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PARTNERSHIP REVIEWER

University of The Philippines

PARTNERSHIP
it is a CONTRACT whereby two or more persons (1) bind themselves to CONTRIBUTE
money, property, or industry to a COMMON FUND (2) with the intention of dividing the
PROFITS among themselves or in order to EXERCISE a PROFESSION
a STATUS and a FIDUCIARY RELATION subsisting between persons carrying on a
business in common with a view on profit
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CONTRACT OF PARTNERSHIP
[C, C, L, I, AS, NP]
1. CONSENSUAL
perfected by mere consent
2. CONTRIBUTION of money, property or industry to a COMMON FUND
3. object must be a LAWFUL one
4. INTENTION of DIVIDING the PROFIT among the PARTNERS
5. AFFECTIO SOCIETATIS
the desire to formulate an ACTIVE UNION, with people among whom there
exist a
mutual CONFIDENCE and TRUSTS
6. NEW PERSONALITY
the object must be for profit and not merely for the common enjoyment otherwise
only a co-ownership has been formed. HOWEVER, pecuniary profit need not be the only
aim, it is enough that it is the principal purpose
BUSINESS TRUSTS
when certain persons entrust their property or money to others who will manage the
same for the former
RULES ON CAPACITY TO BECOME A PARTNER
1. a person capacitated to enter into contractual relations may become a partner
2.

an UNEMANCIPATED MINOR CANNOT become a partner UNLESS his parent or guardian

consents

3.

a MARRIED WOMAN, cannot contribute conjugal funds as her contribution to the

partnership UNLESS she is permitted to do so by her husband OR UNLESS she is the
administrator of the conjugal partnership, in which the COURT must give its consent
authority

4.

a PARTNERSHIP being a juridical person by itself can form another partnership

5.

a CORPORATION cannot become a partner on grounds of public policy

a partner shares not only in profits but also in the losses of the firm

RULE:
the partnership has a PERSONALITY SEPARATE and DISTINCT from that of each
partner

CONSEQUENCES OF THE PARTNERSHIP BEING A JURIDICAL ENTITY

1. its juridical personality is SEPARATE and DISTINCT from that of each partner
2.

the partnership CAN in GENERAL:

A) acquire and possess property of all kinds
B) incur obligations

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C) bring civil and criminal actions
D) can be adjudged insolvent even if the individual members be each financially
solvent
3.

unless he is generally sued, a partner has no right to make a separate appearance in

court, if the partnership being sued is already represented

LIMITATIONS ON ALIEN PARTNERSHIP

1) if 60% capital is not owned by Filipinos
the firm cannot acquire by purchase or otherwise AGRICULTURAL Philippine lands
2) foreign partnership may lease lands provided the period does not exceed 99 years
3) foreign partnership may be MORTGAGEES of land
period of 5 years, renewable for another 5 years
they cannot purchase it in a foreclosure sale
RULES IN CASE OF ASSOCIATIONS NOT LAWFULLY ORGANIZED AS PARTNERSHIP
1. it possesses NO LEGAL PERSONALITY
it cannot sue as such HOWEVER, the partners in their individual capacity CAN
2. one who enters into a contract with a partnership as such cannot when sued later on
for recovery of the debt, allege the lack of legal personality on the part of the firm,
even if indeed it had no personality
ESTOPPEL
whether a partnership has a juridical personality or not depends on its PERSONAL
LAW of the partnership or the law of the place where the partnership was organized
REQUISITES FOR EXISTENCE OF PARTNERSHIP [I, CF, JI]
1. INTENTION to create a partnership
2. COMMON FUND obtained from contributions
3. JOINT INTERESTS in the PROFITS
WHAT DO NOT ESTABLISH A PARTNERSHIP
1. mere co-ownership or co-possession
even with profit sharing
2. mere sharing of GROSS returns
even with joint ownership of the properties involved
RULES TO DETERMINE THE EXISTENCE OF A PARTNERSHIP
1.

persons who are not partners to each other are not partners as to third persons
EXCEPTION:
PARTNERSHIP BY ESTOPPEL

2.

CO-OWNERSHIP of a property does not itself establish a partnership, even though the
co-owners share in the profits derived from the incident of joint ownership

3.

SHARING OF GROSS RETURNS ALONE does not indicate a partnership whether or not
the persons sharing them have a joint or common right or interest in any property from
which the returns are derived

4.

the receipt of the share in the profits is a strong presumptive evidence of partnership
HOWEVER, no such inference will be drawn if such profits were received in payment
A) as a DEBT by installments or otherwise
B) as WAGES of an employee
C) as RENT to a landlord
D) as an ANNUITY to a widow or representative of a deceased partner
E) as INTEREST on a LOAN, though the amount of payment vary with the profits of
the business
F) as the CONSIDERATION for the sale of a GOOD WILL of a business or other
property or otherwise

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creditors are not partners, for their only interest in the sharing of profits is the
receipt or payment of their credits
in a partnership, the partners are supposed to trust and have confidence in all
the partners
PARTNERSHIP BY ESTOPPEL
IF 2 persons not partners represent themselves as partners to strangers, a
partnership by estoppel results
WHEN 2 persons, who are partners, in connivance with a friend who is not a partner
inform a stranger that said friend is their partner, a partnership by estoppel also result to the
end that the stranger should not be prejudiced
RULE: LAWFUL OBJECT or PURPOSE
a partnership must have LAWFUL OBJECT or PURPOSE, and must be established for
the common benefit or interest of the partners
it must be within the commence of man, possible and not contrary to law, morals,
good customs, public order or public policy
IF a partnership has SEVERAL PURPOSES, one of which is UNLAWFUL, the partnership
can still validly exist so long as the illegal purpose can be separated from the legal purposes
NO need for JUDICIAL DECREE to dissolve an unlawful partnership
VOID AB INITIO
one of the causes for the dissolution of a partnership is any event which makes it
unlawful for the business of the partnership to be carried on
RULE:
when an UNLAWFUL PARTNERSHIP is dissolved by a judicial decree, the PROFITS shall be
CONFISCATED in FAVOR of the STATE
G. R.
a partnership may be constituted in any form
EXCEPTION: PUBLIC INSTRUMENT
1. IMMOVABLE PROPERTY is contributed
2. REAL RIGHTS are contributed
*

need for INVENTORY of IMMOVABLES

** for EFFECTIVITY of the partnership contract insofar as innocent third persons are
concerned the same must be REGISTERED if REAL PROPERTIES are INVOLVED
a partnership contract is NOT CONVERED by the STATUTE of FRAUDS
an AGREEMENT TO FORM a partnership does not itself create a partnership
when there are conditions to be fulfilled or when a certain period is to lapse, the
partnership is not created till after the fulfillment of the conditions or the arrival of the term
and this is true even if one of the parties has already advanced his agreed share of the capital
RULE: if CAPITAL is P3,000 or more
REQUIRED:
1. PUBLIC INSTRUMENT
2. RECORDED S.E.C.

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* FAILURE TO COMPLY shall not effect the liability of the partnership and its members to
third persons
** IF REAL PROPERTIES have been contributed, REGARDLESS of the VALUE, a public
instrument is needed for the attainment of legal personality
REQUIREMENTS WHERE IMMOVABLE / REAL PROPERTY IS CONTRIBUTED
1. PUBLIC INSTRUMENT
2. INVENTORY signed and attached to the P.I.
* applies regardless of the value of the real property
* applies even if only real rights over the real property are
contributed
* applies if aside from real property, cash or personal property is
contributed
TRANSFER of land to the partnership must be duly recorded in the ROD to make the
transfer effective insofar as third persons are concerned
RULE:
any immovable property or an interest therein maybe acquired in the partnership
title so acquired can be conveyed only in the partnership name

name

IF the partnership has ALIENS, it CANNOT OWN LANDS, whether public or private or whether
agricultural or commercial EXCEPT through HEREDITARY SUCCESSION

LIMITATIONS ON ACQUISITION
1. AGRICULTURAL LANDS 1024 HECTARES
2. lease of public lands (GRAZING) 2000 HAS.
RULES
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

IF

A) articles are kept secret among the members

B) any one of the members may contract in his own name
persons
NOT a partnership NOT a LEGAL PERSON
it may be sued by third person under the common name it uses
it cannot sue as such and cannot be ordinarily be a party to a civil action
insofar as innocent third parties are concerned
the parities can be considered as members of a partnership
as between themselves or insofar as third persons are prejudiced
only the rules of co-ownership must apply

with third

EFFECT OF CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS

1. contracts entered into by a partner in his own name may be sued upon still by him in
his individual capacity, not withstanding the absence of a partnership
2. when two or more individuals, having a common interests in a business bring a court
action, it should be presumed that they prosecute the same in their individual capacity
as co-owners and not in behalf of a partnership which does not exist in legal
contemplation
CLASSIFICATION OF PARTNERSHIPS
A) ACCORDING TO MANNER OF CREATION
1. ORALLY constituted
2. constituted in a PRIVATE INSTRUMENT
3. constituted in a PUBLIC INSTRUMENT
4. REGISTERED S.E.C.
B) ACCORDING TO OBJECT
1. UNIVERSAL
2. PARTICULAR
C) ACCORDING TO LIABILITY

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1. LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
2. GENERAL PARTNERSHIP
D) ACCORDING TO LEGALITY
1. LAWFUL OR LEGAL
2. UNLAWFUL OR ILLEGAL
E) ACCORDING TO DURATION
1. for a SPECIFIC PEIOD or FIXED PERIOD
2. PARTNERSHIP AT WILL
F) ACCORDING TO REPRESENTATION TO OTHERS
1. ORDINARY PARTNERSHIP
2. PARTNERSHIP BY ETOPPEL
G) AS TO LEGALITY OF EXISTENCE
1. DE JURE PARTNERSHIP
2. DE FACTO PARTNERSHIP
H) AS TO PUBLICITY
1. SECRET PARTNERSHIP
2. NOTORIOUS / OPEN PARTNERSHIP
I) AS TO PURPSE
1. COMMERCIAL / TRADING
2. PROFESSIONAL / NON-TRADING
GENERAL PARTNERSHIP
one where all the partners are general partners
they are LIABLE even with respect to their individual properties, after the assets of the
partnership has been exhausted
LIMITED PATNERSHIP
one where at least one partner is a general partner and the others are limited partners
one whose liability is limited only up to the extent of his contribution
a partnership where all the partners are limited partners cannot exist as a limited
partnership
REFUSED REGISTRATION
IF it continuous as such, it will be considered as a general partnership and all the
partners will be general partners
KINDS OF UNIVERSAL PARTNERSHIP
1. PARTNERSHIP OF ALL PRESENT PROPERTY
2. PARTNERSHIP OF ALL PROFITS
*UNIVERSAL PARTNERSHIP OF ALL PRESENT PROPERTY
CONTRIBUTION of
1. ALL the properties actually belonging to the partners
2. the PROFITS acquired with said property
BECOMES COMMON PROPERTY
EXCEPT all FUTURE PROPERTY
FRUITS of FUTURE PROPERTY INCLUDED IF STIPULATED UPON
*UNIVERSAL PARTNERSHIP OF PROFITS
comprises all that the partners may acquire by the INDUSTRY or WORK of the partners
become common property regardless of within said profits were obtained through the usufruct
contributed
EXCEPT PRIZES and GIFTS
RULE:
articles of universal partnership, entered without specification of its nature, only constitute a
universal partnership of PROFITS

RULE:
persons who are prohibited from giving each other any donation or advantage cannot enter
into universal partnership
WHO:
1. HUSBAND and WIFE
2. those guilty of ADULTERY or CONCUBINAGE
3. those guilty of the same criminal offense if the partnership was entered into in
consideration of the same
while spouses cannot enter into a universal partnership, they can enter into a particular
partnership or be members thereof
a universal partnership is virtually a donation to each other of the partners properties or at
least their usufruct

PARTICULAR PARTNERSHIP
a particular partnership has for its OBJECT:
1. DETERNMINATE THINGS their use or fruits
2. SPECIFIC UNDERTAKING
3. EXERCISE of a PROFESSION or VOCATION
OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTNERS
RULE:
a PARTNERSHIP BEGINS from the moment of the EXECUTION of the CONTRACT
* even if contributions have not yet been made the firm already exists, for partnership is a
consensual contract
DURATION OF PARTNERSHIP
UNLIMITED
* MAY BE AGREED UPON
1. EXPRESSLY definite period
2. IMPLIEDLY upon achievement of its purpose
PARTNERSHIP AT WILL
a partnership wherein its continued existence really depends upon the will of the partners or
even on the will of any of them
2 KINDS:
1. when there is no term, express or implied
2. when it is continued by the habitual managers although the period has ended or the
purpose has been accomplished
3 IMPORTANT DUTIES OF EVERY PARTNER [C, D-F, W]
1. duty to CONTRIBUTE what had been promised
2. duty to DELIVER the FRUITS of what should have been delivered
3. duty to WARRANT
RIULES ON THE DUTY TO CONTRIBUTE
1. the contribution must be made at the time the partnership is entered into UNLESS a
different period is stipulated
2.

no demand is needed to put the partner in default

3.

the partner must exercise due diligence in preserving the property to be contributed
before he actually contributes the same

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4.

a partner who promises to contribute to the partnership becomes a promissory debtor

of the partnership

RULES ON THE DUTY TO DELIVER THE FRUITS

1. IF property has been promised, the fruits thereof should also be given
2.

the fruits referred to are those arising from the time they should have been delivered,
without a need of any demand

3.

IF the partner is in BAD FAITH, he is liable not only for the fruits actually produced, BUT
also for those that could have been produced
IF MONEY HAS BEEN PROMISED, INTEREST and DAMAGES from the time he should have
complied with his obligation should be given

4.
5.

NO DEMAND is needed to put the partner in default

6.

it is DELIVERY, actual or constructive that TRANSFERS OWNERSHIP

RULES ON THE DUTY TO WARRANT

1. the warranty in case of eviction refers to specific and determinate things already
contributed
2.

there is EVICTION whenever by a final judgment based on a right prior to the sale or an
act imputable to the partner, the partnership is deprived of the whole or a part of the
thing purchased

RULE WHEN CONTRIBUTION CONSISTS OF GOODS

APPRAISAL of VALUE is needed to determine how much was contributed
HOW APPRAISAL MADE
1. as PRESCRIBED in the CONTRACT
2. in default, by EXPERTS chosen by the partners, and at CURRENT PRICES
* necessity of the INVENTORY APPRAISAL
RULE on RISK of LOSS
after goods have been contributed, the partnership bears the risk of subsequent changes
in the value
RULE:
a partner who has undertaken to contribute a sum of money and fails to do so becomes a
debtor for the interest and damages from the time he should have complied with his
obligation
CAPITALIST PARTNER
one who FURNISHES CAPITAL
* NOT EXEMPTED from LOSSES
* he can engage in other business PROVIDED there is no competition between
partnership and his business
* share in the profits according to agreements

the

INDUSTRIAL PARTNER
one who FURNISHES INDUSTRY or LABOR
* he is EXEMPTED from LOSSES as between the partner BUT liable to strangers without
prejudice to reimbursement from the capitalist partner
* he CANNOT engage in any other BUSINESS WITHOUT the express CONSENT of the
other partners, OTHERWISE
1. he can be EXCLUDED from the firm
- plus damages
OR
2. the BENEFITS he obtains from the other businesses CAN BE AVAILED of by the other
partners

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plus damages
whether or not there is COMPETITION
* in computing always look for ----- NET PROFITS
----- NET LOSSES
CAPITALIST INDUSTRIALIST PARTNER
one who contributes BOTH CAPITAL and INDUSTRY
GENERAL PARTNER
one who is liable beyond the extent of his contribution
LIMITED PARTNER
one who is liable only to the extent of his contribution
*** an industrial partner can only be a general partner, never a limited partner
MANAGING PARTNER
one who manages actively the firms affairs
SILENT PARTNER
one who does not participate in the management, though he shares in the PROFITS or
LOSSES
LIQUIDATING PARTNER
one who winds up or liquidates the affairs of the firm after it has been dissolved
OSTENSIBLE PARTNER
one whose connection with the firm is public and open
SECRET PARTNER
one whose connection with the firm is concealed or kept secret
DORMANT PARTNER
one who is both a secret (hidden) and silent (not managing) partner
NOMINAL PARTNER
one who is not really a partner BUT who may become liable as such insofar as third persons
are concerned
RULE:
partners shall CONTRIBUTE EQUAL SHARES to the capital of the partnership
* it is permissible to contribute UNEQUAL SHARES IF there is a stipulation to this effect
* in the absence of proof, the shares are presumed to be equal
CONDITIONS before a capitalist partner is obliged to sell his shares / interest to the
other partners [IL, RC, NA]
1.

if there is IMMINENT LOSS of the BUSINESS of the partnership

2.

he REFUSES to CONTRIBUTE an ADDITIONAL SHARE to the CAPITAL

3.

there is no agreement to the contrary

* INDUSTRIAL PARTNER IS EXEMPTED

*RULE if MANAGING PARTNER COLLECTS A CREDIT

REQUISITES:
1. existence of at least 2 debts ---- PARTNERSHIP
---- PARTNER
2. both sums are demandable
3. the collecting partner is the managing partner
* the sum thus collected shall be applied to the two credits in
proportion to their amounts
RULE:
* where a partner receives his share in the partnership credit
CONDITIONS:
1. a partner has received his share in the partnership credit in whole or in part
2. the other partners have not collected their part of the credit
3. the debtor subsequently becomes INSOLVENT
RULE: - the partner shall be obliged to bring to the partnership
capital what he received even though he may have given receipt for
his share only
* DOES NOT APPLY when debt was collected after dissolution of the partnership
RULE:
* every partner is responsible to the partnership for damages suffered by it through his fault
* he cannot compensate them with the profits and benefits, which he may have earned
for the partnership by his industry
* the courts may equitably lessen his responsibility

RES PERIT DOMINO

*RULES ON WHO BEARS THE RISK OF LOSS
1.

if SPECIFIC and DETERMINATE THINGS NOT FUNGIBLE whose USUFRUCT is enjoyed by

a firm
the PARTNER who OWNS it bears the loss for ownership was never transferred to the

firm
2.

FUNGIBLE or DETERIORABLE
FIRM bears the loss for it is evident ownership was transferred

3.

THINGS CONTRIBUTED to be SOLD

FIRM bears the loss for evidently the firm was intended to be the owner

4.

CONTRIBUTED under APPRAISAL

FIRM bears the loss because this has the effect of an implied sale

RULE on RESPONSIBILITY of the FIRM

1.

to REFUND amounts disbursed on behalf of the firm plus legal interest from the time
expenses where made

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2.

to ANSWER to each partner for OBLIGATIONS he may have entered into in good faith in
the interest of the partnership, as well as the risks in consequence of its management

* REFUND must be made even in case of failure of the enterprise entered into, provided the
partner is not at fault
* AMOUNT DISBURSED does not refer to the ORIGINAL CAPITAL
*HOW PROFITS ARE DISTRIBUTED
1. according to AGREEMENT
2. IF NONE, according to amount of CONTRIBUTION
*HOW
1.
2.
3.

LOSSES are DISTRIBUTED

according to AGREEMENT as to losses
IF NONE, according to agreement as to PROFITS
IF NONE, according to amount of CONTRIBUTION

* an INDUSTRIAL PARTNER shall receive a JUST and EQUITABLE share in the profits
*RULE on INDUSTRIAL PARTNERS LIABILITIES
- may be held liable by third persons BUT he may recover what he has paid from the other
capitalist partners
*RULE on DESIGNATION by THIRD PERSON of SHARES in PROFITS and LOSSES
* third person is NOT a PARTNER -- appointed to only distribute shares
* the designation of shares by third persons may be IMPUGNED, IF it is MANIFESTLY
INEQUITABLE
* the designation of shares by third persons CANNOT be IMPUGNED EVEN IF MANIFESTLY
INEQUITABLE IF:
1. the aggrieved partner has already BEGUN to EXECUTE the decision
2. the aggrieved partner has not IMPUGNED the distribution within 3 months he had
knowledge
*RULE IF APPOINTMENT OTHER THAN in the ARTICLES of PARTNERSHIP
1. power to act may be REVOKED at ANY TIME with or without just cause
REMOVAL should be done by the controlling interest
2. EXTENT of POWER
as long as he remains manager, he can perform all acts of administration
BUT if others oppose and he persists, he can be removed
*RULE WHEN there are 2 or MORE MANAGERS
CONDITIONS:
1. 2 or more partners are managers
2. there is no specification of respective duties
3. there is no stipulation requiring UNANIMITY
SPECIFIC RULES:
1. each may separately execute all acts of administration
UNLIMITED POWER to ADMINISTER
2.

IF any of the managers OPPOSE

MAJORITY RULE
IN CASE OF A TIE
- persons owning controlling interest prevail provided they are also managers

* right to oppose is not given to NON-MANAGERS

* OPPOSITION should be done BEFORE the acts produce legal effects insofar as third persons
are concerned

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RULE WHEN UNANIMITY is REQUIRED
1. the CONCURRENCE of all shall be necessary for the validity of the acts
2.

the ABSENCE or DISABILITY of ANYONE of them CANNOT BE ALLEGED UNLESS there is

imminent danger of grave or irreparable injury to the partnership

RULE ON DUTY of THIRD PERSONS

third persons are not required to inquire as to whether or not a partner with whom he
transacts has the consent of all the managers
*RULES to be observed when the manner of management has not been agreed
upon:
1. all the partners are considered AGENTS
whatever any one of them may do alone shall not bind the partnership
2.

IF the acts of one are opposed by the rest, the majority shall prevail

3.

when a partner acts in his OWN NAME, he does not bind the partnership

4.

authority to bind the firm does not apply if somebody else has been given authority to
manage in the articles of organization or through some other means

5.

ALTERATIONS REQUIRE UNANIMITY

- IMMOVABLE partnership property
- BUT if the refusal to consent by the others is prejudicial to the interest of the
partnership
- COURTS INTERVENTION may be sought

RULES on ASSOCIATE of PARTNER

1. every partner may associate another person with him in his share
2.

for a partner to have an associate in his share

consent of all the other partners is NOT REQUIRED

3.

for the associate to become a partner

ALL MUST CONSENT

RULES on PARTNERSHIP BOOKS

1. kept at the principal place of business of the partnership
2.

at any reasonable hour, every partner shall have access to and may inspect and copy
any of them

DUTY of PARTNERS TO GIVE INFORMATION

good faith not only requires that a partner should not make any FALSE CONCEALMENT, BUT
he should abstain from all concealment
DUTY to ACCOUNT [B, P, U-P]
every partner must account to the partnership
1. any benefit acquired
2. any profits received
3. any use of partnership property
RIGHT TO DEMAND a FORMAL ACCOUNT
any partner shall have the right to a formal account as to partnership affairs
1. if wrongfully excluded from partnership BUSINESS
2. if wrongfully excluded from partnership PROPERTY by his co-partners
3. if the right exists under the terms of agreement

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4.
5.

if the other partner receives other benefits, profits or uses partnership property
whenever other circumstances render it just and reasonable

* the right to demand an accounting exists as long as the partnership exists

* prescription begins to run only upon the dissolution of the partnership when the final
accounting is done
PROPERTY RIGHTS OF PARTNERS [P, I, M]
1. rights in specific PARTNERSHIP PROPERTIES
2. INTERESTS in the PARTNERSHIP
3. right to PARTICIPATE in the MANAGEMENT
RULE:
* a partner is CO-OWNER with his partners of SPECIFIC PARTNERSHIP PROPERTY
* RIGHTS of a PARTNER in SPECIFIC PARTNERSHIP PROPERTY
1.

he has equal rights with his partners to POSSESS the property BUT only for
PARTNERSHIP PURPOSES
he may possess such property for other purposes PROVIDED the other partners
expressly or impliedly gives their CONSENT

2.

he CANNOT ASSIGN his right to the property EXCEPT if all the other partners assign
their rights in the same property

3.

his right to the property is NOT SUBJECT to ATTACHMENT or EXECUTION, EXCEPT on a

claim against partnership

4.

his right to the property is NOT SUBJECT to LEGAL SUPPORT

* if there is PARTNERSHIP DEBT, the specific property can be attached

RULE:
* a PARTNERS INTEREST in the partnership is his SHARE of the PROFITS and SURPLUS
IT CAN BE: [A, A, LS]
1. ASSIGNED
2. ATTACHED
3. be subject to LEGAL SUPPORT
*EFFECTS of CONVEYANCE by PARTNER of his INTEREST in the PARTNERSHIP
1. IF he conveys his WHOLE INTEREST
A) partnership may still remain
B) partnership may be dissolved
* mere conveyance does not dissolve the partnership
2.

the ASSIGNEE does not necessarily become a partner

the ASSIGNOR is still the partner, with a right to demand accounting and settlement

3.

the ASSIGNEE CANNOT interfere in the MANAGEMENT or ADMINISTRATION of the firm

the ASSIGNEE CANNOT also DEMAND [I, A, I]
A) INFORMATION
B) ACCOUNTING
C) INSPECTION of partnership books

*** while a partners INTEREST in the firm may be CHARGED or LEVIED upon, his INTEREST in
a specific firm PROPERTY CANNOT be attached.
RIGHTS of the ASSIGNEE
1. to get whatever profits the assignor-partner would have obtained

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2.

to avail himself of the usual remedies in case of fraud in the management

3.

to ask for ANNULMENT of the contract of assignment IF:

A) he was induced to enter into it through any of the vices of consent
B) he himself was incapacitated to give consent

4.

OR

to demand an accounting BUT only if the partnership is dissolved

PREFERENTIAL RIGHTS of PARTNERSHIP CREDITORS

* partnership creditors are entitled to PRIORITY over partnership assets, including the
partners interest in the profits
** SEPARATE or INDIVIDUAL creditors have PREFERENCE in separate or individual properties
* when the CHARGING ORDER is applied for and granted, the court may appoint a receiver of
the partners share in the profits
the receiver appointed is entitled to any relief necessary to conserve the partnership
assets for partnership purposes
* interest charged may be redeemed at any time before foreclosure
* AFTER FORECLOSURE the interest may still be redeemed by (without causing dissolution)
1. with separate property, by any one or more of the partners
OR
2. with partnership property, by any one or more partners with the consent of all the partners
whose interests are not so charged or sold
* consent of the delinquent partner not needed
RULE:
every partnership shall operate under a FIRM NAME
* the firm name may or may not include the name of one or more of the partners
** STRANGERS who include their names in the firm are liable as partners because of
ESTOPPEL, BUT do NOT have the RIGHTS of partners
** IF a LIMITED PARTNER includes his name in the firm name, he has obligations BUT not the
rights of a general partner
RULE on LIABILITY for CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
* all partners, including industrial ones, shall be liable pro-rata with all their property and after
all the partnership assets have been exhausted
* NOT APPLICABLE for TORTS or CRIMES ----- LOSS
----- INJURY
----- MISAPPROPRIATION
** while an INDUSTRIAL PARTNER is exempted by law from LOSSES as between the partners,
he is NOT EXEMPTED from liability insofar as third persons are concerned
he may recover what he has paid from the CAPITALIST partners
* under the law the liability of the partners is subsidiary and joint NOT principal and solidary
*RULE on LIABILITY of a PARTNER who has WITHDRAWN
1. a partner who withdraws is not liable for liabilities contracted after he has withdrawn
2.

if his interest has not yet been paid him

his right to the same is that of a mere creditor

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** a stipulation exempting liability to third persons is VOID
* any partner may enter into a separate obligation to perform a partnership contract
RULE:
* every partner is an agent of the partnership for the purpose of its business
G.R.- the act of every partner for apparently carrying on in the USUAL WAY the business of the
partnership of which he is member binds the partnership
EXCEPT:
1. if he has NO AUTHORITY
and
2. the person with whom he was dealing with HAS KNOWLEDGE of the fact that he has no such
authority
RULE:
an act of a partner which is not apparently for the carrying on of business of the partnership
in the usual way does not bind the partnership UNLESS authorized by the other partners
* a partnership is a CONTARCT of MUTUAL AGENCY, each partner acting as a principal on his
own behalf and as an agent for his co-partners or the firm
REQUISITES on WHEN can a partner BIND the partnership
1. expressly or impliedly AUTHORIZED
2. when he acts in BEHALF AND IN THE NAME of the partnership
INSTANCES of IMPLIED AUTHORIZATION
1. when the other partners DO NOT OBJECT, although they have knowledge of the act
2. when the act is for apparently carrying on in the usual way the business of the
partnership
* this is binding on the firm even if the partner was not really authorized PROVIDED
that the third party is in GOOD FAITH
RULE on UNUSUAL ACTS
one or more but less than all the partners HAVE NO AUTHORITY TO:
[AP, DG, AI, CJ, EC, SA, RC]
1. ASSIGN the PARTNERS PROPERTY
2. DISPOSE of GOODWILL
3. do any other act which would make it impossible to carry on the ordinary business of
the partnership
4. CONFESS a judgment
5. ENTER into a COMPROMISE
6. SUBMIT to ARBITRATION
7. RENOUNCE to CLAIM
*RULES on CONVEYANCE of REAL PROPERTY
1.

where title to real property is in the partnership name

any partner may convey title to such property by a conveyance executed in the
partnership name
* PARTNERSHIP MAY RECOVER SUCH PROPERTY
EXCEPT:
1. if the firm is engaged in the buying and selling of land (USUAL BUSINESS)
2. if property was conveyed to a HOLDER for VALUE and who had NO
KNOWLEDGE of the partners LACK of AUTHORITY

2. where title is in the name of the partnership and partner sold in his OWN NAME
IF DONE IN USUAL BUSINESS
buyer does not become owner BUT ACQUIRES EQUITABLE INTEREST

15

IF NOT DONE IN USUAL BUSINESS

buyer does not become owner and is not even entitled to equitable interest
3. where title is in the name of one or more BUT not all the partners
partners in whose name the title is named MAY CONVEY BUT the PARTNERSHIP may
RECOVER such property IF done not in its USUAL BUSINESS EXCEPT if he had transferred it
to a Holder for value
4. when property held in trust by partner
a sale only conveys EQUITABLE INTEREST
5.

when title is in the name of all partners

conveyance executed by all partners possess all rights of such property

EQUITABLE INTEREST
-BENEFICIAL INTEREST, BUT NOT NAKED OWNERSHIP
*RULE on ADMISSION or REPRESENTATION MADE by a PARTNER
an admission by a partner is an admission against the partnersip,under the following
conditions:
1. the admissions must concern partnership affairs
2. must be within the scope of his authority
RESTRICTIONS ON THE RULE:
1. admissions made BEFORE DISSOLUTION are binding only when the partner has
authority to act on the particular matter
2.

admissions made AFTER DISSOLUTION are binding only if the admissions were
necessary to WIND UP the business

3.

an admission made by a former partner made after he has RETIRED from the
partnership is not evidence against the firm

EFFECT of NOTICE to a PARTNER

notice to a partner is notice to the partnership
*notice to a partner, given while already a partner is a notice to the partnership PROVIDED it
relates to partnership affairs
EFFECT of KNOWLEDGE ALTHOUGH NO NOTICE WAS GIVEN:
* knowledge of the partner is also knowledge of the firm PROVIDED THAT:
1. the knowledge was acquired by a partner who is acting in the particular matter
involved;and
2. the partner having knowledge, had reason to believe that the fact related to a matter
which had some possibility of being the subject of the partnership business AND he
was so situated that he could communicate it to the partner acting on that particular
matter
* SERVICE of PLEADINGS on the partner in a law firm is also service on the whole firm and
the other partners

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LOSS OR INJURY
RULE on WRONGFUL ACT or OMISSION of a PARTNER (SOLIDARY LIABILITY)
* the partnership is solidarily liable with the partner if the wrongful act or omission
1. the partner is acting in the ordinary course of business of the partnership
2. with authority of his co-partners

OR

* innocent partners have right to recover from the guilty partner

* When the firm and other partners not liable:
1. if the wrongful act or omission was NOT DONE
A) within scope of partnership business
B) with authority of the other co-partners
2.

if the act or omission is NOT WRONGFUL

3.

if the act or omission, although wrongful did not make the partner concern liable
- DAMNUN ABSQUE INSURIA

4.

if the wrongful act or omission was committed after the firm had been dissolved and
the same was not in connection with the process of winding up.

LIABILITY of PARTNERSHIP for MISAPPROPRIATION (SOLIDARY LIABILITY)

1. RECEIVING PARTY MISAPPROPRIATES
2. ANY PARTNER MISAPPPROPRIATES
money or property in custody of partnership
PARTNER BY ESTOPPEL
a person who represents himself or consents to another / others representing him to anyone
as a partner either in an existing partnership or in one that is fictitious or apparent
PARTNERSHIP BY ESTOPPEL
when all the members of the existing partnership consent to such representation of a
partner by estoppel
RULES AND SITUATIONS:
1. if a third person is misled and acts because of such misrepresentation
the deceiver is a partner by estoppel
2.

if the partnership consented to such misrepresentation

partnership liability results

3.

if the firm had not consented

no partnership liability results BUT the deceiver is considered still as a partner by
estoppel with all the obligations but not the rights of a partner

4.

when a person represents himself as a partner of a NON-EXISTENT partnership

NO partnership liability results BUT the deceiver and all persons who may have
aided him in the misrepresentation are still liable
liability would be JOINT or PRO-RATA

* when although there is misrepresentation, if the third party is not deceived, the doctrine of
estoppel does not apply
BURDEN of PROOF
the creditor or whoever alleges the existence of a partner or partnership by estoppel has the
burden of proving the existence of the MISREPRESENTATION AND INNOCENT RELIANCE on it
ENTRY OF A NEW PARTNER into an EXISTING PARTNERSHIP
RULE:

17
* he shall be liable for all the obligations of the partnership BUT his liability will extend only
to his share in the partnership property
* his own individual property shall be excluded
* same liability of a limited partner
PREFERENCE of PARTNERSHIP CREDITORS
RULE:
* the creditors of the partnership shall be preferred to those of such partner as regards the
partnership property
without prejudice to this right
the private creditors of each partner may ask the attachment and public sale of the share of
the latter in the partnership assets
**IF a partner sells his share to a third party, BUT the firm itself still remains SOLVENT,
partnership creditors CANNOT assail the validity of the sale by alleging that it is made in fraud
of them, since they have not really been prejudiced
DISSOLUTION AND WINDING UP
the change in the relation of the partners caused by any partner causing to be associated in
the carrying on of the business
it is the point of time the partners cease to carry on the business together
WINDING UP
the process settling business affairs after dissolution
TERMINATION
the point in time after all the partnership affairs have been wound up
RULE ON DISSOLUTION
* on dissolution the partnership is not terminated BUT continues until the winding up of
partnership affairs is completed
*EFFECT on OBLIGATIONS
1. just because a partnership is dissolved this does not necessarily mean that a partner
can evade previous obligations entered into by the partnership
2.

dissolution saves the former partners from new obligations to which they have not
expressly or impliedly consented UNLESS the same be essential for winding up

*CAUSES OF DISSOLUTION
1. without VIOLATION of the AGREEMENT between the partners
A) TERMINATION of the DEFINITE TERM or PARTICULAR UNDERTAKING
B) EXPRESS WILL or ANY PARTY in GOOD FAITH (PARTNERSHIP by WILL)
C) EXPRESS WILL of ALL of the PARTNERS except those who have (interests)
ASSIGNED or whose interests have been (separate debts) CHARGED
D) EXPULSION in good faith of a member
2. in CONTRAVENTION of the agreement between the partners
by the EXPRESS WILL of ANY PARTNER at any time
3. UNLAWFULNESS of the BUSINESS
4. LOSS thing promised
A) SPECIFIC THING PERISHES before delivery
B) USUFRUCT is lost EXCEPT if ownership had been transferred to the partnership
5. DEATH of ANY partner
6. INSOLVENCY of any partner or of the partnership
7. CIVIL INTERDICTION of any partner
8. DECREE of COURT

18
*** if the cause is not justified or no cause was given, the withdrawing partner is liable for
DAMAGES BUT in no case can he be compelled to remain in the firm
* the insolvency need not be judicially declared, it is enough that the assets be less than the
liabilities
DISSOLUTION by JUDICIAL DECREE WHEN ALOWED:
(I, UM, I-PP, C, PB, BL, OC)
1. partner declared insane in any judicial proceeding or is shown to be of UNSOUND
MIND
2. partner becomes INCAPABLE of performing his part of the partnership contract
3. partner has been guilty of such CONDUCT as tends to affect prejudicially the business
4. partners PERSISTENT BREACH of agreement
5. the business of the partnership can only be denied on at a loss
6. other circumstances which render dissolution equitable
IN CASE OF PURCHASER of PARTNERS INTEREST
1. after the termination of the specified term or particular undertaking
2. AT ANY TIME, if the partnership was a partnership at will when the interest was
assigned or when the charging ordered was issued
* proof as to the existence of the firm must first be given
* even if a partner has not yet been previously declared insane by the court, dissolution may
be asked, as long as the insanity is duly proved in court
* in a suit for dissolution, the court may appoint a RECEIVER at its discretion

EFFECTS OF DISSOLUTION
RULE:
* when the firm is dissolved, a partner can no longer bind the partnership
* a dissolved partnership still has the personality for the winding up of its affairs
the firm is still allowed to collect previously acquired credits
the firm is still bound to pay of its debts
DISSOLUTION CAUSED by A-I-D
RULE: (STILL BOUND) as to each partners
G.R. where the dissolution is caused by the ACT, INSOLVENCY or DEATH of a partner, each
partner is liable to his co-partners for his share of any liability created by any partner acting for
the partnership
EXCEPTION: - individual liabilities
1. if dissolution by ACT
the partner acting for the partnership HAD KNOWLEDGE of the dissolution
OR
2. if dissolution by DEATH or INSOLVENCY
the partner acting for the partnership HAD knowledge or notice of the death or
insolvency
* only the partner acting assumes liability
*AFTER DISSOLUTION, a partner can still bind the PARTNERSHIP
(WU, UT, TB)
1. By any ACT appropriate for WINDING UP partnership affairs
2.

By COMPLETING transactions UNFINISHED at dissolution

19
3.

By any TRANSACTION which could bind the partnership IF dissolution had not taken
place PROVIDED the other party is:
A) PREVIOUS CREDITOR and had NO KNOWLEDGE or NOTICE of the dissolution
OR
B) NOT a PREVIOUS CREDITOR, had NO KNOWLEDGE or NOTICE and dissolution
was NOT PUBLISHED
* if there was publication of the dissolution it is presumed he already knows, regardless of
actual knowledge on non knowledge
WHEN
1.
2.
3.
4.

is the PARTNERSHIP NOT BOUND

new business with third parties who are in bad faith
firm dissolved because UNLAWFUL except for acts of winding up
partner who acted became INSOLVENT
partner not authorized to wind up EXCEPT if customer in good faith

* if after dissolution, if a stranger will represent himself as a partner although he is not one
he will be a partner by estoppel
RULE:
* the dissolution of the partnership does not itself discharge the existing liability of any
partner
NEED for an AGREEMENT BETWEEN
1. partner concerned
2. other partners
3. creditors
RULE:
* the INDIVIDUAL PROPERTY of a DECEASED PARTNER shall be liable for all obligations of the
partnership incurred while he was a partner BUT subject to prior payments of his separate
debts
* IF there be a NOVATION of the OLD PARTNERSHIP DEBTS and such novation is done after
one of the partners has retired and without the consent of such partner
said partner cannot be held liable by creditors who made the novation with knowledge
of the firms dissolution
EXTRAJUDUCIAL AND JUDICIAL WINDING-UP
EXTRAJUDICIAL:
1. by the partners who have not wrongfully dissolved the partnership
2. by the legal representative of the last surviving partners
JUDICIAL:
under the control and direction of the court, upon proper cause that is shown to the court
* profits that will actually enter the firm after dissolution as a consequence of transactions
already made before dissolution are included because they are considered as profits existing at
the time of dissolution
* any other income earned after the time, like interest or dividends on stock owned by the
partners or partnership at the time of dissolution should not be distributed as profits BUT as
merely additional income to the capital
BETTER RIGHTS of INNOCENT PARTNERS
innocent partners have better rights than guilty partners and that the guilty partners are
required to indemnify for the damages caused
* RIGHT of INOCENT PARTNERS TO CONTINUE the BUSINESS

20
in essence this is a new partnership
can use the same firm name
can ask new members to join
BUT shall: for protection of guilty partners
1. give a BOND approved by the court
2. to PAY guilty partners his interests at the time of dissolution MINUS DAMAGES
* a guilty partner who is EXCLUDED will be indemnified against all present or future
partnership liabilities
RIGHT TO GET CASH
in case on non-continuance of the business, the interest of the partner should if he desires
be given in cash
assets may be sold
a guilty partner, in ascertaining the value of his interest is not entitled to a proportional
share of the value of GOOD WIL
RIGHTS OF INNOCENT PARTNERS IN CASE of RESCISSION based on FRAUD AND
MISREPRESENTATION
1. Right to LIEN or RETENTION SURPLUS
CAPITAL
ADVANCES
2. Right of SUBROGATION as creditor
3. Right of INDEMNIFICATION
*ORDER of PAYMENT in WINDING-UP of PARTNERSHIP LIABILITIES
GENERAL PARTNERSHIP: [C, R, C, P]
1. those owing to creditors other than partners
2. those owing to partners other than for capital or profits REIMBURSEMENTS
3. those owing to partners in respect to CAPITAL
4. those owing to partners in respect to PROFITS
* IF the partnership assets are insufficient, the other partners must contribute more money
or property
PREFERENCE with RESPECT to the ASSETS
1. regarding partnership property
partnership creditors have preference
2. regarding individual properties of partners
individual creditors are preferred
RULE if PARTNER is INSOLVENT
- How INDIVIDUAL PROPERTY is DISTRIBUTED
ORDER OF PREFERENCE:
1. INDIVIDUAL or SEPARATE CREDITORS
2. PARTNERSHIP CREDITORS
3. those owing to other partners by way of contribution
*When creditors of the dissolved partnership are also creditors of the partnership
continuing business:
1. new partner is admitted without liquidation
2. a partner retires and assigns his rights IF the business is continued without liquidation
of the partnership affairs
3. all but one partner retire without liquidation
4. when all partner assign their right to a person who will assume their debt

21
5.
6.

after wrongful dissolution, remaining partners continue the business without liquidation
when partner expelled and remaining partners continue the business without
liquidation

* liability of third person becoming a partner in the partnership continuing the business to
the creditors of the dissolved partnership shall be satisfied out of the partnership property
ONLY
G.R. when a partner retires, he is entitled what is due him after liquidation BUT no liquidation
is needed if there is already a settlement at the date of dissolution
JURISPRUDENCE
BASTIDA vs. MENZI
* articles of association by which 2 or more persons obligate themselves to place in a
common fund any property, industry, or any of these things, in order to obtain profit, shall be
COMMERCIAL
BORJA vs. ADDISON
* a surviving husband may form a partnership with the heirs of the deceased wife for the
management and control of the community property
BUT in the absence of the formalities prescribed by the Civil Code, knowledge of the
existence of the new partnership or community of property must at least be brought home to
third persons dealing with the surviving husband in regard to the community real property in
order to bind them by the community agreement
KIEL vs. SABERT
* the declarations of one partner, not made in the presence of his co-partner, are not
competent to prove the existence of a partnership between them as against such partner
* the existence of a partnership cannot be established by general reputation, rumor or
hearsay
EVENGELISTA vs. C.I.R.
* By the contract of partnership 2 or more persons bind themselves to contribute money,
property, or industry to a common fund, with the intention of dividing the profits among
themselves
ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS of a PARTNERSHIP
1. an agreement to CONTRIBUTE money, property, or industry to a COMMON FUND
2. intent to divide the profits among the contracting parties
* when our internal Revenue Code includes partnerships among the entities subject to the
tax on corporations, said code which are not necessarily partnerships in the technical
sense of the term
* PARTNERSHIPS includes a SYNDICATE, GROUP, POOL, JOINT VENTURE, or other
unincorporated organization, through or by the means of which any business, financial
operation, or venture is carried on
* a joint venture need not be undertaken in any of the standard forms,
or in conformity with the usual requirements of the law on partnerships, in order that one could
be deemed constituted for purposes of the TAX on corporations
PASCUAL vs. C.I.R.
* co-ownership or co-possession does not itself establish a partnership, whether such coowners or co-possessors do or do not share any profits made by the use of the property

22
* the sharing of gross returns does not itself establish a partnership, within the persons
sharing them have a joint or common right or interest in any property from which the returns
are derived
* aside from the circumstances of profit, the presence of other elements constituting
partnership is necessary, such as:
1. the clear intent to form a partnership
2. the existence of a juridical personality different from that of the individual partners
AND
3. the freedom to transfer or assign any interest in the property by one with the consent
of the others
* an isolated transaction whereby 2 or more persons contribute funds to buy certain real
estate for profit in the absence of other circumstances showing a contrary intention cannot be
considered a partnership
* persons who contribute property or funds for a common enterprise and agree to share the
gross returns of that enterprise in proportion to their contribution, BUT who severally retain the
title to their respective contribution, are not thereby rendered partners
they have no common stock or capital and no community of interest as principal
proprietors in the business itself which the proceeds derived
* a joint purchase of land, by two does not constitute a co-partnership in respect thereto,
NOR does an agreement to share the profits and losses on the sale of land create a partnership
* in order to constitute a PARTNERSHIP INTER SESE there must be:
A) an intent to form the same
B) generally participating in both profits and losses
AND
C) such a community of interest, as far as third persons are concerned as enables
each party to make a contract, manage the business, and dispose of the whole
property
* the common ownership of property does not itself create a partnership between the
owners, though they may use it for the purpose of making gains AND they may without
becoming partners, agree among themselves as to the management and use of such property
and the application of the proceeds therefrom
* the sharing of returns does not in itself establish a partnership within the persons sharing
therein have a joint or common right or interest in the property
there must be:
1. clear intent to form a partnership
2. the existence of a juridical personality different from the individual partners
AND
3. the freedom of each party to transfer or assign the whole property

DUTERTE vs. RALLOS

* an agreement between 2 persons to operate a cockpit, by which one is to contribute his
services and the other to provide the capital, the profits to be divided between them,
constitutes a partnership
DELUAO vs. CASTEEL
* a contract of partnership to exploit a fishpond pending its award to any qualified party or
applicant is VALID BUT a contract of partnership to divide the fishpond after such award is
ILLEGAL

23
* one of the causes of dissolution is any event which make it unlawful for the business of
the partnership to be carried on or for the members to carry it on in partnership
C.I.R. vs. SUTER
* a UNIVERSAL PARTNERSHIP requires either that the object of the association be:
1. all the present property of the partners as contributed by them to the common fund
OR
2. all that the partners may acquire by their industry or work during the existence of the
partnership
* the subsequent marriage of the partners could not operate to dissolve the partnership
because it is not one of the causes provided for dissolution by law with regards to limited
partnerships
* partnership has distinct and separate personality from that of its partners
* a husband and wife may not enter into a contract of general co-partnership/ UNIVERSAL
partnership
ACOAD vs. MABATO
* a partnership may be constituted in any form EXCEPT where immovable property or real
rights are contributed thereto, in which case a public instrument shall be necessary
* A CONTRACT of PARTNERSHIP is VOID
whenever immovable property is contributed thereto, if inventory of said property
is not made, signed by the parties and attached to the public instrument
EVANGELISTA vs. ABAD SANTOS
* an INDUSTRIAL PARTNER cannot engage in BUSINESS FOR HIMSELF, UNLESS the
partnership expressly permits him to do so
IF HE SHOULD DO SO, the capitalist partners may either:
1. EXCLUDE him from the firm
OR
2. AVAIL themselves of the benefits which he may have obtained in violation of this
provision
with a right to DAMAGES in either case
* the prohibition against an industrial partner engaging in business for himself seeks to
prevent any conflict of interest between the industrial partner and the partnership and to
ensure faithful compliance by said partner with his prostation