoppels, the properties of a corporation
court allowed
- Corporation has no interest in the individual properties
Municipality of Malabang case of its members

- No law, hence may be questioned by any person Sulo ng Bayan vs. Araneta

- An unconstitutional act is not a law, t confers no rights, - Corporation cannot bring an action for the recovery of
it imposes no duties, it affords no protections, it crates o the properties of its members
office, it is in legal contemplation, as inoperative as
though it had never been passes Caram vs. CA

Hall vs. Piccio - Stockholders cannot be held liable for the legitimate
obligations of the corporation, they exist separately and
- No good faith independently from one another

Corporation by estoppel Cruz vs. Dalisay

- Admission, conduct or agreement - Final judgment against a corporation cannot be enforced


against stockholders
- Will not apply among members themselves there must
be a 3rd party Rustan Pulp vs. CA

- Cannot escape when benefited - Corporation exist separately and independently

- General rule: you deal with a corporation, as to estop it - Corporation are juridical entities, they exist only in legal
contemplation, can act only through its authorized
- Exceptions: 1. fraudulently misrepresents the third
representatives
person may file an action directly to those members, 2.
3rd party will not be estopped if he is not trying to escape
Soriano vs. CA
liability

- They are not personally liable


2 possible remedies
Notes on Corporation Law
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10

- They where signed for and in behalf of the corporation - Mere substantial ownership does not mean that it
has a same corporate entity
Palay inc. vs. Clave
La Campana Coffee Factory, Inc. vs. KKM
- Liabilities incurred by the corporation cannot be
enforced against stockholders, etc., even if stockholders, - Two corporations managed by the same family, workers
etc. happens to own a substantial interest in the were made interchangeably
corporation, mere ownership does not disregard the
corporate entity theory Emilio Cano vs. CIR

Corporate entity for legal or legitimate purposes only - Sued in there official capacity

Two or more corporations, one of them will be treated as - Reverse of Soriano vs. CA (signed in their official
a mere alter-ego capacity)

You cannot pierce the veil of corporate fiction when Tesco vs. WCC
there are no facts attendant in the case
- The two corporations where located in the same office
Corporate Entity Theory
Claparols vs. CIR
- The corporation is possessed with a personality separate
and distinct from the individual stockholders or - Same as NAFLU and A.C. Ransom
members and is not affected by the personal rights,
obligations or transactions of the latter Concept builders vs. NLRC

Instrumentality rule - Instrumentality rule. What is the instrumentality rule?


where one corporation is so organized and controlled
- Where one corporation is so organized and controlled and its affairs are conducted so that it is, in fact, a mere
and its affairs are conducted so that it is, in fact, a mere instrumentality or adjunct of the other, the fiction of the
instrumentality or adjunct of the other, the fiction of the corporate entity of the instrumentality may be
corporate entity of the instrumentality may be disregarded.
disregarded
- Has no separate mind of its own. What is the degree of
- Courts are concerned with reality and not form control?

- Mere ownership of all or substantially all of the shares 1. Control, not mere majority or complete stock control,
of stock of a corporation is not, in itself, insufficient but complete domination, not only of finances but of
ground for disregarding the separate corporate policy and business practice in respect to the
personality. And for the separate personality of the transaction attacked so that the corporate entity as to
corporation to be disregarded, the wrong doing must be this transaction had at the time no separate mind, will
clearly and convincingly established or existence of its own.

- Fraud must be proven by clear and convincingly 2. Such control must have been used by the defendant to
evidence amounting to more than preponderance. It commit fraud or wrong, to perpetuate the violation of a
cannot be justified by speculation and can never be statutory or other positive legal duty or dishonest and
presumed. And only if it sought to hold the stockholders unjust act in contravention of plaintiffs legal rights;
liable directly for corporate debt and,

Palacio vs. Fely 3. The aforesaid control and breach of duty must
proximately cause the injury or unjust loss complained
- Piercing the veil of corporate fiction of.

- Fely trans and the other corporation is one and the - The absence of one of the elements prevents piercing
same the corporate veil. In applying the instrumentality or
alter ego doctrine, the courts are concerned with
Marvel bldg. vs. David reality and not form, with how the corporation operated
and the individual defendants relationship to that
- There must be facts before the court will be justified in operation.
piercing the veil of corporate fiction
There must facts and circumstances before warrant
- Corporation was a mere extension of the personality of piercing the veil of corporate fiction
the person
The control necessary does not mean stock ownership
Yutivo and sons vs. Court of Tax Appeals
MCConnel vs. CA
- What where the facts or circumstances arrived by the
court here? - were located in the same floor

- Subscribed capital where all advanced by Yutivo, the - while the mere ownership of all or nearly all of the
board where the same as Yutivo capital stock of a corporation does not necessary mean
that it is a mere business conduit of the stockholder,
Commissioner of Internal Revenue vs. Norton and that conclusion is amply justified where it is shown, as
Harrison in the case before us, that the operations of the
corporation were so merged with the stockholders as to
- Court applied the general rule be practically indistinguishable from them. To hold the
latter liable for the corporations obligations is not to

Notes on Corporation Law


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GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
11

ignore the corporations separate entity, but merely to the rights of any stockholder or class of shares, or of
apple the established principle that such entity cannot authorizing preferences in any respect superior to those
be invoked or used for purposes that could not have of outstanding shares of any class, or of extending or
shortening the term of corporate existence;
been intended by the law that created that separate
personality.
2. In case of sale, lease, exchange, transfer, mortgage,
pledge or other disposition of all or substantially all of
Tan boon bee vs. Jarencio
the corporate property and assets as provided in the
Code; and
- Why would a drug company need a printing machine

3. In case of merger or consolidation. (n)


- The property must be in pursuance of a company
business
- Right granted only in specified instances
Cease vs. CA
Are non-voting shares included in amending the articles of
- Alter-ego or the extension of the person of forest ware incorporation
does the court pierced the veil of corporate fiction
1 100/s
- As to not deprive the holders of their successional rights XYZ-----ABC

- Mere ownership of all or substantially all is not a 2 100/s


justification of piercing the veil of corporate fiction
To
Fraud must be proven by clear and convincing evidence
10 100/s
cannot presume or speculate, there must be facts and
circumstances
=1M/S what would be
the 2/3?
Fraud must be clear and convincing evidence more than
preponderance
Section 6 last paragraph

Remo Jr. vs. IAC


Voting shares are excluded except the foregoing instances

- The resolution was not entered to defraud anyone


1 1

Del Rosario vs. National Labor Commission 2 2

- The wrongdoing must be clearly established 3 3

- There must be facts to support 4 4

- Payment of claims cannot thus be presumed


5 5
Indophil Textile Mill vs. CALICA
6 6
- How do you distinguish this ruling to La Campana,
having the same issues: 1 & 2=absent
1&2=absent but gave their written assent
- La campana, one payroll, employees were made
interchangeable. Acrylic had its own standards 3 & 4= objected
3&4=objected
PNB vs. Ritratto Group
5 & 6= approved the amendment 5&6=approved
- Control test
Would there be a valid amendment
- Not mere majority but rather complete
Special amendments 37 & 38 shortening that would
- Twin ace was only a subsequent interested party result to dissolution require prior approval by the SEC

- Assets and machineries


Section 37. Power to extend or shorten
corporate term. - A private corporation may extend or
Amendment of the articles of incorporation shorten its term as stated in the articles of
incorporation when approved by a majority vote of the
- Express power granted to a corporation board of directors or trustees and ratified at a meeting
by the stockholders representing at least two-thirds
Section 16 (2/3) of the outstanding capital stock or by at least two-
thirds (2/3) of the members in case of non-stock
corporations. Written notice of the proposed action and
- Appraisal right
of the time and place of the meeting shall be addressed
to each stockholder or member at his place of residence
- Section 81 to object on certain acts and transactions as shown on the books of the corporation and deposited
to the addressee in the post office with postage prepaid,
Section 81. Instances of appraisal right. - or served personally: Provided, That in case of extension
of corporate term, any dissenting stockholder may
Any stockholder of a corporation shall have the right to
exercise his appraisal right under the conditions
dissent and demand payment of the fair value of his
provided in this code. (n)
shares in the following instances:

1. In case any amendment to the articles of Section 38. Power to increase or decrease
incorporation has the effect of changing or restricting capital stock; incur, create or increase bonded
Notes on Corporation Law
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GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
12

indebtedness. - No corporation shall increase or approved by the Commission if its effect shall prejudice
decrease its capital stock or incur, create or increase any the rights of corporate creditors.
bonded indebtedness unless approved by a majority vote
of the board of directors and, at a stockholder's meeting
Non-stock corporations may incur or create
duly called for the purpose, two-thirds (2/3) of the
bonded indebtedness, or increase the same, with the
outstanding capital stock shall favor the increase or
approval by a majority vote of the board of trustees and
diminution of the capital stock, or the incurring,
of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the members in a meeting
creating or increasing of any bonded indebtedness.
duly called for the purpose.
Written notice of the proposed increase or diminution of
the capital stock or of the incurring, creating, or
increasing of any bonded indebtedness and of the time Bonds issued by a corporation shall be
and place of the stockholder's meeting at which the registered with the Securities and Exchange
proposed increase or diminution of the capital stock or Commission, which shall have the authority to
the incurring or increasing of any bonded indebtedness determine the sufficiency of the terms thereof. (17a)
is to be considered, must be addressed to each
stockholder at his place of residence as shown on the
The vote must be cast at the meeting called for that
books of the corporation and deposited to the addressee
in the post office with postage prepaid, or served purpose
personally.
Written assent would not suffice

A certificate in duplicate must be signed by a


When do amendments become valid and effective?
majority of the directors of the corporation and
countersigned by the chairman and the secretary of the
stockholders' meeting, setting forth: - Only upon the approval of the SEC TRUE OR FALSE?

- FALSE because it can be valid upon the date of filing if


(1) That the requirements of this section have been
complied with; not acted upon within 6 months without fault
attributable to the corporation

(2) The amount of the increase or diminution of the


Why is it retroactive?
capital stock;

What provision may be amended, altered or repealed


(3) If an increase of the capital stock, the amount of
capital stock or number of shares of no-par stock
thereof actually subscribed, the names, nationalities Can you change name, address for example she married
and residences of the persons subscribing, the amount or changed address?
of capital stock or number of no-par stock subscribed by
each, and the amount paid by each on his subscription - NO. you cannot change that
in cash or property, or the amount of capital stock or
number of shares of no-par stock allotted to each stock- Fait accompli, are beyond the powers or authority of the
holder if such increase is for the purpose of making
corporation to change, alter or modify. These would
effective stock dividend therefor authorized;
include the following:

(4) Any bonded indebtedness to be incurred, created or - Names of the incorporators and
increased;

- The incorporating directors or trustees,


(5) The actual indebtedness of the corporation on the
day of the meeting; - The name of the treasurer originally or first elected by
the subscribers or members to act as such until his
(6) The amount of stock represented at the meeting; and successor has been duly elected and qualified,

(7) The vote authorizing the increase or diminution of - The number of shares and amount originally subscribed
the capital stock, or the incurring, creating or and paid out of the original authorized capital stock of
increasing of any bonded indebtedness. the corporation,

Any increase or decrease in the capital stock - The date and place of execution of the articles of
or the incurring, creating or increasing of any bonded incorporation,
indebtedness shall require prior approval of the
Securities and Exchange Commission. - The signatories and acknowledgment thereof.

One of the duplicate certificates shall be kept - All other provisions or matters stated or contained in
on file in the office of the corporation and the other the articles are subject to amendment.
shall be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and attached to the original articles of Founders or signatories hindi pwede palitan
incorporation. From and after approval by the Securities
and Exchange Commission and the issuance by the
Names, nationalities- you cannot
Commission of its certificate of filing, the capital stock
shall stand increased or decreased and the incurring,
creating or increasing of any bonded indebtedness Capital- right granted by law to all corporation
authorized, as the certificate of filing may declare:
Provided, That the Securities and Exchange Commission Paid up capital- NO
shall not accept for filing any certificate of increase of
capital stock unless accompanied by the sworn Restriction and transfer of shares in ordinary stock
statement of the treasurer of the corporation lawfully
corporations
holding office at the time of the filing of the certificate,
showing that at least twenty-five (25%) percent of such
increased capital stock has been subscribed and that at - You can, but close corporation cannot
least twenty-five (25%) percent of the amount
subscribed has been paid either in actual cash to the - Section 96, otherwise it will not be a close corporation
corporation or that there has been transferred to the
corporation property the valuation of which is equal to
Section 96. Definition and applicability of
twenty-five (25%) percent of the subscription: Provided,
Title. - A close corporation, within the meaning of this
further, That no decrease of the capital stock shall be
Notes on Corporation Law
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GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
13

Code, is one whose articles of incorporation provide director, which share shall stand in his name on the
that: (1) All the corporation's issued stock of all classes, books of the corporation. Any director who ceases to be
exclusive of treasury shares, shall be held of record by the owner of at least one (1) share of the capital stock of
not more than a specified number of persons, not the corporation of which he is a director shall thereby
exceeding twenty (20); (2) all the issued stock of all cease to be a director. Trustees of non-stock
classes shall be subject to one or more specified corporations must be members thereof. A majority of
restrictions on transfer permitted by this Title; and (3) the directors or trustees of all corporations organized
The corporation shall not list in any stock exchange or under this Code must be residents of the Philippines.
make any public offering of any of its stock of any class.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a corporation shall not
- Controlled by the board of directors
be deemed a close corporation when at least two-thirds
(2/3) of its voting stock or voting rights is owned or
controlled by another corporation which is not a close - Authority are however restricted to the day to day
corporation within the meaning of this Code.
- Stockholders may have all the profit but will turn over
the management to the governing board
Any corporation may be incorporated as a
close corporation, except mining or oil companies, stock
exchanges, banks, insurance companies, public utilities, - But unless the law provides the power may be delegated
educational institutions and corporations declared to be
vested with public interest in accordance with the General rule
provisions of this Code.
- Corporations must sit and act as a body
The provisions of this Title shall primarily
govern close corporations: Provided, That the provisions - Will be bound by corporate officers if they acted within
of other Titles of this Code shall apply suppletorily the 5 classification page 150
except insofar as this Title otherwise provides.

Ramirez vs. Orientalist co.


Transfer clause, executor clause, acknowledgment,
treasury affidavit-NO - What was the position of Fernandez in this case?
TREASURER
Philippine First Insurance case
- Why did the court rule that actions of Fernandez bound
- Mere change in the name of a corporation or by merely the corporation when he is not even a board of director?
complying with the law is general amendment
if a man is found acting for a corporation
- It does not change its personality. It is the same person with the external indicia of authority, any person not
in a different name. the charter is the same having notice of want of authority, may usually rely
upon those appearances; and if it be found that the
Amendment of a corporate term directors had permitted the agent to exercise that
authority and thereby held him out as a person
- Extending the same can never be made 7 years prior? competent to bind the corporation, or had acquiesced in
TRUE or FALSE a contract and retained the benefit supposed to have
been conferred by it, the corporation will be bound,
- FALSE. It can be if there are justifiable reasons for notwithstanding the actual authority may never have
earlier extension as may be determined by the SEC been granted.

Can you extend the corporate term if it has already - Contracts must be made by the director and not the
expired? stockholders

- Once the term expires without an amendment having - Actions of the stockholders in such matters is only
happen it ceases to exist as a body politic. It is dissolved advisory and not in any way binding in the corporation
automatically on the day it expires.
Barreto vs. La previsora Filipina
Alhambra cigar and PNB case
- Everything emanates from the board of directors
Instances when the SEC allowed extension whose term
has already expired - Stockholders action is merely advisory except their
approval or vote is necessary to prove a valid corporate
- All of them involved are institutions of learning, it was act
the case in order to avoid confusion that would arise
later on. Qualifications:

BOARD OF DIRECTORS/TRUSTEES - No citizenship requirement, at least majority must be


residents
Section 23
- Can have a governing board consisting solely of

Section 23. The board of directors or trustees. foreigners


- Unless otherwise provided in this Code, the corporate
powers of all corporations formed under this Code shall - But we have to take into consideration partly
be exercised, all business conducted and all property of nationalized industries and other laws which prohibits
such corporations controlled and held by the board of or limits foreign ownership
directors or trustees to be elected from among the
holders of stocks, or where there is no stock, from - Anti-dummy act
among the members of the corporation, who shall hold
office for one (1) year until their successors are elected
- Utilization development of natural resources 60% must
and qualified. (28a)
be owned by Filipino citizens, therefore they only own
40%---10 members they can only have 4 seats, but not
Every director must own at least one (1) share
entirely correct because the law may provide otherwise;
of the capital stock of the corporation of which he is a

Notes on Corporation Law


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GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
14

educational institutions restricted to Filipinos, but there Do you include the vote of 1 & 2 to have a quorum to
are exceptions when created by religious and charitable have a valid meeting?
institutions.
- NO, quorum requirements is 401,000
- By-laws may provide additional qualifications and
disqualifications Quorum requirement is 501k

- To qualify as a director he must own at least 1 share Holders of non-voting shares are only entitled to vote in last par. Of
section 6
Should the stockholder be the equitable or beneficial
owner in order to qualify as a director? 1-200k

- NO, it is not necessary, as long as you are listed in the 2-200k


books as owner of one share
3-200k
Lee vs. CA
4-100k
- As long as you are listed in the books as owner of one
share 5-100k

- Under the old law he must be the beneficial owner and 6-100k
legal owner thereof but in the new law it is not required
7-50k
as long as it stands in his name he is qualifies

8-40k
1 A-100t/S B (own in the trust of X) is B qualified to be a
director?
9-5k

2
10-5k

3-10
=1MS

2 transferring there voting rights in favor of VT


1&2 is absent, 3&4 ayaw tumakbo and hindi nagvote 6-10,
tumakbo and ninominate nila yung sarili nila and cast all their
Other rights will accrue in favor of them, but not the voting rights
shares on themselves
voting rights must be recorder in the books of the corporation that
Who wins? Or who gets elected?
it is transferred

PNB-IFL- wholly owned subsidiary of PNB - No vote requirement, the one who gets the most number
of votes gets elected, section24.
PNB will assign to PNB-IFL nominal shares and PNB-IFL now will
be able to be nominated What is cumulative voting?

Gen. Rule: - Process of multiplying the number of shares to the


number of director to be elected
- Term of one year who will serve as such until there
successors are elected and qualified - Matter of right granted to stockholders in a stock
corporation
Exception:
1 to 5 has 200k/s and members of the same family- majority 800k
- Non-stock corporation can serve for a term of 3 years they have 4M votes they are guaranteed 4 seats

- Educational non-stock- term of the governing board can 6 to 10 are not related- 1 seat 1M votes
be 5 years
Cumulative to allow the minority to have a rightful
May this term exceed one year? representation in the board

- Yes, they may serve in a hold over capacity until their Is it allowed in a non-stock corporation?
successors have been duly elected and qualified
- Not generally available

Detective and protective bureau vs. Cloribel


- Section 89 unless the articles or by-laws allow
cumulative voting
- In the by-laws, managing director must be elected from
among themselves
Section 89. Right to vote. - The right of the
- Must be duly elected and qualified members of any class or classes to vote may be limited,
broadened or denied to the extent specified in the
How are the directors elected? articles of incorporation or the by-laws. Unless so
limited, broadened or denied, each member, regardless
of class, shall be entitled to one vote.
1-100T/S

2-100T/S Unless otherwise provided in the articles of


incorporation or the by-laws, a member may vote by
proxy in accordance with the provisions of this Code. (n)
3-100T/S

to 10=1M/S Voting by mail or other similar means by


members of non-stock corporations may be authorized
by the by-laws of non-stock corporations with the
Notes on Corporation Law
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GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
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approval of, and under such conditions which may be Exception:


prescribed by, the Securities and Exchange
Commission. - Delegation

- Expressly conferred

Other corporate officers other than the governing board - Where the officer or agent is clothed with actual or
section 25 apparent authority

- Otherwise it will not bind the corporation


Section 25. Corporate officers, quorum. -
Immediately after their election, the directors of a
corporation must formally organize by the election of a Yao ka sin trading case already asked in the bar
president, who shall be a director, a treasurer who may
or may not be a director, a secretary who shall be a - Only bind the corporation to the extent of authority
resident and citizen of the Philippines, and such other confined to him or virtue of customs, usage and policy
officers as may be provided for in the by-laws. Any two
(2) or more positions may be held concurrently by the - Must pass first the controller and counsel
same person, except that no one shall act as president
and secretary or as president and treasurer at the same
What if the notice requirement is not complied with?
time.

Lopez realty vs. Fotencha


The directors or trustees and officers to be
elected shall perform the duties enjoined on them by law
- Notice requirement must be complied with hence it
and the by-laws of the corporation. Unless the articles of
incorporation or the by-laws provide for a greater should have been with force and effect, but according to
majority, a majority of the number of directors or the SC, it may be ratified expressly if there is a
trustees as fixed in the articles of incorporation shall subsequent meeting called for that purpose
constitute a quorum for the transaction of corporate
business, and every decision of at least a majority of the - Impliedly through acts
directors or trustees present at a meeting at which there
is a quorum shall be valid as a corporate act, except for
- Asuncion was aware of the corporations obligation
the election of officers which shall require the vote of a
majority of all the members of the board.
- There was implied ratification or she was estopped

Directors or trustees cannot attend or vote by


Pua casim vs. Neumark and Co.
proxy at board meetings. (33a)

- Considered 3 circumstanced
Is the president required to be a stockholder. YES

- Check which was the proceed of the loan which was


The chairman may be another person
endorsed and deposit in the corporate account

The president may also be another person


- Neumark as president and also stockholder

Prohibited is president to be secretary or treasurer at


Yu chuck vs. Kong Li Po
the same time

- General manager usually has the power to hire but the


Board of director must sit and act as a body to arrive at
SC said the contract must be reasonable
a corporate act

- The contract here is so onerous that it would throw the


What would constitute a quorum if 5 then 3 must be
corporation into insolvency
present

Francisco vs. GSIS


May the vote of 2 members past a 5 man governing
board pass a valid corporate act?
- GSIS cannot evade the binding effect of the telegram

- YES. Voting requirement is majority of directors present


- Only 15 months later that the corporation said there
at which there where a quorum
was a mistake

1 1 and 2 present=valid voting


- The silence coupled with the unconditional acceptance
requirement
of the other subsequent remittances is binding to the
corporation
2 1 and 2 voted yes

Board of liquidators vs. Kalaw


3 3 voted no

Settled jurisprudence has it that where


4
similar acts have been approved by the directors as a
matter of general practice, custom and policy, the
5
general manager may bind the company without formal
Is it absolute? authorization of the board of directors. In varying
language, existence of such authority is established, by
- NO, except in the election because it requires the proof of the course of business, the usages and
majority of all the members of the board practices of the company and by the knowledge which
the board of directors has, or must be presumed to
- If by-laws or articles provide a higher voting requirement have, of acts and doings of its subordinates in and
about the affairs of the corporation. So also, xx
Artificial beings must act through its members and act authority to act for and bind a corporation may be
as a body to have a valid corporate act presumed from acts of recognition in other instances
where the power was in fact exercised. xx Thus, when,
Notes on Corporation Law
Notes come in handy only when you have studied
GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
16

in the usual course of business of a corporation, an Meetings called by the president or the secretary
officer has been allowed in his official capacity to ordered by the president
manage its affairs, his authority to represent the
corporation may be implied from the manner in which It depends if the removal is without cause they cannot
he has been permitted by the directors to manage its do so because removal without cause shall not deprive
business. the minority stockholders or members of the right of
representative
In the case at bar, the practice of the
corporation has been to allow its general manager to If with cause they can even if it will prejudice the rights
negotiate and execute contracts in its copra trading of the minority, provided of course additional
activities for and in NACOCOs behalf without prior requirements by-laws and articles of incorporation
board approval. If the by-laws were to be literally
followed, the board should give its stamp of prior Who will fill up the vacancy created due to the ouster of
approval on all corporate contracts. But that Board a member of the board of directors <section 29>
itself, by its acts and through acquiescence, practically
laid aside the by-law requirement of prior approval.
Section 29. Vacancies in the office of director
or trustee. - Any vacancy occurring in the board of
- Kalaw signed alone and said contracts were submitted directors or trustees other than by removal by the
to the board of directors after its consummation and not stockholders or members or by expiration of term, may
before be filled by the vote of at least a majority of the
remaining directors or trustees, if still constituting a
quorum; otherwise, said vacancies must be filled by the
Buenaseda vs. Bowen
stockholders in a regular or special meeting called for
that purpose. A director or trustee so elected to fill a
- Express ratification is made through a formal board vacancy shall be elected only or the unexpired term of
action his predecessor in office.

- Implied ratification is through: silence or acquiescence,


Any directorship or trusteeship to be filled by
acceptance benefits and lastly recognition or adoption reason of an increase in the number of directors or
trustees shall be filled only by an election at a regular or
An unauthorized act may nevertheless be binding either at a special meeting of stockholders or members duly
by express or implied by estoppels called for the purpose, or in the same meeting
authorizing the increase of directors or trustees if so
By virtue of silence the board had impliedly accepted the stated in the notice of the meeting. (n)

act
Other than by removal or expiration of term they do not
By recognition or adoption have the power

By virtue of payment of obligations arising therefore- When will the vacancies be filled up?
Lopez realty
Is notice required, to fill up vacancies due to removal?
May directors or trustees be disqualified to act as such?
What if the vacancy is due to an increase, can it be filled
- YES, crime, etc. disqualifications in book up in the same meeting where in the number is
increased?
- Possess or dispossess any of the qualifications or
disqualifications , cease to hold at least one share Election due to removal-in the same meeting notice is
not required
May directors be ousted from office?
Election due to increase in number- it must be so stated
- At least 2/3 of members representing outstanding in the meeting
capital stock. Again notice requirement must be
complied with Section 30

1-200 1-5 same


Section 30. Compensation of directors. - In
family
the absence of any provision in the by-laws fixing their
compensation, the directors shall not receive any
2-200 compensation, as such directors, except for reasonable
per diems: Provided, however, That any such
3-200 compensation other than per diems may be granted to
directors by the vote of the stockholders representing at
4-100 least a majority of the outstanding capital stock at a
regular or special stockholders' meeting. In no case shall
the total yearly compensation of directors, as such
5-100 electing
directors, exceed ten (10%) percent of the net income
before income tax of the corporation during the
6-100 6 to 10 not preceding year. (n)
related

- Generally not entitled to receive compensation because


7-50
they render it gratuitously

8-40
- Unless the by-laws allows

9-5
- Stockholders may also grant pursuant to a majority vote

10-5 outstanding
- Must not exceed net income of 10% tax of the preceding
director
year

Notes on Corporation Law


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GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
17

- Acting in special capacity - Watered stocks- issued, fully paid up when in fact they
have not been fully paid or promised as such
- In, sum directors may receive compensation when
Llamado vs. CA
1. there is a provision in the by-laws to that effect
- The corporate entity theory cannot be used as a defense
2. When the stockholders, by a majority vote of the to escape liability in violation of B.P. 22
outstanding capital stock grant the same; and,
- Where the check is drawn by a corporation the persons
3. If the director renders extra-ordinary or unsual service who signed the check shall be liable.

Central cooperative exchange vs. Tibe Uichico vs. NLRC

- By-laws may allow, stockholders may also allow such - Labor case corporate directors and officers are solidarily
liable with the corporation for the termination of
What do you understand by the phrase as such employment of corporate employee done with malice and
directors bad faith

Western institute vs. Salas 3 fold duty of directors

- Compensation was granted without by-laws authority - obedient

- Prohibition is not a sweeping rule - diligent

- Members of the board may receive when they receive in - loyal


a special capacity
Business judgment rule
- Mere act of the board will suffice
- Questions of policy and management are left solely to
Is the 10% ceiling applicable to other officers? the honest decision of the board of directors and the
courts are without authority to substitute its judgment
- NO. the phrase as such director was used twice as against the former. The directors are the business
<Section 30> managers of the corporation and as long as they act in
good faith, its actuations are not subject to judicial
- The SC ruled that the 10% ceiling will not likewise apply review. Montelibano vs. Bacolod Murcia Milling
if they acted in a capacity other than as such directors
- questions of policy and management are left solely to the
Government vs. El Hogar board of directors

- Judicial intervention is not proper - BOD, business manager of the corporation and as long
as they act in good faith, its actuations are not subject
- The appropriates remedy is to those who can make or to judicial review
unmake the by-laws
- They are not insurer of the property of the company,
Liability of corporate officers they were guarantors that the enterprise undertaken by
the corporation shall be successful
- Obligations incurred by those acting for and in behalf of
the corporations are not theres BUT there are
Montelibano vs. Bacolod Murcia Milling Co.
exceptions even if they are acting for and in behalf of the
corporation - Directors are not liable due to imprudence or honest
error of judgment
Tramat vs. CA
- Duty of loyalty of corporate directors
- General rule was applied in the case
- 31,32,33,34
- Ong acted as officers and acted within the scope of his
authority - 31,32,33- specific instances when corporate officers
may violate loyalty
- Court laid down 4 instances when even if acting within
the scope of his authority he is held solidarily liable - 32,33 self-dealing and interlocking director

1. He assents (a) to a patently unlawful act of the Corporate opportunity doctrine


corporation, or (b) for bad faith, or gross negligence in
directing its affairs, or (c) for conflict of interest, - It places a director of a corporation in the position of a
resulting in damages to the corporation, its stockholders fiduciary and prohibits him form seizing a business
or other persons; opportunity and/or developing it at the expense and
with the facilities of the corporation. He cannot
2. He consents to the issuance of watered stocks or who, appropriate to himself a business opportunity which in
having knowledge thereof, does not forthwith file with fairness should belong to the corporation.
the corporate secretary his written objection thereto;
Last paragraph of section 31 and the provision of
3. He agrees to hold himself personally and solidarily liable section 34 make reference to recovery of forbidden
with the corporation; profits

4. He is made, by a specific provision of law, to personally Distinction between section 31 and 34 relative to the
answer for his corporate action. ratification by the stockholders

Notes on Corporation Law


Notes come in handy only when you have studied
GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
18

- The second paragraph of section 31 which makes a - YES. If all the 4 conditions are present they will be valid
director liable to account for profits if he attempts to per se
acquire or acquires any interest adverse to the
corporation in respect to any matter reposed in him in 1. That the presence of such director or trustee in the
confidence as to which equity imposes a disability upon board meeting in which the contract was approved was
him to deal in his own behalf is not subject to not necessary to constitute a quorum for such meeting;
ratification by the stockholders. Whereas, in section 34
if a director acquires for himself a business opportunity 2. That the vote of such director or trustee was not
which should belong to the corporation, he is bound to necessary for the approval of the contract;
account for such profits unless his act is ratified by the
stockholders owning ore representing at least 2/3 of the 3. That the contract is fair and reasonable under the
outstanding capital stock. circumstances; and

- If reposed in him in confidence, not subject to 4. That in case of an officer, the contract has been
ratification previously authorized by the board of directors.

- If the acquisition is merely that of a business When do they become voidable?


opportunity which has not been reposed in him in
confidence, the same may be subject to ratification by - When any of the two requisites are absent it is voidable,
the stockholders. but subject to ratification by 2/3 of the outstanding
capital stock or 2/3 of the member
Director x co.
Requisites for ratification (subject to ratification by the
A-REALTY stockholders holding or representing at least 2/3 of the
outstanding capital stock or 2/3 of the members.)
B
- it must be at a meeting called for the purpose
C Z owns property and is going
abroad never to Return, he wants - full disclosure of the adverse interest of the director
to sell for 25M the fair market value concerned must be made
is 30M
- the contract is fair and reasonable under the
D circumstances

E Problem if self-dealing director involved owns all or


substantially all of the shares of stock of the corporation
E goes to Z and offers to pay the property for 26 M and later he thereby making it easily possible to have the contract
sells it for 30M making 4M profit, one of the stockholders learned ratified
and complains that he should submit the profits. E said that he
will move for ratification of his actuation. Can it be ratified? - last sentence of section 32 should be made to apply by
determining the reasonableness and fairness of the
- It can be ratified he merely acquired a business owning contract
to the corporation

Section 32. Dealings of directors, trustees or


- It would be different if it was entrusted in his confidence officers with the corporation. - A contract of the
corporation with one or more of its directors or trustees
Another scenario: or officers is voidable, at the option of such corporation,
unless all the following conditions are present:
Had A not attended the meeting he would not have known of the
sale it is then a matter reposed in him in confidence 1. That the presence of such director or trustee in the
board meeting in which the contract was approved was
A corporation cannot reaquire its share if it has no not necessary to constitute a quorum for such meeting;
restricted unretained earnings
2. That the vote of such director or trustee was not
Strong vs. Rapide necessary for the approval of the contract;

- What duty did he violate? 3. That the contract is fair and reasonable under the
circumstances; and
- He violated his duty of loyalty
4. That in case of an officer, the contract has been
- The law would be impotent if the sale were not previously authorized by the board of directors.
invalidated

Where any of the first two conditions set forth


Self-dealing director and interlocking director in the preceding paragraph is absent, in the case of a
contract with a director or trustee, such contract may be
What is a self-dealing director? ratified by the vote of the stockholders representing at
least two-thirds (2/3) of the outstanding capital stock or
- Director of a corporation dealing or transacting business of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the members in a meeting
with his corporation called for the purpose: Provided, That full disclosure of
the adverse interest of the directors or trustees involved
is made at such meeting: Provided, however, That the
Are the contracts and dealing of a self0dealing director
contract is fair and reasonable under the
valid? circumstances. (n)

General rule: voidable


Prime white cement vs. IAC

May the contracts of a self-dealing director be valid per


- a director of a corporation owes a position in trust
se.
Notes on Corporation Law
Notes come in handy only when you have studied
GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
19

- in case of conflict between himself and that of the Available suits


corporation, he cannot sacrifice the interest of the
corporation to his own advantage individual or personal

- as a director he should have acted in a manner as not to - Wrong done against his person as a stockholder
unduly prejudice the corporation
Class suit
- he cannot be allowed to enrich himself
- Filed by a stockholder in representation of other
May corporate directors purchase the corporate stockholders
property?
- A wrong or redress done, a derivative suit in nature
Mead vs. Mccullogh
Intra-corporate remedies
- interlocking director- a director of one corporation who
deals and transacts business with another corporation - Demand to the BOD to institute such action
who is himself a director
- Negated by the BOD
A- director of X company also a director of Y corporation
- The one who instituted must be a stockholder at the
B- date when the act was done, must have been a
stockholder by that time
C-
Demand will not be required if the majority of the BOD
D- are the ones guilty of the wrong charged

E- The corporation must be made a party in the case


whatever side will not matter because under Philippine
Both companies enter into a contract and A sits, is the law misjoinder is not a ground for dismissal
contract valid?
Non-joinder is a ground for dismissal
- Yes on the ground of fraud or if it is unfair
Any benefit should inure to the corporation
- May be subject to the provision of section 32
Stockholder bringing the action is entitled to
- Section 32 contract may become voidable, hence it may reimbursement such as attorneys fee ONLY IF the case
also be ratified is SUCCESSFUL to avoid harassment suit to their
management
X Co.
Y Co. Pascual vs. Orozco

A owe 20% - By virtue of the fact that he is a stockholder, may


A owe 20% maintain a derivative suit

Is it generally valid or voidable? VALID - Depend on how, when and what reason

25% - Seeking for the years 1898 all the way 1907
25% VALID
- Only became a stockholder in 1903
15%
25% VOIDABLE SUBJECT TO section 32 - He can sue only in 1903 forward because he must be a
stockholder
More than 20 substantial
- The right of action is personal in nature. He became a
BOD mismanages corporate officers. Who may file a stockholder only in 1902
suit?
Derivative suit
- General rule: BOD which can institute a case because it
has all the powers. To allow stockholders to file would - By a stockholder to address a wrong done against the
violate the doctrine of corporate entity and may result to corporation and the stockholder indirectly
multiplicity of suits
- Essential requisite must have been a stockholder from
- Stockholders cannot therefore generally file a case the time the act complained of took place
EXCEPT of course in a DERIVATIVE SUIT
- Cannot institute an action from the years he was still
Derivative suit not a stockholder

- An action based on injury to the corporation-to enforce Everett vs. Asia Banking
a corporate right- wherein the corporation itself is joined
as a necessary party, and recovery is in favor of and for - Stockholders cannot ordinarily commence suit in equity
the corporation. and such is in the hands of its BOD however there are
exceptions when the BOD will not sue since they are
- Remedy granted by law to stockholders to institute a themselves principals to the fraud.
case to remedy a wrong done directly to the corporation
and indirectly to the stockholders, if the board refuses Republic vs. Cuaderno
to do so. Otherwise if not they would be left without any
recourse - The facts constitute sufficient cause of action
Notes on Corporation Law
Notes come in handy only when you have studied
GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
20

- It is not the corporate interest to shield one from The number of his hares is immaterial since he is not
criminal prosecution which is personal interest suing in his own behalf or for the protection or
vindication of his own right, or the redress of a wrong
- Perez is not suing in his behalf, but in behalf of the done against him, individually, but in behalf and for the
corporation benefit of the corporation.

Western institute vs. Salas 2. He has tried to exhaust intra-corporate remedies, he has
made a demand on the board of directors for the
- Assuming it was filed in the proper forum would there appropriate relief but the latter had failed or refused to
argument that it is a derivative suit prosper? NO. it is heed his plea. Demand, however, is not required if the
people of the Philippines vs. individual director, it must company is under the complete control of the directors
be stated in the complaint that it is being instituted as a who are the very ones to be sued (or where it becomes
derivative suit and for and in behalf of the corporation obvious that a demand upon them would have been
futile and useless) since the law does not require a
- Granting arguendo, that this is a derivative suit, the litigant to perform useless acts;
same is still outrightly dismissible for having been
wrongfully filed in the regular court devoid of any 3. The stockholder bringing the suit must allege in his
jurisdiction to entertain the complaint. The case should complaint that he is suing on a derivative cause of
have been filed with the SEC which exercises original action on behalf of the corporation and all other
and exclusive jurisdiction over derivative suits, they stockholders similarly situated, otherwise, the case is
being intra-corporate disputes, per Section 5 (b) of P.D. dismissible. This is because the cause of action actually
902-A devolves on the corporation and not to a particular
stockholder.
San Miguel vs. Khan
4. The corporation should be made a party, either as party-
- Was a demand made? NO plaintiff or defendant, in order to make the courts
judgment binding upon it, and thus, bar future
- It is not necessary because he objected in the board litigation of the same issues. On what side the
meeting, but still it was adopted therefore it was useless corporation appears loses importance when it is
considered that it lay within the power of the court to
Chase vs. Buencamino direct the making of amendment of the pleading, by
adding or dropping parties, as may be required in the
- Argument that he should be in estoppels since he filed interest of justice. Misjoinder of parties is not a ground
in the U.S. to dismiss action; and,

- Assuming the case prospered in the U.S. would not 5. Any benefit or damages recovered shall pertain to the
estoppels apply as against him? NO for estoppels to step corporation. This is so because in all instances,
in it must be a case by the corporation derivative suit is instituted for and in behalf of the
corporation and not for the protection or vindication of a
Reyes vs. tan right or rights of a particular stockholder, otherwise, the
aggrieved stockholder should institute, instead, an
- Corporate director are guilty of breach of trust individual or personal suit to vindicate his personal or
individual right. Or, for that matter, representative or
- A stockholder may institute an action to remedy a wrong class suit for all other stockholders whose rights are
done similarly situated, injured or violated, personally or
individually.
- Fraud in the conduct of corporate affairs
Executive committee
Gamboa vs. Victoriano
- Not allowed under the OLD law
- Is derivative suit appropriate in this case
How may executive committee created and constituted?
- They are not vindicatory damage done to the
corporation, but rather they where vindicating damage - Section 35
against him

Section 35. Executive committee. - The by-


- Violation of their rights as individuals, hence derivative
laws of a corporation may create an executive
suit is not the remedy committee, composed of not less than three members of
the board, to be appointed by the board. Said committee
Evangelista vs. Santos may act, by majority vote of all its members, on such
specific matters within the competence of the board, as
- Derivative suit is not proper may be delegated to it in the by-laws or on a majority
vote of the board, except with respect to: (1) approval of
any action for which shareholders' approval is also
- Claim is not for the benefit of the corporation, but
required; (2) the filing of vacancies in the board; (3) the
rather his individual benefit amendment or repeal of by-laws or the adoption of new
by-laws; (4) the amendment or repeal of any resolution
From the cases above cited, these are the requirements of the board which by its express terms is not so
and the procedures that must be followed in order that a amendable or repealable; and (5) a distribution of cash
derivative suit may prosper dividends to the shareholders.

1. That the party bringing the suit should be a stockholder - Said committee may act and bind the corporation by the
as of the time the act or transaction complained of took majority vote of all its members except with respect to
place, or whose shares have evolved upon him since by those matters provided for in sec. 35 these are:
operation of law. This rule, however, does not apply if
such act or transaction continues and is injurious to the 1. Approval of any action for which shareholders approval
stockholder or affect him specifically in some other way. is also required

Notes on Corporation Law


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GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
21

2. The filing of vacancies in the board; 8. To enter into merger or consolidation with other
corporations as provided in this Code;
3. Amendment or repeal of by-laws or the adoption of new
by-laws; 9. To make reasonable donations, including those for
the public welfare or for hospital, charitable, cultural,
4. Amendment or repeal of any resolution of the board scientific, civic, or similar purposes: Provided, That no
which by its express terms is not so amenable or corporation, domestic or foreign, shall give donations in
aid of any political party or candidate or for purposes of
repealable; and,
partisan political activity;

5. Distribution of cash dividends to the shareholders.


10. To establish pension, retirement, and other plans for
May the board alone create an executive committee the benefit of its directors, trustees, officers and
employees; and
without any authority provided for the by-laws?

- NO board of directors must sit and act as a body to have 11. To exercise such other powers as may be essential or
necessary to carry out its purpose or purposes as stated
a valid transaction
in the articles of incorporation. (13a)

May a non-member of the board of directors be a


member of the executive committee? Section 37. Power to extend or shorten corporate term. -
A private corporation may extend or shorten its term as stated in
the articles of incorporation when approved by a majority vote of
- NO, all of them must be members of the board of
the board of directors or trustees and ratified at a meeting by the
directors
stockholders representing at least two-thirds (2/3) of the
outstanding capital stock or by at least two-thirds (2/3) of the
- BOD cannot act by proxy it would be abdication of members in case of non-stock corporations. Written notice of the
powers proposed action and of the time and place of the meeting shall be
addressed to each stockholder or member at his place of residence
Purpose clauses necessary because it confers and also as shown on the books of the corporation and deposited to the
limits the actual authority of the corporation addressee in the post office with postage prepaid, or served
personally: Provided, That in case of extension of corporate term,
any dissenting stockholder may exercise his appraisal right under
CORPORATE POWERS AND AUTHORITY
the conditions provided in this code. (n)

Corporate authority may be classified into three classes


Section 38. Power to increase or decrease capital stock;
namely:
incur, create or increase bonded indebtedness. - No corporation
shall increase or decrease its capital stock or incur, create or
1. Those expressly granted or authorized by law inclusive increase any bonded indebtedness unless approved by a majority
of the corporate charter or articles of incorporation; vote of the board of directors and, at a stockholder's meeting duly
called for the purpose, two-thirds (2/3) of the outstanding capital
2. Those impliedly granted as are essential or reasonably stock shall favor the increase or diminution of the capital stock, or
necessary to the carrying out of the express powers; the incurring, creating or increasing of any bonded indebtedness.
Written notice of the proposed increase or diminution of the capital
stock or of the incurring, creating, or increasing of any bonded
3. Those that are incidental to its existence.
indebtedness and of the time and place of the stockholder's
meeting at which the proposed increase or diminution of the
Section 36 to 45- POWER GRANTED BY LAW capital stock or the incurring or increasing of any bonded
indebtedness is to be considered, must be addressed to each
Section 36. Corporate powers and capacity. - Every stockholder at his place of residence as shown on the books of the
corporation and deposited to the addressee in the post office with
corporation incorporated under this Code has the power and
postage prepaid, or served personally.
capacity:

A certificate in duplicate must be signed by a majority of the


1. To sue and be sued in its corporate name;
directors of the corporation and countersigned by the chairman
and the secretary of the stockholders' meeting, setting forth:
2. Of succession by its corporate name for the period of
time stated in the articles of incorporation and the
(1) That the requirements of this section have been
certificate of incorporation;
complied with;

3. To adopt and use a corporate seal;


(2) The amount of the increase or diminution of the
capital stock;
4. To amend its articles of incorporation in accordance
with the provisions of this Code;
(3) If an increase of the capital stock, the amount of
capital stock or number of shares of no-par stock
5. To adopt by-laws, not contrary to law, morals, or thereof actually subscribed, the names, nationalities
public policy, and to amend or repeal the same in and residences of the persons subscribing, the amount
accordance with this Code; of capital stock or number of no-par stock subscribed by
each, and the amount paid by each on his subscription
in cash or property, or the amount of capital stock or
6. In case of stock corporations, to issue or sell stocks to
number of shares of no-par stock allotted to each stock-
subscribers and to sell stocks to subscribers and to sell
holder if such increase is for the purpose of making
treasury stocks in accordance with the provisions of this
effective stock dividend therefor authorized;
Code; and to admit members to the corporation if it be a
non-stock corporation;
(4) Any bonded indebtedness to be incurred, created or
increased;
7. To purchase, receive, take or grant, hold, convey, sell,
lease, pledge, mortgage and otherwise deal with such
real and personal property, including securities and (5) The actual indebtedness of the corporation on the
bonds of other corporations, as the transaction of the day of the meeting;
lawful business of the corporation may reasonably and
necessarily require, subject to the limitations prescribed
(6) The amount of stock represented at the meeting; and
by law and the Constitution;

Notes on Corporation Law


Notes come in handy only when you have studied
GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
22

(7) The vote authorizing the increase or diminution of rights of third parties under any contract relating thereto, without
the capital stock, or the incurring, creating or further action or approval by the stockholders or members.
increasing of any bonded indebtedness.

Nothing in this section is intended to restrict the power of any


Any increase or decrease in the capital stock or the incurring, corporation, without the authorization by the stockholders or
creating or increasing of any bonded indebtedness shall require members, to sell, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge or otherwise
prior approval of the Securities and Exchange Commission. dispose of any of its property and assets if the same is necessary
in the usual and regular course of business of said corporation or
if the proceeds of the sale or other disposition of such property and
One of the duplicate certificates shall be kept on file in the office of
assets be appropriated for the conduct of its remaining business.
the corporation and the other shall be filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission and attached to the original articles of
incorporation. From and after approval by the Securities and In non-stock corporations where there are no members with voting
Exchange Commission and the issuance by the Commission of its rights, the vote of at least a majority of the trustees in office will be
certificate of filing, the capital stock shall stand increased or sufficient authorization for the corporation to enter into any
decreased and the incurring, creating or increasing of any bonded transaction authorized by this section.
indebtedness authorized, as the certificate of filing may declare:
Provided, That the Securities and Exchange Commission shall not
Section 41. Power to acquire own shares. - A stock
accept for filing any certificate of increase of capital stock unless
corporation shall have the power to purchase or acquire its own
accompanied by the sworn statement of the treasurer of the
shares for a legitimate corporate purpose or purposes, including
corporation lawfully holding office at the time of the filing of the
but not limited to the following cases: Provided, That the
certificate, showing that at least twenty-five (25%) percent of such
corporation has unrestricted retained earnings in its books to
increased capital stock has been subscribed and that at least
cover the shares to be purchased or acquired:
twenty-five (25%) percent of the amount subscribed has been paid
either in actual cash to the corporation or that there has been
transferred to the corporation property the valuation of which is 1. To eliminate fractional shares arising out of stock dividends;
equal to twenty-five (25%) percent of the subscription: Provided,
further, That no decrease of the capital stock shall be approved by
2. To collect or compromise an indebtedness to the corporation,
the Commission if its effect shall prejudice the rights of corporate
arising out of unpaid subscription, in a delinquency sale, and to
creditors.
purchase delinquent shares sold during said sale; and

Non-stock corporations may incur or create bonded indebtedness,


3. To pay dissenting or withdrawing stockholders entitled to
or increase the same, with the approval by a majority vote of the
payment for their shares under the provisions of this Code. (a)
board of trustees and of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the members in
a meeting duly called for the purpose.
Section 42. Power to invest corporate funds in another
Bonds issued by a corporation shall be registered with the corporation or business or for any other purpose. - Subject to the
Securities and Exchange Commission, which shall have the provisions of this Code, a private corporation may invest its funds
authority to determine the sufficiency of the terms thereof. (17a) in any other corporation or business or for any purpose other than
the primary purpose for which it was organized when approved by
a majority of the board of directors or trustees and ratified by the
Section 39. Power to deny pre-emptive right. - All stockholders representing at least two-thirds (2/3) of the
stockholders of a stock corporation shall enjoy pre-emptive right to outstanding capital stock, or by at least two thirds (2/3) of the
subscribe to all issues or disposition of shares of any class, in members in the case of non-stock corporations, at a stockholder's
proportion to their respective shareholdings, unless such right is or member's meeting duly called for the purpose. Written notice of
denied by the articles of incorporation or an amendment thereto: the proposed investment and the time and place of the meeting
Provided, That such pre-emptive right shall not extend to shares to shall be addressed to each stockholder or member at his place of
be issued in compliance with laws requiring stock offerings or residence as shown on the books of the corporation and deposited
minimum stock ownership by the public; or to shares to be issued to the addressee in the post office with postage prepaid, or served
in good faith with the approval of the stockholders representing personally: Provided, That any dissenting stockholder shall have
two-thirds (2/3) of the outstanding capital stock, in exchange for appraisal right as provided in this Code: Provided, however, That
property needed for corporate purposes or in payment of a where the investment by the corporation is reasonably necessary
previously contracted debt. to accomplish its primary purpose as stated in the articles of
incorporation, the approval of the stockholders or members shall
not be necessary. (17 1/2a)
Section 40. Sale or other disposition of assets. - Subject
to the provisions of existing laws on illegal combinations and
monopolies, a corporation may, by a majority vote of its board of Section 43. Power to declare dividends. - The board of
directors or trustees, sell, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge or directors of a stock corporation may declare dividends out of the
otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its property and unrestricted retained earnings which shall be payable in cash, in
assets, including its goodwill, upon such terms and conditions and property, or in stock to all stockholders on the basis of outstanding
for such consideration, which may be money, stocks, bonds or stock held by them: Provided, That any cash dividends due on
other instruments for the payment of money or other property or delinquent stock shall first be applied to the unpaid balance on the
consideration, as its board of directors or trustees may deem subscription plus costs and expenses, while stock dividends shall
expedient, when authorized by the vote of the stockholders be withheld from the delinquent stockholder until his unpaid
representing at least two-thirds (2/3) of the outstanding capital subscription is fully paid: Provided, further, That no stock dividend
stock, or in case of non-stock corporation, by the vote of at least to shall be issued without the approval of stockholders representing
two-thirds (2/3) of the members, in a stockholder's or member's not less than two-thirds (2/3) of the outstanding capital stock at a
meeting duly called for the purpose. Written notice of the proposed regular or special meeting duly called for the purpose. (16a)
action and of the time and place of the meeting shall be addressed
to each stockholder or member at his place of residence as shown
Stock corporations are prohibited from retaining surplus profits in
on the books of the corporation and deposited to the addressee in
excess of one hundred (100%) percent of their paid-in capital
the post office with postage prepaid, or served personally:
stock, except: (1) when justified by definite corporate expansion
Provided, That any dissenting stockholder may exercise his
projects or programs approved by the board of directors; or (2)
appraisal right under the conditions provided in this Code.
when the corporation is prohibited under any loan agreement with
any financial institution or creditor, whether local or foreign, from
A sale or other disposition shall be deemed to cover substantially declaring dividends without its/his consent, and such consent has
all the corporate property and assets if thereby the corporation not yet been secured; or (3) when it can be clearly shown that such
would be rendered incapable of continuing the business or retention is necessary under special circumstances obtaining in
accomplishing the purpose for which it was incorporated. the corporation, such as when there is need for special reserve for
probable contingencies. (n)
After such authorization or approval by the stockholders or
members, the board of directors or trustees may, nevertheless, in Section 44. Power to enter into management contract. -
its discretion, abandon such sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, No corporation shall conclude a management contract with
pledge or other disposition of property and assets, subject to the another corporation unless such contract shall have been

Notes on Corporation Law


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GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
23

approved by the board of directors and by stockholders owning at the particular revision under Section 11 of Rule 14 was
least the majority of the outstanding capital stock, or by at least a explained by retired Supreme Court Justice Florenz
majority of the members in the case of a non-stock corporation, of Regalado, thus:
both the managing and the managed corporation, at a meeting
duly called for the purpose: Provided, That (1) where a stockholder
xxx the then section 13 of this Rule allowed
or stockholders representing the same interest of both the
managing and the managed corporations own or control more than service upon a defendant corporation to be
one-third (1/3) of the total outstanding capital stock entitled to made on the president, manager, secretary,
vote of the managing corporation; or (2) where a majority of the cashier, agent or any of its directors. The
members of the board of directors of the managing corporation aforesaid terms were obviously ambiguous
also constitute a majority of the members of the board of directors and susceptible of broad and sometimes
of the managed corporation, then the management contract must
illogical interpretations, especially the word
be approved by the stockholders of the managed corporation
agent of the corporation. The Filoil case,
owning at least two-thirds (2/3) of the total outstanding capital
stock entitled to vote, or by at least two-thirds (2/3) of the involving the litigation lawyer of the
members in the case of a non-stock corporation. No management corporation who precisely appeared to
contract shall be entered into for a period longer than five years for challenge the validity of service of summons
any one term. but whose very appearance for that purpose
was seized upon to validate the defective
The provisions of the next preceding paragraph shall apply to any service, is an illustration of the need for this
contract whereby a corporation undertakes to manage or operate revised section with limited scope and specific
all or substantially all of the business of another corporation, terminology. Thus the absurd result in the
whether such contracts are called service contracts, operating
Filoil case necessitated the amendment
agreements or otherwise: Provided, however, That such service
permitting service only on the in-house
contracts or operating agreements which relate to the exploration,
development, exploitation or utilization of natural resources may counsel of the corporation who is in effect an
be entered into for such periods as may be provided by the employee of the corporation, as distinguished
pertinent laws or regulations. (n) from an independent practitioner.

Section 45. Ultra vires acts of corporations. - No o notes: additional knowledge


corporation under this Code shall possess or exercise any
corporate powers except those conferred by this Code or by its - special appearance enter for that particular appearance
articles of incorporation and except such as are necessary or you are not the counsel in the case
incidental to the exercise of the powers so conferred. (n)
- would apply only if it does not involve an intra-
Section 36 corporate controversy (controversy between and among
the stockholders)
Where should the corporation be sued?
- upon any of the statutory officers or officers fixed in the
- principal office is important because it establishes the by-laws any secretary, any of the directors; any
residence of the corporation and determining service of managers in the by-laws
summons, venue of action
Seal
- it can be sued in the city or municipality where its
principal office is found - merely ministerial or permissive

Principal office is also important for venue of meetings Power to amend

Non-stock corporation may provide in its by-laws that - section 16


the venue of meeting be anywhere in the Philippines
- special 37,38,120
Upon whom service of summons be made?
Power to adopt by-laws
- Section 11. Service upon domestic private juridical
entity- when the defendant is a corporation, partnership - section 46-48
or association organized under the laws of the
Philippines with a juridical personality, service may be Power to issue or sell stocks and to admit members
made upon the president, managing partner, general
manager, corporate secretary, treasurer, or in house - stock of stockholders and provision governing non-stock
counsel.
Power to acquire or alienate real or personal property

Delta motor vs. Mangosing


- is there any limitation? YES

- strict compliance is necessary


- Two specific limitation

- should be served to those named in the statute


1. Section 36, as lawful transactions of business of the
corporation may reasonably and necessarily require
- secretary of a dept are not those included in the statute

2. Constitution and law


E.B. Villarosa vs. Benito

Luneta vs. A.D. Santos


- decision En Banc repeals all other pronouncement

- Importance of the purpose clause


- section 13 Rule 14 was repealed

- Cannot have the power to acquire


- the old rules was ambiguous and broad and at all time
illogical
- Cannot engage in land transportation

- Doctrine of limited capacity


Notes on Corporation Law
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GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
24

Govt vs. El Hogar National Power vs. Vera

- As the lawful transaction of its business may - For purpose of prohibiting the NAPOCOR
reasonably represent
- The court must decide whether or not a logical and
Director of Lands vs. CA necessary relation exists between the act questioned
and the corporate purpose expressed in the NPC
- Exception to the rule in the constitution charter

- Alienable public land Importance of PLACE of registration

- Converts the property to a private land automatically - Residence


once converted it can now be registered
- Venue
Power to make donation
- Place of meetings
- Limitation section 36 par.9
- Place or registration of chattel mortgage
- These are circumstances, however, under which a
donation by a corporation may be to its benefit as a Power to extend its terms
means of increasing its business or promoting
patronage. Thus, paragraph 9 of section 36 expressly - Once its term expires, already dissolved automatically,
authorizes a corporation to make donations. The only thus can no longer ask for extension
limitations imposed are the following:
- After dissolution, it has 3 years to windup
1. The donation must be reasonable;
What are the modes of increasing capital stock?
2. It must be for public welfare, or for hospital, charitable,
scientific, cultural or similar purpose; and, 1. Increasing the par value of the existing number of
shares without increasing the number of shares;
3. It shall not be in aid of political party or candidate, or
for purposes of partisan political activity. 2. Increasing the number of existing shares without
increasing the par value thereof; and,
Power to establish pension
3. Increasing the number of existing shares and at the
- Include any act to promote and improve the same time increasing the par value of the shares.
convenience, welfare and benefit of the employees or
offices Why a corporation increases it capital stock?

- Generate funds, business expansion, or payment of


Republic vs. Acoje
liabilities, purposes of acquiring other business.
- While as a rule an ultra-vires act is one committed (example: to buy cars for the officers, purpose of
outside the object for which a corporation is created as acquiring other business, expansion, other valid
defined by law, there are however certain corporate acts reasons)
that may be performed outside of the scope of the
How do you decrease capital stock and why a
powers expressly conferred if they are necessary to
promote the interest or welfare of the corporation. Thus, corporation decreases?

it has been held that although not expressly


- Reduce or wipeout existing deficit where no creditors
authorized to do so a corporation may become a surety
would thereby be effected
where the particular transaction is reasonably
necessary or proper to the conduct of its business, and
- When capital is more than necessary to procreate the
here it is undisputed that the establishment local post
business or reduction of capital surplus
office is a reasonable and proper adjunct to the conduct
of the business of appellant company. Indeed, such post
- To write down the value of its fixed assets to reflect
office is a vital improvement in the living condition of its
those present and actual
employees and laborers who came to settle in its mining
camp which is far removed from the postal facilities or
o NOTE: any increase or decrease of capital stock requires
means of communication accorded to people living in a
approval of government agency like SEC it can never
city or municipality.
take place unless SEC approves the same

Power to exercise such other powers essential or


Relevance of decrease of capital?
necessary to carry out its purpose (implied power)

1. To reduce or wipe out existing deficit where no creditors


1. Acts in the usual course of business;
would thereby be affected;

2. Acts to protect debts owing to the corporation;


2. When the capital is more than what is necessary to
procreate the business or reduction of capital surplus;
3. Embarking in a different business;
or,

4. Acts in part or wholly to protect or aid employees; and,


3. To write down the value of its fixed assets to reflect there
present actual value in case where there is a decline in
5. Acts to increase business
the value of the fixed assets of the corporation.

Teresa Electric and Power Co. vs. P.S.C.


- Examples: Php 10M capital for grocery business, mayor
didnt want to issue license/permit because mayor has 3
- Examined the articles of incorporation to arrive at its
other grocery stores, only allowed sari-sari store permit,
decision
Notes on Corporation Law
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GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
25

reduce capital for sari-sari so that the money will not Provided, That such pre-emptive right shall not extend
sleep in bank to shares to be issued in compliance with laws requiring
stock offerings or minimum stock ownership by the
- Example: car rental agencies-Php 10M capital for 20 public; or to shares to be issued in good faith with the
approval of the stockholders representing two-thirds
taxis, after some time each taxi is only 250K, nagmura
(2/3) of the outstanding capital stock, in exchange for
ang taxi, to reduce capital is to show actual assets property needed for corporate purposes or in payment of
a previously contracted debt.
Limitation imposed by law

May it be denied? How?


- Decrease shall not in any way affect the rights of the
creditors
- Yes, if provided by articles of incorporation or by an
amendment
Philippine Trust Company vs. Rivera

- However, pre-emptive rights is unavailable to shares in


- Without the appraisal of SEC, a decrease in capital
trading in stock exchange otherwise stockholders must
stocks has no effect
waive first their right before they may sell such.

TRUST FUND DOCTRINE:


Exceptions

- Subscription to capital stock of a corporation constitute


1. When the shares to be issued is in compliance with
a fund to which the creditors have a right to look upon
laws requiring stock offerings or minimum stock
for satisfaction of their claims and that the assignee in
ownership by the public
insolvency can maintain an action upon any unpaid
stock subscription in order to realize assets for the
2. Shares to be issued in good faith with the approval
payment of its debts.
of the stockholders representing 2/3 of the
outstanding capital stock either
Madrigal vs. Zamora
a. In exchange for property needed for corporate
- Decrease in capital has a subterfuge to evade payment purpose or,

- Thus not valid and effective b. In payment of a previously contracted debt

- Must not prejudice creditors which includes the - The exceptions, however will not apply to stockholders of
employees a close corporation by virtue of a subsequent and
specific provision of the Code which provides that the
Bond
pre-emptive right of a stockholder in a close corporation
shall extend to all stock to be issued, including
- Commonly understood as an obligation of a state, its
reissuance of treasury shares, whether for money,
subdivision or a private corporation, represented by a
property or personal services or in payment of a
certificate or an instrument for the principal and by
corporate debt, unless the articles of incorporation
detachable coupons for the payment of interests. In its
provide otherwise, if not entirely absolute, in that it
simplest term, it is one where an obligor obliges himself
extends to all issuance and disposition of shares
to pay a certain sum of money to another at a day
named.
- Such right of pre-emption may be lost by waiver of the
stockholder, expressly or impliedly by his inability or
- There are different kinds of bond but before they may be
failure to exercise it after having been notified of the
issued or floated by the corporation, the same must be
proposed issuance or disposition of shares
registered and approved by the SEC subject to the rules
and regulations that may be adopted by that agency.
When is it unavailable?
The procedure and requirements set forth in section 38
is the same as in increasing or decreasing the capital - In shares traded openly in stock exchange/market
stock except that the certificate does not have to state
the matters required in sub-section 2 & 3 thereof. Is it applicable to close corporations?

Pre-emptive rights - See section 96, close corporations must provide it first
on its articles of incorporation, that its articles does not
- A right granted by law to all existing stockholders of a really deny such pre-emptive rights.
stock corporation to subscribe to all issues or
disposition of shares of any class, in proportion to their Section 102, will not apply to close corporations
respective stockholdings, subject only to the limitations
imposed under section 39 of the Code. The right of pre-emptive rights is absolute in close
corporations
- Internationally granted
All issues or depositing shares of any class form part of ACS
Pre-emptive rights, why it is granted?
Certain instances when a stockholder may nevertheless
- In order that the existing stockholders may maintain be unable to exercise this right:
their proportionate right as not to dilute their right
- Issued for public ownership
Power to deny pre-emptive rights
- Issued in good faith, with approval of 2/3 of outstanding
Section 39. Power to deny pre-emptive right. - capital stock either a) in exchange for property needed
All stockholders of a stock corporation shall enjoy pre- or b) for payment of a previously contracted debt
emptive right to subscribe to all issues or disposition of
shares of any class, in proportion to their respective Pre- emptive rights of stockholders in ordinary stock
shareholdings, unless such right is denied by the corporations may be denied
articles of incorporation or an amendment thereto:
Notes on Corporation Law
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GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
26

- if the shares are to be issued in compliance with laws SUBSCRIBED 1M


requiring stock offering or minimum stock ownership by
the pubic PAID UP 1M

- In exchange for property needed for corporate purposes 1 100K

- In payment of previously contracted debts 2 100K

This rule, however, does not apply in a close corporation TO


as the pre-emptive rights of the stockholders thereof is
broadened to include all issues without exceptions 10 100K
unless, of course, denied or limited by the articles of
incorporations. Section 102 provides: If 1-5 became 200K each, may 6-10 demand the exercise
their pre-emptive right?

Section 102. Pre-emptive right in close


- YES
corporations. - The pre-emptive right of stockholders in
close corporations shall extend to all stock to be issued,
May 1-5 subscribe to the unsubscribed capital stock to
including reissuance of treasury shares, whether for
money, property or personal services, or in payment of the exclusion of 6-10?
corporate debts, unless the articles of incorporation
provide otherwise. - If a corporation makes 2M unrestricted retained
earnings, it is the shares and not the number of persons
Denial will not apply to a close corporation, ABSOLUTE that matters

- section 96 May 6-10 complain for a dilution of their interest?

May a stock holder in a close corporation insist in the - YES, its an internationally recognized right because it
exercise of his pre-emptive rights? includes all issues and disposition of shares of any
class and all kinds of shares new or old
- Yes, section 102
- If the remaining unsubscribed shares are issued, its an
What type or shares are covered by pre-emptive rights? issuance of any class

Does it include those originally unsubscribed? May a corporation sell/dispose all or substantially all of
its corporate assets and liabilities?
- NO. Benito vs. SEC
- YES
Will the stockholders be able to exercise their pre-
emptive right with respect to the old unissued shares? - 1) RESOLUTION 2) AUTHORIZATION 3) RATIFICATION
4) PRIOR WRITTEN NOTICE 5) SALE SUBJECT TO
- Pre-emptive rights is applicable only to new issued PROVISIONS OF EXITING LAWS 6) DISSENTING
shares and not to the old unissued shares because it is STOCKHOLDERS HAVE THE RIGHT TO EXERCISE
presumed that the original subscribers is deemed to THEIR APPRAISAL RIGHT
have taken his shares knowing that they form a definite
proportionate part of the whole number of authorized If a corporation sells substantially all of it assets and
shares properties, will the buyer assume liability?

- When the shares, left unsubscribed are re-offered, he - NO, EXCEPT


cannot therefore claim. DILUTION OF INTEREST
1) Express or implied agreement to the purchase
Will the acquiring purchaser be liable for debts of the
former corporation? 2) Where the transaction amounts to consolidation or
merger of the corporations
- Generally no, corporate entity theory because there may
be instances when purchasing corporation may be held 3) When purchasing corporation is merely a continuation
liable of the selling corporation

May a corporation acquire its own shares? 4) Where the transaction is entered into fraudulently in
order to escape liability for such debt
- Yes
Legitimate purpose: for a corporation to reacquire its
Is there any restriction provided for by law in own shares
reacquiring its own shares?
- Limitation: it must have surplus/unrestricted retained
- Yes, it must have been unrestricted retained earnings earnings
appearing in the books of corporation
- Exception: may redeem irrespective of unrestricted
A corporation can never acquire its own shares if it has retained earnings
no unrestricted retained earnings
1) Exercise of stockholders right to compel close
- False, exception close corporation and redeemable corporation to purchase his shares
shares
2) Where corporation has sufficient assets in its books to
EXAMPLE: cover its debts and liabilities exclusive of capital stock

ACS 2M ACS 1M

Notes on Corporation Law


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GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
27

SUBSRIBED 1M 2. Where the transaction amounts to a consolidation


or merger of the corporations;
PAID-UP 1M
3. Where the purchasing corporation is merely a
ASSETS 500K continuation of the selling corporation;

1M PROFITS 4. Where the transaction is entered into fraudulently


in order to escape liability for such debts.
- 500K LIABILITIES
Power to acquire own shares
____________________
Section 41. Power to acquire own shares. - A
500K RESERVES IN A CLOSE stock corporation shall have the power to purchase or
CORPORATION IT CAN USE THIS TO REACQUIRE ISSUED acquire its own shares for a legitimate corporate
STOCKS purpose or purposes, including but not limited to the
following cases: Provided, That the corporation has
X REALTY CORPORATION unrestricted retained earnings in its books to cover the
shares to be purchased or acquired:
THE ONLY PROPERTY
OF THE CORPORATION 1. To eliminate fractional shares arising out of stock
dividends;
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DECIDED TO SELL IT 2. To collect or compromise an indebtedness to the
corporation, arising out of unpaid subscription, in a
Will it need the approval of the stockholders? delinquency sale, and to purchase delinquent shares
sold during said sale; and
- NO, if the same is necessary in the usual and regular
course of business of said corporation or if the proceeds 3. To pay dissenting or withdrawing stockholders
of the sale or other disposition of such property and entitled to payment for their shares under the provisions
of this Code. (a)
assets be appropriated for the conduct of its remaining
business
The corporation must at all times have unrestricted
If X is a manufacturing company, then it can sell its retained earnings to exercise this corporate power
only property upon approval of the stockholders because Steinberg vs. Velasco
it will render itself capable of continuing its business,
BUT if the proceeds will be used to purchase a better - For as long as there are debts and liabilities, a

one for the continuance of its business, then it does not corporation may not reacquire its shares (subject to

need the approval of the stockholders exceptions)

Conditions for the valid exercise of this power are the - Creditors of a corporation have the right to assume that
so long as there are outstanding debts and liabilities,
following
the board of directors will not use the assets of the
1. Resolution by the majority vote of the board of corporation to purchase its own stock, and that it will
directors/trustees not declare dividends to stockholders when the
corporation is insolvent.
2. Authorization from the stockholders representing at
least 2/3 of the outstanding capital stock or 2/3 of the Power to invest funds <sec.42>
members;
Section 42. Power to invest corporate funds in
3. The ratification of the stockholders or members must be another corporation or business or for any other purpose.
made at a meeting duly called for that purpose - Subject to the provisions of this Code, a private
corporation may invest its funds in any other
4. Prior written notice of the proposed action and of the corporation or business or for any purpose other than
the primary purpose for which it was organized when
time and place of meeting must be made addressed to
approved by a majority of the board of directors or
all stockholders of record, either by mail or personal
trustees and ratified by the stockholders representing at
service; least two-thirds (2/3) of the outstanding capital stock,
or by at least two thirds (2/3) of the members in the
5. The sale of the assets shall be subject to the provisions case of non-stock corporations, at a stockholder's or
of existing laws on illegal combinations and monopolies member's meeting duly called for the purpose. Written
notice of the proposed investment and the time and
6. Any dissenting stockholder shall have the option to place of the meeting shall be addressed to each
stockholder or member at his place of residence as
exercise his appraisal right
shown on the books of the corporation and deposited to
the addressee in the post office with postage prepaid, or
IDP vs. CA served personally: Provided, That any dissenting
stockholder shall have appraisal right as provided in
- Consent of the members was not secured this Code: Provided, however, That where the investment
by the corporation is reasonably necessary to
accomplish its primary purpose as stated in the articles
Edward Nell Co. vs. Pacific Farms
of incorporation, the approval of the stockholders or
members shall not be necessary. (17 1/2a)
- Generally where one corporation sells or otherwise
transfers all of its assets to another corporation, the
- For any other purpose other than the primary purpose,
latter is not liable for the debts and liabilities of the
stockholders consent or approval is necessary
transferor, except:

- Thus, if its for the secondary purpose, it is necessary


1. Where the purchaser expressly or impliedly agrees
to assume such debts;

Notes on Corporation Law


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GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
28

- If its in connection with the primary purpose, only - It becomes treasury shares
board resolution is necessary
Stockholders consent/ approval is not necessary and
Requirements and steps to be followed for a valid mere board action is sufficient if in accordance with
investment of corporate funds are: primary purpose

1. Resolution by the majority of the board of directors or The logical relation of act done and primary purpose of
trustees; corporation and between the board of directors to
undertake submission of acts is a sound corporate
2. Ratification by the stockholders representing at least practice
2/3 of the outstanding capital stock or 2/3 of the
members in case of non-stock corporations; Dividends

3. The ratification must be made at a meeting duly called


Section 43. Power to declare dividends. - The
for that purpose;
board of directors of a stock corporation may declare
dividends out of the unrestricted retained earnings
4. Prior written notice of the proposed investment and the which shall be payable in cash, in property, or in stock
time and place of the meeting shall be made, addressed to all stockholders on the basis of outstanding stock
to each stockholder or member by mail or by personal held by them: Provided, That any cash dividends due on
service, and; delinquent stock shall first be applied to the unpaid
balance on the subscription plus costs and expenses,
while stock dividends shall be withheld from the
5. Any dissenting stockholder shall have the option to
delinquent stockholder until his unpaid subscription is
exercise his appraisal right
fully paid: Provided, further, That no stock dividend
shall be issued without the approval of stockholders
Dela rama vs. Ma-ao Sugar representing not less than two-thirds (2/3) of the
outstanding capital stock at a regular or special meeting
- There is a substantial and not remote connection duly called for the purpose. (16a)
between the sugar bags and the sugar manufacture,
thus stockholders approval is not necessary for validity Stock corporations are prohibited from
retaining surplus profits in excess of one hundred
- A private corporation, in order to accomplish its purpose (100%) percent of their paid-in capital stock, except: (1)
as stated in its articles of incorporation, and imposed by when justified by definite corporate expansion projects
or programs approved by the board of directors; or (2)
the Corporation Law, has the power to acquire, hold,
when the corporation is prohibited under any loan
mortgage, pledge, or dispose of shares bonds, securities agreement with any financial institution or creditor,
and other evidences of indebtedness of any domestic or whether local or foreign, from declaring dividends
foreign corporation. Such an act, if done in pursuance of without its/his consent, and such consent has not yet
the corporate purpose, does not need the approval of the been secured; or (3) when it can be clearly shown that
stockholders; but when the purchase of shares of such retention is necessary under special circumstances
obtaining in the corporation, such as when there is need
another corporation is done solely for investment and
for special reserve for probable contingencies. (n)
not to accomplish the purpose of its incorporation, the
vote of approval of the stockholders is necessary.
What are dividends?

Gokongwei vs. SEC


- Corporate profits set aside, declared and ordered by the
Board of Directors to be paid to the stockholders.
- Investments made by SMC is necessarily connected with
its primary purpose and this was ratified in a meeting
What are property dividends?

- Submission of previous action is a sound corporate


- Those paid in property surplus
practice

Like tables and chairs? Can tables and chairs make


Redeemable shares
surplus profits?

Closed corporation (see section 105)


- No, they do not make surplus, bonds, etc.

- For any reason, compel the value of shares withdrawal


Where should dividends come from?
shares provided corporation has sufficient funds to
cover its debts and liabilities
- Stock dividends are declared as stocks coming from
corporation
Section 105. Withdrawal of stockholder or
dissolution of corporation. - In addition and without Who declares dividends to be declared? Do stockholders
prejudice to other rights and remedies available to a
have any say?
stockholder under this Title, any stockholder of a close
corporation may, for any reason, compel the said
corporation to purchase his shares at their fair value, - Board of Directors, if stock approval of 2/3 outstanding
which shall not be less than their par or issued value, capital stock
when the corporation has sufficient assets in its books
to cover its debts and liabilities exclusive of capital ACS-1M SUB-1M P.U.-1M 1M-U.R.E. (surplus
stock: Provided, That any stockholder of a close profits of the corporation)
corporation may, by written petition to the Securities
and Exchange Commission, compel the dissolution of 1-100k
such corporation whenever any of acts of the directors,
officers or those in control of the corporation is illegal,
2-100k
or fraudulent, or dishonest, or oppressive or unfairly
prejudicial to the corporation or any stockholder, or
whenever corporate assets are being misapplied or To
wasted.
10-100k
If shares are reacquired, what happens?
Notes on Corporation Law
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GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
29

1M 2 100K

Board decides to declare 1M, how much will each TO


receive? May the board declare stock dividend
10 100K
- NO. that would be over issuance of shares, violation of
securities regulation code 1M

- It must have a free portion May they be compelled?

- The corporation may increase its capital - NO. You cannot declare if it does not come from
unrestricted retained earnings.
Z co. 1M to X Co. is 2/3 of Xco. Stockholders
reacquired? 1. 1M-U.R.E. (is it true there is no way to compel?)

- No, because in property 2/3 is not required 2. 2M-U.R.E.

What is the effect of declaration of dividends with May they be compelled to declare dividends
regards to the assets of a company?
- Mandatory if earned, the board may be compelled to
- As compared to stock dividends, the declaration of cash declare dividends
or property dividends have the effect of reducing
corporate assets to the extent of dividends declared. - if exceeds 100% of the paid-up capital the boards may
be compelled
- Neither would stock dividends increase the
proportionate interest of the stockholders of the ACS 2M 1M U.R.E.
corporation although it will have the effect of increasing
the subscribed and paid-up capital of the corporation. It SUB 1M
gives the stockholders nothing in the way of distribution
of assets but merely divides his existing shares into PU 800K

smaller units.
1-100K 50K PU

Earnings belong to the corporation until declared or


2-100K 50K
given

TO
Revocation

10-100K
- No revocation of dividend may be has unless it has not
been officially communicated to the stockholders or is in
1M
the form of stock dividends which is revocable at any
time prior to distribution.
Will 1 and 2 receive full amount of dividends?

Stock dividends- no reduction, you capitalize your


- YES. They are entitled however if they are declared
restricted retained earnings, what is issued is a piece of
delinquent, the amount due them shall first be applied
paper. The restricted earnings remain in the corporation
to his delinquency plus expenses.

Cash and property- reduces corporate assets


Delinquency occurs, you are called to pay, but you failed
to pay. In case of stock dividend, the delinquent stock
Stock dividends increase corporate assets? No, it will
holder will not be entitled thereto until he has paid his
only have the effect of increasing the subscribed and
subscription in full.
paid-up capital of the corporation

Are non-stockholders entitled to receive dividends?


Will there be a corresponding increase in their
proportionate interest?
- No, tock dividends are civil fruits of the original
investment, and to the owners of the shares belong the
- REMAINS THE SAME
civil fruits.

- Exception: when stock dividends will result in a


How did the court decide dividends in the case of
fractional share
Neilsen

ACS-2M 1-100K 200 (10%) *VOTING AND


- Stock dividends cannot be issued to a person who is not
DIVIDEND RIGHTS STILL THE SAME
a stockholder in payment of services rendered.

SUB-1M TO
- Whether cash, property or stock, only stockholders may
10%
receive dividends. Dividends are fruits of investments.
They come from the U.R.E. or surplus profits of the
PU-1M 10-100K
corporation.

ACS 2M
ACS 2M 1M U.R.E.

SUB 1M
SUB 1M JULY 24 DECLARATION
JULY 31
PU 1M

PU 1M
1M RE

1 100K

Notes on Corporation Law


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GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
30

1 100K 100T JULY 26-Y(NEW The provisions of the next preceding


ONE WAS DECLARED TO Y) JULY 30- 100K paragraph shall apply to any contract whereby a
corporation undertakes to manage or operate all or
2 substantially all of the business of another corporation,
whether such contracts are called service contracts,
operating agreements or otherwise: Provided, however,
TO TO HAVE THE TRANSFER
That such service contracts or operating agreements
RECORDED which relate to the exploration, development,
exploitation or utilization of natural resources may be
10 100K entered into for such periods as may be provided by the
pertinent laws or regulations. (n)
1M
The requirement for a valid management contract are as
Insofar as 1 and Y who has a better right? Already follows:
declared, but not yet paid?
1. Resolution of the board of directors
- Right to receive vest upon declaration. Who ever owns at
the time of declaration owns the dividends
2. Approval by the stockholders holding or representing a
majority of the outstanding capital stock or majority of
- Unless there is a stipulation to the contrary the members in case of non-stock corporation of both
the managing and the managed corporation
TRUST FUND DOCTRINE

3. The approval of the stockholders or members must be


- The power to declare it if paid-up capital is not
made at the meeting called for that purpose
maintained or is impaired

4. The contract shall not be for a period longer than 5


- Trust fund must be kept intact for the protection of
years for any one term, except those which relate to
creditors who have the right to rely on such subscription exploration, development or utilization of natural
and the paid-up capital for the satisfaction of their resources which may be entered into for such periods as
claims may be provided by pertinent laws and regulations

Cannot accumulate surplus unreasonably Every corporate act emanates from the BOARD

Basis is the paid-up capital Is the voting requirements of a majority stockholder


ABSOLUTE?
Entitled to dividends
- Not only a majority but 2/3 of the outstanding capital
Irrespective of whether the subscription is full
stock or 2/3 of the members in a non-stock corporation
would be required for the approval of a management
Illegally declared
contract in the following instances:

- Declare dividend with the belief that it formed part of


1. Where the stockholders representing the same interest
the U.R.E., but yun pala sa capital
of both the managing and managed corporation own or
control more than 1/3 of the total outstanding capital
Directors are not liable, unless sec31 acted in bad faith
stock of the managing corporation; and
or gross negligence in the conduct of corporate affairs

2. Where a majority of the members of the board of


Directors even if acting in behalf of the corporation, may
directors of the managing corporation also constitute a
still be held solidarily liable
majority of the directors of the managed corporation

Power to enter into management contract


3. Where the contract would constitute the management or
operation of all or substantially all of the business of
- New provision
another corporation, whether such contracts are called
service contracts. If it will not constitute the
Section 44. Power to enter into management management of all or substantially all of the business of
contract. - No corporation shall conclude a management another corporation the first paragraph of section 44
contract with another corporation unless such contract will apply and not that of the second, that is, only the
shall have been approved by the board of directors and
vote of the stockholders holding or representing at least
by stockholders owning at least the majority of the
a majority of the outstanding capital stock or majority of
outstanding capital stock, or by at least a majority of the
members in the case of a non-stock corporation, of both the members in the case of non-stock corporation will
the managing and the managed corporation, at a be required.
meeting duly called for the purpose: Provided, That (1)
where a stockholder or stockholders representing the How long?
same interest of both the managing and the managed
corporations own or control more than one-third (1/3) of
- Not longer than 5 years for any one term
the total outstanding capital stock entitled to vote of the
managing corporation; or (2) where a majority of the
- Exception: exploration, development or utilization of
members of the board of directors of the managing
corporation also constitute a majority of the members of natural resources
the board of directors of the managed corporation, then
the management contract must be approved by the What is an ultra-vires act or contract?
stockholders of the managed corporation owning at least
two-thirds (2/3) of the total outstanding capital stock - Doctrine of limited capacity. Corporation can do such
entitled to vote, or by at least two-thirds (2/3) of the acts and things as it is allowed to do
members in the case of a non-stock corporation. No
management contract shall be entered into for a period
- Acts beyond it will be ultra vires, allowing a collateral
longer than five years for any one term.
attack

Notes on Corporation Law


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GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
31

- If not illegal per se merely voidable. Can be ratified - PTC- trust company as such, it also has implied powers
expressly or impliedly or even stopped as equitable as to make them more attractable
grounds
- Not ultra-vires in pursuance of its legitimate business
- Ultra-vires acts which are not illegal per se may become
binding and enforceable either by satisfaction, estoppels Japanese war notes vs. SEC
or equitable grounds
- Non-stock corporations cannot make profits and
Consequences of ultra-vires acts? distribute profits to its shareholders

1. On the corporation itself - Ultra-vires because Japanese war notes is a non-stock


corporation
- The proper forum, in accordance with the provisions of
PD 902-A, as amended and R.A. No. 8799 may suspend Crisologo-Jose vs. CA (ALWAYS ASKED BY DEAN
or revoke, after proper notice and hearing, the franchise SUNDIANG)
or certificate of registration of the corporation for
serious misrepresentation as to what the corporation - The negotiable instruments law which holds an
can do or is doing to the great damage or prejudice of accommodation party liable on the instrument to a
the general public holder for value, although such holder at the time of
taking the instrument knew him to be only an
2. On the rights of the stockholders accommodation party, does not include nor apply to
corporations which are accommodation parties. This is
- A stockholder may bring either an individual or because the issue or indorsement of negotiable paper by
derivative suit to enjoin a threatened ultra-vires act or a corporation without consideration and for the
contract. If the act or contract has already been accommodation of another is ultra-vires
performed, a derivative suit for damages against the
directors may be filed, but their liability will depend on - Corporate officers may guarantee or endorse an
whether they acted in good faith and with reasonable accommodation only if specifically authorized
diligence in entering into the contract.
Section 36 paragraph 11
3. On the immediate parties
Section 10
- The courts have not agreed as to the legal effect of a
corporate contract outside of its authorized business Section 14 and 15
but Ballatine gives the following summary of the
doctrines evolved: Corporate powers depend on the agreement of the
stockholders rather than any director
a. If the contract is fully executed on both sides, the
contract is effective and the courts will no interfere - It may sell and it may guarantee, contract not
to deprive either party of what has been acquired necessarily illegal, it will in the absence of proof to the
under it contrary presumed within its power. Corporations are
presumed to contract with in its powers- CARLOS CASE
b. If the contract is executory on both sides, as a
rule, neither party can maintain an action for its - Purpose clause may be stretched to cover PLDT internet.
non-performance It may be within its business.

c. Where the contract is executor on one side only, - May it sell computers? NO! other line of business. Its
and has been fully performed on the other, the trading!
courts differ as to whether an action will lie on the
contract against the party who has received BY-LAWS
benefits of performance under it. Majority of the
courts, however, hold that the party who has By-Laws
received benefits from the performance is estopped
to set up that the contract is ultra-vires to defeat - Rule adopted by the corporation for its internal
an action on the contract. This is more in governance
conformity with the doctrine that no person shall
be allowed to enrich himself at the expense of Is the adoption of by-laws mandatory?
another
When should the by-laws be adopted or filed? Can it not
Privano vs. Dela Rama be adopted earlier?

- Court looked into the purpose clause - After incorporation- within 1 month (emanates from the
BOARD)
- The purpose clause empowers and limits
- Prior-more convenient (signed by the incorporators)
- Articles likewise provide that it may deal with any of its
money Who will sign the adoption clause?

- deal broad enough to cover the donation it is not then - Majority of the stockholders or members attested to by
ultra-vires the corporate secretary

- Not illegal per se hence (law of agency) excess powers are What happens if the corporation fails to adopt the by-
subject to ratification laws from the tie provided by the law? Would there be an
automatic revocation or suspension?
- Ratified by passing the resolution in question
- Proper notice and hearing, must first be complied with
Carlos vs. Mindoro sugar Co.
Notes on Corporation Law
Notes come in handy only when you have studied
GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
32

Loyola grand villas vs. CA Govt vs. El Hogar

- Not the SEC, but the HIGC - Did the court categorically ruled here that the provision
in the 5th cause of action is valid?
- Must not always imperative
- Rules governing equity, considering the fact that there
- Filing of by-laws mandatory was always lack of quorum

- Empowered by SEC - Section 29 BOD if still constituting a quorum may fill up


a vacancy other than by removal, etc.
- Merely a ground, there must be proper notice and
hearing Gokongwei vs. SEC

- Not affect the status of the corporation as a juridical - Section 48 allows a corporation to amend it by-laws
person
- Section 47 of the code, the by-laws may provide for the
- Subject the corporation to a fine, as may be issued by qualification and disqualification
the SEC
- It cannot be said Gokongwei has a vested rights
When do by-laws become effective?
- Prevent directors from taking advantage of position to
- Until and unless the SEC gives it stamped of approval promote his individual interest to the damage of others

- Suspension of any government agency. The permission - The validity or reasonableness of a by-laws is a question
must first be secured- section 46 of law

Elements of a valid by-law - Subject to the limitations that reasonableness of a by-


law is a mere matter of judgment
1. It must not be contrary to law, public policy or morals;
- Rule of the majority and not the tyranny of the minority
2. It must not be inconsistent with the articles of
incorporation; May the by-laws be amended altered or appealed?

3. It must be general and uniform in its effect or applicable - YES. HOW? Two modes
to all alike or those similarly situated;
1. By a majority vote of the directors or trustees and the
4. It must not impair obligations and contracts or vested majority vote of the outstanding capital stock or
rights; and members in a non-stock corporation, at a regular or
special meeting called for that purpose;
5. It must be reasonable.
2. By the board of directors alone when delegated by 2/3 of
- Must not be inconsistent with existing laws. Not be the outstanding capital stock or 2/3 of the members in
inconsistent with articles of incorporation a non-stock corporation.

By-laws - This delegated power, however, is considered revoked


whenever a majority of the outstanding capital stock or
- None filing would not affect the status of the members shall so vote at a regular or special meeting.
corporation, Loyola grand villas case
If it is to be amended what is the proceeding?
- The word must is not always imperative
- Section 48 2nd paragraph provides:
- Stockholders are conlusively presumed to know the
provisions of the by-laws
Section 48. Amendments to by-laws. - The
board of directors or trustees, by a majority vote thereof,
How about 3rd persons?
and the owners of at least a majority of the outstanding
capital stock, or at least a majority of the members of a
- NO. unless there is actual knowledge of the same they non-stock corporation, at a regular or special meeting
are not presumed to know of the provisions of the by- duly called for the purpose, may amend or repeal any
laws by-laws or adopt new by-laws. The owners of two-thirds
(2/3) of the outstanding capital stock or two-thirds (2/3)
Fleischer vs. Botika Nolasco of the members in a non-stock corporation may delegate
to the board of directors or trustees the power to amend
or repeal any by-laws or adopt new by-laws: Provided,
- Shares of stock are personal properties
That any power delegated to the board of directors or
trustees to amend or repeal any by-laws or adopt new
- Shares of stock may transfer to whom ever he wishes by-laws shall be considered as revoked whenever
stockholders owning or representing a majority of the
- The by-laws is contrary to law outstanding capital stock or a majority of the members
in non-stock corporations, shall so vote at a regular or
Articles of incorporation special meeting.

- May provide reasonable restriction Whenever any amendment or new by-laws are
adopted, such amendment or new by-laws shall be
- By-laws merely internal laws attached to the original by-laws in the office of the
corporation, and a copy thereof, duly certified under
oath by the corporate secretary and a majority of the
- Articles is the contract between and among the parties
directors or trustees, shall be filed with the Securities
and corporation
and Exchange Commission the same to be attached to

Notes on Corporation Law


Notes come in handy only when you have studied
GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
33

the original articles of incorporation and original by- What if the notice requirement is not complied with?
laws.
What happened to any act passed in a meeting when
The amended or new by-laws shall only be notice requirement was not required with?
effective upon the issuance by the Securities and
Exchange Commission of a certification that the same - Voidable, subject to ratification
are not inconsistent with this Code. (22a and 23a)

Board of directors vs. Tan


Baretto vs. La Previsora
- Notice requirement is the by-laws is a mandatory
- Any corporate act emanates from the board requirement

- Directors themselves cannot amend the by-laws if they - Improperly served, any action will be invalidated at the
were not granted the same objection of any stockholder or member

Section 48 Must be held in the proper place

The power granted is not subject to revocation T or F? Where should it be held?

- FALSE - Apparent from the foregoing provision is that meetings


of stockholders must, at all times, be held in the city or
If the by-laws are amended when will they become valid? municipality where the principal office of the
corporation is located and, as far as practicable, in the
- Upon issuance of the SEC that they are not inconsistent principal office of the corporation.

What if the SEC failed to act within 10 months without May the by-laws of a corporation provide that meetings
fault attributable to the corporation? be held anywhere in the Philippines?

T or F any amendment of the by-laws will never become - While there is no provision authorizing a stock
valid until it gives its stamp of approval even after 1 year corporation to hold stockholders meetings outside of the
City of Municipality where the principal office is located,
- TRUE. Articles of incorporation and by-laws are different the law allows a non-stock corporation to provide in its
by-laws any place of members meeting provided that
MEETINGS proper notice is sent to all members indicating the date,
time and place of the meeting which shall be within the
Meetings Philippines.

- Meetings of stockholders 1. Date fixed T or F the by-laws of a stock corporation may validly
in the by-laws or by-law provide that meetings shall be held anywhere in the
Philippines?
- Meetings of director or trustees
- FALSE. Non-stock corporations lang pwede provided
Meetings are regular and special nakalagay sa by-laws and provided proper notice is given

Meetings of stockholders Corporation can do only such things as the law allows it
to do, DOCTRINE OF LIMITED CAPACITY
What is regular and what is special?
San Miguel office located in Ortigas Center. May
When are regular meetings of the stockholders held?
stockholders meeting be held in PICC center?

- Fixed date provided by the by-laws - YES. Metro Manila, one single city

What if there is no date? Must be called by the proper party

- April Who calls?

Why april?
- President until and unless there is a provision ,
secretary on order of the president
- Point in time the audited financial statement have been
prepared What if there is nobody who can call?

What if in the date specified in the by-laws or by the law


- The petitioner, stockholder may petition the court
itself the meeting was not convened, for instance lack of
quorum or force majeure? What if there is a person who can call, but he fails or
neglects to call the meeting? May a stockholder petition
- It may be postponed on a reasonable date
to authorize a meeting?

Notice requirement?
- Ponce case only applies when there is NO person
authorized to call the meeting. If there is a person, but
- Regular- 2 weeks prior notice
neglects his duty. Ponce will not apply.

- Special- 1 week
Writ of injunction may never be issued ex parte

May the notice requirement be lessened?


Is there any exception?

- By-laws may provide a longer or a shorter duration


- Section 28 only instance

Notes on Corporation Law


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GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
34

Section 28. Removal of directors or trustees. - - If the voting requirement is met, any resolution passed
Any director or trustee of a corporation may be removed in the meeting, even if improperly held or called will be
from office by a vote of the stockholders holding or valid if all the stockholders or members are present or
representing at least two-thirds (2/3) of the outstanding duly represented thereat. The last paragraph of section
capital stock, or if the corporation be a non-stock
51 is clear on the matter when it provides:
corporation, by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the
members entitled to vote: Provided, That such removal
shall take place either at a regular meeting of the all proceedings had and any business
corporation or at a special meeting called for the transacted at any meeting of the stockholders
purpose, and in either case, after previous notice to or members, if within the powers or authority
stockholders or members of the corporation of the of the corporation, shall be valid even if the
intention to propose such removal at the meeting. A meeting be improperly held or called, provided
special meeting of the stockholders or members of a
all the stockholders or members of the
corporation for the purpose of removal of directors or
corporation are present or duly represented at
trustees, or any of them, must be called by the secretary
on order of the president or on the written demand of the meeting.
the stockholders representing or holding at least a
majority of the outstanding capital stock, or, if it be a Directors/trustees meeting
non-stock corporation, on the written demand of a
majority of the members entitled to vote. Should the Regular (monthly) and special (anytime)
secretary fail or refuse to call the special meeting upon
such demand or fail or refuse to give the notice, or if
May that be restricted (within or outside the Phil)
there is no secretary, the call for the meeting may be
addressed directly to the stockholders or members by
any stockholder or member of the corporation signing - YES. unless the by-laws provide otherwise.
the demand. Notice of the time and place of such
meeting, as well as of the intention to propose such Is there any notice requirement?
removal, must be given by publication or by written
notice prescribed in this Code. Removal may be with or - YES. 1 day unless otherwise provided by the by-laws
without cause: Provided, That removal without cause
may not be used to deprive minority stockholders or
What happens if notice is not complied with?
members of the right of representation to which they
may be entitled under Section 24 of this Code. (n)
- If the notice requirement is not complied with the
meeting is illegal and will not bind the corporation
Cases of removal or ouster of a director
except when subsequently ratified or in the case of a
close corporation where the act of any one director may
Mandamus would be appropriate remedy if there is a
bind the corporation even without a meeting under the
person authorized but refuses
special provision of Section 101 of the Code.

Quorum and voting requirement


Can notice be waived? <sec.53>

- Majority stockholders or members constitute a quorum


Section 53. Regular and special meetings of
Is the presence of the majority owners of the directors or trustees. - Regular meetings of the board of
outstanding capital stock ABSOLUTE to have a quorum? directors or trustees of every corporation shall be held
monthly, unless the by-laws provide otherwise.

- NO. when the code requires a higher quorum it must


also be equivalent to the vote required Special meetings of the board of directors or
trustees may be held at any time upon the call of the
president or as provided in the by-laws.
Do you include non-voting shares in arriving at the
voting requirement to have a valid corporate act?
Meetings of directors or trustees of
- It depends. corporations may be held anywhere in or outside of the
Philippines, unless the by-laws provide otherwise. Notice
of regular or special meetings stating the date, time and
- Section 6 last par. If it falls within the penultimate par.
place of the meeting must be sent to every director or
Of section 6 trustee at least one (1) day prior to the scheduled
meeting, unless otherwise provided by the by-laws. A
Five requisites of a valid meeting director or trustee may waive this requirement, either
expressly or impliedly. (n)
1. It must be held on the date fixed in the by-laws or in
accordance with law - YES. Expressly and impliedly

2. Prior notice must be given - SEC ruling

3. It must be held at he proper place A special meeting is valid without notice


where the directors are all present or where
4. It must be called by the proper party they consent to the meeting. Presence at the
meeting waives the want of notice. Moreover,
5. Quorum and voting requirements must be met it has been ruled that the meeting of the
directors without a formal call first being had,
Date not complied with, notice, place, not complied with
and notice thereof given to the members, did
and the person who called not authorized, what not operate to invalidate it or to render the
happens to any resolution called? proceedings which were taken at it void, for
every member of the board were present, and
- Section 51, any meeting shall be valid provided all the
their joint action had completely bound the
stockholders are present or duly represented and
corporation as if the meeting has been called
provided it is within the power of the corporation. 3 RD
with due formality, and everyone of the
paragraph of 324
directors had received proper notice.

Notes on Corporation Law


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GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
35

What is the quorum and voting requirement in the Section 58. Proxies. - Stockholders and
directors meeting? members may vote in person or by proxy in all meetings
of stockholders or members. Proxies shall in writing,
- Majority of the members of the board of directors (entire signed by the stockholder or member and filed before
membership) the scheduled meeting with the corporate secretary.
Unless otherwise provided in the proxy, it shall be valid
Vote required to pass a valid corporate act? only for the meeting for which it is intended. No proxy
shall be valid and effective for a period longer than five
- Majority of those present at which there is a quorum (3 (5) years at any one time. (n)
present, vote of 2 sufficient)
How long may a proxy exist?
- Exception, majority of all the members of the board in
case of election of corporate officers, unless the articles - Maximum of 5 years
provide for a greater quorum or voting requirement
- Valid for the meeting in which it is intended
Should the director or trustees be physically present?
Is proxy revocable?
- General rule, must sit and act as a body to have a valid
corporate act - Generally revocable, unless coupled with interest

Five man member board, a meeting was called today, Revocation


should the physical presence or warm bodies requires to
constitute a quorum? - A proxy, like agency in general is revocable unless
coupled with an interest and revocation need not be
- NO. it is not required. Teleconference or video conference made by formal notice in writing. Revocation may be
is allowed, E- commerce law expressed to the proxy holder, to the election committee,
by a subsequent proxy to another or by sale of the
Membership subject to laws shares. Thus it may be revoke orally by conduct such
that appearing and asserting the right to vote at a
Stockholder not yet meeting by the registered owner of the shares revokes a
proxy previously given.
May director vote by proxy?
Must be submitted to a validation committee
- NO
By-laws of non-stock corporations may deny proxy
If A is a director and a meeting is called for the purpose voting
of electing a new set of BOD can A vote by proxy?
What is voting trust agreement?
- YES. Because it is a stockholders meeting
- One created by an agreement between a group of
If directors meeting, cannot vote by proxy stockholders of a corporation and a trustee, or a group
of identical agreements between individual stockholders
Stockholders right to vote
and a common trustee, whereby it is provided that for a
term o years or for a period contingent upon a certain
- Inherent in stock ownership
event, or until the agreement is terminated, control over
the stock owned by such stockholders, shall be lodged in
- However this right is not always inherent, because it
the trustee, either with or without reservation to the
may be denied:
owners or persons designated by them the power to
direct how such control shall be issued.
1. Redeemable and preferred shares, however if
founders shares are issued others may be denied
- It is a devise of binding stockholders to vote as a unit
the right to vote.
and thus assuring a desirable stability and continuity in
management in situations where it is needed.
2. May be denied by the articles of incorporation or
contracts
What is the effect of a voting trust agreement relative to
the rights?
- When not denied they may do so in person or by proxy

- Lee vs. CA must pass these criteria


May the right to vote by proxy be denied?

1. That the voting rights of the stock are separated from


May the articles of incorporation deny?
the other attributes of ownership;

May the by-laws validly provide that proxy voting is not


2. That the voting rights granted are intended to be
allowed?
irrevocable for a definite period of time; and,

- NO
3. That the principal purpose of the grant of voting rights
is to acquire voting control of the corporation.
Only non-stock may be denied proxy voting (may be
broaden, limited or denied)
During the duration of the trust they are irrevocable
unless there is a violation either by fraud
Proxy voting is a matter of right granted by law

Requisites
Requirements of a valid proxy?

- Section 59
- Section 58

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Section 59. Voting trusts. - One or more Legal title is transferred to the voting trustee
stockholders of a stock corporation may create a voting
trust for the purpose of conferring upon a trustee or May the voting trustee vote by proxy?
trustees the right to vote and other rights pertaining to
the shares for a period not exceeding five (5) years at any
- Yes, legal owner may vote by proxy
time: Provided, That in the case of a voting trust
specifically required as a condition in a loan agreement,
May the proxy holder vote by proxy?
said voting trust may be for a period exceeding five (5)
years but shall automatically expire upon full payment
of the loan. A voting trust agreement must be in writing - NO, (AGENT) an agent can have no other agent unless
and notarized, and shall specify the terms and specifically allowed by the principal
conditions thereof. A certified copy of such agreement
shall be filed with the corporation and with the Stockholder executing as a proxy, is he qualified to be
Securities and Exchange Commission; otherwise, said
voted as a director?
agreement is ineffective and unenforceable. The
certificate or certificates of stock covered by the voting
trust agreement shall be cancelled and new ones shall Why is he qualified to act as a director if the stockholder
be issued in the name of the trustee or trustees stating executes as a director?
that they are issued pursuant to said agreement. In the
books of the corporation, it shall be noted that the - The beneficial owner of the shares in a voting trust is
transfer in the name of the trustee or trustees is made disqualified to be a director in a voting trust whereas in
pursuant to said voting trust agreement. a proxy, the owner of the shares may be elected as such
since legal title thereof remains with him
The trustee or trustees shall execute and
deliver to the transferors voting trust certificates, which - YES he remains to be the owner
shall be transferable in the same manner and with the
same effect as certificates of stock.
Is the stockholder executing in a voting trust agreement,
is he qualified to act as a director?
The voting trust agreement filed with the
corporation shall be subject to examination by any - NO. ceases to be stockholder of record, no longer the
stockholder of the corporation in the same manner as
legal owner of shares
any other corporate book or record: Provided, That both
the transferor and the trustee or trustees may exercise
the right of inspection of all corporate books and May the corporation enforce the voting trust agreements
records in accordance with the provisions of this Code. executed by its stockholders?

- NO. NIDC vs. AQUINO


Any other stockholder may transfer his shares
to the same trustee or trustees upon the terms and
conditions stated in the voting trust agreement, and - Not a privy to the contract
thereupon shall be bound by all the provisions of said
agreement. - Rights liabilities of a stockholder are there in their
individual capacity- corporate entity theory
No voting trust agreement shall be entered
into for the purpose of circumventing the law against Voting trust agreements
monopolies and illegal combinations in restraint of trade
or used for purposes of fraud. - Normally executed in favor of banking and financial
institutions
Unless expressly renewed, all rights granted
in a voting trust agreement shall automatically expire at - So that they can vote a certain set of directors
the end of the agreed period, and the voting trust
certificates as well as the certificates of stock in the - They will be more secured
name of the trustee or trustees shall thereby be deemed
cancelled and new certificates of stock shall be reissued
Voting pull agreement
in the name of the transferors.

- Enters into an agreement


The voting trustee or trustees may vote by
proxy unless the agreement provides otherwise. (36a)
- Pull all their shares to cast one vote

Does it need to be notarized? - Covered by rules governing contracts

- Yes, otherwise it is ineffective and unenforceable - By pulling their votes they can decline the resolution
passed by the board
Only legal ownership is transferred

Being still the beneficial owner they may transfer these


END OF MIDTERMS
rights

Is the right granted to a voting trust agreement


STOCKS AND STOCKHOLDERS
absolute? (to inspect)

- NO. 3 modes

- The voting trust agreement filed with the corporation 1. By a contract of subscription with the corporation;
shall be subject to examination by any stockholder of
2. By purchase of treasury shares from the corporation;
the corporation in the same manner as any other
and,
corporate book or record. Provided, that both the
transfer and the trustee or trustees may exercise the
3. By purchase or acquisition of shares from existing
right of inspection of all corporate books and records in
stockholders.
accordance with the provisions of this Code.

Section 60 subscription
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GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
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- Any contract NO such thing as purchase of unissued stocks

- Whether existing or still to be formed A subscription contract can be conditional provided


there is nothing in the charter or statute prohibiting it

Section 60. Subscription contract. - Any contract for the and not against public order, law, etc.
acquisition of unissued stock in an existing corporation or a
corporation still to be formed shall be deemed a subscription Must it be in writing?
within the meaning of this Title, notwithstanding the fact that
the parties refer to it as a purchase or some other contract. - NO, it may be oral
(n)
5M should it be in writing to be valid and binding as a
Under the old law the 4th mode is PURCHASE subscription?

Purchase - NO, statutes of frauds only applies to SALES

- Reciprocal in nature Trillana vs. Quezon College

- Purchaser can neither require the issuance - Counter proposal, therefore there was a need for an
acceptance
Xco. Inc.
- Facultative because it is in his own free will, it is void

P What may be used as a consideration and how much


should be the consideration?

Authorized capital 1M - Section 62 provides:

500 SUBSCRIBED
Section 62. Consideration for stocks. - Stocks
shall not be issued for a consideration less than the par
500 UNISSUED STOCKS (AS LONG AS GALING DITO)
or issued price thereof. Consideration for the issuance
of stock may be any or a combination of any two or more
Z wants to acquire 100K of the following:

Entered in June 50% shall be down payment remainder December


1. Actual cash paid to the corporation;
08

o he will not be considered a stockholder unless he has 2. Property, tangible or intangible, actually received by
the corporation and necessary or convenient for its use
paid in full
and lawful purposes at a fair valuation equal to the par
or issued value of the stock issued;
August 08 property is ravaged by fire all are turned into shares

3. Labor performed for or services actually rendered to


Is Z liable to pay the balance of his acquisitions?
the corporation;

- YES, no matter how the party refer to it, it is considered


subscription 4. Previously incurred indebtedness of the corporation;

- Once you subscribe, you become a stockholder which is 5. Amounts transferred from unrestricted retained
entitled to all the liabilities of a stockholder earnings to stated capital; and

Z- subscribed to 100T/S of XCo. 6. Outstanding shares exchanged for stocks in the event
of reclassification or conversion.
Amount he paid 50k
Where the consideration is other than actual
Z did not pay on the date called and was declared a delinquent cash, or consists of intangible property such as patents
share of copyrights, the valuation thereof shall initially be
determined by the incorporators or the board of
Corporation paid 100T/S therefore the corporation directors, subject to approval by the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
reacquired the shares again, what are they called?

- Treasury shares Shares of stock shall not be issued in


exchange for promissory notes or future service.
Y- 80T/S DECEMBER 08
The same considerations provided for in this
40 % (AUGUST) WAS DESTROYED BY FIRE, IS HE STILL LIABLE section, insofar as they may be applicable, may be used
TO PAY THE UNPAID PORTION? for the issuance of bonds by the corporation.

IT WAS AGREED THAT IT WAS A PURCHASE AND WILL The issued price of no-par value shares may
BE A STOCKHOLDER ONLY IF PAID IN FULL IS HE be fixed in the articles of incorporation or by the board
LIABLE? of directors pursuant to authority conferred upon it by
the articles of incorporation or the by-laws, or in the
absence thereof, by the stockholders representing at
- NO, because that was a purchase
least a majority of the outstanding capital stock at a
meeting duly called for the purpose. (5 and 16)
- First example galing sa unissued stock

Amounts transferred from unrestricted retained


- 2nd example galling sa treasury shares hindi sa unissued
earnings to stated capital what does it mean?
share

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38

- Stock dividends will in effect capitalize the unrestricted - Quasi-negotiable


retained earnings
Why are they considered quasi-negotiable when it may
After 5 years the founders shares may be converted into be transferred through endorsement and delivery?
common shares or other kinds of shares

May shares of stocks be issued without consideration? 100t/s 001


Why? 10/s
- NO, two reasons by the SC, discriminatory against other
stockholders and second unlawful, it prejudices the
Abc co.
right of the creditors Trust Fund Doctrine B stole and forged the signature
C is purchaser in good faith and for value will C acquire title
If issued without a consideration

- Section 65, they will be considered as watered stocks

Section 65. Liability of directors for watered


stocks. - Any director or officer of a corporation
consenting to the issuance of stocks for a consideration
less than its par or issued value or for a consideration in
any form other than cash, valued in excess of its fair
value, or who, having knowledge thereof, does not
forthwith express his objection in writing and file the Endorsement from
same with the corporate secretary, shall be solidarily, When issued by owner
liable with the stockholder concerned to the corporation Endorsed by owner- strict compliance
and its creditors for the difference between the fair value
received at the time of issuance of the stock and the par
or issued value of the same. (n) ANSWER: a certificate of stock is not regarded as negotiable in the
same sense that a bill or note is negotiable, even if it is endorsed in
- Subscribers may be compelled to pay the value blank. Thus, while it may be transferred by endorsement coupled
with delivery thereof, and therefore merely quasi-negotiable, it is
Issuance of a certificate of stock is another thing nonetheless non-negotiable in that the transferees takes it without
prejudice to all the rights and defenses which the true and lawful
What are the requisites for the issuance of a valid owner may have except in so far as the principles governing
certificate of stock? estoppels may apply.

1. It must be signed by the president or vice-president and He acquired it by virtue of a forged instrument; no matter how
countersigned by the secretary or assistant secretary; innocent the purchaser is because it is subject to all the rights and
defenses
2. It must be sealed with the corporate seal; and the entire
value thereof (together with interest or expenses, if any) What if A endorsed it?
should have been paid.
- He is estopped, unless there are other available defenses
While it appears, that a subscriber to shares of stock
cannot be entitled to the issuance of a certificate of Transfer is required to be recorded in the books of the
stock until the full amount of his subscription together corporation, however even if not recorded, it will be valid
with interest and expenses (in case of delinquent shares) between the parties. Non-registration will not however,
if any is due, has been paid, a subscriber to shares of affect the validity thereof at least in so far as the
stock, even if not yet fully paid, is entitled to exercise all contracting parties are concerned.
the rights of a stockholder and the corresponding
liability that attach thereunder. Thus, the Code Section 63. Certificate of stock and transfer of
provides: shares. - The capital stock of stock corporations shall be
divided into shares for which certificates signed by the
Section 72. Rights of unpaid shares. - president or vice president, countersigned by the
secretary or assistant secretary, and sealed with the seal
Holders of subscribed shares not fully paid which are
of the corporation shall be issued in accordance with
not delinquent shall have all the rights of a stockholder.
the by-laws. Shares of stock so issued are personal
(n) property and may be transferred by delivery of the
certificate or certificates indorsed by the owner or his
Is the issuance of a certificate of stock necessary to attorney-in-fact or other person legally authorized to
consider the subscriber a stockholder? make the transfer. No transfer, however, shall be valid,
except as between the parties, until the transfer is
- NO, shall be considered a stockholder even without a recorded in the books of the corporation showing the
names of the parties to the transaction, the date of the
certificate of stock
transfer, the number of the certificate or certificates and
the number of shares transferred.
Instances when he may not be able to exercise his rights
as such stockholder
No shares of stock against which the
corporation holds any unpaid claim shall be transferable
- Declared delinquent
in the books of the corporation. (35)

- When he exercises his appraisal right


Until registration is accomplished, the transfer, though

Are certificate of stocks transferrable? valid between the parties, cannot be effective as against
the corporation. Thus the, unrecorded transfer cannot
- YES enjoy the status of a stockholder; he cannot vote nor be
voted for, and he will not be entitled to dividends. The
Are certificate of stocks considered negotiable? corporation will be protected when it pays dividend to
the registered owner despite a previous transfer of which
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GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
39

it had no knowledge. The purpose of registration - Absolute and unconditional transfer


therefore is twofold: to enable the transferee to exercise
all the rights of a stockholder and to inform the - Only the transfer or absolute conveyance of the
corporation of any change in shares ownership so that it ownership of the title to a share need be entered and
can ascertain the persons entitled to the rights and noted upon the books of the corporation in order that
subject to the liabilities of a stockholder. such transfer may be valid, therefore, inasmuch as a
chattel mortgage of the aforesaid title is not a complete
Thus, it was also ruled by the High Court in and absolute alienation of the dominion and ownership
Nautica Canning Corp. vs. Yumul that A thereof, its entry and notation upon the books of the
transfer of shares not recorded in the stock corporation is not necessary requisite to its validity
and transfer book of the corporation is non-
existent in so far as the corporation is Chua guan vs. Magsasaka
concerned. This is so because the
corporation looks only through its books for - Was the mortgage valid and effective as against
the purpose of determining who its subsequent third parties
stockholders are.
- Register of deeds where the corporation resides and if
Registration is necessary for the following: different in the register of deeds of owners domicile

1. To enable the corporation to know who its stockholders Unson vs. Dinamito
are;
- All transferred not register will not have a valid force and
2. To enable the transferee to exercise his rights a s effect
stockholders;
Right to transfer may be regulated
3. To afford the corporation an opportunity to object or
refuse registration of the transfer in case allowed by law; May not be unreasonably restricted

4. To avoid fictitious and fraudulent transfers; and, Violation of nationalization law- Central Bank

5. To protect creditors who have the right to look upon Lambert vs. Fox
stockholders, in case of no-payment or watered shares,
for the satisfaction of their claims. - Valid , may be reasonably regulated, restricted by
agreement of parties
Duty of the secretary is ministerial, hence mandamus
will lie if the secretary refuses to record the transfer, but - Reasonable agreement by the parties
he cannot be compelled when the transferees title to the
said shares has no prima facie validity or uncertain - Reasonable as to length of time

Transfer- absolute and unconditional transfer to warrant Padgett vs. Babcock


registration in the books of the corporation in order to
bind the latter and other third persons. - Any attempt to restrain transfer

Other restrictions on the right to transfer shares would - SC, in the absence of a valid lien upon its shares
include:
- Valid restrictions shares are applicable
1. It is not valid, except as between the parties, until
recorded in the books of the corporation; - Any restriction on a stockholders right to dispose of his
shares must be construed strictly; and any attempt to
2. Shares of stock against which the corporation holds any restrain a transfer of shares is regarded as being in
unpaid claim shall not be transferable in the books of restraint of trade, in the absence of a valid lien upon its
the corporation; unpaid claims, refer to claims arising shares, and except to the extent that valid restrictive
from unpaid subscription and not to any indebtedness regulations and agreements exist and are applicable.
which a stockholder may owe the corporation such as Subject only to such restrictions, a stockholder cannot
monthly dues; be controlled in or restrained from exercising his right to
transfer by the corporation or its officers or by other
3. Restrictions required to be indicated in the articles of stockholders, even though the sale is to a competitor of
incorporation, by-laws and stock certificates of a close the company, or to an insolvent person, or even though
corporation; a controlling interest is sold to one purchaser.

4. Restrictions imposed by special law, such as the Public Certificate of stocks are transferrable
Service Act requiring the approval of the government
agency concerned if it will vest unto the transferee 40% - By endorsement and delivery of the stock certificate to
of the capital of the public service company; the transferee

5. Sale to aliens in violation of maximum ownership of In order to be valid, must be registered in the books. If
shares under the Nationalization Laws; not, will only be binding among parties

6. Those covered by reasonable agreement of the parties. How may shares of stock be transferred?

Monserat vs. Ceron - Endorsement of stock certificate by owner or attorney-


in-fact with delivery
- Does it include mortgage?
Embassy farms vs. CA
- NO, it is not an absolute transfer
- Must be endorsed by owner or attorney-in-fact coupled
- Will not affect the transfer through mortgage with delivery
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- Endorsed not delivered Endorsement and delivery is not necessary (TAN vs.
SEC)
- Proper mode and manner must be complied with
Tan vs. SEC (FULL KNOWLEDGE, HE IS ESTOPPED)
Razon vs. IAC
- Persons sought to be stockholder is officer and has
- Delivered not endorsed custody of the book (estopped)

- Reverse of Embassy Farms General Rule for valid transfer

- Endorsement alone is not sufficient nor delivery without - Certificate of stock must be endorsed by owner or
endorsement is not allowed attorney-in-fact coupled with delivery

- Endorsement plus delivery is mandatory Exceptions

Is there any other mode of transferring stock? - Section 63 uses the word may

- Notarized deed - Showing that there may be other modes of transferring


shares
- Deed of assignment
Is there a time frame or fixed period as when transfer
Rural bank of Salinas vs. CA can be made?

- If denied or refused without good cause, mandamus will - NO, (WON vs. WACK WACK)
lie
Won vs. Wack Wack
Tay vs. CA
- Valid between contracting parties even if not recorded in
- Mandamus may issue if petition has a clear legal right corporation books

- Never issued in doubtful cases - Right accrues only if refused

- Petitioner failed to establish a clear legal right and - Statute of limitations does not apply in registration of
alleged ownership is without merit shares of stock

- Did not acquire ownership by virtue of the contract of - Must determined from the time of refusal
pledge
Why are they non-negotiable when they may be
- In a contract of pledge there must be foreclosure transferred?

- In the case there was no attempt to foreclose - Transferees pays it without prejudice to all the rights
and defenses as the true and lawful owner may have
- Petitioner must have a prima facie right under the law except insofar as such rights and
defenses are subject to the limitations imposed by the
Nava vs. Peers Marketing principles governing estoppels

- A stock subscription is a subsisting liability from the De los Santos vs. Republic
time the subscription is made
- Why is he, not considered as the owner of shares? When
- The subscriber is as much bound to pay his it has been said that when endorsed by the owner it is
subscription as he would be to pay any other debt considered as strict certificate? Because certificate of
stocks are non-negotiable
- No stock certificate was issued. Without stock
certificate, which is the evidence of ownership of - Although a stock-certificate is sometimes regarded as
corporate stock, the assignment of corporate shares is quasi-negotiable, in the sense that it may be transferred
effective only between the parties to the transaction by endorsement, coupled with delivery, it is well settled
that the instrument is non-negotiable, because the
Exception to the general rule
holder thereof takes it without prejudice to such rights
or defenses as the registered owner or creditor may have
Rural Bank of Lipa vs. CA under the law, except insofar as such rights or defenses
are subject to the limitations imposes by the principles
- By notarized deed
governing estoppels.

- Certificate of stocks already issued must be coupled


Unauthorized issuance of stock certificates
with delivery, exception (TAN vs. SEC)

Stock certificate has already been issued it must be 100/s


coupled with the delivery
100
After certificate of stock is issued, may it be effectively
transferred even without endorsement or delivery of the XYZCo
stock certificate? 100 pesos per share
Stolen by B and forged the signature of A
- Person sought to be a stockholder is an officer and has B sells to C will C acquire title? NO
custody

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Authorized capital stock 1M shares

All are subscribed who will the corporation recognize as


rightful owner A or D? if both will be recognized there
ENDORSEMENT FORM will be over issuance

C armed with the endorsement form certificate, sold to D - only A citing citizens national bank vs. state (but if
(innocent purchaser for value), will D acquire title? recognition of both stockholders would result in an over
issue of shares, then only the original and true owner can
- NO, subject to such rights and defenses as the true and be recognized as a stockholder)
lawful owner may have
- by virtue of the doctrine of non-negotiability of certificate
What if C now goes to the corporation and presents the of stocks
form?
The true and lawful owner will never be deprived of his
- Then the corporation shall cancel the old certificate and rights
issues a new one, now in the name of C, now registered What happens to D?
in the name of C, will C acquire title?
- D will have a cause of action against the corporation for
A found out what happened and goes to the corporation the value of his acquisition cost inclusive of damages,
who has a better title C or A? attorneys fees and cost of suit

- A, A cannot be deprived of his right by virtue of an D sues the corporation for the value of his acquisition
unauthorized transfer cost, inclusive of damages, attorneys fees and cost of
suit. What may the corporation do?
Corporation can compel C to deliver the new stock
certificate because he made a representation that the - NO defense, no valid defense, because it was represented
certificate where good. to other parties that the certificate of stocks is valid,
Armed with the new certificate issued to C, C delivers to subsisting, etc.
D a purchaser in good faith and for value will D acquire
title? 2nd situation, what cause of action may the corporation
have? Remedy?
- D will acquire title took the shares not by virtue of a forged
or unauthorized transfer, but on the reliance that the - Third party complaint against C, but what if he is a
stock certificate is valid and owned by C purchaser for value? 4th party claim against B

Stock certificate now in possession of D. A knew of what When may certificate of stocks be issued?
happened and went to the corporation and complains.
Who will have a better title? - Section 64 provides:

- the corporation may be compelled to recognize both, A as


Section 64. Issuance of stock certificates. - No
stockholder (non-negotiable) D, reliance that the stock certificate of stock shall be issued to a subscriber until
certificate is valid and existing and owned by C the full amount of his subscription together with
interest and expenses (in case of delinquent shares), if
Forged transfers any is due, has been paid. (37)

- If the corporation should issue a new certificate in A certificate of stock cannot be issued unless he fully
pursuance of a forged transfer, the corporation incurs paid the amount subscribed
no liability to the person in whose favor it is issued and Subscription to the capital stocks of the corporation are
it may demand its return for cancellation. The indivisible
corporation in such case has been guilty of no Clear mandate of section 148 of the code is that the
misrepresentation. On the other hand, it is the duty of ruling of the court in Baltazar vs. Lingayen Gulf, no
the purchaser to determine that the indorsement of the longer holds true
owner is genuine. However, if the new certificate issued
to the purchaser comes into the hands of a bona fide
Section 148. Applicability to existing
purchaser for value, the corporation will be stopped corporations. - All corporations lawfully existing and
from denying validity thereof, since by issuing such new doing business in the Philippines on the date of the
certificate it represents that the person named therein is effectivity of this Code and heretofore authorized,
a stockholder of the corporation. The corporation is thus licensed or registered by the Securities and Exchange
forced to recognize both the original certificate and new Commission, shall be deemed to have been authorized,
licensed or registered under the provisions of this Code,
certificate-the original, because the true owner could
subject to the terms and conditions of its license, and
not be deprived of his title by a forged transfer, and the
shall be governed by the provisions hereof: Provided,
new, because of its representation that the person That if any such corporation is affected by the new
named therein is the owner of shares in the corporation. requirements of this Code, said corporation shall,
But if the recognition of both stockholders would result unless otherwise herein provided, be given a period of
in an over issue of shares, then only the original and not more than two (2) years from the effectivity of this
true owner can be recognized as a stockholder. The bona Code within which to comply with the same. (n)
fide purchaser of the new certificate will however have a
right of damages against the corporation. The Subscription to shares of stocks are indivisible
corporation, in turn, would have a right of action Also apparent is that once a subscriber has paid his
against the person who made false representations and subscription in full, he becomes entitled to be issued a
in whose favor it issued a new certificate. The true stock certificate and in the event that the corporation
owner of the shares which were wrongfully transferred refuses to do so, the stockholder my institute a case for
would of course have a right to compel the corporation mandamus with damages. Thus, it has been said that
to issue him a certificate in lieu of the original one the duty of the corporate officers to issue stock
which was wrongfully cancelled. certificates to those entitled thereto is a ministerial duty
enforceable by mandamus.
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GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
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Fua Cun vs. Summers and China Banking Corp. the part of the transferee of watered stock is made to
- The court erred in holding the plaintiff as the owner of depend upon whether he acquired the same without
250 shares of stock; the plaintiffs rights consist in notice, either as purchaser or donee. If he had
equity in 500 shares and upon payment of the unpaid knowledge thereof, he is subject to the same liability as
portion of the subscription price he becomes entitled to his transferor.
the issuance of certificate for said 500 shares in his What is the nature of the liability of the corporate
favor. directors consenting to the issuance of watered stocks
- No certificate of stock until the full amount has been and the extent of their liabilities?
paid. - Solidarily liable with the holder of the watered stocks to
Watered stock the extent of the water from said shares of stocks
- One which is issued by the corporation as fully paid-up Will all the directors be liable? What if you objected will
shares, when in fact the whole amount of the value you also be liable?
thereof has not been paid. - If you do not issue a written objection, you are still liable
- Basis is par value and not the fair market value - Even passive directors may be liable
Section 62 states that stocks shall not be issued for a - Those having knowledge thereof, but did not interpose
consideration less than par or issued price thereof, their objection shall be liable
while section 13 states that in no case shall be paid-up
capital be less than five thousand [P5000] pesos. - Section 65 provides:
If issued below par, issued value considered as water
How may watered stocks be issued? Section 65. Liability of directors for watered
1. For a monetary consideration less than its par or issued stocks. - Any director or officer of a corporation
value; consenting to the issuance of stocks for a consideration
2. For a consideration in property, tangible or intangible, less than its par or issued value or for a consideration in
valued in excess of its fair market value; any form other than cash, valued in excess of its fair
3. Gratuitously or under an agreement that nothing shall value, or who, having knowledge thereof, does not
be paid at all; or forthwith express his objection in writing and file the
4. In the guise of stock dividends when there are no same with the corporate secretary, shall be solidarily,
surplus profits of the corporation. liable with the stockholder concerned to the corporation
Why is stock watering illegal? and its creditors for the difference between the fair value
1. The corporation is deprived of its capital thereby hurting received at the time of issuance of the stock and the par
or issued value of the same. (n)
its business prospects, financial capability and
responsibility;
2. Stockholders who paid their subscriptions in full, or ACS-100M 100M/S PAR VALUE-
promised to pay the same, are injured and prejudiced by 1.00
the reduction of their proportionate interest in the SUBSCRIBED-50M FAIR MARKET VALUE-
corporation; and, 12.00/S
3. Present and future creditors are deprived of the UNSUBSCRIBED-50M
A
corporate assets for the protection of their interest.
B
- Corporation is prejudiced
C
- Stockholders, dilution of interest
D
- Creditors are prejudiced, virtue of right to look upon
E
corporations properties for the satisfaction of their
claims
There is a denial of pre-emptive rights and directors
What is the effect of issuance of watered stocks
1. As to the corporation - when a corporation is guilty of A,B,C,D,E decided to issue the remaining 50M and

ultra-vires or illegal acts which constitute an injury to or subscribed for 10M each at 2 per share.

fraud upon the public, or which will tend to injure or


Is there stock watering if the fair market value is 12.00?
defraud the public, the State may institute a quo-
- No stock watering
warranto proceeding to forfeit its charter for the misuse
- The basis is the par value
or abuse of its franchise. - The shares where in fact paid more than the par value
2. As between the corporation and the subscriber- The
indicated in the articles of incorporation
subscription is void. Such being the case, the
subscriber is liable to pay the full par or issued value 3 days later they sold their 10M share for P11.00 each,
thereof, to render it valid and effective. therefore making a profit.
3. As to the consenting stockholders - They are stopped
from raising any objection thereto;
Can you question there actuations? What would be the
4. As to dissenting stockholders - In view of the dilution of
cause of action?
their proportionate interest in the corporation, they may
- It may be questioned.
compel the payment of the water in the stock solidarily - Duty of loyalty or fiduciary duty as such directors
against the responsible and consenting directors and - They cannot advance their own motives to the damage
officers inclusive of the holder of the watered stocks; prejudice of the corporation which they represents and
5. As to creditors - They may enforce payment of the stockholders as a whole instead of it being sold outside
difference in the price, or the water in the stock, - 500M would have gone to the coffers of the corporation,
solidarily against the responsible directors/officers and 500M should be there for the protection of creditors
the stockholders concerned; and - They are placed in a fiduciary relationship
6. As against transferees of the watered stock His right is - Sila lang ba ang kikita, pano naman yung corporation,
the same as that of his transferor. If, however, a opportunity na yun para kumita
certificate of stock has been issued and duly indorsed to When are unpaid subscriptions due and payable?
a bona fide purchaser, without knowledge, actual or - Section 67. Payment of balance of subscription. -
constructive, the latter cannot be held liable, at least as Subject to the provisions of the contract of subscription,
against the corporation, since he took the shares on the board of directors of any stock corporation may at
reliance of the misrepresentation made by the any time declare due and payable to the corporation
corporation that the stock certificate is valid and unpaid subscriptions to the capital stock and may
subsisting. This is because a corporation is prohibited collect the same or such percentage thereof, in either
from issuing certificates of stock until the full value of case with accrued interest, if any, as it may deem
the subscriptions have been paid and could not, necessary.
therefore, deny the validity of the stock certificate it
issued as against a purchaser in good faith. Thus, Payment of any unpaid subscription or any percentage
Ballentine states that whether there is any liability on thereof, together with the interest accrued, if any, shall
Notes on Corporation Law
Notes come in handy only when you have studied
GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
43

be made on the date specified in the contract of any, shall be credited in favor of the delinquent
subscription or on the date stated in the call made by stockholder who shall likewise be entitled to the
the board. Failure to pay on such date shall render the issuance of a certificate of stock covering such shares.
entire balance due and payable and shall make the
stockholder liable for interest at the legal rate on such
Should there be no bidder at the public
balance, unless a different rate of interest is provided in
auction who offers to pay the full amount of the balance
the by-laws, computed from such date until full
on the subscription together with accrued interest, costs
payment. If within thirty (30) days from the said date no
of advertisement and expenses of sale, for the smallest
payment is made, all stocks covered by said subscription
number of shares or fraction of a share, the corporation
shall thereupon become delinquent and shall be subject
may, subject to the provisions of this Code, bid for the
to sale as hereinafter provided, unless the board of
same, and the total amount due shall be credited as
directors orders otherwise. (38)
paid in full in the books of the corporation. Title to all
the shares of stock covered by the subscription shall be
Remedies of the corporation to enforce payment of vested in the corporation as treasury shares and may be
unpaid subscription disposed of by said corporation in accordance with the
provisions of this Code. (39a-46a)

1. By board action in accordance with the procedure laid


down in sections 67 to 69 of the code Who is the winning bidder in a delinquency sale?

2. By a collection case in court as provided for in section - Bidder who shall offer to pay the full amount of the
70 balance on the subscription together with accrued
interest, cost of advertisement and expenses of sale, for
the smallest number of shares or fraction of a share.
Are subscribers of shares of stocks not fully paid, liable
to pay interest?
X Co. has 1M authorized capital stock

- General rule is they are not liable to pay interest


because the code says unless requires in the by-laws 500 thousand is already subscribed

- Aside from the mandate of the law that subscribers to A subscribed to 100 thousand shares, 50 thousand is
shares of stock must pay the full value of their already paid leaving 50 thousand unpaid
subscription, they may likewise be required to pay
interest on all unpaid subscriptions if so imposed in the
The corporation is at a loss of 250 thousand, the board
contract or in the corporate by-laws at such rate as may
decides to make a call for the payment of the unpaid
be indicated thereat or the legal rate if not so fixed.
subscriptions, however A could not paid, hence declared
Unless so required or provided, however, subscribers to
delinquent and decides to sell his share at a public
shares of stock, not fully paid, are not liable to pay
auction
interest on their unpaid subscriptions. The code thus
provides:
55 thousand is to be paid, remaining balance plus cost
and expenses
Section 66. Interest on unpaid subscriptions.
- Subscribers for stock shall pay to the corporation
interest on all unpaid subscriptions from the date of BIDDERS:
subscription, if so required by, and at the rate of interest
fixed in the by-laws. If no rate of interest is fixed in the X-55K FOR 99,900 shares
by-laws, such rate shall be deemed to be the legal rate.
(37)
Y-55K FOR 99,500 shares

Until a call is made, they are not due and payable, but
still subject to the provisions of the contracts Z-55K FOR 99,000 shares (winning bidder)
Procedures in case of sale of delinquent stocks
Assume there is no bidder, may the corporation bid?
- Section 68. Delinquency sale. - The board of directors
may, by resolution, order the sale of delinquent stock - NO. It cannot bid because the law says, subject to the
and shall specifically state the amount due on each provisions of this CODE. Section 68 and 41 should be
subscription plus all accrued interest, and the date, reconciled. Section 68 states that:
time and place of the sale which shall not be less than
thirty (30) days nor more than sixty (60) days from the
date the stocks become delinquent. Should there be no bidder at the public
auction who offers to pay the full amount of the balance
on the subscription together with accrued interest, costs
Notice of said sale, with a copy of the of advertisement and expenses of sale, for the smallest
resolution, shall be sent to every delinquent stockholder number of shares or fraction of a share, the corporation
either personally or by registered mail. The same shall may, subject to the provisions of this Code, bid for
furthermore be published once a week for two (2) the same, and the total amount due shall be credited as
consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation paid in full in the books of the corporation. Title to all
in the province or city where the principal office of the the shares of stock covered by the subscription shall be
corporation is located. vested in the corporation as treasury shares and may be
disposed of by said corporation in accordance with the
Unless the delinquent stockholder pays to the provisions of this Code. (39a-46a)
corporation, on or before the date specified for the sale
of the delinquent stock, the balance due on his
subscription, plus accrued interest, costs of
advertisement and expenses of sale, or unless the board
of directors otherwise orders, said delinquent stock shall - There was no unrestricted retained earnings in the
be sold at public auction to such bidder who shall offer example given therefore the corporation cannot bid ,
to pay the full amount of the balance on the section 41, it states that:
subscription together with accrued interest, costs of
advertisement and expenses of sale, for the smallest
Section 41. Power to acquire own shares. - A
number of shares or fraction of a share. The stock so
stock corporation shall have the power to purchase or
purchased shall be transferred to such purchaser in the
acquire its own shares for a legitimate corporate
books of the corporation and a certificate for such stock
purpose or purposes, including but not limited to the
shall be issued in his favor. The remaining shares, if
following cases: Provided, That the corporation has
Notes on Corporation Law
Notes come in handy only when you have studied
GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
44

unrestricted retained earnings in its books to cover - It was premature


the shares to be purchased or acquired:
- Unpaid subscriptions will become due and payable only
1. To eliminate fractional shares arising out of stock upon certain instance
dividends;
- Call or if there is a stipulation in contract
2. To collect or compromise an indebtedness to the
corporation, arising out of unpaid subscription, in a
- If no call and no stipulation in contract then it will not
delinquency sale, and to purchase delinquent shares
be demandable or payable at all
sold during said sale; and

Lumanlan vs. Cura


3. To pay dissenting or withdrawing stockholders
entitled to payment for their shares under the provisions
of this Code. (a) - Trust Fund Doctrine- subscription to the capital of a
corporation constitute a fund to which the creditors
have a right to look for satisfaction of their claims and
What if the shares of A were sold without compliance of
that the assignee in insolvency can maintain an action
the requirements? May A question the sale?
upon any unpaid stock subscription in order to realize
assets for the payment of its debts.
- The law prescribes two conditions before an action to
recover delinquent stocks irregularly sold may be
allowed. These are: PNB vs. Bitulak

1. The party seeking to maintain such action first pays or - Where it not for the promise, the defendants would have
tenders to the party holding the stock the sum for which not subscribed
the same was sold, with interest from the date of the
sale at the legal rate; and, - Trust Fund Doctrine, it is established doctrine that
subscriptions to the capital of a corporation constitute a
2. The action shall be commenced by the filing of a fund to which creditors have a right to look for
complaint within six months from the date of the sale. satisfaction of their claims and that the assignee in
insolvency can maintain an action upon any unpaid
stock subscription in order to realize assets for the
- The reason for such is the stability of transactions of the payment of its debts.
shares of stock

- A corporation has no power to release an original


Suppose in the example, since there are no unrestricted subscriber to its capital stock from the obligation of
retained earnings, hence the corporation cannot bid, is paying for his shares, without a valuable consideration
the corporation left without any recourse? for such release; and as against creditors a reduction of
the capital stock can take place only in the manner and
under the conditions prescribed by the statute or the
- Section 70. Court action to recover unpaid subscription. -
charter or the articles of incorporation.
Nothing in this Code shall prevent the corporation from
collecting by action in a court of proper jurisdiction the
amount due on any unpaid subscription, with accrued Edward Keller and Co. vs. COB
interest, costs and expenses. (49a)

- May the stockholder be held liable for the debts of the


Velasco vs. Poizat corporation? YES. To the extent of their unpaid
subscription
- The subscriber is as much bound to pay the amount of
the share subscribed by him as he would be to pay any - As to the liability of the stockholders, it is settled that a
other debt, and the right of the company to demand stockholder is personally liable for the financial
payment is no less incontestable. obligations of a corporation to the extent of his unpaid
subscriptions
- Two available remedies: the first and most special
remedy given by the statute consist in permitting the Is there a prescriptive period wherein a demand for
corporation to put up the unpaid stock and dispose of it unpaid subscription should be made?
for the account of the delinquent subscriber. The other
remedy is by action in court.
- NO. Garcia vs. Suarez case

De Silva vs. Aboitiz and Co.


Garcia vs. Suarez

- Discretionary on the part of the board of directors to do


- Never became due and payable until there is a call made
whatever is provided in the said article relative to the
application of the part of the 70 percent of the profit
distributable in equal parts on the payment of the - Prescription will not run until and unless there is
shares subscribed to and fully paid demand

Lingayen Gulf vs. Baltazar - Prescription should be determined from the time
demand has been made and not from the time of
subscription
- Exception: pursuant to a bona fide compromise or to set
off a debt due from the corporation, a release supported
by consideration, will be effectual as against dissenting If declared delinquent, what would be the effect as to
stockholders and subsequent and existing creditors. A the owner of said shares?
release which might originally have been held invalid
may be sustained after a considerable lapse of time
- Section 71. Effect of delinquency. - No delinquent stock
shall be voted for or be entitled to vote or to
Apocada vs. NLRC representation at any stockholder's meeting, nor shall
the holder thereof be entitled to any of the rights of a
stockholder except the right to dividends in accordance
- Set-off is without any legal basis
with the provisions of this Code, until and unless he

Notes on Corporation Law


Notes come in handy only when you have studied
GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
45

pays the amount due on his subscription with accrued - Section 73. Lost or destroyed certificates. - The following
interest, and the costs and expenses of advertisement, if procedure shall be followed for the issuance by a
any. (50a) corporation of new certificates of stock in lieu of those
which have been lost, stolen or destroyed:
- However if the shares are not delinquent, subscribers to
the capital of a corporation, though not fully paid, are 1. The registered owner of a certificate of
entitled to all the rights of a stockholder, according to stock in a corporation or his legal representative shall
section 72 file with the corporation an affidavit in triplicate setting
forth, if possible, the circumstances as to how the
certificate was lost, stolen or destroyed, the number of
Section 72. Rights of unpaid shares. -
shares represented by such certificate, the serial
Holders of subscribed shares not fully paid which are
number of the certificate and the name of the
not delinquent shall have all the rights of a stockholder.
corporation which issued the same. He shall also
(n)
submit such other information and evidence which he
may deem necessary;
May the rules governing delinquency sale apply to a
non-stock corporation? Are there unpaid shares in a
2. After verifying the affidavit and other
non-stock corporation?
information and evidence with the books of the
corporation, said corporation shall publish a notice in a
- Rules governing stock corporations, when applicable, newspaper of general circulation published in the place
also applies to a non-stock corporation where the corporation has its principal office, once a
week for three (3) consecutive weeks at the expense of
the registered owner of the certificate of stock which has
- There are delinquent shareholders also in a non-stock
been lost, stolen or destroyed. The notice shall state the
corporation. Example is membership dues
name of said corporation, the name of the registered
owner and the serial number of said certificate, and the
A corporation paid 50% of subscription and was later on number of shares represented by such certificate, and
declared delinquent when he could not pay upon call; A that after the expiration of one (1) year from the date of
is also a director of the corporation. Will A, upon the last publication, if no contest has been presented to
declaration of delinquency , still be able to exercise his said corporation regarding said certificate of stock, the
right as a director? right to make such contest shall be barred and said
corporation shall cancel in its books the certificate of
stock which has been lost, stolen or destroyed and issue
- Yes, he loses all his right as a stockholder except his
in lieu thereof new certificate of stock, unless the
right to receive dividends
registered owner files a bond or other security in lieu
thereof as may be required, effective for a period of one
- He remains to be a director, only qualification to be a (1) year, for such amount and in such form and with
director is he must own at least 1 share and since it still such sureties as may be satisfactory to the board of
stands in his name pending the sale, he remains to be directors, in which case a new certificate may be issued
and act as a director even before the expiration of the one (1) year period
provided herein: Provided, That if a contest has been
presented to said corporation or if an action is pending
- Even if there is sale, he may still be director because the
in court regarding the ownership of said certificate of
winning bidder may not bid or pay for all the shares or
stock which has been lost, stolen or destroyed, the
there might be remaining shares, which would be
issuance of the new certificate of stock in lieu thereof
credited in favor of the delinquent stockholder
shall be suspended until the final decision by the court
regarding the ownership of said certificate of stock
- Section 43 provides: which has been lost, stolen or destroyed.

Section 43. Power to declare dividends. - The Except in case of fraud, bad faith, or
board of directors of a stock corporation may declare negligence on the part of the corporation and its
dividends out of the unrestricted retained earnings officers, no action may be brought against any
which shall be payable in cash, in property, or in stock corporation which shall have issued certificate of stock
to all stockholders on the basis of outstanding stock in lieu of those lost, stolen or destroyed pursuant to the
held by them: Provided, That any cash dividends due on procedure above-described. (R.A. 201a)
delinquent stock shall first be applied to the unpaid
balance on the subscription plus costs and expenses, - The rationale of the above-quoted law is to avoid
while stock dividends shall be withheld from the duplication of certificates of stock and the avoidance of
delinquent stockholder until his unpaid subscription is fictitious and fraudulent transfers.
fully paid: Provided, further, That no stock dividend
shall be issued without the approval of stockholders
representing not less than two-thirds (2/3) of the When will the replacement certificate be issued?
outstanding capital stock at a regular or special meeting
duly called for the purpose. (16a)
- The code provides that:

Stock corporations are prohibited from


after the expiration of one (1) year from the
retaining surplus profits in excess of one hundred
date of the last publication, if no contest has been
(100%) percent of their paid-in capital stock, except: (1)
presented to said corporation regarding said certificate
when justified by definite corporate expansion projects
of stock, the right to make such contest shall be barred
or programs approved by the board of directors; or (2)
and said corporation shall cancel in its books the
when the corporation is prohibited under any loan
certificate of stock which has been lost, stolen or
agreement with any financial institution or creditor,
destroyed and issue in lieu thereof new certificate of
whether local or foreign, from declaring dividends
stock,
without its/his consent, and such consent has not yet
been secured; or (3) when it can be clearly shown that
such retention is necessary under special circumstances Could it be issued earlier than 1 year?
obtaining in the corporation, such as when there is need
for special reserve for probable contingencies. (n)
- Yes it can be, the code states that:

When a certificate of stock is loss or destroyed, what


unless the registered owner files a bond or
must be done by the owner thereof?
other security in lieu thereof as may be required,
effective for a period of one (1) year, for such amount
and in such form and with such sureties as may be

Notes on Corporation Law


Notes come in handy only when you have studied
GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
46

satisfactory to the board of directors, in which case a compel the registration of the transfer in the books of
new certificate may be issued even before the the corporation as provided for in section 63;
expiration of the one (1) year period provided herein:
Provided, That if a contest has been presented to said 5. To be issued a certificate of stock for fully paid-up
corporation or if an action is pending in court regarding shares in accordance with 64;
the ownership of said certificate of stock which has been
lost, stolen or destroyed, the issuance of the new
certificate of stock in lieu thereof shall be suspended 6. To exercise pre-emptive rights as provided for in section
until the final decision by the court regarding the 39;
ownership of said certificate of stock which has been
lost, stolen or destroyed. 7. To exercise their appraisal right in accordance with the
provision of section 81 and in those instance allowed by
May corporate officers be held liable for the law such as section 42 and 105;
unauthorized issuance?
8. To institute and file a derivative suit;
- YES, the code provides that:
9. To recover shares of stock unlawfully sold for
Except in case of fraud, bad faith, or delinquency as may be allowed under section 69;
negligence on the part of the corporation and its
officers, no action may be brought against any 10. To inspect the books of the corporation subject only to
corporation which shall have issued certificate of stock the limitations imposed by section 73;
in lieu of those lost, stolen or destroyed pursuant to the
procedure above-described. (R.A. 201a)
11. To be furnished by the most recent financial statement
of the corporation as by section 75;
Assuming the last paragraph is not there; would it be
not the same, that they should be held liable due to
fraud, bad faith or negligence? 12. To be issued a new stock certificate in lieu of the lost or
destroyed one subject to the procedure laid down in
section 73;
- YES. Section 31 provides that:

13. To have the corporation dissolved under section 118 to


Section 31. Liability of directors, trustees or 121, and section 105 in a close corporation;
officers. - Directors or trustees who willfully and
knowingly vote for or assent to patently unlawful acts of
14. To participate in the distribution of the assets of the
the corporation or who are guilty of gross negligence or
corporation upon dissolution under section 122;
bad faith in directing the affairs of the corporation or
acquire any personal or pecuniary interest in conflict
with their duty as such directors or trustees shall be 15. In the case of a close corporation, to petition the SEC to
liable jointly and severally for all damages resulting arbitrate in the event of a deadlock as allowed under
there from suffered by the corporation, its stockholders section 104; and,
or members and other persons.

16. Also in the case of a close corporation, to withdraw


When a director, trustee or officer attempts to therefrom, for my reason, and compel the corporation to
acquire or acquires, in violation of his duty, any interest purchase his shares as provided for under section 105.
adverse to the corporation in respect of any matter
which has been reposed in him in confidence, as to
which equity imposes a disability upon him to deal in
his own behalf, he shall be liable as a trustee for the
corporation and must account for the profits which
otherwise would have accrued to the corporation. (n)

Certificate of stock was lost, the owner transfers his


shares by way of a notarized deed will it be valid?

- He cannot do so, if a certificate of stock is issued by a


corporation, a mere notarized deed will not suffice

- Deed of assignment was not sufficient since there was


no endorsement (Rural Bank of Lipa vs. CA)

Rights and liabilities of stockholders

- RIGHTS

1. Participation in the management of the corporate affairs


by exercising their right to vote and be voted upon either
personally or by proxy as provided for under sections 50
and 58 of the code;

2. To enter into a voting trust agreement subject to the


procedure, requirements and limitations imposed under
section 50;

3. To receive dividends and to compel their declaration if


warranted under section 43;

4. To transfer shares of stock subject only to reasonable


restrictions such as options and preferences as may be
allowed by law inclusive of the right of the transferee to

Notes on Corporation Law


Notes come in handy only when you have studied
GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
47

- LIABILITIES Stock corporations must also keep a book to


be known as the "stock and transfer book", in which
must be kept a record of all stocks in the names of the
1. To pay to the corporation the balance of his unpaid
stockholders alphabetically arranged; the installments
subscriptions subject to the provision of section 67 to
paid and unpaid on all stock for which subscription has
70;
been made, and the date of payment of any installment;
a statement of every alienation, sale or transfer of stock
2. To pay interest on his unpaid subscription if required by made, the date thereof, and by and to whom made; and
the by-laws or by the contract of subscription in such other entries as the by-laws may prescribe. The
accordance with section 66; stock and transfer book shall be kept in the principal
office of the corporation or in the office of its stock
transfer agent and shall be open for inspection by any
3. To answer to the creditors for the unpaid portion of his
director or stockholder of the corporation at reasonable
subscription under the TRUST FUND DOCTRINE;
hours on business days.

4. To answer the water in his stocks as provided for in


No stock transfer agent or one engaged
section 65;
principally in the business of registering transfers of
stocks in behalf of a stock corporation shall be allowed
5. To be liable, as general partners, for all debts, liabilities to operate in the Philippines unless he secures a license
and damages of a determinable corporation as from the Securities and Exchange Commission and pays
envisioned under section 21 (corporation by estoppel); a fee as may be fixed by the Commission, which shall be
and, renewable annually: Provided, That a stock corporation
is not precluded from performing or making transfer of
its own stocks, in which case all the rules and
6. To be personally liable for torts, in the event that a
regulations imposed on stock transfer agents, except the
stockholder in a close corporation actively participates
payment of a license fee herein provided, shall be
in the management of the corporate affairs.
applicable. (51a and 32a; P.B. No. 268.)

CORPORATE BOOKS AND RECORDS


To summarize:

What are these books and records that are required to


1. Records of all business transactions which include,
be kept?
among others, journals, ledger, contracts, vouchers and
receipts, financial statements and other books of
- Section 74. Books to be kept; stock transfer agent. - accounts, income tax returns, and voting trust
Every corporation shall keep and carefully preserve agreements which must be kept and carefully preserved
at its principal office a record of all business at its principal office;
transactions and minutes of all meetings of
stockholders or members, or of the board of 2. Minutes of all meetings of stockholders or members and
directors or trustees, in which shall be set forth in of the directors or trustees setting forth in detail the
detail the time and place of holding the meeting, date, time, and place of meeting, how authorized, the
how authorized, the notice given, whether the notice given whether the same be regular or special, and
if special, the purpose thereof shall be specified, those
meeting was regular or special, if special its object,
present and absent, and every act done or ordered done
those present and absent, and every act done or
there at which ,must likewise be kept at the principal
ordered done at the meeting. Upon the demand of
office of the corporation; and,
any director, trustee, stockholder or member, the
time when any director, trustee, stockholder or
3. Stock and transfer book showing the names of the
member entered or left the meeting must be noted
stockholders, the amount paid or unpaid on all stocks
in the minutes; and on a similar demand, the yeas
for which subscription has been made, a statement of
and nays must be taken on any motion or
every alienation, sale or transfer of stock made, if any
proposition, and a record thereof carefully made. the date thereof, and by whom and to whom made
The protest of any director, trustee, stockholder or which must also be kept at the principal office of the
member on any action or proposed action must be corporation or in the office of its stock transfer agent.
recorded in full on his demand.

These corporate books and records, inclusive of all


The records of all business transactions of the business transactions and minutes of meetings, are
corporation and the minutes of any meetings shall be subject to inspection by any of the directors, trustees,
open to inspection by any director, trustee, stockholder stockholders or members of the corporation at
or member of the corporation at reasonable hours on reasonable hours on business days and a copy of
business days and he may demand, in writing, for a excerpts of said records may be demanded. In fact, in so
copy of excerpts from said records or minutes, at his far as financial statement is concerned, the Code clearly
expense. provides:

Any officer or agent of the corporation who Section 75. Right to financial statements. -
shall refuse to allow any director, trustees, stockholder Within ten (10) days from receipt of a written request of
or member of the corporation to examine and copy any stockholder or member, the corporation shall
excerpts from its records or minutes, in accordance with furnish to him its most recent financial statement,
the provisions of this Code, shall be liable to such which shall include a balance sheet as of the end of the
director, trustee, stockholder or member for damages, last taxable year and a profit or loss statement for said
and in addition, shall be guilty of an offense which shall taxable year, showing in reasonable detail its assets and
be punishable under Section 144 of this Code: Provided, liabilities and the result of its operations.
That if such refusal is made pursuant to a resolution or
order of the board of directors or trustees, the liability
At the regular meeting of stockholders or members, the
under this section for such action shall be imposed
board of directors or trustees shall present to such
upon the directors or trustees who voted for such
stockholders or members a financial report of the
refusal: and Provided, further, That it shall be a defense
operations of the corporation for the preceding year,
to any action under this section that the person
which shall include financial statements, duly signed
demanding to examine and copy excerpts from the
and certified by an independent certified public
corporation's records and minutes has improperly used
accountant.
any information secured through any prior examination
of the records or minutes of such corporation or of any
other corporation, or was not acting in good faith or for However, if the paid-up capital of the corporation is less
a legitimate purpose in making his demand. than P50,000.00, the financial statements may be

Notes on Corporation Law


Notes come in handy only when you have studied
GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
48

certified under oath by the treasurer or any responsible At the regular meeting of stockholders or
officer of the corporation. (n) members, the board of directors or trustees shall
present to such stockholders or members a financial
report of the operations of the corporation for the
May books and records be examined? Who may
preceding year, which shall include financial statements,
examine? Can they copy them? In whose expense?
duly signed and certified by an independent certified
public accountant.
- Yes, according to the code:
However, if the paid-up capital of the
The records of all business transactions of corporation is less than P50,000.00, the financial
the corporation and the minutes of any meetings statements may be certified under oath by the treasurer
shall be open to inspection by any director, trustee, or any responsible officer of the corporation. (n)
stockholder or member of the corporation at
reasonable hours on business days and he may - Audited financial statement filed in the SEC, 120 days
demand, in writing, for a copy of excerpts from said from the end of the final year, or must be filed on or
records or minutes, at his expense. before April of each year
- Must be stamp received by the BIR

Is there any defense available that could be raised? By


the corporate officers to justify the refusal? Those in the stock exchange

- Yes, the code provides that: - Disclosure of any matter that have to do with increasing
and decreasing

and Provided, further, That it shall be a


defense to any action under this section that the person - If not kulong violation of securities and regulation act
demanding to examine and copy excerpts from the
corporation's records and minutes has improperly Why is this right of inspection granted to a stockholder?
used any information secured through any prior
examination of the records or minutes of such - The basis of the right of the stockholder to inspect the
corporation or of any other corporation, or was not books and records of the corporation for a proper
acting in good faith or for a legitimate purpose in purpose is to protect his interest as a stockholder. Thus,
making his demand. it has been said that:

What is the stock and transfer? Where should stock and The right of the shareholders to ascertain
transfer be kept? Can it be kept elsewhere? how the affairs of his company are being
conducted by its directors and officers is
founded by his beneficial interest through
Stock corporations must also keep a book to
ownership of shares and the necessity of self-
be known as the "stock and transfer book", in which
protection. Managers of some corporations
must be kept a record of all stocks in the names of
deliberately keep the shareholders in
the stockholders alphabetically arranged; the
ignorance or under misapprehension as to
installments paid and unpaid on all stock for which the true condition of its affairs. Business
subscription has been made, and the date of prudence demands that the investor keep a
payment of any installment; a statement of every watchful eye on the management and the
alienation, sale or transfer of stock made, the date condition of the business. Those in charge of
thereof, and by and to whom made; and such other the company may be guilty of gross
entries as the by-laws may prescribe. The stock and incompetence or dishonesty for years and
transfer book shall be kept in the principal office of escape liability if the shareholders cannot
the corporation or in the office of its stock transfer inspect the records and obtain information.
agent and shall be open for inspection by any director
or stockholder of the corporation at reasonable hours Is there any distinction of the right of inspection of a
on business days. stockholder and that of a director?

Stock and transfer agent - Yes, as compared to a stockholder or member, the right
of a director or trustee to inspect and examine corporate
books and records is considered absolute and
- Records every movement unqualified and without regard to motive. This is
because a director supervises, directs and manages
- Person who monitors movement by the minutes or by corporate business and it is necessary that he be
the hours equipped with all the information and data with regard
to the affairs of the company in order that he may
manage and direct its operations intelligently and
- Non-stock corporation- stock and transfer books according to his best judgment in the interest of all the
stockholders he represents. Thus, while stockholders
- Club share- membership and members are entitled to inspect and examine the
books and records as provided in sections 74 and 75
they may not gain access to highly sensitive and
Are stockholders entitled to financial statements? confidential information. In the case of directors. it is
not denied that they have such access. This would
- Yes, they are entitled to a copy, the code provides that: include, among others,

Section 75. Right to financial statements. - a. Marketing strategies and pricing structure;
Within ten (10) days from receipt of a written request of
any stockholder or member, the corporation shall b. Budget for expansion and diversification;
furnish to him its most recent financial statement,
which shall include a balance sheet as of the end of the
last taxable year and a profit or loss statement for said c. Research and development;
taxable year, showing in reasonable detail its assets and
liabilities and the result of its operations. d. Sources of funding, availability of personnel,
proposals of mergers or tie-ups with other firms

Notes on Corporation Law


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GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
49

May this right be exercised, other than by the - The corporation, or its responsible directors and officers
stockholders themselves? cannot unduly restrict this right of inspection and may
not arbitrarily set a few days of the year within which
the stockholder may make the inspection.
- Yes, while the right is founded on stock ownership thus
personal in nature it may be made by the stockholders
agent or representative since it may be unavailing in - A by-law unduly restricting the right of inspection is
many instances undoubtedly invalid

What if the right of the stockholder to inspect is denied? Vegaruth vs. Isabela Sugar Co.
What is his remedy?

- Directors of a corporation have the unqualified right to


1. Mandamus inspect the books and records of the corporation at all
reasonable hours.
2. Damages either against the corporation or responsible
officer who refused the inspection - We do not conceive, however, that a director or
stockholder has any absolute right to secure certified
copies of the minutes of the corporation until these
3. Criminal complaint for violation of his right to inspect
minutes have been written up and approved by the
and copy excerpts of all business transactions and
directors.
minutes of meeting. Section 74 provides that Any officer
or agent of the corporation who shall refuse to allow any
director, trustees, stockholder or member of the May a stockholder of a holding company inspect the
corporation to examine and copy excerpts from its books and records of a subsidiary?
records or minutes, in accordance with the provisions of
this Code, shall be liable to such director, trustee,
- It depends
stockholder or member for damages, and in addition,
shall be guilty of an offense which shall be punishable
under Section 144 of this Code. The latter provision - The right of the stockholders to examine corporate
imposes a penalty of a fine of not less than P1,000 but books extends to wholly-owned subsidiary which is
not more than P10,000 or an imprisonment for not less completely under the control and management of the
than 30 days but not more than 5 years, or both, at the parent company where he is such a stockholder. But if
discretion of the court. If the refusal is pursuant to a the two entities (subsidiary and parent) are legally being
resolution or order of the board, the liability shall be operated as separate and distinct entities, there is no
imposed upon the directors or trustees who voted for such right of inspection on the part of the stockholder of
such refusal. the parent company.

Defense of the responsible corporate officer AYALA- HOLDING COMPANY/PARENT COMPANY

1. That the person demanding has improperly used any SUBSIDIARIES: BPI/GLOBE/AYALA LAND (not wholly-
information secured through any prior examination of owned subsidiary)
the records or minutes of such corporation or of any
other corporation;
o HOLD ATLEAST 50 +1 shares in order to be a
PARENT COMPANY
2. That he was not acting in good faith or for a legitimate
purpose in making his demand;
A, is a stockholder of Ayala, does he have a right to
inspect the records of its subsidiaries?
3. The right is limited or restricted by special law or the
law of it creation.
- If wholly owned pwede, but its subsidiaries are not
wholly owned kaya hindi pwede
W.G. Philpotts vs. Philippine Manufacturing Co.

Gokongwei vs. SEC


- The right of inspection given to a stockholder can be
exercised either by himself or by any proper
representative or attorney-in-fact, and either with or - San Miguel corporation owns all of the shares of stock of
without the attendance of the stockholder San Miguel International

- The right may be regarded as personal, in the sense that - It is wholly-owned


only a stockholder may enjoy it; but the inspection and
examination may be made by another. Otherwise it - It would be in accord with equity, good faith and fair
would be unavailing in many instances. dealing to construe the statutory right of petitioner as
stockholder to inspect the books and records of such
o Note: Usually hires an auditor or accountant to wholly-owned subsidiary which are in respondent
corporations possession and control
safeguard his interest

If being operated as separate and distinct corporations,


Pardo vs. Hercules Lumber Co.
there is no such right

- The law is clear, it may be exercised during reasonable


Telecommunications- special franchise, it is a legislative
hours on any business days, the by-laws cannot deny
grant
this right all together

- The general right given by the statute may not be Gonzales vs. PNB
lawfully abridged to the extent attempted in this
resolution. It may be admitted that the officials in - Provisions of the old law was unqualified, when it
charge of a corporation may deny inspection when granted stockholders the right to inspect
sought at unusual hours or under other improper
conditions; but neither the executive officers nor the
board of directors have the power to deprive a - However, whole seemingly enlarging the right of
stockholder of the right altogether. inspection, the new code has prescribed limitations to
the same. It is now expressly required as a condition for
such examination that the one requesting it must not
Notes on Corporation Law
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GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
50

have been guilty of using improperly any information - Section 79. Effectivity of merger or
secured through a prior examination and that the consolidation. - The articles of merger or of
person asking for such examination must be acting in consolidation, signed and certified as herein above
good faith and for a legitimate purpose in making his required, shall be submitted to the Securities and
demand Exchange Commission in quadruplicate for its approval:
Provided, That in the case of merger or
- Admittedly, he sought to be a stockholder in order to pry consolidation of banks or banking institutions,
into transactions entered into by the respondent bank building and loan associations, trust companies,
even before he became a stockholder. His obvious insurance companies, public utilities, educational
purpose was to arm himself with materials he can use institutions and other special corporations governed
against the respondent bank for acts done by the latter by special laws, the favorable recommendation of
when the petitioner was a total stranger to the same. the appropriate government agency shall first be
obtained. If the Commission is satisfied that the merger
- Bank was created by a special law, it has its own charter or consolidation of the corporations concerned is not
and primarily governed by the law creating them inconsistent with the provisions of this Code and
existing laws, it shall issue a certificate of merger or of
consolidation, at which time the merger or consolidation
- The bank is only subject to the inspection of the Central shall be effective.
Bank and any information pertaining to the bank is
confidential and shall not be revealed to any person
other than the President of the Philippines, the If, upon investigation, the Securities and
Secretary of Finance and the Board of Directors, nor Exchange Commission has reason to believe that the
shall any information relative to the funds in its custody, proposed merger or consolidation is contrary to or
its current accounts or deposits belonging to private inconsistent with the provisions of this Code or existing
individuals, corporations or other entities except by laws, it shall set a hearing to give the corporations
order of a Court of Competent Jurisdiction, hence concerned the opportunity to be heard. Written notice of
inspection sought to by the petitioner is violative of the the date, time and place of hearing shall be given to
provisions of its charter and is even subject to penal each constituent corporation at least two (2) weeks
sanctions before said hearing. The Commission shall thereafter
proceed as provided in this Code. (n)

Assuming you are a stockholder of PNB, and then it was


privatized, may you already have the right to inspect? Merger

- No, unless its charter has been altered or repealed it is - A union effected by absorbing one or more existing
still subject to the same law corporations by another which survives and continues
the combined business

3 stages in the life of a corporation


- It is the uniting of two or more corporations by the
transfer of property to one of them which continue in
- Formation or birth existence, the other or the others being dissolved and
merged therein.
- We now discuss the union of the corporation
A B
- The last would be its death or dissolution
A transfers all assets, properties, rights, obligations,
MERGER AND CONSOLIDATION liabilities to B

Merger and consolidation B issues shares of stocks in exchange of the transfer

- In corporate parlance it is called spin-off A is then dissolved and B SURVIVES

- Almost a year ago San Miguel separated its brewery o Parties to a merger are called constituent
business corporation

- San Miguel Corporation is now a full time holding Consolidation


company; it can later on absorb the company
- The uniting or amalgamation of two or more existing
- Corporations are granted by the code to merge or corporations to form a new corporation
consolidate
- In merger there is a surviving corporation, the others
- most common type of corporate recognition are dissolved, while in consolidation, all constituent are
dissolved and a new one organized

- not the same in every case


A B

- but most common in the weal financial or insolvent


condition, aim is to bring it back to its financial
capability
C
- also a method of recapitalization
Like all other corporate acts, it emanates from the board
o purchase and sale of corporate assets is another
form of corporate reorganization 1. The board of directors or trustees of each constituent
corporations shall approve a plan of merger or
How do you value the assets of the merging corporation, consolidation setting forth the matters required in
do you consider goodwill? section 76;

First secure favorably recommendation of government


agency
Notes on Corporation Law
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GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
51

2. Approval of the plan by the stockholders representing - Although the subject promissory note names CBTC as
2/3 of the outstanding capital stock or 2/3 of the the payee, the reference to CBTC in the note shall be
member in non-stock corporations of each of such construed, under the very provision of the merger
corporations at separate corporate meetings called for agreement, as a reference to petitioner bank, as if such
the purpose; reference (was a) direct reference to the latter for all
intents and purposes

3. Prior notice of such meeting, with a copy or summary


- Section 80 par. 4 states:
of the plan of merger or consolidation shall be given
to all stockholders or members at least two (2) weeks
prior to the scheduled meeting, either personally or The surviving or the consolidated corporation
registered mail stating the purpose thereof; shall thereupon and thereafter possess all the rights,
privileges, immunities and franchises of each of the
constituent corporations; and all property, real or
4. Execution of the articles of merger or consolidation by personal, and all receivables due on whatever account,
each constituent corporations to be signed by the including subscriptions to shares and other choses in
president or vice-president and certified by the action, and all and every other interest of, or belonging
corporate secretary or assistant secretary setting to, or due to each constituent corporation, shall be
forth the matters required in section 78; deemed transferred to and vested in such surviving or
consolidated corporation without further act or deed;
and
5. Submission of the articles of merger or consolidation
in quadruplicate to the SEC subject to the requirement
of section 79 that if it involve corporations under the - Without further acts, meaning it is automatic
direct supervision of any other government agency or
governed by special laws the favorable recommendation When do merger and consolidation become effective?
of the government agency concerned shall first be What if the SEC fails to act on it without fault
secured and; attributable to the corporation involved?

6. Issuance of the certificate of merger or - It will never become valid until and unless the SEC gives
consolidation by the SEC at which time the merger or its stamp of approval
consolidation shall be effective. If the plan, however, is
believed to be contrary to law, the SEC shall set a
- It will be up to the constituent corporation to follow it up
hearing to give the corporations concerned an
opportunity to be heard upon proper notice and
thereafter, the Commission shall proceed as provided in - It will never take effect until the SEC gives its approval
the Code. and issues the articles of merger

Although merger and consolidation is an express power o Granted 3 years to wing up unless there is a
granted to corporation, it is subject to limitations, as trustee to wing up its affairs
maybe proscribed by law
Could there be liquidators and winding up with respect
What would be the effect of merger or consolidation? to the corporation in consolidation and merger?
<sec. 80>
- No, there is none
1. There will only be a single corporation. In case of
merger, the surviving corporation or the consolidated
- No assets properties or rights to collect, they are
corporation in case of consolidation;
transferred

2. The termination of the corporate existence of the


- No debts and liabilities to pay because they become the
constituent corporations, except that of the surviving
liabilities of the surviving corporations
corporation or the consolidated corporation;

- No properties transferred because they will be the


3. The surviving corporation or the consolidated
properties of the surviving corporations
corporation will possess all the rights, privileges,
immunities and powers and shall be subject to all the
duties and liabilities of a corporation organized under o Hardest part is the financial act, regarding how
the Code; many shares would be issued, probability of
collection and the like

4. The surviving or consolidated corporation shall possess


all the rights, privileges, immunities and franchises of o In merger and consolidation, there is due diligence
the constituent corporations, and all property and all and an economist is usually hired
receivables due, including subscriptions to shares and
other choses in action, and every other interest of, or
APPRAISAL RIGHT
belonging to or due to the constituent corporations shall
be deemed transferred to and vested in such surviving
or consolidated corporation without further act and Define appraisal
deed; and,

- Right to withdraw from the corporation and demand


5. The rights of creditors or any lien on the property of the payment of the fair value of his shares after dissenting
constituent corporations shall not be impaired by the from certain corporate acts involving fundamental
merger or consolidation. changes in corporate structure <sec. 81>

Is there a liquidation process in case of merger or What property? When may this right be exercises?
consolidation?

- Section 81 provides:
- None, there is nothing to distribute

Section 81. Instances of appraisal right. -


Associated Bank vs. CA Any stockholder of a corporation shall have the right to
dissent and demand payment of the fair value of his
shares in the following instances:
- By virtue of a specific provision in the merger agreement
Notes on Corporation Law
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GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
52

1. In case any amendment to the articles of A objects and makes a written demand for payment of
incorporation has the effect of changing or restricting fair value of shares. Can he make a demand of payment
the rights of any stockholder or class of shares, or of of shares?
authorizing preferences in any respect superior to those
of outstanding shares of any class, or of extending or
True or False, no stockholder in a stock corporation can
shortening the term of corporate existence;
ever demand if the principal office is amended, changing
it from QC to Manila
2. In case of sale, lease, exchange, transfer, mortgage,
pledge or other disposition of all or substantially all of
- False, a stockholder in a close corporation may for any
the corporate property and assets as provided in the
reason compel the close corporation that he be paid the
Code; and
fair value of his shares

3. In case of merger or consolidation. (n)


Can he exercise his appraisal rights in the first place?
He hasnt even paid his subscription in full.
May it be exercised by a stockholder who dissents to the
act of a business other than a primary purpose?
May a stockholder who hasnt paid his subscription in
full exercise his appraisal rights?
X Co. inc

- Yes, he can exercise his appraisal rights, by reconciling


Principal office is in Quezon city, it was changed to the provisions of section 72, section 82 and section 86
Paranaque

Section 72. Rights of unpaid shares. -


A objects and makes a written demand. May he exercise Holders of subscribed shares not fully paid which are
his right of appraisal? not delinquent shall have all the rights of a
stockholder. (n)
- It is not available in all amendments of the corporation
- It must be changing or restricting the rights of any
Section 82. How right is exercised. - The
stockholder
appraisal right may be exercised by any stockholder who
shall have voted against the proposed corporate action,
What if the principal office is changed from QC to TAWI- by making a written demand on the corporation within
TAWI, will it change or affect the rights of A? thirty (30) days after the date on which the vote was
taken for payment of the fair value of his shares:
Provided, That failure to make the demand within such
- To some it may change or restrict the rights to others it
period shall be deemed a waiver of the appraisal right. If
may not
the proposed corporate action is implemented or
affected, the corporation shall pay to such
How is the right exercised? stockholder, upon surrender of the certificate or
certificates of stock representing his shares, the fair
- According to section 82 of the code: value thereof as of the day prior to the date on which
the vote was taken, excluding any appreciation or
depreciation in anticipation of such corporate action.
Section 82. How right is exercised. - The
appraisal right may be exercised by any stockholder who
If within a period of sixty (60) days from the
shall have voted against the proposed corporate action,
date the corporate action was approved by the
by making a written demand on the corporation within
stockholders, the withdrawing stockholder and the
thirty (30) days after the date on which the vote was
corporation cannot agree on the fair value of the shares,
taken for payment of the fair value of his shares:
it shall be determined and appraised by three (3)
Provided, That failure to make the demand within such
disinterested persons, one of whom shall be named by
period shall be deemed a waiver of the appraisal right. If
the stockholder, another by the corporation, and the
the proposed corporate action is implemented or
third by the two thus chosen. The findings of the
affected, the corporation shall pay to such stockholder,
majority of the appraisers shall be final, and their award
upon surrender of the certificate or certificates of stock
shall be paid by the corporation within thirty (30) days
representing his shares, the fair value thereof as of the
after such award is made: Provided, That no payment
day prior to the date on which the vote was taken,
shall be made to any dissenting stockholder unless the
excluding any appreciation or depreciation in
corporation has unrestricted retained earnings in its
anticipation of such corporate action.
books to cover such payment: and Provided, further,
That upon payment by the corporation of the agreed or
If within a period of sixty (60) days from the awarded price, the stockholder shall forthwith transfer
date the corporate action was approved by the his shares to the corporation. (n)
stockholders, the withdrawing stockholder and the
corporation cannot agree on the fair value of the shares,
Section 86. Notation on certificates; rights of
it shall be determined and appraised by three (3)
disinterested persons, one of whom shall be named by transferee. - Within ten (10) days after demanding
the stockholder, another by the corporation, and the payment for his shares, a dissenting stockholder shall
third by the two thus chosen. The findings of the submit the certificates of stock representing his shares
majority of the appraisers shall be final, and their award to the corporation for notation thereon that such shares
shall be paid by the corporation within thirty (30) days are dissenting shares. His failure to do so shall, at the
after such award is made: Provided, That no payment option of the corporation, terminate his rights under
shall be made to any dissenting stockholder unless the this Title. If shares represented by the certificates
corporation has unrestricted retained earnings in its bearing such notation are transferred, and the
books to cover such payment: and Provided, further, certificates consequently cancelled, the rights of the
That upon payment by the corporation of the agreed or transferor as a dissenting stockholder under this Title
awarded price, the stockholder shall forthwith transfer shall cease and the transferee shall have all the rights of
his shares to the corporation. (n) a regular stockholder; and all dividend distributions
which would have accrued on such shares shall be paid
to the transferee. (n)
X Co.

- Notation is not mandatory, it is even discretionary


Principal Office- QC, it was changed to Manila because the code provides at the option of the
corporation because it never issued one for that matter
since the subscriptions are not yet fully paid

Notes on Corporation Law


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GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
53

May the corporation be compelled to pay the interest of What if a stockholder exercising his appraisal rights is
A also a director, will he also lose his rights as a
stockholder?

300 T, 150T, 150T and 0 unrestricted retained earnings


- The shares remain to stand in his name until he is paid,
unless there is a stipulation in the by-laws
No stockholder may be able to compel the corporation to
pay the value of his shares if the corporation has no
unrestricted retained earnings When may the right to be paid the value of his shares
cease? Can he withdraw his right of appraisal?

- False, a stockholder of a close corporation may for any


reason, provided only that the corporation has sufficient - Yes, he may withdraw, but there must be consent by the
assets to cover its debts and liabilities corporation as provided for by section 83 of the code:

o General rule: there should be unrestricted retained Section 84. When right to payment ceases. -
earnings No demand for payment under this Title may be
withdrawn unless the corporation consents thereto. If,
however, such demand for payment is withdrawn with
o Exception: section 105 close corporation
the consent of the corporation, or if the proposed
corporate action is abandoned or rescinded by the
The procedure and requirements for the valid exercise of corporation or disapproved by the Securities and
this rights are: Exchange Commission where such approval is
necessary, or if the Securities and Exchange
Commission determines that such stockholder is not
1. The stockholder must have voted against the proposed
entitled to the appraisal right, then the right of said
corporate action in any of the instances allowed by law
stockholder to be paid the fair value of his shares shall
for the exercise of the right of appraisal;
cease, his status as a stockholder shall thereupon be
restored, and all dividend distributions which would
2. The written demand for payment must be made by the have accrued on his shares shall be paid to him. (n)
dissenting stockholder within thirty (30) days after the
date on which the vote was taken thereon. Failure to
Instances when the right of a dissenting stockholder to
make the demand within the said period shall be
be paid the fair value of his shares ceases.
deemed a waiver on the part of the stockholder
concerned to exercise his appraisal right;
1. When he withdraws his demand for payment and the
corporation consents thereto;
3. Surrender of the certificate of stock by the dissenting
stockholder for notation in the corporate books and the
payment by the corporation of the fair market value of 2. When the proposed action is abandoned or rescinded by
the said shares as of the day prior to the date on which the corporation;
the vote was taken. If the stockholder and the
corporation cannot agree on the fair market value
3. When the proposed action is disapproved by the SEC
thereof, the same shall be determined in accordance
where such approval is necessary;
with the provision of paragraph 2 of section 82;

4. When the SEC determines that he is not entitled to


4. The fair value of the shares of the dissenting stockholder
exercise his appraisal right;
must be paid by the corporation only if it has
unrestricted retained earnings in its books to cover
such payment. If the corporation has no unrestricted 5. When he fails to submit the stock certificate within ten
retained earnings, the dissenting stockholder may not, (10) days from demand to the corporation for notation
therefore, be able to effectively exercise his appraisal that such shares are dissenting shares; and,
rights;

6. If the shares are transferred and the certificate


5. Upon payment of the shares by the corporation, the subsequently cancelled.
dissenting stockholder shall transfer his shares to the
corporation.
Who bears the cost of appraisal?

What would be the effect if the stockholder exercises his


- It depends
appraisal rights? What happens to his voting and
dividend rights if he exercises his appraisal rights?
- The corporation bears the cost if
- It will be suspended, with a limitation of 30 days, as
provided for by section 83 of the code: a. The price offered by the corporation is lower than
the fair value of the shares of the dissenting
stockholder as determined by the appraisers;
Section 83. Effect of demand and termination
of right. - From the time of demand for payment of the
fair value of a stockholder's shares until either the b. Where an action is filed by the dissenting
abandonment of the corporate action involved or the stockholder to recover such fair value and the
purchase of the said shares by the corporation, all refusal of the stockholder to receive payment is
rights accruing to such shares, including voting and found by the court to be justified.
dividend rights, shall be suspended in accordance
with the provisions of this Code, except the right of - Dissenting stockholder will be liable for the cost and
such stockholder to receive payment of the fair expenses of appraisal when
value thereof: Provided, That if the dissenting
stockholder is not paid the value of his shares within a. When the price offered by the corporation is
30 days after the award, his voting and dividend approximately the same as the fair value
rights shall immediately be restored. (n) ascertained by the appraisers;

How do you compare the rights of a stockholder, b. Where the action filed by the dissenting
declared delinquent compared to a dissenting stockholder and his refusal to accept payment is
stockholder exercising his appraisal rights found by the court to be unjustified.

Notes on Corporation Law


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GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
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The dissenting stockholder may also sell, transfer or Voting by mail or other similar means by
assign his shares members of non-stock corporations may be authorized
by the by-laws of non-stock corporations with the
approval of, and under such conditions which may be
Section 86. Notation on certificates; rights of
prescribed by, the Securities and Exchange
transferee. - Within ten (10) days after demanding Commission.
payment for his shares, a dissenting stockholder shall
submit the certificates of stock representing his shares
to the corporation for notation thereon that such shares How about in stock?
are dissenting shares. His failure to do so shall, at the
option of the corporation, terminate his rights under
- Voting by mail or other similar means may also be
this Title. If shares represented by the certificates authorized and allowed by the by-laws of non-stock
bearing such notation are transferred, and the corporations. Generally, in stock corporations, the vote
certificates consequently cancelled, the rights of the must be cast at a duly constituted meeting. The only
transferor as a dissenting stockholder under this exception, in case of the latter, is in the matter of
Title shall cease and the transferee shall have all the general amendment of the articles of incorporation
rights of a regular stockholder; and all dividend where the written assent of the stockholder may be
distributions which would have accrued on such sufficient.
shares shall be paid to the transferee. (n)
How is the governing board constituted in a non-stock
corporation? How many members?
NON-STOCK CORPORATIONS

- It may exceed 15 in a non-stock corporation unless the


What is a non-stock corporation?
AOI or by-laws provide otherwise, as provided for by
section 92 of the code:
- A non-stock corporation is one where no part of its
income is distributable as dividends to its members,
Section 92. Election and term of trustees. -
trustees, or officers, subject to the provisions of this
Unless otherwise provided in the articles of
code on dissolution
incorporation or the by-laws, the board of trustees of
non-stock corporations, which may be more than fifteen
What provision of the code will govern non-stock (15) in number as may be fixed in their articles of
corporations? Would the provision governing stock incorporation or by-laws, shall, as soon as organized, so
corporations also apply to non-stock corporations? classify themselves that the term of office of one-third
(1/3) of their number shall expire every year; and
subsequent elections of trustees comprising one-third
- Yes, 2nd par. Of section 87 provides:
(1/3) of the board of trustees shall be held annually and
trustees so elected shall have a term of three (3) years.
The provisions governing stock corporation, Trustees thereafter elected to fill vacancies occurring
when pertinent, shall be applicable to non-stock before the expiration of a particular term shall hold
corporations, except as may be covered by specific office only for the unexpired period.
provisions of this Title. (n)

No person shall be elected as trustee unless


How is the right to vote exercised in a non-stock he is a member of the corporation.
corporation compared to a stock corporation
May a member in a non-stock corporation vote
Unless otherwise provided in the articles of
cumulatively?
incorporation or the by-laws, officers of a non-stock
corporation may be directly elected by the members. (n)
- General rule is NO

Qualifications?
May it be granted or allowed by the by-laws?

1. He is a member of the association;


- Yes

2. Majority thereof must be residents of the Philippines;


May the right to cumulative voting be denied in a stock and,
corporation?

3. Other qualifications as may be provided for in the by-


- No, Doctrine of Limited Capacity laws.

May members in a non-stock corporation vote by proxy? Governing board in a non-stock

- Yes, section 89 provides that: - Board of Trustees, however section 138 provides that:

Unless otherwise provided in the articles of Section 138. Designation of governing


incorporation or the by-laws, a member may vote by boards. - The provisions of specific provisions of this
proxy in accordance with the provisions of this Code. (n) Code to the contrary notwithstanding, non-stock or
special corporations may, through their articles of
incorporation or their by-laws, designate their
May the right to vote by proxy be validly denied in a governing boards by any name other than as board of
stock corporation? trustees. (n)

- No, it is a matter of right in a stock corporation Disqualifications

May member of a non-stock corporation cast their vote - Section 27 also applies to a non-stock corporation, same
by text? holds true to the manner of removal <sec. 29 ad 30>

- Yes, subject to the approval and terms and conditions of Section 27. Disqualification of directors,
the SEC <sec. 89> trustees or officers. - No person convicted by final
judgment of an offense punishable by imprisonment for

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55

a period exceeding six (6) years, or a violation of this the stockholders, instead of by the board of
Code committed within five (5) years prior to the date of directors.
his election or appointment, shall qualify as a director,
trustee or officer of any corporation. (n)
Nature of membership is non-transferrable and personal
in nature unless the articles of incorporation or by-laws
Section 29. Vacancies in the office of director provide otherwise
or trustee. - Any vacancy occurring in the board of
directors or trustees other than by removal by the
stockholders or members or by expiration of term, may Section 90. Non-transferability of
be filled by the vote of at least a majority of the membership. - Membership in a non-stock corporation
remaining directors or trustees, if still constituting a and all rights arising there from are personal and non-
quorum; otherwise, said vacancies must be filled by the transferable, unless the articles of incorporation or the
stockholders in a regular or special meeting called for by-laws otherwise provide. (n)
that purpose. A director or trustee so elected to fill a
vacancy shall be elected only or the unexpired term of How is a membership requirement in a non-stock
his predecessor in office. corporation

Any directorship or trusteeship to be filled by A holds a membership certificate


reason of an increase in the number of directors or
trustees shall be filled only by an election at a regular or
at a special meeting of stockholders or members duly B goes to the corporation and compels the corporation
called for the purpose, or in the same meeting to record the transfer in his name
authorizing the increase of directors or trustees if so
stated in the notice of the meeting. (n) - Membership in non-stock corporations may be acquired
by complying with the provisions of its rules prescribed
Section 30. Compensation of directors. - In in the by-laws. This is in consonance with the express
the absence of any provision in the by-laws fixing their power granted by law under section 36, paragraph 6 of
compensation, the directors shall not receive any the code, authorizing them to admit members thereof
compensation, as such directors, except for reasonable and that authority carries with it the power to prescribe
per diems: Provided, however, That any such rules on membership. It has thus been stated that in
compensation other than per diems may be granted to the absence of charter or statutory restrictions, non-
directors by the vote of the stockholders representing at stock corporations may determine who shall be admitted
least a majority of the outstanding capital stock at a to membership and how they shall be admitted.
regular or special stockholders' meeting. In no case shall
the total yearly compensation of directors, as such Section 36. Corporate powers and capacity. -
directors, exceed ten (10%) percent of the net income Every corporation incorporated under this Code has the
before income tax of the corporation during the power and capacity:
preceding year. (n)

6. In case of stock corporations, to issue or sell stocks to


Who elects the other officers? subscribers and to sell stocks to subscribers and to sell
treasury stocks in accordance with the provisions of this
- Directly by the general members unless the by-laws or Code; and to admit members to the corporation if it be a
articles provide otherwise. <sec.92> non-stock corporation;

Unless otherwise provided in the articles of - They can provide the manner in which to admit
incorporation or the by-laws, officers of a non-stock depending on their own rules
corporation may be directly elected by the members. (n)
The power or authority to terminate members in non-
stock corporations is said to be inherent but strict
In stock corporations who elect officers? compliance with the manner and procedure laid down in
the by-laws must be observed, otherwise it may render
the expulsion ineffective and invalid.
- Directors

Section 91. Termination of membership. -


The provision that stock corporations cannot validly Membership shall be terminated in the manner and for
provide that members cannot be voted by stockholders the causes provided in the articles of incorporation or
is only a general rule because there is an exception the by-laws. Termination of membership shall have the
section 97 of the code states that: effect of extinguishing all rights of a member in the
corporation or in its property, unless otherwise provided
The articles of incorporation of a close in the articles of incorporation or the by-laws. (n)
corporation may provide that the business of the
corporation shall be managed by the stockholders of Power is inherent and may be exercised in certain
the corporation rather than by a board of directors. situations:
So long as this provision continues in effect:
1. When an offense is committed which, although it
1. No meeting of stockholders need be called to elect has no immediate relation to a members duty as
directors; such, it is so infamous as to render him unfit for
society of honest men, which is indictable at
common law;
2. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the
stockholders of the corporation shall be deemed to be
directors for the purpose of applying the provisions of 2. When the offense is a violation of his duty as
this Code; and member of the corporation; and,

3. The stockholders of the corporation shall be subject 3. When the offense is of a mixed nature, being both
to all liabilities of directors. against his duty as a member of the corporation,
and also indictable at common law.

The articles of incorporation may likewise


provide that all officers or employees or that specified If the conduct of the member comes within any of this
officers or employees shall be elected or appointed by cases, it is a ground for valid expulsion although it may
not be expressly made so by the by-laws

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56

Chinese YMCA vs. Ching requiring return, transfer or conveyance by reason


of the dissolution, shall be transferred or conveyed
to one or more corporations, societies or
- Right of the corporation to choose who the members organizations engaged in activities in the
are, cannot be inquired or intervened by the court Philippines substantially similar to those of the
dissolving corporation according to a plan of
- The appealed decision thus contravened the establish distribution adopted pursuant to this Chapter;
principle that the courts cannot strip a member of a
non-stock corporation of his membership therein 4. Assets other than those mentioned in the
without cause. preceding paragraphs, if any, shall be distributed
in accordance with the provisions of the articles of
Lions Club International vs. CA incorporation or the by-laws, to the extent that the
articles of incorporation or the by-laws, determine
the distributive rights of members, or any class or
- Courts will not generally interfere on matters involving classes of members, or provide for distribution;
the internal affairs of an unincorporated association and
such as election contest unless the acts complained of
are arbitrary, oppressive, fraudulent, violative of civil
rights and the like 5. In any other case, assets may be distributed to
such persons, societies, organizations or
corporations, whether or not organized for profit,
- General rule is that the courts will not interfere with the as may be specified in a plan of distribution
internal affairs of an unincorporated association so as adopted pursuant to this Chapter. (n)
to settle disputes between the members, or questions of
policy, discipline, or internal government, so long as the
government of the society is fairly and honestly Non-stock corporations with 4Billion funds, may it be
administered in conformity with its by-laws and the law distributed for and among its members?
of the land, and no property or civil rights are involved.
- Section 94 number 3 provides:
- Exceptions are the following:
3. Assets received and held by the corporation
a. Where law and justice so require, and the subject to limitations permitting their use only for
proceedings of the association are subject to charitable, religious, benevolent, educational or similar
judicial review where there is fraud, oppression, or purposes, but not held upon a condition requiring
bad faith, or where the action complained of is return, transfer or conveyance by reason of the
capricious, arbitrary, or unjustly discriminatory dissolution, shall be transferred or conveyed to one or
more corporations, societies or organizations engaged in
activities in the Philippines substantially similar to
b. To grant relief in case property or civil rights are those of the dissolving corporation according to a plan of
invaded, although it has also been held that the distribution adopted pursuant to this Chapter;
involvement of property rights does not necessarily
authorize judicial intervention, in the absence of
arbitrariness, fraud or collusion. - If there is no distributive agreement then they may do so
through a plan of distribution under section 95

c. Are violative of the laws of the society, or the law of


the land, as by depriving the person of due process Section 95. Plan of distribution of assets. - A
of law plan providing for the distribution of assets, not
inconsistent with the provisions of this Title, may be
adopted by a non-stock corporation in the process of
d. There is lack of jurisdiction on the part of the dissolution in the following manner:
tribunal conducting the proceedings, where the
organization exceeds its powers, or where the
proceedings are otherwise illegal The board of trustees shall, by majority vote,
adopt a resolution recommending a plan of distribution
and directing the submission thereof to a vote at a
Corporations, stock and non-stock, may be dissolved in regular or special meeting of members having voting
accordance and pursuant to the provisions of Sections rights. Written notice setting forth the proposed plan of
118 to 121 of the Corporation Code and the pertinent distribution or a summary thereof and the date, time
provisions of P.D. 902-A, as amended. If such be the and place of such meeting shall be given to each
case, the assets of the corporation are to be distributed member entitled to vote, within the time and in the
in accordance with law and established jurisprudence. manner provided in this Code for the giving of notice of
meetings to members. Such plan of distribution shall be
If a non-stock corporation is dissolved how will its adopted upon approval of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the
properties be distributed? members having voting rights present or represented by
proxy at such meeting. (n)

Section 94. Rules of distribution. - In case


dissolution of a non-stock corporation in
accordance with the provisions of this Code, its
assets shall be applied and distributed as follows: CLOSE CORPORATIONS

1. All liabilities and obligations of the corporation Section 96. Definition and applicability of Title. - A close
shall be paid, satisfied and discharged, or adequate corporation, within the meaning of this Code, is one
provision shall be made therefore;
whose articles of incorporation provide that: (1) All the
corporation's issued stock of all classes, exclusive of
2. Assets held by the corporation upon a condition treasury shares, shall be held of record by not more
requiring return, transfer or conveyance, and than a specified number of persons, not exceeding
which condition occurs by reason of the twenty (20); (2) all the issued stock of all classes
dissolution, shall be returned, transferred or
shall be subject to one or more specified restrictions
conveyed in accordance with such requirements;
on transfer permitted by this Title; and (3) The
corporation shall not list in any stock exchange or
3. Assets received and held by the corporation make any public offering of any of its stock of any
subject to limitations permitting their use only for class. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a corporation shall
charitable, religious, benevolent, educational or not be deemed a close corporation when at least two-
similar purposes, but not held upon a condition thirds (2/3) of its voting stock or voting rights is owned
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or controlled by another corporation which is not a close - Ordinary stock- no such right
corporation within the meaning of this Code.

- Close corporation-yes there is such a right


- Between and among themselves, they feel and act alike

Section 97 is a permissive provision


- Not more than 20 stockholders

Section 97. Articles of incorporation. - The


- Specified persons, if you are not specified, you cannot be articles of incorporation of a close corporation may
a stockholder provide:

- All the issued stocks of all classes is subject to 1. For a classification of shares or rights and the
restrictions qualifications for owning or holding the same and
restrictions on their transfers as may be stated therein,
- Shall not be listed in the stock exchange not publicly subject to the provisions of the following section;
offered
2. For a classification of directors into one or more
- 3 qualifying conditions must be contained in the articles classes, each of whom may be voted for and elected
solely by a particular class of stock; and
of incorporation, to be considered as a close
corporation, if not, it will not be considered as such and
will be governed by the general provisions of the code 3. For a greater quorum or voting requirements in
meetings of stockholders or directors than those
- Even if 100 % is owned by one person it will not be provided in this Code.
considered a close corporation without the 3 qualifying
provisions After classification what then?

- Identity of stockholders, specified persons - After classification, qualification and then restriction as
provided for under the 3 qualifying conditions in section
- Active management either as directors or partners in 96
management
Cumulative voting is restricted in close corporations if
- Combination of the corporation and partnership type of will be elected solely by a particular class
business
In a close corporation, the articles of incorporation may
May any type of corporation, be organized as such close provide for a greater quorum and voting requirement in
corporation? meetings of both stockholders or directors to increase
the veto power of minority stockholders, unlike in a
stock corporation wherein only directors meetings may
- No, the 3 qualifying conditions must be present provide for greater quorum requirement and in
stockholders meeting which may not be altered or
What if 2/3 of the outstanding capital stock is owned by increased, as provide for in section 25, following the
another corporation which is also a close corporation, doctrine of limited capacity
will it be a close corporation?
The articles of a close corporation may likewise provide
- No, it will only be a closed corporation if 2/3 of the that the business of the corporation shall be managed
voting stocks of a close corporation is also owned by a by the stockholders rather than by the board of
close corporation. It must be voting stocks directors. However the same must contain the
continuing provisions required in paragraph 2 of section
97, that is:
- Even if another corporation owns or controls 2/3 of the
voting stocks of a close corporation, the latter may still
be considered as such close corporation if the 1. No meeting of stockholders need be called to elect
corporation owning or controlling the shares is also a directors;
close corporation.
2. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a corporation stockholders of the corporation shall be deemed to
shall not be deemed a close corporation when at least be directors; and;
two-thirds (2/3) of its voting stock or voting rights is
owned or controlled by another corporation which is not 3. The stockholders of the corporation shall be
a close corporation within the meaning of this Code. subject to all liabilities of directors.

What kind of corporations cannot be a close Liability of stockholders acting as directors in a close
corporation? corporation are more extensive since they are
personally liable for corporate torts unless the
1. Mining or oil companies, corporation has obtained a reasonable adequate liability
insurance, unlike a ordinary stock corporation, wherein
directors thereof are only liable for corporate torts only if
2. Stock exchange they have been negligent or acted fraudulently in the
performance of their functions.
3. Banks and insurance companies,
Restrictions
4. Public utilities
- In ordinary stock corporations, the restrictions must
5. Educational institutions appear in the articles of incorporation as well as the
certificate of stocks

6. Corporations vested with public interest


- In a close corporation, the restrictions must appear in
the articles of incorporation, the by-laws and the
Classification of directors certificate of stocks. Otherwise, the same shall not be
binding on any purchaser thereof in good faith
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GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
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What if the stockholders do not want to exercise their petition to the Securities and Exchange Commission,
right or option to purchase may it be sold to any person? compel the dissolution of such corporation whenever
any of acts of the directors, officers or those in control of
the corporation is illegal, or fraudulent, or dishonest, or
- Yes, any third person, section 98 provides:
oppressive or unfairly prejudicial to the corporation or
any stockholder, or whenever corporate assets are being
Section 98. Validity of restrictions on transfer misapplied or wasted.
of shares. - Restrictions on the right to transfer shares
must appear in the articles of incorporation and in the Agreements may also be entered in a close corporation
by-laws as well as in the certificate of stock; otherwise,
<sec.100>
the same shall not be binding on any purchaser thereof
in good faith. Said restrictions shall not be more
onerous than granting the existing stockholders or the - They can even agree to be partners in management
corporation the option to purchase the shares of the
transferring stockholder with such reasonable terms,
- Pre-incorporation
conditions or period stated therein. If upon the
expiration of said period, the existing stockholders
- Manner in which the business of the corporation shall
or the corporation fails to exercise the option to
be managed
purchase, the transferring stockholder may sell his
shares to any third person.
Board resolution

o ordinary stock corporations are liable only if


acted in Bad faith, fraud or negligence in - Ordinary stock corporations- sit and act as a body at a
performance of duty duly constituted meeting, they may do so by virtue of
the E-Commerce Act through teleconference or video
conference
What if there are already 20 stockholders and they want
to add 2 more, may it compel?
Exception to the rule: other officers may be directly
appointed and hired by the stockholders
- In ordinary stock corporations, they may compel by
mandamus
Close corporations may validly act even without a
meeting provided the conditions are obtained
- In close corporations, may not be compelled to admit
because it breaches the qualifying conditions
Section 101. When board meeting is
unnecessary or improperly held. - Unless the by-laws
Since they cannot be compelled, may they admit?
provide otherwise, any action by the directors of a close
corporation without a meeting shall nevertheless be
- Yes, provided all the stockholders consented or instead deemed valid if:
of consenting they decide to amend their articles of
incorporation
1. Before or after such action is taken, written consent
thereto is signed by all the directors; or
- Will have to amend the articles of incorporation to
accommodate other purchasers of share
2. All the stockholders have actual or implied knowledge
of the action and make no prompt objection thereto in
- Will cease to be a close corporation if it amends and writing; or
becomes in excess of 20

3. The directors are accustomed to take informal action


o Unless all the stockholders consent they with the express or implied acquiescence of all the
may stockholders; or

What if the other stockholders object to register? What 4. All the directors have express or implied knowledge of
will be the remedy of the transferee? the action in question and none of them makes prompt
objection thereto in writing.

- His remedy is rescission. The effect of rescission is


mutual restitution Pre-emptive rights in a close corporation is absolute

How about the stockholder, what is his recourse? Section 102. Pre-emptive right in close
corporations. - The pre-emptive right of stockholders in
close corporations shall extend to all stock to be issued,
- He may compel the close corporation to purchase his
including reissuance of treasury shares, whether for
shares at their fair value for any reason, provided the
money, property or personal services, or in payment of
corporation has sufficient assets in its books to cover
corporate debts, unless the articles of incorporation
the debts and liabilities exclusive of capital
provide otherwise.

- In a close corporation, there is a withdrawing


Why is it said to be absolute?
stockholder, unlike in an ordinary stockholder where
there is none, they may only do so in the exercise of
appraisal rights - Because there is no public offering in a close
corporation, otherwise it will not be considered as close
Section 105. Withdrawal of stockholder or
dissolution of corporation. - In addition and without In a close corporation the pre-emptive rights is
prejudice to other rights and remedies available to a broadened to include all issues without exception unless
stockholder under this Title, any stockholder of a close denied or limited by the articles of incorporation
corporation may, for any reason, compel the said
corporation to purchase his shares at their fair Section 39 is the governing provision concerning rights
value, which shall not be less than their par or of the stockholder in an ordinary stock corporation and
issued value, when the corporation has sufficient it may be denied. If it is not denied a stockholder can
assets in its books to cover its debts and liabilities exercise his pre-emptive rights for all issues of shares
exclusive of capital stock: Provided, That any whether money, property or previously incurred
stockholder of a close corporation may, by written indebtedness.
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GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
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Section 39. Power to deny pre-emptive right. - absence of agreement or in the event of disagreement
All stockholders of a stock corporation shall enjoy pre- between the provisional director and the corporation.
emptive right to subscribe to all issues or disposition of
shares of any class, in proportion to their respective
- Powers of the SEC in intra-corporate concerns has been
shareholdings, unless such right is denied by the
transferred to the proper commercial courts
articles of incorporation or an amendment thereto:
- Prohibit, even if acting in good faith
Provided, That such pre-emptive right shall not extend
to shares to be issued in compliance with laws requiring
stock offerings or minimum stock ownership by the - Provisional director appointed by the court
public; or to shares to be issued in good faith with the
approval of the stockholders representing two-thirds
- Requiring the purchase, irrespective of unrestricted
(2/3) of the outstanding capital stock, in exchange for
retained earnings
property needed for corporate purposes or in payment of
a previously contracted debt.
- The provision of the law above-quoted gives the SEC a
very wide discretion in respect to management of a close
Are treasury shares covered in the exercise of pre-
corporation in the event of a deadlock. It may:
emptive rights in ordinary stock corporations?
As regards amendments
1. Cancel or alter any provision in the articles of
incorporation, by-laws or any stockholders
Section 103. Amendment of articles of agreement
incorporation. - Any amendment to the articles of
incorporation which seeks to delete or remove any
provision required by this Title to be contained in the 2. Cancel, alter or enjoin any resolution or other act
articles of incorporation or to reduce a quorum or voting of the corporation or its board of directors,
requirement stated in said articles of incorporation shall stockholders or officers
not be valid or effective unless approved by the
affirmative vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the 3. Prohibit any act of the corporation or its board of
outstanding capital stock, whether with or without directors, stockholders or officers or other persons
voting rights, or of such greater proportion of shares as party to the action;
may be specifically provided in the articles of
incorporation for amending, deleting or removing any of
the aforesaid provisions, at a meeting duly called for the 4. Requiring the purchase of the par value of the
purpose. shares of any stockholders, either by the
corporation regardless of availability of
unrestricted earnings, or by the other
What happens if there is a deadlock? shareholders,

- Section 104 provides for a remedy 5. Appointment of a provisional director

Section 104. Deadlocks. - Notwithstanding 6. Dissolving the corporation; or


any contrary provision in the articles of incorporation or
by-laws or agreement of stockholders of a close
7. Other relief as the circumstances may warrant.
corporation, if the directors or stockholders are so
divided respecting the management of the corporation's
business and affairs that the votes required for any Section 105
corporate action cannot be obtained, with the
consequence that the business and affairs of the
- Dishonesty is a ground for dissolution of a close
corporation can no longer be conducted to the
corporation
advantage of the stockholders generally, the Securities
and Exchange Commission, upon written petition by any
stockholder, shall have the power to arbitrate the - Even one stockholder may petition for dissolution
dispute. In the exercise of such power, the Commission
shall have authority to make such order as it deems
o when there is a relief available, dissolution
appropriate, including an order: (1) cancelling or
would not be available in an ordinary
altering any provision contained in the articles of
incorporation, by-laws, or any stockholder's agreement; corporation
(2) cancelling, altering or enjoining any resolution or act
of the corporation or its board of directors, stockholders,
or officers; (3) directing or prohibiting any act of the
corporation or its board of directors, stockholders, CLOSE CORPORATION ORDINARY STOCK
officers, or other persons party to the action; (4) CORPORATION
requiring the purchase at their fair value of shares of
any stockholder, either by the corporation regardless of 1. The number of stockholders No limitation as to number of
the availability of unrestricted retained earnings in its cannot exceed 20 shareholder
books, or by the other stockholders; (5) appointing a
provisional director; (6) dissolving the corporation; or (7)
granting such other relief as the circumstances may 2. To the extent that all Maximum number of directors
warrant. stockholders can be deemed is 15
directors, the number of
directors can effectively be
A provisional director shall be an impartial more than 15
person who is neither a stockholder nor a creditor of the
corporation or of any subsidiary or affiliate of the
corporation, and whose further qualifications, if any, 3. Shares of stock are subject Generally no restriction on
may be determined by the Commission. A provisional to specified restrictions transfer of shares
director is not a receiver of the corporation and does not
have the title and powers of a custodian or receiver. A
4. Shares of stock are No prohibition
provisional director shall have all the rights and powers
prohibited from being listed
of a duly elected director of the corporation, including
in the stock exchange or
the right to notice of and to vote at meetings of directors,
offered for sale to the public
until such time as he shall be removed by order of the
Commission or by all the stockholders. His
compensation shall be determined by agreement 5. Stockholders may take an Management is lodged in the
between him and the corporation subject to approval of active part in corporate Board of Directors
the Commission, which may fix his compensation in the management by vesting

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- Cannot act both as president and treasurer at the same


time
management to them rather
than a Board of Director
- Since it is a close corporation owned by the family of
Manuel Dulay, save and except the secretary, it should
6. Those active in management Directors are liable for torts
be governed by Title XII
are personally liable for only if they have acted
corporate torts unless the negligently or fraudulently
corporation has obtained an - Petitioner is classified as a close corporation and
adequate liability insurance consequently a board resolution authorizing the sale or
mortgage of the subject property is not necessary to
bind the corporation for the action of its president. At
7. Directors can validly act even Directors must, as a rule, act as any rate, a corporate action taken at a board meeting
without a meeting a body at a duly constituted without proper call or notice in a close corporation is
meeting deemed ratified by the absent director unless the latter
promptly files his written objection with the secretary of
8. Agreements between Not valid and binding since the corporation after having knowledge of the meeting
stockholders regarding the stockholders agreement cannot which, in this case, petitioner Virgilio Dulay failed to do.
operations of the business limit the discretion of the Board
can validly be made to manage corporate affairs - Virgilio Dulay is a signatory witness, he knows very well
about the deed of absolute sale, he is estopped
9. To the extent that directors Ordinarily, no such
may be classified into one or classification and no
Naguiat vs. NLRC
more classes and to be voted restrictions on cumulative
solely by a particular class of voting
stock, cumulative voting - Section 100 par. 5. To the extent that the stockholders
may, in effect, be restricted are actively engaged in the management or operation of
the business and affairs of a close corporation, the
stockholders shall be held to strict fiduciary duties to
10. The articles of Officers are elected by the each other and among themselves. Said stockholders
incorporation may provide Board of Directors shall be personally liable for corporate torts unless the
that all officers shall be corporation has obtained reasonably adequate liability
elected or appointed by the insurance.
stockholders

Family corporations is not automatically a close


11. It may provide for greater Although the articles of corporation the 3 qualifying conditions must be present.
quorum and voting incorporation or by-laws may
requirements in meetings of provide for greater quorum and
stockholders and directors voting requirements in SPECIAL CORPORATIONS
directors meeting under section
25, those for stockholders
2 types of special corporations
meeting cannot generally be
altered
1. Educational corporations

12. Restriction on transfer of Valid and binding if indicated in


shares should be indicated the articles of incorporation 2. Religious corporations
in the articles of and stock certificates
incorporation, by-laws and 2.1 Corporation Sole
stock certificates

2.2 Religious Societies


13. Pre-emptive rights of Pre-emptive rights may be
stockholders is broader as it denied as provided for in
include all issues without section 39 What provision governs educational corporations?
exception
Section 106. Incorporation. - Educational
14. A stockholder may Unless he sells his shares, a corporations shall be governed by special laws and by
withdraw and compel the stockholder cannot get back his the general provisions of this Code. (n)
corporation to purchase his investment nor compel the
shares for any reason with corporation to buy his shares
- Special laws like they Education Act of the Philippines
the limitation only that the except in the exercise of his
- These institutions of learning, once recognized by the
corporation has sufficient appraisal right
government as such are mandated by law to be
assets to cover its liabilities
incorporated within ninety (90) days under the
exclusive of capital stock
provisions of the Corporation Code and must, perforce,
comply with the requirements and procedure laid down
15. The proper forum may Courts cannot interfere I the there under. Their failure to so will not immune the
interfere in the management business judgment of the educational institution from suit as a corporation.
of a close corporation in case directors/stockholders (Chiang Kai Siek Case)
of deadlocks under Section BUSINESS JUDGMENT RULE
104, even of the - Favorable recommendation of government agency
directors/stockholders are involved
acting in good faith

Two types of educational corporations


16. Any stockholder may Dissolution may be had only on
petition the SEC for the grounds provided by the
corporate dissolution on provisions of the Code on - Certificate of completion in the academic field
grounds among others, dissolution and P.D. 902-A, as
provides for in section 105 amended - Vocational and technical ones
Manuel Dulay Enterprises vs. CA

o Recommendation of DECS if certificate of


- What was the position of Manuel Dulay here? President, completion in the academic field
General Manager and Treasurer

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GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
61

How is the governing board of an educational institution participation in all educational institutions. The control
instituted? and administration of educational institutions shall be
vested in citizens of the Philippines.

- Non-stock- multiples of 5 only (example: 5,10,15)


No educational institution shall be established
exclusively for aliens and no group of aliens shall
- Stock- can be anywhere between 5 to 15 comprise more than one-third of the enrollment in any
school. The provisions of this sub section shall not apply
to schools established for foreign diplomatic personnel
Can they consist of 7 or 9 members?
and their dependents and, unless otherwise provided by
law, for other foreign temporary residents.
- Yes, if stock
- Management is left solely to citizens of the Philippines
Can they be incorporated also as non-stock? - Board of Directors manages the corporate affairs,
foreigners cannot therefore be elected in the board

- Yes
- Exceptions are, mission boards and religious orders,
which may have a governing board consisting of
- B.P. 232 allows the organization of an educational foreigners
institution that is stock corporation, only if they do not
issue a certificate of completion in the academic field
Term of office of governing board in an educational
institutions
Qualifications and disqualifications of the membership
in the board of an educational corporation
- Can serve a term of 5 years. If that be the case, 1/5 of
their number shall expire every year
- Educational corporations are governed by special laws
and general provisions, hence if there is no provision in
Non-stock or stock, can they serve for a 1 year term
the special law, you go back to section 25 and 27 of the
only?
general provisions

- Yes, the articles of incorporation may provide that it be


- Stock- must be a stockholder
1 year only

- Non-stock- must be a member


What are these religious corporations spoken off?

- By-laws may provide for additional qualifications and


- Corporation sole and religious societies
disqualifications

What is a corporation sole?


Section 25. Corporate officers, quorum. -
Immediately after their election, the directors of a
corporation must formally organize by the election of a - Consists of one person only and his successor in some
president, who shall be a director, a treasurer who may particular station, who are incorporated by law in order
or may not be a director, a secretary who shall be a to give them some legal capacities and advantages,
resident and citizen of the Philippines, and such other particularly that of perpetuity, which in their natural
officers as may be provided for in the by-laws. Any two persons they could not have had
(2) or more positions may be held concurrently by the
same person, except that no one shall act as president
May a corporation be organized by less than 5 natural
and secretary or as president and treasurer at the same
persons?
time.

- General rule, 5 to 15 natural persons(except


The directors or trustees and officers to be
cooperatives and corporations primarily organized to
elected shall perform the duties enjoined on them by law
hold equities in rural banks and may rightfully become
and the by-laws of the corporation. Unless the articles of
incorporators thereof)
incorporation or the by-laws provide for a greater
majority, a majority of the number of directors or
- Exception, corporation sole, consist of only one person
trustees as fixed in the articles of incorporation shall
constitute a quorum for the transaction of corporate
business, and every decision of at least a majority of the May any person form or organize a corporation sole?
directors or trustees present at a meeting at which there
is a quorum shall be valid as a corporate act, except for
- No, not any person can form a corporation sole, section
the election of officers which shall require the vote of a
110 provides:
majority of all the members of the board.

Directors or trustees cannot attend or vote by proxy at Section 110. Corporation sole. - For the
board meetings. (33a) purpose of administering and managing, as trustee, the
affairs, property and temporalities of any religious
denomination, sect or church, a corporation sole may be
Section 27. Disqualification of directors, trustees or formed by the chief archbishop, bishop, priest, minister,
officers. - No person convicted by final judgment of an offense rabbi or other presiding elder of such religious
punishable by imprisonment for a period exceeding six (6) years, or denomination, sect or church. (154a)
a violation of this Code committed within five (5) years prior to the
date of his election or appointment, shall qualify as a director,
Is it required to file the articles of incorporation in the
trustee or officer of any corporation. (n)
SEC?

Article 14 section 4 par. 2 of the Constitutions


- Yes

Educational institutions, other than those


What should be contained in the articles of
established by religious groups and mission boards,
incorporation?
shall be owned solely by citizens of the Philippines or
corporations or associations at least sixty per centum of
the capital of which is owned by such citizens. The - Section 111 and section 112 provides for the contents
Congress may, however, require increased Filipino equity and procedures

Notes on Corporation Law


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GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
62

Section 111. Articles of incorporation. - In SEC, immediately becomes endowed with corporate
order to become a corporation sole, the chief personality, this serves as an exception to the rule that
archbishop, bishop, priest, minister, rabbi or presiding a corporation acquires juridical personality only upon
elder of any religious denomination, sect or church must the issuance of a certificate of incorporation by the said
file with the Securities and Exchange Commission government agency.
articles of incorporation setting forth the following:
- Upon filing of verified articles of incorporation with the
1. That he is the chief archbishop, bishop, priest, SEC, will not require the approval of SEC
minister, rabbi or presiding elder of his religious
denomination, sect or church and that he desires to
A corporation sole is possessed with the same power,
become a corporation sole;
rights and privileges, to own, acquire and hold or convey
properties like any other corporation? True or False
2. That the rules, regulations and discipline of his
religious denomination, sect or church are not
- False, they have the same power rights and privileges,
inconsistent with his becoming a corporation sole and
but when it comes to alienation and acquisition, it must
do not forbid it;
possess a court order, however when there is a regulated
method, a court order may be dispensed with <sec.
3. That as such chief archbishop, bishop, priest, 113>
minister, rabbi or presiding elder, he is charged with the
administration of the temporalities and the management
Section 113. Acquisition and alienation of
of the affairs, estate and properties of his religious
property. - Any corporation sole may purchase and hold
denomination, sect or church within his territorial
real estate and personal property for its church,
jurisdiction, describing such territorial jurisdiction;
charitable, benevolent or educational purposes, and
may receive bequests or gifts for such purposes. Such
4. The manner in which any vacancy occurring in the corporation may sell or mortgage real property held by it
office of chief archbishop, bishop, priest, minister, rabbi by obtaining an order for that purpose from the Court of
of presiding elder is required to be filled, according to First Instance of the province where the property is
the rules, regulations or discipline of the religious situated upon proof made to the satisfaction of the court
denomination, sect or church to which he belongs; and that notice of the application for leave to sell or mortgage
has been given by publication or otherwise in such
manner and for such time as said court may have
5. The place where the principal office of the corporation
directed, and that it is to the interest of the corporation
sole is to be established and located, which place must
that leave to sell or mortgage should be granted. The
be within the Philippines.
application for leave to sell or mortgage must be made
by petition, duly verified, by the chief archbishop,
The articles of incorporation may include any bishop, priest, minister, rabbi or presiding elder acting
other provision not contrary to law for the regulation of as corporation sole, and may be opposed by any
the affairs of the corporation. (n) member of the religious denomination, sect or church
represented by the corporation sole: Provided, That in
cases where the rules, regulations and discipline of the
Section 112. Submission of the articles of
religious denomination, sect or church, religious society
incorporation. - The articles of incorporation must be
or order concerned represented by such corporation sole
verified, before filing, by affidavit or affirmation of the
regulate the method of acquiring, holding, selling and
chief archbishop, bishop, priest, minister, rabbi or
mortgaging real estate and personal property, such
presiding elder, as the case may be, and accompanied by
rules, regulations and discipline shall control, and the
a copy of the commission, certificate of election or letter
intervention of the courts shall not be necessary. (159a)
of appointment of such chief archbishop, bishop, priest,
minister, rabbi or presiding elder, duly certified to be
correct by any notary public. Since a corporation sole is consists only of one person,
will the registration of the property in the name of the
corporation sole vest unto the head thereof the
From and after the filing with the Securities
ownership of the property?
and Exchange Commission of the said articles of
incorporation, verified by affidavit or affirmation, and
accompanied by the documents mentioned in the - No, it will not vest unto the head, the head is acting
preceding paragraph, such chief archbishop, bishop, merely as a guardian
priest, minister, rabbi or presiding elder shall become a
corporation sole and all temporalities, estate and
Roman Catholic Apostolic Adm. Of Davao, inc. vs. Land
properties of the religious denomination, sect or church
Reg. Comm, et al.
theretofore administered or managed by him as such
chief archbishop, bishop, priest, minister, rabbi or
presiding elder shall be held in trust by him as a - Act only as a guardian
corporation sole, for the use, purpose, behalf and sole
benefit of his religious denomination, sect or church,
- Ownership devolves upon the congregation or religious
including hospitals, schools, colleges, orphan asylums,
denomination
parsonages and cemeteries thereof. (n)

- A corporation consists of one person only and his


Is it required to indicate its terms of execution? Why
successors (who will always be one at a time, in some
not?
particular station), who are incorporated by law in order
to give them some legal capacities and advantages,
- Not required because they are supposed to exist in particularly that of perpetuity, which in their natural
perpetuity persons they could not have had

- However, it does not mean that it shall continue to exist - Roman Catholic Church has no nationality and that the
forever, it merely means that it has the capacity of framers of the Constitution, as will be hereunder
continuous existence during a particular period until explained, did not have in mind the religious
dissolved in accordance with law corporations sole when they provided that 60 percent of
the capital thereof be owned by Filipino citizens.
When will it acquire judicial personality? How do you
compare this to other types of corporation? Director of Lands vs. CA

- After the filing the verified articles of incorporation along - Alienable public land is converted into private land
with the documents required in Section 112 with the when the same has been openly, continuously and
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GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
63

exclusively in possession of the property as concept of May a corporation sole be dissolved by judicial decree?
an owner for 30 years, automatically that is

- General rule: No, because a corporation sole, is by its


Republic of the Philippines vs. IAC very nature ecclesiastical and religious (doctrine of
separation of church and state)

- Determination of the character of the land should be in


mind - Exception: police power of the state, if its purpose is
being carried out and is instead being used for illegal
purpose, it may be so dissolved
- If they still form part of public domain they cannot be
owned, but if they are converted into private land, the
constitutional prohibition will not apply What are religious societies?

If there is vacancy who will fill up the same? What if - Under common law, a religious society is a body of
there is none, what must the successor do? persons associated together for the purpose of
maintaining religious worship.

- According to section 114:


Is it also required to file its articles of incorporation to
the SEC?
Section 114. Filling of vacancies. - The
successors in office of any chief archbishop, bishop,
priest, minister, rabbi or presiding elder in a corporation - No <sec. 116> may
sole shall become the corporation sole on their
accession to office and shall be permitted to transact What should be contained in the articles of
business as such on the filing with the Securities and incorporation?
Exchange Commission of a copy of their commission,
certificate of election, or letters of appointment, duly
certified by any notary public. - Section 116 provides:

During any vacancy in the office of chief Section 116. Religious societies. - Any
archbishop, bishop, priest, minister, rabbi or presiding religious society or religious order, or any diocese,
elder of any religious denomination, sect or church synod, or district organization of any religious
incorporated as a corporation sole, the person or denomination, sect or church, unless forbidden by the
persons authorized and empowered by the rules, constitution, rules, regulations, or discipline of the
regulations or discipline of the religious denomination, religious denomination, sect or church of which it is a
sect or church represented by the corporation sole to part, or by competent authority, may, upon written
administer the temporalities and manage the affairs, consent and/or by an affirmative vote at a meeting
estate and properties of the corporation sole during the called for the purpose of at least two-thirds (2/3) of its
vacancy shall exercise all the powers and authority of membership, incorporate for the administration of its
the corporation sole during such vacancy. (158a) temporalities or for the management of its affairs,
properties and estate by filing with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, articles of incorporation verified
If a corporation exists in equity may it not be dissolved?
by the affidavit of the presiding elder, secretary, or clerk
or other member of such religious society or religious
Section 115. Dissolution. - A corporation sole order, or diocese, synod, or district organization of the
may be dissolved and its affairs settled voluntarily by religious denomination, sect or church, setting forth the
submitting to the Securities and Exchange Commission following:
a verified declaration of dissolution.
1. That the religious society or religious order, or
The declaration of dissolution shall set forth: diocese, synod, or district organization is a religious
organization of a religious denomination, sect or church;

1. The name of the corporation;


2. That at least two-thirds (2/3) of its membership have
given their written consent or have voted to incorporate,
2. The reason for dissolution and winding up; at a duly convened meeting of the body;

3. The authorization for the dissolution of the 3. That the incorporation of the religious society or
corporation by the particular religious denomination, religious order, or diocese, synod, or district
sect or church; organization desiring to incorporate is not forbidden by
competent authority or by the constitution, rules,
4. The names and addresses of the persons who are to regulations or discipline of the religious denomination,
supervise the winding up of the affairs of the sect, or church of which it forms a part;
corporation.
4. That the religious society or religious order, or
Upon approval of such declaration of diocese, synod, or district organization desires to
dissolution by the Securities and Exchange incorporate for the administration of its affairs,
Commission, the corporation shall cease to carry on its properties and estate;
operations except for the purpose of winding up its
affairs. (n) 5. The place where the principal office of the corporation
is to be established and located, which place must be
- While section 115 of the code provides for the process within the Philippines; and
and procedure for the dissolution of a corporate sole,
there is nothing in the law itself which would prohibit it 6. The names, nationalities, and residences of the
from amending its articles of incorporation trustees elected by the religious society or religious
- It is believed that authorization for the dissolution by order, or the diocese, synod, or district organization to
the particular religious denomination, sect or church, as serve for the first year or such other period as may be
required in sub-paragraph 3 of section 115 would still prescribed by the laws of the religious society or
be necessary in the case of amending the articles of religious order, or of the diocese, synod, or district
incorporation to affect dissolution. organization, the board of trustees to be not less than
five (5) nor more than fifteen (15). (160a)
o Expiration of a corporate term will not apply
to a religious corporation Is it required to indicate its term of existence?
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GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
64

- Likewise to exist in perpetuity, the law does not require o 3 modes of dissolution, 3 modes of voluntary
to indicate its term of existence dissolution and 3 modes of liquidation and
winding up- FREQUENTLY ASKED IN THE
FINALS
When will it acquire juridical personality?

- Only a corporation sole may come into existence without What are the 3 modes of voluntary dissolution?
SEC approval, section 19 will thus govern, Vested with
judicial capacity upon issuance of the certificate by the 1. Voluntary dissolution where no creditors are affected;
SEC <sec.118>

o However it is not accurate according to atty. 2. Voluntary dissolution where creditors are affected; <sec.
Ladia because there are those that can issue 119>

for example cooperatives- BUREAU OF


3. Shortening of corporate term. <sec. 120>
COOPERATIVES which register, home
insurance guaranty corporation- HOME
Voluntary dissolution where no creditors are affected
OWNERS <sec.118>

How may religious societies be dissolved?


- The formal and procedural requirements necessary are
the following:
- Go to the general rules governing dissolution, because
the rules under special corporations do not provide for
1. Majority vote of the board of directors or trustees;
such rule

2. Sending of notice of each stockholders or member either


DISSOLUTION by registered mail or personal delivery at least thirty (30)
days prior to the meeting (scheduled by the board for
the purpose of submitting the board action to dissolve
What is dissolution?
the corporation for approval of the stockholder or
members.);
- Extinguishment of the corporate franchise and the
termination of corporate existence 3. Publication of the notice of time, place and subject of
the meeting for three (3) consecutive weeks in a
newspaper published in the place where the principal
3 modes of dissolution
office of said corporation is located or in a newspaper of
general circulation in the Philippines;
1. By expiration of its term;
4. Resolution adopted by the affirmative vote of the
2. By voluntary surrender of its primary franchise stockholders owning at least 2/3 of the outstanding
(voluntary dissolution); capital stock or 2/3 of the members at the meeting duly
called for the purpose;
3. By revocation of its corporate franchise (involuntary
dissolution) 5. A copy of the resolution authorizing the dissolution
must be certified by a majority of the board of directors
or trustees and countersigned by the corporate
Philippine National Bank vs. CFI secretary;

- When the period of corporate life expires, the 6. Issuance of a certificate of dissolution by the SEC.
corporation ceases to be a body corporate for purposes
of continuing the business for which it is organized. But
Should this be strictly complied with?
it shall nevertheless be continued as a body corporate
for three years after the time when it would have be
dissolved, for the purpose of prosecuting and defending - Yes, compliance with the requirements and formalities
suits by or against it and for enabling it gradually to prescribed above is mandatory such that failure to
settle and close its affairs to dispose of and convey its comply therewith will have no effect on the legal
property and to divide its assets. There is no need for existence of the corporation.
the institution of a proceeding for quo warranto to
determine the time and date of the dissolution of a
Will dissolution be effective and valid by a mere
corporation because the period of corporate existence is
resolution of the BOD and stockholders?
provided in the articles of incorporation. When such
period expires and without any extension having been
made pursuant to law, the corporation is dissolved - No, a mere resolution by the stockholders or the BOD of
automatically insofar as the continuation of its business a corporation to dissolve the same does not affect the
is concerned. dissolution but that some other steps, administrative or
judicial is necessary. (Daguhoy Enterprises vs. Ponce)
- The rights of the lessor and the lessee over the
improvements which the latter constructed on the - Since it is the State which grants its right to exist, it is
leased premises are governed by Article 1678 of the Civil only through the State which can allow the termination
Code. The provision gives the lessee the right to remove of its existence; without consent of the State, it will not
the improvements if the lessor chooses not to pay one be dissolved.
half of the value thereof. However, in the case at bar the
law will not apply because the parties herein have
Voluntary dissolution where creditors are affected
stipulated in the contract their own terms and
<sec.119>
conditions concerning the improvements before the
termination of the lease. Petitioner PNB as assignee of
PBM succeeded to the obligation of the latter under the - By virtue of a petition, when there are creditors affected
contract of lease. It could not possess rights more than
what PBM had as lessee under the contract. Hence, - The following formalities would thus be required:
petitioner was duly bound to remove the improvements
before the expiration of the period of lease. Its failure to
1. Affirmative vote of the stockholders representing at least
do so when the lease was terminated was tantamount to
2/3 of the outstanding capital stock or at least 2/3 of
a waiver of its rights and interest over the improvements
the members at a meeting duly called for that purpose;
on the leased premise.

Notes on Corporation Law


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GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
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2. Petition for dissolution shall be filed with the SEC complaint and after proper notice and hearing on the
signed by a majority of its board of directors or trustees grounds provided by existing laws, rules and
or other officers having the management of its affairs, regulations. (n)
verified by the president or secretary or one of its
directors or trustees, setting forth all claims and
- Dissolution is tantamount to the imposition of death
demands against it.
penalty
- Instead of dissolving the corporation, courts normally
3. Issuance of an order by the SEC reciting the purpose of
enjoin the further commission of the questioned act
the petition and fixing the date on or before which
objections thereto may be filed by any person, which
date shall not be less than thirty days nor more than - The relief of dissolution will be awarded only where no
sixty days after entry of the order. other remedy is available and it will not be allowed
where the rights of the stockholders can be, or are,
4. Before such date, a copy of the order must be published protected in some other way (Republic vs. Bisaya Land
once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a Trans. Co. Inc.)
newspaper of general circulation published in the city or
municipality where the principal office is situated or in
What are the grounds for involuntary dissolution?
a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines.

5. Posting of the same order for three (3) consecutive weeks - It is commenced through a verified complaint or motu
in three (3) public places in such city or municipality. proprio by the proper courts

6. Upon five (5) days notice, given after the date on which - Section 6 of PD 902-A provides for the grounds for
the right to file objections has expired, the SEC shall involuntary dissolution as follows:
hear the petition and try any issue made by the
objections filed. 1. Fraud in procuring its certificate of registration;

7. Judgment dissolving the corporation and directing of its 2. Serious misrepresentation as to what the corporation
assets as justice requires and the appointment of a can do or is doing to the great prejudice of or damage to
receiver (if necessary in its discretion) to collect such the general public;
assets and pay the debts of the corporation.
3. Refusal to comply or defiance of any lawful order of the
o The foregoing are also mandatory Commission restraining commission of acts which
requirements would amount to a grave violation of its franchise;

4. Continuous inoperation for a period of at least five (5)


Is the appointment of a receiver mandatory?
years;

- No, it is merely permissive or discretionary on the part 5. Failure to file by-laws within the required period;
of the court. The code uses the word may; the law
intended to let the shareholders have the control of the 6. Failure to file required reports in appropriate forms as
assets of the corporation upon dissolution and winding determined by the Commission within the prescribed
up. period.

- The directors may also undertake liquidation and


- Other grounds are provided for in the corporation code
winding up of its corporate affairs, and sound business
itself: among them are:
judgment, on how they will wind up

1. Violation of any provision of the Code under section 144;


Dissolution by shortening of corporate term <sec.120>

2. In case of deadlock in a close corporation as provided for


- Will be valid upon approval of the SEC, unlike general in section 105;
amendments, which will be deemed approved if not
acted upon by the SEC within 6 months from the date of 3. In a close corporation, any acts of directors, officers or
filing for a cause not attributable to the corporation. those in control of the corporation which is illegal or
fraudulent or dishonest or oppressive or unfairly
- Shortening of the corporate term partakes the nature of prejudicial to the corporation or any stockholder or
an amendment of the articles of incorporation. Section whenever corporate assets are being misapplied or
16 under general amendments allows written assent wasted under section 105.
section 37 mandates that the vote must be cast at a
duly constituted meeting.
- Mere dishonesty is also a ground in a close corporation

Section 120. Dissolution by shortening - Other grounds can be found in other special laws like
corporate term. - A voluntary dissolution may be effected the Securities Regulation Code and the General Banking
by amending the articles of incorporation to shorten the Act as well as the Insurance Code.
corporate term pursuant to the provisions of this Code.
A copy of the amended articles of incorporation shall be
submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission Government vs. Philippine Sugar Estate
in accordance with this Code. Upon approval of the
amended articles of incorporation of the expiration of - It is necessary in order to secure judicial foreclosure of
the shortened term, as the case may be, the corporation respondents charter to show a mis-user of its franchise
shall be deemed dissolved without any further justifying such a forfeiture
proceedings, subject to the provisions of this Code on
liquidation. (n) - Object is to protect the public, and not to redress private
grievances, the mis-user must be such as to work or
o Intra-corporate- special commercial courts threaten a substantial injury to the public, or such as to
amount to a violation of the fundamental condition of
the contract by which the franchise was granted and
Another way of dissolving a corporation is through thus defeat the purpose of the grant
involuntary dissolution
- Courts proceed with extreme caution which has for their
Section 121. Involuntary dissolution. - A object the forfeiture of corporate franchise, and
corporation may be dissolved by the Securities and forfeiture will not be allowed, except under express
limitation, or for plain abuse of power by which the
Exchange Commission upon filing of a verified
corporation fails to fulfill the design and purpose of its
Notes on Corporation Law
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GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
66

organization. But when the abuse or violation officers, except in cases where the intervention of
constitutes or threatens a substantial injury to the the State, for one reason or another, cannot be
public or such as to amount to a violation of the obtained, as when the State is not interested
fundamental conditions of its charter, or its conduct is because the complaint is strictly a matter between
characterized by obduracy or pertinacity in contempt of
the stockholders and does not involve, in the
law, dissolution will be granted
opinion of the legal officer of the Government, any
of the acts or omissions warranting quo warranto
- Did the court dissolve the corporation? No, it did not, it
granted the corporation 6 months to cease and desist proceeding , in which minority stockholders are
the performance of the questioned act otherwise it will entitled to have such dissolution. It should be
be dissolved exercised if necessary in order not to entirely ignore and
disregard the rights of said minority stockholders,
especially when said minority stockholders are unable to
Government vs. El Hogar obtain redress and protection of their rights within the
corporation itself. Stockholders should not be left
- 3 causes of action, the first is that the corporation without recourse
violated the law by holding on the property beyond that
provide for by law, the second is that the corporation Present set up
undertook the management f petitioners belonging to
delinquent shareholders of the association, and lastly
that the by-law provision, which empowers the BD to - Any stockholder or member of a corporation can
cancel shares and to return to the owners thereof the institute a dissolution proceeding against his own
balance returning from the liquidation corporation before the proper forum

- Special Commercial Courts, shall hear and decide intra-


Compare to Philippine Sugar Estate, wherein the court corporate disputes
ruled conditional dissolution. Why decree conditional
dissolution in one and not in the other case?
May a corporation ask for dissolution of the corporation
when there is no prejudice to the general public?
- Because in El Hogar the government was at fault, the
government wasnt able to issue the certificate of title on
time - Yes, in a close corporation, a petition for the dissolution
of the corporation may be instituted by any one
- When the case was instituted, El Hogar was already able individual shareholder on the ground, even by mere
to dispose the properties in question, in Philippine dishonesty
Sugar Estate it was still the holding the properties in
order to enrich itself at the expense of the taxpayers Effects of dissolution

Republic vs. Security Credit and Acceptance Corp. et al. - The dissolution of a corporation not only terminates its
primary franchise to be a corporation, but generally
prevents it from further exercising other or secondary
- The corporation here is a lending institution and not a
franchises which have been conferred to its. It
banking institution
terminates its power to enter into contracts or t o
continue the business as a going concern.
- Defendant corporation violated the law because before a
corporation may engage into a banking activity it must
- Based on this general rule, the Supreme Court held that
first obtain a secondary franchise from the Central Bank
a corporation, whose corporate life expired, cannot
lawfully pursue the business for which it was organized.
- Defendant corporation threatens substantial injury to
It cannot apply for a new certificate or a secondary
the general public, dissolution is warrant
franchise for it is incapable of receiving a grant. Neither
can it enforce a contract executed prior its dissolution
- If there is a bank run kawawa naman yung depositors
for the purpose of continuing the business of its
organization.
Republic vs. Bisaya Land Transportation Co. Inc
- In general the rights and liabilities of the corporation
are not extinguished by its dissolution.
- The relief of dissolution will be awarded only where no
other remedy is available and it will not be allowed
where the rights of the stockholders can be, or are, Section 145. Amendment or repeal. - No right
protected in some other way or remedy in favor of or against any corporation, its
stockholders, members, directors, trustees, or officers,
- Misuse and misapplication of the funds and assets of nor any liability incurred by any such corporation,
the respondent were committed particularly by the stockholders, members, directors, trustees, or officers,
corporate officers, where they can instead be held shall be removed or impaired either by the subsequent
personally liable dissolution of said corporation or by any subsequent
amendment or repeal of this Code or of any part thereof.
- Since there is another remedy available dissolution is (n)
not warranted

Buenaflor vs. Camarines Sur Industry Corp.


Assuming the above stated corporation is a close
corporation, would the court decree otherwise?
- From that time on Camarines Sur was plying in an
activity that was illegal
- Yes, because in a close corporation, mere dishonesty is a
ground for the dissolution
- A corporation where the corporate life has expired it
cannot lawfully pursue the business for which it was
- Can even be dissolved by petition of only one
organized.
stockholder on the grounds stated in the code < sec.
105>
- the Supreme Court held that a corporation, whose
corporate life expired, cannot lawfully pursue the
Financing Corporation of the Philippines vs. Teodoro business for which it was organized. It cannot apply for
a new certificate or a secondary franchise for it is
- Minority stockholders may not ask for the dissolution of incapable of receiving a grant.
a corporation in private suits and that such actions
should be brought by the Government through its legal
Notes on Corporation Law
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GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
67

- Awarding it to Camarines Sur is tantamount to a medal At any time during said three (3) years, the
for its illegal acts corporation is authorized and empowered to convey all
of its property to trustees for the benefit of stockholders,
members, creditors, and other persons in interest. From
- It cannot apply for a new certificate or a secondary
and after any such conveyance by the corporation of its
franchise for it is incapable of receiving a grant. It was
property in trust for the benefit of its stockholders,
not even a corporation de facto. And then, there is no
members, creditors and others in interest, all interest
application subscribed by the new corporation
which the corporation had in the property terminates,
the legal interest vests in the trustees, and the beneficial
- And yet as stated, the new corporation has not filed any interest in the stockholders, members, creditors or other
application for certificate of public convenience in persons in interest.
Sabang, and has not published such application.

Upon the winding up of the corporate affairs,


Cebu Port Labor Union vs. State Marine Co any asset distributable to any creditor or stockholder or
member who is unknown or cannot be found shall be
escheated to the city or municipality where such assets
- Even a cursory reading of the provision would convey are located.
the idea clearly manifested in the limitation but not for
the purpose of continuing the business for which it was
established, that the 3-year period allowed by the law is Except by decrease of capital stock and as
only for the purpose of winding up its affairs. otherwise allowed by this Code, no corporation shall
distribute any of its assets or property except upon
lawful dissolution and after payment of all its debts and
Gonzales vs. Sugar Regulatory Administration liabilities. (77a, 89a, 16a)

- Instead of applying the corporation code, the court However the 3 year period is not absolute
applied the constitutional provision Liquidation may be undertaken in either of the 3 ways

- Cannot be read as permitting to destroy the substantive 1. By the corporation itself through the BOD
rights

- Usual method or procedure of liquidating a corporation


- Such would collide with the non-impairment of and although there is no law authorizing it, neither is
contracts clause of the constitution there anything that prohibits the BOD from undertaking
the same
- Complainants will have the right to follow the assets of
the corporation in the hands of SRA or any other agency - If this method is resorted to, the board will only have a
for that matter period of 3 years to finish its task of liquidation

After dissolution what next? - Claims for or against the corporate entity not filed
within the period will become unenforceable as there
- Liquidation and winding up should follow exist no corporate entity against which they can be
enforced

What is the definition of liquidation and winding up?


- Actions pending for or against the corporation when the
3 year period expires, are abated since after the period,
- Collection of all corporate assets, the payments of all its the corporation ceases for all intents and purposes and
debts and settlement of its obligations and the ultimate is no longer capable of suing or being sued
distribution of the corporate assets, if any of it remains,
to all stockholders in accordance with their
proportionate stockholdings in the corporation or in 2. By a trustee appointed by the corporation
accordance with their respective contracts of
subscription. - The corporation may opt to convey all corporate assets
to a trustees who will take charge of liquidation
Preference upon liquidation
- If this method is used, the three year period limitation
- If there are preferred shares, the preference granted to imposed by section 122 will not apply provided the
such should be complied with designation of the trustee is made within that period

- Preferred shares may give the holder thereof, preference 3. By appointment of a receiver
only in the dividends but also in the distribution of
corporate assets upon liquidation or termination of the
- A receiver may be appointed by the proper forum on
corporate existence. If such is the intent, the contract of
petition or motu proprio upon the dissolution of the
subscription must so indicate lest they are placed on
corporation
equal footing with common shareholders

- Preference may be participating or non-participating - The appointment of a receiver is, however, permissive
rather than mandatory and the law tends to recognize
that in cases of voluntary dissolution there is no
Dissolved corporations are granted a period of 3 years to
occasion for the appointment of a receiver except under
liquidate
special circumstances and upon proper showing

Section 122. Corporate liquidation. - Every


- If a receiver is appointed, the 3 year period fixed by law
corporation whose charter expires by its own limitation
within which to complete the task of liquidation will not
or is annulled by forfeiture or otherwise, or whose
likewise apply because the dissolved corporation is
corporate existence for other purposes is terminated in
substituted by the receiver who may sue or be sued even
any other manner, shall nevertheless be continued as a
after that period
body corporate for three (3) years after the time when it
would have been so dissolved, for the purpose of
prosecuting and defending suits by or against it and o Mere appointment of a receiver without
enabling it to settle and close its affairs, to dispose of anything more does imply in the dissolution
and convey its property and to distribute its assets, but of a corporation
not for the purpose of continuing the business for which
it was established.
Notes on Corporation Law
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GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
68

National Abaca other Fibers Co. vs. Pore Republic vs. Marsman Development Company & Chung
Ka Bio vs. IAC

- Actions pending for or against the corporation when the


3 year period expires, are abated since after that period, - During the three year period granted to a corporation to
the corporation ceases for all intents and purposes and liquidate or wind up its affairs, the BOD is not normally
is no longer capable of suing or being sued permitted to undertake any activity outside the usual
liquidation of the corporation. There is, however, nothing
to prevent the stockholders from conveying their
- May be continued by the trustee provided done within
respective shareholdings toward the creation of a new
the 3 year period
corporation to continue the business of the old. This is
because winding up is the sole activity of the dissolved
- Should the corporation, therefore, finds it difficult to corporation that does not intend to incorporate a new. If
finish its liquidation, it may, at any time during the it does, however, it is not unlawful for the old board of
three year period, convey all its assets and receivables to directors to negotiate and transfer the assets of the
a trustee to prosecute and defend suits by or against the dissolved corporation to the new corporation intended to
corporation begun before the expiration of said period be created as long as the stockholders have given their
consent (Republic vs. Marsman Development Company)
- The effect of the conveyance is to make the trustees the
- Winding up is the sole activity of a dissolved corporation
legal owners of the property conveyed, subject to the
that does not intend to incorporate anew. If it does,
beneficial interest therein of creditors and stockholders
however, it is not unlawful for the old board of directors
to negotiate and transfer the assets of the dissolved
Sumera vs. Valencia corporation to the new corporation intended to be
created as long as the stockholders have given their
consent (Chung Ka Bio vs. IAC)
- Thus it was held that when a corporation is dissolved
and the liquidation of the assets is placed in the hands
of receiver or assignee, the period of 3 years prescribed What happens to the remaining assets and properties of
by law is not applicable and the assignee may institute the dissolved corporation if liquidation and winding up
all actions leading to the liquidation of the corporation as provided in section 122 is not complied with, as a
even after the expiration of 3 years. result of which the 3 year period has elapsed

- If the corporation carries out the liquidation of its assets - If the three year extended life has expired without a
through its own officers and continues and defends the trustee or receiver having been expressly designated by
actions brought by or against it, its existence shall the corporation within that period, the board of
terminate at the end of three years from the time of directors o trustees itself, following the rationale of the
dissolution; but if a receiver or assignee is appointed, Supreme Courts decision in Gelano vs. CA may be
with or without a transfer of its properties within 3 permitted to do so continue as trustees by legal
years, the legal interest passes to the assignee, the implication to complete the liquidation. Still in the
beneficial interest remaining in the members, absence of a BOD or BOT, those having any pecuniary
stockholders, creditors and other interested persons and interest in the assets, including not only the
said assignee may bring an action, prosecute that which shareholders but likewise the creditors of the
has already been commenced for the benefit of the corporation, acting for and in its behalf, might make
corporation, or defend the latter against any other action proper representations with the SEC, which has
already instituted or which may be instituted even primary and sufficiently broad jurisdiction in matters of
outside of the period of three years fixed for the offices this nature, for working out a final settlement of the
of the corporation. corporate concerns (Clemente vs. CA)

Board of Liquidators vs. Kalaw o According to atty. Ladia the ruling of the
Supreme Court in the case of Clemente vs.
CA is wrong, opinion is further discussed
- If there is a trustee, assignee or liquidator, it can
after the Clemente Case
continue prosecuting suit even beyond the 3 year period
fixed by law because he becomes the legal owner of the
rights, assets and properties conveyed to him Clemente vs. CA

Gelano vs. CA - Who owns the properties? SOCIEDAD ANONIMA

- The termination of the life of a juridical entity does not


- Trustee as used in the corporation statute must be
by itself cause the extinction or diminution of the rights
understood in its general concept which could include
and liabilities of such entity or those of its owners and
the counsel to whom was entrusted in the instant case,
creditors. If the three year extended life has expired
the prosecution of the suit filed by the corporation. The
without a trustee or receiver having been expressly
purpose in the transfer of the assets of the corporation
designated by the corporation within that period, the
to a trustee upon its dissolution is more for the
board of directors o trustees itself, following the
protection of its creditors and stockholders. Debtors like
rationale of the Supreme Courts decision in Gelano vs.
the petitioners herein may not take advantage of the
CA may be permitted to do so continue as trustees by
failure of the corporation to transfer its assets to a
legal implication to complete the liquidation. Still in the
trustee, assuming it has any to transfer which petitioner
absence of a BOD or BOT, those having any pecuniary
has failed to show, in the first place. To sustain
interest in the assets, including not only the
petitioners contention would be to allow them to enrich
shareholders but likewise the creditors of the
themselves at the expense of another, which all
corporation, acting for and in its behalf, might make
enlightened legal systems condemn.
proper representations with the SEC, which has
primary and sufficiently broad jurisdiction in matters of
- The counsel who prosecuted and defended the interest
this nature, for working out a final settlement of the
of the corporation may be considered as a trustee at
corporate concerns
least with respect to the matter in litigation only

o the ruling is wrong according to atty. Ladia


May a corporation that is already dissolved, transfer and
assign its assets and properties to a new corporation
which will continue the business of the dissolved one? According to atty Ladia: What happens to a corporation
that is already dissolved, that has not been able to
appoint a trustee with in the 3 year period?
- Yes, provided all the stockholders gave their consent
(Chung Ka Bio vs. IAC)

Notes on Corporation Law


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GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
69

- a corporation dissolved which failed to exercise its rights - The test is the incorporation test
granted in section 122 after the 3 year period has
elapsed, ceases to exist for all intents and purposes, it
- General rule: the place of its incorporation irrespective
can no longer sue or be sued
of the nationality

- according to 122 of the code, the property should be


escheated, accordingly: - Exception: control test would apply in determining the
corporate nationality, i.e., the citizenship of the
controlling stockholders determines the nationality of
Section 122. Corporate liquidation. - Every the corporation
corporation whose charter expires by its own limitation
or is annulled by forfeiture or otherwise, or whose
corporate existence for other purposes is terminated in If a foreign corporation wants to transact business in
any other manner, shall nevertheless be continued as a the Philippines, what must it do?
body corporate for three (3) years after the time when it
would have been so dissolved, for the purpose of - Obtain a license
prosecuting and defending suits by or against it and
enabling it to settle and close its affairs, to dispose of
and convey its property and to distribute its assets, but How may it do so?
not for the purpose of continuing the business for which
it was established.
- According to sec. 125:

At any time during said three (3) years, the


Section 125. Application for a license. - A
corporation is authorized and empowered to convey all
foreign corporation applying for a license to transact
of its property to trustees for the benefit of stockholders,
business in the Philippines shall submit to the
members, creditors, and other persons in interest. From
Securities and Exchange Commission a copy of its
and after any such conveyance by the corporation of its
articles of incorporation and by-laws, certified in
property in trust for the benefit of its stockholders,
accordance with law, and their translation to an official
members, creditors and others in interest, all interest
language of the Philippines, if necessary. The application
which the corporation had in the property terminates,
shall be under oath and, unless already stated in its
the legal interest vests in the trustees, and the beneficial
articles of incorporation, shall specifically set forth the
interest in the stockholders, members, creditors or other
following:
persons in interest.

1. The date and term of incorporation;


Upon the winding up of the corporate affairs,
any asset distributable to any creditor or
stockholder or member who is unknown or cannot be 2. The address, including the street number, of the
found shall be escheated to the city or municipality principal office of the corporation in the country or state
of incorporation;
where such assets are located.

3. The name and address of its resident agent


Except by decrease of capital stock and as
authorized to accept summons and process in all legal
otherwise allowed by this Code, no corporation shall
proceedings and, pending the establishment of a local
distribute any of its assets or property except upon
office, all notices affecting the corporation;
lawful dissolution and after payment of all its debts and
liabilities. (77a, 89a, 16a)
4. The place in the Philippines where the corporation
intends to operate;
FOREIGN CORPORATIONS

5. The specific purpose or purposes which the


Definition
corporation intends to pursue in the transaction of its
business in the Philippines: Provided, That said purpose
- Section 123. Definition and rights of foreign or purposes are those specifically stated in the
corporations. - For the purposes of this Code, a foreign certificate of authority issued by the appropriate
corporation is one formed, organized or existing under government agency;
any laws other than those of the Philippines and whose
laws allow Filipino citizens and corporations to do 6. The names and addresses of the present directors
business in its own country or state. It shall have the and officers of the corporation;
right to transact business in the Philippines after it
shall have obtained a license to transact business in
this country in accordance with this Code and a 7. A statement of its authorized capital stock and the
certificate of authority from the appropriate government aggregate number of shares which the corporation has
agency. (n) authority to issue, itemized by classes, par value of
shares, shares without par value, and series, if any;

What if the law of the state of the foreign corporation


does not allow Filipino citizens to do business in their 8. A statement of its outstanding capital stock and the
country? aggregate number of shares which the corporation has
issued, itemized by classes, par value of shares, shares
without par value, and series, if any;
- The phrase and whose laws allow Filipino citizens and
corporations to do business in its own country or state
is not, however, an accurate inclusion in the definition 9. A statement of the amount actually paid in; and
as ay corporation registered or organized under the laws
of another state is necessarily a foreign corporation 10. Such additional information as may be necessary or
whether or not the state of its incorporation allow appropriate in order to enable the Securities and
Filipino citizens or corporations to do business in that Exchange Commission to determine whether such
forum. corporation is entitled to a license to transact business
in the Philippines, and to determine and assess the fees
- The said phrase was inserted by the framers of the law payable.
only as a condition precedent to the grant of a license of
a foreign corporation to do business in the Philippines. Attached to the application for license shall
be a duly executed certificate under oath by the
Composed of 100% Americans; organized under the laws authorized official or officials of the jurisdiction of its
other than the Philippines incorporation, attesting to the fact that the laws of the
country or state of the applicant allow Filipino citizens
Notes on Corporation Law
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GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
70

and corporations to do business therein, and that the additional securities equivalent in actual market value
applicant is an existing corporation in good standing. If to two (2%) percent of the amount by which the
such certificate is in a foreign language, a translation licensee's gross income for that fiscal year exceeds five
thereof in English under oath of the translator shall be million (P5,000,000.00) pesos. The Securities and
attached thereto. Exchange Commission shall also require deposit of
additional securities if the actual market value of the
securities on deposit has decreased by at least ten (10%)
The application for a license to transact
percent of their actual market value at the time they
business in the Philippines shall likewise be
were deposited. The Securities and Exchange
accompanied by a statement under oath of the president
Commission may at its discretion release part of the
or any other person authorized by the corporation,
additional securities deposited with it if the gross
showing to the satisfaction of the Securities and
income of the licensee has decreased, or if the actual
Exchange Commission and other governmental agency
market value of the total securities on deposit has
in the proper cases that the applicant is solvent and in
increased, by more than ten (10%) percent of the actual
sound financial condition, and setting forth the assets
market value of the securities at the time they were
and liabilities of the corporation as of the date not
deposited. The Securities and Exchange Commission
exceeding one (1) year immediately prior to the filing of
may, from time to time, allow the licensee to substitute
the application.
other securities for those already on deposit as long as
the licensee is solvent. Such licensee shall be entitled to
Foreign banking, financial and insurance collect the interest or dividends on the securities
corporations shall, in addition to the above deposited. In the event the licensee ceases to do
requirements, comply with the provisions of existing business in the Philippines, the securities deposited as
laws applicable to them. In the case of all other foreign aforesaid shall be returned, upon the licensee's
corporations, no application for license to transact application therefor and upon proof to the satisfaction of
business in the Philippines shall be accepted by the the Securities and Exchange Commission that the
Securities and Exchange Commission without previous licensee has no liability to Philippine residents,
authority from the appropriate government agency, including the Government of the Republic of the
whenever required by law. (68a) Philippines. (n)

Is there any deposit or security requirement? Other than section 125 and 126. What other
requirements are set under Philippine Law before a
foreign corporation may transact business in the
- Yes, within 60 days after the issuance of the license, a
Philippines
foreign corporation, except those engaged in foreign
banking or insurance, shall deposit with the SEC, for
the benefit of creditors, securities consisting of bonds or - Yes. A Resident agent is required. As a condition
other evidence of indebtedness of the Philippine precedent to the grant of a license to do or transact
government or its political subdivision, or of government business in the Philippines, the foreign corporation is
owned or controlled corporation, shares of stock in required to designate its resident agent on whom
registered enterprises as this term is defined in R.A. summons and other legal processes may be served in all
5186, shares of stock in domestic insurance companies actions or legal proceedings against such corporation
and banks or any combination thereof with an actual
market value of 100,000
- Section 128 provides:

- Additional securities may be required by the SEC if the


Section 128. Resident agent; service of
actual market value of the securities on deposit has
process. - The Securities and Exchange Commission
decreased by at least 10%. Section 126 of the code
shall require as a condition precedent to the issuance of
provides:
the license to transact business in the Philippines by
any foreign corporation that such corporation file with
Section 126. Issuance of a license. - If the the Securities and Exchange Commission a written
Securities and Exchange Commission is satisfied that power of attorney designating some person who must be
the applicant has complied with all the requirements of a resident of the Philippines, on whom any summons
this Code and other special laws, rules and regulations, and other legal processes may be served in all actions or
the Commission shall issue a license to the applicant to other legal proceedings against such corporation, and
transact business in the Philippines for the purpose or consenting that service upon such resident agent shall
purposes specified in such license. Upon issuance of the be admitted and held as valid as if served upon the duly
license, such foreign corporation may commence to authorized officers of the foreign corporation at its home
transact business in the Philippines and continue to do office. Any such foreign corporation shall likewise
so for as long as it retains its authority to act as a execute and file with the Securities and Exchange
corporation under the laws of the country or state of its Commission an agreement or stipulation, executed by
incorporation, unless such license is sooner the proper authorities of said corporation, in form and
surrendered, revoked, suspended or annulled in substance as follows:
accordance with this Code or other special laws.

"The (name of foreign corporation) does


Within sixty (60) days after the issuance of hereby stipulate and agree, in consideration of its being
the license to transact business in the Philippines, the granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission a
license, except foreign banking or insurance license to transact business in the Philippines, that if at
corporation, shall deposit with the Securities and any time said corporation shall cease to transact
Exchange Commission for the benefit of present and business in the Philippines, or shall be without any
future creditors of the licensee in the Philippines, resident agent in the Philippines on whom any
securities satisfactory to the Securities and Exchange summons or other legal processes may be served, then
Commission, consisting of bonds or other evidence of in any action or proceeding arising out of any business
indebtedness of the Government of the Philippines, its or transaction which occurred in the Philippines, service
political subdivisions and instrumentalities, or of of any summons or other legal process may be made
government-owned or controlled corporations and upon the Securities and Exchange Commission and that
entities, shares of stock in "registered enterprises" as such service shall have the same force and effect as if
this term is defined in Republic Act No. 5186, shares of made upon the duly-authorized officers of the
stock in domestic corporations registered in the stock corporation at its home office."
exchange, or shares of stock in domestic insurance
companies and banks, or any combination of these
Whenever such service of summons or other
kinds of securities, with an actual market value of at
process shall be made upon the Securities and
least one hundred thousand (P100,000.) pesos;
Exchange Commission, the Commission shall, within
Provided, however, That within six (6) months after each
ten (10) days thereafter, transmit by mail a copy of such
fiscal year of the licensee, the Securities and Exchange
summons or other legal process to the corporation at its
Commission shall require the licensee to deposit
home or principal office. The sending of such copy by
Notes on Corporation Law
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GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
71

the Commission shall be necessary part of and shall - if they do so, the responsible officers may be subjected
complete such service. All expenses incurred by the to the penal sanctions provided for in section 144 of the
Commission for such service shall be paid in advance by code, which may either be fine or imprisonment
the party at whose instance the service is made.

What if it is not doing business without a license?


In case of a change of address of the resident
agent, it shall be his or its duty to immediately notify in
- If it is not transacting business in the Philippines, even
writing the Securities and Exchange Commission of the
without a license, it can sue before the Philippine
new address. (72a; and n)
Courts

- The necessity of the appointment of a resident agent is


The general rule is that it is not the lack of required
only for the purpose of receiving summons and other
license but doing business without a license which bars
legal processes in any legal action or proceeding against
a foreign corporation form access to our courts.
the foreign corporation

Exception:
Who may be appointed as a resident agent?

1. Foreign corporations can sue before the Philippine


- Section 127 provides that:
Courts if the act or transaction involved is an
isolated transaction or the corporation is not
Section 127. Who may be a resident agent. - seeking to enforce any legal or contractual rights
A resident agent may be either an individual residing in arising from, or growing out of, any business which
the Philippines or a domestic corporation lawfully it has transacted in the Philippines
transacting business in the Philippines: Provided, That
in the case of an individual, he must be of good moral
2. Neither is a license required before a foreign
character and of sound financial standing. (n)
corporation may sue before the forum if the
purpose of the suit is to protect its trademark,
May a partnership be appointed as a resident agent? trade name, corporate name, reputation or
goodwill;

- Yes, domestic corporation taken in its general sense not


legal sense 3. Or where it is based on a violation of the Revised
Penal Code;

If there is a resident agent appointed. May summons be


served to any officers of the corporation? 4. Or merely defending a suit filed against it

- No, if there is a resident agent, the designation is 5. Or where a party is stopped to challenge the
exclusive and service must be made only to the resident personality of the corporation by entering into a
agent or else the service is without force and effect contract with it.
unless made to him
Rules laid down by the SC
- Thus, while the law allows service upon the SEC or any
of its officers or agents within the Philippines

A. As to whether or B. As to whether or
- The two modes may become effective only if the foreign
not it can sue not it can be sued
corporation failed or neglected to designate such a
person or an agent
A foreign corporation A foreign corporation
transacting or doing transacting business in the
- Summons must be made only to resident agent except
business in the Philippines Philippines with the requisite
when there is no resident agent appointed
with a license can sue before license can be sued in the
Philippine Courts Philippine Courts
- Where such foreign corporation actually doing business
here has not applied for a license to do and has not
Subject to certain A foreign corporation
designated an agent to receive summons, then service of
exceptions, a foreign transacting business in the
summons on it will be made pursuant to the provisions
corporation doing business Philippines without a license
of the rules of court. If such foreign corporation has a
in the country without a can be sued in Philippine
license to do business, then summons to it will be
license cannot sue in Courts
served on the agent designated by it for the purpose, or
Philippine Courts
otherwise in accordance with the Corporation Law
(General Corporation of the Philippines vs. Union
Insurance Soc. Of Canton Ltd.) If it is not transacting if it is not doing business in
business in the Philippines, the Philippines, it cannot be
even without a license, it can sued in Philippine Courts for
If the foreign corporation conducts business in the
sue before the Philippine lack of jurisdiction
Philippines without the license requirement. What is the
Courts
effect?
A foreign corporation not doing business in the
Philippines, may it be sued?
- Section 133 provides:

- If it is not transacting business in the country it cannot


Section 133. Doing business without a be sued for lack of jurisdiction
license. - No foreign corporation transacting business in
the Philippines without a license, or its successors or
Is there any sanction that can be enforced to foreign
assigns, shall be permitted to maintain or intervene in
corporations which are doing business without the
any action, suit or proceeding in any court or
required license?
administrative agency of the Philippines; but such
corporation may be sued or proceeded against before
Philippine courts or administrative tribunals on any - Penal sanctions under section 144
valid cause of action recognized under Philippine laws.
(69a)
- Any violation of the code is subject to such penal
sanctions

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GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
72

What would constitute doing business? transaction, isolated or otherwise, but due to a mistaken
belief that they were part of the shipment of forty similar
bundles consigned to persons or entities in the
- The true test, however, seems to be whether the foreign
Philippines, there is no justification therefore, for
corporation is continuing the body or substance of the
invoking the section
business or enterprise for which it was organized or
whether it has substantially retired from it and turned it
over to another. The term implies a continuity of There were 3 contracts entered into, how come they
commercial dealings and arrangements, and were still not considered as doing business? (Antam
contemplates, to that extent, the performance of acts or Consolidted, Inc. vs. CA)
works or the exercise of some of the functions normally
incident to, and in progressive prosecution of, the
- Every case shall be judged in the light of its peculiar
purpose and object of its organization (Mentholatum Co.
circumstances, where a single act or transaction
Inc. vs. Mangaliman)
however, is not merely incidental or casual but indicates
the foreign corporations intention to do other business
Mentholatum vs. Mangaliman in the Philippines, said single act or transaction
constitutes doing or engaging in or transacting
business in the Philippines
- The true test, however, seems to be whether the foreign
corporation is continuing the body or substance of the
business or enterprise for which it was organized or - In the case at bar, the transaction entered into by the
whether it has substantially retired from it and turned it respondent with the petitioners are not a series of
over to another. The term implies a continuity of commercial dealings which signify an intent on the part
commercial dealings and arrangements, and of the respondent to do business in the Philippines but
contemplates, to that extent, the performance of acts or constitute an isolated one which does not fall under the
works or the exercise of some of the functions normally category of doing business.
incident to, and in progressive prosecution of, the
purpose and object of its organization - The records show that the only reason why the
respondent entered into the second and third
- Whatever transaction the Philippine-American Drug Co. transactions with the petitioner was because it wanted
had executed in view of the law, the Mentholatum Co. to recover the loss it sustained from the failure of the
did it itself. And the Mentholatum Co. being a foreign petitioners to deliver the crude coconut oil under the
corporation doing business in the Philippines without first transaction and in order to give the latter a chance
the license required by section 68 of the Corporation to make good on their obligation. From these facts
Law, it may not prosecute this action for violation of alone, it can be deducted that in reality there was only
trade mark and unfair competition one agreement between the petitioners and the
respondent.

Why is foreign corporations barred access from our


courts if they do business without a license? - The three seemingly different transactions were entered
into by the parties only in an effort to fulfill the basic
agreement and in no way indicate an intent on the part
- Marshall-Wells Co. vs. Henry W. Elser and Co. of the respondent to engage in a continuity of
transactions with petitioners which will categorize it as
Marshall-Wells Co. vs. Henry W. Elser and Co. a foreign corporation doing business in the Philippines

- The object of the statute was to subject the foreign - 3 contracts, but according to the court was not doing
corporation doing business in the Philippines to the business in the Philippines
jurisdiction of its courts. The object of the statute was
not to prevent the foreign corporation from performing Far East Intl import vs. Nankai Kogyo Co. Ltd.
single acts, but to prevent it from acquiring a domicile
for the purpose of business without taking the steps
necessary to render it amenable to suit in local courts. - Only one contract , but according to the Supreme Court
was doing business in the Philippines

Bulakhidas vs. Navarro


- Every case shall be judged in the light of its peculiar
circumstances, where a single act or transaction
- It is settled that if a foreign corporation is not engaged in however, is not merely incidental or casual but indicates
business in the Philippines, it may not be denied the the foreign corporations intention to do other business
right to file an action in Philippine courts for isolated in the Philippines, said single act or transaction
transactions constitutes doing or engaging in or transacting
business in the Philippines
- The object of section 68 and 69 of the Corporation law
was not to prevent the foreign corporation from - In the instant case, the testimony of Atty. Pablo
performing single acts, but to prevent it from acquiring Ocampo, that appellant was doing business in the
a domicile for the purpose of business without taking Philippines corroborated by no less than Nabuo Toshida,
the steps necessary to render it amenable to suit in the one of appellants officers, that he was sent to the
local courts. It was never the purpose of the Legislature Philippines to look into the operation of mines, thereby
to exclude a foreign corporation which happens to revealing the defendants desire to continue engaging in
obtain an isolated order for business from the business here, after receiving the shipment of the scrap
Philippines, from securing redress in the Philippine iron under consideration, making the Philippines a base
courts thereof.

- In such a case, the single act of transaction is not


The Swedish East Asia Co., Ltd. Vs. Manila Port Service
merely incidental or casual, but is of such character as
distinctly to indicate a purpose on the part of the
- It must stated that the section is not applicable to a operations for the conduct of a part of corporations
foreign corporation performing single acts or isolated ordinary business
transactions. There is nothing to show that the
petitioner has been in the Philippines engaged in
If a corporation appoints a distributor or a
continuing business or enterprise for which it was
representative, will it necessarily imply doing business
organized, when the sixteen bundles were erroneously
in the country?
discharged in manila, for it to be considered as
transacting business in the Philippines. The fact is that
the bundles, the value of which is sought to be
recovered, were landed not as a result of a business
Notes on Corporation Law
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GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
73

- If the foreign corporation maintained an independent competition, or false designation of origin and false
status during the existence of the disputed contract. description, whether or not it has been licensed to do
business in the Philippines under Act Numbered
- Appointment of a distributor or representative in the Fourteen hundred and fifty-nine, as amended, otherwise
Philippines, unless it has an independent status known as Corporation Law, at the time it brings
(transacts and does business in its own name and for its complaint.
account and not of the foreign corporation)

Puma Sporschufabriken Rudolf Dassler, K.G. vs. IAC


- if that be the case the mere appointment of a distributor
and MIL-ORO MFG. Corp.
will not constitute doing business

- Treaties for part of the law of the land


How do you know if it has an independent status?

- Quoting the Paris Convention and the case of Vanity


- Communications Materials and Design vs. CA Fair Mills Inc. vs. T. Eaton Co. this court further said:

Communications Materials and Design vs. CA By the same token, the petitioner should be
given the same treatment in the Philippines
as we make available to our own citizens. We
- A perusal of the agreements between petitioner ASPAC
are obliged to assure to nationals of countries
and the respondents show that there are provisions
of the Union an effective protection against
which are highly restrictive in nature, such as to reduce
unfair competition on the same way that they
petitioner ASPAC to a mere extension or instrument of
are obligated to similarly protect Filipino
the private respondents
Citizen and firms

- ITEC was doing business without a license, however


ASPAC is estopped - The ruling in the aforecited case is in consonance with
the Convention of the Union of Paris for the protection of
- by entering into the Representative Agreement with Industrial Property to which the Philippines became a
ITEC, petitioner is charge with knowledge that ITEC party. Article 8 thereof provides that a trade name shall
was not licensed to engage in business activities in the be protected in all the countries of the Union without
country, and is thus stopped from raising in defense the obligation of filing or registration, whether or not it
such incapacity of ITEC, having chosen to ignore or even forms part of the trademark
presumptively take advantage of the same
Le Chemiste Lacoste vs. Fernandez
- In top-weld we ruled that a foreign corporation may be
exempted from the license requirements in order to
institute an action in our courts if its representative in - The French company may gain access to our courts, in
the country maintained an independent status during the first place it was not doing business in the
the existence of the disputed contract. Petitioner is Philippines
deemed to have acceded to such independent character
when it entered into the Representative Agreement with - The marketing of its products in the Philippines is done
ITEC through an exclusive distributor, Rustan Commercial
Corporation. The latter is an independent entity which
buys and then markets not only products of the
Western Equipment and Supply Co. vs. Reyes petitioner but also many other products bearing equally
well-known and established trademarks and trade-
- The company is not here seeking to enforce any legal or names
contract rights arising from, or growing out of any
business which it has transacted in the Philippine Assuming Rustans had no independent status would
Islands. The sole purpose of the action is to protect its the SC grant Lacoste access to our courts?
reputation, its corporate name, its goodwill, whenever
that reputation, corporate name or goodwill have
through the natural development of its trade, - Even if Lacoste did business in the Philippines it can
established themselves bring action because the case involves a violation of our
penal code
- And it contends that its rights to the use of its corporate
and trade name, is a property right, a right in rem, - Such was a violation of article 189 of the RPC, if
which may assert and protect against all the world, in prosecution follows after the completion of the
any of the courts of the world even in jurisdictions preliminary investigation being conducted by the Special
where it does not transact business just the same as it Prosecutor the information shall be in the name of the
may protect its tangible property, real or personal, People of the Philippines and no longer the petitioner
against trespass, or conversion which is only an aggrieved party since a criminal offense
is essentially an act against the State. It is the latter
- Since it is the trade and not the mark that is to be which is principally the injured party although there is
protected a trademark acknowledges no territorial a private right violated
boundaries or municipalities or states or nations, but
extends to every market where the traders goods have - The records show that the goodwill and reputation of
become known and identified by the use of the mark the petitioners products bearing the trademark Lacoste
date back even before 1964 when Lacoste clothing
apparels were forst marketed in the Philippines. To allow
General Garments Corporation vs. Director of Patents Hemandas to continue using the trademark Lacoste for
the simple reason that he was the first registrant in the
- A foreign corporation which has never done business in Supplemental Register of a trademark used in
the Philippine Islands and which is unlicensed and international commerce and not belonging to him is to
unregistered to do business here, but is widely and render nugatory the very essence of the law on
favorably known in the Islands through the use therein trademarks and trade names
of its products bearing its corporate and trade name has
a legal right to maintain an action in the Islands Atlantic Mutual Insurance Co. vs. Cebu Stevedoring Co.

- Mentholatum case was subsequently derogated when


Congress, purposely to counteract the effects of said - The law denies to a foreign corporation the right to
case, enacted R.A. 638, inserting Section 21-A in the maintain suit unless it has previously complied with a
Trademark Law, which allows a foreign corporation or certain requirement, then such compliance, or the fact
juristic person to bring an action in Philippine Courts that the suing corporation is exempt there from,
for infringement of a mark or trade-name, for unfair becomes a necessary averment in the complaint
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GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
74

- These are matters peculiarly within the knowledge of Securities and Exchange Commission upon any of the
appellants alone, and it would be unfair to impose upon following grounds:
appellee the burden of asserting and proving the
contrary. It is enough that foreign corporations are
1. Failure to file its annual report or pay any fees as
allowed by law to seek redress in our courts under
required by this Code;
certain conditions: the interpretation of the law should
not go so far as to include, in effect, an inference than
those conditions have been met from the mere fact that 2. Failure to appoint and maintain a resident agent in
the party suing is a foreign corporation the Philippines as required by this Title;

Olympia Business Machines Co. vs. E. Razon 3. Failure, after change of its resident agent or of his
address, to submit to the Securities and Exchange
Commission a statement of such change as required by
- How do you distinguish this case with Atlantic? this Title;

- In Atlantic it dismissed the case, while in Olympia it did


not 4. Failure to submit to the Securities and Exchange
Commission an authenticated copy of any amendment
to its articles of incorporation or by-laws or of any
Time Inc. vs. Reyes articles of merger or consolidation within the time
prescribed by this Title;
- We fail to see how these doctrines can be a propos in the
case at bar, since the petitioner is not maintaining any 5. A misrepresentation of any material matter in any
suit but is merely defending one against itself; it did not application, report, affidavit or other document
file any complaint but only a corollary defensive petition submitted by such corporation pursuant to this Title;
to prohibit the lower court from further proceeding with
a suit that it had no jurisdiction to entertain
6. Failure to pay any and all taxes, imposts,
assessments or penalties, if any, lawfully due to the
What law govern foreign corporation doing and Philippine Government or any of its agencies or political
transacting business in the Philippines with a license subdivisions;

- Laws of the Republic of the Philippines save and except 7. Transacting business in the Philippines outside of the
that would normally be those matters which concern its purpose or purposes for which such corporation is
formation, organization or dissolution, or those fixing authorized under its license;
the relationship, liabilities, responsibilities, or duties of
the stockholders, members or officers of the foreign
8. Transacting business in the Philippines as agent of or
corporation or their relations to each other.
acting for and in behalf of any foreign corporation or
entity not duly licensed to do business in the
- In effect, intra-corporate or internal matters not
Philippines; or
affecting creditors or the public in general are governed
not by Philippine laws but the law under which the
foreign corporation was formed or organized 9. Any other ground as would render it unfit to transact
business in the Philippines. (n)

Section 129. Law applicable. - Any foreign


corporation lawfully doing business in the Philippines SEC does not have the sole authority to suspend or
shall be bound by all laws, rules and regulations revoke the license of a foreign corporation doing
applicable to domestic corporations of the same class, business in the Philippines, other government agencies
except such only as provide for the creation, formation, like the Central Bank , the Insurance Commission may
organization or dissolution of corporations or those also do so within their respective dominion, despite the
which fix the relations, liabilities, responsibilities, or provision of section 134
duties of stockholders, members, or officers of If the SEC believes that revocation is warranted, section
corporations to each other or to the corporation. (73a) 135 provides that:

Will the pre-emptive rights of a foreign corporation be Section 135. Issuance of certificate of
governed by the same section of the code? Is the pre- revocation. - Upon the revocation of any such license to
emptive rights of a stockholder in a domestic transact business in the Philippines, the Securities and
corporation same as the pre-emptive of a stockholder of Exchange Commission shall issue a corresponding
a foreign corporation. certificate of revocation, furnishing a copy thereof to the
appropriate government agency in the proper cases.
- No
The Securities and Exchange Commission
shall also mail to the corporation at its registered office
M.E. Grey vs. Insular Lumber Company
in the Philippines a notice of such revocation
accompanied by a copy of the certificate of revocation.
- PNB vs. Gonzales, will this apply to a foreign (n)
corporation? How do you distinguish this case from a
Philippine law?
Voluntary withdrawal of license

- Since it concerns the rights of stockholders it is the law


of New York that should govern - All 3 conditions must be complied with

Is the license to do business of a foreign corporation Section 136. Withdrawal of foreign


subject to suspension or revocation? What are the corporations. - Subject to existing laws and regulations,
grounds? a foreign corporation licensed to transact business in
the Philippines may be allowed to withdraw from the
Philippines by filing a petition for withdrawal of license.
- Section 134 provides:
No certificate of withdrawal shall be issued by the
Securities and Exchange Commission unless all the
Section 134. Revocation of license. - Without following requirements are met;
prejudice to other grounds provided by special laws, the
license of a foreign corporation to transact business in 1. All claims which have accrued in the Philippines have
the Philippines may be revoked or suspended by the been paid, compromised or settled;

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2. All taxes, imposts, assessments, and penalties, if any, - Jurisdiction lies originally and exclusively to special
lawfully due to the Philippine Government or any of its commercial courts and not in the NLRC
agencies or political subdivisions have been paid; and - SEC has jurisdiction over cases of removal from
employment of corporate officers
3. The petition for withdrawal of license has been - The relationship of a person to a corporation, whether
published once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in as officer or as agent or employee or not determined by
a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines. the nature of the servides performed, but by the
incidents of the relationship on they actually exist
- Corporate officers dismissal is always a corporate act or
intra-corporate controversy
Midland construction vs. Movilla
P.D. 902-A
- NLRC will be possessed of jurisdiction exception will not
apply to mere recovery
P.D. 902-A was amended by R.A. 8799 or the
Main consideration
SECURITIES REGULATION CODE in the year 2000 - Asserts his right to the office or questions the propriety
The jurisdiction of SEC for cases falling under section 5
or validity of his ouster or removal, it will be the special
thereof was transferred to the courts of general commercial courts and not the NLRC
jurisdiction designated by the SC, they were called Securities Regulation Code
special commercial courts, the only exceptions were - Transferred jurisdiction of the SEC to Special
revocation of corporate franchise and calling of elections Commercial Courts
However the SEC retained receivership or suspension - Suspension of payment, appointment of management
payments within June 20,2000 receivership
Jurisdiction of special commercial courts are exclusive What is the reason for suspension of all claims?
and original, jurisdiction is conferred by law; 1 Special - The reason for suspending actions for claims against the
Commercial Court per region except MAKATI and corporation is not really to enable the management
QUEZON CITY which has two committee or the rehabilitation receiver to substitute the
Devices or Schemes defendant in any pending action against it before any
- Pyramid scheme (misrepresentation)-Special court, tribunal or body. The real justification is to enable
Commercial Courts the management committee or rehabilitation receiver to
- Syndicated estafa- not bailable effectively exercise his powers free from any Judicial or
Alleje case
extra-judicial interference that might unduly hinder or
- Falls squarely under sec. 5 (a) Special Commercial
prevent the rescue of the debtor company. To allow
Courts
such other actions to continue would only add to the
- Allegation corporate officers employing schemes in
burden of the management committee pr rehabilitation
diverting
- Not only detrimental to corporation, but general receiver, whose time, effort and resources would be
membership wasted in defending claims against the corporation
- Fraud must be stated with particularity instead of being directed towards restructuring and
Abad vs. CFI of Pangasinan rehabilitation.(PAL vs. Spouses Sadic and Kurangking)
- Fraud must be stated with particularity otherwise it - To enable the receiver to effectively exercise his or her
may be filed to any court power free form any judicial or extra-judicial that may
Intra-corporate disturb
- Exclusive and original jurisdiction of special commercial 3 types of suspension of payments
courts 1. Simple suspension of payments
- Sole criteria is there must be an intra-corporate - where deferment of payment of claims against a distress
relationship company; ask the court to be given time to the payment
- Pertaining to a controversy (speaks also of intra- of liability by postponing the payment
partnership controversy, that partnership must be - When it has sufficient assets and liabilities but forces
registered with the SEC) the impossibility of meeting them when they respectively
Rule now fall due
1. Necessarily be an intra-corporate relationship; and, 2. Suspension of receiver with a management committee
2. The controversy must arise out of said relationship with a rehabilitation play or suspension of payments
Intra-corporate relationship alone will not suffice to put accompanied by a proposal for rehabilitation (with or
it in the ambit of special commercial courts and courts without rehabilitation)
of general jurisdiction may take cognizance - corporation has sufficient assets to cover its liabilities,
Case of a transferee of shares of stock to compel the but sees the possibility; is or without rehabilitation
corporation to recognize him as a stockholder plans; normally would attach the rehabilitation plan
How can it be intra-corporate when he is not yet fully - For purpose of economic development
paid 3. Suspension of payments when the corporation has no
- When the transferee has done all he can be required to sufficient assets to its liabilities
do to render the transfer effectual and the corporation May it still be revived?
refuses to register the transfer, the requirement of the - Yes, it may still be revived
registration is waived and the transferee is considered How can a corporation with more liabilities than assets
technically a stockholder who may sue to enforce the continue its operations profitably?
right to have the transfer registered - Even if the distressed company has no sufficient assets
Florendo vs. rivera, Embassy Farms and liabilities it can go for suspension
- The transferor withheld the delivery, they are not yet - It asked for a management committee without a receiver
prima facie; it will not be considered intra-corporate plan (Victorius Milling case)
Controversies in the appointment (asked in the bar) Convert their claims into equity
- Cases involving election, appointment and removal - Their liability was almost wiped out they became
In Andaya the court said that a corporate officer elected stockholders instead of creditors
or appointed by the BOD is always a corporate act - After 5 years those who converted sold it back to the
- The fact that petitioner sought payment of his back corporation, thereby making profits
wages, other benefits as well as moral and exemplary Amendment is for the economic development of the
damages and attorneys fees in his complaint will not country
operate to prevent the SEC from exercising its What if walang amendment, e mas maraming liabilities

jurisdiction under P.D. 902-A. The jurisdiction will not kesa assets
Suspension order- all actions for claims against the
wrest on the NLRC just because of that
corporation are accordingly suspended at whatever
Tabang vs. NLRC
stage the proceedings maybe

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GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
76

Effect of suspension- you cannot foreclose Service of summons- rule 2 section 5


What are claims? - Summons may be made to anyone
- Debts or demands of pecuniary nature. Assertion of a In case of intra-corporate dispute, elections, fraud, etc;
right to have money paid if they are governed by interim rules of procedure on
- Claims against the corporation shall be suspended, intra-corporate controversies
assertion of a right to have money paid; it must present Venue
a monetary claim, liquidated or unliquidated - Special commercial courts where principal office is
Nullification of corporations does not present a located/established (section 5 rule 1)
monetary claim of pecuniary nature - Matters of payment/suspension must be filed in the
Union vs. CA city/ municipality where corporation is located
- It does not allow a mere individual to file the petition Under old rule, creditors have no right to institute an
which is limited to corporations partnership or action for receivership; now creditors, if they sold 20%
associations. they can institute an action for receivership
- Where no authority is granted to hear petitions of Section 5
individuals for suspension of payments, such petition - Service of summons may be made by fax/e-mail
are beyond the competence of the SEC E.B. Villarosa vs. Benito
What happens if there is a suspension order? - Will apply only if it is not an intra-corporate controversy
Explain the key phrase quality is equity If the controversy arose out of an intra-corporate
- All creditors stand on equal footing, secure or unsecure, dispute rules on interim rules of procedure of intra-
holding or lien or without a lien, no creditor may enforce corporate controversies shall govern
his lien while rehabilitation is going (Alemar case) Rule 4 section 17- immunity from suit
- No preference shall be given Rehabilitation receiver shall not subject to any action,
RCBC vs. IAC claim or demand in connection with any act done
- Decided on motion for reconsideration omitted by him in good faith in the exercise of his
- It court 7 years to decide authentication functions and powers herein conferred
Rule of the thumb Claim
- Automatic suspension even if not decreed in the - Right to payment, whether or not it is reduced to
decision itself judgment, liquidated or unliquidated, fixed or
- Once lifted the preferred creditors will regain their contingent, matured or unmatured, disputed or
preference undisputed, legal or equitable and secured or unsecured
Appointment of a management committee Investment contracts
- Take over the management committee of the distressed - A contract, transaction or scheme whereby a person
corporation invests his money in a common enterprise and is led to
- Extraordinary and drastic remedy
expect profits primarily from the effects of others
- Without any remedy
The management committee and rehabilitation receiver
What is an intra-corporate controversy?
are empowered to:
- Section 5(B)
1. Take custody and control of all assets of the corporation
- Sole criteria is whether there exists an intra-corporate
2. Evaluate assets and liabilities, earnings operations of
dispute is that if there is an intra-corporate relationship
the corporation
Why is there suspension of all actions against claims
3. Determine the best way to protect the investors and
when a receiver is appointed?
creditors
- To enable the management committee to exercise its
4. Study, review evaluate the feasibility of continuing
powers
operation and structures
Sy Chim vs. Sy Siy Ho (before a management committee 5. Submit recommendations to the RTC regarding
may be opt by a court) rehabilitation plan
- 2 requisites for a valid appointment of management 6. Rehabilitate the corporation if determined to be feasible
committee by the RTC
1. Imminent danger of dissipation, loss, wastage or 7. Report to the RTC until the corporation is dissolved
destruction of assets or other corporate properties
2. Paralysis of business operations, the mere apprehension
THE SECURITIES REGULATION CODE (RA8799)
of future misconduct based upon prior management
- Save and except in the case of a close corporation in
- Also known as the Blue Sky Law since it was enacted to protect
case of deadlock management committee is allowed to the public from unscrupulous promoters who stake business
take over right away which have no basis and sell shares and interest therein to
Jacinto case investors, who are then left holding certificates representing
- 2nd par of page 676 nothing more than a claim to a square of the blue sky.
- 2 requisites where present
- Wala ng mapautang, there was a paralyzation -SEC. 2. Declaration of State Policy. The State shall establish a
Sy Chim socially conscious, free market that regulates itself, encourage the
- Did not appoint a management committee widest participation of ownership in enterprises, enhance the
- In the absence of a strong showing of an imminent democratization of wealth, promote the development of the capital
danger of dissipation, loss wastage or destruction of market, protect investors, ensure full and fair disclosure about
securities, minimize if not totally eliminate insider trading and
assets or other properties of a corporation and paralysis
other fraudulent or manipulative devices and practices which
of its business operations, the mere apprehension of
create distortions in the free market.
future misconduct based upon prior mismanagement
will not authorize the appointment of a management BROKER - person who buys and sells securities for the account of
committee others.
Section 5 and 6(D) governed by separate rules; interim
rules and intra-corporate controversy DEALER - person who buys and sells securities for his/her own
Venue of actions account in the ordinary course of business.
- Rules of court- where the parties are residing
- Intra-corporate- no matter where the parties are NOTE: No person shall engage in the business
residing it will be in the city or municipality where the of buying or selling securities in the Philippines as a
broker or dealer, or act as a salesman, or an
principal office is located
associated person of any broker or dealer unless
Rehabilitation proceedings venue
registered as such with the Commission. (Sec 28)
- In rem
- Acquired upon publication without furnishing the
SECURITES - shares, participation or interests in a corporation or
creditors a copy of the petition and attachments thereof
in a commercial enterprise or profit-making venture and evidenced
- A creditor may now file the suspension proceedings;
by a certificate, contract, instrument, whether written or electronic
provides that creditors owns at least 25% in character. It includes:
Intra-corporate- rule 1 section 6
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GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
77

CODE: COFDIPS conversion price, would at the time of such conversion


a) Certificates of assignments, certificates of participation, fall within the class of securities entitled to registration
trust certificates, voting trust certificates or similar under this Code. Upon such conversion the par value of
instruments; the security surrendered in such exchange shall be
b) Other instruments as may in the future be determined deemed the price at which the securities issued and
by the Commission; delivered in such exchange are sold.
c) Fractional undivided interests in oil, gas or other h) Brokers transactions, executed upon customers orders,
mineral rights; on any registered Exchange or other trading market.
d) Derivatives like option and warrants; i) Subscriptions for shares of the capital stock of a
corporation prior to the incorporation thereof or in
e) Investment contracts, certificates of interest or
pursuance of an increase in its authorized capital stock
participation in a profit sharing agreement, certificates
under the Corporation Code, when no expense is
of deposit for a future subscription;
incurred, or no commission, compensation or
f) Proprietary or non proprietary membership certificates
remuneration is paid or given in connection with the
incorporations; and
sale or disposition of such securities, and only when the
g) Shares of stock, bonds, debentures, notes, evidences of purpose for soliciting, giving or taking of such
indebtedness, asset-backed securities; subscriptions is to comply with the requirements of such
law as to the percentage of the capital stock of a
GR: Securities shall not be sold or offered for sale or distribution corporation which should be subscribed before it can be
within the PH, without a registration statement filed with and registered and duly incorporated, or its authorized
approved by SEC. Prior to such sale, information on the securities, capital increased.
in such form and with such substance as the Commission may j) The exchange of securities by the issuer with its existing
prescribe, shall be made available to each prospective purchaser. security holders exclusively, where no commission or
(Sec 8) other remuneration is paid or given directly or indirectly
for soliciting such exchange.
EXCEPT: Exempt Securities under Sec 9 k) The sale of securities by an issuer to fewer than twenty
a) Any security issued or guaranteed by the Government of (20) persons in the Philippines during any twelve-month
the PH, or by any political subdivision or agency thereof, period.
or by any person controlled or supervised by, and acting l) The sale of securities to any number of the following
as an instrumentality of said Government. qualified buyers: (i) Bank; (ii) Registered investment
b) Any security issued or guaranteed by the government of house; (iii)insurance company; (iv) Pension fund or
any country with diplomatic relations with the PH, or by retirement plan maintained by the Government of the
any state, province or political subdivision thereof on the Philippines or any political subdivision thereof or
basis of reciprocity: Provided, that the SEC may require managed by a bank or other persons authorized by the
compliance with the form and content of disclosures the Bangko Sentral to engage in trust functions; (v)
Commission may prescribe. investment company or; (vi) Such other person as the
c) Certificates issued by a receiver or by a trustee in Commission may by rule determine as qualified buyers,
bankruptcy duly approved by the proper adjudicatory on the basis of such factors as financial sophistication,
body. net worth, knowledge, and experience in financial and
d) Any security or its derivatives the sale or transfer of business matters, or amount of assets under
which, by law, is under the supervision and regulation of management.
the Office of the Insurance Commission, Housing and
Land Use Regulatory Board, or the Bureau of Internal PROTECTION OF SHAREHOLDERS INTEREST
Revenue.
e) Any security issued by a bank except its own shares of 1. Tender Offers (Sec 19)
stock. 2. Proxy solicitation (Sec 20)
3. Internal record keeping and accounting (Sec 22)
AND Exempt Transactions under Sec 10
a) A judicial sale, or sale by an executor, administrator, TENDER OFFER A publicly announced intention acting alone or
guardian or receiver or trustee in insolvency or in concert with others to acquire equity securities of a company.
bankruptcy. (2002 Bar Exams)
b) By or for the account of a pledge holder, or mortgagee or
any other similar lien holder selling or offering for sale or Instances when Tender Offer is Required
delivery in the ordinary course of business and not for 1. When the person intends to acquire 15% or more of the
the purpose of avoiding the provisions of this Code, to equity share of a public company pursuant to an
liquidate a bona fide debt, a security pledged in good agreement made between or among the person and one
faith as security for such debt. or more sellers;
c) An isolated transaction in which any security is sold, 2. When the person intends to acquire 30% or more of the
offered for sale, subscription or delivery by the owner equity share of a public company within a period of 12
thereof, or by his representative for the owners account, months;
such sale or offer for sale, subscription or delivery not 3. When the person intends to acquire shares that would
being made in the course of repeated and successive result in an ownership of more than 50% of the equity
transactions of a like character by such owner, or on his shares of a public company.
account by such representative and such owner or
representative not being the underwriter of such
PROXY SOLICITATION
security.
d) Distribution by a corporation, actively engaged in the
NOTE: A broker or dealer who holds or acquires the proxy for at
business authorized by its AOI, of securities to its
least ten per centum (10%) or such percentage as the Commission
stockholders or other security holders as a stock
dividend or other distribution out of surplus. may prescribe of the outstanding share of the issuer, shall submit a
e) Sale of capital stock of a corporation to its own report identifying the beneficial owner within ten (10) days after
stockholders exclusively, where no commission or other such acquisition, for its own account or customer, to the issuer of the
remuneration is paid or given directly or indirectly in security, to the Exchange where the security is traded and to the
connection with the sale of such capital stock. Commission. (Sec 20.5)
f) Issuance of bonds or notes secured by mortgage upon
real estate or tangible personal property, where the FRAUDULENT TRANSACTIONS AND OTHER MARKET
entire mortgage together with all the bonds or notes MANIPULATIONS
secured thereby are sold to a single purchaser at a
single sale. 1. Wash Sale (Sec 24.1(a)(i)) any transaction in a
g) Issue and delivery of any security in exchange for any security which involves no change in the beneficial
other security of the same issuer pursuant to a right of ownership thereof.
conversion entitling the holder of the security 2. Matched Order (Sec 24.1(a)(ii)) order or orders for the
surrendered in exchange to make such conversion: purchase or sale of security with the knowledge that a
Provided, That the security so surrendered has been simultaneous order or orders of substantially the same
registered under this Code or was, when sold, exempt size, time and price for the sale or purchase of such
from the provisions of this Code, and that the security security has, or will be entered by or for the same or
issued and delivered in exchange, if sold at the different parties.
Notes on Corporation Law
Notes come in handy only when you have studied
GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
78

important under the circumstances in determining his


Note: Wash sale and matched orders become illegal when course of action whether to buy, sell or hold a security.
they are used as a means to create false appearance of
active trading in the security concerned. Note: Who is an insider? - Insider means: (a) the
issuer; (b) a director or officer (or person performing
3. Marking the close placing the purchase order, at or similar functions) of, or a person controlling the issuer; (c)
near the close of the trading period. The price that was a person whose relationship or former relationship to the
closed will then be the price that will be posted on the issuer gives or gave him access to material information
following trading day. about the issuer or the security that is not generally
4. Painting the tape involves a series of transactions available to the public; (d) a government employee, or
that are reported publicly to give the impression of an director, or officer of an exchange, clearing agency and/or
activity in a security. self-regulatory organization who has access to material
5. Squeezing the float the part of an outstanding information about an issuer or a security that is not
security intentionally held by dealers or other persons generally available to the public; or (e) a person who
with a view of reselling them later for profit. learns such information by a communication from any of
6. Hype and dump Act employed by a person or group of the foregoing insiders.
persons of purchasing the outstanding capital stock of a
dormant public shell company for a nominal amount INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR
and merge it with their privately held company. They Person other than an officer or employee of the
would then gain control of the majority stocks of the corporation, its parent or subsidiaries, or any other individual
merged entity. Stock certificates are often re-issued in having a relationship with the corporation, which would interfere
the name of the merged entity to relatives and associates with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the
who act as nominees of the person or persons employing responsibilities of a director.
the device. They would then look for a broker-dealer
who would be willing to make a hype of the securities. Corporations which require an Independent Director
The broker-dealer then generates volume and advance 1. An exchange; or
bid price. When the market reaches a high price, they 2. Any corporation with a class of equity securities listed
would dump their shareholdings and bail out. for trading on an Exchange or with assets in excess of
7. Boiler Room Operations involves an intensive selling P50M and having 200 or more holders, at least 200 of
campaign through numerous salesmen by telephone or which are holding at least 100 shares of a class of its
through direct mail offerings for securities of either a equity securities or which has sold a class of equity
certain type or from a specific issuer. Investors are securities to the public pursuant to an effective
induced to purchase through hard-sell based on registration statement shall have at least two (2)
unfounded predictions and mailing of misleading market independent directors or such independent directors
letters. shall constitute at least 20% of the members of such
board, whichever is the lesser.
Note: Marking the close, Painting the tape, Squeezing the
float, Hype and dump, Boiler Room Operations become OPTION TRADING
unlawful if it is effected to either raise the price or induce Put a transferrable option or offer to deliver a given
the purchase of a security or of a controlling, controlled, or number of shares of stock at a stated price on any given
commonly controlled company by others or to depress the time during the stated period.
price to induce the sale of a security, whether of the same Call a transferrable option to buy a specified number
or of a different class, of the same issuer or of a of share at a stated price
controlling, controlled company or common controlled Straddle a combination of put and call.
company by others or to create active trading to induce
the purchase through said devices or schemes. SETTLEMENT OFFERS
At any time, during an investigation or proceeding under
8. Circulating or Disseminating Information this Code, parties being investigated and/or charged may propose
circulating an information that any of the security listed in writing an offer of settlement with the Commission. The
in the exchange will or is likely to rise or fall because of Commission may only agree to a settlement offer based on its
manipulative market operations of any one or more findings that such settlement is in the public interest. Any
persons conducted for the purpose of raising or agreement to settle shall have no legal effect until publicly
depressing the price of the security and thus inducing disclosed. Such decision may be made without a determination of
the purchase of such security. guilt on the part of the person making the offer.
9. Making False or Misleading Statements with respect
to any material fact which he knew or had reasonable DAMAGES
ground to believe was so false or misleading for the All suits to recover damages shall be brought before the
purpose of inducing the purchase or sale of such Regional Trial Court, which shall have exclusive jurisdiction to
security. hear and decide such suits. The Court is authorized to award
10. Pegging or Fixing Or Stabilizing the price of security damages in an amount not exceeding triple the amount of the
effected either alone or with others through any series of transaction plus actual damages.
transactions for the purchase or sale thereof, if done for
such purpose.
11. Short sale selling of security which the vendor does NOTES
not own unless done in accordance with the rules and If there are goods involved in the multimarket, it is
regulations of the SEC. beyond the jurisdiction of SEC (Ex First Quadrant)
12. Insider Trading the act of an insider to buy or sell Criminal charge for violation of SRC is a specialized
dispute, hence it must be first referred with SEC
security of the issuer while in possession of material
(Baviera vs. Paglinawan G.R. No. 168380 Feb 8,
information with respect to such security that is not
2007)
generally made known to the public unless (a) The
insider proves that the information was not gained from T3 Rule in trading of Securities Trading day + 3
such relationship; or (b) If the other party selling to or more days you must comply with your obligations.
buying from the insider (or his agent) is identified, the
insider proves: (i) that he disclosed the information to
the other party, or (ii) that he had reason to believe that
the other party otherwise is also in possession of the
information.

Note: When is information material non-public? -


if: (a) It has not been generally disclosed to the public and
would likely affect the market price of the security after
being disseminated to the public and the lapse of a
reasonable time for the market to absorb the information;
or (b) would be considered by a reasonable person

Notes on Corporation Law


Notes come in handy only when you have studied
GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva

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