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CORPORATION LAW (2) Quasi-delicts causing physical injuries;

 Corporation is one of the types of business (3) Seduction, abduction, rape, or other lascivious acts;
organizations. It is also the most important in economic
development.
(4) Adultery or concubinage;
INTRODUCTION
(5) Illegal or arbitrary detention or arrest;
 Sole proprietorship
(6) Illegal search;
- One man form of business entity, personally answers all
liabilities, but enjoys all the profits with the exclusion of
(7) Libel, slander or any other form of defamation;
others
- Limited shareholders responsibility
- Paid subscription in full, you are no longer liable (8) Malicious prosecution;

 Partnership (9) Acts mentioned in Article 309;

- Based on mutual trust and confidence


(10) Acts and actions referred to in Articles 21, 26, 27,
28, 29, 30, 32, 34, and 35.
 Joint venture

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

 General rule: Moral damages cannot be granted to  Section 3


corporations
- The two requisites must always concur
 Exception: Filipinas Broadcasting Network Inc. vs. Ago 1. That they have a capital stock divided into shares; and,
Med 2. That they are authorized to distribute dividends or
allotments as surplus profits to its stockholders on the
- In cases of slander, libel and other forms of defamation basis of the shares held by each of them.
(should not qualify because the code does not qualify
whether natural or juridical) Art. 2219 of the civil code:  Section 4

- Created by a special law, they have their own character


Art. 2219. Moral damages may be recovered
- They are not immune from suit unless provided by the
in the following and analogous cases:
law of their creation
- Primarily governed by the law creating them
(1) A criminal offense resulting in physical injuries; - Their subsidiaries are entirely different or independent
from that of the other

Notes on Corporation Law


“Notes come in handy only when you have studied…”
©GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
2

 Close corporation - Provision that states, cannot be issued less than par,
exception is treasury shares because it can be issued
- There is no exemption it is absolute less than par

 Public corporation  A corporation commences only upon issuance of the


certificate, prior thereto it has no being and cannot
- Political or governmental purposes transact business. Promoters cannot act for a projected
- Those formed or organized for the government or a corporation
portion of the State or any of its political subdivision
and which have for their purpose the general good and  Metro Manila- paid up capital requirement is 10 M
welfare
 Non- stock- mere mention of the operating capital
 Private Corporation
 Mention the authorized capital
- Immediate benefit, aim or advantage of private
individuals  Restrictions
- Those formed for some private purpose, benefit, aim or
end - Mandatory in close
- Distinction: public for governmental purpose - Not mandatory in ordinary

 Corporation Sole  Non-stock

- Exemption to the rule because it is composed only of - If value is not more than 100,000
one person
- An incorporator may also be a juridical person  A corporation cannot use any other name unless it has
been amended
 Close corporation
 Section 19
- There is exclusivity of shares of stock
- Section 96-105
- If confusingly similar it will not be allowed to be
- Restrictions to transfer shares
- Only those indicated can own shares registered
- Verification slip from the records officer
- Article must provide that there will be no public offering

 Open corporation Section 19. Commencement of corporate


existence. - A private corporation formed or organized
- openly admit investors under this Code commences to have corporate existence
- example: stock exchange and juridical personality and is deemed incorporated
from the date the Securities and Exchange Commission
issues a certificate of incorporation under its official
 Domestic/ Foreign seal; and thereupon the incorporators,
stockholders/members and their successors shall
 Test constitute a body politic and corporate under the name
stated in the articles of incorporation for the period of
time mentioned therein, unless said period is extended
- Incorporation test
or the corporation is sooner dissolved in accordance
- If incorporated under the laws of the Philippines it is a
with law. (n)
domestic corporation

- Words corporation or inc. either in full or abbreviated


ME Gray vs. CA
form must be included

- Parent or Holding/ subsidiaries and affiliates


- Affiliates- no majority vote Section 18. Corporate name. - No corporate
SMC 12% name may be allowed by the Securities and Exchange
Commission if the proposed name is identical or
deceptively or confusingly similar to that of any existing
HERSHEY CBPl 12% corporation or to any other name already protected by
law or is patently deceptive, confusing or contrary to
12% CBP existing laws. When a change in the corporate name is
approved, the Commission shall issue an amended
Affiliate is subject to common control by the 12 % owners certificate of incorporation under the amended name. (n)
 De jure

 Doctrine of secondary meaning


- cannot be attached by the state even in a quo warranto
proceeding - A word or phrase originally incapable of exclusive
appropriation [usually generic] with reference to an
 De facto article in the market, because of geographically or
otherwise descriptive, might nevertheless have been
- exists by virtue of colorable compliance used so long and so exclusively by one producer with
- Attached directly only by the state in a quo warranto reference to his article that, in that trade and to that
proceeding branch of the purchasing public, the word or phrase has
become to mean that the article was his product.
 Corporation by estoppel
 Section 18
-So defectively formed, but still considered corporation,
but only in relation to those who cannot deny their - Lyceum of the Philippines case, the additional
existence section 20 and 21 geographical name does not make it confusingly similar
FORMATION AND ORGANIZATION - actual confusion is not necessary- Philips case “it is
 3 stages
enough that there is probable confusion”
1. Creation
2. Re-organization or quasi-reorganization
3. Dissolution/winding-up  2 requisites must be proven
 Purpose clause
- Defining the scope of authority of the corporate - that the complainant corporation acquired a prior right
enterprise pr undertaking. Both confirmed and limited over the use of such corporate name
 4 limitations of purpose clause - identical, deceptively or confusingly, patently deceptive
1. Lawful
2. Specific or stated concisely
 principal office
3. More than one, the primary and secondary must
be specified
4. Lawfully combined - statement of principal office is required

Notes on Corporation Law


“Notes come in handy only when you have studied…”
©GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
3

- city and municipality not only province must be - Originally or subsequently


specified - Section 5 provides:
- principal office NOT operations office Corporators in a stock corporation are called
- necessary because it will establish the residence of stockholders or shareholders. Corporators in a non-
corporations stock corporation are called members. (4a)
- venue of actions for or against the corporations
- venue of meetings  May a corporation be a corporator?
- section 51 meetings may only be within the boundaries
of the city where the principal office
- YES. There is nothing to prevent a corporation from
- non-stock may be held anywhere in the Philippines, if
being a stockholder
provided in its by-laws
- where summons may be served
- registration of chattel mortgage must be registered in  Incorporator must subscribe to 1 share
the register of deeds where the principal office is located
 There are those that are exclusively reserved to Filipinos

Clavecilla Radio System vs. Antillon


 An incorporator maybe a corporator as long as he is a
stockholder
- action not upon a written contract
- city where the defendant resides
 section 6
 term of existence
Section 6. Classification of shares. - The
- corporate term required shares of stock of stock corporations may be divided
- determining what point in time the juridical personality into classes or series of shares, or both, any of which
will cease to exist classes or series of shares may have such rights,
privileges or restrictions as may be stated in the articles
- enter into contract only when it has juridical personality
of incorporation: Provided, That no share may be
- once it ceases to exist, it no longer has personality
deprived of voting rights except those classified and
- exist for another 3 years only for purposes of liquidation
issued as "preferred" or "redeemable" shares, unless
- Dissolution- it is automatic otherwise provided in this Code: Provided, further, That
there shall always be a class or series of shares which
 When should extension be made? have complete voting rights. Any or all of the shares or
series of shares may have a par value or have no par
- General rule: Not earlier than 5 years value as may be provided for in the articles of
- Exception: unless there are justifiable reasons incorporation: Provided, however, That banks, trust
companies, insurance companies, public utilities, and
building and loan associations shall not be permitted to
 May it be extended after expiration? issue no-par value shares of stock.

- Alhambra cigar vs. SEC once it ceases to exist it has no


Preferred shares of stock issued by any
vested politic, exist only for a period of 3 years only for corporation may be given preference in the distribution
liquidation and for that purpose only of the assets of the corporation in case of liquidation
and in the distribution of dividends, or such other
 Article 5 How many incorporators should there be? preferences as may be stated in the articles of
incorporation which are not violative of the provisions of
this Code: Provided, That preferred shares of stock may
- 5-15
be issued only with a stated par value. The board of
directors, where authorized in the articles of
 May a corporation be an incorporator? incorporation, may fix the terms and conditions of
preferred shares of stock or any series thereof: Provided,
- General rule: only natural persons That such terms and conditions shall be effective upon
- Exception: cooperatives and corporation primarily the filing of a certificate thereof with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
organized to hold equities in rural banks

 How about minors? Shares of capital stock issued without par


value shall be deemed fully paid and non-assessable
and the holder of such shares shall not be liable to the
- NO, because they must be of legal age corporation or to its creditors in respect thereto:
Provided; That shares without par value may not be
 May a corporation organized by incorporators consisting issued for a consideration less than the value of five
solely of foreigners (P5.00) pesos per share: Provided, further, That the
entire consideration received by the corporation for its
no-par value shares shall be treated as capital and shall
- Yes, there is no nationality requirement only residence,
not be available for distribution as dividends.
as long as majority are residents of the Phil

 Define incorporators <sec.5> A corporation may, furthermore, classify its


shares for the purpose of insuring compliance with
constitutional or legal requirements.
- Those person mentioned in the articles as originally
forming the corporation and who are signatories of the
articles of incorporation. Except as otherwise provided in the articles of
- Must be signatories to be incorporators incorporation and stated in the certificate of stock, each
share shall be equal in all respects to every other share.

Section 5. Corporators and incorporators,


Where the articles of incorporation provide for
stockholders and members. - Corporators are those who
non-voting shares in the cases allowed by this Code, the
compose a corporation, whether as stockholders or as
holders of such shares shall nevertheless be entitled to
members. Incorporators are those stockholders or
vote on the following matters:
members mentioned in the articles of incorporation as
originally forming and composing the corporation and
who are signatories thereof. 1. Amendment of the articles of incorporation;

Corporators in a stock corporation are called 2. Adoption and amendment of by-laws;


stockholders or shareholders. Corporators in a non-
stock corporation are called members. (4a)
3. Sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge or other
disposition of all or substantially all of the corporate
 Define corporators <sec.5> property;

- All persons who compose the corporation at any given


4. Incurring, creating or increasing bonded
time and need not be among those who execute the indebtedness;
articles of incorporation at the start of its formation and
organization.
5. Increase or decrease of capital stock;

Notes on Corporation Law


“Notes come in handy only when you have studied…”
©GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
4

6. Merger or consolidation of the corporation with  Section 27 and 23 minimum disqualifications and
another corporation or other corporations; qualifications

7. Investment of corporate funds in another corporation Lee vs. CA


or business in accordance with this Code; and
- By laws may provide for additional
8. Dissolution of the corporation.
 Gov’t vs. El hogar Filipino, Gokongwei vs. SMC
Except as provided in the immediately
preceding paragraph, the vote necessary to approve a Capital structure
particular corporate act as provided in this Code shall
be deemed to refer only to stocks with voting rights. (5a) Foundation- minimum paid-up capital 3M

 How many directors should there be? Authorized capital 1 M No. of shares 1M shares
par value 1.00
- General rule: Not less than 5 not more than 15
- Exceptions: Amount of shares subscribed
1. Educational corporations registered as non stock
corporation whose number of trustees, though not less 50 K A
than five and not more than [15] should be divisible by
five [5], meaning they must have either five, ten, or 50 K B
fifteen trustees and no other;
2. In close corporations where all the stockholders are C 250K
considered as members of the board of directors thereby
effectively allowing twenty members in the board.
D
3. The by-laws of a corporation may provide for additional
qualifications and disqualifications of its members of the
E
board of directors or trustees. However it may not do
away with the minimum disqualifications lay down by
the Code. PAID UP =62,500

 Qualifications of the governing board Corporation cannot exceed more than 1 M it is the maximum
amount it cannot issue more unless amended
- Requires mere residency <sec. 23>
Maximum shares it can issue is 1M shares unless amended

Section 23. The board of directors or trustees.  How much shares should be subscribed?
- Unless otherwise provided in this Code, the corporate
powers of all corporations formed under this Code shall
be exercised, all business conducted and all property of - Must be at least 25% of the authorized capital stock
such corporations controlled and held by the board of
directors or trustees to be elected from among the  Paid- up must be at least 25%-minimum
holders of stocks, or where there is no stock, from
among the members of the corporation, who shall hold  Section 30
office for one (1) year until their successors are elected
and qualified. (28a)
- Total subscription compliance with minimum 25% total
- Any combination would comply with the minimum
Every director must own at least one (1) share required by section 30
of the capital stock of the corporation of which he is a
director, which share shall stand in his name on the
books of the corporation. Any director who ceases to be Section 30. Compensation of directors. - In
the owner of at least one (1) share of the capital stock of the absence of any provision in the by-laws fixing their
the corporation of which he is a director shall thereby compensation, the directors shall not receive any
cease to be a director. Trustees of non-stock compensation, as such directors, except for reasonable
corporations must be members thereof. A majority of the per diems: Provided, however, That any such
directors or trustees of all corporations organized under compensation other than per diems may be granted to
this Code must be residents of the Philippines. directors by the vote of the stockholders representing at
least a majority of the outstanding capital stock at a
regular or special stockholders' meeting. In no case shall
 May a domestic corporation have a governing board the total yearly compensation of directors, as such
consisting solely of foreigners? directors, exceed ten (10%) percent of the net income
before income tax of the corporation during the
- YES, section 23 majority of them must be residents of preceding year. (n)
the Philippines, no nationality requirement
 Minimum for a domestic corporation?
 Anti-dummy act <sec.2-A>
- In no case shall the paid- up capital be less than 5k
- If the business undertaking or activity is only partially
nationalized, aliens can be elected as such directors,  Is there a minimum authorized capital imposed by the
[unless the law provides otherwise] but their number code?
shall only be in proportion to their equity or
participation in the capital stock of the corporation. - If there is minimum paid-up logically there should also
be a minimum capital =5000
 Disqualifications <sec.27>
 Minimum paid-up capital for a financing company
- The disqualifications provided for is absolute and may metro manila 10 M if located in MM
not be done away with. Corporate by-laws may,
however, provide for additional qualifications and  Shares of stock
disqualifications.
 Purpose of classification
Section 27. Disqualification of directors,
trustees or officers. - No person convicted by final - To specify and define the rights and privileges of the
judgment of an offense punishable by imprisonment for stockholders;
a period exceeding six (6) years, or a violation of this
Code committed within five (5) years prior to the date of
his election or appointment, shall qualify as a director, - For regulation and control of the issuance of sale of
trustee or officer of any corporation. (n) corporate securities for the protection of purchasers and
stockholders.

Notes on Corporation Law


“Notes come in handy only when you have studied…”
©GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
5

- As a management control device.  Cumulative

- To comply with statutory requirements particularly - Irrespective of whether or not they where earned
those which provide for certain limitations on foreign
ownership and shares like overseas employment  Preferred
agencies requiring to own at least 75% of the shares of
stock thereof. - May be denied
- Unless denied they are still entitled
- To better insure return on investment which can be
affected through the issuance of redeemable shares or  What if hindi i-declare kahit na may dividends rights for
preferred shares, i.e., granting the holders thereof, the previous years? May they be denied dividend rights
preference as to dividends and/or distribution of assets because they are non holders of non-cumulative? NOTE:
in case of liquidation; and, YOU CANNOT COMPEL THE CORPORATION TO
DECLARE DIVIDENDS UNLESS IT EXCEEDS 100 %
- For flexibility in price, particularly, no par shares may PAID UP CAPITAL SEC. 43
be issued or sold from time to time at different price
depending on the net worth of the company since they
Section 43. Power to declare dividends. - The
do not purport to represent an actual of fixed value. board of directors of a stock corporation may declare
dividends out of the unrestricted retained earnings
 Section 6 which shall be payable in cash, in property, or in stock
to all stockholders on the basis of outstanding stock
held by them: Provided, That any cash dividends due on
- Each shall be equal in all respects to every other share
delinquent stock shall first be applied to the unpaid
balance on the subscription plus costs and expenses,
 Preferred shares while stock dividends shall be withheld from the
delinquent stockholder until his unpaid subscription is
- Specific preference fully paid: Provided, further, That no stock dividend
- Dividends or during liquidation shall be issued without the approval of stockholders
representing not less than two-thirds (2/3) of the
outstanding capital stock at a regular or special meeting
 No par duly called for the purpose. (16a)

- Can sell it with the network of the corporation


Stock corporations are prohibited from
retaining surplus profits in excess of one hundred
 Distinction between the subscribed and outstanding (100%) percent of their paid-in capital stock, except: (1)
stocks? when justified by definite corporate expansion projects
or programs approved by the board of directors; or (2)
- Section 137 when the corporation is prohibited under any loan
agreement with any financial institution or creditor,
whether local or foreign, from declaring dividends
Section 137. Outstanding capital stock without its/his consent, and such consent has not yet
defined. - The term "outstanding capital stock", as used been secured; or (3) when it can be clearly shown that
in this Code, means the total shares of stock issued such retention is necessary under special circumstances
under binding subscription agreements to subscribers obtaining in the corporation, such as when there is need
or stockholders, whether or not fully or partially paid, for special reserve for probable contingencies. (n)
except treasury shares. (n)
- It depends because there are three types of non-
- Voting and dividend rights, it refers to the outstanding cumulative preferred shares
capital stocks - Discretionary dividend type
- Only outstanding stocks are allowed to vote and receive - Mandatory if earned
dividends - Earned cumulative or dividend credit type
- Actually the same
 Compare cumulative share from non-cumulative, earned
 Treasury shares cumulative or dividend credit type

- are also subscribed shares - Cumulative share –whether or not earned


- while they remain in the treasury, no voting and - Non-cumulative earned cumulative or dividend credit
dividend rights type- only if earned
- may be reissued by the corporation
- once reissued they become outstanding stocks again  Par

 common shares - stated par value; shall not be issued less than par

- carry the right to vote  No par

 preferred shares - without stated par value

- grants the holder preference - once fully paid no longer liable


- preference as to dividends
- preference as to distribution of the remaining assets
 Corporations cannot use its capitals in declaring
upon dissolution or
dividends; not all can issue no par value section 6
- both
- YOU MUST STATE THE PREFERENCE BECAUSE IF
NOT THEY ARE PRESUMED TO BE EQUAL  Voting
- It may include such other preferences not inconsistent
with the Code. This is so because Section 6 of the said - entitled to vote at any motion brought up in writing
law allows a stock corporation to issue preferred shares
subject only to the limitations imposed therein which  Non-voting
are:
a. They can be issued only with sated par value; and, - not entitled to vote
b. The preferences must be stated in the articles of
incorporation and in the certificate of stock, otherwise,  What types of shares may be denied of the right to vote?
each share shall be, in all respect, equal to every other
share.
- Preferred and redeemable shares

 Participating
 Is it correct to state that common shares can never be
denied the right to vote?
- Must be stated because the presumption is that it is
participating

Notes on Corporation Law


“Notes come in handy only when you have studied…”
©GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
6

- Only preferred and redeemable shares are denied unless voting powers among stockholders will be effectively lost
provided in this code and the directors will be able to perpetrate their control
of the corporation, though it still represents a paid for
- PWEDENG MA-DENY YUNG COMMON SHARES, KASI interest in the property of the corporation. The foregoing
YUNG FOUNDER’S SHARES MERON SILANG essential features of a treasury stocks are lacking in the
EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS NA SILA LANG ANG MERON, SO questioned shares.
PWEDE SILANG BUMOTO WITH REGARDS TO
SOMETHING NA HINDI NA SAKOP NG COMMON In this case, and under the terms of the trust
SHARE RIGHTS agreement, the shares of stock of Reese participated
in dividends which the trustee received and the said
- Example: founders shares- may be given certain rights shares were voted upon by the trustee in all corporation
and privileges meetings. They were not, therefore, treasury shares.”

- Even common shares may be denied the right to vote of  When the law speaks of outstanding rights it does not
founders’ shares issued <sec.7> include treasury shares

 Treasury shares may be reissued


Section 7. Founders' shares. - Founders'
shares classified as such in the articles of incorporation
may be given certain rights and privileges not enjoyed - They are actually assets of the corporation
by the owners of other stocks, provided that where the
exclusive right to vote and be voted for in the election of - Once re-issued they become outstanding stocks again
directors is granted, it must be for a limited period not
to exceed five (5) years subject to the approval of the
- The corporation may cancel them; in effect there will be
Securities and Exchange Commission. The five-year
period shall commence from the date of the aforesaid a reduction in the outstanding capital stocks
approval by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
(n) - The code does not require ordinary corporations to
provide for restrictions, but it does not likewise prohibit
 Do you include non-voting shares in passing a valid restrictions
corporate act?
- Example: right of first refusal
- Even non-voting shares are entitled to vote under
section 6 - The restriction must be contained in the articles of
incorporation
 Redeemable shares
- If provided in by-laws but not in the articles of
- Discretionary/optional incorporation then it will not be binding

- Obligatory or mandatory - Restrictions and preferences are mandatorily required in


close corporations
 Generally a corporation can reacquire its own shares if
it has unrestricted retained earnings - If it does not provide restrictions it is not a close
corporation
 Exception: redeemable shares may be reacquired
irrespective of retained earnings - Specified persons- close corporations

 Treasury shares - If not one of those specified you are not included
because there is exclusivity in close corporations
- They are treasury while in the treasury account of the
corporation - Should also be in the by-laws not only in the articles of
incorporation
 May they be reissued by the corporation?
 No transfer clause
- YES
 Execution clause
 If they are reissued will they be denied the right to vote?
 Acknowledgment
- Once reissued they shall become outstanding stocks
again and purchasers shall be entitled to all the rights  Treasurer affidavit part of the articles of incorporation
and privileges as the other holders have
 Section 23-27 minimum qualifications, but there may
 Section 57 treasury shares have no voting and dividend be additional
rights. Why not?
 Grounds for disapproval

Section 57. Voting right for treasury shares. -


- Only substantial and not strict is required
Treasury shares shall have no voting right as long as
such shares remain in the Treasury. (n)
 May the SEC refuse or reject registration?

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


- <Section 17>

“Although authorities may differ on the exact


legal and accounting status of so-called treasury shares, Section 17. Grounds when articles of
they are more or less in agreement that treasury shares incorporation or amendment may be rejected or
disapproved. - The Securities and Exchange
are stocks issued and fully paid for and reacquired by
Commission may reject the articles of incorporation or
the corporation either by purchase, donation, forfeiture disapprove any amendment thereto if the same is not in
or other means. Treasury shares are therefore issued compliance with the requirements of this Code:
shares but being in the treasury they do not have the Provided, That the Commission shall give the
status of outstanding shares. Consequently, although a incorporators a reasonable time within which to correct
treasury share, not having been retired by the or modify the objectionable portions of the articles or
corporation re-acquiring it, may be re-issued or sold amendment. The following are grounds for such
rejection or disapproval:
again, such shares, as long as it is held by the
corporation as a treasury share, participates neither in
dividends, because dividends cannot be declared by the 1. That the articles of incorporation or any amendment
corporation to itself, nor in meetings of the corporation thereto is not substantially in accordance with the form
as voting stock, for otherwise equal distribution of prescribed herein;

Notes on Corporation Law


“Notes come in handy only when you have studied…”
©GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
7

2. That the purpose or purposes of the corporation are for example cooperatives- BUREAU OF
patently unconstitutional, illegal, immoral, or contrary COOPERATIVES which register, home
to government rules and regulations; insurance guaranty corporation- HOME
OWNERS
3. That the Treasurer's Affidavit concerning the amount
of capital stock subscribed and/or paid is false; Cagayan Fishing vs. Sandika

4. That the percentage of ownership of the capital stock - Corporations are created by law
to be owned by citizens of the Philippines has not been
complied with as required by existing laws or the
- Commence to exist upon issuance by the CONCERNED
Constitution.
government corporation or agency

No articles of incorporation or amendment to - Prior there to it has no being


articles of incorporation of banks, banking and quasi-
banking institutions, building and loan associations,
trust companies and other financial intermediaries, - The transfer of the property was not valid, it likewise did
insurance companies, public utilities, educational not have the right to transfer
institutions, and other corporations governed by special
laws shall be accepted or approved by the Commission  De jure
unless accompanied by a favorable recommendation of
the appropriate government agency to the effect that
such articles or amendment is in accordance with law. - Strict or substantial compliance
(n)
 De facto
- But the grounds in section 17 are not exclusive
- 4 requisites must go hand in hand take out anyone of
them there can be no de facto corporation
 When will the corporation commence to exist?

1. There is a valid statute under which the corporation


- Section 19
could have been created as a de jure corporation.

Section 19. Commencement of corporate 2. An attempt, in good faith, to form a corporation


existence. - A private corporation formed or organized according to the requirements of law, which goes far
under this Code commences to have corporate existence enough to amount to a “colorable compliance” with the
and juridical personality and is deemed incorporated
law;
from the date the Securities and Exchange Commission
issues a certificate of incorporation under its official
seal; and thereupon the incorporators, 3. A user of corporate powers, the transaction of business
stockholders/members and their successors shall in some way as if it were a corporation; and,
constitute a body politic and corporate under the name
stated in the articles of incorporation for the period of 4. Good faith in claiming to be and doing business as a
time mentioned therein, unless said period is extended
corporation.
or the corporation is sooner dissolved in accordance
with law. (n)
 Are the rights and obligations between officers and
directors of a de jure and de facto the same?
 A corporation de jure can come into existence only upon
the issuance of the certificate of registration by the
- YES. Governed by the same law, rules and regulations
SEC? TRUE OR FALSE?

 Only important in determining, is for the purpose of


- TRUE
applying the rules with regards to the direct and
collateral attack
- EXCEPTION: CORPORATION SOLE <sec. 112>

 The existence of a de jure cannot be questioned even by


Section 112. Submission of the articles of the State, either directly or indirectly
incorporation. - The articles of incorporation must be
verified, before filing, by affidavit or affirmation of the  Existence of a de facto can be questioned only by the
chief archbishop, bishop, priest, minister, rabbi or
State directly in a quo warranto proceeding only
presiding elder, as the case may be, and accompanied
by a copy of the commission, certificate of election or
letter of appointment of such chief archbishop, bishop, Municipality of Malabang vs. Benito
priest, minister, rabbi or presiding elder, duly certified
to be correct by any notary public.
- What is the missing link so as to consider it a de facto?
A law, because the executive order is unconditional
From and after the filing with the Securities
and Exchange Commission of the said articles of - An unconditional act affords no rights, creates no office
incorporation, verified by affidavit or affirmation, and
accompanied by the documents mentioned in the
preceding paragraph, such chief archbishop, bishop, - Legal contemplation it was never passed at all
priest, minister, rabbi or presiding elder shall become a
corporation sole and all temporalities, estate and - It can therefore be questioned by any person
properties of the religious denomination, sect or church
theretofore administered or managed by him as such
chief archbishop, bishop, priest, minister, rabbi or  If the certificate of registration has not been issued, may
presiding elder shall be held in trust by him as a a corporation de facto exist?
corporation sole, for the use, purpose, behalf and sole
benefit of his religious denomination, sect or church, - NO!
including hospitals, schools, colleges, orphan asylums,
parsonages and cemeteries thereof. (n)
- Number 4 requirement, good faith in claiming to be and
doing business as a corporation
- CORPORATION SOLE- upon filing of the verified articles
of incorporation, once filed it is vested with a judicial
Hall vs. Piccio
capacity
- Missing link is good faith
 General rule section 19

- The certificate was not yet issued by the SEC, the


- Vested with judicial capacity upon issuance of the
members knew and therefore they were not acting in
certificate by the SEC
good faith, therefore anybody can question its existence

o However it is not accurate according to atty.


 Corporation by estoppel
Ladia because there are those that can issue

Notes on Corporation Law


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- So defectively formed so that they are not to be - Georg Grotjahn vs. Isnami
considered a de jure or de facto
 A foreign corporation cannot gain access to our courts
- General partners- liable even beyond his promise even unless they attain a license to engage in business in the
his personal properties are prone to attachment Philippines but applying corporation by estoppels, the
court allowed
Lozano vs. Delos Santos
 Municipality of Malabang case
- Founded on principle of equity
- No law, hence may be questioned by any person
- Exercise corporate powers
- An unconstitutional act is not a law, t confers no rights,
- rd
Enters with business with 3 parties it imposes no duties, it affords no protections, it crates o
office, it is in legal contemplation, as inoperative as
though it had never been passes
- When there is no 3rd persons involved and the problem
arises between there members, therefore they
 Hall vs. Piccio
themselves know that there is no corporation by
estoppel
- No good faith

Albert vs. University


 Corporation by estoppel

- 1965 case, no section 21 yet


- Admission, conduct or agreement

- Applied where the rules governing agency


- Will not apply among members themselves there must
be a 3rd party
- A person purporting in behalf of a non existing
corporation
- Cannot escape when benefited

- Section 21, you arrive at the same decision


- General rule: you deal with a corporation, as to estop it

Chiang Kai Siek vs. CA - Exceptions: 1. fraudulently misrepresents the third


person may file an action directly to those members, 2.
- SC based its decision from the provision of the 3rd party will not be estopped if he is not trying to escape
education act liability

- It cannot immune itself by virtue of its non compliance  2 possible remedies


with the law
- Chiang kai siek case
 Assuming there was no law?
- Albert case
- YES, it may still be sued as a school for the past 32
years the school represented itself as possessed of  What would be the effect if the corporation failed to
juridical personality commence transaction?

 General rule: a 3rd party transacting with a non existent - Automatic


corporation shall be estopped to deny
 Operated but becomes subsequently inoperative for 5
Asia banking vs. standard products years only a ground for suspension, proper notice and
hearing
- General rule: absence of fraud a person who has dealt
with a non incorporated corporation shall be stopped to  Commencement
deny from actions in which it had benefited
- Example realty company
- Exemptions: when there is fraud the general rule shall
not apply CORPORATE CHARTER AND ITS AMENDMENTS

Salvatierra vs. Garlitos  What do you understand by the word charter? Is it the
same as articles of incorporation?
- As a general rule a person who has contracted it a
corporation lacking personality - Corporate charter is broader

- Doctrine is not applicable where fraud takes part in the  Franchise


transaction
- Primary power granted by the state to be and act as a
 Another exemption corporation

- Secondary franchise is the right or privilege that the


International express travel and tours vs. CA
corporation may exercise

- No fraud in this case


 You cannot issue investment contracts without a
secondary franchise, kailangan primary muna hindi
- How come Kahn was made liable?
pwede mauna secondary kasi sa section 19 it does not
exist until issued with a certificate of registration or
- Doctrine of incorporation incorporation

- Applies only if that person is trying to escape from a  Corporate entity


contract where he is benefited
- Corporation exist separately and independently from the
- In this case petitioner is not trying to escape liability, stockholders
but rather the one claiming from the contract
- Stockholders cannot bring an action, to bring back the
 Would this apply to foreign corporation? properties of a corporation

- YES, it may apply


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- Corporation has no interest in the individual properties - Fely trans and the other corporation is one and the
of its members same

Sulo ng Bayan vs. Araneta Marvel bldg. vs. David

- Corporation cannot bring an action for the recovery of - There must be facts before the court will be justified in
the properties of its members piercing the veil of corporate fiction

Caram vs. CA - Corporation was a mere extension of the personality of


the person
- Stockholders cannot be held liable for the legitimate
obligations of the corporation, they exist separately and Yutivo and sons vs. Court of Tax Appeals
independently from one another
- What where the facts or circumstances arrived by the
Cruz vs. Dalisay court here?

- Final judgment against a corporation cannot be - Subscribed capital where all advanced by Yutivo, the
enforced against stockholders board where the same as Yutivo

Rustan Pulp vs. CA Commissioner of Internal Revenue vs. Norton and


Harrison
- Corporation exist separately and independently
- Court applied the general rule
- Corporation are juridical entities, they exist only in legal
contemplation, can act only through its authorized - Mere substantial ownership does not mean that it
representatives has a same corporate entity

Soriano vs. CA La Campana Coffee Factory, Inc. vs. KKM

- They are not personally liable - Two corporations managed by the same family, workers
were made interchangeably
- They where signed for and in behalf of the corporation
Emilio Cano vs. CIR
Palay inc. vs. Clave
- Sued in there official capacity
- Liabilities incurred by the corporation cannot be
enforced against stockholders, etc., even if stockholders, - Reverse of Soriano vs. CA (signed in their official
etc. happens to own a substantial interest in the capacity)
corporation, mere ownership does not disregard the
corporate entity theory Tesco vs. WCC

 Corporate entity for legal or legitimate purposes only - The two corporations where located in the same office

 Two or more corporations, one of them will be treated as


Claparols vs. CIR
a mere alter-ego
- Same as NAFLU and A.C. Ransom
 You cannot pierce the veil of corporate fiction when
there are no facts attendant in the case
Concept builders vs. NLRC
 Corporate Entity Theory
- Instrumentality rule. What is the instrumentality rule?
- The corporation is possessed with a personality separate “where one corporation is so organized and controlled
and distinct from the individual stockholders or and its affairs are conducted so that it is, in fact, a mere
members and is not affected by the personal rights, instrumentality or adjunct of the other, the fiction of the
obligations or transactions of the latter corporate entity of the “instrumentality” may be
disregarded.”
 Instrumentality rule
- Has no separate mind of its own. What is the degree of
control?
- Where one corporation is so organized and controlled
and its affairs are conducted so that it is, in fact, a mere
instrumentality or adjunct of the other, the fiction of the 1. Control, not mere majority or complete stock control,
corporate entity of the “instrumentality” may be but complete domination, not only of finances but of
disregarded policy and business practice in respect to the
transaction attacked so that the corporate entity as to
this transaction had at the time no separate mind, will
- Courts are concerned with reality and not form
or existence of its own.

- Mere ownership of all or substantially all of the shares


2. Such control must have been used by the defendant to
of stock of a corporation is not, in itself, insufficient
commit fraud or wrong, to perpetuate the violation of a
ground for disregarding the separate corporate
statutory or other positive legal duty or dishonest and
personality. And for the separate personality of the
unjust act in contravention of plaintiff’s legal rights;
corporation to be disregarded, the wrong doing must be
and,
clearly and convincingly established

3. The aforesaid control and breach of duty must


- Fraud must be proven by clear and convincingly
proximately cause the injury or unjust loss complained
evidence amounting to more than preponderance. It
of.
cannot be justified by speculation and can never be
presumed. And only if it sought to hold the stockholders
- The absence of one of the elements prevents “piercing
liable directly for corporate debt
the corporate veil.” In applying the “instrumentality” or
“alter ego” doctrine, the courts are concerned with
Palacio vs. Fely reality and not form, with how the corporation operated
and the individual defendant’s relationship to that
- Piercing the veil of corporate fiction operation.

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 There must facts and circumstances before warrant - Appraisal right


piercing the veil of corporate fiction
- Section 81 to object on certain acts and transactions
 The control necessary does not mean stock ownership

Section 81. Instances of appraisal right. -


MCConnel vs. CA Any stockholder of a corporation shall have the right to
dissent and demand payment of the fair value of his
- were located in the same floor shares in the following instances:

- “while the mere ownership of all or nearly all of the 1. In case any amendment to the articles of
capital stock of a corporation does not necessary mean incorporation has the effect of changing or restricting
that it is a mere business conduit of the stockholder, the rights of any stockholder or class of shares, or of
that conclusion is amply justified where it is shown, as authorizing preferences in any respect superior to those
of outstanding shares of any class, or of extending or
in the case before us, that the operations of the
shortening the term of corporate existence;
corporation were so merged with the stockholders as to
be practically indistinguishable from them. To hold the
latter liable for the corporation’s obligations is not to 2. In case of sale, lease, exchange, transfer, mortgage,
pledge or other disposition of all or substantially all of
ignore the corporation’s separate entity, but merely to
the corporate property and assets as provided in the
apple the established principle that such entity cannot Code; and
be invoked or used for purposes that could not have
been intended by the law that created that separate
personality.” 3. In case of merger or consolidation. (n)

Tan boon bee vs. Jarencio - Right granted only in specified instances

- Why would a drug company need a printing machine Are non-voting shares included in amending the articles of
incorporation
- The property must be in pursuance of a company
business 1 100/s
XYZ-----ABC

Cease vs. CA
2 100/s

- Alter-ego or the extension of the person of forest ware


To
does the court pierced the veil of corporate fiction

10 100/s
- As to not deprive the holders of their successional rights

=1M/S what would be


- Mere ownership of all or substantially all is not a
the 2/3?
justification of piercing the veil of corporate fiction
Section 6 last paragraph
 Fraud must be proven by clear and convincing evidence
cannot presume or speculate, there must be facts and
Voting shares are excluded except the foregoing instances
circumstances

1 1
 Fraud must be clear and convincing evidence more than
preponderance
2 2

Remo Jr. vs. IAC 3 3

- The resolution was not entered to defraud anyone 4 4

Del Rosario vs. National Labor Commission


5 5
- The wrongdoing must be clearly established
6 6
- There must be facts to support
1 & 2=absent
- Payment of claims cannot thus be presumed 1&2=absent but gave their written assent

3 & 4= objected
Indophil Textile Mill vs. CALICA
3&4=objected

- How do you distinguish this ruling to La Campana,


5 & 6= approved the amendment 5&6=approved
having the same issues:
Would there be a valid amendment
- La campana, one payroll, employees were made
interchangeable. Acrylic had its own standards
 Special amendments 37 & 38 shortening that would
result to dissolution require prior approval by the SEC
PNB vs. Ritratto Group

Section 37. Power to extend or shorten


- Control test
corporate term. - A private corporation may extend or
shorten its term as stated in the articles of incorporation
- Not mere majority but rather complete when approved by a majority vote of the board of
directors or trustees and ratified at a meeting by the
- Twin ace was only a subsequent interested party stockholders representing at least two-thirds (2/3) of the
outstanding capital stock or by at least two-thirds (2/3)
of the members in case of non-stock corporations.
- Assets and machineries Written notice of the proposed action and of the time
and place of the meeting shall be addressed to each
 Amendment of the articles of incorporation stockholder or member at his place of residence as
shown on the books of the corporation and deposited to
the addressee in the post office with postage prepaid, or
- Express power granted to a corporation served personally: Provided, That in case of extension of
corporate term, any dissenting stockholder may exercise
 Section 16 his appraisal right under the conditions provided in this
code. (n)

Notes on Corporation Law


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Section 38. Power to increase or decrease Bonds issued by a corporation shall be


capital stock; incur, create or increase bonded registered with the Securities and Exchange
indebtedness. - No corporation shall increase or Commission, which shall have the authority to
decrease its capital stock or incur, create or increase determine the sufficiency of the terms thereof. (17a)
any bonded indebtedness unless approved by a majority
vote of the board of directors and, at a stockholder's
meeting duly called for the purpose, two-thirds (2/3) of  The vote must be cast at the meeting called for that
the outstanding capital stock shall favor the increase or purpose
diminution of the capital stock, or the incurring,
creating or increasing of any bonded indebtedness.  Written assent would not suffice
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  When do amendments become valid and effective?
and place of the stockholder's meeting at which the
proposed increase or diminution of the capital stock or - Only upon the approval of the SEC TRUE OR FALSE?
the incurring or increasing of any bonded indebtedness
is to be considered, must be addressed to each - FALSE because it can be valid upon the date of filing if
stockholder at his place of residence as shown on the
not acted upon within 6 months without fault
books of the corporation and deposited to the addressee
in the post office with postage prepaid, or served attributable to the corporation
personally.
 Why is it retroactive?
A certificate in duplicate must be signed by a
majority of the directors of the corporation and  What provision may be amended, altered or repealed
countersigned by the chairman and the secretary of the
stockholders' meeting, setting forth:  Can you change name, address for example she married
or changed address?
(1) That the requirements of this section have been
complied with; - NO. you cannot change that

(2) The amount of the increase or diminution of the  Fait accompli, are beyond the powers or authority of the
capital stock; corporation to change, alter or modify. These would
include the following:

(3) If an increase of the capital stock, the amount of


capital stock or number of shares of no-par stock - Names of the incorporators and
thereof actually subscribed, the names, nationalities
and residences of the persons subscribing, the amount - The incorporating directors or trustees,
of capital stock or number of no-par stock subscribed by
each, and the amount paid by each on his subscription - The name of the treasurer originally or first elected by
in cash or property, or the amount of capital stock or
the subscribers or members to act as such until his
number of shares of no-par stock allotted to each stock-
holder if such increase is for the purpose of making successor has been duly elected and qualified,
effective stock dividend therefor authorized;
- The number of shares and amount originally subscribed
and paid out of the original authorized capital stock of
(4) Any bonded indebtedness to be incurred, created or
increased; the corporation,

- The date and place of execution of the articles of


(5) The actual indebtedness of the corporation on the
incorporation,
day of the meeting;

- The signatories and acknowledgment thereof.


(6) The amount of stock represented at the meeting; and
- All other provisions or matters stated or contained in
(7) The vote authorizing the increase or diminution of the articles are subject to amendment.
the capital stock, or the incurring, creating or increasing
of any bonded indebtedness.
 Founder’s or signatories hindi pwede palitan

Any increase or decrease in the capital stock  Names, nationalities- you cannot
or the incurring, creating or increasing of any bonded
indebtedness shall require prior approval of the
 Capital- right granted by law to all corporation
Securities and Exchange Commission.

 Paid up capital- NO
One of the duplicate certificates shall be kept
on file in the office of the corporation and the other shall
 Restriction and transfer of shares in ordinary stock
be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
and attached to the original articles of incorporation. corporations
From and after approval by the Securities and Exchange
Commission and the issuance by the Commission of its - You can, but close corporation cannot
certificate of filing, the capital stock shall stand
increased or decreased and the incurring, creating or
- Section 96, otherwise it will not be a close corporation
increasing of any bonded indebtedness authorized, as
the certificate of filing may declare: Provided, That the
Securities and Exchange Commission shall not accept Section 96. Definition and applicability of
for filing any certificate of increase of capital stock Title. - A close corporation, within the meaning of this
unless accompanied by the sworn statement of the Code, is one whose articles of incorporation provide
treasurer of the corporation lawfully holding office at the that: (1) All the corporation's issued stock of all classes,
time of the filing of the certificate, showing that at least exclusive of treasury shares, shall be held of record by
twenty-five (25%) percent of such increased capital not more than a specified number of persons, not
stock has been subscribed and that at least twenty-five exceeding twenty (20); (2) all the issued stock of all
(25%) percent of the amount subscribed has been paid classes shall be subject to one or more specified
either in actual cash to the corporation or that there has restrictions on transfer permitted by this Title; and (3)
been transferred to the corporation property the The corporation shall not list in any stock exchange or
valuation of which is equal to twenty-five (25%) percent make any public offering of any of its stock of any class.
of the subscription: Provided, further, That no decrease Notwithstanding the foregoing, a corporation shall not
of the capital stock shall be approved by the be deemed a close corporation when at least two-thirds
Commission if its effect shall prejudice the rights of (2/3) of its voting stock or voting rights is owned or
corporate creditors. controlled by another corporation which is not a close
corporation within the meaning of this Code.
Non-stock corporations may incur or create
bonded indebtedness, or increase the same, with the Any corporation may be incorporated as a
approval by a majority vote of the board of trustees and close corporation, except mining or oil companies, stock
of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the members in a meeting exchanges, banks, insurance companies, public
duly called for the purpose.

Notes on Corporation Law


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utilities, educational institutions and corporations Ramirez vs. Orientalist co.


declared to be vested with public interest in accordance
with the provisions of this Code.
- What was the position of Fernandez in this case?
TREASURER
The provisions of this Title shall primarily
govern close corporations: Provided, That the provisions
- Why did the court rule that actions of Fernandez bound
of other Titles of this Code shall apply suppletorily
except insofar as this Title otherwise provides. the corporation when he is not even a board of director?

“if a man is found acting for a corporation


 Transfer clause, executor clause, acknowledgment,
with the external indicia of authority, any person not
treasury affidavit-NO
having notice of want of authority, may usually rely
upon those appearances; and if it be found that the
Philippine First Insurance case directors had permitted the agent to exercise that
authority and thereby held him out as a person
- Mere change in the name of a corporation or by merely competent to bind the corporation, or had acquiesced in
complying with the law is general amendment a contract and retained the benefit supposed to have
been conferred by it, the corporation will be bound,
- It does not change its personality. It is the same person notwithstanding the actual authority may never have
in a different name. the charter is the same been granted.”

 Amendment of a corporate term - Contracts must be made by the director and not the
stockholders
- Extending the same can never be made 7 years prior?
TRUE or FALSE - Actions of the stockholders in such matters is only
advisory and not in any way binding in the corporation
- FALSE. It can be if there are justifiable reasons for
earlier extension as may be determined by the SEC Barreto vs. La previsora Filipina

 Can you extend the corporate term if it has already - Everything emanates from the board of directors
expired?
- Stockholders action is merely advisory except their
- Once the term expires without an amendment having approval or vote is necessary to prove a valid corporate
happen it ceases to exist as a body politic. It is dissolved act
automatically on the day it expires.
 Qualifications:
 Alhambra cigar and PNB case
- No citizenship requirement, at least majority must be
 Instances when the SEC allowed extension whose term residents
has already expired
- Can have a governing board consisting solely of
- All of them involved are institutions of learning, it was foreigners
the case in order to avoid confusion that would arise
later on. - But we have to take into consideration partly
nationalized industries and other laws which prohibits
BOARD OF DIRECTORS/TRUSTEES or limits foreign ownership

 Section 23 - Anti-dummy act

Section 23. The board of directors or trustees. - Utilization development of natural resources 60% must
- Unless otherwise provided in this Code, the corporate be owned by Filipino citizens, therefore they only own
powers of all corporations formed under this Code shall 40%---10 members they can only have 4 seats, but not
be exercised, all business conducted and all property of entirely correct because the law may provide otherwise;
such corporations controlled and held by the board of
educational institutions restricted to Filipinos, but there
directors or trustees to be elected from among the
holders of stocks, or where there is no stock, from are exceptions when created by religious and charitable
among the members of the corporation, who shall hold institutions.
office for one (1) year until their successors are elected
and qualified. (28a) - By-laws may provide additional qualifications and
disqualifications
Every director must own at least one (1) share
of the capital stock of the corporation of which he is a - To qualify as a director he must own at least 1 share
director, which share shall stand in his name on the
books of the corporation. Any director who ceases to be  Should the stockholder be the equitable or beneficial
the owner of at least one (1) share of the capital stock of
owner in order to qualify as a director?
the corporation of which he is a director shall thereby
cease to be a director. Trustees of non-stock
corporations must be members thereof. A majority of the - NO, it is not necessary, as long as you are listed in the
directors or trustees of all corporations organized under books as owner of one share
this Code must be residents of the Philippines.

Lee vs. CA
- Controlled by the board of directors
- As long as you are listed in the books as owner of one
- Authority are however restricted to the day to day share

- Stockholders may have all the profit but will turn over - Under the old law he must be the beneficial owner and
the management to the governing board legal owner thereof but in the new law it is not required
as long as it stands in his name he is qualifies
- But unless the law provides the power may be delegated
1 A-100t/S B (own in the trust of X) is B qualified to be a
 General rule director?

- Corporations must sit and act as a body 2

- Will be bound by corporate officers if they acted within 3-10


the 5 classification page 150
2– transferring there voting rights in favor of VT

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Other rights will accrue in favor of them, but not the voting rights  What is cumulative voting?

voting rights must be recorder in the books of the corporation that - Process of multiplying the number of shares to the
it is transferred number of director to be elected

PNB-IFL- wholly owned subsidiary of PNB - Matter of right granted to stockholders in a stock
corporation
PNB will assign to PNB-IFL nominal shares and PNB-IFL now will
be able to be nominated 1 to 5 has 200k/s and members of the same family- majority 800k
they have 4M votes they are guaranteed 4 seats
 Gen. Rule:
6 to 10 are not related- 1 seat 1M votes
- Term of one year who will serve as such until there
successors are elected and qualified  Cumulative to allow the minority to have a rightful
representation in the board
 Exception:
 Is it allowed in a non-stock corporation?
- Non-stock corporation can serve for a term of 3 years
- Not generally available
- Educational non-stock- term of the governing board can
be 5 years - Section 89 unless the articles or by-laws allow
cumulative voting
 May this term exceed one year?
Section 89. Right to vote. - The right of the
- Yes, they may serve in a hold over capacity until their members of any class or classes to vote may be limited,
successors have been duly elected and qualified broadened or denied to the extent specified in the
articles of incorporation or the by-laws. Unless so
limited, broadened or denied, each member, regardless
Detective and protective bureau vs. Cloribel
of class, shall be entitled to one vote.

- In the by-laws, managing director must be elected from


among themselves 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)
- Must be duly elected and qualified

Voting by mail or other similar means by


How are the directors elected?
members of non-stock corporations may be authorized
by the by-laws of non-stock corporations with the
1-100T/S approval of, and under such conditions which may be
prescribed by, the Securities and Exchange
2-100T/S Commission.

3-100T/S

to 10=1M/S  Other corporate officers other than the governing board


section 25
 Do you include the vote of 1 & 2 to have a quorum to
have a valid meeting?
Section 25. Corporate officers, quorum. -
Immediately after their election, the directors of a
- NO, quorum requirements is 401,000 corporation must formally organize by the election of a
president, who shall be a director, a treasurer who may
Quorum requirement is 501k or may not be a director, a secretary who shall be a
resident and citizen of the Philippines, and such other
officers as may be provided for in the by-laws. Any two
Holders of non-voting shares are only entitled to vote in last par.
(2) or more positions may be held concurrently by the
Of section 6 same person, except that no one shall act as president
and secretary or as president and treasurer at the same
1-200k time.

2-200k The directors or trustees and officers to be


elected shall perform the duties enjoined on them by law
3-200k and the by-laws of the corporation. Unless the articles of
incorporation or the by-laws provide for a greater
4-100k majority, a majority of the number of directors or
trustees as fixed in the articles of incorporation shall
constitute a quorum for the transaction of corporate
5-100k business, and every decision of at least a majority of the
directors or trustees present at a meeting at which there
6-100k is a quorum shall be valid as a corporate act, except for
the election of officers which shall require the vote of a
majority of all the members of the board.
7-50k

8-40k Directors or trustees cannot attend or vote by


proxy at board meetings. (33a)
9-5k
 Is the president required to be a stockholder. YES
10-5k
 The chairman may be another person
=1MS
 The president may also be another person
1&2 is absent, 3&4 ayaw tumakbo and hindi nagvote 6-10,
tumakbo and ninominate nila yung sarili nila and cast all their  Prohibited is president to be secretary or treasurer at
shares on themselves the same time

 Who wins? Or who gets elected?  Board of director must sit and act as a body to arrive at
a corporate act
- No vote requirement, the one who gets the most number
of votes gets elected, section24.

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 What would constitute a quorum if 5 then 3 must be - Only 15 months later that the corporation said there
present was a mistake

 May the vote of 2 members past a 5 man governing - The silence coupled with the unconditional acceptance
board pass a valid corporate act? of the other subsequent remittances is binding to the
corporation
- YES. Voting requirement is majority of directors present
at which there where a quorum Board of liquidators vs. Kalaw

1 1 and 2 present=valid voting “Settled jurisprudence has it that where


requirement similar acts have been approved by the directors as a
matter of general practice, custom and policy, the
2 1 and 2 voted yes general manager may bind the company without formal
authorization of the board of directors. In varying
3 3 voted no language, existence of such authority is established, by
proof of the course of business, the usages and
4 practices of the company and by the knowledge which
the board of directors has, or must be presumed to
5 have, of acts and doings of its subordinates in and
about the affairs of the corporation. So also, “xx
 Is it absolute? authority to act for and bind a corporation may be
presumed from acts of recognition in other instances
- NO, except in the election because it requires the where the power was in fact exercised.” “xx Thus, when,
majority of all the members of the board in the usual course of business of a corporation, an
officer has been allowed in his official capacity to
- If by-laws or articles provide a higher voting requirement manage its affairs, his authority to represent the
corporation may be implied from the manner in which
 Artificial beings must act through its members and act he has been permitted by the directors to manage its
as a body to have a valid corporate act business.”

 Exception: In the case at bar, the practice of the


corporation has been to allow its general manager to
negotiate and execute contracts in its copra trading
- Delegation
activities for and in NACOCO’s behalf without prior
board approval. If the by-laws were to be literally
- Expressly conferred
followed, the board should give its stamp of prior
approval on all corporate contracts. But that Board
- Where the officer or agent is clothed with actual or
itself, by its acts and through acquiescence, practically
apparent authority
laid aside the by-law requirement of prior approval.

- Otherwise it will not bind the corporation - Kalaw signed alone and said contracts were submitted
to the board of directors after its consummation and not
 Yao ka sin trading case “already asked in the bar” before

- Only bind the corporation to the extent of authority


Buenaseda vs. Bowen
confined to him or virtue of customs, usage and policy

- Express ratification is made through a formal board


- Must pass first the controller and counsel
action

 What if the notice requirement is not complied with?


- Implied ratification is through: silence or acquiescence,
acceptance benefits and lastly recognition or adoption
Lopez realty vs. Fotencha
 An unauthorized act may nevertheless be binding either
- Notice requirement must be complied with hence it by express or implied by estoppels
should have been with force and effect, but according to
the SC, it may be ratified expressly if there is a  By virtue of silence the board had impliedly accepted the
subsequent meeting called for that purpose act

- Impliedly through acts  By recognition or adoption

- Asuncion was aware of the corporations obligation  By virtue of payment of obligations arising therefore-
Lopez realty
- There was implied ratification or she was estopped
 May directors or trustees be disqualified to act as such?
Pua casim vs. Neumark and Co.
- YES, crime, etc. disqualifications in book
- Considered 3 circumstanced
- Possess or dispossess any of the qualifications or
- Check which was the proceed of the loan which was disqualifications , cease to hold at least one share
endorsed and deposit in the corporate account
 May directors be ousted from office?
- Neumark as president and also stockholder
- At least 2/3 of members representing outstanding
capital stock. Again notice requirement must be
Yu chuck vs. Kong Li Po
complied with

- General manager usually has the power to hire but the


1-200 1-5 same
SC said the contract must be reasonable
family

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


2-200
corporation into insolvency

3-200
Francisco vs. GSIS
4-100
- GSIS cannot evade the binding effect of the telegram

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5-100 electing - Stockholders may also grant pursuant to a majority vote

6-100 6 to 10 not - Must not exceed net income of 10% tax of the preceding
related year

7-50 - Acting in special capacity

8-40 - In, sum directors may receive compensation when

9-5 1. there is a provision in the by-laws to that effect

10-5 outstanding 2. When the stockholders, by a majority vote of the


director outstanding capital stock grant the same; and,

 Meetings called by the president or the secretary 3. If the director renders extra-ordinary or unsual service
ordered by the president
Central cooperative exchange vs. Tibe
 It depends if the removal is without cause they cannot
do so because removal without cause shall not deprive
- By-laws may allow, stockholders may also allow such
the minority stockholders or members of the right of
representative
 What do you understand by the phrase “as such
directors”
 If with cause they can even if it will prejudice the rights
of the minority, provided of course additional
requirements by-laws and articles of incorporation Western institute vs. Salas

 Who will fill up the vacancy created due to the ouster of - Compensation was granted without by-laws authority
a member of the board of directors <section 29>
- Prohibition is not a sweeping rule

Section 29. Vacancies in the office of director


or trustee. - Any vacancy occurring in the board of - Members of the board may receive when they receive in
directors or trustees other than by removal by the a special capacity
stockholders or members or by expiration of term, may
be filled by the vote of at least a majority of the - Mere act of the board will suffice
remaining directors or trustees, if still constituting a
quorum; otherwise, said vacancies must be filled by the
stockholders in a regular or special meeting called for  Is the 10% ceiling applicable to other officers?
that purpose. A director or trustee so elected to fill a
vacancy shall be elected only or the unexpired term of - NO. the phrase “as such director” was used twice
his predecessor in office. <Section 30>

Any directorship or trusteeship to be filled by - The SC ruled that the 10% ceiling will not likewise apply
reason of an increase in the number of directors or if they acted in a capacity other than “as such directors”
trustees shall be filled only by an election at a regular or
at a special meeting of stockholders or members duly
called for the purpose, or in the same meeting Government vs. El Hogar
authorizing the increase of directors or trustees if so
stated in the notice of the meeting. (n) - Judicial intervention is not proper

 Other than by removal or expiration of term they do not - The appropriates remedy is to those who can make or
have the power unmake the by-laws

 When will the vacancies be filled up?  Liability of corporate officers

 Is notice required, to fill up vacancies due to removal? - Obligations incurred by those acting for and in behalf of
the corporations are not there’s BUT there are
 What if the vacancy is due to an increase, can it be filled exceptions even if they are acting for and in behalf of the
up in the same meeting where in the number is corporation
increased?
Tramat vs. CA
 Election due to removal-in the same meeting notice is
not required - General rule was applied in the case

 Election due to increase in number- it must be so stated - Ong acted as officers and acted within the scope of his
in the meeting authority

 Section 30 - Court laid down 4 instances when even if acting within


the scope of his authority he is held solidarily liable
Section 30. Compensation of directors. - In
the absence of any provision in the by-laws fixing their 1. He assents (a) to a patently unlawful act of the
compensation, the directors shall not receive any corporation, or (b) for bad faith, or gross negligence in
compensation, as such directors, except for reasonable directing its affairs, or (c) for conflict of interest,
per diems: Provided, however, That any such resulting in damages to the corporation, its stockholders
compensation other than per diems may be granted to
or other persons;
directors by the vote of the stockholders representing at
least a majority of the outstanding capital stock at a
regular or special stockholders' meeting. In no case shall 2. He consents to the issuance of watered stocks or who,
the total yearly compensation of directors, as such having knowledge thereof, does not forthwith file with
directors, exceed ten (10%) percent of the net income the corporate secretary his written objection thereto;
before income tax of the corporation during the
preceding year. (n)
3. He agrees to hold himself personally and solidarily liable
with the corporation;
- Generally not entitled to receive compensation because
they render it gratuitously 4. He is made, by a specific provision of law, to personally
answer for his corporate action.
- Unless the by-laws allows

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- Watered stocks- issued, fully paid up when in fact they if a director acquires for himself a business opportunity
have not been fully paid or promised as such which should belong to the corporation, he is bound to
account for such profits unless his act is ratified by the
Llamado vs. CA stockholders owning ore representing at least 2/3 of the
outstanding capital stock.
- The corporate entity theory cannot be used as a defense
to escape liability in violation of B.P. 22 - If reposed in him in confidence, not subject to
ratification
- Where the check is drawn by a corporation the persons
who signed the check shall be liable. - If the acquisition is merely that of a business
opportunity which has not been reposed in him in
confidence, the same may be subject to ratification by
Uichico vs. NLRC the stockholders.

- Labor case corporate directors and officers are solidarily Director x co.
liable with the corporation for the termination of
employment of corporate employee done with malice and A-REALTY
bad faith
B
 3 fold duty of directors
C Z owns property and is going
- obedient abroad never to Return, he wants
to sell for 25M the fair market
- diligent value is 30M

- loyal D

 Business judgment rule E

- Questions of policy and management are left solely to E goes to Z and offers to pay the property for 26 M and later he
the honest decision of the board of directors and the sells it for 30M making 4M profit, one of the stockholders learned
courts are without authority to substitute its judgment and complains that he should submit the profits. E said that he
as against the former. The directors are the business will move for ratification of his actuation. Can it be ratified?
managers of the corporation and as long as they act in
good faith, its actuations are not subject to judicial - It can be ratified he merely acquired a business owning
review. Montelibano vs. Bacolod Murcia Milling to the corporation

- questions of policy and management are left solely to - It would be different if it was entrusted in his confidence
the board of directors
Another scenario:
- BOD, business manager of the corporation and as long
as they act in good faith, its actuations are not subject Had A not attended the meeting he would not have known of the
to judicial review sale it is then a matter reposed in him in confidence

- They are not insurer of the property of the company,  A corporation cannot reaquire its share if it has no
they were guarantors that the enterprise undertaken by restricted unretained earnings
the corporation shall be successful

Strong vs. Rapide


Montelibano vs. Bacolod Murcia Milling Co.
- What duty did he violate?
- Directors are not liable due to imprudence or honest
error of judgment - He violated his duty of loyalty

- Duty of loyalty of corporate directors - The law would be impotent if the sale were not
invalidated
- 31,32,33,34
 Self-dealing director and interlocking director
- 31,32,33- specific instances when corporate officers may
violate loyalty  What is a self-dealing director?

- 32,33 self-dealing and interlocking director - Director of a corporation dealing or transacting business
with his corporation
 Corporate opportunity doctrine
 Are the contracts and dealing of a self0dealing director
- It places a director of a corporation in the position of a valid?
fiduciary and prohibits him form seizing a business
opportunity and/or developing it at the expense and  General rule: voidable
with the facilities of the corporation. He cannot
appropriate to himself a business opportunity which in  May the contracts of a self-dealing director be valid per
fairness should belong to the corporation. se.

 Last paragraph of section 31 and the provision of - YES. If all the 4 conditions are present they will be valid
section 34 make reference to recovery of “forbidden per se
profits”
1. That the presence of such director or trustee in the
 Distinction between section 31 and 34 relative to the board meeting in which the contract was approved was
ratification by the stockholders not necessary to constitute a quorum for such meeting;

- The second paragraph of section 31 which makes a 2. That the vote of such director or trustee was not
director liable to account for profits if he attempts to necessary for the approval of the contract;
acquire or acquires any interest adverse to the
corporation in respect to any matter reposed in him in 3. That the contract is fair and reasonable under the
confidence as to which equity imposes a disability upon circumstances; and
him to deal in his own behalf is not subject to
ratification by the stockholders. Whereas, in section 34

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4. That in case of an officer, the contract has been B-


previously authorized by the board of directors.
C-
 When do they become voidable?
D-
- When any of the two requisites are absent it is voidable,
but subject to ratification by 2/3 of the outstanding E-
capital stock or 2/3 of the member
 Both companies enter into a contract and A sits, is the
 Requisites for ratification (subject to ratification by the contract valid?
stockholders holding or representing at least 2/3 of the
outstanding capital stock or 2/3 of the members.) - Yes on the ground of fraud or if it is unfair

- it must be at a meeting called for the purpose - May be subject to the provision of section 32

- full disclosure of the adverse interest of the director - Section 32 contract may become voidable, hence it may
concerned must be made also be ratified

- the contract is fair and reasonable under the X Co.


circumstances Y Co.

 Problem if self-dealing director involved owns all or A owe 20%


substantially all of the shares of stock of the corporation A owe 20%
thereby making it easily possible to have the contract
ratified Is it generally valid or voidable? VALID

- last sentence of section 32 should be made to apply by 25%


determining the reasonableness and fairness of the 25% VALID
contract
15%
Section 32. Dealings of directors, trustees or 25% VOIDABLE SUBJECT TO section 32
officers with the corporation. - A contract of the
corporation with one or more of its directors or trustees More than 20 substantial
or officers is voidable, at the option of such corporation,
unless all the following conditions are present:  BOD mismanages corporate officers. Who may file a
suit?
1. That the presence of such director or trustee in the
board meeting in which the contract was approved was - General rule: BOD which can institute a case because it
not necessary to constitute a quorum for such meeting; has all the powers. To allow stockholders to file would
violate the doctrine of corporate entity and may result to
2. That the vote of such director or trustee was not multiplicity of suits
necessary for the approval of the contract;
- Stockholders cannot therefore generally file a case
3. That the contract is fair and reasonable under the EXCEPT of course in a DERIVATIVE SUIT
circumstances; and
 Derivative suit
4. That in case of an officer, the contract has been
previously authorized by the board of directors. - An action based on injury to the corporation-to enforce
a corporate right- wherein the corporation itself is joined
as a necessary party, and recovery is in favor of and for
Where any of the first two conditions set forth
in the preceding paragraph is absent, in the case of a the corporation.
contract with a director or trustee, such contract may
be ratified by the vote of the stockholders representing - Remedy granted by law to stockholders to institute a
at least two-thirds (2/3) of the outstanding capital stock case to remedy a wrong done directly to the corporation
or of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the members in a and indirectly to the stockholders, if the board refuses
meeting called for the purpose: Provided, That full
to do so. Otherwise if not they would be left without any
disclosure of the adverse interest of the directors or
trustees involved is made at such meeting: Provided, recourse
however, That the contract is fair and reasonable under
the circumstances. (n)  Available suits

 individual or personal
Prime white cement vs. IAC

- Wrong done against his person as a stockholder


- a director of a corporation owes a position in trust

 Class suit
- in case of conflict between himself and that of the
corporation, he cannot sacrifice the interest of the
- Filed by a stockholder in representation of other
corporation to his own advantage
stockholders

- as a director he should have acted in a manner as not to


- A wrong or redress done, a derivative suit in nature
unduly prejudice the corporation

 Intra-corporate remedies
- he cannot be allowed to enrich himself

- Demand to the BOD to institute such action


 May corporate directors purchase the corporate
property?
- Negated by the BOD

Mead vs. Mccullogh


- The one who instituted must be a stockholder at the
date when the act was done, must have been a
- interlocking director- a director of one corporation who
stockholder by that time
deals and transacts business with another corporation
who is himself a director
 Demand will not be required if the majority of the BOD
are the one’s guilty of the wrong charged
A- director of X company also a director of Y corporation

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 The corporation must be made a party in the case - Argument that he should be in estoppels since he filed
whatever side will not matter because under Philippine in the U.S.
law misjoinder is not a ground for dismissal
- Assuming the case prospered in the U.S. would not
 Non-joinder is a ground for dismissal estoppels apply as against him? NO for estoppels to step
in it must be a case by the corporation
 Any benefit should inure to the corporation
Reyes vs. tan
 Stockholder bringing the action is entitled to
reimbursement such as attorney’s fee ONLY IF the case - Corporate director are guilty of breach of trust
is SUCCESSFUL to avoid harassment suit to their
management
- A stockholder may institute an action to remedy a wrong
done
Pascual vs. Orozco
- Fraud in the conduct of corporate affairs
- By virtue of the fact that he is a stockholder, may
maintain a derivative suit
Gamboa vs. Victoriano

- Depend on how, when and what reason


- Is derivative suit appropriate in this case

- Seeking for the years 1898 all the way 1907


- They are not vindicatory damage done to the
corporation, but rather they where vindicating damage
- Only became a stockholder in 1903 against him

- He can sue only in 1903 forward because he must be a - Violation of their rights as individuals, hence derivative
stockholder suit is not the remedy

- The right of action is personal in nature. He became a


Evangelista vs. Santos
stockholder only in 1902

- Derivative suit is not proper


 Derivative suit

- Claim is not for the benefit of the corporation, but rather


- By a stockholder to address a wrong done against the
his individual benefit
corporation and the stockholder indirectly

 From the cases above cited, these are the requirements


- Essential requisite must have been a stockholder from
and the procedures that must be followed in order that
the time the act complained of took place
a derivative suit may prosper

- Cannot institute an action from the years he was still


1. That the party bringing the suit should be a stockholder
not a stockholder
as of the time the act or transaction complained of took
place, or whose shares have evolved upon him since by
Everett vs. Asia Banking operation of law. This rule, however, does not apply if
such act or transaction continues and is injurious to the
- Stockholders cannot ordinarily commence suit in equity stockholder or affect him specifically in some other way.
and such is in the hands of its BOD however there are
exceptions when the BOD will not sue since they are The number of his hares is immaterial since he is not
themselves principals to the fraud. suing in his own behalf or for the protection or
vindication of his own right, or the redress of a wrong
Republic vs. Cuaderno done against him, individually, but in behalf and for the
benefit of the corporation.
- The facts constitute sufficient cause of action
2. He has tried to exhaust intra-corporate remedies, he has
- It is not the corporate interest to shield one from made a demand on the board of directors for the
criminal prosecution which is personal interest appropriate relief but the latter had failed or refused to
heed his plea. Demand, however, is not required if the
- Perez is not suing in his behalf, but in behalf of the company is under the complete control of the directors
who are the very ones to be sued (or where it becomes
corporation
obvious that a demand upon them would have been
futile and useless) since the law does not require a
Western institute vs. Salas litigant to perform useless acts;

- Assuming it was filed in the proper forum would there 3. The stockholder bringing the suit must allege in his
argument that it is a derivative suit prosper? NO. it is complaint that he is suing on a derivative cause of
people of the Philippines vs. individual director, it must action on behalf of the corporation and all other
be stated in the complaint that it is being instituted as a stockholders similarly situated, otherwise, the case is
derivative suit and for and in behalf of the corporation dismissible. This is because the cause of action actually
devolves on the corporation and not to a particular
- Granting arguendo, that this is a derivative suit, the stockholder.
same is still outrightly dismissible for having been
wrongfully filed in the regular court devoid of any 4. The corporation should be made a party, either as
jurisdiction to entertain the complaint. The case should party-plaintiff or defendant, in order to make the court’s
have been filed with the SEC which exercises original judgment binding upon it, and thus, bar future
and exclusive jurisdiction over derivative suits, they litigation of the same issues. On what side the
being intra-corporate disputes, per Section 5 (b) of P.D. corporation appears loses importance when it is
902-A considered that it lay within the power of the court to
direct the making of amendment of the pleading, by
San Miguel vs. Khan adding or dropping parties, as may be required in the
interest of justice. Misjoinder of parties is not a ground
- Was a demand made? NO to dismiss action; and,

- It is not necessary because he objected in the board 5. Any benefit or damages recovered shall pertain to the
meeting, but still it was adopted therefore it was useless corporation. This is so because in all instances,
derivative suit is instituted for and in behalf of the
corporation and not for the protection or vindication of a
Chase vs. Buencamino
right or rights of a particular stockholder, otherwise, the
Notes on Corporation Law
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19

aggrieved stockholder should institute, instead, an 1. To sue and be sued in its corporate name;
individual or personal suit to vindicate his personal or
individual right. Or, for that matter, representative or 2. Of succession by its corporate name for the period of
class suit for all other stockholders whose rights are time stated in the articles of incorporation and the
similarly situated, injured or violated, personally or certificate of incorporation;
individually.
3. To adopt and use a corporate seal;
 Executive committee

- Not allowed under the OLD law 4. To amend its articles of incorporation in accordance
with the provisions of this Code;

 How may executive committee created and constituted?


5. To adopt by-laws, not contrary to law, morals, or
public policy, and to amend or repeal the same in
- Section 35
accordance with this Code;

Section 35. Executive committee. - The by- 6. In case of stock corporations, to issue or sell stocks to
laws of a corporation may create an executive subscribers and to sell stocks to subscribers and to sell
committee, composed of not less than three members of treasury stocks in accordance with the provisions of this
the board, to be appointed by the board. Said committee Code; and to admit members to the corporation if it be a
may act, by majority vote of all its members, on such non-stock corporation;
specific matters within the competence of the board, as
may be delegated to it in the by-laws or on a majority
vote of the board, except with respect to: (1) approval of 7. To purchase, receive, take or grant, hold, convey, sell,
any action for which shareholders' approval is also lease, pledge, mortgage and otherwise deal with such
required; (2) the filing of vacancies in the board; (3) the real and personal property, including securities and
amendment or repeal of by-laws or the adoption of new bonds of other corporations, as the transaction of the
by-laws; (4) the amendment or repeal of any resolution lawful business of the corporation may reasonably and
of the board which by its express terms is not so necessarily require, subject to the limitations prescribed
amendable or repealable; and (5) a distribution of cash by law and the Constitution;
dividends to the shareholders.

8. To enter into merger or consolidation with other


- Said committee may act and bind the corporation by the corporations as provided in this Code;
majority vote of all its members except with respect to
those matters provided for in sec. 35 these are:
9. To make reasonable donations, including those for
the public welfare or for hospital, charitable, cultural,
1. Approval of any action for which shareholders’ approval scientific, civic, or similar purposes: Provided, That no
is also required corporation, domestic or foreign, shall give donations in
aid of any political party or candidate or for purposes of
2. The filing of vacancies in the board; partisan political activity;

3. Amendment or repeal of by-laws or the adoption of new 10. To establish pension, retirement, and other plans for
by-laws; the benefit of its directors, trustees, officers and
employees; and
4. Amendment or repeal of any resolution of the board
which by its express terms is not so amenable or 11. To exercise such other powers as may be essential
repealable; and, or necessary to carry out its purpose or purposes as
stated in the articles of incorporation. (13a)
5. Distribution of cash dividends to the shareholders.
Section 37. Power to extend or shorten corporate term. -
 May the board alone create an executive committee A private corporation may extend or shorten its term as stated in
without any authority provided for the by-laws? the articles of incorporation when approved by a majority vote of
the board of directors or trustees and ratified at a meeting by the
stockholders representing at least two-thirds (2/3) of the
- NO board of directors must sit and act as a body to have outstanding capital stock or by at least two-thirds (2/3) of the
a valid transaction members in case of non-stock corporations. Written notice of the
proposed action and of the time and place of the meeting shall be
 May a non-member of the board of directors be a addressed to each stockholder or member at his place of residence
member of the executive committee? as shown on the books of the corporation and deposited to the
addressee in the post office with postage prepaid, or served
personally: Provided, That in case of extension of corporate term,
- NO, all of them must be members of the board of any dissenting stockholder may exercise his appraisal right under
directors the conditions provided in this code. (n)

- BOD cannot act by proxy it would be abdication of Section 38. Power to increase or decrease capital stock;
powers incur, create or increase bonded indebtedness. - No corporation
shall increase or decrease its capital stock or incur, create or
 Purpose clauses necessary because it confers and also increase any bonded indebtedness unless approved by a majority
limits the actual authority of the corporation 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
stock shall favor the increase or diminution of the capital stock, or
CORPORATE POWERS AND AUTHORITY the incurring, creating or increasing of any bonded indebtedness.
Written notice of the proposed increase or diminution of the capital
 Corporate authority may be classified into three classes stock or of the incurring, creating, or increasing of any bonded
namely: indebtedness and of the time and place of the stockholder's
meeting at which the proposed increase or diminution of the
capital stock or the incurring or increasing of any bonded
1. Those expressly granted or authorized by law inclusive
indebtedness is to be considered, must be addressed to each
of the corporate charter or articles of incorporation; stockholder at his place of residence as shown on the books of the
corporation and deposited to the addressee in the post office with
2. Those impliedly granted as are essential or reasonably postage prepaid, or served personally.
necessary to the carrying out of the express powers;
A certificate in duplicate must be signed by a majority of the
3. Those that are incidental to its existence. directors of the corporation and countersigned by the chairman
and the secretary of the stockholders' meeting, setting forth:
 Section 36 to 45- POWER GRANTED BY LAW
(1) That the requirements of this section have been
Section 36. Corporate powers and capacity. - Every complied with;
corporation incorporated under this Code has the power and
capacity: (2) The amount of the increase or diminution of the
capital stock;

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20

(3) If an increase of the capital stock, the amount of A sale or other disposition shall be deemed to cover substantially
capital stock or number of shares of no-par stock all the corporate property and assets if thereby the corporation
thereof actually subscribed, the names, nationalities would be rendered incapable of continuing the business or
and residences of the persons subscribing, the amount accomplishing the purpose for which it was incorporated.
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 After such authorization or approval by the stockholders or
number of shares of no-par stock allotted to each stock- members, the board of directors or trustees may, nevertheless, in
holder if such increase is for the purpose of making its discretion, abandon such sale, lease, exchange, mortgage,
effective stock dividend therefor authorized; pledge or other disposition of property and assets, subject to the
rights of third parties under any contract relating thereto, without
further action or approval by the stockholders or members.
(4) Any bonded indebtedness to be incurred, created or
increased;
Nothing in this section is intended to restrict the power of any
corporation, without the authorization by the stockholders or
(5) The actual indebtedness of the corporation on the members, to sell, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge or otherwise
day of the meeting; 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
(6) The amount of stock represented at the meeting; and assets be appropriated for the conduct of its remaining business.

(7) The vote authorizing the increase or diminution of In non-stock corporations where there are no members with voting
the capital stock, or the incurring, creating or increasing rights, the vote of at least a majority of the trustees in office will be
of any bonded indebtedness. sufficient authorization for the corporation to enter into any
transaction authorized by this section.
Any increase or decrease in the capital stock or the incurring,
creating or increasing of any bonded indebtedness shall require Section 41. Power to acquire own shares. - A stock
prior approval of the Securities and Exchange Commission. corporation shall have the power to purchase or acquire its own
shares for a legitimate corporate purpose or purposes, including
One of the duplicate certificates shall be kept on file in the office of but not limited to the following cases: Provided, That the
the corporation and the other shall be filed with the Securities and corporation has unrestricted retained earnings in its books to
Exchange Commission and attached to the original articles of cover the shares to be purchased or acquired:
incorporation. From and after approval by the Securities and
Exchange Commission and the issuance by the Commission of its 1. To eliminate fractional shares arising out of stock dividends;
certificate of filing, the capital stock shall stand increased or
decreased and the incurring, creating or increasing of any bonded
indebtedness authorized, as the certificate of filing may declare: 2. To collect or compromise an indebtedness to the corporation,
Provided, That the Securities and Exchange Commission shall not arising out of unpaid subscription, in a delinquency sale, and to
accept for filing any certificate of increase of capital stock unless purchase delinquent shares sold during said sale; and
accompanied by the sworn statement of the treasurer of the
corporation lawfully holding office at the time of the filing of the
certificate, showing that at least twenty-five (25%) percent of such 3. To pay dissenting or withdrawing stockholders entitled to
increased capital stock has been subscribed and that at least payment for their shares under the provisions of this Code. (a)
twenty-five (25%) percent of the amount subscribed has been paid
either in actual cash to the corporation or that there has been Section 42. Power to invest corporate funds in another
transferred to the corporation property the valuation of which is corporation or business or for any other purpose. - Subject to the
equal to twenty-five (25%) percent of the subscription: Provided, provisions of this Code, a private corporation may invest its funds
further, That no decrease of the capital stock shall be approved by in any other corporation or business or for any purpose other than
the Commission if its effect shall prejudice the rights of corporate the primary purpose for which it was organized when approved by
creditors. a majority of the board of directors or trustees and ratified by the
stockholders representing at least two-thirds (2/3) of the
Non-stock corporations may incur or create bonded indebtedness, outstanding capital stock, or by at least two thirds (2/3) of the
or increase the same, with the approval by a majority vote of the members in the case of non-stock corporations, at a stockholder's
board of trustees and of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the members in or member's meeting duly called for the purpose. Written notice of
a meeting duly called for the purpose. the proposed investment and the time and place of the meeting
shall be addressed to each stockholder or member at his place of
residence as shown on the books of the corporation and deposited
Bonds issued by a corporation shall be registered with the to the addressee in the post office with postage prepaid, or served
Securities and Exchange Commission, which shall have the personally: Provided, That any dissenting stockholder shall have
authority to determine the sufficiency of the terms thereof. (17a) appraisal right as provided in this Code: Provided, however, That
where the investment by the corporation is reasonably necessary
to accomplish its primary purpose as stated in the articles of
Section 39. Power to deny pre-emptive right. - All incorporation, the approval of the stockholders or members shall
stockholders of a stock corporation shall enjoy pre-emptive right to not be necessary. (17 1/2a)
subscribe to all issues or disposition of shares of any class, in
proportion to their respective shareholdings, unless such right is
denied by the articles of incorporation or an amendment thereto: Section 43. Power to declare dividends. - The board of
Provided, That such pre-emptive right shall not extend to shares to directors of a stock corporation may declare dividends out of the
be issued in compliance with laws requiring stock offerings or unrestricted retained earnings which shall be payable in cash, in
minimum stock ownership by the public; or to shares to be issued property, or in stock to all stockholders on the basis of
in good faith with the approval of the stockholders representing outstanding stock held by them: Provided, That any cash
two-thirds (2/3) of the outstanding capital stock, in exchange for dividends due on delinquent stock shall first be applied to the
property needed for corporate purposes or in payment of a unpaid balance on the subscription plus costs and expenses, while
previously contracted debt. stock dividends shall be withheld from the delinquent stockholder
until his unpaid subscription is fully paid: Provided, further, That
no stock dividend shall be issued without the approval of
Section 40. Sale or other disposition of assets. - Subject stockholders representing not less than two-thirds (2/3) of the
to the provisions of existing laws on illegal combinations and outstanding capital stock at a regular or special meeting duly
monopolies, a corporation may, by a majority vote of its board of called for the purpose. (16a)
directors or trustees, sell, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge or
otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its property and
assets, including its goodwill, upon such terms and conditions and Stock corporations are prohibited from retaining surplus profits in
for such consideration, which may be money, stocks, bonds or excess of one hundred (100%) percent of their paid-in capital
other instruments for the payment of money or other property or stock, except: (1) when justified by definite corporate expansion
consideration, as its board of directors or trustees may deem projects or programs approved by the board of directors; or (2)
expedient, when authorized by the vote of the stockholders when the corporation is prohibited under any loan agreement with
representing at least two-thirds (2/3) of the outstanding capital any financial institution or creditor, whether local or foreign, from
stock, or in case of non-stock corporation, by the vote of at least to declaring dividends without its/his consent, and such consent has
two-thirds (2/3) of the members, in a stockholder's or member's not yet been secured; or (3) when it can be clearly shown that such
meeting duly called for the purpose. Written notice of the proposed retention is necessary under special circumstances obtaining in
action and of the time and place of the meeting shall be addressed the corporation, such as when there is need for special reserve for
to each stockholder or member at his place of residence as shown probable contingencies. (n)
on the books of the corporation and deposited to the addressee in
the post office with postage prepaid, or served personally:
Provided, That any dissenting stockholder may exercise his Section 44. Power to enter into management contract. -
appraisal right under the conditions provided in this Code. No corporation shall conclude a management contract with
another corporation unless such contract shall have been
approved by the board of directors and by stockholders owning at

Notes on Corporation Law


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21

least the majority of the outstanding capital stock, or by at least a “agent” of the corporation. The Filoil case,
majority of the members in the case of a non-stock corporation, of involving the litigation lawyer of the
both the managing and the managed corporation, at a meeting corporation who precisely appeared to
duly called for the purpose: Provided, That (1) where a stockholder
challenge the validity of service of summons
or stockholders representing the same interest of both the
managing and the managed corporations own or control more than but whose very appearance for that purpose
one-third (1/3) of the total outstanding capital stock entitled to was seized upon to validate the defective
vote of the managing corporation; or (2) where a majority of the service, is an illustration of the need for this
members of the board of directors of the managing corporation revised section with limited scope and specific
also constitute a majority of the members of the board of directors terminology. Thus the absurd result in the
of the managed corporation, then the management contract must Filoil case necessitated the amendment
be approved by the stockholders of the managed corporation
permitting service only on the in-house
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 counsel of the corporation who is in effect an
members in the case of a non-stock corporation. No management employee of the corporation, as distinguished
contract shall be entered into for a period longer than five years for from an independent practitioner.”
any one term.
o notes: additional knowledge
The provisions of the next preceding paragraph shall apply to any
contract whereby a corporation undertakes to manage or operate - special appearance enter for that particular appearance
all or substantially all of the business of another corporation, you are not the counsel in the case
whether such contracts are called service contracts, operating
agreements or otherwise: Provided, however, That such service
contracts or operating agreements which relate to the exploration, - would apply only if it does not involve an intra-
development, exploitation or utilization of natural resources may corporate controversy (controversy between and among
be entered into for such periods as may be provided by the the stockholders)
pertinent laws or regulations. (n)
- upon any of the statutory officers or officers fixed in the
Section 45. Ultra vires acts of corporations. - No by-laws any secretary, any of the directors; any
corporation under this Code shall possess or exercise any managers in the by-laws
corporate powers except those conferred by this Code or by its
articles of incorporation and except such as are necessary or  Seal
incidental to the exercise of the powers so conferred. (n)
- merely ministerial or permissive
Section 36
 Power to amend
 Where should the corporation be sued?
- section 16
- principal office is important because it establishes the
residence of the corporation and determining service of - special 37,38,120
summons, venue of action
 Power to adopt by-laws
- it can be sued in the city or municipality where its
principal office is found - section 46-48

 Principal office is also important for venue of meetings  Power to issue or sell stocks and to admit members

 Non-stock corporation may provide in its by-laws that - stock of stockholders and provision governing non-
the venue of meeting be anywhere in the Philippines stock

 Upon whom service of summons be made?  Power to acquire or alienate real or personal property

- Section 11. Service upon domestic private juridical - is there any limitation? YES
entity- when the defendant is a corporation, partnership
or association organized under the laws of the
- Two specific limitation
Philippines with a juridical personality, service may be
made upon the president, managing partner, general
1. Section 36, as lawful transactions of business of the
manager, corporate secretary, treasurer, or in house
corporation may reasonably and necessarily require
counsel.

2. Constitution and law


Delta motor vs. Mangosing

Luneta vs. A.D. Santos


- strict compliance is necessary

- Importance of the purpose clause


- should be served to those named in the statute

- Cannot have the power to acquire


- secretary of a dep’t are not those included in the statute

- Cannot engage in land transportation


E.B. Villarosa vs. Benito
- Doctrine of limited capacity
- decision En Banc repeals all other pronouncement

Gov’t vs. El Hogar


- section 13 Rule 14 was repealed

- As the lawful transaction of its business may


- the old rules was ambiguous and broad and at all time
reasonably represent
illogical

 the particular revision under Section 11 of Rule 14 was Director of Lands vs. CA
explained by retired Supreme Court Justice Florenz
Regalado, thus: - Exception to the rule in the constitution

“xxx the then section 13 of this Rule allowed - Alienable public land
service upon a defendant corporation to “be
made on the president, manager, secretary, - Converts the property to a private land automatically
cashier, agent or any of its directors.” The once converted it can now be registered
aforesaid terms were obviously ambiguous
and susceptible of broad and sometimes  Power to make donation
illogical interpretations, especially the word
Notes on Corporation Law
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22

- Limitation section 36 par.9 - Once its term expires, already dissolved automatically,
thus can no longer ask for extension
- These are circumstances, however, under which a
donation by a corporation may be to its benefit as a - After dissolution, it has 3 years to windup
means of increasing its business or promoting
patronage. Thus, paragraph 9 of section 36 expressly  What are the modes of increasing capital stock?
authorizes a corporation to make donations. The only
limitations imposed are the following: 1. Increasing the par value of the existing number of
shares without increasing the number of shares;
1. The donation must be “reasonable”;
2. Increasing the number of existing shares without
2. It must be for public welfare, or for hospital, charitable, increasing the par value thereof; and,
scientific, cultural or similar purpose; and,
3. Increasing the number of existing shares and at the
3. It shall not be in aid of political party or candidate, or same time increasing the par value of the shares.
for purposes of partisan political activity.
 Why a corporation increases it capital stock?
 Power to establish pension
- Generate funds, business expansion, or payment of
- Include any act to promote and improve the liabilities, purposes of acquiring other business.
convenience, welfare and benefit of the employees or (example: to buy cars for the officers, purpose of
offices acquiring other business, expansion, other valid
reasons)
Republic vs. Acoje
 How do you decrease capital stock and why a
- While as a rule an ultra-vires act is one committed corporation decreases?
outside the object for which a corporation is created as
defined by law, there are however certain corporate acts - Reduce or wipeout existing deficit where no creditors
that may be performed outside of the scope of the would thereby be effected
powers expressly conferred if they are necessary to
promote the interest or welfare of the corporation. Thus, - When capital is more than necessary to procreate the
it has been held that “although not expressly authorized business or reduction of capital surplus
to do so a corporation may become a surety where the
particular transaction is reasonably necessary or proper - To write down the value of its fixed assets to reflect
to the conduct of its business,” and here it is those present and actual
undisputed that the establishment local post office is a
reasonable and proper adjunct to the conduct of the o NOTE: any increase or decrease of capital stock requires
business of appellant company. Indeed, such post office approval of government agency like SEC it can never
is a vital improvement in the living condition of its take place unless SEC approves the same
employees and laborers who came to settle in its mining
camp which is far removed from the postal facilities or  Relevance of decrease of capital?
means of communication accorded to people living in a
city or municipality. 1. To reduce or wipe out existing deficit where no creditors
would thereby be affected;
 Power to exercise such other powers essential or
necessary to carry out its purpose (implied power) 2. When the capital is more than what is necessary to
procreate the business or reduction of capital surplus;
1. Acts in the usual course of business; or,

2. Acts to protect debts owing to the corporation; 3. To write down the value of its fixed assets to reflect
there present actual value in case where there is a
3. Embarking in a different business; decline in the value of the fixed assets of the
corporation.
4. Acts in part or wholly to protect or aid employees; and,
- Examples: Php 10M capital for grocery business, mayor
5. Acts to increase business didn’t want to issue license/permit because mayor has
3 other grocery stores, only allowed sari-sari store
Teresa Electric and Power Co. vs. P.S.C. permit, reduce capital for sari-sari so that the money
will not sleep in bank
- Examined the articles of incorporation to arrive at its
decision - Example: car rental agencies-Php 10M capital for 20
taxi’s, after some time each taxi is only 250K, nagmura
ang taxi, to reduce capital is to show actual assets
National Power vs. Vera

 Limitation imposed by law


- For purpose of prohibiting the NAPOCOR

- Decrease shall not in any way affect the rights of the


- The court must decide whether or not a logical and
creditors
necessary relation exists between the act questioned
and the corporate purpose expressed in the NPC
 Philippine Trust Company vs. Rivera
charter

- Without the appraisal of SEC, a decrease in capital


 Importance of PLACE of registration
stocks has no effect

- Residence
 TRUST FUND DOCTRINE:

- Venue
- Subscription to capital stock of a corporation constitute
a fund to which the creditors have a right to look upon
- Place of meetings
for satisfaction of their claims and that the assignee in
insolvency can maintain an action upon any unpaid
- Place or registration of chattel mortgage stock subscription in order to realize assets for the
payment of its debts.
 Power to extend its terms

Madrigal vs. Zamora

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- Decrease in capital has a subterfuge to evade payment corporation shall extend to all stock to be issued,
including reissuance of treasury shares, whether for
- Thus not valid and effective money, property or personal services or in payment of a
corporate debt, unless the articles of incorporation
- Must not prejudice creditors which includes the provide otherwise, if not entirely absolute, in that it
employees extends to all issuance and disposition of shares

 Bond - Such right of pre-emption may be lost by waiver of the


stockholder, expressly or impliedly by his inability or
- Commonly understood as an obligation of a state, its failure to exercise it after having been notified of the
subdivision or a private corporation, represented by a proposed issuance or disposition of shares
certificate or an instrument for the principal and by
detachable coupons for the payment of interests. In its  When is it unavailable?
simplest term, it is one where an obligor obliges himself
to pay a certain sum of money to another at a day - In shares traded openly in stock exchange/market
named.
 Is it applicable to close corporations?
- There are different kinds of bond but before they may be
issued or floated by the corporation, the same must be - See section 96, close corporations must provide it first
registered and approved by the SEC subject to the rules on its articles of incorporation, that its articles does not
and regulations that may be adopted by that agency. really deny such pre-emptive rights.
The procedure and requirements set forth in section 38
is the same as in increasing or decreasing the capital  Section 102, will not apply to close corporations
stock except that the certificate does not have to state
the matters required in sub-section 2 & 3 thereof.  The right of pre-emptive rights is absolute in close
corporations
 Pre-emptive rights
“All issues or depositing shares of any class” form part of ACS
- A right granted by law to all existing stockholders of a
stock corporation to subscribe to all issues or  Certain instances when a stockholder may nevertheless
disposition of shares of any class, in proportion to their be unable to exercise this right:
respective stockholdings, subject only to the limitations
imposed under section 39 of the Code. - Issued for public ownership

- Internationally granted - Issued in good faith, with approval of 2/3 of outstanding


capital stock either a) in exchange for property needed
 Pre-emptive rights, why it is granted? or b) for payment of a previously contracted debt

- In order that the existing stockholders may maintain  Pre- emptive rights of stockholders in ordinary stock
their proportionate right as not to dilute their right corporations may be denied

 Power to deny pre-emptive rights - if the shares are to be issued in compliance with laws
requiring stock offering or minimum stock ownership by
the pubic
Section 39. Power to deny pre-emptive right. -
All stockholders of a stock corporation shall enjoy pre-
emptive right to subscribe to all issues or disposition of - In exchange for property needed for corporate purposes
shares of any class, in proportion to their respective
shareholdings, unless such right is denied by the - In payment of previously contracted debts
articles of incorporation or an amendment thereto:
Provided, That such pre-emptive right shall not extend
to shares to be issued in compliance with laws requiring  This rule, however, does not apply in a close corporation
stock offerings or minimum stock ownership by the as the pre-emptive rights of the stockholders thereof is
public; or to shares to be issued in good faith with the broadened to include all issues without exceptions
approval of the stockholders representing two-thirds unless, of course, denied or limited by the articles of
(2/3) of the outstanding capital stock, in exchange for incorporations. Section 102 provides:
property needed for corporate purposes or in payment of
a previously contracted debt.
Section 102. Pre-emptive right in close
corporations. - The pre-emptive right of stockholders in
 May it be denied? How? close corporations shall extend to all stock to be issued,
including reissuance of treasury shares, whether for
- Yes, if provided by articles of incorporation or by an money, property or personal services, or in payment of
amendment corporate debts, unless the articles of incorporation
provide otherwise.
- However, pre-emptive rights is unavailable to shares in
trading in stock exchange otherwise stockholders must  Denial will not apply to a close corporation, ABSOLUTE
waive first their right before they may sell such.
- section 96
 Exceptions
 May a stock holder in a close corporation insist in the
1. When the shares to be issued is in compliance with exercise of his pre-emptive rights?
laws requiring stock offerings or minimum stock
ownership by the public - Yes, section 102

2. Shares to be issued in good faith with the approval  What type or shares are covered by pre-emptive rights?
of the stockholders representing 2/3 of the
outstanding capital stock either  Does it include those originally unsubscribed?

a. In exchange for property needed for corporate - NO. Benito vs. SEC
purpose or,
 Will the stockholders be able to exercise their pre-
b. In payment of a previously contracted debt emptive right with respect to the old unissued shares?

- The exceptions, however will not apply to stockholders - Pre-emptive rights is applicable only to new issued
of a close corporation by virtue of a subsequent and shares and not to the old unissued shares because it is
specific provision of the Code which provides that the presumed that the original subscribers is deemed to
“pre-emptive right of a stockholder in a close have taken his shares knowing that they form a definite

Notes on Corporation Law


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24

proportionate part of the whole number of authorized 2) Where the transaction amounts to consolidation or
shares merger of the corporations

- When the shares, left unsubscribed are re-offered, he 3) When purchasing corporation is merely a continuation
cannot therefore claim. DILUTION OF INTEREST of the selling corporation

 Will the acquiring purchaser be liable for debts of the 4) Where the transaction is entered into fraudulently in
former corporation? order to escape liability for such debt

- Generally no, corporate entity theory because there may  Legitimate purpose: for a corporation to reacquire its
be instances when purchasing corporation may be held own shares
liable
- Limitation: it must have surplus/unrestricted retained
 May a corporation acquire its own shares? earnings

- Yes - Exception: may redeem irrespective of unrestricted


retained earnings
 Is there any restriction provided for by law in
reacquiring its own shares? 1) Exercise of stockholders’ right to compel “close
corporation” to purchase his shares
- Yes, it must have been unrestricted retained earnings
appearing in the books of corporation 2) Where corporation has sufficient assets in its books to
cover its debts and liabilities exclusive of capital stock
 A corporation can never acquire its own shares if it has
no unrestricted retained earnings ACS 1M

- False, exception close corporation and redeemable SUBSRIBED 1M


shares
PAID-UP 1M
EXAMPLE:
ASSETS 500K
ACS 2M
1M PROFITS
SUBSCRIBED 1M
- 500K LIABILITIES
PAID UP 1M
____________________
1 100K
500K RESERVES IN A CLOSE
2 100K CORPORATION IT CAN USE THIS TO REACQUIRE ISSUED
STOCKS
TO
X – REALTY CORPORATION
10 100K
 THE ONLY PROPERTY
 If 1-5 became 200K each, may 6-10 demand the OF THE CORPORATION
exercise their pre-emptive right?
 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
- YES DECIDED TO SELL IT

 May 1-5 subscribe to the unsubscribed capital stock to Will it need the approval of the stockholders?
the exclusion of 6-10?
- NO, if the same is necessary in the usual and regular
- If a corporation makes 2M unrestricted retained course of business of said corporation or if the proceeds
earnings, it is the shares and not the number of persons of the sale or other disposition of such property and
that matters assets be appropriated for the conduct of its remaining
business
 May 6-10 complain for a dilution of their interest?
 If X is a manufacturing company, then it can sell its
- YES, it’s an internationally recognized right because it only property upon approval of the stockholders
includes “all issues and disposition of shares of any because it will render itself capable of continuing its
class” and all kinds of shares new or old business, BUT if the proceeds will be used to purchase a
better one for the continuance of its business, then it
- If the remaining unsubscribed shares are issued, it’s an does not need the approval of the stockholders
issuance of any class
 Conditions for the valid exercise of this power are the
 May a corporation sell/dispose all or substantially all of following
its corporate assets and liabilities?
1. Resolution by the majority vote of the board of
- YES directors/trustees

- 1) RESOLUTION 2) AUTHORIZATION 3) RATIFICATION 2. Authorization from the stockholders representing at


4) PRIOR WRITTEN NOTICE 5) SALE SUBJECT TO least 2/3 of the outstanding capital stock or 2/3 of the
PROVISIONS OF EXITING LAWS 6) DISSENTING members;
STOCKHOLDERS HAVE THE RIGHT TO EXERCISE
THEIR APPRAISAL RIGHT 3. The ratification of the stockholders or members must be
made at a meeting duly called for that purpose
 If a corporation sells substantially all of it assets and
properties, will the buyer assume liability? 4. Prior written notice of the proposed action and of the
time and place of meeting must be made addressed to
- NO, EXCEPT all stockholders of record, either by mail or personal
service;
1) Express or implied agreement to the purchase
5. The sale of the assets shall be subject to the provisions
of existing laws on illegal combinations and monopolies

Notes on Corporation Law


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25

6. Any dissenting stockholder shall have the option to articles of incorporation, the approval of the
exercise his appraisal right stockholders or members shall not be necessary. (17
1/2a)

IDP vs. CA
- For any other purpose other than the primary purpose,
- Consent of the members was not secured stockholder’s consent or approval is necessary

- Thus, if it’s for the secondary purpose, it is necessary


Edward Nell Co. vs. Pacific Farms

- If it’s in connection with the primary purpose, only


- Generally where one corporation sells or otherwise
board resolution is necessary
transfers all of its assets to another corporation, the
latter is not liable for the debts and liabilities of the
 Requirements and steps to be followed for a valid
transferor, except:
investment of corporate funds are:
1. Where the purchaser expressly or impliedly agrees
1. Resolution by the majority of the board of directors or
to assume such debts;
trustees;
2. Where the transaction amounts to a consolidation
2. Ratification by the stockholders representing at least
or merger of the corporations;
2/3 of the outstanding capital stock or 2/3 of the
members in case of non-stock corporations;
3. Where the purchasing corporation is merely a
continuation of the selling corporation;
3. The ratification must be made at a meeting duly called
for that purpose;
4. Where the transaction is entered into fraudulently
in order to escape liability for such debts.
4. Prior written notice of the proposed investment and the
time and place of the meeting shall be made, addressed
 Power to acquire own shares
to each stockholder or member by mail or by personal
service, and;
Section 41. Power to acquire own shares. - A
stock corporation shall have the power to purchase or 5. Any dissenting stockholder shall have the option to
acquire its own shares for a legitimate corporate exercise his appraisal right
purpose or purposes, including but not limited to the
following cases: Provided, That the corporation has
unrestricted retained earnings in its books to cover the Dela rama vs. Ma-ao Sugar
shares to be purchased or acquired:
- There is a substantial and not remote connection
1. To eliminate fractional shares arising out of stock between the sugar bags and the sugar manufacture,
dividends; thus stockholder’s approval is not necessary for validity

2. To collect or compromise an indebtedness to the - A private corporation, in order to accomplish its purpose
corporation, arising out of unpaid subscription, in a as stated in its articles of incorporation, and imposed by
delinquency sale, and to purchase delinquent shares the Corporation Law, has the power to acquire, hold,
sold during said sale; and mortgage, pledge, or dispose of shares bonds, securities
and other evidences of indebtedness of any domestic or
3. To pay dissenting or withdrawing stockholders foreign corporation. Such an act, if done in pursuance of
entitled to payment for their shares under the provisions the corporate purpose, does not need the approval of the
of this Code. (a) stockholders; but when the purchase of shares of
another corporation is done solely for investment and
 The corporation must at all times have “unrestricted not to accomplish the purpose of its incorporation, the
retained earnings” to exercise this corporate power vote of approval of the stockholders is necessary.
Steinberg vs. Velasco
Gokongwei vs. SEC
- For as long as there are debts and liabilities, a
corporation may not reacquire its shares (subject to - Investments made by SMC is necessarily connected with
exceptions) its primary purpose and this was ratified in a meeting

- Creditors of a corporation have the right to assume that - Submission of previous action is a sound corporate
so long as there are outstanding debts and liabilities, practice
the board of directors will not use the assets of the
corporation to purchase its own stock, and that it will  Redeemable shares
not declare dividends to stockholders when the
corporation is insolvent.  Closed corporation (see section 105)

 Power to invest funds <sec.42> - For any reason, compel the value of shares “withdrawal
shares” provided corporation has sufficient funds to
Section 42. Power to invest corporate funds cover its debts and liabilities
in another corporation or business or for any other
purpose. - Subject to the provisions of this Code, a
Section 105. Withdrawal of stockholder or
private corporation may invest its funds in any other
dissolution of corporation. - In addition and without
corporation or business or for any purpose other than
prejudice to other rights and remedies available to a
the primary purpose for which it was organized when
stockholder under this Title, any stockholder of a close
approved by a majority of the board of directors or
corporation may, for any reason, compel the said
trustees and ratified by the stockholders representing at
corporation to purchase his shares at their fair value,
least two-thirds (2/3) of the outstanding capital stock,
which shall not be less than their par or issued value,
or by at least two thirds (2/3) of the members in the
when the corporation has sufficient assets in its books
case of non-stock corporations, at a stockholder's or
to cover its debts and liabilities exclusive of capital
member's meeting duly called for the purpose. Written
stock: Provided, That any stockholder of a close
notice of the proposed investment and the time and
corporation may, by written petition to the Securities
place of the meeting shall be addressed to each
and Exchange Commission, compel the dissolution of
stockholder or member at his place of residence as
such corporation whenever any of acts of the directors,
shown on the books of the corporation and deposited to
officers or those in control of the corporation is illegal, or
the addressee in the post office with postage prepaid, or
fraudulent, or dishonest, or oppressive or unfairly
served personally: Provided, That any dissenting
prejudicial to the corporation or any stockholder, or
stockholder shall have appraisal right as provided in
whenever corporate assets are being misapplied or
this Code: Provided, however, That where the
wasted.
investment by the corporation is reasonably necessary
to accomplish its primary purpose as stated in the

Notes on Corporation Law


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26

 If shares are reacquired, what happens? - NO. that would be over issuance of shares, violation of
securities regulation code
- It becomes treasury shares
- It must have a free portion
 Stockholder’s consent/ approval is not necessary and
mere board action is sufficient if in accordance with - The corporation may increase its capital
primary purpose
 Z co. 1M to X Co. is 2/3 of Xco. Stockholders
 The logical relation of act done and primary purpose of reacquired?
corporation and between the board of directors to
undertake submission of acts is a sound corporate - No, because in property 2/3 is not required
practice
 What is the effect of declaration of dividends with
 Dividends regards to the assets of a company?

Section 43. Power to declare dividends. - The - As compared to stock dividends, the declaration of cash
board of directors of a stock corporation may declare or property dividends have the effect of reducing
dividends out of the unrestricted retained earnings corporate assets to the extent of dividends declared.
which shall be payable in cash, in property, or in stock
to all stockholders on the basis of outstanding stock
- Neither would stock dividends increase the
held by them: Provided, That any cash dividends due on
delinquent stock shall first be applied to the unpaid proportionate interest of the stockholders of the
balance on the subscription plus costs and expenses, corporation although it will have the effect of increasing
while stock dividends shall be withheld from the the subscribed and paid-up capital of the corporation. It
delinquent stockholder until his unpaid subscription is gives the stockholders nothing in the way of distribution
fully paid: Provided, further, That no stock dividend of assets but merely divides his existing shares into
shall be issued without the approval of stockholders smaller units.
representing not less than two-thirds (2/3) of the
outstanding capital stock at a regular or special meeting
duly called for the purpose. (16a)  Earnings belong to the corporation until declared or
given

Stock corporations are prohibited from


 Revocation
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 - No revocation of dividend may be has unless it has not
or programs approved by the board of directors; or (2) been officially communicated to the stockholders or is in
when the corporation is prohibited under any loan the form of stock dividends which is revocable at any
agreement with any financial institution or creditor, time prior to distribution.
whether local or foreign, from declaring dividends
without its/his consent, and such consent has not yet
been secured; or (3) when it can be clearly shown that  Stock dividends- no reduction, you capitalize your
such retention is necessary under special circumstances restricted retained earnings, what is issued is a piece of
obtaining in the corporation, such as when there is need paper. The restricted earnings remain in the corporation
for special reserve for probable contingencies. (n)
 Cash and property- reduces corporate assets
 What are dividends?
 Stock dividends increase corporate assets? No, it will
- Corporate profits set aside, declared and ordered by the only have the effect of increasing the subscribed and
Board of Directors to be paid to the stockholders. paid-up capital of the corporation

 What are property dividends?  Will there be a corresponding increase in their


proportionate interest?
- Those paid in property surplus
- REMAINS THE SAME
 Like tables and chairs? Can tables and chairs make
surplus profits? - Exception: when stock dividends will result in a
fractional share
- No, they do not make surplus, bonds, etc.
ACS-2M 1-100K 200 (10%) *VOTING AND
 Where should dividends come from? DIVIDEND RIGHTS STILL THE SAME

- Stock dividends are declared as stocks coming from SUB-1M TO


corporation 10%

 Who declares dividends to be declared? Do stockholders PU-1M 10-100K


have any say?
ACS 2M
- Board of Directors, if stock approval of 2/3 outstanding
capital stock SUB 1M

ACS-1M SUB-1M P.U.-1M 1M-U.R.E. (surplus PU 1M


profits of the corporation)
1M RE
1-100k
1 100K
2-100k
2 100K
To
TO
10-100k
10 100K
1M
1M
 Board decides to declare 1M, how much will each
receive? May the board declare stock dividend  May they be compelled?

- NO. You cannot declare if it does not come from


unrestricted retained earnings.
Notes on Corporation Law
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27

1. 1M-U.R.E. (is it true there is no way to compel?) - The power to declare it if paid-up capital is not
maintained or is impaired
2. 2M-U.R.E.
- Trust fund must be kept intact for the protection of
 May they be compelled to declare dividends creditors who have the right to rely on such
subscription and the paid-up capital for the satisfaction
- Mandatory if earned, the board may be compelled to of their claims
declare dividends
 Cannot accumulate surplus unreasonably
- if exceeds 100% of the paid-up capital the boards may
be compelled  Basis is the paid-up capital

ACS 2M 1M U.R.E.  Entitled to dividends

SUB 1M  Irrespective of whether the subscription is full

PU 800K  Illegally declared

1-100K 50K PU - Declare dividend with the belief that it formed part of
the U.R.E., but yun pala sa capital
2-100K 50K
 Directors are not liable, unless sec31 acted in bad faith
TO or gross negligence in the conduct of corporate affairs

10-100K  Directors even if acting in behalf of the corporation, may


still be held solidarily liable
1M
 Power to enter into management contract
 Will 1 and 2 receive full amount of dividends?
- New provision
- YES. They are entitled however if they are declared
delinquent, the amount due them shall first be applied Section 44. Power to enter into management
to his delinquency plus expenses. contract. - No corporation shall conclude a management
contract with another corporation unless such contract
 Delinquency occurs, you are called to pay, but you shall have been approved by the board of directors and
failed to pay. In case of stock dividend, the delinquent by stockholders owning at least the majority of the
stock holder will not be entitled thereto until he has outstanding capital stock, or by at least a majority of the
members in the case of a non-stock corporation, of both
paid his subscription in full.
the managing and the managed corporation, at a
meeting duly called for the purpose: Provided, That (1)
 Are non-stockholders entitled to receive dividends? where a stockholder or stockholders representing the
same interest of both the managing and the managed
- No, tock dividends are civil fruits of the original corporations own or control more than one-third (1/3) of
the total outstanding capital stock entitled to vote of the
investment, and to the owners of the shares belong the
managing corporation; or (2) where a majority of the
civil fruits. members of the board of directors of the managing
corporation also constitute a majority of the members of
 How did the court decide dividends in the case of the board of directors of the managed corporation, then
Neilsen the management contract must be approved by the
stockholders of the managed corporation owning at least
two-thirds (2/3) of the total outstanding capital stock
- Stock dividends cannot be issued to a person who is not
entitled to vote, or by at least two-thirds (2/3) of the
a stockholder in payment of services rendered. members in the case of a non-stock corporation. No
management contract shall be entered into for a period
- Whether cash, property or stock, only stockholders may longer than five years for any one term.
receive dividends. Dividends are fruits of investments.
They come from the U.R.E. or surplus profits of the The provisions of the next preceding
corporation. paragraph shall apply to any contract whereby a
corporation undertakes to manage or operate all or
ACS 2M 1M U.R.E. substantially all of the business of another corporation,
whether such contracts are called service contracts,
operating agreements or otherwise: Provided, however,
SUB 1M JULY 24 DECLARATION
That such service contracts or operating agreements
JULY 31 which relate to the exploration, development,
exploitation or utilization of natural resources may be
PU 1M entered into for such periods as may be provided by the
pertinent laws or regulations. (n)
1 100K 100T JULY 26-Y(NEW
ONE WAS DECLARED TO Y) JULY 30- 100K  The requirement for a valid management contract are as
follows:
2
1. Resolution of the board of directors
TO TO HAVE THE TRANSFER
RECORDED
2. Approval by the stockholders holding or representing a
majority of the outstanding capital stock or majority of
10 100K the members in case of non-stock corporation of both
the managing and the managed corporation
1M
3. The approval of the stockholders or members must be
 Insofar as 1 and Y who has a better right? Already made at the meeting called for that purpose
declared, but not yet paid?

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


- Right to receive vest upon declaration. Who ever owns at
years for any one term, except those which relate to
the time of declaration owns the dividends exploration, development or utilization of natural
resources which may be entered into for such periods as
- Unless there is a stipulation to the contrary may be provided by pertinent laws and regulations

 TRUST FUND DOCTRINE  Every corporate act emanates from the BOARD

Notes on Corporation Law


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28

 Is the voting requirements of a majority stockholder b. If the contract is executory on both sides, as a rule,
ABSOLUTE? neither party can maintain an action for its non-
performance
- Not only a majority but 2/3 of the outstanding capital
stock or 2/3 of the members in a non-stock corporation c. Where the contract is executor on one side only,
would be required for the approval of a management and has been fully performed on the other, the
contract in the following instances: courts differ as to whether an action will lie on the
contract against the party who has received
1. Where the stockholders representing the same interest benefits of performance under it. Majority of the
of both the managing and managed corporation own or courts, however, hold that the party who has
control more than 1/3 of the total outstanding capital received benefits from the performance is estopped
stock of the managing corporation; and to set up that the contract is ultra-vires to defeat
an action on the contract. This is more in
2. Where a majority of the members of the board of conformity with the doctrine that no person shall
directors of the managing corporation also constitute a be allowed to enrich himself at the expense of
majority of the directors of the managed corporation another

3. Where the contract would constitute the management or Privano vs. Dela Rama
operation of all or substantially all of the business of
another corporation, whether such contracts are called - Court looked into the purpose clause
service contracts. If it will not constitute the
management of all or substantially all of the business of - The purpose clause empowers and limits
another corporation the first paragraph of section 44
will apply and not that of the second, that is, only the - Articles likewise provide that it may deal with any of its
vote of the stockholders holding or representing at least
money
a majority of the outstanding capital stock or majority of
the members in the case of non-stock corporation will
- “deal” broad enough to cover the donation it is not then
be required.
ultra-vires

 How long?
- Not illegal per se hence (law of agency) excess powers
are subject to ratification
- Not longer than 5 years for any one term

- Ratified by passing the resolution in question


- Exception: exploration, development or utilization of
natural resources
Carlos vs. Mindoro sugar Co.
 What is an ultra-vires act or contract?
- PTC- trust company as such, it also has implied powers
- Doctrine of limited capacity. Corporation can do such as to make them more attractable
acts and things as it is allowed to do
- Not ultra-vires in pursuance of its legitimate business
- Acts beyond it will be ultra vires, allowing a collateral
attack Japanese war notes vs. SEC

- If not illegal per se merely voidable. Can be ratified - Non-stock corporations cannot make profits and
expressly or impliedly or even stopped as equitable distribute profits to its shareholders
grounds
- Ultra-vires because Japanese war notes is a non-stock
- Ultra-vires acts which are not illegal per se may become corporation
binding and enforceable either by satisfaction, estoppels
or equitable grounds Crisologo-Jose vs. CA (ALWAYS ASKED BY DEAN
SUNDIANG)
 Consequences of ultra-vires acts?
- The negotiable instruments law which holds an
1. On the corporation itself accommodation party liable on the instrument to a
holder for value, although such holder at the time of
- The proper forum, in accordance with the provisions of taking the instrument knew him to be only an
PD 902-A, as amended and R.A. No. 8799 may suspend accommodation party, does not include nor apply to
or revoke, after proper notice and hearing, the franchise corporations which are accommodation parties. This is
or certificate of registration of the corporation for serious because the issue or indorsement of negotiable paper by
misrepresentation as to what the corporation can do or a corporation without consideration and for the
is doing to the great damage or prejudice of the general accommodation of another is ultra-vires
public
- Corporate officers may guarantee or endorse an
2. On the rights of the stockholders accommodation only if specifically authorized

- A stockholder may bring either an individual or Section 36 paragraph 11


derivative suit to enjoin a threatened ultra-vires act or
contract. If the act or contract has already been Section 10
performed, a derivative suit for damages against the
directors may be filed, but their liability will depend on Section 14 and 15
whether they acted in good faith and with reasonable
diligence in entering into the contract.  Corporate powers depend on the agreement of the
stockholders rather than any director
3. On the immediate parties
- It may sell and it may guarantee, contract not
- The courts have not agreed as to the legal effect of a necessarily illegal, it will in the absence of proof to the
corporate contract outside of its authorized business contrary presumed within its power. Corporations are
but Ballatine gives the following summary of the presumed to contract with in its powers- CARLOS CASE
doctrines evolved:
- Purpose clause may be stretched to cover PLDT internet.
a. If the contract is fully executed on both sides, the It may be within its business.
contract is effective and the courts will no interfere
to deprive either party of what has been acquired
- May it sell computers? NO! other line of business. Its
under it
trading!

Notes on Corporation Law


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©GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
29

BY-LAWS - NO. unless there is actual knowledge of the same they


are not presumed to know of the provisions of the by-
 By-Laws laws

- Rule adopted by the corporation for its internal Fleischer vs. Botika Nolasco
governance
- Shares of stock are personal properties
 Is the adoption of by-laws mandatory?
- Shares of stock may transfer to whom ever he wishes
 When should the by-laws be adopted or filed? Can it not
be adopted earlier? - The by-laws is contrary to law

- After incorporation- within 1 month (emanates from the  Articles of incorporation


BOARD)
- May provide reasonable restriction
- Prior-more convenient (signed by the incorporators)
- By-laws merely internal laws
 Who will sign the adoption clause?
- Articles is the contract between and among the parties
- Majority of the stockholders or members attested to by
and corporation
the corporate secretary

Gov’t vs. El Hogar


 What happens if the corporation fails to adopt the by-
laws from the tie provided by the law? Would there be
an automatic revocation or suspension? - Did the court categorically ruled here that the provision
in the 5th cause of action is valid?
- Proper notice and hearing, must first be complied with
- Rules governing equity, considering the fact that there
was always lack of quorum
Loyola grand villas vs. CA

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


- Not the SEC, but the HIGC
a vacancy other than by removal, etc.

- Must – not always imperative


Gokongwei vs. SEC
- Filing of by-laws mandatory
- Section 48 allows a corporation to amend it by-laws

- Empowered by SEC
- Section 47 of the code, the by-laws may provide for the
qualification and disqualification
- Merely a ground, there must be proper notice and
hearing
- It cannot be said Gokongwei has a vested rights

- Not affect the status of the corporation as a juridical


- Prevent directors from taking advantage of position to
person
promote his individual interest to the damage of others
- Subject the corporation to a fine, as may be issued by
- The validity or reasonableness of a by-laws is a question
the SEC
of law
 When do by-laws become effective?
- Subject to the limitations that reasonableness of a by-
law is a mere matter of judgment
- Until and unless the SEC gives it stamped of approval

- Rule of the majority and not the tyranny of the minority


- Suspension of any government agency. The permission
must first be secured- section 46
 May the by-laws be amended altered or appealed?
 Elements of a valid by-law
- YES. HOW? Two modes
1. It must not be contrary to law, public policy or morals;
1. By a majority vote of the directors or trustees and the
majority vote of the outstanding capital stock or
2. It must not be inconsistent with the articles of
members in a non-stock corporation, at a regular or
incorporation;
special meeting called for that purpose;
3. It must be general and uniform in its effect or applicable
2. By the board of directors alone when delegated by 2/3 of
to all alike or those similarly situated;
the outstanding capital stock or 2/3 of the members in
a non-stock corporation.
4. It must not impair obligations and contracts or vested
rights; and’
- This delegated power, however, is considered revoked
whenever a majority of the outstanding capital stock or
5. It must be reasonable.
members shall so vote at a regular or special meeting.

- Must not be inconsistent with existing laws. Not be


 If it is to be amended what is the proceeding?
inconsistent with articles of incorporation

- Section 48 2nd paragraph provides:


 By-laws

- None filing would not affect the status of the Section 48. Amendments to by-laws. - The
corporation, Loyola grand villas case board of directors or trustees, by a majority vote thereof,
and the owners of at least a majority of the outstanding
capital stock, or at least a majority of the members of a
- The word “must” is not always imperative non-stock corporation, at a regular or special meeting
duly called for the purpose, may amend or repeal any
- Stockholders are conlusively presumed to know the by-laws or adopt new by-laws. The owners of two-thirds
provisions of the by-laws (2/3) of the outstanding capital stock or two-thirds (2/3)
of the members in a non-stock corporation may delegate
to the board of directors or trustees the power to amend
 How about 3rd persons?
or repeal any by-laws or adopt new by-laws: Provided,
That any power delegated to the board of directors or
Notes on Corporation Law
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30

trustees to amend or repeal any by-laws or adopt new - Special- 1 week


by-laws shall be considered as revoked whenever
stockholders owning or representing a majority of the  May the notice requirement be lessened?
outstanding capital stock or a majority of the members
in non-stock corporations, shall so vote at a regular or
special meeting. - By-laws may provide a longer or a shorter duration

 What if the notice requirement is not complied with?


Whenever any amendment or new by-laws are
adopted, such amendment or new by-laws shall be
attached to the original by-laws in the office of the  What happened to any act passed in a meeting when
corporation, and a copy thereof, duly certified under notice requirement was not required with?
oath by the corporate secretary and a majority of the
directors or trustees, shall be filed with the Securities - Voidable, subject to ratification
and Exchange Commission the same to be attached to
the original articles of incorporation and original by-
laws. Board of directors vs. Tan

The amended or new by-laws shall only be - Notice requirement is the by-laws is a mandatory
effective upon the issuance by the Securities and requirement
Exchange Commission of a certification that the same
are not inconsistent with this Code. (22a and 23a) - Improperly served, any action will be invalidated at the
objection of any stockholder or member
Baretto vs. La Previsora
 Must be held in the proper place
- Any corporate act emanates from the board
 Where should it be held?
- Directors themselves cannot amend the by-laws if they
were not granted the same - Apparent from the foregoing provision is that meetings
of stockholders must, at all times, be held in the city or
municipality where the principal office of the
 Section 48
corporation is located and, as far as practicable, in the
principal office of the corporation.
 The power granted is not subject to revocation T or F?

 May the by-laws of a corporation provide that meetings


- FALSE
be held anywhere in the Philippines?

 If the by-laws are amended when will they become


- While there is no provision authorizing a stock
valid?
corporation to hold stockholders’ meetings outside of
the City of Municipality where the principal office is
- Upon issuance of the SEC that they are not inconsistent
located, the law allows a non-stock corporation to
provide in its by-laws any place of members’ meeting
 What if the SEC failed to act within 10 months without
provided that proper notice is sent to all members
fault attributable to the corporation?
indicating the date, time and place of the meeting which
shall be within the Philippines.
 T or F any amendment of the by-laws will never become
valid until it gives its stamp of approval even after 1 year
 T or F the by-laws of a stock corporation may validly
provide that meetings shall be held anywhere in the
- TRUE. Articles of incorporation and by-laws are different Philippines?

MEETINGS - FALSE. Non-stock corporations lang pwede provided


nakalagay sa by-laws and provided proper notice is
 Meetings given

- Meetings of stockholders 1. Date fixed  Corporation can do only such things as the law allows it
in the by-laws or by-law to do, DOCTRINE OF LIMITED CAPACITY

- Meetings of director or trustees  San Miguel office located in Ortigas Center. May
stockholders meeting be held in PICC center?
 Meetings are regular and special
- YES. Metro Manila, one single city
 Meetings of stockholders
 Must be called by the proper party
 What is regular and what is special?
 Who calls?
 When are regular meetings of the stockholders held?
- President until and unless there is a provision ,
- Fixed date provided by the by-laws secretary on order of the president

 What if there is no date?  What if there is nobody who can call?

- April - The petitioner, stockholder may petition the court

 Why april?  What if there is a person who can call, but he fails or
neglects to call the meeting? May a stockholder petition
- Point in time the audited financial statement have been to authorize a meeting?
prepared
- Ponce case only applies when there is NO person
 What if in the date specified in the by-laws or by the law authorized to call the meeting. If there is a person, but
itself the meeting was not convened, for instance lack of neglects his duty. Ponce will not apply.
quorum or force majeure?
 Writ of injunction may never be issued ex parte
- It may be postponed on a reasonable date
 Is there any exception?
 Notice requirement?
- Section 28 only instance
- Regular- 2 weeks prior notice

Notes on Corporation Law


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©GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
31

Section 28. Removal of directors or trustees. - of the corporation, shall be valid even if the
Any director or trustee of a corporation may be removed meeting be improperly held or called,
from office by a vote of the stockholders holding or provided all the stockholders or members of
representing at least two-thirds (2/3) of the outstanding
the corporation are present or duly
capital stock, or if the corporation be a non-stock
corporation, by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the represented at the meeting.”
members entitled to vote: Provided, That such removal
shall take place either at a regular meeting of the  Directors/trustees meeting
corporation or at a special meeting called for the
purpose, and in either case, after previous notice to  Regular (monthly) and special (anytime)
stockholders or members of the corporation of the
intention to propose such removal at the meeting. A
special meeting of the stockholders or members of a  May that be restricted (within or outside the Phil)
corporation for the purpose of removal of directors or
trustees, or any of them, must be called by the secretary - YES. unless the by-laws provide otherwise.
on order of the president or on the written demand of
the stockholders representing or holding at least a
 Is there any notice requirement?
majority of the outstanding capital stock, or, if it be a
non-stock corporation, on the written demand of a
majority of the members entitled to vote. Should the - YES. 1 day unless otherwise provided by the by-laws
secretary fail or refuse to call the special meeting upon
such demand or fail or refuse to give the notice, or if  What happens if notice is not complied with?
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 - If the notice requirement is not complied with the
the demand. Notice of the time and place of such meeting is illegal and will not bind the corporation
meeting, as well as of the intention to propose such except when subsequently ratified or in the case of a
removal, must be given by publication or by written close corporation where the act of any one director may
notice prescribed in this Code. Removal may be with or bind the corporation even without a meeting under the
without cause: Provided, That removal without cause special provision of Section 101 of the Code.
may not be used to deprive minority stockholders or
members of the right of representation to which they
may be entitled under Section 24 of this Code. (n)  Can notice be waived? <sec.53>

 Cases of removal or ouster of a director Section 53. Regular and special meetings of
directors or trustees. - Regular meetings of the board of
directors or trustees of every corporation shall be held
 Mandamus would be appropriate remedy if there is a
monthly, unless the by-laws provide otherwise.
person authorized but refuses

 Quorum and voting requirement 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.
- Majority stockholders or members constitute a quorum

 Is the presence of the majority owners of the Meetings of directors or trustees of


corporations may be held anywhere in or outside of the
outstanding capital stock ABSOLUTE to have a
Philippines, unless the by-laws provide otherwise. Notice
quorum? of regular or special meetings stating the date, time and
place of the meeting must be sent to every director or
- NO. when the code requires a higher quorum it must trustee at least one (1) day prior to the scheduled
also be equivalent to the vote required meeting, unless otherwise provided by the by-laws. A
director or trustee may waive this requirement, either
expressly or impliedly. (n)
 Do you include non-voting shares in arriving at the
voting requirement to have a valid corporate act?
- YES. Expressly and impliedly
- It depends.
- SEC ruling
- Section 6 last par. If it falls within the penultimate par.
Of section 6 A special meeting is valid without notice
where the directors are all present or where
 Five requisites of a valid meeting they consent to the meeting. Presence at the
meeting waives the want of notice. Moreover,
1. It must be held on the date fixed in the by-laws or in it has been ruled that the meeting of the
accordance with law directors without a formal call first being had,
and notice thereof given to the members, did
2. Prior notice must be given not operate to invalidate it or to render the
proceedings which were taken at it void, for
every member of the board were present, and
3. It must be held at he proper place
their joint action had completely bound the
corporation as if the meeting has been called
4. It must be called by the proper party
with due formality, and everyone of the
directors had received proper notice.
5. Quorum and voting requirements must be met

 What is the quorum and voting requirement in the


 Date not complied with, notice, place, not complied with
directors meeting?
and the person who called not authorized, what
happens to any resolution called?
- Majority of the members of the board of directors (entire
membership)
- Section 51, any meeting shall be valid provided all the
stockholders are present or duly represented and
 Vote required to pass a valid corporate act?
provided it is within the power of the corporation. 3 RD
paragraph of 324
- Majority of those present at which there is a quorum (3
present, vote of 2 sufficient)
- If the voting requirement is met, any resolution passed
in the meeting, even if improperly held or called will be
valid if all the stockholders or members are present or - Exception, majority of all the members of the board in
duly represented thereat. The last paragraph of section case of election of corporate officers, unless the articles
51 is clear on the matter when it provides: provide for a greater quorum or voting requirement

“all proceedings had and any business  Should the director or trustees be physically present?
transacted at any meeting of the stockholders
or members, if within the powers or authority - General rule, must sit and act as a body to have a valid
corporate act
Notes on Corporation Law
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32

 Five man member board, a meeting was called today, that appearing and asserting the right to vote at a
should the physical presence or warm bodies requires to meeting by the registered owner of the shares revokes a
constitute a quorum? proxy previously given.

- NO. it is not required. Teleconference or video  Must be submitted to a validation committee


conference is allowed, E- commerce law
 By-laws of non-stock corporations may deny proxy
 Membership subject to laws voting

 Stockholder not yet  What is voting trust agreement?

 May director vote by proxy? - One created by an agreement between a group of


stockholders of a corporation and a trustee, or a group
- NO of identical agreements between individual stockholders
and a common trustee, whereby it is provided that for a
 If A is a director and a meeting is called for the purpose term o years or for a period contingent upon a certain
of electing a new set of BOD can A vote by proxy? event, or until the agreement is terminated, control over
the stock owned by such stockholders, shall be lodged
- YES. Because it is a stockholders meeting in the trustee, either with or without reservation to the
owners or persons designated by them the power to
 If directors meeting, cannot vote by proxy direct how such control shall be issued.

 Stockholder’s right to vote - It is a devise of binding stockholders to vote as a unit


and thus assuring a desirable stability and continuity in
management in situations where it is needed.
- Inherent in stock ownership

 What is the effect of a voting trust agreement relative to


- However this right is not always inherent, because it
the rights?
may be denied:

- Lee vs. CA must pass these criteria


1. Redeemable and preferred shares, however if
founders shares are issued others may be denied
1. That the voting rights of the stock are separated from
the right to vote.
the other attributes of ownership;

2. May be denied by the articles of incorporation or


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

- When not denied they may do so in person or by proxy


3. That the principal purpose of the grant of voting rights
is to acquire voting control of the corporation.
 May the right to vote by proxy be denied?

 During the duration of the trust they are irrevocable


 May the articles of incorporation deny?
unless there is a violation either by fraud

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


 Requisites
allowed?

- Section 59
- NO

 Only non-stock may be denied proxy voting (may be Section 59. Voting trusts. - One or more
broaden, limited or denied) stockholders of a stock corporation may create a voting
trust for the purpose of conferring upon a trustee or
trustees the right to vote and other rights pertaining to
 Proxy voting is a matter of right granted by law the shares for a period not exceeding five (5) years at
any time: Provided, That in the case of a voting trust
 Requirements of a valid proxy? specifically required as a condition in a loan agreement,
said voting trust may be for a period exceeding five (5)
- Section 58 years but shall automatically expire upon full payment
of the loan. A voting trust agreement must be in writing
and notarized, and shall specify the terms and
Section 58. Proxies. - Stockholders and conditions thereof. A certified copy of such agreement
members may vote in person or by proxy in all meetings shall be filed with the corporation and with the
of stockholders or members. Proxies shall in writing, Securities and Exchange Commission; otherwise, said
signed by the stockholder or member and filed before agreement is ineffective and unenforceable. The
the scheduled meeting with the corporate secretary. certificate or certificates of stock covered by the voting
trust agreement shall be cancelled and new ones shall
Unless otherwise provided in the proxy, it shall be valid
be issued in the name of the trustee or trustees stating
only for the meeting for which it is intended. No proxy that they are issued pursuant to said agreement. In the
shall be valid and effective for a period longer than five books of the corporation, it shall be noted that the
(5) years at any one time. (n) transfer in the name of the trustee or trustees is made
pursuant to said voting trust agreement.
 How long may a proxy exist?
The trustee or trustees shall execute and
- Maximum of 5 years deliver to the transferors voting trust certificates, which
shall be transferable in the same manner and with the
- Valid for the meeting in which it is intended same effect as certificates of stock.

 Is proxy revocable? The voting trust agreement filed with the


corporation shall be subject to examination by any
stockholder of the corporation in the same manner as
- Generally revocable, unless coupled with interest
any other corporate book or record: Provided, That both
the transferor and the trustee or trustees may exercise
 Revocation the right of inspection of all corporate books and records
in accordance with the provisions of this Code.
- A proxy, like agency in general is revocable unless
coupled with an interest and revocation need not be Any other stockholder may transfer his
made by formal notice in writing. Revocation may be shares to the same trustee or trustees upon the terms
expressed to the proxy holder, to the election committee, and conditions stated in the voting trust agreement, and
by a subsequent proxy to another or by sale of the thereupon shall be bound by all the provisions of said
shares. Thus it may be revoke orally by conduct such agreement.

Notes on Corporation Law


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©GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
33

No voting trust agreement shall be entered - They will be more secured


into for the purpose of circumventing the law against
monopolies and illegal combinations in restraint of trade  Voting pull agreement
or used for purposes of fraud.

- Enters into an agreement


Unless expressly renewed, all rights granted
in a voting trust agreement shall automatically expire at
- Pull all their shares to cast one vote
the end of the agreed period, and the voting trust
certificates as well as the certificates of stock in the
name of the trustee or trustees shall thereby be deemed - Covered by rules governing contracts
cancelled and new certificates of stock shall be reissued
in the name of the transferors. - By pulling their votes they can decline the resolution
passed by the board
The voting trustee or trustees may vote by
proxy unless the agreement provides otherwise. (36a)
 END OF MIDTERMS
 Does it need to be notarized?

- Yes, otherwise it is ineffective and unenforceable STOCKS AND STOCKHOLDERS

 Only legal ownership is transferred  3 modes

 Being still the beneficial owner they may transfer these 1. By a contract of subscription with the corporation;
rights
2. By purchase of treasury shares from the corporation;
 Is the right granted to a voting trust agreement and,
absolute? (to inspect)
3. By purchase or acquisition of shares from existing
- NO. stockholders.

- The voting trust agreement filed with the corporation  Section 60 subscription
shall be subject to examination by any stockholder of
the corporation in the same manner as any other - Any contract
corporate book or record. Provided, that both the
transfer and the trustee or trustees may exercise the - Whether existing or still to be formed
right of inspection of all corporate books and records in
accordance with the provisions of this Code.
Section 60. Subscription contract. - Any contract for the
 Legal title is transferred to the voting trustee acquisition of unissued stock in an existing corporation or a
corporation still to be formed shall be deemed a subscription
within the meaning of this Title, notwithstanding the fact that
 May the voting trustee vote by proxy? the parties refer to it as a purchase or some other contract.
(n)
- Yes, legal owner may vote by proxy
 Under the old law the 4th mode is PURCHASE
 May the proxy holder vote by proxy?
 Purchase
- NO, (AGENT) an agent can have no other agent unless
specifically allowed by the principal - Reciprocal in nature

 Stockholder executing as a proxy, is he qualified to be


- Purchaser can neither require the issuance
voted as a director?
Xco. Inc.
 Why is he qualified to act as a director if the stockholder
executes as a director?

- The beneficial owner of the shares in a voting trust is


P
disqualified to be a director in a voting trust whereas in
a proxy, the owner of the shares may be elected as such
Authorized capital 1M
since legal title thereof remains with him

500 SUBSCRIBED
- YES he remains to be the owner

500 UNISSUED STOCKS (AS LONG AS GALING DITO)


 Is the stockholder executing in a voting trust agreement,
is he qualified to act as a director?
Z wants to acquire 100K

- NO. ceases to be stockholder of record, no longer the


Entered in June 50% shall be down payment remainder December
legal owner of shares
08

 May the corporation enforce the voting trust agreements


o he will not be considered a stockholder unless he has
executed by its stockholders?
paid in full

- NO. NIDC vs. AQUINO


August 08 property is ravaged by fire all are turned into shares

- Not a privy to the contract


 Is Z liable to pay the balance of his acquisitions?

- Rights liabilities of a stockholder are there in their


- YES, no matter how the party refer to it, it is considered
individual capacity- corporate entity theory
subscription

 Voting trust agreements


- Once you subscribe, you become a stockholder which is
entitled to all the liabilities of a stockholder
- Normally executed in favor of banking and financial
institutions
Z- subscribed to 100T/S of XCo.

- So that they can vote a certain set of directors


Amount he paid 50k

Notes on Corporation Law


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©GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
34

Z did not pay on the date called and was declared a delinquent The same considerations provided for in this
share section, insofar as they may be applicable, may be used
for the issuance of bonds by the corporation.
 Corporation paid 100T/S therefore the corporation
reacquired the shares again, what are they called? The issued price of no-par value shares may
be fixed in the articles of incorporation or by the board
- Treasury shares 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
Y- 80T/S DECEMBER 08 least a majority of the outstanding capital stock at a
meeting duly called for the purpose. (5 and 16)
40 % (AUGUST) WAS DESTROYED BY FIRE, IS HE STILL LIABLE
TO PAY THE UNPAID PORTION?
 “Amounts transferred from unrestricted retained
earnings to stated capital” what does it mean?
 IT WAS AGREED THAT IT WAS A PURCHASE AND WILL
BE A STOCKHOLDER ONLY IF PAID IN FULL IS HE
- Stock dividends will in effect capitalize the unrestricted
LIABLE?
retained earnings

- NO, because that was a purchase


 After 5 years the founders shares may be converted into
common shares or other kinds of shares
- First example galing sa unissued stock
 May shares of stocks be issued without consideration?
- 2nd example galling sa treasury shares hindi sa Why?
unissued share
- NO, two reasons by the SC, discriminatory against other
 NO such thing as purchase of unissued stocks stockholders and second unlawful, it prejudices the
right of the creditors “Trust Fund Doctrine”
 A subscription contract can be conditional provided
there is nothing in the charter or statute prohibiting it  If issued without a consideration
and not against public order, law, etc.
- Section 65, they will be considered as watered stocks
 Must it be in writing?

- NO, it may be oral Section 65. Liability of directors for watered


stocks. - Any director or officer of a corporation
consenting to the issuance of stocks for a consideration
 5M should it be in writing to be valid and binding as a less than its par or issued value or for a consideration in
subscription? any form other than cash, valued in excess of its fair
value, or who, having knowledge thereof, does not
- NO, statutes of frauds only applies to SALES forthwith express his objection in writing and file the
same with the corporate secretary, shall be solidarily,
liable with the stockholder concerned to the corporation
Trillana vs. Quezon College and its creditors for the difference between the fair value
received at the time of issuance of the stock and the par
- Counter proposal, therefore there was a need for an or issued value of the same. (n)
acceptance
- Subscribers may be compelled to pay the value
- Facultative because it is in his own free will, it is void
 Issuance of a certificate of stock is another thing
 What may be used as a consideration and how much
should be the consideration?  What are the requisites for the issuance of a valid
certificate of stock?
- Section 62 provides:
1. It must be signed by the president or vice-president and
countersigned by the secretary or assistant secretary;
Section 62. Consideration for stocks. - Stocks
shall not be issued for a consideration less than the par
or issued price thereof. Consideration for the issuance of 2. It must be sealed with the corporate seal; and the entire
stock may be any or a combination of any two or more value thereof (together with interest or expenses, if any)
of the following: should have been paid.

1. Actual cash paid to the corporation; While it appears, that a subscriber to shares of stock
cannot be entitled to the issuance of a certificate of
stock until the full amount of his subscription together
2. Property, tangible or intangible, actually received by
with interest and expenses (in case of delinquent shares)
the corporation and necessary or convenient for its use
and lawful purposes at a fair valuation equal to the par if any is due, has been paid, a subscriber to shares of
or issued value of the stock issued; stock, even if not yet fully paid, is entitled to exercise all
the rights of a stockholder and the corresponding
liability that attach thereunder. Thus, the Code
3. Labor performed for or services actually rendered to
provides:
the corporation;

Section 72. Rights of unpaid shares. -


4. Previously incurred indebtedness of the corporation; Holders of subscribed shares not fully paid which are
not delinquent shall have all the rights of a stockholder.
5. Amounts transferred from unrestricted retained (n)
earnings to stated capital; and
 Is the issuance of a certificate of stock necessary to
6. Outstanding shares exchanged for stocks in the event consider the subscriber a stockholder?
of reclassification or conversion.
- NO, shall be considered a stockholder even without a
Where the consideration is other than actual certificate of stock
cash, or consists of intangible property such as patents
of copyrights, the valuation thereof shall initially be  Instances when he may not be able to exercise his rights
determined by the incorporators or the board of as such stockholder
directors, subject to approval by the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
- Declared delinquent

Shares of stock shall not be issued in - When he exercises his appraisal right
exchange for promissory notes or future service.

Notes on Corporation Law


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©GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
35

 Are certificate of stocks transferrable? all the rights of a stockholder and to inform the
corporation of any change in shares ownership so that it
- YES can ascertain the persons entitled to the rights and
subject to the liabilities of a stockholder.”
 Are certificate of stocks considered negotiable?
Thus, it was also ruled by the High Court in
- Quasi-negotiable Nautica Canning Corp. vs. Yumul that “A
transfer of shares not recorded in the stock
 Why are they considered quasi-negotiable when it may and transfer book of the corporation is non-
be transferred through endorsement and delivery? existent in so far as the corporation is
concerned.” This is so because “the
corporation looks only through its books for
the purpose of determining who its
100t/s 001 10/s stockholders are.”

Abc co.  Registration is necessary for the following:

1. To enable the corporation to know who its stockholders


B stole and forged the signature
C is purchaser in good faith and for value will C acquire title are;

2. To enable the transferee to exercise his rights a s


stockholders;

3. To afford the corporation an opportunity to object or


refuse registration of the transfer in case allowed by law;

4. To avoid fictitious and fraudulent transfers; and,

5. To protect creditors who have the right to look upon


Endorsement from stockholders, in case of no-payment or watered shares,
When issued by owner for the satisfaction of their claims.
Endorsed by owner- strict compliance
 Duty of the secretary is ministerial, hence mandamus
will lie if the secretary refuses to record the transfer, but
ANSWER: a certificate of stock is not regarded as negotiable in the he cannot be compelled when the transferee’s title to the
same sense that a bill or note is negotiable, even if it is endorsed in said shares has no prima facie validity or uncertain
blank. Thus, while it may be transferred by endorsement coupled
with delivery thereof, and therefore merely quasi-negotiable, it is  Transfer- absolute and unconditional transfer to
nonetheless non-negotiable in that the transferees takes it without warrant registration in the books of the corporation in
prejudice to all the rights and defenses which the true and lawful order to bind the latter and other third persons.
owner may have except in so far as the principles governing
estoppels may apply.  Other restrictions on the right to transfer shares would
include:
He acquired it by virtue of a forged instrument; no matter how
innocent the purchaser is because it is subject to all the rights and 1. It is not valid, except as between the parties, until
defenses recorded in the books of the corporation;

 What if A endorsed it? 2. Shares of stock against which the corporation holds any
unpaid claim shall not be transferable in the books of
- He is estopped, unless there are other available defenses the corporation; unpaid claims, refer to claims arising
from unpaid subscription and not to any indebtedness
 Transfer is required to be recorded in the books of the which a stockholder may owe the corporation such as
corporation, however even if not recorded, it will be valid monthly dues;
between the parties. Non-registration will not however,
affect the validity thereof at least in so far as the 3. Restrictions required to be indicated in the articles of
contracting parties are concerned. incorporation, by-laws and stock certificates of a close
corporation;
Section 63. Certificate of stock and transfer
of shares. - The capital stock of stock corporations shall 4. Restrictions imposed by special law, such as the Public
be divided into shares for which certificates signed by Service Act requiring the approval of the government
the president or vice president, countersigned by the agency concerned if it will vest unto the transferee 40%
secretary or assistant secretary, and sealed with the seal of the capital of the public service company;
of the corporation shall be issued in accordance with the
by-laws. Shares of stock so issued are personal property
and may be transferred by delivery of the certificate or 5. Sale to aliens in violation of maximum ownership of
certificates indorsed by the owner or his attorney-in-fact shares under the Nationalization Laws;
or other person legally authorized to make the transfer.
No transfer, however, shall be valid, except as between 6. Those covered by reasonable agreement of the parties.
the parties, until the transfer is recorded in the books of
the corporation showing the names of the parties to the
transaction, the date of the transfer, the number of the Monserat vs. Ceron
certificate or certificates and the number of shares
transferred. - Does it include mortgage?

No shares of stock against which the - NO, it is not an absolute transfer


corporation holds any unpaid claim shall be
transferable in the books of the corporation. (35) - Will not affect the transfer through mortgage

 “Until registration is accomplished, the transfer, though - Absolute and unconditional transfer
valid between the parties, cannot be effective as against
the corporation. Thus the, unrecorded transfer cannot - Only the transfer or absolute conveyance of the
enjoy the status of a stockholder; he cannot vote nor be ownership of the title to a share need be entered and
voted for, and he will not be entitled to dividends. The noted upon the books of the corporation in order that
corporation will be protected when it pays dividend to such transfer may be valid, therefore, inasmuch as a
the registered owner despite a previous transfer of which chattel mortgage of the aforesaid title is not a complete
it had no knowledge. The purpose of registration and absolute alienation of the dominion and ownership
therefore is twofold: to enable the transferee to exercise

Notes on Corporation Law


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©GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
36

thereof, its entry and notation upon the books of the - Endorsement plus delivery is mandatory
corporation is not necessary requisite to its validity
 Is there any other mode of transferring stock?
 Chua guan vs. Magsasaka
- Notarized deed
- Was the mortgage valid and effective as against
subsequent third parties - Deed of assignment

- Register of deeds where the corporation resides and if Rural bank of Salinas vs. CA
different in the register of deeds of owner’s domicile
- If denied or refused without good cause, mandamus will
 Unson vs. Dinamito
lie

- All transferred not register will not have a valid force


Tay vs. CA
and effect

- Mandamus may issue if petition has a clear legal right


 Right to transfer may be regulated

 May not be unreasonably restricted - Never issued in doubtful cases

 Violation of nationalization law- Central Bank - Petitioner failed to establish a clear legal right and
alleged ownership is without merit

Lambert vs. Fox


- Did not acquire ownership by virtue of the contract of
pledge
- Valid , may be reasonably regulated, restricted by
agreement of parties
- In a contract of pledge there must be foreclosure

- Reasonable agreement by the parties


- In the case there was no attempt to foreclose

- Reasonable as to length of time


- Petitioner must have a prima facie right

Padgett vs. Babcock


Nava vs. Peers Marketing

- Any attempt to restrain transfer


- A stock subscription is a subsisting liability from the
time the subscription is made
- SC, in the absence of a valid lien upon its shares

- The subscriber is as much bound to pay his


- Valid restrictions shares are applicable
subscription as he would be to pay any other debt

- Any restriction on a stockholder’s right to dispose of his


- No stock certificate was issued. Without stock
shares must be construed strictly; and any attempt to
certificate, which is the evidence of ownership of
restrain a transfer of shares is regarded as being in
corporate stock, the assignment of corporate shares is
restraint of trade, in the absence of a valid lien upon its
effective only between the parties to the transaction
shares, and except to the extent that valid restrictive
regulations and agreements exist and are applicable.
 Exception to the general rule
Subject only to such restrictions, a stockholder cannot
be controlled in or restrained from exercising his right to
transfer by the corporation or its officers or by other Rural Bank of Lipa vs. CA
stockholders, even though the sale is to a competitor of
the company, or to an insolvent person, or even though - By notarized deed
a controlling interest is sold to one purchaser.
- Certificate of stocks already issued must be coupled
 Certificate of stocks are transferrable with delivery, exception (TAN vs. SEC)

- By endorsement and delivery of the stock certificate to  Stock certificate has already been issued it must be
the transferee coupled with the delivery

 In order to be valid, must be registered in the books. If  After certificate of stock is issued, may it be effectively
not, will only be binding among parties transferred even without endorsement or delivery of the
stock certificate?
 How may shares of stock be transferred?
- Person sought to be a stockholder is an officer and has
- Endorsement of stock certificate by owner or attorney- custody
in-fact with delivery
 Endorsement and delivery is not necessary (TAN vs.
SEC)
Embassy farms vs. CA

- Must be endorsed by owner or attorney-in-fact coupled Tan vs. SEC (FULL KNOWLEDGE, HE IS ESTOPPED)
with delivery
- Persons sought to be stockholder is officer and has
- Endorsed not delivered custody of the book (estopped)

- Proper mode and manner must be complied with  General Rule for valid transfer

- Certificate of stock must be endorsed by owner or


Razon vs. IAC
attorney-in-fact coupled with delivery

- Delivered not endorsed


 Exceptions

- Reverse of Embassy Farms


- Section 63 uses the word “may”

- Endorsement alone is not sufficient nor delivery without


- Showing that there may be other modes of transferring
endorsement is not allowed
shares

Notes on Corporation Law


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©GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
37

 Is there a time frame or fixed period as when transfer  Corporation can compel C to deliver the new stock
can be made? certificate because he made a representation that the
certificate where good.
- NO, (WON vs. WACK WACK)  Armed with the new certificate issued to C, C delivers to
D a purchaser in good faith and for value will D acquire
title?
Won vs. Wack Wack

- D will acquire title took the shares not by virtue of a forged


- Valid between contracting parties even if not recorded in
or unauthorized transfer, but on the reliance that the
corporation books
stock certificate is valid and owned by C

- Right accrues only if refused


 Stock certificate now in possession of D. A knew of what
happened and went to the corporation and complains.
- Statute of limitations does not apply in registration of Who will have a better title?
shares of stock
- the corporation may be compelled to recognize both, A as
- Must determined from the time of refusal stockholder (non-negotiable) D, reliance that the stock
certificate is valid and existing and owned by C
 Why are they non-negotiable when they may be
transferred?  Forged transfers

- Transferees pays it without prejudice to all the rights - If the corporation should issue a new certificate in
and defenses as the true and lawful owner may have pursuance of a forged transfer, the corporation incurs
under the law except insofar as such rights and no liability to the person in whose favor it is issued and
defenses are subject to the limitations imposed by the it may demand its return for cancellation. The
principles governing estoppels corporation in such case has been guilty of no
misrepresentation. On the other hand, it is the duty of
De los Santos vs. Republic the purchaser to determine that the indorsement of the
owner is genuine. However, if the new certificate issued
- Why is he, not considered as the owner of shares? When to the purchaser comes into the hands of a bona fide
it has been said that when endorsed by the owner it is purchaser for value, the corporation will be stopped
considered as strict certificate? Because certificate of from denying validity thereof, since by issuing such new
stocks are non-negotiable certificate it represents that the person named therein is
a stockholder of the corporation. The corporation is thus
- Although a stock-certificate is sometimes regarded as forced to recognize both the original certificate and new
quasi-negotiable, in the sense that it may be transferred certificate-the original, because the true owner could not
by endorsement, coupled with delivery, it is well settled be deprived of his title by a forged transfer, and the new,
that the instrument is non-negotiable, because the because of its representation that the person named
holder thereof takes it without prejudice to such rights therein is the owner of shares in the corporation. But if
or defenses as the registered owner or creditor may have the recognition of both stockholders would result in an
under the law, except insofar as such rights or defenses over issue of shares, then only the original and true
are subject to the limitations imposes by the principles owner can be recognized as a stockholder. The bona fide
governing estoppels. purchaser of the new certificate will however have a
right of damages against the corporation. The
 Unauthorized issuance of stock certificates corporation, in turn, would have a right of action
against the person who made false representations and
in whose favor it issued a new certificate. The true
100/s 100 owner of the shares which were wrongfully transferred
would of course have a right to compel the corporation
to issue him a certificate in lieu of the original one
XYZCo which was wrongfully cancelled.

 Authorized capital stock 1M shares


100 pesos per share
Stolen by B and forged the signature of A
B sells to C will C acquire title? NO  All are subscribed who will the corporation recognize as
rightful owner A or D? if both will be recognized there
will be over issuance

- only A citing citizens national bank vs. state (but if


recognition of both stockholders would result in an over
issue of shares, then only the original and true owner
can be recognized as a stockholder)

ENDORSEMENT FORM - by virtue of the doctrine of non-negotiability of certificate


of stocks
 C armed with the endorsement form certificate, sold to D
(innocent purchaser for value), will D acquire title?  The true and lawful owner will never be deprived of his
rights
- NO, subject to such rights and defenses as the true and  What happens to D?
lawful owner may have
- D will have a cause of action against the corporation for
 What if C now goes to the corporation and presents the the value of his acquisition cost inclusive of damages,
form? attorney’s fees and cost of suit

- Then the corporation shall cancel the old certificate and  D sues the corporation for the value of his acquisition
issues a new one, now in the name of C, now registered cost, inclusive of damages, attorney’s fees and cost of
in the name of C, will C acquire title? suit. What may the corporation do?

 A found out what happened and goes to the corporation - NO defense, no valid defense, because it was represented
who has a better title C or A? to other parties that the certificate of stocks is valid,
subsisting, etc.
- A, A cannot be deprived of his right by virtue of an
unauthorized transfer  2nd situation, what cause of action may the corporation
have? Remedy?

Notes on Corporation Law


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38

- Third party complaint against C, but what if he is a 1. As to the corporation - when a corporation is guilty of
purchaser for value? 4th party claim against B ultra-vires or illegal acts which constitute an injury to or
fraud upon the public, or which will tend to injure or
 When may certificate of stocks be issued? defraud the public, the State may institute a quo-
warranto proceeding to forfeit its charter for the misuse
- Section 64 provides: or abuse of its franchise.
2. As between the corporation and the subscriber- The
subscription is void. Such being the case, the subscriber
Section 64. Issuance of stock certificates. - is liable to pay the full par or issued value thereof, to
No certificate of stock shall be issued to a subscriber
render it valid and effective.
until the full amount of his subscription together with
3. As to the consenting stockholders - They are stopped
interest and expenses (in case of delinquent shares), if
any is due, has been paid. (37) from raising any objection thereto;
4. As to dissenting stockholders - In view of the dilution of
their proportionate interest in the corporation, they may
 A certificate of stock cannot be issued unless he fully compel the payment of the “water” in the stock solidarily
paid the amount subscribed against the responsible and consenting directors and
 Subscription to the capital stocks of the corporation are officers inclusive of the holder of the watered stocks;
indivisible 5. As to creditors - They may enforce payment of the
 Clear mandate of section 148 of the code is that the difference in the price, or the water in the stock,
ruling of the court in Baltazar vs. Lingayen Gulf, no solidarily against the responsible directors/officers and
longer holds true the stockholders concerned; and’
6. As against transferees of the watered stock – His right is
Section 148. Applicability to existing the same as that of his transferor. If, however, a
corporations. - All corporations lawfully existing and certificate of stock has been issued and duly indorsed to
doing business in the Philippines on the date of the a bona fide purchaser, without knowledge, actual or
effectivity of this Code and heretofore authorized, constructive, the latter cannot be held liable, at least as
licensed or registered by the Securities and Exchange against the corporation, since he took the shares on
Commission, shall be deemed to have been authorized,
reliance of the misrepresentation made by the
licensed or registered under the provisions of this Code,
subject to the terms and conditions of its license, and corporation that the stock certificate is valid and
shall be governed by the provisions hereof: Provided, subsisting. This is because a corporation is prohibited
That if any such corporation is affected by the new from issuing certificates of stock until the full value of
requirements of this Code, said corporation shall, unless the subscriptions have been paid and could not,
otherwise herein provided, be given a period of not more therefore, deny the validity of the stock certificate it
than two (2) years from the effectivity of this Code within issued as against a purchaser in good faith. Thus,
which to comply with the same. (n)
Ballentine states that whether there is any liability on
the part of the transferee of watered stock is made to
 Subscription to shares of stocks are indivisible depend upon whether he acquired the same without
 Also apparent is that once a subscriber has paid his notice, either as purchaser or donee. If he had
subscription in full, he becomes entitled to be issued a knowledge thereof, he is subject to the same liability as
stock certificate and in the event that the corporation his transferor.
refuses to do so, the stockholder my institute a case for  What is the nature of the liability of the corporate
mandamus with damages. Thus, it has been said that directors consenting to the issuance of watered stocks
the duty of the corporate officers to issue stock and the extent of their liabilities?
certificates to those entitled thereto is a ministerial duty - Solidarily liable with the holder of the watered stocks to
enforceable by mandamus. the extent of the water from said shares of stocks
Fua Cun vs. Summers and China Banking Corp.  Will all the directors be liable? What if you objected will
- The court erred in holding the plaintiff as the owner of you also be liable?
250 shares of stock; “the plaintiff’s rights consist in - If you do not issue a written objection, you are still
equity in 500 shares and upon payment of the unpaid liable
- Even passive directors may be liable
portion of the subscription price he becomes entitled to
- Those having knowledge thereof, but did not interpose
the issuance of certificate for said 500 shares in his
their objection shall be liable
favor.”
- No certificate of stock until the full amount has been
paid. - Section 65 provides:
 Watered stock
- One which is issued by the corporation as fully paid-up Section 65. Liability of directors for watered
shares, when in fact the whole amount of the value stocks. - Any director or officer of a corporation
thereof has not been paid. consenting to the issuance of stocks for a consideration
- Basis is par value and not the fair market value less than its par or issued value or for a consideration in
 Section 62 states that stocks shall not be issued for a any form other than cash, valued in excess of its fair
consideration less than par or issued price thereof, value, or who, having knowledge thereof, does not
while section 13 states that in no case shall be paid-up forthwith express his objection in writing and file the
same with the corporate secretary, shall be solidarily,
capital be less than five thousand [P5000] pesos.
liable with the stockholder concerned to the corporation
 If issued below par, issued value considered as water
and its creditors for the difference between the fair value
 How may watered stocks be issued?
received at the time of issuance of the stock and the par
1. For a monetary consideration less than its par or issued
or issued value of the same. (n)
value;
2. For a consideration in property, tangible or intangible,
valued in excess of its fair market value;  ACS-100M 100M/S PAR VALUE-
3. Gratuitously or under an agreement that nothing shall 1.00
be paid at all; or SUBSCRIBED-50M FAIR MARKET VALUE-
4. In the guise of stock dividends when there are no 12.00/S
surplus profits of the corporation. UNSUBSCRIBED-50M
 Why is stock watering illegal? A
1. The corporation is deprived of its capital thereby hurting B
its business prospects, financial capability and C
responsibility; D
2. Stockholders who paid their subscriptions in full, or E
promised to pay the same, are injured and prejudiced by
the reduction of their proportionate interest in the There is a denial of pre-emptive rights and directors
corporation; and, A,B,C,D,E decided to issue the remaining 50M and
3. Present and future creditors are deprived of the subscribed for 10M each at 2 per share.
corporate assets for the protection of their interest.
- Corporation is prejudiced  Is there stock watering if the fair market value is 12.00?
- Stockholders, dilution of interest - No stock watering
- Creditors are prejudiced, virtue of right to look upon - The basis is the par value
corporations properties for the satisfaction of their - The shares where in fact paid more than the par value
claims indicated in the articles of incorporation
 What is the effect of issuance of watered stocks

Notes on Corporation Law


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©GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
39

3 days later they sold their 10M share for P11.00 each, furthermore be published once a week for two (2)
therefore making a profit. consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation
in the province or city where the principal office of the
corporation is located.
 Can you question there actuations? What would be the
cause of action?
- It may be questioned. Unless the delinquent stockholder pays to the
- Duty of loyalty or fiduciary duty as such directors corporation, on or before the date specified for the sale
- They cannot advance their own motives to the damage of the delinquent stock, the balance due on his
prejudice of the corporation which they represents and subscription, plus accrued interest, costs of
stockholders as a whole instead of it being sold outside advertisement and expenses of sale, or unless the board
- 500M would have gone to the coffers of the corporation, of directors otherwise orders, said delinquent stock shall
be sold at public auction to such bidder who shall offer
500M should be there for the protection of creditors
to pay the full amount of the balance on the
- They are placed in a fiduciary relationship subscription together with accrued interest, costs of
- Sila lang ba ang kikita, pano naman yung corporation, advertisement and expenses of sale, for the smallest
opportunity na yun para kumita number of shares or fraction of a share. The stock so
 When are unpaid subscriptions due and payable? purchased shall be transferred to such purchaser in the
- Section 67. Payment of balance of subscription. - books of the corporation and a certificate for such stock
Subject to the provisions of the contract of subscription, shall be issued in his favor. The remaining shares, if
the board of directors of any stock corporation may at any, shall be credited in favor of the delinquent
any time declare due and payable to the corporation stockholder who shall likewise be entitled to the
issuance of a certificate of stock covering such shares.
unpaid subscriptions to the capital stock and may
collect the same or such percentage thereof, in either
case with accrued interest, if any, as it may deem Should there be no bidder at the public
necessary. auction who offers to pay the full amount of the balance
on the subscription together with accrued interest, costs
of advertisement and expenses of sale, for the smallest
Payment of any unpaid subscription or any percentage number of shares or fraction of a share, the corporation
thereof, together with the interest accrued, if any, shall may, subject to the provisions of this Code, bid for the
be made on the date specified in the contract of same, and the total amount due shall be credited as
subscription or on the date stated in the call made by paid in full in the books of the corporation. Title to all
the board. Failure to pay on such date shall render the the shares of stock covered by the subscription shall be
entire balance due and payable and shall make the vested in the corporation as treasury shares and may be
stockholder liable for interest at the legal rate on such disposed of by said corporation in accordance with the
balance, unless a different rate of interest is provided in provisions of this Code. (39a-46a)
the by-laws, computed from such date until full
payment. If within thirty (30) days from the said date no
payment is made, all stocks covered by said  Who is the winning bidder in a delinquency sale?
subscription shall thereupon become delinquent and
shall be subject to sale as hereinafter provided, unless - Bidder who shall “offer to pay the full amount of the
the board of directors orders otherwise. (38)
balance on the subscription together with accrued
interest, cost of advertisement and expenses of sale, for
 Remedies of the corporation to enforce payment of the smallest number of shares or fraction of a share.”
unpaid subscription
X Co. has 1M authorized capital stock
1. By board action in accordance with the procedure laid
down in sections 67 to 69 of the code
500 thousand is already subscribed

2. By a collection case in court as provided for in section


A subscribed to 100 thousand shares, 50 thousand is
70
already paid leaving 50 thousand unpaid

 Are subscribers of shares of stocks not fully paid, liable


The corporation is at a loss of 250 thousand, the board
to pay interest?
decides to make a call for the payment of the unpaid
subscriptions, however A could not paid, hence declared
- General rule is they are not liable to pay interest delinquent and decides to sell his share at a public
because the code says unless requires in the by-laws auction

- Aside from the mandate of the law that subscribers to 55 thousand is to be paid, remaining balance plus cost
shares of stock must pay the full value of their and expenses
subscription, they may likewise be required to pay
interest on all unpaid subscriptions if so imposed in the BIDDERS:
contract or in the corporate by-laws at such rate as may
be indicated thereat or the legal rate if not so fixed.
Unless so required or provided, however, subscribers to X-55K FOR 99,900 shares
shares of stock, not fully paid, are not liable to pay
interest on their unpaid subscriptions. The code thus
provides: Y-55K FOR 99,500 shares

Section 66. Interest on unpaid subscriptions. Z-55K FOR 99,000 shares (winning bidder)
- Subscribers for stock shall pay to the corporation
interest on all unpaid subscriptions from the date of
 Assume there is no bidder, may the corporation bid?
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 by-laws, such rate shall be deemed to be the legal - NO. It cannot bid because the law says, subject to the
rate. (37) provisions of this CODE. Section 68 and 41 should be
reconciled. Section 68 states that:
 Until a call is made, they are not due and payable, but
still subject to the provisions of the contracts Should there be no bidder at the public
 Procedures in case of sale of delinquent stocks auction who offers to pay the full amount of the balance
on the subscription together with accrued interest, costs
of advertisement and expenses of sale, for the smallest
- Section 68. Delinquency sale. - The board of directors
number of shares or fraction of a share, the corporation
may, by resolution, order the sale of delinquent stock
may, subject to the provisions of this Code, bid for
and shall specifically state the amount due on each
the same, and the total amount due shall be credited as
subscription plus all accrued interest, and the date,
paid in full in the books of the corporation. Title to all
time and place of the sale which shall not be less than
the shares of stock covered by the subscription shall be
thirty (30) days nor more than sixty (60) days from the
vested in the corporation as treasury shares and may be
date the stocks become delinquent.
disposed of by said corporation in accordance with the
provisions of this Code. (39a-46a)
Notice of said sale, with a copy of the
resolution, shall be sent to every delinquent stockholder
either personally or by registered mail. The same shall

Notes on Corporation Law


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40

- There was no unrestricted retained earnings in the - Set-off is without any legal basis
example given therefore the corporation cannot bid ,
section 41, it states that:
- It was premature

Section 41. Power to acquire own shares. - A


stock corporation shall have the power to purchase or - Unpaid subscriptions will become due and payable only
acquire its own shares for a legitimate corporate upon certain instance
purpose or purposes, including but not limited to the
following cases: Provided, That the corporation has
- Call or if there is a stipulation in contract
unrestricted retained earnings in its books to cover
the shares to be purchased or acquired:
- If no call and no stipulation in contract then it will not
1. To eliminate fractional shares arising out of stock be demandable or payable at all
dividends;
Lumanlan vs. Cura
2. To collect or compromise an indebtedness to the
corporation, arising out of unpaid subscription, in a
delinquency sale, and to purchase delinquent shares - Trust Fund Doctrine- subscription to the capital of a
sold during said sale; and corporation constitute a fund to which the creditors
have a right to look for satisfaction of their claims and
that the assignee in insolvency can maintain an action
3. To pay dissenting or withdrawing stockholders upon any unpaid stock subscription in order to realize
entitled to payment for their shares under the provisions assets for the payment of its debts.
of this Code. (a)

PNB vs. Bitulak


 What if the shares of A were sold without compliance of
the requirements? May A question the sale?
- Where it not for the promise, the defendants would have
not subscribed
- The law prescribes two conditions before an action to
recover delinquent stocks irregularly sold may be
allowed. These are: - Trust Fund Doctrine, it is established doctrine that
subscriptions to the capital of a corporation constitute a
fund to which creditors have a right to look for
1. The party seeking to maintain such action first pays or satisfaction of their claims and that the assignee in
tenders to the party holding the stock the sum for which insolvency can maintain an action upon any unpaid
the same was sold, with interest from the date of the stock subscription in order to realize assets for the
sale at the legal rate; and, payment of its debts.

2. The action shall be commenced by the filing of a - A corporation has no power to release an original
complaint within six months from the date of the sale. subscriber to its capital stock from the obligation of
paying for his shares, without a valuable consideration
for such release; and as against creditors a reduction of
- The reason for such is the stability of transactions of the
the capital stock can take place only in the manner and
shares of stock
under the conditions prescribed by the statute or the
charter or the articles of incorporation.
 Suppose in the example, since there are no unrestricted
retained earnings, hence the corporation cannot bid, is
the corporation left without any recourse? Edward Keller and Co. vs. COB

- Section 70. Court action to recover unpaid subscription. - May the stockholder be held liable for the debts of the
- Nothing in this Code shall prevent the corporation corporation? YES. To the extent of their unpaid
from collecting by action in a court of proper jurisdiction subscription
the amount due on any unpaid subscription, with
accrued interest, costs and expenses. (49a)
- As to the liability of the stockholders, it is settled that a
stockholder is personally liable for the financial
obligations of a corporation to the extent of his unpaid
Velasco vs. Poizat
subscriptions

- The subscriber is as much bound to pay the amount of


 Is there a prescriptive period wherein a demand for
the share subscribed by him as he would be to pay any
unpaid subscription should be made?
other debt, and the right of the company to demand
payment is no less incontestable.
- NO. Garcia vs. Suarez case
- Two available remedies: the first and most special
remedy given by the statute consist in permitting the
Garcia vs. Suarez
corporation to put up the unpaid stock and dispose of it
for the account of the delinquent subscriber. The other
remedy is by action in court. - Never became due and payable until there is a call made

De Silva vs. Aboitiz and Co. - Prescription will not run until and unless there is
demand

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


whatever is provided in the said article relative to the - Prescription should be determined from the time
application of the part of the 70 percent of the profit demand has been made and not from the time of
distributable in equal parts on the payment of the subscription
shares subscribed to and fully paid

 If declared delinquent, what would be the effect as to the


Lingayen Gulf vs. Baltazar owner of said shares?

- Exception: pursuant to a bona fide compromise or to set - Section 71. Effect of delinquency. - No delinquent stock
off a debt due from the corporation, a release supported shall be voted for or be entitled to vote or to
by consideration, will be effectual as against dissenting representation at any stockholder's meeting, nor shall
stockholders and subsequent and existing creditors. A the holder thereof be entitled to any of the rights of a
release which might originally have been held invalid stockholder except the right to dividends in accordance
may be sustained after a considerable lapse of time with the provisions of this Code, until and unless he
pays the amount due on his subscription with accrued
interest, and the costs and expenses of advertisement, if
Apocada vs. NLRC any. (50a)

Notes on Corporation Law


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41

- However if the shares are not delinquent, subscribers to 2. After verifying the affidavit and other
the capital of a corporation, though not fully paid, are information and evidence with the books of the
entitled to all the rights of a stockholder, according to corporation, said corporation shall publish a notice in a
section 72 newspaper of general circulation published in the place
where the corporation has its principal office, once a
week for three (3) consecutive weeks at the expense of
Section 72. Rights of unpaid shares. - the registered owner of the certificate of stock which has
Holders of subscribed shares not fully paid which are been lost, stolen or destroyed. The notice shall state the
not delinquent shall have all the rights of a stockholder. name of said corporation, the name of the registered
(n) owner and the serial number of said certificate, and the
number of shares represented by such certificate, and
that after the expiration of one (1) year from the date of
 May the rules governing delinquency sale apply to a
the last publication, if no contest has been presented to
non-stock corporation? Are there unpaid shares in a
said corporation regarding said certificate of stock, the
non-stock corporation?
right to make such contest shall be barred and said
corporation shall cancel in its books the certificate of
- Rules governing stock corporations, when applicable, stock which has been lost, stolen or destroyed and issue
also applies to a non-stock corporation in lieu thereof new certificate of stock, unless the
registered owner files a bond or other security in lieu
thereof as may be required, effective for a period of one
- There are delinquent shareholders also in a non-stock (1) year, for such amount and in such form and with
corporation. Example is membership dues such sureties as may be satisfactory to the board of
directors, in which case a new certificate may be issued
even before the expiration of the one (1) year period
 A corporation paid 50% of subscription and was later on provided herein: Provided, That if a contest has been
declared delinquent when he could not pay upon call; A presented to said corporation or if an action is pending
is also a director of the corporation. Will A, upon in court regarding the ownership of said certificate of
declaration of delinquency , still be able to exercise his stock which has been lost, stolen or destroyed, the
right as a director? issuance of the new certificate of stock in lieu thereof
shall be suspended until the final decision by the court
- Yes, he loses all his right as a stockholder except his regarding the ownership of said certificate of stock
right to receive dividends which has been lost, stolen or destroyed.

Except in case of fraud, bad faith, or


- He remains to be a director, only qualification to be a
negligence on the part of the corporation and its officers,
director is he must own at least 1 share and since it still
no action may be brought against any corporation which
stands in his name pending the sale, he remains to be
shall have issued certificate of stock in lieu of those lost,
and act as a director
stolen or destroyed pursuant to the procedure above-
described. (R.A. 201a)
- Even if there is sale, he may still be director because the
winning bidder may not bid or pay for all the shares or
- The rationale of the above-quoted law is to avoid
there might be remaining shares, which would be
duplication of certificates of stock and the avoidance of
credited in favor of the delinquent stockholder
fictitious and fraudulent transfers.

- Section 43 provides:
 When will the replacement certificate be issued?

Section 43. Power to declare dividends. - The


- The code provides that:
board of directors of a stock corporation may declare
dividends out of the unrestricted retained earnings
which shall be payable in cash, in property, or in stock after the expiration of one (1) year from the
to all stockholders on the basis of outstanding stock date of the last publication, if no contest has been
held by them: Provided, That any cash dividends due on presented to said corporation regarding said certificate
delinquent stock shall first be applied to the unpaid of stock, the right to make such contest shall be barred
balance on the subscription plus costs and expenses, and said corporation shall cancel in its books the
while stock dividends shall be withheld from the certificate of stock which has been lost, stolen or
delinquent stockholder until his unpaid subscription is destroyed and issue in lieu thereof new certificate of
fully paid: Provided, further, That no stock dividend stock,
shall be issued without the approval of stockholders
representing not less than two-thirds (2/3) of the
outstanding capital stock at a regular or special meeting  Could it be issued earlier than 1 year?
duly called for the purpose. (16a)
- Yes it can be, the code states that:
Stock corporations are prohibited from
retaining surplus profits in excess of one hundred
(100%) percent of their paid-in capital stock, except: (1) unless the registered owner files a bond or
when justified by definite corporate expansion projects other security in lieu thereof as may be required,
or programs approved by the board of directors; or (2) effective for a period of one (1) year, for such amount
when the corporation is prohibited under any loan and in such form and with such sureties as may be
agreement with any financial institution or creditor, satisfactory to the board of directors, in which case a
whether local or foreign, from declaring dividends new certificate may be issued even before the
without its/his consent, and such consent has not yet expiration of the one (1) year period provided herein:
been secured; or (3) when it can be clearly shown that Provided, That if a contest has been presented to said
such retention is necessary under special circumstances corporation or if an action is pending in court regarding
obtaining in the corporation, such as when there is need the ownership of said certificate of stock which has been
for special reserve for probable contingencies. (n) lost, stolen or destroyed, the issuance of the new
certificate of stock in lieu thereof shall be suspended
until the final decision by the court regarding the
 When a certificate of stock is loss or destroyed, what ownership of said certificate of stock which has been
must be done by the owner thereof? lost, stolen or destroyed.

- Section 73. Lost or destroyed certificates. - The  May corporate officers be held liable for the
following procedure shall be followed for the issuance by unauthorized issuance?
a corporation of new certificates of stock in lieu of those
which have been lost, stolen or destroyed:
- YES, the code provides that:

1. The registered owner of a certificate of


stock in a corporation or his legal representative shall Except in case of fraud, bad faith, or
file with the corporation an affidavit in triplicate setting negligence on the part of the corporation and its officers,
forth, if possible, the circumstances as to how the no action may be brought against any corporation which
certificate was lost, stolen or destroyed, the number of shall have issued certificate of stock in lieu of those lost,
shares represented by such certificate, the serial stolen or destroyed pursuant to the procedure above-
number of the certificate and the name of the described. (R.A. 201a)
corporation which issued the same. He shall also
submit such other information and evidence which he
may deem necessary;

Notes on Corporation Law


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42

 Assuming the last paragraph is not there; would it be 14. To participate in the distribution of the assets of the
not the same, that they should be held liable due to corporation upon dissolution under section 122;
fraud, bad faith or negligence?

15. In the case of a close corporation, to petition the SEC to


- YES. Section 31 provides that: arbitrate in the event of a deadlock as allowed under
section 104; and,

Section 31. Liability of directors, trustees or


officers. - Directors or trustees who willfully and 16. Also in the case of a close corporation, to withdraw
knowingly vote for or assent to patently unlawful acts of therefrom, for my reason, and compel the corporation to
the corporation or who are guilty of gross negligence or purchase his shares as provided for under section 105.
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
liable jointly and severally for all damages resulting
there from suffered by the corporation, its stockholders
or members and other persons.

When a director, trustee or officer attempts to


acquire or acquires, in violation of his duty, any interest
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
compel the registration of the transfer in the books of
the corporation as provided for in section 63;

5. To be issued a certificate of stock for fully paid-up


shares in accordance with 64;

6. To exercise pre-emptive rights as provided for in section


39;

7. To exercise their appraisal right in accordance with the


provision of section 81 and in those instance allowed by
law such as section 42 and 105;

8. To institute and file a derivative suit;

9. To recover shares of stock unlawfully sold for


delinquency as may be allowed under section 69;

10. To inspect the books of the corporation subject only to


the limitations imposed by section 73;

11. To be furnished by the most recent financial statement


of the corporation as by section 75;

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;

13. To have the corporation dissolved under section 118 to


121, and section 105 in a close corporation;

Notes on Corporation Law


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43

- LIABILITIES transfer agent and shall be open for inspection by any


director or stockholder of the corporation at reasonable
hours on business days.
1. To pay to the corporation the balance of his unpaid
subscriptions subject to the provision of section 67 to
70; No stock transfer agent or one engaged
principally in the business of registering transfers of
stocks in behalf of a stock corporation shall be allowed
2. To pay interest on his unpaid subscription if required by to operate in the Philippines unless he secures a license
the by-laws or by the contract of subscription in from the Securities and Exchange Commission and pays
accordance with section 66; a fee as may be fixed by the Commission, which shall be
renewable annually: Provided, That a stock corporation
is not precluded from performing or making transfer of
3. To answer to the creditors for the unpaid portion of his
its own stocks, in which case all the rules and
subscription under the TRUST FUND DOCTRINE;
regulations imposed on stock transfer agents, except the
payment of a license fee herein provided, shall be
4. To answer the “water” in his stocks as provided for in applicable. (51a and 32a; P.B. No. 268.)
section 65;
 To summarize:
5. To be liable, as general partners, for all debts, liabilities
and damages of a determinable corporation as
1. Records of all business transactions which include,
envisioned under section 21 (corporation by estoppel);
among others, journals, ledger, contracts, vouchers and
and,
receipts, financial statements and other books of
accounts, income tax returns, and voting trust
6. To be personally liable for torts, in the event that a agreements which must be kept and carefully preserved
stockholder in a close corporation actively participates at its principal office;
in the management of the corporate affairs.
2. Minutes of all meetings of stockholders or members and
CORPORATE BOOKS AND RECORDS of the directors or trustees setting forth in detail the
date, time, and place of meeting, how authorized, the
notice given whether the same be regular or special, and
 What are these books and records that are required to if special, the purpose thereof shall be specified, those
be kept? present and absent, and every act done or ordered done
there at which ,must likewise be kept at the principal
office of the corporation; and,
- Section 74. Books to be kept; stock transfer agent. -
Every corporation shall keep and carefully preserve
at its principal office a record of all business 3. Stock and transfer book showing the names of the
transactions and minutes of all meetings of stockholders, the amount paid or unpaid on all stocks
stockholders or members, or of the board of for which subscription has been made, a statement of
directors or trustees, in which shall be set forth in every alienation, sale or transfer of stock made, if any
detail the time and place of holding the meeting, the date thereof, and by whom and to whom made
how authorized, the notice given, whether the which must also be kept at the principal office of the
meeting was regular or special, if special its object, corporation or in the office of its stock transfer agent.
those present and absent, and every act done or
ordered done at the meeting. Upon the demand of
any director, trustee, stockholder or member, the These corporate books and records, inclusive of all
time when any director, trustee, stockholder or business transactions and minutes of meetings, are
member entered or left the meeting must be noted subject to inspection by any of the directors, trustees,
in the minutes; and on a similar demand, the yeas stockholders or members of the corporation at
and nays must be taken on any motion or reasonable hours on business days and a copy of
proposition, and a record thereof carefully made. excerpts of said records may be demanded. In fact, in so
The protest of any director, trustee, stockholder or far as financial statement is concerned, the Code clearly
member on any action or proposed action must be provides:
recorded in full on his demand.
Section 75. Right to financial statements. -
The records of all business transactions of the Within ten (10) days from receipt of a written request of
corporation and the minutes of any meetings shall be any stockholder or member, the corporation shall
open to inspection by any director, trustee, stockholder furnish to him its most recent financial statement,
or member of the corporation at reasonable hours on which shall include a balance sheet as of the end of the
business days and he may demand, in writing, for a last taxable year and a profit or loss statement for said
copy of excerpts from said records or minutes, at his taxable year, showing in reasonable detail its assets and
expense. liabilities and the result of its operations.

Any officer or agent of the corporation who At the regular meeting of stockholders or members, the
shall refuse to allow any director, trustees, stockholder board of directors or trustees shall present to such
or member of the corporation to examine and copy stockholders or members a financial report of the
excerpts from its records or minutes, in accordance with operations of the corporation for the preceding year,
the provisions of this Code, shall be liable to such which shall include financial statements, duly signed
director, trustee, stockholder or member for damages, and certified by an independent certified public
and in addition, shall be guilty of an offense which shall accountant.
be punishable under Section 144 of this Code: Provided,
That if such refusal is made pursuant to a resolution or
However, if the paid-up capital of the corporation is less
order of the board of directors or trustees, the liability
than P50,000.00, the financial statements may be
under this section for such action shall be imposed
certified under oath by the treasurer or any responsible
upon the directors or trustees who voted for such
officer of the corporation. (n)
refusal: and Provided, further, That it shall be a defense
to any action under this section that the person
demanding to examine and copy excerpts from the  May books and records be examined? Who may
corporation's records and minutes has improperly used examine? Can they copy them? In whose expense?
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 - Yes, according to the code:
a legitimate purpose in making his demand.
“The records of all business transactions of
Stock corporations must also keep a book to the corporation and the minutes of any meetings
be known as the "stock and transfer book", in which shall be open to inspection by any director, trustee,
must be kept a record of all stocks in the names of the stockholder or member of the corporation at
stockholders alphabetically arranged; the installments reasonable hours on business days and he may
paid and unpaid on all stock for which subscription has demand, in writing, for a copy of excerpts from said
been made, and the date of payment of any installment; records or minutes, at his expense. “
a statement of every alienation, sale or transfer of stock
made, the date thereof, and by and to whom made; and
such other entries as the by-laws may prescribe. The  Is there any defense available that could be raised? By
stock and transfer book shall be kept in the principal the corporate officers to justify the refusal?
office of the corporation or in the office of its stock

Notes on Corporation Law


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©GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
44

- Yes, the code provides that: “The right of the shareholders to ascertain
how the affairs of his company are being
conducted by its directors and officers is
“and Provided, further, That it shall be a founded by his beneficial interest through
defense to any action under this section that the person ownership of shares and the necessity of self-
demanding to examine and copy excerpts from the protection. Managers of some corporations
corporation's records and minutes has improperly deliberately keep the shareholders in
used any information secured through any prior ignorance or under misapprehension as to
examination of the records or minutes of such the true condition of its affairs. Business
corporation or of any other corporation, or was not prudence demands that the investor keep a
acting in good faith or for a legitimate purpose in watchful eye on the management and the
making his demand.” condition of the business. Those in charge of
the company may be guilty of gross
incompetence or dishonesty for years and
 What is the stock and transfer? Where should stock and
escape liability if the shareholders cannot
transfer be kept? Can it be kept elsewhere?
inspect the records and obtain information.”

“Stock corporations must also keep a book to


 Is there any distinction of the right of inspection of a
be known as the "stock and transfer book", in which
stockholder and that of a director?
must be kept a record of all stocks in the names of
the stockholders alphabetically arranged; the
installments paid and unpaid on all stock for which - Yes, as compared to a stockholder or member, the right
subscription has been made, and the date of of a director or trustee to inspect and examine corporate
payment of any installment; a statement of every books and records is considered absolute and
alienation, sale or transfer of stock made, the date unqualified and without regard to motive. This is
thereof, and by and to whom made; and such other because a director supervises, directs and manages
entries as the by-laws may prescribe. The stock and corporate business and it is necessary that he be
transfer book shall be kept in the principal office of equipped with all the information and data with regard
the corporation or in the office of its stock transfer to the affairs of the company in order that he may
agent and shall be open for inspection by any director manage and direct its operations intelligently and
or stockholder of the corporation at reasonable hours according to his best judgment in the interest of all the
on business days. “ stockholders he represents. Thus, while stockholders
and members are entitled to inspect and examine the
 Stock and transfer agent books and records as provided in sections 74 and 75
they may not gain access to highly sensitive and
confidential information. In the case of directors. “it is
- Records every movement not denied” that they have such access. This would
include, among others,

- Person who monitors movement by the minutes or by


the hours a. Marketing strategies and pricing structure;

- Non-stock corporation- stock and transfer books b. Budget for expansion and diversification;

- Club share- membership c. Research and development;

 Are stockholders entitled to financial statements? d. Sources of funding, availability of personnel,


proposals of mergers or tie-ups with other firms

- Yes, they are entitled to a copy, the code provides that:


 May this right be exercised, other than by the
stockholders themselves?
Section 75. Right to financial statements. -
Within ten (10) days from receipt of a written request of
any stockholder or member, the corporation shall - Yes, while the right is founded on stock ownership thus
furnish to him its most recent financial statement, personal in nature it may be made by the stockholder’s
which shall include a balance sheet as of the end of the agent or representative since it may be unavailing in
last taxable year and a profit or loss statement for said many instances
taxable year, showing in reasonable detail its assets and
liabilities and the result of its operations.  What if the right of the stockholder to inspect is denied?
What is his remedy?
At the regular meeting of stockholders or
members, the board of directors or trustees shall 1. Mandamus
present to such stockholders or members a financial
report of the operations of the corporation for the
preceding year, which shall include financial 2. Damages either against the corporation or responsible
statements, duly signed and certified by an independent officer who refused the inspection
certified public accountant.

3. Criminal complaint for violation of his right to inspect


However, if the paid-up capital of the and copy excerpts of all business transactions and
corporation is less than P50,000.00, the financial minutes of meeting. Section 74 provides that Any officer
statements may be certified under oath by the treasurer or agent of the corporation who shall refuse to allow any
or any responsible officer of the corporation. (n) director, trustees, stockholder or member of the
corporation to examine and copy excerpts from its
records or minutes, in accordance with the provisions of
- Audited financial statement filed in the SEC, 120 days this Code, shall be liable to such director, trustee,
from the end of the final year, or must be filed on or stockholder or member for damages, and in addition,
before April of each year shall be guilty of an offense which shall be punishable
- Must be stamp received by the BIR under Section 144 of this Code. The latter provision
imposes a penalty of a fine of not less than P1,000 but
 Those in the stock exchange not more than P10,000 or an imprisonment for not less
than 30 days but not more than 5 years, or both, at the
discretion of the court. If the refusal is pursuant to a
- Disclosure of any matter that have to do with increasing resolution or order of the board, the liability shall be
and decreasing imposed upon the directors or trustees who voted for
such refusal.

- If not “kulong” violation of securities and regulation act


 Defense of the responsible corporate officer

 Why is this right of inspection granted to a stockholder?


1. That the person demanding has improperly used any
information secured through any prior examination of
- The basis of the right of the stockholder to inspect the the records or minutes of such corporation or of any
books and records of the corporation for a proper other corporation;
purpose is to protect his interest as a stockholder. Thus,
it has been said that:
Notes on Corporation Law
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©GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
45

2. That he was not acting in good faith or for a legitimate Gokongwei vs. SEC
purpose in making his demand;

- San Miguel corporation owns all of the shares of stock of


3. The right is limited or restricted by special law or the San Miguel International
law of it creation.

- It is wholly-owned
W.G. Philpotts vs. Philippine Manufacturing Co.

- It would be in accord with equity, good faith and fair


- The right of inspection given to a stockholder can be dealing to construe the statutory right of petitioner as
exercised either by himself or by any proper stockholder to inspect the books and records of such
representative or attorney-in-fact, and either with or wholly-owned subsidiary which are in respondent
without the attendance of the stockholder corporation’s possession and control

- The right may be regarded as personal, in the sense that  If being operated as separate and distinct corporations,
only a stockholder may enjoy it; but the inspection and there is no such right
examination may be made by another. Otherwise it
would be unavailing in many instances.
 Telecommunications- special franchise, it is a legislative
grant
o Note: Usually hires an auditor or accountant to
safeguard his interest
Gonzales vs. PNB

Pardo vs. Hercules Lumber Co.


- Provisions of the old law was unqualified, when it
granted stockholders the right to inspect
- The law is clear, it may be exercised during reasonable
hours on any business days, the by-laws cannot deny
this right all together - However, whole seemingly enlarging the right of
inspection, the new code has prescribed limitations to
the same. It is now expressly required as a condition for
- The general right given by the statute may not be such examination that the one requesting it must not
lawfully abridged to the extent attempted in this have been guilty of using improperly any information
resolution. It may be admitted that the officials in secured through a prior examination and that the
charge of a corporation may deny inspection when person asking for such examination must be acting in
sought at unusual hours or under other improper good faith and for a legitimate purpose in making his
conditions; but neither the executive officers nor the demand
board of directors have the power to deprive a
stockholder of the right altogether.
- Admittedly, he sought to be a stockholder in order to pry
into transactions entered into by the respondent bank
- The corporation, or its responsible directors and officers even before he became a stockholder. His obvious
cannot unduly restrict this right of inspection and may purpose was to arm himself with materials he can use
not arbitrarily set a few days of the year within which against the respondent bank for acts done by the latter
the stockholder may make the inspection. when the petitioner was a total stranger to the same.

- A by-law unduly restricting the right of inspection is - Bank was created by a special law, it has its own
undoubtedly invalid charter and primarily governed by the law creating them

Vegaruth vs. Isabela Sugar Co. - The bank is only subject to the inspection of the Central
Bank and any information pertaining to the bank is
confidential and shall not be revealed to any person
- Directors of a corporation have the unqualified right to other than the President of the Philippines, the
inspect the books and records of the corporation at all Secretary of Finance and the Board of Directors, nor
reasonable hours. shall any information relative to the funds in its
custody, its current accounts or deposits belonging to
private individuals, corporations or other entities except
- We do not conceive, however, that a director or by order of a Court of Competent Jurisdiction, hence
stockholder has any absolute right to secure certified inspection sought to by the petitioner is violative of the
copies of the minutes of the corporation until these provisions of its charter and is even subject to penal
minutes have been written up and approved by the sanctions
directors.

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


 May a stockholder of a holding company inspect the privatized, may you already have the right to inspect?
books and records of a subsidiary?

- No, unless its charter has been altered or repealed it is


- It depends still subject to the same law

- The right of the stockholders to examine corporate  3 stages in the life of a corporation
books extends to wholly-owned subsidiary which is
completely under the control and management of the
parent company where he is such a stockholder. But if - Formation or birth
the two entities (subsidiary and parent) are legally being
operated as separate and distinct entities, there is no
such right of inspection on the part of the stockholder of - We now discuss the union of the corporation
the parent company.
- The last would be its death or dissolution
AYALA- HOLDING COMPANY/PARENT COMPANY
MERGER AND CONSOLIDATION
SUBSIDIARIES: BPI/GLOBE/AYALA LAND (not wholly-
owned subsidiary)
 Merger and consolidation

o HOLD ATLEAST 50 +1 shares in order to be a


- In corporate parlance it is called spin-off
PARENT COMPANY

- Almost a year ago San Miguel separated its brewery


 A, is a stockholder of Ayala, does he have a right to
business
inspect the records of its subsidiaries?

- San Miguel Corporation is now a full time holding


- If wholly owned pwede, but its subsidiaries are not
company; it can later on absorb the company
wholly owned kaya hindi pwede

Notes on Corporation Law


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46

- Corporations are granted by the code to merge or A B


consolidate

- most common type of corporate recognition


C
- not the same in every case
 Like all other corporate acts, it emanates from the board
- but most common in the weal financial or insolvent
condition, aim is to bring it back to its financial
1. The board of directors or trustees of each constituent
capability
corporations shall approve a plan of merger or
consolidation setting forth the matters required in
- also a method of recapitalization section 76;

o purchase and sale of corporate assets is another 2. Approval of the plan by the stockholders representing
form of corporate reorganization 2/3 of the outstanding capital stock or 2/3 of the
member in non-stock corporations of each of such
corporations at separate corporate meetings called for
 How do you value the assets of the merging corporation, the purpose;
do you consider goodwill?

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


 First secure favorably recommendation of government of the plan of merger or consolidation shall be given
agency to all stockholders or members at least two (2) weeks
prior to the scheduled meeting, either personally or
registered mail stating the purpose thereof;
- Section 79. Effectivity of merger or
consolidation. - The articles of merger or of
consolidation, signed and certified as herein above 4. Execution of the articles of merger or consolidation by
required, shall be submitted to the Securities and each constituent corporations to be signed by the
Exchange Commission in quadruplicate for its approval: president or vice-president and certified by the
Provided, That in the case of merger or corporate secretary or assistant secretary setting
consolidation of banks or banking institutions, forth the matters required in section 78;
building and loan associations, trust companies,
insurance companies, public utilities, educational
institutions and other special corporations governed 5. Submission of the articles of merger or consolidation
by special laws, the favorable recommendation of in quadruplicate to the SEC subject to the
the appropriate government agency shall first be requirement of section 79 that if it involve corporations
obtained. If the Commission is satisfied that the merger under the direct supervision of any other government
or consolidation of the corporations concerned is not agency or governed by special laws the favorable
inconsistent with the provisions of this Code and recommendation of the government agency concerned
existing laws, it shall issue a certificate of merger or of shall first be secured and;
consolidation, at which time the merger or consolidation
shall be effective. 6. Issuance of the certificate of merger or
consolidation by the SEC at which time the merger or
If, upon investigation, the Securities and consolidation shall be effective. If the plan, however, is
Exchange Commission has reason to believe that the believed to be contrary to law, the SEC shall set a
proposed merger or consolidation is contrary to or hearing to give the corporations concerned an
inconsistent with the provisions of this Code or existing opportunity to be heard upon proper notice and
laws, it shall set a hearing to give the corporations thereafter, the Commission shall proceed as provided in
concerned the opportunity to be heard. Written notice of the Code.
the date, time and place of hearing shall be given to
each constituent corporation at least two (2) weeks  Although merger and consolidation is an express power
before said hearing. The Commission shall thereafter granted to corporation, it is subject to limitations, as
proceed as provided in this Code. (n) maybe proscribed by law

 Merger  What would be the effect of merger or consolidation?


<sec. 80>
- A union effected by absorbing one or more existing
corporations by another which survives and continues 1. There will only be a single corporation. In case of
the combined business merger, the surviving corporation or the consolidated
corporation in case of consolidation;
- It is the uniting of two or more corporations by the
transfer of property to one of them which continue in 2. The termination of the corporate existence of the
existence, the other or the others being dissolved and constituent corporations, except that of the surviving
merged therein. corporation or the consolidated corporation;

A B 3. The surviving corporation or the consolidated


corporation will possess all the rights, privileges,
A transfers all assets, properties, rights, obligations, immunities and powers and shall be subject to all the
liabilities to B duties and liabilities of a corporation organized under
the Code;

B issues shares of stocks in exchange of the transfer


4. The surviving or consolidated corporation shall possess
all the rights, privileges, immunities and franchises of
A is then dissolved and B SURVIVES the constituent corporations, and all property and all
receivables due, including subscriptions to shares and
other choses in action, and every other interest of, or
o Parties to a merger are called constituent belonging to or due to the constituent corporations shall
corporation be deemed transferred to and vested in such surviving
or consolidated corporation without further act and
deed; and,
 Consolidation

5. The rights of creditors or any lien on the property of the


- The uniting or amalgamation of two or more existing constituent corporations shall not be impaired by the
corporations to form a new corporation merger or consolidation.

- In merger there is a surviving corporation, the others  Is there a liquidation process in case of merger or
are dissolved, while in consolidation, all constituent are consolidation?
dissolved and a new one organized

- None, there is nothing to distribute

Notes on Corporation Law


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47

Associated Bank vs. CA 1. In case any amendment to the articles of


incorporation has the effect of changing or restricting
the rights of any stockholder or class of shares, or of
- By virtue of a specific provision in the merger agreement authorizing preferences in any respect superior to those
of outstanding shares of any class, or of extending or
shortening the term of corporate existence;
- Although the subject promissory note names CBTC as
the payee, the reference to CBTC in the note shall be
construed, under the very provision of the merger 2. In case of sale, lease, exchange, transfer, mortgage,
agreement, as a reference to petitioner bank, “as if such pledge or other disposition of all or substantially all of
reference (was a) direct reference to the latter for all the corporate property and assets as provided in the
intents and purposes Code; and

- Section 80 par. 4 states: 3. In case of merger or consolidation. (n)

The surviving or the consolidated corporation  May it be exercised by a stockholder who dissents to the
shall thereupon and thereafter possess all the rights, act of a business other than a primary purpose?
privileges, immunities and franchises of each of the
constituent corporations; and all property, real or
personal, and all receivables due on whatever account, X Co. inc
including subscriptions to shares and other choses in
action, and all and every other interest of, or belonging Principal office is in Quezon city, it was changed to
to, or due to each constituent corporation, shall be Paranaque
deemed transferred to and vested in such surviving or
consolidated corporation without further act or deed;
and A objects and makes a written demand. May he exercise
his right of appraisal?

- Without further acts, meaning it is automatic


- It is not available in all amendments of the corporation
- It must be changing or restricting the rights of any
 When do merger and consolidation become effective? stockholder
What if the SEC fails to act on it without fault
attributable to the corporation involved?
 What if the principal office is changed from QC to TAWI-
TAWI, will it change or affect the rights of A?
- It will never become valid until and unless the SEC gives
its stamp of approval
- To some it may change or restrict the rights to others it
may not
- It will be up to the constituent corporation to follow it
up
 How is the right exercised?

- It will never take effect until the SEC gives its approval
and issues the articles of merger - According to section 82 of the code:

o Granted 3 years to wing up unless there is a Section 82. How right is exercised. - The
trustee to wing up its affairs appraisal right may be exercised by any stockholder
who shall have voted against the proposed corporate
action, by making a written demand on the corporation
 Could there be liquidators and winding up with respect within thirty (30) days after the date on which the vote
to the corporation in consolidation and merger? was taken for payment of the fair value of his shares:
Provided, That failure to make the demand within such
period shall be deemed a waiver of the appraisal right. If
- No, there is none
the proposed corporate action is implemented or
affected, the corporation shall pay to such stockholder,
- No assets properties or rights to collect, they are upon surrender of the certificate or certificates of stock
transferred representing his shares, the fair value thereof as of the
day prior to the date on which the vote was taken,
excluding any appreciation or depreciation in
- No debts and liabilities to pay because they become the anticipation of such corporate action.
liabilities of the surviving corporations
If within a period of sixty (60) days from the
- No properties transferred because they will be the date the corporate action was approved by the
properties of the surviving corporations stockholders, the withdrawing stockholder and the
corporation cannot agree on the fair value of the shares,
it shall be determined and appraised by three (3)
o Hardest part is the financial act, regarding how disinterested persons, one of whom shall be named by
many shares would be issued, probability of the stockholder, another by the corporation, and the
collection and the like third by the two thus chosen. The findings of the
majority of the appraisers shall be final, and their award
shall be paid by the corporation within thirty (30) days
o In merger and consolidation, there is due diligence
after such award is made: Provided, That no payment
and an economist is usually hired shall be made to any dissenting stockholder unless the
corporation has unrestricted retained earnings in its
APPRAISAL RIGHT books to cover such payment: and Provided, further,
That upon payment by the corporation of the agreed or
awarded price, the stockholder shall forthwith transfer
 Define appraisal his shares to the corporation. (n)

- Right to withdraw from the corporation and demand X Co.


payment of the fair value of his shares after dissenting
from certain corporate acts involving fundamental
changes in corporate structure <sec. 81> Principal Office- QC, it was changed to Manila

 What property? When may this right be exercises? A objects and makes a written demand for payment of
fair value of shares. Can he make a demand of payment
of shares?
- Section 81 provides:
 True or False, no stockholder in a stock corporation can
Section 81. Instances of appraisal right. - ever demand if the principal office is amended, changing
Any stockholder of a corporation shall have the right to it from QC to Manila
dissent and demand payment of the fair value of his
shares in the following instances:

Notes on Corporation Law


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48

- False, a stockholder in a close corporation may for any o Exception: section 105 “close corporation”
reason compel the close corporation that he be paid the
fair value of his shares
 The procedure and requirements for the valid exercise of
this rights are:
Can he exercise his appraisal rights in the first place?
He hasn’t even paid his subscription in full.
1. The stockholder must have voted against the proposed
corporate action in any of the instances allowed by law
 May a stockholder who hasn’t paid his subscription in for the exercise of the right of appraisal;
full exercise his appraisal rights?

2. The written demand for payment must be made by the


- Yes, he can exercise his appraisal rights, by reconciling dissenting stockholder within thirty (30) days after the
the provisions of section 72, section 82 and section 86 date on which the vote was taken thereon. Failure to
make the demand within the said period shall be
deemed a waiver on the part of the stockholder
Section 72. Rights of unpaid shares. - concerned to exercise his appraisal right;
Holders of subscribed shares not fully paid which are
not delinquent shall have all the rights of a
stockholder. (n) 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
Section 82. How right is exercised. - The the said shares as of the day prior to the date on which
appraisal right may be exercised by any stockholder the vote was taken. If the stockholder and the
who shall have voted against the proposed corporate corporation cannot agree on the fair market value
action, by making a written demand on the corporation thereof, the same shall be determined in accordance
within thirty (30) days after the date on which the vote with the provision of paragraph 2 of section 82;
was taken for payment of the fair value of his shares:
Provided, That failure to make the demand within such
period shall be deemed a waiver of the appraisal right. If 4. The fair value of the shares of the dissenting stockholder
the proposed corporate action is implemented or must be paid by the corporation only if it has
affected, the corporation shall pay to such “unrestricted retained earnings” in its books to cover
stockholder, upon surrender of the certificate or such payment. If the corporation has no unrestricted
certificates of stock representing his shares, the fair retained earnings, the dissenting stockholder may not,
value thereof as of the day prior to the date on which therefore, be able to effectively exercise his appraisal
the vote was taken, excluding any appreciation or rights;
depreciation in anticipation of such corporate action.
5. Upon payment of the shares by the corporation, the
If within a period of sixty (60) days from the dissenting stockholder shall transfer his shares to the
date the corporate action was approved by the corporation.
stockholders, the withdrawing stockholder and the
corporation cannot agree on the fair value of the shares,
it shall be determined and appraised by three (3)  What would be the effect if the stockholder exercises his
disinterested persons, one of whom shall be named by appraisal rights? What happens to his voting and
the stockholder, another by the corporation, and the dividend rights if he exercises his appraisal rights?
third by the two thus chosen. The findings of the
majority of the appraisers shall be final, and their award - It will be suspended, with a limitation of 30 days, as
shall be paid by the corporation within thirty (30) days
provided for by section 83 of the code:
after such award is made: Provided, That no payment
shall be made to any dissenting stockholder unless the
corporation has unrestricted retained earnings in its Section 83. Effect of demand and termination
books to cover such payment: and Provided, further, of right. - From the time of demand for payment of the
That upon payment by the corporation of the agreed or fair value of a stockholder's shares until either the
awarded price, the stockholder shall forthwith transfer abandonment of the corporate action involved or the
his shares to the corporation. (n) purchase of the said shares by the corporation, all
rights accruing to such shares, including voting and
dividend rights, shall be suspended in accordance
Section 86. Notation on certificates; rights of
with the provisions of this Code, except the right of
transferee. - Within ten (10) days after demanding
such stockholder to receive payment of the fair
payment for his shares, a dissenting stockholder shall
value thereof: Provided, That if the dissenting
submit the certificates of stock representing his shares
stockholder is not paid the value of his shares
to the corporation for notation thereon that such shares
within 30 days after the award, his voting and
are dissenting shares. His failure to do so shall, at the
dividend rights shall immediately be restored. (n)
option of the corporation, terminate his rights under
this Title. If shares represented by the certificates
bearing such notation are transferred, and the  How do you compare the rights of a stockholder,
certificates consequently cancelled, the rights of the declared delinquent compared to a dissenting
transferor as a dissenting stockholder under this Title stockholder exercising his appraisal rights
shall cease and the transferee shall have all the rights of  What if a stockholder exercising his appraisal rights is
a regular stockholder; and all dividend distributions also a director, will he also lose his rights as a
which would have accrued on such shares shall be paid stockholder?
to the transferee. (n)

- The shares remain to stand in his name until he is paid,


- Notation is not mandatory, it is even discretionary unless there is a stipulation in the by-laws
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  When may the right to be paid the value of his shares
cease? Can he withdraw his right of appraisal?

 May the corporation be compelled to pay the interest of


A - Yes, he may withdraw, but there must be consent by the
corporation as provided for by section 83 of the code:

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


Section 84. When right to payment ceases. -
No demand for payment under this Title may be
 No stockholder may be able to compel the corporation to withdrawn unless the corporation consents thereto. If,
pay the value of his shares if the corporation has no however, such demand for payment is withdrawn with
unrestricted retained earnings the consent of the corporation, or if the proposed
corporate action is abandoned or rescinded by the
corporation or disapproved by the Securities and
- False, a stockholder of a close corporation may for any
Exchange Commission where such approval is
reason, provided only that the corporation has sufficient
necessary, or if the Securities and Exchange
assets to cover its debts and liabilities
Commission determines that such stockholder is not
entitled to the appraisal right, then the right of said
o General rule: there should be unrestricted retained stockholder to be paid the fair value of his shares shall
earnings cease, his status as a stockholder shall thereupon be
restored, and all dividend distributions which would
have accrued on his shares shall be paid to him. (n)

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 Instances when the right of a dissenting stockholder to corporations, except as may be covered by specific
be paid the fair value of his shares ceases. provisions of this Title. (n)

1. When he withdraws his demand for payment and the  How is the right to vote exercised in a non-stock
corporation consents thereto; corporation compared to a stock corporation
 May a member in a non-stock corporation vote
cumulatively?
2. When the proposed action is abandoned or rescinded by
the corporation;
- General rule is NO
3. When the proposed action is disapproved by the SEC
where such approval is necessary;  May it be granted or allowed by the by-laws?

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


exercise his appraisal right;

 May the right to cumulative voting be denied in a stock


5. When he fails to submit the stock certificate within ten corporation?
(10) days from demand to the corporation for notation
that such shares are dissenting shares; and,
- No, Doctrine of Limited Capacity

6. If the shares are transferred and the certificate


subsequently cancelled.  May members in a non-stock corporation vote by proxy?

 Who bears the cost of appraisal? - Yes, section 89 provides that:

- It depends “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)
- The corporation bears the cost if “

a. The price offered by the corporation is lower than  May the right to vote by proxy be validly denied in a
the fair value of the shares of the dissenting stock corporation?
stockholder as determined by the appraisers;

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


b. Where an action is filed by the dissenting
stockholder to recover such fair value and the
refusal of the stockholder to receive payment is  May member of a non-stock corporation cast their vote
found by the court to be justified. by text?

- Dissenting stockholder will be liable for the cost and - Yes, subject to the approval and terms and conditions of
expenses of appraisal when the SEC <sec. 89>

a. When the price offered by the corporation is “Voting by mail or other similar means by
approximately the same as the fair value members of non-stock corporations may be authorized
ascertained by the appraisers; by the by-laws of non-stock corporations with the
approval of, and under such conditions which may be
prescribed by, the Securities and Exchange
b. Where the action filed by the dissenting Commission. “
stockholder and his refusal to accept payment is
found by the court to be unjustified.
 How about in stock?

 The dissenting stockholder may also sell, transfer or


assign his shares - Voting by mail or other similar means may also be
authorized and allowed by the by-laws of non-stock
corporations. Generally, in stock corporations, the vote
Section 86. Notation on certificates; rights of must be cast at a duly constituted meeting. The only
transferee. - Within ten (10) days after demanding exception, in case of the latter, is in the matter of
payment for his shares, a dissenting stockholder shall general amendment of the articles of incorporation
submit the certificates of stock representing his shares where the written assent of the stockholder may be
to the corporation for notation thereon that such shares sufficient.
are dissenting shares. His failure to do so shall, at the
option of the corporation, terminate his rights under
this Title. If shares represented by the certificates  How is the governing board constituted in a non-stock
bearing such notation are transferred, and the corporation? How many members?
certificates consequently cancelled, the rights of the
transferor as a dissenting stockholder under this
Title shall cease and the transferee shall have all the - It may exceed 15 in a non-stock corporation unless the
rights of a regular stockholder; and all dividend AOI or by-laws provide otherwise, as provided for by
distributions which would have accrued on such section 92 of the code:
shares shall be paid to the transferee. (n)
Section 92. Election and term of trustees. -
NON-STOCK CORPORATIONS Unless otherwise provided in the articles of
incorporation or the by-laws, the board of trustees of
non-stock corporations, which may be more than fifteen
 What is a non-stock corporation? (15) in number as may be fixed in their articles of
incorporation or by-laws, shall, as soon as organized, so
classify themselves that the term of office of one-third
- A non-stock corporation is one where no part of its (1/3) of their number shall expire every year; and
income is distributable as dividends to its members, subsequent elections of trustees comprising one-third
trustees, or officers, subject to the provisions of this (1/3) of the board of trustees shall be held annually and
code on dissolution trustees so elected shall have a term of three (3) years.
Trustees thereafter elected to fill vacancies occurring
before the expiration of a particular term shall hold
 What provision of the code will govern non-stock
office only for the unexpired period.
corporations? Would the provision governing stock
corporations also apply to non-stock corporations?
No person shall be elected as trustee unless
he is a member of the corporation.
- Yes, 2nd par. Of section 87 provides:

The provisions governing stock corporation,


when pertinent, shall be applicable to non-stock

Notes on Corporation Law


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Unless otherwise provided in the articles of  The provision that stock corporations cannot validly
incorporation or the by-laws, officers of a non-stock provide that members cannot be voted by stockholders
corporation may be directly elected by the members. (n) is only a general rule because there is an exception
section 97 of the code states that:

 Qualifications?
The articles of incorporation of a close
corporation may provide that the business of the
1. He is a member of the association; corporation shall be managed by the stockholders of
the corporation rather than by a board of directors.
2. Majority thereof must be residents of the Philippines; So long as this provision continues in effect:
and,
1. No meeting of stockholders need be called to elect
3. Other qualifications as may be provided for in the by- directors;
laws.
2. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the
 Governing board in a non-stock stockholders of the corporation shall be deemed to be
directors for the purpose of applying the provisions of
this Code; and
- Board of Trustees, however section 138 provides that:
3. The stockholders of the corporation shall be subject
Section 138. Designation of governing to all liabilities of directors.
boards. - The provisions of specific provisions of this
Code to the contrary notwithstanding, non-stock or
The articles of incorporation may likewise
special corporations may, through their articles of
provide that all officers or employees or that specified
incorporation or their by-laws, designate their
officers or employees shall be elected or appointed by
governing boards by any name other than as board of
the stockholders, instead of by the board of
trustees. (n)
directors.

 Disqualifications
 Nature of membership is non-transferrable and personal
in nature unless the articles of incorporation or by-laws
- Section 27 also applies to a non-stock corporation, same provide otherwise
holds true to the manner of removal <sec. 29 ad 30>
Section 90. Non-transferability of
Section 27. Disqualification of directors, membership. - Membership in a non-stock corporation
trustees or officers. - No person convicted by final and all rights arising there from are personal and non-
judgment of an offense punishable by imprisonment for transferable, unless the articles of incorporation or the
a period exceeding six (6) years, or a violation of this by-laws otherwise provide. (n)
Code committed within five (5) years prior to the date of
his election or appointment, shall qualify as a director,
 How is a membership requirement in a non-stock
trustee or officer of any corporation. (n)
corporation

Section 29. Vacancies in the office of director


A holds a membership certificate
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 B goes to the corporation and compels the corporation
be filled by the vote of at least a majority of the to record the transfer in his name
remaining directors or trustees, if still constituting a
quorum; otherwise, said vacancies must be filled by the
stockholders in a regular or special meeting called for - Membership in non-stock corporations may be acquired
that purpose. A director or trustee so elected to fill a by complying with the provisions of its rules prescribed
vacancy shall be elected only or the unexpired term of in the by-laws. This is in consonance with the express
his predecessor in office. power granted by law under section 36, paragraph 6 of
the code, authorizing them to admit members thereof
and that authority carries with it the power to prescribe
Any directorship or trusteeship to be filled by rules on membership. It has thus been stated that in
reason of an increase in the number of directors or the absence of charter or statutory restrictions, non-
trustees shall be filled only by an election at a regular or stock corporations may determine who shall be
at a special meeting of stockholders or members duly admitted to membership and how they shall be
called for the purpose, or in the same meeting admitted.
authorizing the increase of directors or trustees if so
stated in the notice of the meeting. (n)
Section 36. Corporate powers and capacity. -
Every corporation incorporated under this Code has the
Section 30. Compensation of directors. - In power and capacity:
the absence of any provision in the by-laws fixing their
compensation, the directors shall not receive any
compensation, as such directors, except for reasonable 6. In case of stock corporations, to issue or sell stocks to
per diems: Provided, however, That any such subscribers and to sell stocks to subscribers and to sell
compensation other than per diems may be granted to treasury stocks in accordance with the provisions of this
directors by the vote of the stockholders representing at Code; and to admit members to the corporation if it be a
least a majority of the outstanding capital stock at a non-stock corporation;
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 - They can provide the manner in which to admit
before income tax of the corporation during the depending on their own rules
preceding year. (n)
 The power or authority to terminate members in non-
 Who elects the other officers? stock corporations is said to be inherent but strict
compliance with the manner and procedure laid down in
the by-laws must be observed, otherwise it may render
- Directly by the general members unless the by-laws or the expulsion ineffective and invalid.
articles provide otherwise. <sec.92>
Section 91. Termination of membership. -
“Unless otherwise provided in the articles of Membership shall be terminated in the manner and for
incorporation or the by-laws, officers of a non-stock the causes provided in the articles of incorporation or
corporation may be directly elected by the members. (n) the by-laws. Termination of membership shall have the
“ effect of extinguishing all rights of a member in the
corporation or in its property, unless otherwise provided
in the articles of incorporation or the by-laws. (n)
 In stock corporations who elect officers?

 Power is inherent and may be exercised in certain


- Directors situations:

Notes on Corporation Law


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1. When an offense is committed which, although it 2. Assets held by the corporation upon a condition
has no immediate relation to a member’s duty as requiring return, transfer or conveyance, and
such, it is so infamous as to render him unfit for which condition occurs by reason of the
society of honest men, which is indictable at dissolution, shall be returned, transferred or
common law; conveyed in accordance with such requirements;

2. When the offense is a violation of his duty as 3. Assets received and held by the corporation
member of the corporation; and, subject to limitations permitting their use only for
charitable, religious, benevolent, educational or
similar purposes, but not held upon a condition
3. When the offense is of a mixed nature, being both requiring return, transfer or conveyance by reason
against his duty as a member of the corporation, of the dissolution, shall be transferred or conveyed
and also indictable at common law. to one or more corporations, societies or
organizations engaged in activities in the
If the conduct of the member comes within any of this Philippines substantially similar to those of the
cases, it is a ground for valid expulsion although it may dissolving corporation according to a plan of
not be expressly made so by the by-laws distribution adopted pursuant to this Chapter;

4. Assets other than those mentioned in the


Chinese YMCA vs. Ching preceding paragraphs, if any, shall be distributed
in accordance with the provisions of the articles of
incorporation or the by-laws, to the extent that the
- Right of the corporation to choose who the members are,
articles of incorporation or the by-laws, determine
cannot be inquired or intervened by the court
the distributive rights of members, or any class or
classes of members, or provide for distribution;
- The appealed decision thus contravened the establish and
principle that the courts cannot strip a member of a
non-stock corporation of his membership therein
5. In any other case, assets may be distributed to
without cause.
such persons, societies, organizations or
corporations, whether or not organized for profit,
as may be specified in a plan of distribution
Lions Club International vs. CA
adopted pursuant to this Chapter. (n)

- Courts will not generally interfere on matters involving


 Non-stock corporations with 4Billion funds, may it be
the internal affairs of an unincorporated association
distributed for and among its members?
such as election contest unless the acts complained of
are arbitrary, oppressive, fraudulent, violative of civil
rights and the like - Section 94 number 3 provides:

- General rule is that the courts will not interfere with the 3. Assets received and held by the corporation
internal affairs of an unincorporated association so as to subject to limitations permitting their use only for
settle disputes between the members, or questions of charitable, religious, benevolent, educational or similar
policy, discipline, or internal government, so long as the purposes, but not held upon a condition requiring
government of the society is fairly and honestly return, transfer or conveyance by reason of the
administered in conformity with its by-laws and the law dissolution, shall be transferred or conveyed to one or
of the land, and no property or civil rights are involved. more corporations, societies or organizations engaged in
activities in the Philippines substantially similar to
those of the dissolving corporation according to a plan of
- Exceptions are the following: distribution adopted pursuant to this Chapter;

a. Where law and justice so require, and the - If there is no distributive agreement then they may do so
proceedings of the association are subject to
through a plan of distribution under section 95
judicial review where there is fraud, oppression, or
bad faith, or where the action complained of is
capricious, arbitrary, or unjustly discriminatory Section 95. Plan of distribution of assets. - A
plan providing for the distribution of assets, not
inconsistent with the provisions of this Title, may be
b. To grant relief in case property or civil rights are
adopted by a non-stock corporation in the process of
invaded, although it has also been held that the
dissolution in the following manner:
involvement of property rights does not necessarily
authorize judicial intervention, in the absence of
arbitrariness, fraud or collusion. 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
c. Are violative of the laws of the society, or the law of
regular or special meeting of members having voting
the land, as by depriving the person of due process
rights. Written notice setting forth the proposed plan of
of law
distribution or a summary thereof and the date, time
and place of such meeting shall be given to each
d. There is lack of jurisdiction on the part of the member entitled to vote, within the time and in the
tribunal conducting the proceedings, where the manner provided in this Code for the giving of notice of
organization exceeds its powers, or where the meetings to members. Such plan of distribution shall be
proceedings are otherwise illegal adopted upon approval of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the
members having voting rights present or represented by
proxy at such meeting. (n)
 Corporations, stock and non-stock, may be dissolved in
accordance and pursuant to the provisions of Sections
118 to 121 of the Corporation Code and the pertinent
provisions of P.D. 902-A, as amended. If such be the
case, the assets of the corporation are to be distributed
CLOSE CORPORATIONS
in accordance with law and established jurisprudence.

 Section 96. Definition and applicability of Title. - A close


 If a non-stock corporation is dissolved how will its
corporation, within the meaning of this Code, is one
properties be distributed?
whose articles of incorporation provide that: (1) All the
corporation's issued stock of all classes, exclusive of
Section 94. Rules of distribution. - In case treasury shares, shall be held of record by not more
dissolution of a non-stock corporation in than a specified number of persons, not exceeding
accordance with the provisions of this Code, its twenty (20); (2) all the issued stock of all classes
assets shall be applied and distributed as follows: shall be subject to one or more specified restrictions
on transfer permitted by this Title; and (3) The
corporation shall not list in any stock exchange or
1. All liabilities and obligations of the corporation make any public offering of any of its stock of any
shall be paid, satisfied and discharged, or class. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a corporation shall
adequate provision shall be made therefore; not be deemed a close corporation when at least two-
thirds (2/3) of its voting stock or voting rights is owned

Notes on Corporation Law


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or controlled by another corporation which is not a close Section 97. Articles of incorporation. - The
corporation within the meaning of this Code. articles of incorporation of a close corporation may
provide:

- Between and among themselves, they feel and act alike


1. For a classification of shares or rights and the
qualifications for owning or holding the same and
- Not more than 20 stockholders restrictions on their transfers as may be stated therein,
subject to the provisions of the following section;
- Specified persons, if you are not specified, you cannot
be a stockholder 2. For a classification of directors into one or more
classes, each of whom may be voted for and elected
solely by a particular class of stock; and
- All the issued stocks of all classes is subject to
restrictions
3. For a greater quorum or voting requirements in
meetings of stockholders or directors than those
- Shall not be listed in the stock exchange not publicly provided in this Code.
offered

 After classification what then?


- 3 qualifying conditions must be contained in the articles
of incorporation, to be considered as a close corporation,
if not, it will not be considered as such and will be - After classification, qualification and then restriction as
governed by the general provisions of the code provided for under the 3 qualifying conditions in section
96
- Even if 100 % is owned by one person it will not be
considered a close corporation without the 3 qualifying  Cumulative voting is restricted in close corporations if
provisions will be elected solely by a particular class

- Identity of stockholders, specified persons  In a close corporation, the articles of incorporation may
provide for a greater quorum and voting requirement in
meetings of both stockholders or directors to increase
- Active management either as directors or partners in the veto power of minority stockholders, unlike in a
management stock corporation wherein only directors meetings may
provide for greater quorum requirement and in
stockholders meeting which may not be altered or
- Combination of the corporation and partnership type of
increased, as provide for in section 25, following the
business
doctrine of limited capacity

 May any type of corporation, be organized as such close


 The articles of a close corporation may likewise provide
corporation?
that the business of the corporation shall be managed
by the stockholders rather than by the board of
- No, the 3 qualifying conditions must be present directors. However the same must contain the
continuing provisions required in paragraph 2 of section
97, that is:
 What if 2/3 of the outstanding capital stock is owned by
another corporation which is also a close corporation,
will it be a close corporation? 1. No meeting of stockholders need be called to elect
directors;

- No, it will only be a closed corporation if 2/3 of the


voting stocks of a close corporation is also owned by a 2. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the
close corporation. It must be “voting” stocks stockholders of the corporation shall be deemed to
be directors; and;

- Even if another corporation owns or controls 2/3 of the


voting stocks of a close corporation, the latter may still 3. The stockholders of the corporation shall be
be considered as such close corporation if the subject to all liabilities of directors.
corporation owning or controlling the shares is also a
close corporation.  Liability of stockholders acting as directors in a close
corporation are more extensive since they are
“Notwithstanding the foregoing, a corporation personally liable for corporate torts unless the
shall not be deemed a close corporation when at least corporation has obtained a reasonable adequate liability
two-thirds (2/3) of its voting stock or voting rights is insurance, unlike a ordinary stock corporation, wherein
owned or controlled by another corporation which is not directors thereof are only liable for corporate torts only if
a close corporation within the meaning of this Code.” they have been negligent or acted fraudulently in the
performance of their functions.

 What kind of corporations cannot be a close


corporation?  Restrictions

1. Mining or oil companies, - In ordinary stock corporations, the restrictions must


appear in the articles of incorporation as well as the
certificate of stocks
2. Stock exchange

- In a close corporation, the restrictions must appear in


3. Banks and insurance companies, the articles of incorporation, the by-laws and the
certificate of stocks. Otherwise, the same shall not be
binding on any purchaser thereof in good faith
4. Public utilities

 What if the stockholders do not want to exercise their


5. Educational institutions right or option to purchase may it be sold to any
person?
6. Corporations vested with public interest
- Yes, any third person, section 98 provides:
 Classification of directors
Section 98. Validity of restrictions on transfer
- Ordinary stock- no such right of shares. - Restrictions on the right to transfer shares
must appear in the articles of incorporation and in the
by-laws as well as in the certificate of stock; otherwise,
- Close corporation-yes there is such a right 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
 Section 97 is a permissive provision corporation the option to purchase the shares of the
Notes on Corporation Law
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53

transferring stockholder with such reasonable terms, - Ordinary stock corporations- sit and act as a body at a
conditions or period stated therein. If upon the duly constituted meeting, they may do so by virtue of
expiration of said period, the existing stockholders the E-Commerce Act through teleconference or video
or the corporation fails to exercise the option to conference
purchase, the transferring stockholder may sell his
shares to any third person.
 Exception to the rule: other officers may be directly
appointed and hired by the stockholders
o ordinary stock corporations are liable only if
acted in Bad faith, fraud or negligence in
performance of duty  Close corporations may validly act even without a
meeting provided the conditions are obtained

 What if there are already 20 stockholders and they want


to add 2 more, may it compel? Section 101. When board meeting is
unnecessary or improperly held. - Unless the by-laws
provide otherwise, any action by the directors of a close
- In ordinary stock corporations, they may compel by corporation without a meeting shall nevertheless be
mandamus deemed valid if:

- In close corporations, may not be compelled to admit 1. Before or after such action is taken, written consent
because it breaches the qualifying conditions thereto is signed by all the directors; or

 Since they cannot be compelled, may they admit? 2. All the stockholders have actual or implied knowledge
of the action and make no prompt objection thereto in
writing; or
- Yes, provided all the stockholders consented or instead
of consenting they decide to amend their articles of
incorporation 3. The directors are accustomed to take informal action
with the express or implied acquiescence of all the
stockholders; or
- Will have to amend the articles of incorporation to
accommodate other purchasers of share
4. All the directors have express or implied knowledge of
the action in question and none of them makes prompt
- Will cease to be a close corporation if it amends and objection thereto in writing.
becomes in excess of 20

 Pre-emptive rights in a close corporation is absolute


o Unless all the stockholders consent they
“may”
Section 102. Pre-emptive right in close
corporations. - The pre-emptive right of stockholders in
 What if the other stockholders object to register? What close corporations shall extend to all stock to be issued,
will be the remedy of the transferee? including reissuance of treasury shares, whether for
money, property or personal services, or in payment of
corporate debts, unless the articles of incorporation
- His remedy is rescission. The effect of rescission is provide otherwise.
mutual restitution

 Why is it said to be absolute?


 How about the stockholder, what is his recourse?

- Because there is no public offering in a close


- He may compel the close corporation to purchase his corporation, otherwise it will not be considered as close
shares at their fair value for any reason, provided the
corporation has sufficient assets in its books to cover
the debts and liabilities exclusive of capital  In a close corporation the pre-emptive rights is
broadened to include all issues without exception unless
denied or limited by the articles of incorporation
- In a close corporation, there is a withdrawing
stockholder, unlike in an ordinary stockholder where
there is none, they may only do so in the exercise of  Section 39 is the governing provision concerning rights
appraisal rights of the stockholder in an ordinary stock corporation and
it may be denied. If it is not denied a stockholder can
exercise his pre-emptive rights for all issues of shares
Section 105. Withdrawal of stockholder or whether money, property or previously incurred
dissolution of corporation. - In addition and without indebtedness.
prejudice to other rights and remedies available to a
stockholder under this Title, any stockholder of a
close corporation may, for any reason, compel the Section 39. Power to deny pre-emptive right. -
said corporation to purchase his shares at their fair All stockholders of a stock corporation shall enjoy pre-
value, which shall not be less than their par or emptive right to subscribe to all issues or disposition of
issued value, when the corporation has sufficient shares of any class, in proportion to their respective
assets in its books to cover its debts and liabilities shareholdings, unless such right is denied by the
exclusive of capital stock: Provided, That any articles of incorporation or an amendment thereto:
stockholder of a close corporation may, by written Provided, That such pre-emptive right shall not extend
petition to the Securities and Exchange Commission, to shares to be issued in compliance with laws requiring
compel the dissolution of such corporation whenever stock offerings or minimum stock ownership by the
any of acts of the directors, officers or those in control of public; or to shares to be issued in good faith with the
the corporation is illegal, or fraudulent, or dishonest, or approval of the stockholders representing two-thirds
oppressive or unfairly prejudicial to the corporation or (2/3) of the outstanding capital stock, in exchange for
any stockholder, or whenever corporate assets are being property needed for corporate purposes or in payment of
misapplied or wasted. a previously contracted debt.

 Agreements may also be entered in a close corporation  Are treasury shares covered in the exercise of pre-
<sec.100> emptive rights in ordinary stock corporations?
 As regards amendments

- They can even agree to be partners in management


Section 103. Amendment of articles of
incorporation. - Any amendment to the articles of
- Pre-incorporation incorporation which seeks to delete or remove any
provision required by this Title to be contained in the
articles of incorporation or to reduce a quorum or voting
- Manner in which the business of the corporation shall requirement stated in said articles of incorporation shall
be managed not be valid or effective unless approved by the
affirmative vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the
 Board resolution outstanding capital stock, whether with or without
voting rights, or of such greater proportion of shares as
may be specifically provided in the articles of

Notes on Corporation Law


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54

incorporation for amending, deleting or removing any of 6. Dissolving the corporation; or


the aforesaid provisions, at a meeting duly called for the
purpose.
7. Other relief as the circumstances may warrant.

 What happens if there is a deadlock?


 Section 105

- Section 104 provides for a remedy


- Dishonesty is a ground for dissolution of a close
corporation
Section 104. Deadlocks. - Notwithstanding
any contrary provision in the articles of incorporation or
by-laws or agreement of stockholders of a close - Even one stockholder may petition for dissolution
corporation, if the directors or stockholders are so
divided respecting the management of the corporation's
o when there is a relief available, dissolution
business and affairs that the votes required for any
would not be available in an ordinary
corporate action cannot be obtained, with the
corporation
consequence that the business and affairs of the
corporation can no longer be conducted to the
advantage of the stockholders generally, the Securities
and Exchange Commission, upon written petition by
any stockholder, shall have the power to arbitrate the CLOSE CORPORATION ORDINARY STOCK
dispute. In the exercise of such power, the Commission CORPORATION
shall have authority to make such order as it deems
appropriate, including an order: (1) cancelling or
altering any provision contained in the articles of 1. The number of stockholders No limitation as to number of
incorporation, by-laws, or any stockholder's agreement; cannot exceed 20 shareholder
(2) cancelling, altering or enjoining any resolution or act
of the corporation or its board of directors, stockholders,
2. To the extent that all Maximum number of directors
or officers; (3) directing or prohibiting any act of the
stockholders can be deemed is 15
corporation or its board of directors, stockholders,
directors, the number of
officers, or other persons party to the action; (4)
directors can effectively be
requiring the purchase at their fair value of shares of
more than 15
any stockholder, either by the corporation regardless of
the availability of unrestricted retained earnings in its
books, or by the other stockholders; (5) appointing a 3. Shares of stock are subject Generally no restriction on
provisional director; (6) dissolving the corporation; or (7) to specified restrictions transfer of shares
granting such other relief as the circumstances may
warrant.
4. Shares of stock are No prohibition
prohibited from being listed
A provisional director shall be an impartial in the stock exchange or
person who is neither a stockholder nor a creditor of the offered for sale to the public
corporation or of any subsidiary or affiliate of the
corporation, and whose further qualifications, if any,
may be determined by the Commission. A provisional 5. Stockholders may take an Management is lodged in the
director is not a receiver of the corporation and does not active part in corporate Board of Directors
have the title and powers of a custodian or receiver. A management by vesting
provisional director shall have all the rights and powers management to them rather
of a duly elected director of the corporation, including than a Board of Director
the right to notice of and to vote at meetings of
directors, until such time as he shall be removed by
order of the Commission or by all the stockholders. His 6. Those active in management Directors are liable for torts
compensation shall be determined by agreement are personally liable for only if they have acted
between him and the corporation subject to approval of corporate torts unless the negligently or fraudulently
the Commission, which may fix his compensation in the corporation has obtained an
absence of agreement or in the event of disagreement adequate liability insurance
between the provisional director and the corporation.
7. Directors can validly act even Directors must, as a rule, act
- Powers of the SEC in intra-corporate concerns has been without a meeting as a body at a duly constituted
transferred to the proper commercial courts meeting
- Prohibit, even if acting in good faith
8. Agreements between Not valid and binding since
- Provisional director appointed by the court stockholders regarding the stockholders’ agreement cannot
operations of the business limit the discretion of the Board
can validly be made to manage corporate affairs
- Requiring the purchase, irrespective of unrestricted
retained earnings
9. To the extent that directors Ordinarily, no such
may be classified into one or classification and no
- The provision of the law above-quoted gives the SEC a more classes and to be voted restrictions on cumulative
very wide discretion in respect to management of a close solely by a particular class of voting
corporation in the event of a deadlock. It may: stock, cumulative voting
may, in effect, be restricted
1. Cancel or alter any provision in the articles of
incorporation, by-laws or any stockholders 10. The articles of Officers are elected by the
agreement incorporation may provide Board of Directors
that all officers shall be
elected or appointed by the
2. Cancel, alter or enjoin any resolution or other act
stockholders
of the corporation or its board of directors,
stockholders or officers
11. It may provide for greater Although the articles of
quorum and voting incorporation or by-laws may
3. Prohibit any act of the corporation or its board of
requirements in meetings of provide for greater quorum and
directors, stockholders or officers or other persons
stockholders and directors voting requirements in
party to the action;
directors’ meeting under section
25, those for stockholders’
4. Requiring the purchase of the par value of the meeting cannot generally be
shares of any stockholders, either by the altered
corporation regardless of availability of
unrestricted earnings, or by the other
shareholders, 12. Restriction on transfer of Valid and binding if indicated in
shares should be indicated the articles of incorporation and
in the articles of stock certificates
5. Appointment of a provisional director incorporation, by-laws and
stock certificates

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55

Section 106. Incorporation. - Educational


corporations shall be governed by special laws and by
13. Pre-emptive rights of Pre-emptive rights may be the general provisions of this Code. (n)
stockholders is broader as it denied as provided for in
include all issues without section 39
exception - Special laws like they Education Act of the Philippines
- These institutions of learning, once recognized by the
government as such are mandated by law to be
14. A stockholder may Unless he sells his shares, a incorporated within ninety (90) days under the
withdraw and compel the stockholder cannot get back his provisions of the Corporation Code and must, perforce,
corporation to purchase his investment nor compel the comply with the requirements and procedure laid down
shares for any reason with corporation to buy his shares there under. Their failure to so will not immune the
the limitation only that the except in the exercise of his educational institution from suit as a corporation.
corporation has sufficient appraisal right (Chiang Kai Siek Case)
assets to cover its liabilities
exclusive of capital stock
- Favorable recommendation of government agency
involved
15. The proper forum may Courts cannot interfere I the
interfere in the management business judgment of the
of a close corporation in case directors/stockholders  Two types of educational corporations
of deadlocks under Section “BUSINESS JUDGMENT RULE”
104, even of the
directors/stockholders are - Certificate of completion in the academic field
acting in good faith
- Vocational and technical one’s
16. Any stockholder may Dissolution may be had only on
petition the SEC for the grounds provided by the o Recommendation of DECS if certificate of
corporate dissolution on provisions of the Code on
completion in the academic field
grounds among others, dissolution and P.D. 902-A, as
provides for in section 105 amended
Manuel Dulay Enterprises vs. CA  How is the governing board of an educational institution
instituted?

- What was the position of Manuel Dulay here? President,


General Manager and Treasurer - Non-stock- multiples of 5 only (example: 5,10,15)

- Cannot act both as president and treasurer at the same - Stock- can be anywhere between 5 to 15
time
 Can they consist of 7 or 9 members?
- Since it is a close corporation owned by the family of
Manuel Dulay, save and except the secretary, it should
- Yes, if stock
be governed by Title XII

 Can they be incorporated also as non-stock?


- Petitioner is classified as a close corporation and
consequently a board resolution authorizing the sale or
mortgage of the subject property is not necessary to - Yes
bind the corporation for the action of its president. At
any rate, a corporate action taken at a board meeting
without proper call or notice in a close corporation is - B.P. 232 allows the organization of an educational
deemed ratified by the absent director unless the latter institution that is stock corporation, only if they do not
promptly files his written objection with the secretary of issue a certificate of completion in the academic field
the corporation after having knowledge of the meeting
which, in this case, petitioner Virgilio Dulay failed to do.
 Qualifications and disqualifications of the membership
in the board of an educational corporation
- Virgilio Dulay is a signatory witness, he knows very well
about the deed of absolute sale, he is estopped
- Educational corporations are governed by special laws
and general provisions, hence if there is no provision in
Naguiat vs. NLRC the special law, you go back to section 25 and 27 of the
general provisions

- Section 100 par. 5. To the extent that the stockholders


are actively engaged in the management or operation of - Stock- must be a stockholder
the business and affairs of a close corporation, the
stockholders shall be held to strict fiduciary duties to - Non-stock- must be a member
each other and among themselves. Said stockholders
shall be personally liable for corporate torts unless the
corporation has obtained reasonably adequate liability - By-laws may provide for additional qualifications and
insurance. disqualifications

 Family corporations is not automatically a close Section 25. Corporate officers, quorum. -
corporation the 3 qualifying conditions must be present. Immediately after their election, the directors of a
corporation must formally organize by the election of a
president, who shall be a director, a treasurer who may
SPECIAL CORPORATIONS
or may not be a director, a secretary who shall be a
resident and citizen of the Philippines, and such other
 2 types of special corporations officers as may be provided for in the by-laws. Any two
(2) or more positions may be held concurrently by the
same person, except that no one shall act as president
1. Educational corporations and secretary or as president and treasurer at the same
time.
2. Religious corporations
The directors or trustees and officers to be
elected shall perform the duties enjoined on them by law
2.1 Corporation Sole and the by-laws of the corporation. Unless the articles of
incorporation or the by-laws provide for a greater
2.2 Religious Societies majority, a majority of the number of directors or
trustees as fixed in the articles of incorporation shall
constitute a quorum for the transaction of corporate
 What provision governs educational corporations? business, and every decision of at least a majority of the
directors or trustees present at a meeting at which there
is a quorum shall be valid as a corporate act, except for
the election of officers which shall require the vote of a
majority of all the members of the board.

Notes on Corporation Law


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56

Directors or trustees cannot attend or vote by proxy at  Is it required to file the articles of incorporation in the
board meetings. (33a) SEC?

Section 27. Disqualification of directors, trustees or - Yes


officers. - No person convicted by final judgment of an offense
punishable by imprisonment for a period exceeding six (6) years, or
a violation of this Code committed within five (5) years prior to the  What should be contained in the articles of
date of his election or appointment, shall qualify as a director, incorporation?
trustee or officer of any corporation. (n)
- Section 111 and section 112 provides for the contents
 Article 14 section 4 par. 2 of the Constitutions and procedures

Educational institutions, other than those Section 111. Articles of incorporation. - In


established by religious groups and mission boards, order to become a corporation sole, the chief
shall be owned solely by citizens of the Philippines or archbishop, bishop, priest, minister, rabbi or presiding
corporations or associations at least sixty per centum of elder of any religious denomination, sect or church
the capital of which is owned by such citizens. The must file with the Securities and Exchange Commission
Congress may, however, require increased Filipino articles of incorporation setting forth the following:
equity participation in all educational institutions. The
control and administration of educational institutions
1. That he is the chief archbishop, bishop, priest,
shall be vested in citizens of the Philippines.
minister, rabbi or presiding elder of his religious
denomination, sect or church and that he desires to
No educational institution shall be established
become a corporation sole;
exclusively for aliens and no group of aliens shall
comprise more than one-third of the enrollment in any
school. The provisions of this sub section shall not apply 2. That the rules, regulations and discipline of his
to schools established for foreign diplomatic personnel religious denomination, sect or church are not
and their dependents and, unless otherwise provided by inconsistent with his becoming a corporation sole and
law, for other foreign temporary residents. do not forbid it;

- Management is left solely to citizens of the Philippines 3. That as such chief archbishop, bishop, priest,
- Board of Directors manages the corporate affairs, minister, rabbi or presiding elder, he is charged with the
foreigners cannot therefore be elected in the board administration of the temporalities and the management
of the affairs, estate and properties of his religious
- Exceptions are, mission boards and religious orders, denomination, sect or church within his territorial
which may have a governing board consisting of jurisdiction, describing such territorial jurisdiction;
foreigners
4. The manner in which any vacancy occurring in the
 Term of office of governing board in an educational office of chief archbishop, bishop, priest, minister, rabbi
institutions of presiding elder is required to be filled, according to
the rules, regulations or discipline of the religious
denomination, sect or church to which he belongs; and
- Can serve a term of 5 years. If that be the case, 1/5 of
their number shall expire every year
5. The place where the principal office of the corporation
sole is to be established and located, which place must
 Non-stock or stock, can they serve for a 1 year term be within the Philippines.
only?

The articles of incorporation may include any


- Yes, the articles of incorporation may provide that it be other provision not contrary to law for the regulation of
1 year only the affairs of the corporation. (n)

 What are these religious corporations spoken off? Section 112. Submission of the articles of
incorporation. - The articles of incorporation must be
verified, before filing, by affidavit or affirmation of the
- Corporation sole and religious societies chief archbishop, bishop, priest, minister, rabbi or
presiding elder, as the case may be, and accompanied
 What is a corporation sole? by a copy of the commission, certificate of election or
letter of appointment of such chief archbishop, bishop,
priest, minister, rabbi or presiding elder, duly certified
- Consists of one person only and his successor in some to be correct by any notary public.
particular station, who are incorporated by law in order
to give them some legal capacities and advantages,
From and after the filing with the Securities
particularly that of perpetuity, which in their natural
and Exchange Commission of the said articles of
persons they could not have had
incorporation, verified by affidavit or affirmation, and
accompanied by the documents mentioned in the
 May a corporation be organized by less than 5 natural preceding paragraph, such chief archbishop, bishop,
persons? priest, minister, rabbi or presiding elder shall become a
corporation sole and all temporalities, estate and
properties of the religious denomination, sect or church
- General rule, 5 to 15 natural persons(except theretofore administered or managed by him as such
cooperatives and corporations primarily organized to chief archbishop, bishop, priest, minister, rabbi or
hold equities in rural banks and may rightfully become presiding elder shall be held in trust by him as a
incorporators thereof) corporation sole, for the use, purpose, behalf and sole
benefit of his religious denomination, sect or church,
- Exception, corporation sole, consist of only one person including hospitals, schools, colleges, orphan asylums,
parsonages and cemeteries thereof. (n)

 May any person form or organize a corporation sole?


 Is it required to indicate its terms of execution? Why
not?
- No, not any person can form a corporation sole, section
110 provides:
- Not required because they are supposed to exist in
perpetuity
Section 110. Corporation sole. - For the
purpose of administering and managing, as trustee, the
affairs, property and temporalities of any religious - However, it does not mean that it shall continue to exist
denomination, sect or church, a corporation sole may be forever, it merely means that it has the capacity of
formed by the chief archbishop, bishop, priest, minister, continuous existence during a particular period until
rabbi or other presiding elder of such religious dissolved in accordance with law
denomination, sect or church. (154a)
 When will it acquire judicial personality? How do you
compare this to other types of corporation?

Notes on Corporation Law


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57

- After the filing the verified articles of incorporation along - Determination of the character of the land should be in
with the documents required in Section 112 with the mind
SEC, immediately becomes endowed with corporate
personality, this serves as an exception to the rule that
a corporation acquires juridical personality only upon - If they still form part of public domain they cannot be
the issuance of a certificate of incorporation by the said owned, but if they are converted into private land, the
government agency. constitutional prohibition will not apply

- Upon filing of verified articles of incorporation with the  If there is vacancy who will fill up the same? What if
SEC, will not require the approval of SEC there is none, what must the successor do?

 A corporation sole is possessed with the same power, - According to section 114:
rights and privileges, to own, acquire and hold or convey
properties like any other corporation? True or False
Section 114. Filling of vacancies. - The
successors in office of any chief archbishop, bishop,
- False, they have the same power rights and privileges, priest, minister, rabbi or presiding elder in a corporation
but when it comes to alienation and acquisition, it must sole shall become the corporation sole on their
possess a court order, however when there is a accession to office and shall be permitted to transact
regulated method, a court order may be dispensed with business as such on the filing with the Securities and
<sec. 113> Exchange Commission of a copy of their commission,
certificate of election, or letters of appointment, duly
certified by any notary public.
Section 113. Acquisition and alienation of
property. - Any corporation sole may purchase and hold
real estate and personal property for its church, During any vacancy in the office of chief
charitable, benevolent or educational purposes, and archbishop, bishop, priest, minister, rabbi or presiding
may receive bequests or gifts for such purposes. Such elder of any religious denomination, sect or church
corporation may sell or mortgage real property held by it incorporated as a corporation sole, the person or
by obtaining an order for that purpose from the Court of persons authorized and empowered by the rules,
First Instance of the province where the property is regulations or discipline of the religious denomination,
situated upon proof made to the satisfaction of the court sect or church represented by the corporation sole to
that notice of the application for leave to sell or administer the temporalities and manage the affairs,
mortgage has been given by publication or otherwise in estate and properties of the corporation sole during the
such manner and for such time as said court may have vacancy shall exercise all the powers and authority of
directed, and that it is to the interest of the corporation the corporation sole during such vacancy. (158a)
that leave to sell or mortgage should be granted. The
application for leave to sell or mortgage must be made  If a corporation exists in equity may it not be dissolved?
by petition, duly verified, by the chief archbishop,
bishop, priest, minister, rabbi or presiding elder acting
as corporation sole, and may be opposed by any Section 115. Dissolution. - A corporation sole
member of the religious denomination, sect or church may be dissolved and its affairs settled voluntarily by
represented by the corporation sole: Provided, That in submitting to the Securities and Exchange Commission
cases where the rules, regulations and discipline of the a verified declaration of dissolution.
religious denomination, sect or church, religious society
or order concerned represented by such corporation sole
regulate the method of acquiring, holding, selling and The declaration of dissolution shall set forth:
mortgaging real estate and personal property, such
rules, regulations and discipline shall control, and the
1. The name of the corporation;
intervention of the courts shall not be necessary. (159a)

2. The reason for dissolution and winding up;


 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 3. The authorization for the dissolution of the
ownership of the property? corporation by the particular religious denomination,
sect or church;
- No, it will not vest unto the head, the head is acting
merely as a guardian 4. The names and addresses of the persons who are to
supervise the winding up of the affairs of the
corporation.
Roman Catholic Apostolic Adm. Of Davao, inc. vs. Land
Reg. Comm, et al.
Upon approval of such declaration of
dissolution by the Securities and Exchange
- Act only as a guardian Commission, the corporation shall cease to carry on its
operations except for the purpose of winding up its
affairs. (n)
- Ownership devolves upon the congregation or religious
denomination
- While section 115 of the code provides for the process
and procedure for the dissolution of a corporate sole,
- A corporation consists of one person only and his
there is nothing in the law itself which would prohibit it
successors (who will always be one at a time, in some from amending its articles of incorporation
particular station), who are incorporated by law in order
- It is believed that authorization for the dissolution by
to give them some legal capacities and advantages,
the particular religious denomination, sect or church, as
particularly that of perpetuity, which in their natural
required in sub-paragraph 3 of section 115 would still
persons they could not have had
be necessary in the case of amending the articles of
incorporation to affect dissolution.
- Roman Catholic Church has no nationality and that the
framers of the Constitution, as will be hereunder o Expiration of a corporate term will not apply
explained, did not have in mind the religious
to a religious corporation
corporations sole when they provided that 60 percent of
the capital thereof be owned by Filipino citizens.
 May a corporation sole be dissolved by judicial decree?

Director of Lands vs. CA


- General rule: No, because a corporation sole, is by its
very nature ecclesiastical and religious (doctrine of
- Alienable public land is converted into private land separation of church and state)
when the same has been openly, continuously and
exclusively in possession of the property as concept of
an owner for 30 years, automatically that is - 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
Republic of the Philippines vs. IAC
 What are religious societies?

Notes on Corporation Law


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58

- Under common law, a religious society is a body of - Go to the general rules governing dissolution, because
persons associated together for the purpose of the rules under special corporations do not provide for
maintaining religious worship. such rule

 Is it also required to file its articles of incorporation to DISSOLUTION


the SEC?

 What is dissolution?
- No <sec. 116> “may”

- Extinguishment of the corporate franchise and the


 What should be contained in the articles of termination of corporate existence
incorporation?

 3 modes of dissolution
- Section 116 provides:
1. By expiration of its term;
Section 116. Religious societies. - Any
religious society or religious order, or any diocese, 2. By voluntary surrender of its primary franchise
synod, or district organization of any religious (voluntary dissolution);
denomination, sect or church, unless forbidden by the
constitution, rules, regulations, or discipline of the 3. By revocation of its corporate franchise (involuntary
religious denomination, sect or church of which it is a dissolution)
part, or by competent authority, may, upon written
consent and/or by an affirmative vote at a meeting
called for the purpose of at least two-thirds (2/3) of its Philippine National Bank vs. CFI
membership, incorporate for the administration of its
temporalities or for the management of its affairs,
properties and estate by filing with the Securities and - When the period of corporate life expires, the
Exchange Commission, articles of incorporation verified corporation ceases to be a body corporate for purposes
by the affidavit of the presiding elder, secretary, or clerk of continuing the business for which it is organized. But
or other member of such religious society or religious it shall nevertheless be continued as a body corporate
order, or diocese, synod, or district organization of the for three years after the time when it would have be
religious denomination, sect or church, setting forth the dissolved, for the purpose of prosecuting and defending
following: suits by or against it and for enabling it gradually to
settle and close its affairs to dispose of and convey its
property and to divide its assets. There is no need for
1. That the religious society or religious order, or the institution of a proceeding for quo warranto to
diocese, synod, or district organization is a religious determine the time and date of the dissolution of a
organization of a religious denomination, sect or church; corporation because the period of corporate existence is
provided in the articles of incorporation. When such
2. That at least two-thirds (2/3) of its membership have period expires and without any extension having been
given their written consent or have voted to incorporate, made pursuant to law, the corporation is dissolved
at a duly convened meeting of the body; automatically insofar as the continuation of its business
is concerned.

3. That the incorporation of the religious society or - The rights of the lessor and the lessee over the
religious order, or diocese, synod, or district improvements which the latter constructed on the
organization desiring to incorporate is not forbidden by leased premises are governed by Article 1678 of the Civil
competent authority or by the constitution, rules, Code. The provision gives the lessee the right to remove
regulations or discipline of the religious denomination, the improvements if the lessor chooses not to pay one
sect, or church of which it forms a part; half of the value thereof. However, in the case at bar the
law will not apply because the parties herein have
stipulated in the contract their own terms and
4. That the religious society or religious order, or
conditions concerning the improvements before the
diocese, synod, or district organization desires to
termination of the lease. Petitioner PNB as assignee of
incorporate for the administration of its affairs,
PBM succeeded to the obligation of the latter under the
properties and estate;
contract of lease. It could not possess rights more than
what PBM had as lessee under the contract. Hence,
5. The place where the principal office of the corporation petitioner was duly bound to remove the improvements
is to be established and located, which place must be before the expiration of the period of lease. Its failure to
within the Philippines; and do so when the lease was terminated was tantamount to
a waiver of its rights and interest over the improvements
on the leased premise.
6. The names, nationalities, and residences of the
trustees elected by the religious society or religious
order, or the diocese, synod, or district organization to o 3 modes of dissolution, 3 modes of voluntary
serve for the first year or such other period as may be dissolution and 3 modes of liquidation and
prescribed by the laws of the religious society or winding up- FREQUENTLY ASKED IN THE
religious order, or of the diocese, synod, or district FINALS
organization, the board of trustees to be not less than
five (5) nor more than fifteen (15). (160a)
 What are the 3 modes of voluntary dissolution?

 Is it required to indicate its term of existence?


1. Voluntary dissolution where no creditors are affected;
<sec.118>
- Likewise to exist in perpetuity, the law does not require
to indicate its term of existence 2. Voluntary dissolution where creditors are affected; <sec.
119>
 When will it acquire juridical personality?
3. Shortening of corporate term. <sec. 120>
- Only a corporation sole may come into existence without
SEC approval, section 19 will thus govern, Vested with  Voluntary dissolution where no creditors are affected
judicial capacity upon issuance of the certificate by the <sec.118>
SEC
- The formal and procedural requirements necessary are
o However it is not accurate according to atty. the following:
Ladia because there are those that can issue
for example cooperatives- BUREAU OF 1. Majority vote of the board of directors or trustees;
COOPERATIVES which register, home
insurance guaranty corporation- HOME 2. Sending of notice of each stockholders or member either
OWNERS by registered mail or personal delivery at least thirty (30)
days prior to the meeting (scheduled by the board for
 How may religious societies be dissolved? the purpose of submitting the board action to dissolve
the corporation for approval of the stockholder or
members.);
Notes on Corporation Law
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59

3. Publication of the notice of time, place and subject of assets of the corporation upon dissolution and winding
the meeting for three (3) consecutive weeks in a up.
newspaper published in the place where the principal
office of said corporation is located or in a newspaper of - The directors may also undertake liquidation and
general circulation in the Philippines; winding up of its corporate affairs, and sound business
judgment, on how they will wind up
4. Resolution adopted by the affirmative vote of the
stockholders owning at least 2/3 of the outstanding
capital stock or 2/3 of the members at the meeting duly  Dissolution by shortening of corporate term <sec.120>
called for the purpose;
- Will be valid upon approval of the SEC, unlike general
5. A copy of the resolution authorizing the dissolution amendments, which will be deemed approved if not
must be certified by a majority of the board of directors acted upon by the SEC within 6 months from the date of
or trustees and countersigned by the corporate filing for a cause not attributable to the corporation.
secretary;
- Shortening of the corporate term partakes the nature of
6. Issuance of a certificate of dissolution by the SEC. an amendment of the articles of incorporation. Section
16 under general amendments allows “written assent”
 Should this be strictly complied with? section 37 mandates that the vote must be cast at a
duly constituted meeting.

- Yes, compliance with the requirements and formalities


Section 120. Dissolution by shortening
prescribed above is mandatory such that failure to
corporate term. - A voluntary dissolution may be effected
comply therewith will have no effect on the legal
by amending the articles of incorporation to shorten the
existence of the corporation.
corporate term pursuant to the provisions of this Code.
A copy of the amended articles of incorporation shall be
 Will dissolution be effective and valid by a mere submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission
resolution of the BOD and stockholders? in accordance with this Code. Upon approval of the
amended articles of incorporation of the expiration of
the shortened term, as the case may be, the corporation
- No, a mere resolution by the stockholders or the BOD of shall be deemed dissolved without any further
a corporation to dissolve the same does not affect the proceedings, subject to the provisions of this Code on
dissolution but that some other steps, administrative or liquidation. (n)
judicial is necessary. (Daguhoy Enterprises vs. Ponce)

- Since it is the State which grants its right to exist, it is o Intra-corporate- special commercial courts
only through the State which can allow the termination
of its existence; without consent of the State, it will not  Another way of dissolving a corporation is through
be dissolved. involuntary dissolution

 Voluntary dissolution where creditors are affected Section 121. Involuntary dissolution. - A
<sec.119> corporation may be dissolved by the Securities and
Exchange Commission upon filing of a verified
- By virtue of a petition, when there are creditors affected complaint and after proper notice and hearing on the
grounds provided by existing laws, rules and
regulations. (n)
- The following formalities would thus be required:

- Dissolution is tantamount to the imposition of death


1. Affirmative vote of the stockholders representing at least penalty
2/3 of the outstanding capital stock or at least 2/3 of - Instead of dissolving the corporation, courts normally
the members at a meeting duly called for that purpose; enjoin the further commission of the questioned act

2. Petition for dissolution shall be filed with the SEC


signed by a majority of its board of directors or trustees - The relief of dissolution will be awarded only where no
or other officers having the management of its affairs, other remedy is available and it will not be allowed
verified by the president or secretary or one of its where the rights of the stockholders can be, or are,
directors or trustees, setting forth all claims and protected in some other way (Republic vs. Bisaya Land
demands against it. Trans. Co. Inc.)

3. Issuance of an order by the SEC reciting the purpose of  What are the grounds for involuntary dissolution?
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 - It is commenced through a verified complaint or motu
sixty days after entry of the order. proprio by the proper courts

4. Before such date, a copy of the order must be published - Section 6 of PD 902-A provides for the grounds for
once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a involuntary dissolution as follows:
newspaper of general circulation published in the city or
municipality where the principal office is situated or in a
newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines. 1. Fraud in procuring its certificate of registration;

5. Posting of the same order for three (3) consecutive weeks 2. Serious misrepresentation as to what the corporation
in three (3) public places in such city or municipality. can do or is doing to the great prejudice of or damage to
the general public;
6. Upon five (5) days’ notice, given after the date on which
the right to file objections has expired, the SEC shall 3. Refusal to comply or defiance of any lawful order of the
hear the petition and try any issue made by the Commission restraining commission of acts which
objections filed. would amount to a grave violation of its franchise;

7. Judgment dissolving the corporation and directing of its 4. Continuous inoperation for a period of at least five (5)
assets as justice requires and the appointment of a years;
receiver (if necessary in its discretion) to collect such
assets and pay the debts of the corporation. 5. Failure to file by-laws within the required period;

o The foregoing are also mandatory 6. Failure to file required reports in appropriate forms as
requirements determined by the Commission within the prescribed
period.

 Is the appointment of a receiver mandatory?


- Other grounds are provided for in the corporation code
itself: among them are:
- No, it is merely permissive or discretionary on the part
of the court. The code uses the word “may”; the law
intended to let the shareholders have the control of the 1. Violation of any provision of the Code under section
144;

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2. In case of deadlock in a close corporation as provided for where the rights of the stockholders can be, or are,
in section 105; protected in some other way

3. In a close corporation, any acts of directors, officers or - Misuse and misapplication of the funds and assets of
those in control of the corporation which is illegal or the respondent were committed particularly by the
fraudulent or dishonest or oppressive or unfairly corporate officers, where they can instead be held
prejudicial to the corporation or any stockholder or personally liable
whenever corporate assets are being misapplied or
wasted under section 105. - Since there is another remedy available dissolution is
not warranted
- Mere dishonesty is also a ground in a close corporation
 Assuming the above stated corporation is a close
- Other grounds can be found in other special laws like corporation, would the court decree otherwise?
the Securities Regulation Code and the General Banking
Act as well as the Insurance Code.
- Yes, because in a close corporation, mere dishonesty is
a ground for the dissolution
Government vs. Philippine Sugar Estate
- Can even be dissolved by petition of only one
stockholder on the grounds stated in the code < sec.
- It is necessary in order to secure judicial foreclosure of 105>
respondent’s charter to show a mis-user of its franchise
justifying such a forfeiture
Financing Corporation of the Philippines vs. Teodoro
- Object is to protect the public, and not to redress
private grievances, the mis-user must be such as to
work or threaten a substantial injury to the public, or - Minority stockholders may not ask for the dissolution of
such as to amount to a violation of the fundamental a corporation in private suits and that such actions
condition of the contract by which the franchise was should be brought by the Government through its legal
granted and thus defeat the purpose of the grant officers, except in cases where the intervention of
the State, for one reason or another, cannot be
obtained, as when the State is not interested
- Courts proceed with extreme caution which has for their
because the complaint is strictly a matter between
object the forfeiture of corporate franchise, and
the stockholders and does not involve, in the
forfeiture will not be allowed, except under express
opinion of the legal officer of the Government, any
limitation, or for plain abuse of power by which the
of the acts or omissions warranting quo warranto
corporation fails to fulfill the design and purpose of its
proceeding , in which minority stockholders are
organization. But when the abuse or violation
entitled to have such dissolution. It should be
constitutes or threatens a substantial injury to the
exercised if necessary in order not to entirely ignore and
public or such as to amount to a violation of the
disregard the rights of said minority stockholders,
fundamental conditions of its charter, or its conduct is
especially when said minority stockholders are unable
characterized by obduracy or pertinacity in contempt of
to obtain redress and protection of their rights within
law, dissolution will be granted
the corporation itself. Stockholders should not be left
without recourse
- Did the court dissolve the corporation? No, it did not, it
granted the corporation 6 months to cease and desist
the performance of the questioned act otherwise it will  Present set up
be dissolved
- Any stockholder or member of a corporation can
Government vs. El Hogar institute a dissolution proceeding against his own
corporation before the proper forum

- 3 causes of action, the first is that the corporation - Special Commercial Courts, shall hear and decide intra-
violated the law by holding on the property beyond that corporate disputes
provide for by law, the second is that the corporation
undertook the management f petitioners belonging to
delinquent shareholders of the association, and lastly  May a corporation ask for dissolution of the corporation
that the by-law provision, which empowers the BD to when there is no prejudice to the general public?
cancel shares and to return to the owners thereof the
balance returning from the liquidation
- Yes, in a close corporation, a petition for the dissolution
of the corporation may be instituted by any one
 Compare to Philippine Sugar Estate, wherein the court individual shareholder on the ground, even by mere
ruled conditional dissolution. Why decree conditional dishonesty
dissolution in one and not in the other case?
 Effects of dissolution
- Because in El Hogar the government was at fault, the
government wasn’t able to issue the certificate of title on
time - 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
- When the case was instituted, El Hogar was already able franchises which have been conferred to its. It
to dispose the properties in question, in Philippine terminates its power to enter into contracts or t o
Sugar Estate it was still the holding the properties in continue the business as a going concern.
order to enrich itself at the expense of the taxpayers
- Based on this general rule, the Supreme Court held that
Republic vs. Security Credit and Acceptance Corp. et al. a corporation, whose corporate life expired, cannot
lawfully pursue the business for which it was organized.
It cannot apply for a new certificate or a secondary
- The corporation here is a lending institution and not a franchise for it is incapable of receiving a grant. Neither
banking institution can it enforce a contract executed prior its dissolution
for the purpose of continuing the business of its
- Defendant corporation violated the law because before a organization.
corporation may engage into a banking activity it must
first obtain a secondary franchise from the Central Bank - In general the rights and liabilities of the corporation are
not extinguished by its dissolution.
- Defendant corporation threatens substantial injury to
the general public, dissolution is warrant Section 145. Amendment or repeal. - No right
or remedy in favor of or against any corporation, its
- If there is a bank run kawawa naman yung depositors stockholders, members, directors, trustees, or officers,
nor any liability incurred by any such corporation,
stockholders, members, directors, trustees, or officers,
Republic vs. Bisaya Land Transportation Co. Inc shall be removed or impaired either by the subsequent
dissolution of said corporation or by any subsequent
amendment or repeal of this Code or of any part thereof.
- The relief of dissolution will be awarded only where no (n)
other remedy is available and it will not be allowed

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61

Buenaflor vs. Camarines Sur Industry Corp. or is annulled by forfeiture or otherwise, or whose
corporate existence for other purposes is terminated in
any other manner, shall nevertheless be continued as a
- From that time on Camarines Sur was plying in an body corporate for three (3) years after the time when it
activity that was illegal would have been so dissolved, for the purpose of
prosecuting and defending suits by or against it and
enabling it to settle and close its affairs, to dispose of
- A corporation where the corporate life has expired it and convey its property and to distribute its assets, but
cannot lawfully pursue the business for which it was not for the purpose of continuing the business for which
organized. it was established.

- the Supreme Court held that a corporation, whose At any time during said three (3) years, the
corporate life expired, cannot lawfully pursue the corporation is authorized and empowered to convey all
business for which it was organized. It cannot apply for of its property to trustees for the benefit of stockholders,
a new certificate or a secondary franchise for it is members, creditors, and other persons in interest. From
incapable of receiving a grant. and after any such conveyance by the corporation of its
property in trust for the benefit of its stockholders,
members, creditors and others in interest, all interest
- Awarding it to Camarines Sur is tantamount to a medal
which the corporation had in the property terminates,
for its illegal acts the legal interest vests in the trustees, and the beneficial
interest in the stockholders, members, creditors or other
- It cannot apply for a new certificate or a secondary persons in interest.
franchise for it is incapable of receiving a grant. It was
not even a corporation de facto. And then, there is no Upon the winding up of the corporate affairs,
application subscribed by the new corporation any asset distributable to any creditor or stockholder or
member who is unknown or cannot be found shall be
- And yet as stated, the new corporation has not filed any escheated to the city or municipality where such assets
application for certificate of public convenience in are located.
Sabang, and has not published such application.
Except by decrease of capital stock and as
otherwise allowed by this Code, no corporation shall
Cebu Port Labor Union vs. State Marine Co distribute any of its assets or property except upon
lawful dissolution and after payment of all its debts and
- Even a cursory reading of the provision would convey liabilities. (77a, 89a, 16a)
the idea clearly manifested in the limitation “but not for
the purpose of continuing the business for which it was  However the 3 year period is not absolute
established,” that the 3-year period allowed by the law is  Liquidation may be undertaken in either of the 3 ways
only for the purpose of winding up its affairs.

1. By the corporation itself through the BOD


Gonzales vs. Sugar Regulatory Administration

- Usual method or procedure of liquidating a corporation


- Instead of applying the corporation code, the court and although there is no law authorizing it, neither is
applied the constitutional provision there anything that prohibits the BOD from undertaking
the same
- Cannot be read as permitting to destroy the substantive
rights - If this method is resorted to, the board will only have a
period of 3 years to finish its task of liquidation

- Such would collide with the non-impairment of


contracts clause of the constitution - Claims for or against the corporate entity not filed
within the period will become unenforceable as there
exist no corporate entity against which they can be
- Complainants will have the right to follow the assets of enforced
the corporation in the hands of SRA or any other agency
for that matter
- Actions pending for or against the corporation when the
3 year period expires, are abated since after the period,
 After dissolution what next? the corporation ceases for all intents and purposes and
is no longer capable of suing or being sued
- Liquidation and winding up should follow
2. By a trustee appointed by the corporation
 What is the definition of liquidation and winding up?
- The corporation may opt to convey all corporate assets
- Collection of all corporate assets, the payments of all its to a trustees who will take charge of liquidation
debts and settlement of its obligations and the ultimate
distribution of the corporate assets, if any of it remains, - If this method is used, the three year period limitation
to all stockholders in accordance with their imposed by section 122 will not apply provided the
proportionate stockholdings in the corporation or in designation of the trustee is made within that period
accordance with their respective contracts of
subscription.
3. By appointment of a receiver
 Preference upon liquidation
- A receiver may be appointed by the proper forum on
petition or motu proprio upon the dissolution of the
- If there are preferred shares, the preference granted to corporation
such should be complied with

- Preferred shares may give the holder thereof, preference - The appointment of a receiver is, however, permissive
only in the dividends but also in the distribution of rather than mandatory and the law tends to recognize
corporate assets upon liquidation or termination of the that in cases of voluntary dissolution there is no
corporate existence. If such is the intent, the contract of occasion for the appointment of a receiver except under
subscription must so indicate lest they are placed on special circumstances and upon proper showing
equal footing with common shareholders
- If a receiver is appointed, the 3 year period fixed by law
- Preference may be participating or non-participating within which to complete the task of liquidation will not
likewise apply because the dissolved corporation is
 Dissolved corporations are granted a period of 3 years to substituted by the receiver who may sue or be sued
liquidate even after that period

Section 122. Corporate liquidation. - Every


corporation whose charter expires by its own limitation

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62

o Mere appointment of a receiver without - During the three year period granted to a corporation to
anything more does imply in the dissolution liquidate or wind up its affairs, the BOD is not normally
of a corporation permitted to undertake any activity outside the usual
liquidation of the corporation. There is, however,
nothing to prevent the stockholders from conveying their
National Abaca other Fibers Co. vs. Pore respective shareholdings toward the creation of a new
corporation to continue the business of the old. This is
because winding up is the sole activity of the dissolved
- Actions pending for or against the corporation when the corporation that does not intend to incorporate a new. If
3 year period expires, are abated since after that period, it does, however, it is not unlawful for the old board of
the corporation ceases for all intents and purposes and directors to negotiate and transfer the assets of the
is no longer capable of suing or being sued dissolved corporation to the new corporation intended to
be created as long as the stockholders have given their
consent (Republic vs. Marsman Development Company)
- May be continued by the trustee provided done within
the 3 year period
- Winding up is the sole activity of a dissolved corporation
that does not intend to incorporate anew. If it does,
- Should the corporation, therefore, finds it difficult to however, it is not unlawful for the old board of directors
finish its liquidation, it may, at any time during the to negotiate and transfer the assets of the dissolved
three year period, convey all its assets and receivables to corporation to the new corporation intended to be
a trustee to prosecute and defend suits by or against the created as long as the stockholders have given their
corporation begun before the expiration of said period consent (Chung Ka Bio vs. IAC)

- The effect of the conveyance is to make the trustees the  What happens to the remaining assets and properties of
legal owners of the property conveyed, subject to the the dissolved corporation if liquidation and winding up
beneficial interest therein of creditors and stockholders as provided in section 122 is not complied with, as a
result of which the 3 year period has elapsed

Sumera vs. Valencia


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

- Who owns the properties? SOCIEDAD ANONIMA


Board of Liquidators vs. Kalaw
- The termination of the life of a juridical entity does not
by itself cause the extinction or diminution of the rights
- If there is a trustee, assignee or liquidator, it can and liabilities of such entity or those of its owners and
continue prosecuting suit even beyond the 3 year period creditors. If the three year extended life has expired
fixed by law because he becomes the legal owner of the without a trustee or receiver having been expressly
rights, assets and properties conveyed to him designated by the corporation within that period, the
board of directors o trustees itself, following the
rationale of the Supreme Court’s decision in Gelano vs.
Gelano vs. CA CA may be permitted to do so continue as” trustees” by
legal implication to complete the liquidation. Still in the
absence of a BOD or BOT, those having any pecuniary
- “Trustee” as used in the corporation statute must be
interest in the assets, including not only the
understood in its general concept which could include
shareholders but likewise the creditors of the
the counsel to whom was entrusted in the instant case,
corporation, acting for and in its behalf, might make
the prosecution of the suit filed by the corporation. The
proper representations with the SEC, which has primary
purpose in the transfer of the assets of the corporation
and sufficiently broad jurisdiction in matters of this
to a trustee upon its dissolution is more for the
nature, for working out a final settlement of the
protection of its creditors and stockholders. Debtors like
corporate concerns
the petitioners herein may not take advantage of the
failure of the corporation to transfer its assets to a
trustee, assuming it has any to transfer which petitioner o the ruling is wrong according to atty. Ladia
has failed to show, in the first place. To sustain
petitioners’ contention would be to allow them to enrich
themselves at the expense of another, which all  According to atty Ladia: What happens to a corporation
enlightened legal systems condemn. that is already dissolved, that has not been able to
appoint a trustee with in the 3 year period?
- The counsel who prosecuted and defended the interest
of the corporation may be considered as a “trustee” at
- a corporation dissolved which failed to exercise its rights
least with respect to the matter in litigation only
granted in section 122 after the 3 year period has
elapsed, ceases to exist for all intents and purposes, it
 May a corporation that is already dissolved, transfer and can no longer sue or be sued
assign its assets and properties to a new corporation
which will continue the business of the dissolved one? - according to 122 of the code, the property should be
escheated, accordingly:
- Yes, provided all the stockholders gave their consent
(Chung Ka Bio vs. IAC) Section 122. Corporate liquidation. - Every
corporation whose charter expires by its own limitation
or is annulled by forfeiture or otherwise, or whose
Republic vs. Marsman Development Company & Chung corporate existence for other purposes is terminated in
Ka Bio vs. IAC any other manner, shall nevertheless be continued as a
body corporate for three (3) years after the time when it

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would have been so dissolved, for the purpose of business in the Philippines shall submit to the
prosecuting and defending suits by or against it and Securities and Exchange Commission a copy of its
enabling it to settle and close its affairs, to dispose of articles of incorporation and by-laws, certified in
and convey its property and to distribute its assets, but accordance with law, and their translation to an official
not for the purpose of continuing the business for which language of the Philippines, if necessary. The
it was established. application shall be under oath and, unless already
stated in its articles of incorporation, shall specifically
set forth the following:
At any time during said three (3) years, the
corporation is authorized and empowered to convey all
of its property to trustees for the benefit of stockholders, 1. The date and term of incorporation;
members, creditors, and other persons in interest. From
and after any such conveyance by the corporation of its
property in trust for the benefit of its stockholders, 2. The address, including the street number, of the
members, creditors and others in interest, all interest principal office of the corporation in the country or state
which the corporation had in the property terminates, of incorporation;
the legal interest vests in the trustees, and the beneficial
interest in the stockholders, members, creditors or other 3. The name and address of its resident agent
persons in interest. authorized to accept summons and process in all legal
proceedings and, pending the establishment of a local
Upon the winding up of the corporate affairs, office, all notices affecting the corporation;
any asset distributable to any creditor or
stockholder or member who is unknown or cannot 4. The place in the Philippines where the corporation
be found shall be escheated to the city or intends to operate;
municipality where such assets are located.

5. The specific purpose or purposes which the


Except by decrease of capital stock and as corporation intends to pursue in the transaction of its
otherwise allowed by this Code, no corporation shall business in the Philippines: Provided, That said purpose
distribute any of its assets or property except upon or purposes are those specifically stated in the
lawful dissolution and after payment of all its debts and certificate of authority issued by the appropriate
liabilities. (77a, 89a, 16a) government agency;

FOREIGN CORPORATIONS 6. The names and addresses of the present directors


and officers of the corporation;
 Definition
7. A statement of its authorized capital stock and the
- Section 123. Definition and rights of foreign aggregate number of shares which the corporation has
corporations. - For the purposes of this Code, a foreign authority to issue, itemized by classes, par value of
corporation is one formed, organized or existing under shares, shares without par value, and series, if any;
any laws other than those of the Philippines and whose
laws allow Filipino citizens and corporations to do 8. A statement of its outstanding capital stock and the
business in its own country or state. It shall have the aggregate number of shares which the corporation has
right to transact business in the Philippines after it shall issued, itemized by classes, par value of shares, shares
have obtained a license to transact business in this without par value, and series, if any;
country in accordance with this Code and a certificate of
authority from the appropriate government agency. (n)
9. A statement of the amount actually paid in; and
 What if the law of the state of the foreign corporation
does not allow Filipino citizens to do business in their 10. Such additional information as may be necessary or
country? appropriate in order to enable the Securities and
Exchange Commission to determine whether such
corporation is entitled to a license to transact business
- The phrase “and whose laws allow Filipino citizens and in the Philippines, and to determine and assess the fees
corporations to do business in its own country or state” payable.
is not, however, an accurate inclusion in the definition
as ay corporation registered or organized under the laws
of another state is necessarily a foreign corporation Attached to the application for license shall
whether or not the state of its incorporation allow be a duly executed certificate under oath by the
Filipino citizens or corporations to do business in that authorized official or officials of the jurisdiction of its
forum. incorporation, attesting to the fact that the laws of the
country or state of the applicant allow Filipino citizens
and corporations to do business therein, and that the
- The said phrase was inserted by the framers of the law applicant is an existing corporation in good standing. If
only as a condition precedent to the grant of a license of such certificate is in a foreign language, a translation
a foreign corporation to do business in the Philippines. thereof in English under oath of the translator shall be
attached thereto.
 Composed of 100% Americans; organized under the
laws other than the Philippines The application for a license to transact
business in the Philippines shall likewise be
accompanied by a statement under oath of the president
- The test is the “incorporation test”
or any other person authorized by the corporation,
showing to the satisfaction of the Securities and
- General rule: the place of its incorporation irrespective Exchange Commission and other governmental agency
of the nationality in the proper cases that the applicant is solvent and in
sound financial condition, and setting forth the assets
and liabilities of the corporation as of the date not
- Exception: control test would apply in determining the exceeding one (1) year immediately prior to the filing of
corporate nationality, i.e., the citizenship of the the application.
controlling stockholders determines the nationality of
the corporation
Foreign banking, financial and insurance
corporations shall, in addition to the above
 If a foreign corporation wants to transact business in requirements, comply with the provisions of existing
the Philippines, what must it do? laws applicable to them. In the case of all other foreign
corporations, no application for license to transact
business in the Philippines shall be accepted by the
- Obtain a license Securities and Exchange Commission without previous
authority from the appropriate government agency,
whenever required by law. (68a)
 How may it do so?

 Is there any deposit or security requirement?


- According to sec. 125:

- Yes, within 60 days after the issuance of the license, a


Section 125. Application for a license. - A
foreign corporation applying for a license to transact foreign corporation, except those engaged in foreign

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banking or insurance, shall deposit with the SEC, for Section 128. Resident agent; service of
the benefit of creditors, securities consisting of bonds or process. - The Securities and Exchange Commission
other evidence of indebtedness of the Philippine shall require as a condition precedent to the issuance of
government or its political subdivision, or of government the license to transact business in the Philippines by
owned or controlled corporation, shares of stock in any foreign corporation that such corporation file with
“registered enterprises” as this term is defined in R.A. the Securities and Exchange Commission a written
5186, shares of stock in domestic insurance companies power of attorney designating some person who must be
and banks or any combination thereof with an actual a resident of the Philippines, on whom any summons
market value of 100,000 and other legal processes may be served in all actions or
other legal proceedings against such corporation, and
consenting that service upon such resident agent shall
- Additional securities may be required by the SEC if the be admitted and held as valid as if served upon the duly
actual market value of the securities on deposit has authorized officers of the foreign corporation at its home
decreased by at least 10%. Section 126 of the code office. Any such foreign corporation shall likewise
provides: execute and file with the Securities and Exchange
Commission an agreement or stipulation, executed by
the proper authorities of said corporation, in form and
Section 126. Issuance of a license. - If the
substance as follows:
Securities and Exchange Commission is satisfied that
the applicant has complied with all the requirements of
this Code and other special laws, rules and regulations, "The (name of foreign corporation) does
the Commission shall issue a license to the applicant to hereby stipulate and agree, in consideration of its being
transact business in the Philippines for the purpose or granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission a
purposes specified in such license. Upon issuance of the license to transact business in the Philippines, that if at
license, such foreign corporation may commence to any time said corporation shall cease to transact
transact business in the Philippines and continue to do business in the Philippines, or shall be without any
so for as long as it retains its authority to act as a resident agent in the Philippines on whom any
corporation under the laws of the country or state of its summons or other legal processes may be served, then
incorporation, unless such license is sooner in any action or proceeding arising out of any business
surrendered, revoked, suspended or annulled in or transaction which occurred in the Philippines, service
accordance with this Code or other special laws. of any summons or other legal process may be made
upon the Securities and Exchange Commission and that
such service shall have the same force and effect as if
Within sixty (60) days after the issuance of
made upon the duly-authorized officers of the
the license to transact business in the Philippines, the
corporation at its home office."
license, except foreign banking or insurance
corporation, shall deposit with the Securities and
Exchange Commission for the benefit of present and Whenever such service of summons or other
future creditors of the licensee in the Philippines, process shall be made upon the Securities and
securities satisfactory to the Securities and Exchange Exchange Commission, the Commission shall, within
Commission, consisting of bonds or other evidence of ten (10) days thereafter, transmit by mail a copy of such
indebtedness of the Government of the Philippines, its summons or other legal process to the corporation at its
political subdivisions and instrumentalities, or of home or principal office. The sending of such copy by
government-owned or controlled corporations and the Commission shall be necessary part of and shall
entities, shares of stock in "registered enterprises" as complete such service. All expenses incurred by the
this term is defined in Republic Act No. 5186, shares of Commission for such service shall be paid in advance by
stock in domestic corporations registered in the stock the party at whose instance the service is made.
exchange, or shares of stock in domestic insurance
companies and banks, or any combination of these
kinds of securities, with an actual market value of at In case of a change of address of the resident
least one hundred thousand (P100,000.) pesos; agent, it shall be his or its duty to immediately notify in
Provided, however, That within six (6) months after each writing the Securities and Exchange Commission of the
fiscal year of the licensee, the Securities and Exchange new address. (72a; and n)
Commission shall require the licensee to deposit
additional securities equivalent in actual market value
to two (2%) percent of the amount by which the - The necessity of the appointment of a resident agent is
licensee's gross income for that fiscal year exceeds five only for the purpose of receiving summons and other
million (P5,000,000.00) pesos. The Securities and legal processes in any legal action or proceeding against
Exchange Commission shall also require deposit of the foreign corporation
additional securities if the actual market value of the
securities on deposit has decreased by at least ten (10%)  Who may be appointed as a resident agent?
percent of their actual market value at the time they
were deposited. The Securities and Exchange
Commission may at its discretion release part of the - Section 127 provides that:
additional securities deposited with it if the gross
income of the licensee has decreased, or if the actual
market value of the total securities on deposit has Section 127. Who may be a resident agent. -
increased, by more than ten (10%) percent of the actual A resident agent may be either an individual residing in
market value of the securities at the time they were the Philippines or a domestic corporation lawfully
deposited. The Securities and Exchange Commission transacting business in the Philippines: Provided, That
may, from time to time, allow the licensee to substitute in the case of an individual, he must be of good moral
other securities for those already on deposit as long as character and of sound financial standing. (n)
the licensee is solvent. Such licensee shall be entitled to
collect the interest or dividends on the securities
 May a partnership be appointed as a resident agent?
deposited. In the event the licensee ceases to do
business in the Philippines, the securities deposited as
aforesaid shall be returned, upon the licensee's - Yes, domestic corporation taken in its general sense not
application therefor and upon proof to the satisfaction of legal sense
the Securities and Exchange Commission that the
licensee has no liability to Philippine residents,
including the Government of the Republic of the  If there is a resident agent appointed. May summons be
Philippines. (n) served to any officers of the corporation?

 Other than section 125 and 126. What other - No, if there is a resident agent, the designation is
requirements are set under Philippine Law before a exclusive and service must be made only to the resident
foreign corporation may transact business in the agent or else the service is without force and effect
Philippines unless made to him

- Yes. A Resident agent is required. As a condition - Thus, while the law allows service upon the SEC or any
precedent to the grant of a license to do or transact of its officers or agents within the Philippines
business in the Philippines, the foreign corporation is
required to designate its resident agent on whom
summons and other legal processes may be served in all - The two modes may become effective only if the foreign
actions or legal proceedings against such corporation corporation failed or neglected to designate such a
person or an agent

- Section 128 provides:


- Summons must be made only to resident agent except
when there is no resident agent appointed

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65

- Where such foreign corporation actually doing business


here has not applied for a license to do and has not
designated an agent to receive summons, then service of business in the Philippines, the Philippines, it cannot be
summons on it will be made pursuant to the provisions even without a license, it can sued in Philippine Courts for
of the rules of court. If such foreign corporation has a sue before the Philippine lack of jurisdiction
license to do business, then summons to it will be Courts
served on the agent designated by it for the purpose, or  A foreign corporation not doing business in the
otherwise in accordance with the Corporation Law Philippines, may it be sued?
(General Corporation of the Philippines vs. Union
Insurance Soc. Of Canton Ltd.)
- If it is not transacting business in the country it cannot
be sued for lack of jurisdiction
 If the foreign corporation conducts business in the
Philippines without the license requirement. What is the
 Is there any sanction that can be enforced to foreign
effect?
corporations which are doing business without the
required license?
- Section 133 provides:
- Penal sanctions under section 144
Section 133. Doing business without a
license. - No foreign corporation transacting business in
- Any violation of the code is subject to such penal
the Philippines without a license, or its successors or
assigns, shall be permitted to maintain or intervene in sanctions
any action, suit or proceeding in any court or
administrative agency of the Philippines; but such  What would constitute doing business?
corporation may be sued or proceeded against before
Philippine courts or administrative tribunals on any
valid cause of action recognized under Philippine laws. - The true test, however, seems to be whether the foreign
(69a) corporation is continuing the body or substance of the
business or enterprise for which it was organized or
whether it has substantially retired from it and turned it
- if they do so, the responsible officers may be subjected over to another. The term implies a continuity of
to the penal sanctions provided for in section 144 of the commercial dealings and arrangements, and
code, which may either be fine or imprisonment contemplates, to that extent, the performance of acts or
works or the exercise of some of the functions normally
incident to, and in progressive prosecution of, the
 What if it is not doing business without a license?
purpose and object of its organization (Mentholatum Co.
Inc. vs. Mangaliman)
- If it is not transacting business in the Philippines, even
without a license, it can sue before the Philippine
Courts Mentholatum vs. Mangaliman

 The general rule is that “it is not the lack of required - The true test, however, seems to be whether the foreign
license but doing business without a license which bars corporation is continuing the body or substance of the
a foreign corporation form access to our courts.” 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
 Exception: commercial dealings and arrangements, and
contemplates, to that extent, the performance of acts or
works or the exercise of some of the functions normally
1. Foreign corporations can sue before the Philippine
incident to, and in progressive prosecution of, the
Courts if the act or transaction involved is an
purpose and object of its organization
“isolated transaction” or the corporation is not
seeking to enforce any legal or contractual rights
arising from, or growing out of, any business which - Whatever transaction the Philippine-American Drug Co.
it has transacted in the Philippines had executed in view of the law, the Mentholatum Co.
did it itself. And the Mentholatum Co. being a foreign
corporation doing business in the Philippines without
2. Neither is a license required before a foreign
the license required by section 68 of the Corporation
corporation may sue before the forum if the
Law, it may not prosecute this action for violation of
purpose of the suit is to protect its trademark,
trade mark and unfair competition
trade name, corporate name, reputation or
goodwill;
 Why is foreign corporations barred access from our
courts if they do business without a license?
3. Or where it is based on a violation of the Revised
Penal Code;
- Marshall-Wells Co. vs. Henry W. Elser and Co.
4. Or merely defending a suit filed against it
Marshall-Wells Co. vs. Henry W. Elser and Co.
5. Or where a party is stopped to challenge the
personality of the corporation by entering into a
- The object of the statute was to subject the foreign
contract with it.
corporation doing business in the Philippines to the
jurisdiction of its courts. The object of the statute was
 Rules laid down by the SC not to prevent the foreign corporation from performing
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.
A. As to whether or B. As to whether or
not it can sue not it can be sued Bulakhidas vs. Navarro

A foreign corporation A foreign corporation - It is settled that if a foreign corporation is not engaged
transacting or doing transacting business in the in business in the Philippines, it may not be denied the
business in the Philippines Philippines with the requisite right to file an action in Philippine courts for isolated
with a license can sue before license can be sued in the transactions
Philippine Courts Philippine Courts

- The object of section 68 and 69 of the Corporation law


Subject to certain A foreign corporation was not to prevent the foreign corporation from
exceptions, a foreign transacting business in the performing single acts, but to prevent it from acquiring
corporation doing business Philippines without a license a domicile for the purpose of business without taking
in the country without a can be sued in Philippine the steps necessary to render it amenable to suit in the
license cannot sue in Courts local courts. It was never the purpose of the Legislature
Philippine Courts to exclude a foreign corporation which happens to
obtain an isolated order for business from the
If it is not transacting if it is not doing business in

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66

Philippines, from securing redress in the Philippine  If a corporation appoints a distributor or a


courts representative, will it necessarily imply doing business
in the country?

The Swedish East Asia Co., Ltd. Vs. Manila Port Service
- If the foreign corporation maintained an independent
status during the existence of the disputed contract.
- It must stated that the section is not applicable to a
foreign corporation performing single acts or “isolated - Appointment of a distributor or representative in the
transactions.” There is nothing to show that the Philippines, unless it has an independent status
petitioner has been in the Philippines engaged in (transacts and does business in its own name and for its
continuing business or enterprise for which it was account and not of the foreign corporation)
organized, when the sixteen bundles were erroneously
discharged in manila, for it to be considered as
- if that be the case the mere appointment of a distributor
transacting business in the Philippines. The fact is that
will not constitute doing business
the bundles, the value of which is sought to be
recovered, were landed not as a result of a business
transaction, isolated or otherwise, but due to a  How do you know if it has an independent status?
mistaken belief that they were part of the shipment of
forty similar bundles consigned to persons or entities in
the Philippines, there is no justification therefore, for - Communications Materials and Design vs. CA
invoking the section

Communications Materials and Design vs. CA


 There were 3 contracts entered into, how come they
were still not considered as doing business? (Antam
Consolidted, Inc. vs. CA) - A perusal of the agreements between petitioner ASPAC
and the respondents show that there are provisions
which are highly restrictive in nature, such as to reduce
- Every case shall be judged in the light of its peculiar petitioner ASPAC to a mere extension or instrument of
circumstances, where a single act or transaction the private respondents
however, is not merely incidental or casual but indicates
the foreign corporation’s intention to do other business
- ITEC was doing business without a license, however
in the Philippines, said single act or transaction
ASPAC is estopped
constitutes “doing” or “engaging in” or “transacting”
business in the Philippines
- by entering into the Representative Agreement” with
ITEC, petitioner is charge with knowledge that ITEC
- In the case at bar, the transaction entered into by the was not licensed to engage in business activities in the
respondent with the petitioners are not a series of country, and is thus stopped from raising in defense
commercial dealings which signify an intent on the part such incapacity of ITEC, having chosen to ignore or even
of the respondent to do business in the Philippines but presumptively take advantage of the same
constitute an isolated one which does not fall under the
category of “doing business.” - 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 records show that the only reason why the
the country maintained an independent status during
respondent entered into the second and third
the existence of the disputed contract. Petitioner is
transactions with the petitioner was because it wanted
deemed to have acceded to such independent character
to recover the loss it sustained from the failure of the
when it entered into the Representative Agreement with
petitioners to deliver the crude coconut oil under the
ITEC
first transaction and in order to give the latter a chance
to make good on their obligation. From these facts
alone, it can be deducted that in reality there was only
Western Equipment and Supply Co. vs. Reyes
one agreement between the petitioners and the
respondent.
- The company is not here seeking to enforce any legal or
contract rights arising from, or growing out of any
- The three seemingly different transactions were entered
business which it has transacted in the Philippine
into by the parties only in an effort to fulfill the basic
Islands. The sole purpose of the action is to protect its
agreement and in no way indicate an intent on the part
reputation, its corporate name, its goodwill, whenever
of the respondent to engage in a continuity of
that reputation, corporate name or goodwill have
transactions with petitioners which will categorize it as
through the natural development of its trade,
a foreign corporation doing business in the Philippines
established themselves

- 3 contracts, but according to the court was not doing - And it contends that its rights to the use of its corporate
business in the Philippines and trade name, is a property right, a right in rem,
which may assert and protect against all the world, in
any of the courts of the world even in jurisdictions
Far East Int’l import vs. Nankai Kogyo Co. Ltd. where it does not transact business just the same as it
may protect its tangible property, real or personal,
against trespass, or conversion
- Only one contract , but according to the Supreme Court
was doing business in the Philippines
- Since it is the trade and not the mark that is to be
protected a trademark acknowledges no territorial
- Every case shall be judged in the light of its peculiar boundaries or municipalities or states or nations, but
circumstances, where a single act or transaction extends to every market where the trader’s goods have
however, is not merely incidental or casual but indicates become known and identified by the use of the mark
the foreign corporation’s intention to do other business
in the Philippines, said single act or transaction
constitutes “doing” or “engaging in” or “transacting” General Garments Corporation vs. Director of Patents
business in the Philippines
- A foreign corporation which has never done business in
- In the instant case, the testimony of Atty. Pablo the Philippine Islands and which is unlicensed and
Ocampo, that appellant was doing business in the unregistered to do business here, but is widely and
Philippines corroborated by no less than Nabuo favorably known in the Islands through the use therein
Toshida, one of appellant’s officers, that he was sent to of its products bearing its corporate and trade name has
the Philippines to look into the operation of mines, a legal right to maintain an action in the Islands
thereby revealing the defendant’s desire to continue
engaging in business here, after receiving the shipment - Mentholatum case was subsequently derogated when
of the scrap iron under consideration, making the Congress, purposely to “counteract the effects” of said
Philippines a base thereof. case, enacted R.A. 638, inserting Section 21-A in the
Trademark Law, which allows a foreign corporation or
- In such a case, the single act of transaction is not juristic person to bring an action in Philippine Courts
merely incidental or casual, but is of such character as for infringement of a mark or trade-name, for unfair
distinctly to indicate a purpose on the part of the competition, or false designation of origin and false
operations for the conduct of a part of corporation’s description, “whether or not it has been licensed to do
ordinary business business in the Philippines under Act Numbered
Fourteen hundred and fifty-nine, as amended, otherwise

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67

known as Corporation Law, at the time it brings - How do you distinguish this case with Atlantic?
complaint.
- In Atlantic it dismissed the case, while in Olympia it did
not
Puma Sporschufabriken Rudolf Dassler, K.G. vs. IAC
and MIL-ORO MFG. Corp.
Time Inc. vs. Reyes
- Treaties for part of the law of the land
- We fail to see how these doctrines can be a propos in the
- Quoting the Paris Convention and the case of Vanity case at bar, since the petitioner is not “maintaining any
Fair Mills Inc. vs. T. Eaton Co. this court further said: suit” but is merely defending one against itself; it did
not file any complaint but only a corollary defensive
petition to prohibit the lower court from further
“By the same token, the petitioner should be proceeding with a suit that it had no jurisdiction to
given the same treatment in the Philippines entertain
as we make available to our own citizens. We
are obliged to assure to nationals of countries
of the Union an effective protection against  What law govern foreign corporation doing and
unfair competition on the same way that they transacting business in the Philippines with a license
are obligated to similarly protect Filipino
Citizen and firms
- Laws of the Republic of the Philippines save and except
that would normally be those matters which concern its
- The ruling in the aforecited case is in consonance with formation, organization or dissolution, or those fixing
the Convention of the Union of Paris for the protection of the relationship, liabilities, responsibilities, or duties of
Industrial Property to which the Philippines became a the stockholders, members or officers of the foreign
party. Article 8 thereof provides that a trade name shall corporation or their relations to each other.
be protected in all the countries of the Union without
the obligation of filing or registration, whether or not it - In effect, intra-corporate or internal matters not
forms part of the trademark 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
Le Chemiste Lacoste vs. Fernandez

Section 129. Law applicable. - Any foreign


- The French company may gain access to our courts, in corporation lawfully doing business in the Philippines
the first place it was not doing business in the shall be bound by all laws, rules and regulations
Philippines applicable to domestic corporations of the same class,
except such only as provide for the creation, formation,
- The marketing of its products in the Philippines is done organization or dissolution of corporations or those
through an exclusive distributor, Rustan Commercial which fix the relations, liabilities, responsibilities, or
Corporation. The latter is an independent entity which duties of stockholders, members, or officers of
buys and then markets not only products of the corporations to each other or to the corporation. (73a)
petitioner but also many other products bearing equally
well-known and established trademarks and trade-
names  Will the pre-emptive rights of a foreign corporation be
governed by the same section of the code? Is the pre-
emptive rights of a stockholder in a domestic
 Assuming Rustans had no independent status would corporation same as the pre-emptive of a stockholder of
the SC grant Lacoste access to our courts? a foreign corporation.

- Even if Lacoste did business in the Philippines it can - No


bring action because the case involves a violation of our
penal code
M.E. Grey vs. Insular Lumber Company
- Such was a violation of article 189 of the RPC, if
prosecution follows after the completion of the
- PNB vs. Gonzales, will this apply to a foreign
preliminary investigation being conducted by the Special
corporation? How do you distinguish this case from a
Prosecutor the information shall be in the name of the
Philippine law?
People of the Philippines and no longer the petitioner
which is only an aggrieved party since a criminal offense
is essentially an act against the State. It is the latter - Since it concerns the rights of stockholders it is the law
which is principally the injured party although there is a of New York that should govern
private right violated
 Is the license to do business of a foreign corporation
- The records show that the goodwill and reputation of the subject to suspension or revocation? What are the
petitioner’s products bearing the trademark Lacoste grounds?
date back even before 1964 when Lacoste clothing
apparels were forst marketed in the Philippines. To
allow Hemandas to continue using the trademark - Section 134 provides:
Lacoste for the simple reason that he was the first
registrant in the Supplemental Register of a trademark
used in international commerce and not belonging to Section 134. Revocation of license. - Without
him is to render nugatory the very essence of the law on prejudice to other grounds provided by special laws, the
trademarks and trade names license of a foreign corporation to transact business in
the Philippines may be revoked or suspended by the
Securities and Exchange Commission upon any of the
Atlantic Mutual Insurance Co. vs. Cebu Stevedoring Co. following grounds:

- The law denies to a foreign corporation the right to 1. Failure to file its annual report or pay any fees as
maintain suit unless it has previously complied with a required by this Code;
certain requirement, then such compliance, or the fact
that the suing corporation is exempt there from, 2. Failure to appoint and maintain a resident agent in
becomes a necessary averment in the complaint the Philippines as required by this Title;

- These are matters peculiarly within the knowledge of


appellants alone, and it would be unfair to impose upon 3. Failure, after change of its resident agent or of his
appellee the burden of asserting and proving the address, to submit to the Securities and Exchange
contrary. It is enough that foreign corporations are Commission a statement of such change as required by
allowed by law to seek redress in our courts under this Title;
certain conditions: the interpretation of the law should
not go so far as to include, in effect, an inference than
4. Failure to submit to the Securities and Exchange
those conditions have been met from the mere fact that
Commission an authenticated copy of any amendment
the party suing is a foreign corporation
to its articles of incorporation or by-laws or of any
articles of merger or consolidation within the time
prescribed by this Title;
Olympia Business Machines Co. vs. E. Razon

Notes on Corporation Law


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68

5. A misrepresentation of any material matter in any - Syndicated estafa- not bailable


application, report, affidavit or other document  Alleje case
submitted by such corporation pursuant to this Title; - Falls squarely under sec. 5 (a) Special Commercial
Courts
- Allegation corporate officers employing schemes in
6. Failure to pay any and all taxes, imposts,
assessments or penalties, if any, lawfully due to the diverting
Philippine Government or any of its agencies or political - Not only detrimental to corporation, but general
subdivisions; membership
- Fraud must be stated with particularity
Abad vs. CFI of Pangasinan
7. Transacting business in the Philippines outside of the
- Fraud must be stated with particularity otherwise it
purpose or purposes for which such corporation is
authorized under its license; may be filed to any court
 Intra-corporate
- Exclusive and original jurisdiction of special commercial
8. Transacting business in the Philippines as agent of or courts
acting for and in behalf of any foreign corporation or - Sole criteria is there must be an intra-corporate
entity not duly licensed to do business in the relationship
Philippines; or - Pertaining to a controversy (speaks also of intra-
partnership controversy, that partnership must be
9. Any other ground as would render it unfit to transact registered with the SEC)
business in the Philippines. (n)  Rule now
1. Necessarily be an intra-corporate relationship; and,
2. The controversy must arise out of said relationship
 SEC does not have the sole authority to suspend or  Intra-corporate relationship alone will not suffice to put
revoke the license of a foreign corporation doing
it in the ambit of special commercial courts and courts
business in the Philippines, other government agencies
like the Central Bank , the Insurance Commission may of general jurisdiction may take cognizance
also do so within their respective dominion, despite the  Case of a transferee of shares of stock to compel the
provision of section 134 corporation to recognize him as a stockholder
 If the SEC believes that revocation is warranted, section  How can it be intra-corporate when he is not yet fully
135 provides that: paid
- When the transferee has done all he can be required to
do to render the transfer effectual and the corporation
Section 135. Issuance of certificate of
refuses to register the transfer, the requirement of the
revocation. - Upon the revocation of any such license to
transact business in the Philippines, the Securities and registration is waived and the transferee is considered
Exchange Commission shall issue a corresponding technically a stockholder who may sue to enforce the
certificate of revocation, furnishing a copy thereof to the right to have the transfer registered
appropriate government agency in the proper cases.  Florendo vs. rivera, Embassy Farms
- The transferor withheld the delivery, they are not yet
prima facie; it will not be considered intra-corporate
The Securities and Exchange Commission
 Controversies in the appointment (asked in the bar)
shall also mail to the corporation at its registered office
- Cases involving election, appointment and removal
in the Philippines a notice of such revocation
 In Andaya the court said that a corporate officer elected
accompanied by a copy of the certificate of revocation.
(n) or appointed by the BOD is always a corporate act
- The fact that petitioner sought payment of his back
wages, other benefits as well as moral and exemplary
 Voluntary withdrawal of license damages and attorney’s fees in his complaint will not
operate to prevent the SEC from exercising its
- All 3 conditions must be complied with jurisdiction under P.D. 902-A. The jurisdiction will not
wrest on the NLRC just because of that
Tabang vs. NLRC
Section 136. Withdrawal of foreign
- Jurisdiction lies originally and exclusively to special
corporations. - Subject to existing laws and regulations,
a foreign corporation licensed to transact business in commercial courts and not in the NLRC
the Philippines may be allowed to withdraw from the - SEC has jurisdiction over cases of removal from
Philippines by filing a petition for withdrawal of license. employment of corporate officers
No certificate of withdrawal shall be issued by the - The relationship of a person to a corporation, whether
Securities and Exchange Commission unless all the as officer or as agent or employee or not determined by
following requirements are met; the nature of the servides performed, but by the
incidents of the relationship on they actually exist
1. All claims which have accrued in the Philippines have - Corporate officers dismissal is always a corporate act or
been paid, compromised or settled; intra-corporate controversy
Midland construction vs. Movilla
- NLRC will be possessed of jurisdiction exception will not
2. All taxes, imposts, assessments, and penalties, if any,
lawfully due to the Philippine Government or any of its apply to mere recovery
agencies or political subdivisions have been paid; and  Main consideration
- Asserts his right to the office or questions the propriety
or validity of his ouster or removal, it will be the special
3. The petition for withdrawal of license has been commercial courts and not the NLRC
published once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in  Securities Regulation Code
a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines. - Transferred jurisdiction of the SEC to Special
Commercial Courts
- Suspension of payment, appointment of management
receivership
 What is the reason for suspension of all claims?
P.D. 902-A - The reason for suspending actions for claims against the
corporation is not really to enable the management
 P.D. 902-A was amended by R.A. 8799 or the committee or the rehabilitation receiver to substitute the
SECURITIES REGULATION CODE in the year 2000 defendant in any pending action against it before any
 The jurisdiction of SEC for cases falling under section 5 court, tribunal or body. The real justification is to
thereof was transferred to the courts of general enable the management committee or rehabilitation
jurisdiction designated by the SC, they were called receiver to effectively exercise his powers free from any
special commercial courts, the only exceptions were Judicial or extra-judicial interference that might unduly
revocation of corporate franchise and calling of elections hinder or prevent the “rescue” of the debtor company.
 However the SEC retained receivership or suspension
To allow such other actions to continue would only add
payments within June 20,2000
to the burden of the management committee pr
 Jurisdiction of special commercial courts are exclusive
rehabilitation receiver, whose time, effort and resources
and original, jurisdiction is conferred by law; 1 Special
would be wasted in defending claims against the
Commercial Court per region except MAKATI and
corporation instead of being directed towards
QUEZON CITY which has two
 Devices or Schemes restructuring and rehabilitation.(PAL vs. Spouses Sadic
- Pyramid scheme (misrepresentation)-Special and Kurangking)
Commercial Courts

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- To enable the receiver to effectively exercise his or her - Save and except in the case of a close corporation in
power free form any judicial or extra-judicial that may case of deadlock management committee is allowed to
disturb take over right away
 3 types of suspension of payments Jacinto case
1. Simple suspension of payments - 2nd par of page 676
- where deferment of payment of claims against a - 2 requisites where present
distress company; ask the court to be given time to the - Wala ng mapautang, there was a paralyzation
payment of liability by postponing the payment Sy Chim
- When it has sufficient assets and liabilities but forces - Did not appoint a management committee
the impossibility of meeting them when they respectively - In the absence of a strong showing of an imminent
fall due danger of dissipation, loss wastage or destruction of
2. Suspension of receiver with a management committee assets or other properties of a corporation and paralysis
with a rehabilitation play or suspension of payments of its business operations, the mere apprehension of
accompanied by a proposal for rehabilitation (with or future misconduct based upon prior mismanagement
without rehabilitation) will not authorize the appointment of a management
- corporation has sufficient assets to cover its liabilities,
committee
but sees the possibility; is or without rehabilitation  Section 5 and 6(D) governed by separate rules; interim
plans; normally would attach the rehabilitation plan rules and intra-corporate controversy
- For purpose of economic development  Venue of actions
3. Suspension of payments when the corporation has no - Rules of court- where the parties are residing
sufficient assets to its liabilities - Intra-corporate- no matter where the parties are
 May it still be revived? residing it will be in the city or municipality where the
- Yes, it may still be revived
principal office is located
 How can a corporation with more liabilities than assets
 Rehabilitation proceedings venue
continue its operations profitably? - In rem
- Even if the distressed company has no sufficient assets - Acquired upon publication without furnishing the
and liabilities it can go for suspension creditors a copy of the petition and attachments thereof
- It asked for a management committee without a receiver - A creditor may now file the suspension proceedings;
plan (Victorius Milling case) provides that creditors owns at least 25%
 Convert their claims into equity  Intra-corporate- rule 1 section 6
- Their liability was almost wiped out they became  Service of summons- rule 2 section 5
stockholders instead of creditors - Summons may be made to anyone
- After 5 years those who converted sold it back to the  In case of intra-corporate dispute, elections, fraud, etc;
corporation, thereby making profits if they are governed by interim rules of procedure on
 Amendment is for the economic development of the intra-corporate controversies
country  Venue
 What if walang amendment, e mas maraming liabilities - Special commercial courts where principal office is
kesa assets located/established (section 5 rule 1)
 Suspension order- all actions for claims against the - Matters of payment/suspension must be filed in the
corporation are accordingly suspended at whatever city/ municipality where corporation is located
stage the proceedings maybe  Under old rule, creditors have no right to institute an
 Effect of suspension- you cannot foreclose action for receivership; now creditors, if they sold 20%
 What are claims?
they can institute an action for receivership
- Debts or demands of pecuniary nature. Assertion of a  Section 5
right to have money paid - Service of summons may be made by fax/e-mail
- Claims against the corporation shall be suspended,
E.B. Villarosa vs. Benito
assertion of a right to have money paid; it must present - Will apply only if it is not an intra-corporate controversy
a monetary claim, liquidated or unliquidated  If the controversy arose out of an intra-corporate
 Nullification of corporations does not present a dispute rules on interim rules of procedure of intra-
monetary claim of pecuniary nature corporate controversies shall govern
Union vs. CA  Rule 4 section 17- immunity from suit
- It does not allow a mere individual to file the petition  Rehabilitation receiver shall not subject to any action,
which is limited to corporations partnership or claim or demand in connection with any act done
associations. omitted by him in good faith in the exercise of his
- Where no authority is granted to hear petitions of functions and powers herein conferred
individuals for suspension of payments, such petition  Claim
are beyond the competence of the SEC - Right to payment, whether or not it is reduced to
 What happens if there is a suspension order? judgment, liquidated or unliquidated, fixed or
 Explain the key phrase “quality is equity” contingent, matured or unmatured, disputed or
- All creditors stand on equal footing, secure or unsecure, undisputed, legal or equitable and secured or unsecured
holding or lien or without a lien, no creditor may enforce  Investment contracts
his lien while rehabilitation is going (Alemar case) - A contract, transaction or scheme whereby a person
- No preference shall be given invests his money in a common enterprise and is led to
RCBC vs. IAC expect profits primarily from the effects of others
- Decided on motion for reconsideration  The management committee and rehabilitation receiver
- It court 7 years to decide authentication are empowered to:
 Rule of the thumb 1. Take custody and control of all assets of the corporation
- Automatic suspension even if not decreed in the 2. Evaluate assets and liabilities, earnings operations of
decision itself the corporation
- Once lifted the preferred creditors will regain their 3. Determine the best way to protect the investors and
preference creditors
 Appointment of a management committee 4. Study, review evaluate the feasibility of continuing
- Take over the management committee of the distressed operation and structures
corporation 5. Submit recommendations to the RTC regarding
- Extraordinary and drastic remedy rehabilitation plan
- Without any remedy 6. Rehabilitate the corporation if determined to be feasible
 What is an intra-corporate controversy? by the RTC
- Section 5(B) 7. Report to the RTC until the corporation is dissolved
- Sole criteria is whether there exists an intra-corporate
dispute is that if there is an intra-corporate relationship THE SECURITIES REGULATION CODE (RA8799)
 Why is there suspension of all actions against claims
when a receiver is appointed? - Also known as the Blue Sky Law since it was enacted to protect
- To enable the management committee to exercise its the public from unscrupulous promoters who stake business
powers which have no basis and sell shares and interest therein to
Sy Chim vs. Sy Siy Ho (before a management committee investors, who are then left holding certificates representing
may be opt by a court) nothing more than a claim to a square of the blue sky.
- 2 requisites for a valid appointment of management
-SEC. 2. Declaration of State Policy. – The State shall establish a
committee socially conscious, free market that regulates itself, encourage the
1. Imminent danger of dissipation, loss, wastage or widest participation of ownership in enterprises, enhance the
destruction of assets or other corporate properties democratization of wealth, promote the development of the capital
2. Paralysis of business operations, the mere apprehension market, protect investors, ensure full and fair disclosure about
of future misconduct based upon prior management securities, minimize if not totally eliminate insider trading and
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70

other fraudulent or manipulative devices and practices which surrendered in exchange to make such conversion:
create distortions in the free market. Provided, That the security so surrendered has been
registered under this Code or was, when sold, exempt
BROKER - person who buys and sells securities for the account of from the provisions of this Code, and that the security
others. issued and delivered in exchange, if sold at the
conversion price, would at the time of such conversion
DEALER - person who buys and sells securities for his/her own fall within the class of securities entitled to registration
account in the ordinary course of business. under this Code. Upon such conversion the par value of
the security surrendered in such exchange shall be
NOTE: No person shall engage in the business deemed the price at which the securities issued and
of buying or selling securities in the Philippines as a delivered in such exchange are sold.
broker or dealer, or act as a salesman, or an h) Broker’s transactions, executed upon customer’s orders,
associated person of any broker or dealer unless on any registered Exchange or other trading market.
registered as such with the Commission. (Sec 28) i) Subscriptions for shares of the capital stock of a
corporation prior to the incorporation thereof or in
SECURITES - shares, participation or interests in a corporation or pursuance of an increase in its authorized capital stock
in a commercial enterprise or profit-making venture and evidenced under the Corporation Code, when no expense is
by a certificate, contract, instrument, whether written or electronic incurred, or no commission, compensation or
in character. It includes: remuneration is paid or given in connection with the
CODE: COFDIPS sale or disposition of such securities, and only when the
a) Certificates of assignments, certificates of participation, purpose for soliciting, giving or taking of such
trust certificates, voting trust certificates or similar subscriptions is to comply with the requirements of such
instruments; law as to the percentage of the capital stock of a
b) Other instruments as may in the future be determined corporation which should be subscribed before it can be
by the Commission; registered and duly incorporated, or its authorized
c) Fractional undivided interests in oil, gas or other capital increased.
mineral rights; j) The exchange of securities by the issuer with its existing
d) Derivatives like option and warrants; security holders exclusively, where no commission or
e) Investment contracts, certificates of interest or other remuneration is paid or given directly or indirectly
participation in a profit sharing agreement, certificates for soliciting such exchange.
of deposit for a future subscription; k) The sale of securities by an issuer to fewer than twenty
f) Proprietary or non proprietary membership certificates (20) persons in the Philippines during any twelve-month
incorporations; and period.
g) Shares of stock, bonds, debentures, notes, evidences of l) The sale of securities to any number of the following
indebtedness, asset-backed securities; qualified buyers: (i) Bank; (ii) Registered investment
house; (iii)insurance company; (iv) Pension fund or
GR: Securities shall not be sold or offered for sale or distribution retirement plan maintained by the Government of the
within the PH, without a registration statement filed with and Philippines or any political subdivision thereof or
approved by SEC. Prior to such sale, information on the securities, managed by a bank or other persons authorized by the
in such form and with such substance as the Commission may Bangko Sentral to engage in trust functions; (v)
prescribe, shall be made available to each prospective purchaser. investment company or; (vi) Such other person as the
(Sec 8) Commission may by rule determine as qualified buyers,
on the basis of such factors as financial sophistication,
EXCEPT: Exempt Securities under Sec 9 net worth, knowledge, and experience in financial and
a) Any security issued or guaranteed by the Government of business matters, or amount of assets under
the PH, or by any political subdivision or agency thereof, management.
or by any person controlled or supervised by, and acting
as an instrumentality of said Government. PROTECTION OF SHAREHOLDERS INTEREST
b) Any security issued or guaranteed by the government of
any country with diplomatic relations with the PH, or by 1. Tender Offers (Sec 19)
any state, province or political subdivision thereof on the 2. Proxy solicitation (Sec 20)
basis of reciprocity: Provided, that the SEC may require 3. Internal record keeping and accounting (Sec 22)
compliance with the form and content of disclosures the
Commission may prescribe. TENDER OFFER – A publicly announced intention acting alone or
c) Certificates issued by a receiver or by a trustee in in concert with others to acquire equity securities of a company.
bankruptcy duly approved by the proper adjudicatory (2002 Bar Exams)
body.
d) Any security or its derivatives the sale or transfer of Instances when Tender Offer is Required
which, by law, is under the supervision and regulation 1. When the person intends to acquire 15% or more of the
of the Office of the Insurance Commission, Housing and equity share of a public company pursuant to an
Land Use Regulatory Board, or the Bureau of Internal agreement made between or among the person and one
Revenue. or more sellers;
e) Any security issued by a bank except its own shares of 2. When the person intends to acquire 30% or more of the
stock. equity share of a public company within a period of 12
months;
AND Exempt Transactions under Sec 10 3. When the person intends to acquire shares that would
a) A judicial sale, or sale by an executor, administrator, result in an ownership of more than 50% of the equity
guardian or receiver or trustee in insolvency or shares of a public company.
bankruptcy.
b) By or for the account of a pledge holder, or mortgagee or PROXY SOLICITATION
any other similar lien holder selling or offering for sale or
delivery in the ordinary course of business and not for NOTE: A broker or dealer who holds or acquires the proxy for at
the purpose of avoiding the provisions of this Code, to least ten per centum (10%) or such percentage as the Commission
liquidate a bona fide debt, a security pledged in good may prescribe of the outstanding share of the issuer, shall submit a
faith as security for such debt. report identifying the beneficial owner within ten (10) days after
c) An isolated transaction in which any security is sold, such acquisition, for its own account or customer, to the issuer of the
offered for sale, subscription or delivery by the owner security, to the Exchange where the security is traded and to the
thereof, or by his representative for the owner’s account, Commission. (Sec 20.5)
such sale or offer for sale, subscription or delivery not
being made in the course of repeated and successive FRAUDULENT TRANSACTIONS AND OTHER MARKET
transactions of a like character by such owner, or on his MANIPULATIONS
account by such representative and such owner or
representative not being the underwriter of such 1. Wash Sale (Sec 24.1(a)(i)) – any transaction in a
security. security which involves no change in the beneficial
d) Distribution by a corporation, actively engaged in the ownership thereof.
business authorized by its AOI, of securities to its 2. Matched Order (Sec 24.1(a)(ii)) – order or orders for the
stockholders or other security holders as a stock purchase or sale of security with the knowledge that a
dividend or other distribution out of surplus. simultaneous order or orders of substantially the same
e) Sale of capital stock of a corporation to its own size, time and price for the sale or purchase of such
stockholders exclusively, where no commission or other security has, or will be entered by or for the same or
remuneration is paid or given directly or indirectly in different parties.
connection with the sale of such capital stock.
f) Issuance of bonds or notes secured by mortgage upon Note: Wash sale and matched orders become illegal
real estate or tangible personal property, where the when they are used as a means to create false
entire mortgage together with all the bonds or notes appearance of active trading in the security concerned.
secured thereby are sold to a single purchaser at a
single sale. 3. Marking the close – placing the purchase order, at or
g) Issue and delivery of any security in exchange for any near the close of the trading period. The price that was
other security of the same issuer pursuant to a right of closed will then be the price that will be posted on the
conversion entitling the holder of the security following trading day.
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71

4. Painting the tape – involves a series of transactions 1. An exchange; or


that are reported publicly to give the impression of an 2. Any corporation with a class of equity securities listed
activity in a security. for trading on an Exchange or with assets in excess of
5. Squeezing the float – the part of an outstanding P50M and having 200 or more holders, at least 200 of
security intentionally held by dealers or other persons which are holding at least 100 shares of a class of its
with a view of reselling them later for profit. equity securities or which has sold a class of equity
6. Hype and dump – Act employed by a person or group of securities to the public pursuant to an effective
persons of purchasing the outstanding capital stock of a registration statement shall have at least two (2)
dormant public shell company for a nominal amount independent directors or such independent directors
and merge it with their privately held company. They shall constitute at least 20% of the members of such
would then gain control of the majority stocks of the board, whichever is the lesser.
merged entity. Stock certificates are often re-issued in
the name of the merged entity to relatives and associates OPTION TRADING
who act as nominees of the person or persons employing  Put – a transferrable option or offer to deliver a given
the device. They would then look for a broker-dealer number of shares of stock at a stated price on any given
who would be willing to make a “hype” of the securities. time during the stated period.
The broker-dealer then generates volume and advance  Call – a transferrable option to buy a specified number
bid price. When the market reaches a high price, they of share at a stated price
would “dump” their shareholdings and bail out.  Straddle – a combination of put and call.
7. Boiler Room Operations – involves an intensive selling
campaign through numerous salesmen by telephone or SETTLEMENT OFFERS
through direct mail offerings for securities of either a At any time, during an investigation or proceeding under
certain type or from a specific issuer. Investors are this Code, parties being investigated and/or charged may propose
induced to purchase through hard-sell based on in writing an offer of settlement with the Commission. The
unfounded predictions and mailing of misleading market Commission may only agree to a settlement offer based on its
letters. findings that such settlement is in the public interest. Any
agreement to settle shall have no legal effect until publicly
Note: Marking the close, Painting the tape, Squeezing the disclosed. Such decision may be made without a determination of
float, Hype and dump, Boiler Room Operations become guilt on the part of the person making the offer.
unlawful if it is effected to either raise the price or induce
the purchase of a security or of a controlling, controlled, or DAMAGES
commonly controlled company by others or to depress the All suits to recover damages shall be brought before the
price to induce the sale of a security, whether of the same Regional Trial Court, which shall have exclusive jurisdiction to
or of a different class, of the same issuer or of a hear and decide such suits. The Court is authorized to award
controlling, controlled company or common controlled damages in an amount not exceeding triple the amount of the
company by others or to create active trading to induce transaction plus actual damages.
the purchase through said devices or schemes.

8. Circulating or Disseminating Information – NOTES


circulating an information that any of the security listed  If there are goods involved in the multimarket, it is
in the exchange will or is likely to rise or fall because of beyond the jurisdiction of SEC (Ex First Quadrant)
manipulative market operations of any one or more  Criminal charge for violation of SRC is a specialized
persons conducted for the purpose of raising or dispute, hence it must be first referred with SEC
depressing the price of the security and thus inducing (Baviera vs. Paglinawan G.R. No. 168380 Feb 8,
the purchase of such security. 2007)
9. Making False or Misleading Statements with respect  T3 Rule in trading of Securities – Trading day + 3
to any material fact which he knew or had reasonable more days you must comply with your obligations.
ground to believe was so false or misleading for the
purpose of inducing the purchase or sale of such
security.
10. Pegging or Fixing Or Stabilizing the price of security
effected either alone or with others through any series of
transactions for the purchase or sale thereof, if done for
such purpose.
11. Short sale – selling of security which the vendor does
not own unless done in accordance with the rules and
regulations of the SEC.
12. Insider Trading – the act of an insider to buy or sell
security of the issuer while in possession of material
information with respect to such security that is not
generally made known to the public unless (a) The
insider proves that the information was not gained from
such relationship; or (b) If the other party selling to or
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
important under the circumstances in determining his
course of action whether to buy, sell or hold a security.

Note: Who is an “insider”? - “Insider” means: (a) the


issuer; (b) a director or officer (or person performing
similar functions) of, or a person controlling the issuer; (c)
a person whose relationship or former relationship to the
issuer gives or gave him access to material information
about the issuer or the security that is not generally
available to the public; (d) a government employee, or
director, or officer of an exchange, clearing agency and/or
self-regulatory organization who has access to material
information about an issuer or a security that is not
generally available to the public; or (e) a person who
learns such information by a communication from any of
the foregoing insiders.

INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR
Person other than an officer or employee of the
corporation, its parent or subsidiaries, or any other individual
having a relationship with the corporation, which would interfere
with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the
responsibilities of a director.

Corporations which require an Independent Director


Notes on Corporation Law
“Notes come in handy only when you have studied…”
©GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva

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