REMINDERS IN COMMERCIAL LAW

By Justice Japar B. Dimaampao

CHATTEL MORTGAGE

1. Covers only existing obligations and not future obligations

Remedies: 1) execute another chattel mortgage
2) amend the chattel mortgage

2. ONLY personal properties may be the subject of chattel mortgage.

EXCEPTION: under the doctrine of estoppel, real property may be the subject
of chattel mortgage. This is valid only between parties.

3. Future properties are not covered except stock in trade

4. Absence of AFFIDAVIT of GOOD FAITH and REGISTRATION does not

affect the validity of the mortgage between the contracting parties. The
mortgage is not binding upon third persons. Knowledge of such mortgage
amounts to automatic registration.

5. No recovery of deficiency in case of foreclosure sale under the RECTO

LAW (sale of personal property payable in installment). This applies to the
following:
a. Foreclosure of the real estate mortgage as additional security;
b. Additional security (motor vehicle).

6. RATIONALE: To protect underprivileged mortgagors against the rapacity

of the mortgagees.

Letter of credit

1. Letter of Credit is an instrument issued by a bank on behalf of one of its

customers, authorizing an individual or a firm to draw drafts on the bank or one
of its correspondents for its account under certain conditions of the credit.

2. Distinct and Independent Contracts in a letter of credit:

a. Buyer/importer and seller/exporter;
b. Buyer/importer with the issuing bank; and
c. Bank promises to pay the seller pursuant to the terms and conditions
stated therein.

3. Independence principle enunciates that:

a. Seller is assured of payment independent of any breach of the main
contract.
b. Banks involved deal only with the documents and are not charged with
the duty to ascertain the quantity and condition of the goods.

3. Perfection of Contract. Letters of credit are deemed perfected from the

 time the correspondent bank makes payment to persons in whose favor the
letter of credit has been opened.

CODE OF COMMERCE

1. Commerce is that branch of human activity, the purpose of which is to

bring products to the consumer by means of exchanges, or operations which
tend to supply and extend to him, habitually, with intent of gain at the proper
time and place and in good quality and quantity.

2. Joint account is an arrangement whereby the third person makes an

investment in the business of another. It consists of contributions made by
persons who will share in the profits and losses. It has no juridical personality.

3. Commercial transaction is an agreement between two or more merchants

or non-merchants binding themselves to give or to do something in commercial
business.

4. The theory of manifestation applies to the perfection of commercial

contracts governed by the Code of Commerce. Commercial contracts are
perfected from the time the acceptance is made.

securities regulation code

Definition. SECURITIES are shares, participation or interest in a corporation or in a

commercial enterprise or profit-making venture, and evidenced by a certificate,
contract, instrument, whether written or electronic in character, and include debt,
equity, derivatives and trust instruments

EXEMPT SECURITIES: GRAB

a. issued or guaranteed by the Government;
b. issued by Receiver or trustee or in a bankruptcy;
c. issued or guaranteed by the government of Any country with which the
Philippines has diplomatic relations;
d. Bank securities except its own shares of stock.

EXEMPT TRANSACTIONS: MIB

a. Merger or consolidation;
b. Isolated transactions;
c. Bank transactions.

INVESTMENT CONTRACT requires the concurrence of the following:

a. Investment in money
b. Common enterprise
c. Expectation of profits
d. Profits must arise from the efforts of others
e. Evidenced by contract or instrument.

INSIDER — includes issuer, director, officer, government employee or any person who
has material information about the securities not generally available to the public.
MANIPULATED DEVICES
a. Short Sale — seller is not a dealer in securities
b. Wash Sale —sale of stocks or securities in stock trading resulting in no
change of beneficial ownership
c. “Done Through Transaction” — refers to a transaction where the
buying-selling broker places the order through another broker for the
account of his client.
d. “Over the Counter” — transactions made outside the stock trade.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW

Distinctions between Infringement and Unfair Competition

INFRINGEMENT UNFAIR COMPETITION

Unauthorized use of trademark
Fraudulent intent — not required
Registration — required
Goods must be of similar kind
Passing of one’s good for
another
Fraudulent intent required
Registration not required
Goods need not be of the
same kind

2 KINDS OF TESTS OF COLORABLE IMITATION:

1. Dominancy Test — focuses on the similarity of prevalent features of
competing trademarks which might cause confusion or deception.
2. Holistic Test — mandates that the entirety of the marks in question
must be considered in determining confusing similarity.

SETTLED DOCTRINES
1. Doctrine of equivalents – infringement takes place if a device
appropriates a prior invention using the same means, functions and results.
2. Fair use principle – no infringement of copyrights under the following:
a. Criticism
b. Comments
c. News reporting
3. Theory of dilution – infringement of trademarks takes place under the
following:
a. Use of identical or confusingly similar trademarks
b. Damage
c. Public is misled

banking laws

POWERS OF MONETARY BOARD (BSP): RAMOS

a. Regulate foreign currency transactions;
b. Appointment of receiver or conservator;
c. Maintain stability of price;
d. Obtain information and data;
e. Supervise and examine banks.
Coins are considered legal tender up to the following maximum amounts:
1,000 – P1.00; P5.00; P10.00
100 – 1 centavo; 5 centavos; 10 centavos; and 25 centavos

Receiver — 90 days from take over to recommend rehabilitation or resumption.

Conservator — 1 year from take over

DOSRI — can obtain loans and other financial accommodations upon approval of the
majority of directors provided that:
a. it does not exceed 5% of the capital and surplus of the bank;
b. waiver of secrecy of bank deposit law

Foreclosure of Real Estate Mortgage (extrajudicial or judicial).

a. Individual — 1 year
b. Juridical is mortgagor — 90 days or upon registration of certificate of
sale whichever is earlier

PHILIPPINE DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION (as amended by

RA 9302, and RA 9576)

Coverage: Deposits of all types such as savings, time, current, and demand.
SAFETY DEPOSIT BOX IS COVERED by a Contract of Bailment.

Amount Insured —P500,000.00; and this may cover all types of deposit made by one
depositor. Exclude trust fund and money market placement.

Prescriptive Period: 2 years from the takeover by a receiver.

SECRECY OF BANK DEPOSITS

ALL DEPOSITS of whatever nature are confidential except in the following cases
BALIW-GERC
B— RIBERY cases or dereliction of duty
A— NTI GRAFT AND CORRUPT PRACTICES ACT
L— ITIGATION (subject)
I— MPEACHMENT cases
W— AIVER
G— ROSS ESTATE
E— XAMINATION of suspicious deposits
R— EPORTING of suspicious transactions by covered institutions
C— OMPROMISE tax liability on the ground of financial incapacity

Application ex parte with CA to inquire about bank deposits. cA shall

resolve within 24 hours. But no court order is necessary if unlawful
activity involves kidnapping, dangerous drugs 9265 and hijacking or
terrorism.

Petition for freeze order should be reolved within 24 hours. Valid for 20
days but defendant can file motion to lift freeze order which should be
resolved within the 20 day freeze order period.
 PRIVATE CORPORATION LAW

1. Close Corporation has the following characteristics:

a. Shares of stock not listed through local stock exchange
b. There are always restrictions on the transfer of the shares of stocks
c. Stockholders have the power to manage the corporate affairs
d. Their pre-emptive right admits of no exception
E. shares held by not more than 20 people

This is absolute under a close corporation.

2. Corporation is NOT entitled to MORAL DAMAGES because as an

artificial being it cannot experience physical suffering or mental anguish.

Exception: Libel, slander or defamation cases (Art. 2219 (7), Civil Code)

3. Stock vs. Non Stock Corporation

Stock — issues capital stock; it distributes dividends.
Non-stock — issues no capital stock; it does not distribute dividends to the m
embers.

● Government-owned or controlled corporation must be organized as a

stock or non-stock corporation. Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA)
is not organized as a stock or non-stock corporation.

Reasons:
1. MIAA has capital stock but it is not divided into shares of stock. MIAA has
no stockholders or voting shares. Hence, MIAA is not a stock corporation.
2. MIAA is not a non-stock corporation because it has members.

4. De Facto vs. De Jure Corporation vs. by estoppel

DE FACTO Corporation— exists only in fact; defectively formed. Rt to exercise
corporate poers cannot b inquired into collaterally, but can only be made by solgen in
quo warranto proceeding (sec20)
DE JURE Corporation — exists in fact and in law; formed or organized in
accordance with law
BY ESTOPPEL--aka ostensible corporation. knowingly without authority act
as corporations. Shall be sued as general partners. Cannot use as defense its
lack of corporate personality. (sec21) however,one who transacts with an
ostensible corp cannot resist performance of obligation on the ground that there
was in fact no corporation.

5. REQUISITES OF DE FACTO CORPORATOIN BALI

a. Bona fide attempt to incorporate
b. Actual exercise of corporate powers
c. Valid Law under which it is incorporated
d. Issuance of the certificate of incorporation

6. Exceptions to the rule that corporation is created by law:

 a. Corporation by Estoppel — which arises on account of declaration, act or
admission of persons. These persons are liable as general partners.
b. Corporation by Prescription — it is a corporation that exercises corporate
powers. There is that IMMEMORIAL USAGE of corporate powers.

7. Limitations on the issuance of no par value shares of stock: BPI-TB

a. Corporations not allowed to issue no par value stocks:
● B — Banks
● P — Public Utility
● I — Insurance Companies
● T — Trust Companies
● B — Building and loan associations
b. The consideration must not be less than P5.00/per share
c. The amount or the proceeds shall not be available for dividend distribution

8. Treasury stocks
a. not entitled to dividends
b. no voting rights
c. can be disposed of at a reasonable price

9. Contracts entered into by promoters are mere continuing offers. These

are not binding upon the corporation. These may be approved or disapproved by
the corporation. Promoters are liable for secret profits. They are not entitled to
compensation.

Remedies in case of mismanagement of corporate affairs: DRID

a. Dissolution
b. Receivership
c. Injunction
d. Derivative Suit

10. Requisites of Derivative Suit: CRIES

a. Cause of action which may consist of breach of duty and fraud;
b. Refusal of the board to take an action;
c. Injury to the corporation;
d. Exhaustion of intra-corporate remedies except if the directors against
whom the action shall be filed are the controlling directors;
e. Stockholders on record.

11. Ultra vires act may be ratified.

Conditions:
a. Not illegal or unconstitutional
b. Not prejudicial to the right of the state.
c. Not violative of the Trust Fund doctrine
d. Approved by all stockholders

● Donation/contribution for partisan activity- ultra vires act

● Trust fund doctrine- the subscribed capital stock must be considered as
trust fund for the payment of the obligations of the corporation.
--unlawful for the corp to return assets to the stockholders
 representing capital. A corp may acquire its own shares only if there exists in
the books unrestricted earnings to cover repurchase of the shares

12. Legal Effects/Consequences of ULTRA VIRES Acts:

a. Parties to the contract
● If the contract is fully executed — the principle of status quo
applies
● If the contract is executory — no recovery, no specific
performance
b. State — ground for dissolution through a petition for a quo warranto
c. Stockholders — may file a derivative suit to prevent injury, and if injury
has already been sustained an action for damages may be filed against
those directors and officers who are responsible for such ultra vires act.

13. Corporate proposals requiring stockholder’s approval:

a. Majority: CAMFEN:
C— Compensation to stockholders
A— Adoption of by-laws
M— Management contract
F— Filling of vacancies of Board
E— Election of directors
N— No par value of shares of stocks may be fixed with the
approval of the stockholders.
b. All the rest 2/3 votes

14. By-laws — must be valid

a. reasonable
b. not contrary to law

An amendment to the corporate by-law which renders a stockholder ineligible to

be director, if he be also director in a corporation whose business is in competition with
that of the other corporation, has been sustained as VALID.

Reason:
This is based upon the principle that where the director is so employed in the
service of a rival company, he cannot serve both, but must betray one or the other.
Sound principles of corporate management counsel against sharing sensitive
information with a director whose fiduciary duty to loyalty may well require that he
disclose this information to a competitive rival.

15. Certificate of stock may be issued only upon full payment of subscription
price

16. WATERED STOCK — one which is issued less than the par value
(TRICK: It shall be determined at the time of issuance NOT discovery)

17. Outline the steps in the consolidation/merger of corporations: PAF

a. There must be a Plan of merger or consolidation;
b. Approval of that plan by the Stockholders/directors of the involved
corporation;
 c. Filing of the Articles of Incorporation of the merger and consolidation with
the SEC.

18. Corporate Liquidation

MODES:
a. Board
b. Receiver
c. Trustee —

3-year liquidation period applies to the appointment of the receiver or

trustee. It may apply as long as the appointment or designation is within the 3
year period. The corporate affairs may be wound up beyond the 3 year period.

Decided Case:

The stockholders and the creditors of a corporation have the right to file a
petition for corporate liquidation in case the board fails to liquidate the same and there
is no such receiver or trustee appointed for that purpose.

19. Statutory definition of DOING BUSINESS — RA 7042 (Foreign

Investment Act). The following acts constitute “doing business” that will make
the foreign corporation a resident foreign corporation: ASAPO
A — Appointment or designation of distributors/representatives.
Here, the law requires that the distributors or representatives must
stay in the Philippines for a period of 180 days or more
S — Soliciting orders or service contracts
A — Any act which may imply continuity of commercial dealings and
arrangements
P — Participating in the management or control of the corporation
O — Opening offices, branch offices, or liaison offices

20. Decided Cases:

1. Test in determining whether the corporation is doing business or
not— It is the intention to continue the body or substance of the business
of the foreign corporation, and not by the number of business activities or
transactions of such corporation. If this is not in line with the business of foreign
corporation, corporation cannot be considered as doing business.

2. An essential condition to be considered as “doing business” in

the Philippines is the actual performance of specific commercial acts within the
territory of the Philippines for the plain reason that the Philippines has no
jurisdiction over commercial acts performed in foreign territories.

21. Resident Foreign Corporation is required to secure a license

Consequence in case of non-compliance: It cannot sue but it can be sued.

EXCEPTION: License can be dispensed with:

a. Where the action may involve the protection of copyright, trademark,
goodwill, or reputation of a foreign corporation.
 b. If the defendants are estopped as they acknowledged having received
benefits under that representative agreement.

22. Voting Trustee has all the rights over that shares of stock. The term
of the voting trust agreement is five (5) years.

Exception:
The five (5) year term does not apply if it is made as a condition in a
loan contract.

Voting trust is ineffective unless

a. in writing and notarized
b.specifying the terms and conditions and
c. certified copy must be filed with SEC

23. RIGHTS OF STOCKHOLDERS: VAMPIDACT

V — Vote
A — Appraisal Right
M — Management
P — Pre-emptive Right
I — Inspect corporate books
D — Dividend
A — Asset
C — Certificate of Stock (issuance)
T — Transfer of shares of stock

24. THREE FOLD DUTIES of the Directors, Officer and Trustee OLD
a. Obedience
b. Loyalty
c. Diligence

25. POWERS OF THE BOARD

a. Express
b. Implied
c. Incidental

Implied vs. Incidental

IMPLIED POWERS — powers which are REASONABLY necessary to carry out the
purpose of the corporation

INCIDENTAL POWERS — powers which are INDISPENSABLY necessary to carry out

the purpose(s) of the corporation

RESIDUAL POWERS of the corporation are powers which may be exercised by them
relative to certain corporate proposals. Stockholders under such power are not totally
deprived of their power to participate in the management of corporate affairs.

The residual powers may include: MIRIAM

M — merger or consolidation
 I— increase in capital stock
R— removal of directors
I— incur/create bonded indebtedness
A— amendment of the articles of incorporation
M— management contract

26. Sale of all or substantially all corporate assets or properties requires:

a. majority vote of the board;
b. 2/3 vote of the stockholders;
N/B: 2/3 vote of stockholders may be dispensed with:
● if sale is made in the ordinary course of trade or business;
● if proceeds shall be appropriated/used for the conduct of remaining
business

27. Power of the corporation to invest in another corporation or business

requires:
a. Majority vote of the board;
b. 2/3 vote of the stockholders

* Exception where 2/3 vote of stockholders is not required:

● If the investment is necessary to carry out the primary purpose of the
corporation.

28. Merger or Consolidation requires the following:

a. 2/3 vote of the stockholders
b. articles of merger/consolidation must be filed and approved by the SEC

29. Corporation is prohibited from retaining surplus profits in excess of 100%

of the paid-up capital
EXCEPT: PNP
P — Corporate Projects, meaning the retention may be justified by such
corporate projects
N — Necessary for probable contingencies
P— Prohibited by loan with financial institutions, foreign or domestic

30. REDEEMABLE SHARES may be issued only if:

1. Articles of incorporation must allow the same
2. Regardless of unrestricted retained earnings (An exception to the
TRUST FUND DOCTRINE)

Unregistered retained earnings — surplus profits which are not allocated

for managerial, legal or contractual purposes and it must be free for dividend
distribution.

31 Contracts between directors/officers or trustees and corporations are

valid provided that
a. the vote of the board of directors is not necessary for the approval of the
contract and
b. presence of the involved directors/officers is not required to constitute a
quorum. Otherwise, the contract is voidable which is susceptible to ratification.
 32. Contracts entered between corporation and interlocking directors are
valid provided:
● The contract must be fair and reasonable, otherwise they are considered
voidable.

33. RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF NON-VOTING SHARES OF STOCK: SAMIA IDI

S— Sale of all corporate assets
A— Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation
M— Merger/consolidation
I— Investment in another corporation
A— Adoption of By-laws
I— Increase of Capital Stock
D— Dissolution
I— Incur/create bonded indebtedness

34. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Composition:
1. Not less than three members of the Board
2. It can only act on matters delegated by the Board
3. It may be created by the by-laws of the corporation
4. It cannot act on the so-called fundamental changes such as the Filling
of vacancies in the Board, Adoption/amendment of by-laws, declaration of
Cash dividend, Irrepealable resolutions of the Board and those transactions
requiring Stockholders’ approval. FACIS

35. DOCTRINE OF CORPORATE PERSONALITY:

● Corporation is a creation of law, therefore it has juridical personality, to
sue and be sued, to enter into a contract.
● A corporation has a separate and distinct personality from that of its
stockholders/members.
● The obligations and properties of the corporation may not be considered
properties/obligations of the stockholders.

36. DOCTRINE OF PIERCING THE VEIL OF CORPORATE FICTION:

Corporate entity may be pierced if there is a clear and unequivocal proof that
such corporation is formed for illegal or unlawful purpose.
In cases of: JAP CDD
J — justify a wrong
A — alter ego
P — protect fraud
C — to confuse legitimate issues
D — to defend a crime
D — to defeat public convenience

37. Grandfather rule: it is a method or test used in determining the

nationality of a corporation that engages in the exploration, development,
utilization of natural resources. It also applies to public utilities where the
ownership is at least 60% Filipino.
 Purpose: to prevent dilution of the requirement on Filipino ownership in
nationalized or partially-nationalized corporations. This rule has been relaxed
by the opinion of the Secretary of Justice dated 19 January 1989. It is enough
that the investee-corporation is owned 60% - owned by Filipinos.

38. Doctrine of derivative suit — CRIES

C— Cause of action
R— Refusal of the Board
I— Injury
E— Exhaustion of intra corporate remedies except if the Directors
control the corporation
S— Stockholders filing the same must be stockholders of record

39. DOCTRINE OF CORPORATE OPPORTUNITY —sec34

Pointers to remember:
a. self-dealing director enters into a contract to e prejudice of the corp
b. such contract is considered corporate business opportunity
c. profits derived therefrom must be accounted for and in behalf of the
corporation
d. the contracts are unenforceable as far the corporation is concerned

Director must refund profits earned unless 2/3 SH ratifies contract

40. Doctrine of appraisal right: may be exercised on the following cases: MISA
a. merger/consolidation
b. investment in another corporation
c. sale of all corporate assets/properties
d. amendment to the articles of incorporation which may include to extend/
shorten corporate term

41. PRE-EMPTIVE RIGHT — Right to invest; an optional right to subscribe

to the additional issues as well as the disposition of shares of stock. It extends:
a. to all issues, including those subsequent issuance of unissued shares of
stock
b. to all dispositions of treasury shares of stock

PRE-EMPTIVE RIGHT may be denied in the following cases:

a. when the articles of incorporation provides
b. law requiring public ownership
c. in payment of a debt
d. in exchange for property

42. DOCTRINE OF APPARENT AUTHORITY — There is an agent-principal

relationship. The principal must be the corporation. The Agent may be the
Board or the Officers of the Corporation. Under this doctrine, third persons may
presume that the agent has the power to enter under such contract. Abuse of
authority or fraud may not be raised as a defense in questioning such contract
because such representation of agent of the corporation must yield to the true
representation of the principal corporation.
 43. UNRESTRICTED RETAINED EARNINGS — Surplus profits which are
not allocated for managerial, legal, contractual purposes and this must be
available for dividend distribution.

44. TRUST FUND DOCTRINE — the subscribed capital stock must be

considered as trust fund for the payment of the obligations of the corporation

45. BEST JUDGMENT RULE — requires directors, officers, trustees to

exercise due prudence and care in the performance of their duties. In this
regard, corporate decisions must be arrived at according to their best judgment
or independent judgment. Good faith is an indispensable requisite.

46. Corporation may acquire its own shares of stocks for legitimate purposes
such as: CPE
a. Collect or compromise indebtedness
b. Pay dissenting stockholders
c. Eliminate fractional shares

47. INTRA CORPORATE CONTROVERSIES — which include election,

removal, or DISMISSAL of Vice-President, General Manager, or corporate
treasurer are now cognizable by the REGIONAL TRIAL COURTS

NEGOTIABLE Instruments LAW

1. Please memorize Sections 1 (requisites of a negotiable instrument) and 52

(holder in due cours e) WUPOD
Must be in writing and signed by the drawer or maker
Unconditional promise or order to pay a sum certain in money
Payable on demand or at a fixed or determinable future time
Must be payable to order or bearer
Drawee must be named or indicated with reasonable certainty

2. FEATURES OF NEGOTIABLE INSTRUMENTS:

a. Negotiability
b. Accumulation of secondary contracts

3. Functions of a Negotiable Instrument

a. it serves as a substitute for money.
b. it facilitates business transactions.

4. DEFECTIVE INSTRUMENTS (Sec. 14, 15 and 16 NIL)

Summary of the Rules:

Probable Bar Questions: Sec. 15 or 16

The question is whether a holder can collect.
Remember that the HOLDER IS PRESUMED TO BE A HOLDER IN
DUE COURSE.
1. Sec. 15, he cannot collect because the contract is invalid in the
 hands of any holder.
2. Common to all defective instruments (Sec. 14, 15, 16) subsequent
parties are liable.

5. Holder in due course must acquire title to the instrument thru negotiation.

Most PROBABLE BAR QUESTIONS:

1. Forged signature — wholly INOPERATIVE EXCEPT indorsers

2. Materially altered instrument — AVOIDED EXCEPT indorsers

6. LETTER of CREDIT and trust receipts are not negotiable instruments.

However, drafts issued in connection with letters of credit are negotiable
instruments.

7. RULES ON ACCOMMODATION PARTY:

a. Purpose: To lend his name; no other purpose
b. Liability: is that of a surety
c. Remedy: reimbursement from the accommodated party
d. Absence of consideration is not a defense
e. Liable to a holder for value
f. He must be a holder in due course minus knowledge of lack of
consideration
g. “Without receiving value therefore” refers to the amount in the instrument.
He may be considered as an accommodation party if he receives value for
purposes of lending his name.

8. Bearer instrument vs. order instrument

Bearer instrument — negotiated by delivery

Order instrument — negotiated by indorsement completed by delivery

● It the payee is not the intended recipient of the proceeds of the check,
the payee is considered a fictitious and the check is a bearer instrument. In a
fictitious-payee situation, the drawee bank is absolved from liability and the
drawer bears the loss.

Exception: A showing of commercial bad faith on the part of the drawee bank,
or any transferee of the check. Commercial bad faith is present if the transferee
of the check acts dishonestly, and is party to the fraudulent scheme.

9. Ordinary check vs. memorandum check

Ordinary check — presentment is required
Memorandum check — the drawer is absolutely liable to the holder;
presentment is not required
10. REAL DEFENSES VS. PERSONAL DEFENSES
Real defenses — enforceable against any holder even a holder in due course
Personal defenses — enforceable only against a holder who is not in holder in
due course.

11. Fraud in factum vs. Fraud in inducement

 Fraud in factum — a real defense
● A person is induced to sign an nstrument not knowing its character as a
note or bill.he does not know he was signing a negotiable instrument.
Fraud in inducement — a personal defense
● The person who sins the nstument intends such to be a negotiable
instrument but was induced to do so only thru fraud. His consent was
vitiated.

12. Presentment for payment and notice of dishonor are required to make
drawer and indorsers personally liable EXCEPT:
a. if the drawer or indorser has no right to expect that the instrument will be
paid upon presentment;
b. after the exercise of reasonable diligence;
c. waiver

13. Facultative indorsement - is one which contains waiver of right

Restrictive indorsement - renders the instrument non-negotiable
Except if it constitutes the indorsee the agent of the indorser or if it vests
title in the indorsee in trust for some other person sec 36 nil

14. Rights of a holder in due course

a. right to sue
b. right to receive payment
c. right to hold the instrument free from defenses
d. right to enforce for the full amount thereof

15. AVAL — a written security instrument executed to secure the payment of

a bill of exchange. Drawer (guarantor) is regarded as AVALISTA

DECIDED CASES/SETTLED RULES UNDER NIL

16. If the instrument is worded “I/WE” or “either of us”, the liability is solidary

17. P1,200,000.00 in figures vs. ONE MILLION TWO HUNDRED PESOS in

words, sum payable is P1,000,200.00 — EXCEPTION: agreement prevails
because the agreement itself says P1,200,000.00

18. Drawee bank is liable on a check bearing drawer’s forged signature

except if the drawer is guilty of gross negligence, in the following cases: LUPA
a. failure to inform the drawee of the loss;
b. unauthorized payee
c. printing of checks without preventive measures
d. no accounting systems

19. Holder of a crossed bank check must inquire into the indorser’s title,
otherwise he is not qualified as a holder in due course
EFFECTS OF CROSSING CHECK: NOW
a. Not for encashment, but is for deposit
b. Negotiated only once
c. Warning
20. COLLECTING BANK is liable on a check under these two cases:
a. Check bears the forged signature of the payee
b. Materially altered check

21. DRAWEE BANK is liable under the following:

a. Check bearing the forged signature of the drawer;
b. Guilty of gross negligence

22. EFFECTS OF FORGERY OF PAYEE’S SIGNATURE

a. Bearer instrument — maker is still liable thereon
b. Guilty of gross negligence

23. MINOR-PAYEE is not liable on the instrument but the negotiation is VALID.

24. Treasury warrant is not a negotiable instrument because it is payable out

of a particular fund. Order to pay is therefore conditional.

25. Drawee is liable only upon ACCEPTANCE or CERTIFICATION

26. BEARER INSTRUMENT SPECIALLY INDORSED IS NEGOTIABLE BY DELIV
ERY.
Reason: BEARER INSTRUMENT IS ALWAYS A BEARER INSTRUMENT

27. Can a PAYEE qualify as HDC?

YES, if he has all the requisites of HDC

28. Can a DRAWEE be a HDC?

NO, because it acquires the instrument not through negotiation. Payment
thereof reduces the bill to a mere voucher.

INSURANCE

1. PRINCIPLES

P — Personal Contract
I — Contract of Indemnity
G — Good faith
A — Contract of Adhesion, because the ambiguity shall be liberally
construed in favor of the insured.

Decided Case: Lessor cannot recover the proceeds of property insurance secured by
the lessee notwithstanding stipulation to that effect.

2. Doing Insurance Business SIRA

a. Suretyship
b. Insurance Contract
c. Reinsurance
d. Any act equivalent to the last 3.
3. Read Sec. 10 and 14. INSURABLE INTEREST
In life insurance — the insurable interest must exist only upon effectivity of that
life insurance
In Property Insurance:
2 Conditions in order that there can be recovery:
a. That interest must exist upon effectivity
b. that such interest much exist during loss

4. BENEFICIARY
RULES:
a. He/she must be a qualified donee
b. Not a common law wife, because a common law wife is disqualified
c. Legal wife, the one entitled thereto
d. 1st wife, 2nd wife: if the 2nd wife is in good faith and not aware of the
existence of the first marriage, the court ruled 50/50% - 1st wife 50%; 2nd
wife 50%.
e. In property insurance, the beneficiary must have insurable interest but in
life insurance, the beneficiary need not have insurable interest

5. Probable bar question Sec. 26. CONCEALMENT

CONCEALMENT defined:
A neglect to communicate that which a party knows and ought to communicate.
Requisites:
a. The fact is known to that party
b. Neglect to communicate
Concealment may be a ground for the rescission of a contract if the same is
material.

6. MATERIALITY (Sec. 31)

Materiality is not determined by the event, but it is the probable and reasonable
influence of the facts upon the person to whom the communication is due.

7. REPRESENTATION VS. WARRANTY

Representation — it is made by both insured and insurer; mere
collateral inducement
WARRANTY — it is made by the insured only; part of the contract

8. 2 YEAR CONTESTABILITY CLAUSE

applies only to life insurance, but it is optional in the case of property insurance.
(Life + 2 year effectivity)
Exception: it is still contestable even after the 2 year contestability period

GROUNDS: VEIN
a. vicious fraud
b. excepted risk
c. no insurable interest
d. non-payment

9. PREMIUM
 RULE: No premiums paid, no insurance, consequently, no recovery of claims
may be had

EXCEPTIONS:
a. acknowledgment of receipt of such premium
b. in the case of life and industrial life policies, because of the one-month or
30-day grace period
c. installment payment
d. 60 to 90 day credit term

RETURN OF PREMIUMS
a. Surrender of policy
b. Voidable on account of insurer’s fraud or misrepresentation
c. Over insurance
d. Not exposed to the risk

10. PERILS OF THE SEA VS. PERILS OF THE SHIP

Perils of the sea refer to the violent forces of nature, these are strong winds
and waves.
Perils of the ship refer to the inherent nature or structure of a vessel. These
are not covered by Marine Insurance.

11. BOTTOMRY LOAN VS. RESPONDENTA

Bottomry Loan refers to vessels, reduces the insurable interest of the owner.
Respondentia — refers to cargoes and goods

12. PROPER DEVIATION SWAN

S— to save vessel under distress
W— to comply with warranty
A— to avoid peril
N— neither the master nor the captain has control

13. CONSTRUCTIVE LOSS more than 2/3 of the value + factual loss +
notice to the insurer + abandonment

14. DOUBLE INSURANCE DIR IS

D— Different insurers
I— the same insured
R — the same risk
I— the same insurable interest
S— the same subject matter

15. FRIENDLY FIRE vs HOSTILE FIRE

Friendly fire is useful, not covered by fire insurance
Hostile fire is harmful, covered by fire insurance

16. NO FAULT CLAUSE

Requisites: NO need to prove such negligence or fault
a. Amount P5,000.00 (hindi ba 15k na to accdg to sundiang?)
b. Police report
 c. Death or medical certificate

17. AUTHORIZED DRIVER’S CLAUSE — does not apply to the insured/

owner of that car, even if he has a driver license or not, the same does not
apply. It only applies to a person authorized by the insured.

18. Expired License, he is not authorized driver, hence, no recovery

19. INTERNATIONAL DRIVER’S LICENSE is good only for 90 days

20. INDEMNITY INSURANCE is a separate and distinct contract from that of

the liability of the owner of such car that may be based on tort or damages
whereas the liability of an insurer for indemnity insurance is based on
contract.

21. SUICIDE CLAUSE

There can be recovery EXCEPT in one case, and that is if there is NO
SUICIDE CLAUSE and the insured is SANE and the life insurance has been
contested.

TRANSPORTATION LAW

1. TESTS OF COMMON CARRIER:

a. Character — business (part of business) meaning for a fee
b. Public at large — offers services to the public (need not be continuous)

2. COMMON CARRIER vs. PRIVATE CARRIER

Common Carrier — extra ordinary diligence may not be dispensed with
Private Carrier — there may be stipulation exempting liability arising from
negligence

3. As to subject matter: Goods and cargoes — the extraordinary diligence

shall begin or commence from the unconditional receipt of goods and it ends or
terminate from the actual or constructive delivery of the goods to the consignee
or agent.

Passengers — extraordinary diligence shall commence from the time he steps

on the platform and as long as there is that intention to carry such passenger
and ends or terminates from the time he has safely alighted and there is that
reasonable opportunity to leave the premises of the common carrier

4. Common carriers are not liable under the ff. instance: PONEDO
P— public enemy (act)
O— order of competent authority
N— natural calamity
E— exercised extra ordinary diligence
D— defect in the packing
O— omission of the shipper

5. HIJACKING, EXPLOSION OF NEW TIRE, the common carrier is still liable.

 Exception in hijacking, if there is IRRESISTIBLE FORCE, common carrier is
relieved from liability

6. REGISTERED OWNER AND BUYER OF A MOTOR VEHICLE are

solidarily liable even if the ownership has already been transferred; the
registered owner is still liable if there is no change of registration.

7. MORAL DAMAGES may be recovered from the common carrier in

the ff. cases: DOH

D— Downgrading of the airline ticket

O— Overbooking, amounting to bad faith
H— Harsh treatment, discourteous act

8. LIMITATION ON THE COMMON CARRIER’S LIABILITY

Rules:
a. Passengers, no compromise, cannot be the subject of stipulation
b. Goods, can be the subject of compromise
Requisites:
1. Stipulation must be in writing
2. There must be consideration other than to transport goods. This
may include reduction of rates.
3. Reasonable

9. BILL OF LADING—
a. Commercial document
b. Receipt of goods
c. Evidence of the existence of the contract of carriage of goods
Rules:
a. no liability arising from negligence of the agent — valid stipulation
b. unqualified limitation — void stipulation
c. qualified liability — valid stipulation

Conditions: it must be fair and reasonable

10. A Charter party may become a private carrier if:

a. it carries special cargo
b. it is chartered to a special person

11. BAREBOAT OR DEMISE vs. AFFREIGHTMENT

BAREBOAT/DEMISE — when the control, possession and navigation are
transferred to charterer, it is transformed into a private carrier.
AFFREIGHTMENT — owner retains control and possession of the vessel

12. CHARTER PARTY vs. CONTRACT OF LEASE

Charter Party — the charterer may terminate the contract by paying 50% of the
freightage; cannot be compelled to respect subsequent sale of vessel
Contract of Lease — a lessor cannot terminate the contract before the
expiration of the term; subsequent buyer must respect the lease.
13. Collision vs. Allision
Collision —this involves two moving vessels
Allision — one of the vessels is stationary

14. Error in extremis —the last clear chance rule is not applicable. This
may occur under the following situation:
a. The faultless vessel is in the third zone of collision
b. the vessel at fault is in the second zone of collision

15. Three Zones of Collision: BPI

a. All the time up to the moment when risk of collision may be said to have
Begun
b. From the moment the risk begins and the moment when it has become of
Practical certainty
c. When it has become of practical certainty to the moment of actual contact
or Impact

16. Arrivals under distress may occur under the following instances: LAW
a. Lack of provisions
b. Accident in the sea
c. Well founded fear of seizure

17. DOCTRINE OF INSCRUTABLE FAULT — If the fault of the vessel

cannot be determined with certainty. Consequences:
a. Both vessels shall bear their own damages
b. Both vessels are liable solidarily to the owners of cargoes

If NONE is at fault, each vessel shall bear its own damage.

18. DOCTRINE OF LIMITED LIABILITY — the liability of the owner of the

vessel is co-extensive to the value of the vessel, equipment and the freight.
Exceptions: WINDIR
a. Workmen’s Compensation Act
b. Injury
c. Negligence
d. Death
e. Insured (vessel)
f. Repairs

19. Heirs of crew of the vessel have preferential right over the proceeds of the
vessel.

20. Maritime protest

Conditions: CATA
a. It must be made in writing by the Captain/master
b. Accident, in the nature of collision or allision
c. Within Twenty hours
d. Lodged before competent Authority
21. Jettison PSC
Conditions:
a. Proper formalities must be complied with
b. deliberate Sacrifice of goods
c. presence of Common danger

COGSA

1. These are goods coming from foreign country to Philippine ports.

2. Coverage: Loss/damage of goods
3. Period: 1 year from discharge of the goods
4. Notice is not required
5. Who will file: shipper; consignee; or INSURER in the event that it is
subrogated to the rights of the shipper or consignee.
6. Not Covered:
a. Misdeliveries
b. Conversions

PUBLIC SERVICE ACT

1. Certificate of Public Convenience is not required for purposes of filing an

action for damages: PAPAI
P— Public markets
A— Animal drawn vehicles
P— Public utilities operated by the government
A— Airships
I— Iceplants and warehouses

2. Requirements CPP
a. Citizen or corporation 60% owned by citizens of the Philippines
b. Public necessity
c. Public interest

3. Prior operator rule vs. prior applicant rule

In case of conflict, prior operator rule prevails

4. Prior operator rule: Requisites:

a. There must be offer to increase public service
b. There must be proof of satisfactory and efficient public service

Prior Applicant rule — prior applicant is given special treatment or

preferential right

WAREHOUSE RECEIPT LAW

1. Warehouseman is bound to deliver the goods under the ff. conditions:

a. Satisfy warehouseman’s lien
b. Surrender warehouse receipt
c. Acknowledge receipt of goods
● Indorser of negotiable document is not liable for breach of obligation
 of warehouseman.

2. Negotiable receipt vs. Negotiable instrument

NR — refers to goods or article
● bearer document may be converted into an order document
NI — involves the payment of a sum certain in money
— bearer instrument is always a bearer instrument

TRUST RECEIPT

Failure to turn over to the entrustor the proceeds of the sale covered by delivery
trust receipt constitutes estafa. The Supreme Court said it is an offense malum
prohibitum. The purpose is to punish dishonesty and abuse of confidence. Hence, the
constitutional prohibition against imprisonment for non-payment of debt is not
applicable.

The entrustee is liable for loss of the goods because he is obligated to insure
the same. The doctrine of res perit domino does not apply. Transfer of goods by the
entrustee confers ownership upon the buyer. This is an exception to the rule that no
one can dispose of the thing which he does not own.

Res perit domino- The thing is lost to the owner. This phrase is used to express that
when a thing is lost or destroyed, it is lost to the person who was the owner of it at the
time. For example, an article is sold; if the seller have perfected the title of the buyer so
that it is his, and it be destroyed, it is the buyer's loss; but if, on the contrary, something
remains to be done before the title becomes vested in the buyer, then the loss falls on
the seller

TRUTH IN LENDING ACT

Coverage:
Sale on credit, installment, loan, lease with option to buy. The Supreme Court
said it covers banks and non-bank financial intermediaries, authorized to engage in
quasi-banking activities.

Purpose:
To protect a debtor from the effects of misrepresentation or concealment

Requirements: CARD

a. Cash price;
b. Amount credited if on installment;
c. Recital of finance charges;
d. Difference between cash and installment price

Consequences for Non-compliance:

a. Debtor may recover the interest payment
b. Creditor is liable to pay finance charges (double) and attorney’s fees