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

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

 Partnership (9) Acts mentioned in Article 309;

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

The parents of the female seduced, abducted, raped, or


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

 Doctrine of limited capacity  Stockholders must generally cast their votes in the
meeting; section 4 governed primarily by the law
creating them
- Only such powers as are expressly granted to it by law
and by its articles of incorporation including others
which are incidental to such conferred powers, those Section 4. Corporations created by special
reasonably necessary to accomplish its purpose and laws or charters. - Corporations created by special laws
those which may be incidental to its existence or charters shall be governed primarily by the provisions
of the special law or charter creating them or applicable
to them, supplemented by the provisions of this Code,
- Can do things as the law asks or allows it to do insofar as they are applicable. (n)
- If it does anything beyond, it shall be considered as
ULTRA VIRES
 Section 3
 General rule: Moral damages cannot be granted to
corporations - The two requisites must always concur
1. That they have a capital stock divided into shares; and,
2. That they are authorized to distribute dividends or
 Exception: Filipinas Broadcasting Network Inc. vs. Ago
allotments as surplus profits to its stockholders on the
Med
basis of the shares held by each of them.

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


 Section 4
(should not qualify because the code does not qualify
whether natural or juridical) Art. 2219 of the civil code:
- Created by a special law, they have their own character
- They are not immune from suit unless provided by the
Art. 2219. Moral damages may be recovered law of their creation
in the following and analogous cases: - Primarily governed by the law creating them

(1) A criminal offense resulting in physical injuries;


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

- Their subsidiaries are entirely different or independent - Defining the scope of authority of the corporate
from that of the other enterprise pr undertaking. Both confirmed and limited
 4 limitations of purpose clause
 Close corporation 1. Lawful
2. Specific or stated concisely
- There is no exemption it is absolute 3. More than one, the primary and secondary must
be specified
 Public corporation 4. Lawfully combined
- Provision that states, cannot be issued less than par,
- Political or governmental purposes exception is treasury shares because it can be issued
- Those formed or organized for the government or a less than par
portion of the State or any of its political subdivision
and which have for their purpose the general good and  A corporation commences only upon issuance of the
welfare certificate, prior thereto it has no being and cannot
transact business. Promoters cannot act for a projected
 Private Corporation corporation

- Immediate benefit, aim or advantage of private  Metro Manila- paid up capital requirement is 10 M
individuals
- Those formed for some private purpose, benefit, aim or  Non- stock- mere mention of the operating capital
end
- Distinction: public for governmental purpose  Mention the authorized capital

 Corporation Sole  Restrictions

- Exemption to the rule because it is composed only of - Mandatory in close


one person - Not mandatory in ordinary
- An incorporator may also be a juridical person
 Non-stock
 Close corporation
- If value is not more than 100,000
- There is exclusivity of shares of stock
- Section 96-105  A corporation cannot use any other name unless it has
- Restrictions to transfer shares been amended
- Only those indicated can own shares
- Article must provide that there will be no public offering  Section 19

 Open corporation - If confusingly similar it will not be allowed to be


registered
- Verification slip from the records officer
- openly admit investors
- example: stock exchange
Section 19. Commencement of corporate
 Domestic/ Foreign existence. - A private corporation formed or organized
under this Code commences to have corporate existence
and juridical personality and is deemed incorporated
 Test
from the date the Securities and Exchange Commission
issues a certificate of incorporation under its official
- Incorporation test seal; and thereupon the incorporators,
- If incorporated under the laws of the Philippines it is a stockholders/members and their successors shall
domestic corporation constitute a body politic and corporate under the name
stated in the articles of incorporation for the period of
time mentioned therein, unless said period is extended
ME Gray vs. CA or the corporation is sooner dissolved in accordance
with law. (n)
- Parent or Holding/ subsidiaries and affiliates
- Affiliates- no majority vote - Words corporation or inc. either in full or abbreviated
SMC 12% form must be included

HERSHEY CBPl 12% Section 18. Corporate name. - No corporate


name may be allowed by the Securities and Exchange
12% CBP Commission if the proposed name is identical or
deceptively or confusingly similar to that of any existing
Affiliate is subject to common control by the 12 % owners corporation or to any other name already protected by
 De jure law or is patently deceptive, confusing or contrary to
existing laws. When a change in the corporate name is
- cannot be attached by the state even in a quo warranto approved, the Commission shall issue an amended
proceeding certificate of incorporation under the amended name. (n)

 De facto  Doctrine of secondary meaning

- exists by virtue of colorable compliance - A word or phrase originally incapable of exclusive


- Attached directly only by the state in a quo warranto appropriation [usually generic] with reference to an
proceeding article in the market, because of geographically or
otherwise descriptive, might nevertheless have been
 Corporation by estoppel used so long and so exclusively by one producer with
reference to his article that, in that trade and to that
-So defectively formed, but still considered corporation, branch of the purchasing public, the word or phrase has
but only in relation to those who cannot deny their become to mean that the article was his product.
existence section 20 and 21
FORMATION AND ORGANIZATION  Section 18
 3 stages
1. Creation - Lyceum of the Philippines case, the additional
2. Re-organization or quasi-reorganization geographical name does not make it confusingly similar
3. Dissolution/winding-up - actual confusion is not necessary - Philips case “it is
 Purpose clause enough that there is probable confusion”

Notes on Corporation Law


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

 2 requisites must be proven Corporators in a stock corporation are called


stockholders or shareholders. Corporators in a non-
- that the complainant corporation acquired a prior right stock corporation are called members. (4a)
over the use of such corporate name
- identical, deceptively or confusingly, patently deceptive  Define corporators <sec.5>

 principal office - All persons who compose the corporation at any given
time and need not be among those who execute the
- statement of principal office is required articles of incorporation at the start of its formation and
- city and municipality not only province must be organization.
specified - Originally or subsequently
- principal office NOT operations office - Section 5 provides:
- necessary because it will establish the residence of Corporators in a stock corporation are called
corporations stockholders or shareholders. Corporators in a non-
- venue of actions for or against the corporations stock corporation are called members. (4a)
- venue of meetings
- section 51 meetings may only be within the boundaries  May a corporation be a corporator?
of the city where the principal office
- non-stock may be held anywhere in the Philippines, if - YES. There is nothing to prevent a corporation from
provided in its by-laws being a stockholder
- where summons may be served
- registration of chattel mortgage must be registered in  Incorporator must subscribe to 1 share
the register of deeds where the principal office is located
 There are those that are exclusively reserved to Filipinos
Clavecilla Radio System vs. Antillon
 An incorporator maybe a corporator as long as he is a
stockholder
- action not upon a written contract
- city where the defendant resides
 section 6
 term of existence
Section 6. Classification of shares. - The
- corporate term required shares of stock of stock corporations may be divided
into classes or series of shares, or both, any of which
- determining what point in time the juridical personality
classes or series of shares may have such rights,
will cease to exist privileges or restrictions as may be stated in the articles
- enter into contract only when it has juridical personality of incorporation: Provided, That no share may be
- once it ceases to exist, it no longer has personality deprived of voting rights except those classified and
- exist for another 3 years only for purposes of liquidation issued as "preferred" or "redeemable" shares, unless
- Dissolution- it is automatic otherwise provided in this Code: Provided, further, That
there shall always be a class or series of shares which
have complete voting rights. Any or all of the shares or
 When should extension be made? series of shares may have a par value or have no par
value as may be provided for in the articles of
- General rule: Not earlier than 5 years incorporation: Provided, however, That banks, trust
- Exception: unless there are justifiable reasons companies, insurance companies, public utilities, and
building and loan associations shall not be permitted to
issue no-par value shares of stock.
 May it be extended after expiration?

- Alhambra cigar vs. SEC once it ceases to exist it has no Preferred shares of stock issued by any
corporation may be given preference in the distribution
vested politic, exist only for a period of 3 years only for
of the assets of the corporation in case of liquidation
liquidation and for that purpose only and in the distribution of dividends, or such other
preferences as may be stated in the articles of
 Article 5 How many incorporators should there be? incorporation which are not violative of the provisions of
this Code: Provided, That preferred shares of stock may
be issued only with a stated par value. The board of
- 5-15
directors, where authorized in the articles of
incorporation, may fix the terms and conditions of
 May a corporation be an incorporator? preferred shares of stock or any series thereof: Provided,
That such terms and conditions shall be effective upon
- General rule: only natural persons the filing of a certificate thereof with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
- Exception: cooperatives and corporation primarily
organized to hold equities in rural banks
Shares of capital stock issued without par
 How about minors? value shall be deemed fully paid and non-assessable
and the holder of such shares shall not be liable to the
corporation or to its creditors in respect thereto:
- NO, because they must be of legal age Provided; That shares without par value may not be
issued for a consideration less than the value of five
 May a corporation organized by incorporators consisting (P5.00) pesos per share: Provided, further, That the
solely of foreigners entire consideration received by the corporation for its
no-par value shares shall be treated as capital and shall
not be available for distribution as dividends.
- Yes, there is no nationality requirement only residence,
as long as majority are residents of the Phil
A corporation may, furthermore, classify its
 Define incorporators <sec.5> shares for the purpose of insuring compliance with
constitutional or legal requirements.

- Those person mentioned in the articles as originally


forming the corporation and who are signatories of the Except as otherwise provided in the articles of
articles of incorporation. incorporation and stated in the certificate of stock, each
share shall be equal in all respects to every other share.
- Must be signatories to be incorporators

Where the articles of incorporation provide for


Section 5. Corporators and incorporators, non-voting shares in the cases allowed by this Code, the
stockholders and members. - Corporators are those who holders of such shares shall nevertheless be entitled to
compose a corporation, whether as stockholders or as vote on the following matters:
members. Incorporators are those stockholders or
members mentioned in the articles of incorporation as
originally forming and composing the corporation and 1. Amendment of the articles of incorporation;
who are signatories thereof.

Notes on Corporation Law


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

2. Adoption and amendment of by-laws; - The disqualifications provided for is absolute and may
not be done away with. Corporate by-laws may,
3. Sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge or other however, provide for additional qualifications and
disposition of all or substantially all of the corporate disqualifications.
property;
Section 27. Disqualification of directors,
4. Incurring, creating or increasing bonded trustees or officers. - No person convicted by final
indebtedness; judgment of an offense punishable by imprisonment for
a period exceeding six (6) years, or a violation of this
Code committed within five (5) years prior to the date of
5. Increase or decrease of capital stock; his election or appointment, shall qualify as a director,
trustee or officer of any corporation. (n)
6. Merger or consolidation of the corporation with
another corporation or other corporations;  Section 27 and 23 minimum disqualifications and
qualifications
7. Investment of corporate funds in another corporation
or business in accordance with this Code; and Lee vs. CA

8. Dissolution of the corporation. - By laws may provide for additional

Except as provided in the immediately  Gov’t vs. El hogar Filipino, Gokongwei vs. SMC
preceding paragraph, the vote necessary to approve a
particular corporate act as provided in this Code shall Capital structure
be deemed to refer only to stocks with voting rights. (5a)
Foundation- minimum paid-up capital 3M
 How many directors should there be?
Authorized capital 1 M No. of shares 1M shares
- General rule: Not less than 5 not more than 15 par value 1.00
- Exceptions:
1. Educational corporations registered as non stock Amount of shares subscribed
corporation whose number of trustees, though not less
than five and not more than [15] should be divisible by 50 K A
five [5], meaning they must have either five, ten, or
fifteen trustees and no other; 50 K B
2. In close corporations where all the stockholders are
considered as members of the board of directors thereby C 250K
effectively allowing twenty members in the board.
3. The by-laws of a corporation may provide for additional D
qualifications and disqualifications of its members of the
board of directors or trustees. However it may not do E
away with the minimum disqualifications lay down by
the Code. PAID UP =62,500

 Qualifications of the governing board Corporation cannot exceed more than 1 M it is the maximum
amount it cannot issue more unless amended
- Requires mere residency <sec. 23>
Maximum shares it can issue is 1M shares unless amended
Section 23. The board of directors or trustees.
- Unless otherwise provided in this Code, the corporate  How much shares should be subscribed?
powers of all corporations formed under this Code shall
be exercised, all business conducted and all property of - Must be at least 25% of the authorized capital stock
such corporations controlled and held by the board of
directors or trustees to be elected from among the
holders of stocks, or where there is no stock, from  Paid- up must be at least 25%-minimum
among the members of the corporation, who shall hold
office for one (1) year until their successors are elected  Section 30
and qualified. (28a)
- Total subscription compliance with minimum 25% total
Every director must own at least one (1) share - Any combination would comply with the minimum
of the capital stock of the corporation of which he is a required by section 30
director, which share shall stand in his name on the
books of the corporation. Any director who ceases to be
the owner of at least one (1) share of the capital stock of Section 30. Compensation of directors. - In
the corporation of which he is a director shall thereby the absence of any provision in the by-laws fixing their
cease to be a director. Trustees of non-stock compensation, the directors shall not receive any
corporations must be members thereof. A majority of the compensation, as such directors, except for reasonable
directors or trustees of all corporations organized under per diems: Provided, however, That any such
this Code must be residents of the Philippines. compensation other than per diems may be granted to
directors by the vote of the stockholders representing at
least a majority of the outstanding capital stock at a
 May a domestic corporation have a governing board regular or special stockholders' meeting. In no case shall
consisting solely of foreigners? the total yearly compensation of directors, as such
directors, exceed ten (10%) percent of the net income
- YES, section 23 majority of them must be residents of before income tax of the corporation during the
preceding year. (n)
the Philippines, no nationality requirement

 Anti-dummy act <sec.2-A>  Minimum for a domestic corporation?

- If the business undertaking or activity is only partially - In no case shall the paid- up capital be less than 5k
nationalized, aliens can be elected as such directors,
[unless the law provides otherwise] but their number  Is there a minimum authorized capital imposed by the
shall only be in proportion to their equity or code?
participation in the capital stock of the corporation.
- If there is minimum paid-up logically there should also
 Disqualifications <sec.27> be a minimum capital =5000

Notes on Corporation Law


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

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

- To better insure return on investment which can be  Preferred


affected through the issuance of redeemable shares or
preferred shares, i.e., granting the holders thereof, - May be denied
preference as to dividends and/or distribution of assets - Unless denied they are still entitled
in case of liquidation; and,
 What if hindi i-declare kahit na may dividends rights for
- For flexibility in price, particularly, no par shares may the previous years? May they be denied dividend rights
be issued or sold from time to time at different price because they are non holders of non-cumulative? NOTE:
depending on the net worth of the company since they YOU CANNOT COMPEL THE CORPORATION TO
do not purport to represent an actual of fixed value. DECLARE DIVIDENDS UNLESS IT EXCEEDS 100 %
PAID UP CAPITAL SEC. 43
 Section 6
Section 43. Power to declare dividends. - The
- Each shall be equal in all respects to every other share board of directors of a stock corporation may declare
dividends out of the unrestricted retained earnings
 Preferred shares which shall be payable in cash, in property, or in stock
to all stockholders on the basis of outstanding stock
held by them: Provided, That any cash dividends due on
- Specific preference delinquent stock shall first be applied to the unpaid
- Dividends or during liquidation balance on the subscription plus costs and expenses,
while stock dividends shall be withheld from the
 No par delinquent stockholder until his unpaid subscription is
fully paid: Provided, further, That no stock dividend
shall be issued without the approval of stockholders
- Can sell it with the network of the corporation representing not less than two-thirds (2/3) of the
outstanding capital stock at a regular or special meeting
 Distinction between the subscribed and outstanding duly called for the purpose. (16a)
stocks?
Stock corporations are prohibited from
- Section 137 retaining surplus profits in excess of one hundred
(100%) percent of their paid-in capital stock, except: (1)
when justified by definite corporate expansion projects
Section 137. Outstanding capital stock or programs approved by the board of directors; or (2)
defined. - The term "outstanding capital stock", as used when the corporation is prohibited under any loan
in this Code, means the total shares of stock issued agreement with any financial institution or creditor,
under binding subscription agreements to subscribers whether local or foreign, from declaring dividends
or stockholders, whether or not fully or partially paid, without its/his consent, and such consent has not yet
except treasury shares. (n) been secured; or (3) when it can be clearly shown that
such retention is necessary under special circumstances
- Voting and dividend rights, it refers to the outstanding obtaining in the corporation, such as when there is need
for special reserve for probable contingencies. (n)
capital stocks
- Only outstanding stocks are allowed to vote and receive
dividends - It depends because there are three types of non-
- Actually the same cumulative preferred shares
- Discretionary dividend type
 Treasury shares - Mandatory if earned
- Earned cumulative or dividend credit type
- are also subscribed shares
- while they remain in the treasury, no voting and  Compare cumulative share from non-cumulative, earned
dividend rights cumulative or dividend credit type
- may be reissued by the corporation
- once reissued they become outstanding stocks again - Cumulative share –whether or not earned
- Non-cumulative earned cumulative or dividend credit
 common shares type- only if earned

- carry the right to vote  Par

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

- grants the holder preference  No par


- preference as to dividends
- preference as to distribution of the remaining assets - without stated par value
upon dissolution or
- both - once fully paid no longer liable

Notes on Corporation Law


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

 Corporations cannot use its capitals in declaring - Answer: commissioner vs. manning page 62 first par.
dividends; not all can issue no par value section 6
“Although authorities may differ on the exact
 Voting legal and accounting status of so-called treasury shares,
they are more or less in agreement that treasury shares
- entitled to vote at any motion brought up in writing are stocks issued and fully paid for and reacquired by
the corporation either by purchase, donation, forfeiture
 Non-voting or other means. Treasury shares are therefore issued
shares but being in the treasury they do not have the
- not entitled to vote status of outstanding shares. Consequently, although a
treasury share, not having been retired by the
 What types of shares may be denied of the right to vote? corporation re-acquiring it, may be re-issued or sold
again, such shares, as long as it is held by the
corporation as a treasury share, participates neither in
- Preferred and redeemable shares
dividends, because dividends cannot be declared by the
corporation to itself, nor in meetings of the corporation
 Is it correct to state that common shares can never be
as voting stock, for otherwise equal distribution of
denied the right to vote?
voting powers among stockholders will be effectively lost
and the directors will be able to perpetrate their control
- Only preferred and redeemable shares are denied unless
of the corporation, though it still represents a paid for
provided in this code
interest in the property of the corporation. The foregoing
essential features of a treasury stocks are lacking in the
- PWEDENG MA-DENY YUNG COMMON SHARES, KASI questioned shares.
YUNG FOUNDER’S SHARES MERON SILANG
EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS NA SILA LANG ANG MERON, SO
In this case, and under the terms of the trust
PWEDE SILANG BUMOTO WITH REGARDS TO
agreement, the shares of stock of Reese participated
SOMETHING NA HINDI NA SAKOP NG COMMON
in dividends which the trustee received and the said
SHARE RIGHTS
shares were voted upon by the trustee in all corporation
meetings. They were not, therefore, treasury shares.”
- Example: founders shares- may be given certain rights
and privileges  When the law speaks of outstanding rights it does not
include treasury shares
- Even common shares may be denied the right to vote of
founders’ shares issued <sec.7>  Treasury shares may be reissued

Section 7. Founders' shares. - Founders' - They are actually assets of the corporation
shares classified as such in the articles of incorporation
may be given certain rights and privileges not enjoyed - Once re-issued they become outstanding stocks again
by the owners of other stocks, provided that where the
exclusive right to vote and be voted for in the election of
directors is granted, it must be for a limited period not - The corporation may cancel them; in effect there will be
to exceed five (5) years subject to the approval of the a reduction in the outstanding capital stocks
Securities and Exchange Commission. The five-year
period shall commence from the date of the aforesaid - The code does not require ordinary corporations to
approval by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
provide for restrictions, but it does not likewise prohibit
(n)
restrictions

 Do you include non-voting shares in passing a valid - Example: right of first refusal
corporate act?
- The restriction must be contained in the articles of
- Even non-voting shares are entitled to vote under incorporation
section 6
- If provided in by-laws but not in the articles of
 Redeemable shares incorporation then it will not be binding

- Discretionary/optional - Restrictions and preferences are mandatorily required in


close corporations
- Obligatory or mandatory
- If it does not provide restrictions it is not a close
 Generally a corporation can reacquire its own shares if corporation
it has unrestricted retained earnings
- Specified persons- close corporations
 Exception: redeemable shares may be reacquired
irrespective of retained earnings - If not one of those specified you are not included
because there is exclusivity in close corporations
 Treasury shares
- Should also be in the by-laws not only in the articles of
- They are treasury while in the treasury account of the incorporation
corporation
 No transfer clause
 May they be reissued by the corporation?
 Execution clause
- YES
 Acknowledgment
 If they are reissued will they be denied the right to vote?
 Treasurer affidavit part of the articles of incorporation
- Once reissued they shall become outstanding stocks
again and purchasers shall be entitled to all the rights  Section 23-27 minimum qualifications, but there may
and privileges as the other holders have be additional

 Section 57 treasury shares have no voting and dividend  Grounds for disapproval
rights. Why not?
- Only substantial and not strict is required
Section 57. Voting right for treasury shares. -
Treasury shares shall have no voting right as long as  May the SEC refuse or reject registration?
such shares remain in the Treasury. (n)

Notes on Corporation Law


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

- <Section 17> chief archbishop, bishop, priest, minister, rabbi or


presiding elder shall be held in trust by him as a
corporation sole, for the use, purpose, behalf and sole
Section 17. Grounds when articles of benefit of his religious denomination, sect or church,
incorporation or amendment may be rejected or including hospitals, schools, colleges, orphan asylums,
disapproved. - The Securities and Exchange parsonages and cemeteries thereof. (n)
Commission may reject the articles of incorporation or
disapprove any amendment thereto if the same is not in
compliance with the requirements of this Code: - CORPORATION SOLE- upon filing of the verified articles
Provided, That the Commission shall give the of incorporation, once filed it is vested with a judicial
incorporators a reasonable time within which to correct capacity
or modify the objectionable portions of the articles or
amendment. The following are grounds for such
 General rule section 19
rejection or disapproval:

- Vested with judicial capacity upon issuance of the


1. That the articles of incorporation or any amendment certificate by the SEC
thereto is not substantially in accordance with the form
prescribed herein;
o However it is not accurate according to atty.
Ladia because there are those that can issue
2. That the purpose or purposes of the corporation are for example cooperatives- BUREAU OF
patently unconstitutional, illegal, immoral, or contrary
COOPERATIVES which register, home
to government rules and regulations;
insurance guaranty corporation- HOME
OWNERS
3. That the Treasurer's Affidavit concerning the amount
of capital stock subscribed and/or paid is false;
Cagayan Fishing vs. Sandika

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

- Section 19 1. There is a valid statute under which the corporation


could have been created as a de jure corporation.

Section 19. Commencement of corporate


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

- TRUE  Only important in determining, is for the purpose of


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

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


Section 112. Submission of the articles of the State, either directly or indirectly
incorporation. - The articles of incorporation must be
verified, before filing, by affidavit or affirmation of the
chief archbishop, bishop, priest, minister, rabbi or  Existence of a de facto can be questioned only by the
presiding elder, as the case may be, and accompanied State directly in a quo warranto proceeding only
by a copy of the commission, certificate of election or
letter of appointment of such chief archbishop, bishop,
Municipality of Malabang vs. Benito
priest, minister, rabbi or presiding elder, duly certified
to be correct by any notary public.
- What is the missing link so as to consider it a de facto?
A law, because the executive order is unconditional
From and after the filing with the Securities
and Exchange Commission of the said articles of
incorporation, verified by affidavit or affirmation, and - An unconditional act affords no rights, creates no office
accompanied by the documents mentioned in the
preceding paragraph, such chief archbishop, bishop, - Legal contemplation it was never passed at all
priest, minister, rabbi or presiding elder shall become a
corporation sole and all temporalities, estate and
- It can therefore be questioned by any person
properties of the religious denomination, sect or church
theretofore administered or managed by him as such

Notes on Corporation Law


“Notes come in handy only when you have studied…”
©GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
8

 If the certificate of registration has not been issued, may International express travel and tours vs. CA
a corporation de facto exist?
- No fraud in this case
- NO!
- How come Kahn was made liable?
- Number 4 requirement, good faith in claiming to be and
doing business as a corporation - Doctrine of incorporation

Hall vs. Piccio - Applies only if that person is trying to escape from a
contract where he is benefited
- Missing link is good faith
- In this case petitioner is not trying to escape liability,
- The certificate was not yet issued by the SEC, the but rather the one claiming from the contract
members knew and therefore they were not acting in
good faith, therefore anybody can question its existence  Would this apply to foreign corporation?

 Corporation by estoppel - YES, it may apply

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

Albert vs. University


 Corporation by estoppel

- 1965 case, no section 21 yet


- Admission, conduct or agreement

- Applied where the rules governing agency


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

- Section 21, you arrive at the same decision


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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

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


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

Notes on Corporation Law


“Notes come in handy only when you have studied…”
©GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
9

- Secondary franchise is the right or privilege that the - Mere ownership of all or substantially all of the shares
corporation may exercise of stock of a corporation is not, in itself, insufficient
ground for disregarding the separate corporate
 You cannot issue investment contracts without a personality. And for the separate personality of the
secondary franchise, kailangan primary muna hindi corporation to be disregarded, the wrong doing must be
pwede mauna secondary kasi sa section 19 it does not clearly and convincingly established
exist until issued with a certificate of registration or
incorporation - Fraud must be proven by clear and convincingly
evidence amounting to more than preponderance. It
 Corporate entity cannot be justified by speculation and can never be
presumed. And only if it sought to hold the stockholders
- Corporation exist separately and independently from the liable directly for corporate debt
stockholders
Palacio vs. Fely
- Stockholders cannot bring an action, to bring back the
properties of a corporation - Piercing the veil of corporate fiction

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

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

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

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


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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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


Claparols vs. CIR
a mere alter-ego

- Same as NAFLU and A.C. Ransom


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

Notes on Corporation Law


“Notes come in handy only when you have studied…”
©GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
10

2. Such control must have been used by the defendant to PNB vs. Ritratto Group
commit fraud or wrong, to perpetuate the violation of a
statutory or other positive legal duty or dishonest and - Control test
unjust act in contravention of plaintiff’s legal rights;
and,
- Not mere majority but rather complete

3. The aforesaid control and breach of duty must


- Twin ace was only a subsequent interested party
proximately cause the injury or unjust loss complained
of.
- Assets and machineries

- The absence of one of the elements prevents “piercing


 Amendment of the articles of incorporation
the corporate veil.” In applying the “instrumentality” or
“alter ego” doctrine, the courts are concerned with
reality and not form, with how the corporation operated - Express power granted to a corporation
and the individual defendant’s relationship to that
operation.  Section 16

 There must facts and circumstances before warrant - Appraisal right


piercing the veil of corporate fiction
- Section 81 to object on certain acts and transactions
 The control necessary does not mean stock ownership
Section 81. Instances of appraisal right. -
MCConnel vs. CA Any stockholder of a corporation shall have the right to
dissent and demand payment of the fair value of his
shares in the following instances:
- were located in the same floor

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

- Right granted only in specified instances


Tan boon bee vs. Jarencio

Are non-voting shares included in amending the articles of


- Why would a drug company need a printing machine
incorporation

- The property must be in pursuance of a company


1 100/s
business
XYZ-----ABC

Cease vs. CA 2 100/s

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


does the court pierced the veil of corporate fiction
10 100/s
- As to not deprive the holders of their successional rights
=1M/S what would be
- Mere ownership of all or substantially all is not a the 2/3?
justification of piercing the veil of corporate fiction
Section 6 last paragraph
 Fraud must be proven by clear and convincing evidence
cannot presume or speculate, there must be facts and Voting shares are excluded except the foregoing instances
circumstances
1 1
 Fraud must be clear and convincing evidence more than
preponderance 2 2

Remo Jr. vs. IAC 3 3

- The resolution was not entered to defraud anyone 4 4

Del Rosario vs. National Labor Commission


5 5

- The wrongdoing must be clearly established


6 6

- There must be facts to support


1 & 2=absent
1&2=absent but gave their written assent
- Payment of claims cannot thus be presumed

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

- How do you distinguish this ruling to La Campana, 5 & 6= approved the amendment 5&6=approved
having the same issues:
Would there be a valid amendment
- La campana, one payroll, employees were made
interchangeable. Acrylic had its own standards

Notes on Corporation Law


“Notes come in handy only when you have studied…”
©GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
11

 Special amendments 37 & 38 shortening that would the certificate of filing may declare: Provided, That the
result to dissolution require prior approval by the SEC Securities and Exchange Commission shall not accept
for filing any certificate of increase of capital stock
unless accompanied by the sworn statement of the
Section 37. Power to extend or shorten treasurer of the corporation lawfully holding office at the
corporate term. - A private corporation may extend or time of the filing of the certificate, showing that at least
shorten its term as stated in the articles of incorporation twenty-five (25%) percent of such increased capital
when approved by a majority vote of the board of stock has been subscribed and that at least twenty-five
directors or trustees and ratified at a meeting by the (25%) percent of the amount subscribed has been paid
stockholders representing at least two-thirds (2/3) of the either in actual cash to the corporation or that there has
outstanding capital stock or by at least two-thirds (2/3) been transferred to the corporation property the
of the members in case of non-stock corporations. valuation of which is equal to twenty-five (25%) percent
Written notice of the proposed action and of the time of the subscription: Provided, further, That no decrease
and place of the meeting shall be addressed to each of the capital stock shall be approved by the
stockholder or member at his place of residence as Commission if its effect shall prejudice the rights of
shown on the books of the corporation and deposited to corporate creditors.
the addressee in the post office with postage prepaid, or
served personally: Provided, That in case of extension of
corporate term, any dissenting stockholder may exercise Non-stock corporations may incur or create
his appraisal right under the conditions provided in this bonded indebtedness, or increase the same, with the
code. (n) approval by a majority vote of the board of trustees and
of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the members in a meeting
duly called for the purpose.
Section 38. Power to increase or decrease
capital stock; incur, create or increase bonded
indebtedness. - No corporation shall increase or Bonds issued by a corporation shall be
decrease its capital stock or incur, create or increase registered with the Securities and Exchange
any bonded indebtedness unless approved by a majority Commission, which shall have the authority to
vote of the board of directors and, at a stockholder's determine the sufficiency of the terms thereof. (17a)
meeting duly called for the purpose, two-thirds (2/3) of
the outstanding capital stock shall favor the increase or  The vote must be cast at the meeting called for that
diminution of the capital stock, or the incurring,
purpose
creating or increasing of any bonded indebtedness.
Written notice of the proposed increase or diminution of
the capital stock or of the incurring, creating, or  Written assent would not suffice
increasing of any bonded indebtedness and of the time
and place of the stockholder's meeting at which the  When do amendments become valid and effective?
proposed increase or diminution of the capital stock or
the incurring or increasing of any bonded indebtedness
is to be considered, must be addressed to each - Only upon the approval of the SEC TRUE OR FALSE?
stockholder at his place of residence as shown on the
books of the corporation and deposited to the addressee - FALSE because it can be valid upon the date of filing if
in the post office with postage prepaid, or served not acted upon within 6 months without fault
personally. attributable to the corporation

A certificate in duplicate must be signed by a  Why is it retroactive?


majority of the directors of the corporation and
countersigned by the chairman and the secretary of the
 What provision may be amended, altered or repealed
stockholders' meeting, setting forth:

 Can you change name, address for example she married


(1) That the requirements of this section have been or changed address?
complied with;
- NO. you cannot change that
(2) The amount of the increase or diminution of the
capital stock;  Fait accompli, are beyond the powers or authority of the
corporation to change, alter or modify. These would
(3) If an increase of the capital stock, the amount of include the following:
capital stock or number of shares of no-par stock
thereof actually subscribed, the names, nationalities - Names of the incorporators and
and residences of the persons subscribing, the amount
of capital stock or number of no-par stock subscribed by
each, and the amount paid by each on his subscription - The incorporating directors or trustees,
in cash or property, or the amount of capital stock or
number of shares of no-par stock allotted to each stock- - The name of the treasurer originally or first elected by
holder if such increase is for the purpose of making the subscribers or members to act as such until his
effective stock dividend therefor authorized; successor has been duly elected and qualified,

(4) Any bonded indebtedness to be incurred, created or - The number of shares and amount originally subscribed
increased; and paid out of the original authorized capital stock of
the corporation,
(5) The actual indebtedness of the corporation on the
day of the meeting; - The date and place of execution of the articles of
incorporation,
(6) The amount of stock represented at the meeting; and
- The signatories and acknowledgment thereof.

(7) The vote authorizing the increase or diminution of


the capital stock, or the incurring, creating or increasing - All other provisions or matters stated or contained in
of any bonded indebtedness. the articles are subject to amendment.

 Founder’s or signatories hindi pwede palitan


Any increase or decrease in the capital stock
or the incurring, creating or increasing of any bonded
indebtedness shall require prior approval of the  Names, nationalities- you cannot
Securities and Exchange Commission.
 Capital- right granted by law to all corporation
One of the duplicate certificates shall be kept
on file in the office of the corporation and the other shall  Paid up capital- NO
be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
and attached to the original articles of incorporation.  Restriction and transfer of shares in ordinary stock
From and after approval by the Securities and Exchange corporations
Commission and the issuance by the Commission of its
certificate of filing, the capital stock shall stand
increased or decreased and the incurring, creating or - You can, but close corporation cannot
increasing of any bonded indebtedness authorized, as

Notes on Corporation Law


“Notes come in handy only when you have studied…”
©GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
12

- Section 96, otherwise it will not be a close corporation corporations must be members thereof. A majority of the
directors or trustees of all corporations organized under
this Code must be residents of the Philippines.
Section 96. Definition and applicability of
Title. - A close corporation, within the meaning of this
Code, is one whose articles of incorporation provide - Controlled by the board of directors
that: (1) All the corporation's issued stock of all classes,
exclusive of treasury shares, shall be held of record by - Authority are however restricted to the day to day
not more than a specified number of persons, not
exceeding twenty (20); (2) all the issued stock of all
classes shall be subject to one or more specified - Stockholders may have all the profit but will turn over
restrictions on transfer permitted by this Title; and (3) the management to the governing board
The corporation shall not list in any stock exchange or
make any public offering of any of its stock of any class. - But unless the law provides the power may be delegated
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a corporation shall not
be deemed a close corporation when at least two-thirds
(2/3) of its voting stock or voting rights is owned or  General rule
controlled by another corporation which is not a close
corporation within the meaning of this Code. - Corporations must sit and act as a body

Any corporation may be incorporated as a - Will be bound by corporate officers if they acted within
close corporation, except mining or oil companies, stock the 5 classification page 150
exchanges, banks, insurance companies, public
utilities, educational institutions and corporations
Ramirez vs. Orientalist co.
declared to be vested with public interest in accordance
with the provisions of this Code.
- What was the position of Fernandez in this case?
TREASURER
The provisions of this Title shall primarily
govern close corporations: Provided, That the provisions
of other Titles of this Code shall apply suppletorily - Why did the court rule that actions of Fernandez bound
except insofar as this Title otherwise provides. the corporation when he is not even a board of director?

“if a man is found acting for a corporation


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

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

 Can you extend the corporate term if it has already


- Everything emanates from the board of directors
expired?

- Stockholders action is merely advisory except their


- Once the term expires without an amendment having
approval or vote is necessary to prove a valid corporate
happen it ceases to exist as a body politic. It is dissolved
act
automatically on the day it expires.
 Qualifications:
 Alhambra cigar and PNB case

- No citizenship requirement, at least majority must be


 Instances when the SEC allowed extension whose term
residents
has already expired

- Can have a governing board consisting solely of


- All of them involved are institutions of learning, it was
foreigners
the case in order to avoid confusion that would arise
later on.
- But we have to take into consideration partly
nationalized industries and other laws which prohibits
BOARD OF DIRECTORS/TRUSTEES
or limits foreign ownership

 Section 23
- Anti-dummy act

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

Notes on Corporation Law


“Notes come in handy only when you have studied…”
©GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
13

- NO, it is not necessary, as long as you are listed in the 6-100k


books as owner of one share
7-50k
Lee vs. CA
8-40k
- As long as you are listed in the books as owner of one
share 9-5k

- Under the old law he must be the beneficial owner and 10-5k
legal owner thereof but in the new law it is not required
as long as it stands in his name he is qualifies =1MS

1 A-100t/S B (own in the trust of X) is B qualified to be a 1&2 is absent, 3&4 ayaw tumakbo and hindi nagvote 6-10,
director? tumakbo and ninominate nila yung sarili nila and cast all their
shares on themselves
2
 Who wins? Or who gets elected?
3-10
- No vote requirement, the one who gets the most number
2– transferring there voting rights in favor of VT of votes gets elected, section24.

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

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

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

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


Unless otherwise provided in the articles of
among themselves incorporation or the by-laws, a member may vote by
proxy in accordance with the provisions of this Code. (n)
- Must be duly elected and qualified
Voting by mail or other similar means by
How are the directors elected? members of non-stock corporations may be authorized
by the by-laws of non-stock corporations with the
1-100T/S approval of, and under such conditions which may be
prescribed by, the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
2-100T/S

3-100T/S

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


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

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


elected shall perform the duties enjoined on them by law
3-200k and the by-laws of the corporation. Unless the articles of
incorporation or the by-laws provide for a greater
majority, a majority of the number of directors or
4-100k trustees as fixed in the articles of incorporation shall
constitute a quorum for the transaction of corporate
5-100k business, and every decision of at least a majority of the

Notes on Corporation Law


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14

directors or trustees present at a meeting at which there - Considered 3 circumstanced


is a quorum shall be valid as a corporate act, except for
the election of officers which shall require the vote of a
- Check which was the proceed of the loan which was
majority of all the members of the board.
endorsed and deposit in the corporate account

Directors or trustees cannot attend or vote by - Neumark as president and also stockholder
proxy at board meetings. (33a)

Yu chuck vs. Kong Li Po


 Is the president required to be a stockholder. YES
- General manager usually has the power to hire but the
 The chairman may be another person
SC said the contract must be reasonable

 The president may also be another person


- The contract here is so onerous that it would throw the
corporation into insolvency
 Prohibited is president to be secretary or treasurer at
the same time
Francisco vs. GSIS
 Board of director must sit and act as a body to arrive at
a corporate act - GSIS cannot evade the binding effect of the telegram

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

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

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


requirement similar acts have been approved by the directors as a
matter of general practice, custom and policy, the
2 1 and 2 voted yes general manager may bind the company without formal
authorization of the board of directors. In varying
3 3 voted no language, existence of such authority is established, by
proof of the course of business, the usages and
4 practices of the company and by the knowledge which
the board of directors has, or must be presumed to
5 have, of acts and doings of its subordinates in and
about the affairs of the corporation. So also, “xx
 Is it absolute? authority to act for and bind a corporation may be
presumed from acts of recognition in other instances
where the power was in fact exercised.” “xx Thus, when,
- NO, except in the election because it requires the
in the usual course of business of a corporation, an
majority of all the members of the board
officer has been allowed in his official capacity to
manage its affairs, his authority to represent the
- If by-laws or articles provide a higher voting requirement
corporation may be implied from the manner in which
he has been permitted by the directors to manage its
 Artificial beings must act through its members and act
business.”
as a body to have a valid corporate act
In the case at bar, the practice of the
 Exception:
corporation has been to allow its general manager to
negotiate and execute contracts in its copra trading
- Delegation activities for and in NACOCO’s behalf without prior
board approval. If the by-laws were to be literally
- Expressly conferred followed, the board should give its stamp of prior
approval on all corporate contracts. But that Board
- Where the officer or agent is clothed with actual or itself, by its acts and through acquiescence, practically
apparent authority laid aside the by-law requirement of prior approval.

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

- Only bind the corporation to the extent of authority Buenaseda vs. Bowen
confined to him or virtue of customs, usage and policy
- Express ratification is made through a formal board
- Must pass first the controller and counsel action

 What if the notice requirement is not complied with? - Implied ratification is through: silence or acquiescence,
acceptance benefits and lastly recognition or adoption
Lopez realty vs. Fotencha
 An unauthorized act may nevertheless be binding either
- Notice requirement must be complied with hence it by express or implied by estoppels
should have been with force and effect, but according to
the SC, it may be ratified expressly if there is a  By virtue of silence the board had impliedly accepted the
subsequent meeting called for that purpose act

- Impliedly through acts  By recognition or adoption

- Asuncion was aware of the corporations obligation  By virtue of payment of obligations arising therefore-
Lopez realty
- There was implied ratification or she was estopped
 May directors or trustees be disqualified to act as such?
Pua casim vs. Neumark and Co.

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15

- YES, crime, etc. disqualifications in book  Section 30

- Possess or dispossess any of the qualifications or Section 30. Compensation of directors. - In


disqualifications , cease to hold at least one share the absence of any provision in the by-laws fixing their
compensation, the directors shall not receive any
 May directors be ousted from office? compensation, as such directors, except for reasonable
per diems: Provided, however, That any such
compensation other than per diems may be granted to
- At least 2/3 of members representing outstanding
directors by the vote of the stockholders representing at
capital stock. Again notice requirement must be least a majority of the outstanding capital stock at a
complied with regular or special stockholders' meeting. In no case shall
the total yearly compensation of directors, as such
1-200 1-5 same directors, exceed ten (10%) percent of the net income
family before income tax of the corporation during the
preceding year. (n)
2-200
- Generally not entitled to receive compensation because
3-200 they render it gratuitously

4-100 - Unless the by-laws allows

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

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

7-50 - Acting in special capacity

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

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

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


director outstanding capital stock grant the same; and,

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

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

Section 29. Vacancies in the office of director


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

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

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

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

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

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

Notes on Corporation Law


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16

- Court laid down 4 instances when even if acting within opportunity and/or developing it at the expense and
the scope of his authority he is held solidarily liable with the facilities of the corporation. He cannot
appropriate to himself a business opportunity which in
1. He assents (a) to a patently unlawful act of the fairness should belong to the corporation.
corporation, or (b) for bad faith, or gross negligence in
directing its affairs, or (c) for conflict of interest,  Last paragraph of section 31 and the provision of
resulting in damages to the corporation, its stockholders section 34 make reference to recovery of “forbidden
or other persons; profits”

2. He consents to the issuance of watered stocks or who,  Distinction between section 31 and 34 relative to the
having knowledge thereof, does not forthwith file with ratification by the stockholders
the corporate secretary his written objection thereto;
- The second paragraph of section 31 which makes a
3. He agrees to hold himself personally and solidarily liable director liable to account for profits if he attempts to
with the corporation; acquire or acquires any interest adverse to the
corporation in respect to any matter reposed in him in
4. He is made, by a specific provision of law, to personally confidence as to which equity imposes a disability upon
answer for his corporate action. him to deal in his own behalf is not subject to
ratification by the stockholders. Whereas, in section 34
- Watered stocks- issued, fully paid up when in fact they if a director acquires for himself a business opportunity
have not been fully paid or promised as such which should belong to the corporation, he is bound to
account for such profits unless his act is ratified by the
stockholders owning ore representing at least 2/3 of the
Llamado vs. CA
outstanding capital stock.

- The corporate entity theory cannot be used as a defense


- If reposed in him in confidence, not subject to
to escape liability in violation of B.P. 22
ratification

- Where the check is drawn by a corporation the persons


- If the acquisition is merely that of a business
who signed the check shall be liable.
opportunity which has not been reposed in him in
confidence, the same may be subject to ratification by
Uichico vs. NLRC the stockholders.

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

- loyal D

 Business judgment rule E

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

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

- They are not insurer of the property of the company,  A corporation cannot reaquire its share if it has no
they were guarantors that the enterprise undertaken by restricted unretained earnings
the corporation shall be successful
Strong vs. Rapide
Montelibano vs. Bacolod Murcia Milling Co.
- What duty did he violate?
- Directors are not liable due to imprudence or honest
error of judgment - He violated his duty of loyalty

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

- 32,33 self-dealing and interlocking director - Director of a corporation dealing or transacting business
with his corporation
 Corporate opportunity doctrine
 Are the contracts and dealing of a self0dealing director
- It places a director of a corporation in the position of a valid?
fiduciary and prohibits him form seizing a business

Notes on Corporation Law


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 General rule: voidable - in case of conflict between himself and that of the
corporation, he cannot sacrifice the interest of the
 May the contracts of a self-dealing director be valid per corporation to his own advantage
se.
- as a director he should have acted in a manner as not to
- YES. If all the 4 conditions are present they will be valid unduly prejudice the corporation
per se
- he cannot be allowed to enrich himself
1. That the presence of such director or trustee in the
board meeting in which the contract was approved was  May corporate directors purchase the corporate
not necessary to constitute a quorum for such meeting; property?

2. That the vote of such director or trustee was not Mead vs. Mccullogh
necessary for the approval of the contract;
- interlocking director- a director of one corporation who
3. That the contract is fair and reasonable under the deals and transacts business with another corporation
circumstances; and who is himself a director

4. That in case of an officer, the contract has been A- director of X company also a director of Y corporation
previously authorized by the board of directors.
B-
 When do they become voidable?
C-
- When any of the two requisites are absent it is voidable,
but subject to ratification by 2/3 of the outstanding
D-
capital stock or 2/3 of the member
E-
 Requisites for ratification (subject to ratification by the
stockholders holding or representing at least 2/3 of the
 Both companies enter into a contract and A sits, is the
outstanding capital stock or 2/3 of the members.)
contract valid?

- it must be at a meeting called for the purpose


- Yes on the ground of fraud or if it is unfair

- full disclosure of the adverse interest of the director


- May be subject to the provision of section 32
concerned must be made

- Section 32 contract may become voidable, hence it may


- the contract is fair and reasonable under the
also be ratified
circumstances

X Co.
 Problem if self-dealing director involved owns all or
Y Co.
substantially all of the shares of stock of the corporation
thereby making it easily possible to have the contract
A owe 20%
ratified
A owe 20%

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


Is it generally valid or voidable? VALID
determining the reasonableness and fairness of the
contract
25%
25% VALID
Section 32. Dealings of directors, trustees or
officers with the corporation. - A contract of the 15%
corporation with one or more of its directors or trustees 25% VOIDABLE SUBJECT TO section 32
or officers is voidable, at the option of such corporation,
unless all the following conditions are present:
More than 20 substantial

1. That the presence of such director or trustee in the


 BOD mismanages corporate officers. Who may file a
board meeting in which the contract was approved was
not necessary to constitute a quorum for such meeting; suit?

- General rule: BOD which can institute a case because it


2. That the vote of such director or trustee was not
has all the powers. To allow stockholders to file would
necessary for the approval of the contract;
violate the doctrine of corporate entity and may result to
multiplicity of suits
3. That the contract is fair and reasonable under the
circumstances; and - Stockholders cannot therefore generally file a case
EXCEPT of course in a DERIVATIVE SUIT
4. That in case of an officer, the contract has been
previously authorized by the board of directors.  Derivative suit

Where any of the first two conditions set forth - An action based on injury to the corporation-to enforce
in the preceding paragraph is absent, in the case of a a corporate right- wherein the corporation itself is joined
contract with a director or trustee, such contract may as a necessary party, and recovery is in favor of and for
be ratified by the vote of the stockholders representing the corporation.
at least two-thirds (2/3) of the outstanding capital stock
or of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the members in a
meeting called for the purpose: Provided, That full - Remedy granted by law to stockholders to institute a
disclosure of the adverse interest of the directors or case to remedy a wrong done directly to the corporation
trustees involved is made at such meeting: Provided, and indirectly to the stockholders, if the board refuses
however, That the contract is fair and reasonable under to do so. Otherwise if not they would be left without any
the circumstances. (n) recourse

Prime white cement vs. IAC  Available suits

- a director of a corporation owes a position in trust  individual or personal

- Wrong done against his person as a stockholder

Notes on Corporation Law


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18

 Class suit be stated in the complaint that it is being instituted as a


derivative suit and for and in behalf of the corporation
- Filed by a stockholder in representation of other
stockholders - Granting arguendo, that this is a derivative suit, the
same is still outrightly dismissible for having been
- A wrong or redress done, a derivative suit in nature wrongfully filed in the regular court devoid of any
jurisdiction to entertain the complaint. The case should
 Intra-corporate remedies have been filed with the SEC which exercises original
and exclusive jurisdiction over derivative suits, they
- Demand to the BOD to institute such action being intra-corporate disputes, per Section 5 (b) of P.D.
902-A
- Negated by the BOD
San Miguel vs. Khan
- The one who instituted must be a stockholder at the
date when the act was done, must have been a - Was a demand made? NO
stockholder by that time
- It is not necessary because he objected in the board
 Demand will not be required if the majority of the BOD meeting, but still it was adopted therefore it was useless
are the one’s guilty of the wrong charged
Chase vs. Buencamino
 The corporation must be made a party in the case
whatever side will not matter because under Philippine - Argument that he should be in estoppels since he filed
law misjoinder is not a ground for dismissal in the U.S.

 Non-joinder is a ground for dismissal - Assuming the case prospered in the U.S. would not
estoppels apply as against him? NO for estoppels to step
 Any benefit should inure to the corporation in it must be a case by the corporation

 Stockholder bringing the action is entitled to


Reyes vs. tan
reimbursement such as attorney’s fee ONLY IF the case
is SUCCESSFUL to avoid harassment suit to their
- Corporate director are guilty of breach of trust
management

- A stockholder may institute an action to remedy a wrong


Pascual vs. Orozco
done

- By virtue of the fact that he is a stockholder, may


- Fraud in the conduct of corporate affairs
maintain a derivative suit

Gamboa vs. Victoriano


- Depend on how, when and what reason

- Is derivative suit appropriate in this case


- Seeking for the years 1898 all the way 1907

- They are not vindicatory damage done to the


- Only became a stockholder in 1903
corporation, but rather they where vindicating damage
against him
- He can sue only in 1903 forward because he must be a
stockholder
- Violation of their rights as individuals, hence derivative
suit is not the remedy
- The right of action is personal in nature. He became a
stockholder only in 1902
Evangelista vs. Santos
 Derivative suit
- Derivative suit is not proper
- By a stockholder to address a wrong done against the
corporation and the stockholder indirectly - Claim is not for the benefit of the corporation, but rather
his individual benefit
- Essential requisite must have been a stockholder from
the time the act complained of took place  From the cases above cited, these are the requirements
and the procedures that must be followed in order that
- Cannot institute an action from the years he was still a derivative suit may prosper
not a stockholder
1. That the party bringing the suit should be a stockholder
as of the time the act or transaction complained of took
Everett vs. Asia Banking
place, or whose shares have evolved upon him since by
operation of law. This rule, however, does not apply if
- Stockholders cannot ordinarily commence suit in equity such act or transaction continues and is injurious to the
and such is in the hands of its BOD however there are stockholder or affect him specifically in some other way.
exceptions when the BOD will not sue since they are
themselves principals to the fraud.
The number of his hares is immaterial since he is not
suing in his own behalf or for the protection or
Republic vs. Cuaderno vindication of his own right, or the redress of a wrong
done against him, individually, but in behalf and for the
- The facts constitute sufficient cause of action benefit of the corporation.

- It is not the corporate interest to shield one from 2. He has tried to exhaust intra-corporate remedies, he has
criminal prosecution which is personal interest made a demand on the board of directors for the
appropriate relief but the latter had failed or refused to
- Perez is not suing in his behalf, but in behalf of the heed his plea. Demand, however, is not required if the
corporation company is under the complete control of the directors
who are the very ones to be sued (or where it becomes
obvious that a demand upon them would have been
Western institute vs. Salas
futile and useless) since the law does not require a
litigant to perform useless acts;
- Assuming it was filed in the proper forum would there
argument that it is a derivative suit prosper? NO. it is
3. The stockholder bringing the suit must allege in his
people of the Philippines vs. individual director, it must
complaint that he is suing on a derivative cause of

Notes on Corporation Law


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©GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
19

action on behalf of the corporation and all other  Purpose clauses necessary because it confers and also
stockholders similarly situated, otherwise, the case is limits the actual authority of the corporation
dismissible. This is because the cause of action actually
devolves on the corporation and not to a particular CORPORATE POWERS AND AUTHORITY
stockholder.
 Corporate authority may be classified into three classes
4. The corporation should be made a party, either as namely:
party-plaintiff or defendant, in order to make the court’s
judgment binding upon it, and thus, bar future 1. Those expressly granted or authorized by law inclusive
litigation of the same issues. On what side the of the corporate charter or articles of incorporation;
corporation appears loses importance when it is
considered that it lay within the power of the court to 2. Those impliedly granted as are essential or reasonably
direct the making of amendment of the pleading, by necessary to the carrying out of the express powers;
adding or dropping parties, as may be required in the
interest of justice. Misjoinder of parties is not a ground 3. Those that are incidental to its existence.
to dismiss action; and,
 Section 36 to 45- POWER GRANTED BY LAW
5. Any benefit or damages recovered shall pertain to the
corporation. This is so because in all instances,
derivative suit is instituted for and in behalf of the Section 36. Corporate powers and capacity. - Every
corporation incorporated under this Code has the power and
corporation and not for the protection or vindication of a
capacity:
right or rights of a particular stockholder, otherwise, the
aggrieved stockholder should institute, instead, an
individual or personal suit to vindicate his personal or 1. To sue and be sued in its corporate name;
individual right. Or, for that matter, representative or
class suit for all other stockholders whose rights are 2. Of succession by its corporate name for the period of
similarly situated, injured or violated, personally or time stated in the articles of incorporation and the
individually. certificate of incorporation;

 Executive committee 3. To adopt and use a corporate seal;

- Not allowed under the OLD law


4. To amend its articles of incorporation in accordance
with the provisions of this Code;
 How may executive committee created and constituted?

5. To adopt by-laws, not contrary to law, morals, or


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

- Said committee may act and bind the corporation by the 8. To enter into merger or consolidation with other
majority vote of all its members except with respect to corporations as provided in this Code;
those matters provided for in sec. 35 these are:
9. To make reasonable donations, including those for
1. Approval of any action for which shareholders’ approval the public welfare or for hospital, charitable, cultural,
is also required scientific, civic, or similar purposes: Provided, That no
corporation, domestic or foreign, shall give donations in
aid of any political party or candidate or for purposes of
2. The filing of vacancies in the board;
partisan political activity;

3. Amendment or repeal of by-laws or the adoption of new


by-laws; 10. To establish pension, retirement, and other plans for
the benefit of its directors, trustees, officers and
employees; and
4. Amendment or repeal of any resolution of the board
which by its express terms is not so amenable or
repealable; and, 11. To exercise such other powers as may be essential
or necessary to carry out its purpose or purposes as
stated in the articles of incorporation. (13a)
5. Distribution of cash dividends to the shareholders.

 May the board alone create an executive committee Section 37. Power to extend or shorten corporate term. -
without any authority provided for the by-laws? A private corporation may extend or shorten its term as stated in
the articles of incorporation when approved by a majority vote of
the board of directors or trustees and ratified at a meeting by the
- NO board of directors must sit and act as a body to have stockholders representing at least two-thirds (2/3) of the
a valid transaction outstanding capital stock or by at least two-thirds (2/3) of the
members in case of non-stock corporations. Written notice of the
 May a non-member of the board of directors be a proposed action and of the time and place of the meeting shall be
addressed to each stockholder or member at his place of residence
member of the executive committee?
as shown on the books of the corporation and deposited to the
addressee in the post office with postage prepaid, or served
- NO, all of them must be members of the board of personally: Provided, That in case of extension of corporate term,
directors any dissenting stockholder may exercise his appraisal right under
the conditions provided in this code. (n)
- BOD cannot act by proxy it would be abdication of
powers Section 38. Power to increase or decrease capital stock;
incur, create or increase bonded indebtedness. - No corporation
shall increase or decrease its capital stock or incur, create or

Notes on Corporation Law


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20

increase any bonded indebtedness unless approved by a majority minimum stock ownership by the public; or to shares to be issued
vote of the board of directors and, at a stockholder's meeting duly in good faith with the approval of the stockholders representing
called for the purpose, two-thirds (2/3) of the outstanding capital two-thirds (2/3) of the outstanding capital stock, in exchange for
stock shall favor the increase or diminution of the capital stock, or property needed for corporate purposes or in payment of a
the incurring, creating or increasing of any bonded indebtedness. previously contracted debt.
Written notice of the proposed increase or diminution of the capital
stock or of the incurring, creating, or increasing of any bonded
indebtedness and of the time and place of the stockholder's Section 40. Sale or other disposition of assets. - Subject
meeting at which the proposed increase or diminution of the to the provisions of existing laws on illegal combinations and
capital stock or the incurring or increasing of any bonded monopolies, a corporation may, by a majority vote of its board of
indebtedness is to be considered, must be addressed to each directors or trustees, sell, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge or
stockholder at his place of residence as shown on the books of the otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its property and
corporation and deposited to the addressee in the post office with assets, including its goodwill, upon such terms and conditions and
postage prepaid, or served personally. for such consideration, which may be money, stocks, bonds or
other instruments for the payment of money or other property or
consideration, as its board of directors or trustees may deem
A certificate in duplicate must be signed by a majority of the expedient, when authorized by the vote of the stockholders
directors of the corporation and countersigned by the chairman representing at least two-thirds (2/3) of the outstanding capital
and the secretary of the stockholders' meeting, setting forth: stock, or in case of non-stock corporation, by the vote of at least to
two-thirds (2/3) of the members, in a stockholder's or member's
meeting duly called for the purpose. Written notice of the proposed
(1) That the requirements of this section have been action and of the time and place of the meeting shall be addressed
complied with; to each stockholder or member at his place of residence as shown
on the books of the corporation and deposited to the addressee in
(2) The amount of the increase or diminution of the the post office with postage prepaid, or served personally:
capital stock; Provided, That any dissenting stockholder may exercise his
appraisal right under the conditions provided in this Code.

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


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

(7) The vote authorizing the increase or diminution of


the capital stock, or the incurring, creating or increasing In non-stock corporations where there are no members with voting
of any bonded indebtedness. rights, the vote of at least a majority of the trustees in office will be
sufficient authorization for the corporation to enter into any
transaction authorized by this section.
Any increase or decrease in the capital stock or the incurring,
creating or increasing of any bonded indebtedness shall require
prior approval of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Section 41. Power to acquire own shares. - A stock
corporation shall have the power to purchase or acquire its own
shares for a legitimate corporate purpose or purposes, including
One of the duplicate certificates shall be kept on file in the office of but not limited to the following cases: Provided, That the
the corporation and the other shall be filed with the Securities and corporation has unrestricted retained earnings in its books to
Exchange Commission and attached to the original articles of cover the shares to be purchased or acquired:
incorporation. From and after approval by the Securities and
Exchange Commission and the issuance by the Commission of its
certificate of filing, the capital stock shall stand increased or 1. To eliminate fractional shares arising out of stock dividends;
decreased and the incurring, creating or increasing of any bonded
indebtedness authorized, as the certificate of filing may declare:
Provided, That the Securities and Exchange Commission shall not 2. To collect or compromise an indebtedness to the corporation,
accept for filing any certificate of increase of capital stock unless arising out of unpaid subscription, in a delinquency sale, and to
accompanied by the sworn statement of the treasurer of the purchase delinquent shares sold during said sale; and
corporation lawfully holding office at the time of the filing of the
certificate, showing that at least twenty-five (25%) percent of such 3. To pay dissenting or withdrawing stockholders entitled to
increased capital stock has been subscribed and that at least payment for their shares under the provisions of this Code. (a)
twenty-five (25%) percent of the amount subscribed has been paid
either in actual cash to the corporation or that there has been
transferred to the corporation property the valuation of which is Section 42. Power to invest corporate funds in another
equal to twenty-five (25%) percent of the subscription: Provided, corporation or business or for any other purpose. - Subject to the
further, That no decrease of the capital stock shall be approved by provisions of this Code, a private corporation may invest its funds
the Commission if its effect shall prejudice the rights of corporate in any other corporation or business or for any purpose other than
creditors. the primary purpose for which it was organized when approved by
a majority of the board of directors or trustees and ratified by the
stockholders representing at least two-thirds (2/3) of the
Non-stock corporations may incur or create bonded indebtedness, outstanding capital stock, or by at least two thirds (2/3) of the
or increase the same, with the approval by a majority vote of the members in the case of non-stock corporations, at a stockholder's
board of trustees and of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the members in or member's meeting duly called for the purpose. Written notice of
a meeting duly called for the purpose. the proposed investment and the time and place of the meeting
shall be addressed to each stockholder or member at his place of
Bonds issued by a corporation shall be registered with the residence as shown on the books of the corporation and deposited
Securities and Exchange Commission, which shall have the to the addressee in the post office with postage prepaid, or served
authority to determine the sufficiency of the terms thereof. (17a) personally: Provided, That any dissenting stockholder shall have
appraisal right as provided in this Code: Provided, however, That
where the investment by the corporation is reasonably necessary
Section 39. Power to deny pre-emptive right. - All to accomplish its primary purpose as stated in the articles of
stockholders of a stock corporation shall enjoy pre-emptive right to incorporation, the approval of the stockholders or members shall
subscribe to all issues or disposition of shares of any class, in not be necessary. (17 1/2a)
proportion to their respective shareholdings, unless such right is
denied by the articles of incorporation or an amendment thereto:
Provided, That such pre-emptive right shall not extend to shares to Section 43. Power to declare dividends. - The board of
be issued in compliance with laws requiring stock offerings or directors of a stock corporation may declare dividends out of the
unrestricted retained earnings which shall be payable in cash, in

Notes on Corporation Law


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©GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
21

property, or in stock to all stockholders on the basis of - should be served to those named in the statute
outstanding stock held by them: Provided, That any cash
dividends due on delinquent stock shall first be applied to the
- secretary of a dep’t are not those included in the statute
unpaid balance on the subscription plus costs and expenses, while
stock dividends shall be withheld from the delinquent stockholder
until his unpaid subscription is fully paid: Provided, further, That E.B. Villarosa vs. Benito
no stock dividend shall be issued without the approval of
stockholders representing not less than two-thirds (2/3) of the
- decision En Banc repeals all other pronouncement
outstanding capital stock at a regular or special meeting duly
called for the purpose. (16a)
- section 13 Rule 14 was repealed

Stock corporations are prohibited from retaining surplus profits in


excess of one hundred (100%) percent of their paid-in capital - the old rules was ambiguous and broad and at all time
stock, except: (1) when justified by definite corporate expansion illogical
projects or programs approved by the board of directors; or (2)
when the corporation is prohibited under any loan agreement with  the particular revision under Section 11 of Rule 14 was
any financial institution or creditor, whether local or foreign, from explained by retired Supreme Court Justice Florenz
declaring dividends without its/his consent, and such consent has
Regalado, thus:
not yet been secured; or (3) when it can be clearly shown that such
retention is necessary under special circumstances obtaining in
the corporation, such as when there is need for special reserve for “xxx the then section 13 of this Rule allowed
probable contingencies. (n) service upon a defendant corporation to “be
made on the president, manager, secretary,
cashier, agent or any of its directors.” The
Section 44. Power to enter into management contract. -
No corporation shall conclude a management contract with aforesaid terms were obviously ambiguous
another corporation unless such contract shall have been and susceptible of broad and sometimes
approved by the board of directors and by stockholders owning at illogical interpretations, especially the word
least the majority of the outstanding capital stock, or by at least a “agent” of the corporation. The Filoil case,
majority of the members in the case of a non-stock corporation, of involving the litigation lawyer of the
both the managing and the managed corporation, at a meeting corporation who precisely appeared to
duly called for the purpose: Provided, That (1) where a stockholder
challenge the validity of service of summons
or stockholders representing the same interest of both the
managing and the managed corporations own or control more than but whose very appearance for that purpose
one-third (1/3) of the total outstanding capital stock entitled to was seized upon to validate the defective
vote of the managing corporation; or (2) where a majority of the service, is an illustration of the need for this
members of the board of directors of the managing corporation revised section with limited scope and specific
also constitute a majority of the members of the board of directors terminology. Thus the absurd result in the
of the managed corporation, then the management contract must
Filoil case necessitated the amendment
be approved by the stockholders of the managed corporation
owning at least two-thirds (2/3) of the total outstanding capital permitting service only on the in-house
stock entitled to vote, or by at least two-thirds (2/3) of the counsel of the corporation who is in effect an
members in the case of a non-stock corporation. No management employee of the corporation, as distinguished
contract shall be entered into for a period longer than five years for from an independent practitioner.”
any one term.
o notes: additional knowledge
The provisions of the next preceding paragraph shall apply to any
contract whereby a corporation undertakes to manage or operate - special appearance enter for that particular appearance
all or substantially all of the business of another corporation, you are not the counsel in the case
whether such contracts are called service contracts, operating
agreements or otherwise: Provided, however, That such service
contracts or operating agreements which relate to the exploration, - would apply only if it does not involve an intra-
development, exploitation or utilization of natural resources may corporate controversy (controversy between and among
be entered into for such periods as may be provided by the the stockholders)
pertinent laws or regulations. (n)
- upon any of the statutory officers or officers fixed in the
Section 45. Ultra vires acts of corporations. - No by-laws any secretary, any of the directors; any
corporation under this Code shall possess or exercise any managers in the by-laws
corporate powers except those conferred by this Code or by its
articles of incorporation and except such as are necessary or  Seal
incidental to the exercise of the powers so conferred. (n)

- merely ministerial or permissive


Section 36
 Power to amend
 Where should the corporation be sued?
- section 16
- principal office is important because it establishes the
residence of the corporation and determining service of - special 37,38,120
summons, venue of action
 Power to adopt by-laws
- it can be sued in the city or municipality where its
principal office is found - section 46-48

 Principal office is also important for venue of meetings


 Power to issue or sell stocks and to admit members

 Non-stock corporation may provide in its by-laws that


- stock of stockholders and provision governing non-
the venue of meeting be anywhere in the Philippines
stock

 Upon whom service of summons be made?


 Power to acquire or alienate real or personal property

- Section 11. Service upon domestic private juridical


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

2. Constitution and law


Delta motor vs. Mangosing

Luneta vs. A.D. Santos


- strict compliance is necessary

Notes on Corporation Law


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©GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
22

- Importance of the purpose clause - Examined the articles of incorporation to arrive at its
decision
- Cannot have the power to acquire
National Power vs. Vera
- Cannot engage in land transportation
- For purpose of prohibiting the NAPOCOR
- Doctrine of limited capacity
- The court must decide whether or not a logical and
Gov’t vs. El Hogar necessary relation exists between the act questioned
and the corporate purpose expressed in the NPC
- As the lawful transaction of its business may charter
reasonably represent
 Importance of PLACE of registration
Director of Lands vs. CA
- Residence
- Exception to the rule in the constitution
- Venue
- Alienable public land
- Place of meetings
- Converts the property to a private land automatically
- Place or registration of chattel mortgage
once converted it can now be registered

 Power to make donation  Power to extend its terms

- Limitation section 36 par.9 - Once its term expires, already dissolved automatically,
thus can no longer ask for extension
- These are circumstances, however, under which a
- After dissolution, it has 3 years to windup
donation by a corporation may be to its benefit as a
means of increasing its business or promoting
patronage. Thus, paragraph 9 of section 36 expressly  What are the modes of increasing capital stock?
authorizes a corporation to make donations. The only
limitations imposed are the following: 1. Increasing the par value of the existing number of
shares without increasing the number of shares;
1. The donation must be “reasonable”;
2. Increasing the number of existing shares without
2. It must be for public welfare, or for hospital, charitable, increasing the par value thereof; and,
scientific, cultural or similar purpose; and,
3. Increasing the number of existing shares and at the
3. It shall not be in aid of political party or candidate, or same time increasing the par value of the shares.
for purposes of partisan political activity.
 Why a corporation increases it capital stock?
 Power to establish pension
- Generate funds, business expansion, or payment of
- Include any act to promote and improve the liabilities, purposes of acquiring other business.
convenience, welfare and benefit of the employees or (example: to buy cars for the officers, purpose of
offices acquiring other business, expansion, other valid
reasons)

Republic vs. Acoje


 How do you decrease capital stock and why a
corporation decreases?
- While as a rule an ultra-vires act is one committed
outside the object for which a corporation is created as
- Reduce or wipeout existing deficit where no creditors
defined by law, there are however certain corporate acts
would thereby be effected
that may be performed outside of the scope of the
powers expressly conferred if they are necessary to
- When capital is more than necessary to procreate the
promote the interest or welfare of the corporation. Thus,
business or reduction of capital surplus
it has been held that “although not expressly authorized
to do so a corporation may become a surety where the
particular transaction is reasonably necessary or proper - To write down the value of its fixed assets to reflect
to the conduct of its business,” and here it is those present and actual
undisputed that the establishment local post office is a
reasonable and proper adjunct to the conduct of the o NOTE: any increase or decrease of capital stock requires
business of appellant company. Indeed, such post office approval of government agency like SEC it can never
is a vital improvement in the living condition of its take place unless SEC approves the same
employees and laborers who came to settle in its mining
camp which is far removed from the postal facilities or  Relevance of decrease of capital?
means of communication accorded to people living in a
city or municipality. 1. To reduce or wipe out existing deficit where no creditors
would thereby be affected;
 Power to exercise such other powers essential or
necessary to carry out its purpose (implied power) 2. When the capital is more than what is necessary to
procreate the business or reduction of capital surplus;
1. Acts in the usual course of business; or,

2. Acts to protect debts owing to the corporation; 3. To write down the value of its fixed assets to reflect
there present actual value in case where there is a
3. Embarking in a different business; decline in the value of the fixed assets of the
corporation.
4. Acts in part or wholly to protect or aid employees; and,
- Examples: Php 10M capital for grocery business, mayor
5. Acts to increase business didn’t want to issue license/permit because mayor has
3 other grocery stores, only allowed sari-sari store
permit, reduce capital for sari-sari so that the money
Teresa Electric and Power Co. vs. P.S.C.
will not sleep in bank

Notes on Corporation Law


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23

- Example: car rental agencies-Php 10M capital for 20 - Yes, if provided by articles of incorporation or by an
taxi’s, after some time each taxi is only 250K, nagmura amendment
ang taxi, to reduce capital is to show actual assets
- However, pre-emptive rights is unavailable to shares in
 Limitation imposed by law trading in stock exchange otherwise stockholders must
waive first their right before they may sell such.
- Decrease shall not in any way affect the rights of the
creditors  Exceptions

 Philippine Trust Company vs. Rivera 1. When the shares to be issued is in compliance with
laws requiring stock offerings or minimum stock
- Without the appraisal of SEC, a decrease in capital ownership by the public
stocks has no effect
2. Shares to be issued in good faith with the approval
 TRUST FUND DOCTRINE: of the stockholders representing 2/3 of the
outstanding capital stock either
- Subscription to capital stock of a corporation constitute
a fund to which the creditors have a right to look upon a. In exchange for property needed for corporate
for satisfaction of their claims and that the assignee in purpose or,
insolvency can maintain an action upon any unpaid
stock subscription in order to realize assets for the b. In payment of a previously contracted debt
payment of its debts.
- The exceptions, however will not apply to stockholders
Madrigal vs. Zamora of a close corporation by virtue of a subsequent and
specific provision of the Code which provides that the
- Decrease in capital has a subterfuge to evade payment “pre-emptive right of a stockholder in a close
corporation shall extend to all stock to be issued,
including reissuance of treasury shares, whether for
- Thus not valid and effective
money, property or personal services or in payment of a
corporate debt, unless the articles of incorporation
- Must not prejudice creditors which includes the
provide otherwise, if not entirely absolute, in that it
employees
extends to all issuance and disposition of shares

 Bond
- Such right of pre-emption may be lost by waiver of the
stockholder, expressly or impliedly by his inability or
- Commonly understood as an obligation of a state, its failure to exercise it after having been notified of the
subdivision or a private corporation, represented by a proposed issuance or disposition of shares
certificate or an instrument for the principal and by
detachable coupons for the payment of interests. In its
 When is it unavailable?
simplest term, it is one where an obligor obliges himself
to pay a certain sum of money to another at a day
- In shares traded openly in stock exchange/market
named.

 Is it applicable to close corporations?


- There are different kinds of bond but before they may be
issued or floated by the corporation, the same must be
- See section 96, close corporations must provide it first
registered and approved by the SEC subject to the rules
on its articles of incorporation, that its articles does not
and regulations that may be adopted by that agency.
really deny such pre-emptive rights.
The procedure and requirements set forth in section 38
is the same as in increasing or decreasing the capital
stock except that the certificate does not have to state  Section 102, will not apply to close corporations
the matters required in sub-section 2 & 3 thereof.
 The right of pre-emptive rights is absolute in close
 Pre-emptive rights corporations

“All issues or depositing shares of any class” form part of ACS


- A right granted by law to all existing stockholders of a
stock corporation to subscribe to all issues or
disposition of shares of any class, in proportion to their  Certain instances when a stockholder may nevertheless
respective stockholdings, subject only to the limitations be unable to exercise this right:
imposed under section 39 of the Code.
- Issued for public ownership
- Internationally granted
- Issued in good faith, with approval of 2/3 of outstanding
 Pre-emptive rights, why it is granted? capital stock either a) in exchange for property needed
or b) for payment of a previously contracted debt
- In order that the existing stockholders may maintain
their proportionate right as not to dilute their right  Pre- emptive rights of stockholders in ordinary stock
corporations may be denied
 Power to deny pre-emptive rights
- if the shares are to be issued in compliance with laws
requiring stock offering or minimum stock ownership by
Section 39. Power to deny pre-emptive right. - the pubic
All stockholders of a stock corporation shall enjoy pre-
emptive right to subscribe to all issues or disposition of
shares of any class, in proportion to their respective - In exchange for property needed for corporate purposes
shareholdings, unless such right is denied by the
articles of incorporation or an amendment thereto: - In payment of previously contracted debts
Provided, That such pre-emptive right shall not extend
to shares to be issued in compliance with laws requiring
 This rule, however, does not apply in a close corporation
stock offerings or minimum stock ownership by the
public; or to shares to be issued in good faith with the as the pre-emptive rights of the stockholders thereof is
approval of the stockholders representing two-thirds broadened to include all issues without exceptions
(2/3) of the outstanding capital stock, in exchange for unless, of course, denied or limited by the articles of
property needed for corporate purposes or in payment of incorporations. Section 102 provides:
a previously contracted debt.

Section 102. Pre-emptive right in close


 May it be denied? How? corporations. - The pre-emptive right of stockholders in
close corporations shall extend to all stock to be issued,
including reissuance of treasury shares, whether for

Notes on Corporation Law


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©GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
24

money, property or personal services, or in payment of - YES, it’s an internationally recognized right because it
corporate debts, unless the articles of incorporation includes “all issues and disposition of shares of any
provide otherwise. class” and all kinds of shares new or old

 Denial will not apply to a close corporation, ABSOLUTE - If the remaining unsubscribed shares are issued, it’s an
issuance of any class
- section 96
 May a corporation sell/dispose all or substantially all of
 May a stock holder in a close corporation insist in the its corporate assets and liabilities?
exercise of his pre-emptive rights?
- YES
- Yes, section 102
- 1) RESOLUTION 2) AUTHORIZATION 3) RATIFICATION
 What type or shares are covered by pre-emptive rights? 4) PRIOR WRITTEN NOTICE 5) SALE SUBJECT TO
PROVISIONS OF EXITING LAWS 6) DISSENTING
 Does it include those originally unsubscribed? STOCKHOLDERS HAVE THE RIGHT TO EXERCISE
THEIR APPRAISAL RIGHT
- NO. Benito vs. SEC
 If a corporation sells substantially all of it assets and
 Will the stockholders be able to exercise their pre- properties, will the buyer assume liability?
emptive right with respect to the old unissued shares?
- NO, EXCEPT
- Pre-emptive rights is applicable only to new issued
shares and not to the old unissued shares because it is 1) Express or implied agreement to the purchase
presumed that the original subscribers is deemed to
have taken his shares knowing that they form a definite 2) Where the transaction amounts to consolidation or
proportionate part of the whole number of authorized merger of the corporations
shares
3) When purchasing corporation is merely a continuation
- When the shares, left unsubscribed are re-offered, he of the selling corporation
cannot therefore claim. DILUTION OF INTEREST
4) Where the transaction is entered into fraudulently in
 Will the acquiring purchaser be liable for debts of the order to escape liability for such debt
former corporation?
 Legitimate purpose: for a corporation to reacquire its
- Generally no, corporate entity theory because there may own shares
be instances when purchasing corporation may be held
liable - Limitation: it must have surplus/unrestricted retained
earnings
 May a corporation acquire its own shares?
- Exception: may redeem irrespective of unrestricted
- Yes retained earnings

 Is there any restriction provided for by law in 1) Exercise of stockholders’ right to compel “close
reacquiring its own shares? corporation” to purchase his shares

- Yes, it must have been unrestricted retained earnings 2) Where corporation has sufficient assets in its books to
appearing in the books of corporation cover its debts and liabilities exclusive of capital stock

 A corporation can never acquire its own shares if it has ACS 1M


no unrestricted retained earnings
SUBSRIBED 1M
- False, exception close corporation and redeemable
shares PAID-UP 1M

EXAMPLE: ASSETS 500K

ACS 2M 1M PROFITS

SUBSCRIBED 1M - 500K LIABILITIES

PAID UP 1M ____________________

1 100K 500K RESERVES IN A CLOSE


CORPORATION IT CAN USE THIS TO REACQUIRE ISSUED
2 100K STOCKS

TO X – REALTY CORPORATION

10 100K  THE ONLY PROPERTY


OF THE CORPORATION
 If 1-5 became 200K each, may 6-10 demand the
exercise their pre-emptive right?  BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DECIDED TO SELL IT
- YES
Will it need the approval of the stockholders?
 May 1-5 subscribe to the unsubscribed capital stock to
the exclusion of 6-10? - NO, if the same is necessary in the usual and regular
course of business of said corporation or if the proceeds
- If a corporation makes 2M unrestricted retained of the sale or other disposition of such property and
earnings, it is the shares and not the number of persons assets be appropriated for the conduct of its remaining
that matters business

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

Notes on Corporation Law


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©GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
25

 If X is a manufacturing company, then it can sell its - Creditors of a corporation have the right to assume that
only property upon approval of the stockholders so long as there are outstanding debts and liabilities,
because it will render itself capable of continuing its the board of directors will not use the assets of the
business, BUT if the proceeds will be used to purchase a corporation to purchase its own stock, and that it will
better one for the continuance of its business, then it not declare dividends to stockholders when the
does not need the approval of the stockholders corporation is insolvent.

 Conditions for the valid exercise of this power are the  Power to invest funds <sec.42>
following

Section 42. Power to invest corporate funds


1. Resolution by the majority vote of the board of in another corporation or business or for any other
directors/trustees purpose. - Subject to the provisions of this Code, a
private corporation may invest its funds in any other
2. Authorization from the stockholders representing at corporation or business or for any purpose other than
least 2/3 of the outstanding capital stock or 2/3 of the the primary purpose for which it was organized when
members; approved by a majority of the board of directors or
trustees and ratified by the stockholders representing at
least two-thirds (2/3) of the outstanding capital stock,
3. The ratification of the stockholders or members must be or by at least two thirds (2/3) of the members in the
made at a meeting duly called for that purpose case of non-stock corporations, at a stockholder's or
member's meeting duly called for the purpose. Written
4. Prior written notice of the proposed action and of the notice of the proposed investment and the time and
place of the meeting shall be addressed to each
time and place of meeting must be made addressed to
stockholder or member at his place of residence as
all stockholders of record, either by mail or personal shown on the books of the corporation and deposited to
service; the addressee in the post office with postage prepaid, or
served personally: Provided, That any dissenting
5. The sale of the assets shall be subject to the provisions stockholder shall have appraisal right as provided in
of existing laws on illegal combinations and monopolies this Code: Provided, however, That where the
investment by the corporation is reasonably necessary
to accomplish its primary purpose as stated in the
6. Any dissenting stockholder shall have the option to articles of incorporation, the approval of the
exercise his appraisal right stockholders or members shall not be necessary. (17
1/2a)
IDP vs. CA
- For any other purpose other than the primary purpose,
- Consent of the members was not secured stockholder’s consent or approval is necessary

Edward Nell Co. vs. Pacific Farms - Thus, if it’s for the secondary purpose, it is necessary

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

- There is a substantial and not remote connection


1. To eliminate fractional shares arising out of stock between the sugar bags and the sugar manufacture,
dividends; thus stockholder’s approval is not necessary for validity

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

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26

- Submission of previous action is a sound corporate  Where should dividends come from?
practice
- Stock dividends are declared as stocks coming from
 Redeemable shares corporation

 Closed corporation (see section 105)  Who declares dividends to be declared? Do stockholders
have any say?
- For any reason, compel the value of shares “withdrawal
shares” provided corporation has sufficient funds to - Board of Directors, if stock approval of 2/3 outstanding
cover its debts and liabilities capital stock

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


Section 105. Withdrawal of stockholder or
dissolution of corporation. - In addition and without profits of the corporation)
prejudice to other rights and remedies available to a
stockholder under this Title, any stockholder of a close 1-100k
corporation may, for any reason, compel the said
corporation to purchase his shares at their fair value, 2-100k
which shall not be less than their par or issued value,
when the corporation has sufficient assets in its books
to cover its debts and liabilities exclusive of capital To
stock: Provided, That any stockholder of a close
corporation may, by written petition to the Securities 10-100k
and Exchange Commission, compel the dissolution of
such corporation whenever any of acts of the directors,
1M
officers or those in control of the corporation is illegal, or
fraudulent, or dishonest, or oppressive or unfairly
prejudicial to the corporation or any stockholder, or  Board decides to declare 1M, how much will each
whenever corporate assets are being misapplied or receive? May the board declare stock dividend
wasted.
- NO. that would be over issuance of shares, violation of
 If shares are reacquired, what happens? securities regulation code

- It becomes treasury shares - It must have a free portion

 Stockholder’s consent/ approval is not necessary and - The corporation may increase its capital
mere board action is sufficient if in accordance with
primary purpose  Z co. 1M to X Co. is 2/3 of Xco. Stockholders
reacquired?
 The logical relation of act done and primary purpose of
corporation and between the board of directors to - No, because in property 2/3 is not required
undertake submission of acts is a sound corporate
practice  What is the effect of declaration of dividends with
regards to the assets of a company?
 Dividends
- As compared to stock dividends, the declaration of cash
or property dividends have the effect of reducing
Section 43. Power to declare dividends. - The
board of directors of a stock corporation may declare corporate assets to the extent of dividends declared.
dividends out of the unrestricted retained earnings
which shall be payable in cash, in property, or in stock - Neither would stock dividends increase the
to all stockholders on the basis of outstanding stock proportionate interest of the stockholders of the
held by them: Provided, That any cash dividends due on corporation although it will have the effect of increasing
delinquent stock shall first be applied to the unpaid
the subscribed and paid-up capital of the corporation. It
balance on the subscription plus costs and expenses,
while stock dividends shall be withheld from the gives the stockholders nothing in the way of distribution
delinquent stockholder until his unpaid subscription is of assets but merely divides his existing shares into
fully paid: Provided, further, That no stock dividend smaller units.
shall be issued without the approval of stockholders
representing not less than two-thirds (2/3) of the  Earnings belong to the corporation until declared or
outstanding capital stock at a regular or special meeting
given
duly called for the purpose. (16a)

 Revocation
Stock corporations are prohibited from
retaining surplus profits in excess of one hundred
- No revocation of dividend may be has unless it has not
(100%) percent of their paid-in capital stock, except: (1)
when justified by definite corporate expansion projects been officially communicated to the stockholders or is in
or programs approved by the board of directors; or (2) the form of stock dividends which is revocable at any
when the corporation is prohibited under any loan time prior to distribution.
agreement with any financial institution or creditor,
whether local or foreign, from declaring dividends  Stock dividends- no reduction, you capitalize your
without its/his consent, and such consent has not yet
restricted retained earnings, what is issued is a piece of
been secured; or (3) when it can be clearly shown that
such retention is necessary under special circumstances paper. The restricted earnings remain in the corporation
obtaining in the corporation, such as when there is need
for special reserve for probable contingencies. (n)  Cash and property- reduces corporate assets

 What are dividends?  Stock dividends increase corporate assets? No, it will
only have the effect of increasing the subscribed and
- Corporate profits set aside, declared and ordered by the paid-up capital of the corporation
Board of Directors to be paid to the stockholders.
 Will there be a corresponding increase in their
 What are property dividends? proportionate interest?

- Those paid in property surplus - REMAINS THE SAME

 Like tables and chairs? Can tables and chairs make - Exception: when stock dividends will result in a
surplus profits? fractional share

- No, they do not make surplus, bonds, etc. ACS-2M 1-100K 200 (10%) *VOTING AND
DIVIDEND RIGHTS STILL THE SAME

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27

SUB-1M TO SUB 1M JULY 24 DECLARATION


10% JULY 31

PU-1M 10-100K PU 1M

ACS 2M 1 100K 100T JULY 26-Y(NEW


ONE WAS DECLARED TO Y) JULY 30- 100K
SUB 1M
2
PU 1M
TO TO HAVE THE TRANSFER
1M RE RECORDED

1 100K 10 100K

2 100K 1M

TO  Insofar as 1 and Y who has a better right? Already


declared, but not yet paid?
10 100K
- Right to receive vest upon declaration. Who ever owns at
1M the time of declaration owns the dividends

 May they be compelled? - Unless there is a stipulation to the contrary

- NO. You cannot declare if it does not come from  TRUST FUND DOCTRINE
unrestricted retained earnings.
- The power to declare it if paid-up capital is not
1. 1M-U.R.E. (is it true there is no way to compel?) maintained or is impaired

2. 2M-U.R.E. - Trust fund must be kept intact for the protection of


creditors who have the right to rely on such
 May they be compelled to declare dividends subscription and the paid-up capital for the satisfaction
of their claims
- Mandatory if earned, the board may be compelled to
declare dividends  Cannot accumulate surplus unreasonably

- if exceeds 100% of the paid-up capital the boards may  Basis is the paid-up capital
be compelled
 Entitled to dividends
ACS 2M 1M U.R.E.
 Irrespective of whether the subscription is full
SUB 1M
 Illegally declared
PU 800K
- Declare dividend with the belief that it formed part of
1-100K 50K PU the U.R.E., but yun pala sa capital

2-100K 50K  Directors are not liable, unless sec31 acted in bad faith
or gross negligence in the conduct of corporate affairs
TO
 Directors even if acting in behalf of the corporation, may
10-100K still be held solidarily liable

1M  Power to enter into management contract

 Will 1 and 2 receive full amount of dividends? - New provision

- YES. They are entitled however if they are declared Section 44. Power to enter into management
delinquent, the amount due them shall first be applied contract. - No corporation shall conclude a management
to his delinquency plus expenses. contract with another corporation unless such contract
shall have been approved by the board of directors and
 Delinquency occurs, you are called to pay, but you by stockholders owning at least the majority of the
outstanding capital stock, or by at least a majority of the
failed to pay. In case of stock dividend, the delinquent
members in the case of a non-stock corporation, of both
stock holder will not be entitled thereto until he has the managing and the managed corporation, at a
paid his subscription in full. meeting duly called for the purpose: Provided, That (1)
where a stockholder or stockholders representing the
 Are non-stockholders entitled to receive dividends? same interest of both the managing and the managed
corporations own or control more than one-third (1/3) of
the total outstanding capital stock entitled to vote of the
- No, tock dividends are civil fruits of the original
managing corporation; or (2) where a majority of the
investment, and to the owners of the shares belong the members of the board of directors of the managing
civil fruits. corporation also constitute a majority of the members of
the board of directors of the managed corporation, then
 How did the court decide dividends in the case of the management contract must be approved by the
Neilsen stockholders of the managed corporation owning at least
two-thirds (2/3) of the total outstanding capital stock
entitled to vote, or by at least two-thirds (2/3) of the
- Stock dividends cannot be issued to a person who is not members in the case of a non-stock corporation. No
a stockholder in payment of services rendered. management contract shall be entered into for a period
longer than five years for any one term.
- Whether cash, property or stock, only stockholders may
receive dividends. Dividends are fruits of investments. The provisions of the next preceding
They come from the U.R.E. or surplus profits of the paragraph shall apply to any contract whereby a
corporation. corporation undertakes to manage or operate all or
substantially all of the business of another corporation,
whether such contracts are called service contracts,
ACS 2M 1M U.R.E.
Notes on Corporation Law
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28

operating agreements or otherwise: Provided, however, - The proper forum, in accordance with the provisions of
That such service contracts or operating agreements PD 902-A, as amended and R.A. No. 8799 may suspend
which relate to the exploration, development, or revoke, after proper notice and hearing, the franchise
exploitation or utilization of natural resources may be
or certificate of registration of the corporation for serious
entered into for such periods as may be provided by the
pertinent laws or regulations. (n) misrepresentation as to what the corporation can do or
is doing to the great damage or prejudice of the general
public
 The requirement for a valid management contract are as
follows:
2. On the rights of the stockholders

1. Resolution of the board of directors - A stockholder may bring either an individual or


derivative suit to enjoin a threatened ultra-vires act or
2. Approval by the stockholders holding or representing a contract. If the act or contract has already been
majority of the outstanding capital stock or majority of performed, a derivative suit for damages against the
the members in case of non-stock corporation of both directors may be filed, but their liability will depend on
the managing and the managed corporation whether they acted in good faith and with reasonable
diligence in entering into the contract.
3. The approval of the stockholders or members must be
made at the meeting called for that purpose 3. On the immediate parties

4. The contract shall not be for a period longer than 5 - The courts have not agreed as to the legal effect of a
years for any one term, except those which relate to corporate contract outside of its authorized business
exploration, development or utilization of natural but Ballatine gives the following summary of the
resources which may be entered into for such periods as doctrines evolved:
may be provided by pertinent laws and regulations
a. If the contract is fully executed on both sides, the
 Every corporate act emanates from the BOARD contract is effective and the courts will no interfere
to deprive either party of what has been acquired
 Is the voting requirements of a majority stockholder under it
ABSOLUTE?
b. If the contract is executory on both sides, as a rule,
- Not only a majority but 2/3 of the outstanding capital neither party can maintain an action for its non-
stock or 2/3 of the members in a non-stock corporation performance
would be required for the approval of a management
contract in the following instances: c. Where the contract is executor on one side only,
and has been fully performed on the other, the
1. Where the stockholders representing the same interest courts differ as to whether an action will lie on the
of both the managing and managed corporation own or contract against the party who has received
control more than 1/3 of the total outstanding capital benefits of performance under it. Majority of the
stock of the managing corporation; and courts, however, hold that the party who has
received benefits from the performance is estopped
2. Where a majority of the members of the board of to set up that the contract is ultra-vires to defeat
directors of the managing corporation also constitute a an action on the contract. This is more in
majority of the directors of the managed corporation conformity with the doctrine that no person shall
be allowed to enrich himself at the expense of
3. Where the contract would constitute the management or another
operation of all or substantially all of the business of
another corporation, whether such contracts are called Privano vs. Dela Rama
service contracts. If it will not constitute the
management of all or substantially all of the business of - Court looked into the purpose clause
another corporation the first paragraph of section 44
will apply and not that of the second, that is, only the - The purpose clause empowers and limits
vote of the stockholders holding or representing at least
a majority of the outstanding capital stock or majority of
- Articles likewise provide that it may deal with any of its
the members in the case of non-stock corporation will
money
be required.

- “deal” broad enough to cover the donation it is not then


 How long?
ultra-vires

- Not longer than 5 years for any one term


- Not illegal per se hence (law of agency) excess powers
are subject to ratification
- Exception: exploration, development or utilization of
natural resources
- Ratified by passing the resolution in question

 What is an ultra-vires act or contract?


Carlos vs. Mindoro sugar Co.
- Doctrine of limited capacity. Corporation can do such
acts and things as it is allowed to do - PTC- trust company as such, it also has implied powers
as to make them more attractable
- Acts beyond it will be ultra vires, allowing a collateral
attack - Not ultra-vires in pursuance of its legitimate business

- If not illegal per se merely voidable. Can be ratified Japanese war notes vs. SEC
expressly or impliedly or even stopped as equitable
grounds - Non-stock corporations cannot make profits and
distribute profits to its shareholders
- Ultra-vires acts which are not illegal per se may become
binding and enforceable either by satisfaction, estoppels - Ultra-vires because Japanese war notes is a non-stock
or equitable grounds corporation

 Consequences of ultra-vires acts? Crisologo-Jose vs. CA (ALWAYS ASKED BY DEAN


SUNDIANG)
1. On the corporation itself
- The negotiable instruments law which holds an
accommodation party liable on the instrument to a

Notes on Corporation Law


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29

holder for value, although such holder at the time of  Elements of a valid by-law
taking the instrument knew him to be only an
accommodation party, does not include nor apply to 1. It must not be contrary to law, public policy or morals;
corporations which are accommodation parties. This is
because the issue or indorsement of negotiable paper by 2. It must not be inconsistent with the articles of
a corporation without consideration and for the incorporation;
accommodation of another is ultra-vires
3. It must be general and uniform in its effect or applicable
- Corporate officers may guarantee or endorse an to all alike or those similarly situated;
accommodation only if specifically authorized
4. It must not impair obligations and contracts or vested
Section 36 paragraph 11 rights; and’

Section 10 5. It must be reasonable.

Section 14 and 15 - Must not be inconsistent with existing laws. Not be


inconsistent with articles of incorporation
 Corporate powers depend on the agreement of the
stockholders rather than any director  By-laws

- It may sell and it may guarantee, contract not - None filing would not affect the status of the
necessarily illegal, it will in the absence of proof to the corporation, Loyola grand villas case
contrary presumed within its power. Corporations are
presumed to contract with in its powers- CARLOS CASE - The word “must” is not always imperative

- Purpose clause may be stretched to cover PLDT internet. - Stockholders are conlusively presumed to know the
It may be within its business. provisions of the by-laws

- May it sell computers? NO! other line of business. Its  How about 3rd persons?
trading!
- NO. unless there is actual knowledge of the same they
BY-LAWS are not presumed to know of the provisions of the by-
laws
 By-Laws
Fleischer vs. Botika Nolasco
- Rule adopted by the corporation for its internal
governance
- Shares of stock are personal properties

 Is the adoption of by-laws mandatory?


- Shares of stock may transfer to whom ever he wishes

 When should the by-laws be adopted or filed? Can it not


- The by-laws is contrary to law
be adopted earlier?

 Articles of incorporation
- After incorporation- within 1 month (emanates from the
BOARD)
- May provide reasonable restriction
- Prior-more convenient (signed by the incorporators)
- By-laws merely internal laws
 Who will sign the adoption clause?
- Articles is the contract between and among the parties
and corporation
- Majority of the stockholders or members attested to by
the corporate secretary
Gov’t vs. El Hogar
 What happens if the corporation fails to adopt the by-
laws from the tie provided by the law? Would there be - Did the court categorically ruled here that the provision
an automatic revocation or suspension? in the 5th cause of action is valid?

- Proper notice and hearing, must first be complied with - Rules governing equity, considering the fact that there
was always lack of quorum
Loyola grand villas vs. CA
- Section 29 BOD if still constituting a quorum may fill up
a vacancy other than by removal, etc.
- Not the SEC, but the HIGC

- Must – not always imperative Gokongwei vs. SEC

- Filing of by-laws mandatory - Section 48 allows a corporation to amend it by-laws

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

- Not affect the status of the corporation as a juridical - Prevent directors from taking advantage of position to
person promote his individual interest to the damage of others

- Subject the corporation to a fine, as may be issued by - The validity or reasonableness of a by-laws is a question
the SEC of law

 When do by-laws become effective? - Subject to the limitations that reasonableness of a by-
law is a mere matter of judgment
- Until and unless the SEC gives it stamped of approval
- Rule of the majority and not the tyranny of the minority
- Suspension of any government agency. The permission
must first be secured- section 46  May the by-laws be amended altered or appealed?

Notes on Corporation Law


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- YES. HOW? Two modes  Meetings are regular and special

1. By a majority vote of the directors or trustees and the  Meetings of stockholders


majority vote of the outstanding capital stock or
members in a non-stock corporation, at a regular or  What is regular and what is special?
special meeting called for that purpose;
 When are regular meetings of the stockholders held?
2. By the board of directors alone when delegated by 2/3 of
the outstanding capital stock or 2/3 of the members in - Fixed date provided by the by-laws
a non-stock corporation.
 What if there is no date?
- This delegated power, however, is considered revoked
whenever a majority of the outstanding capital stock or - April
members shall so vote at a regular or special meeting.
 Why april?
 If it is to be amended what is the proceeding?
- Point in time the audited financial statement have been
- Section 48 2nd paragraph provides: prepared

Section 48. Amendments to by-laws. - The  What if in the date specified in the by-laws or by the law
board of directors or trustees, by a majority vote thereof, itself the meeting was not convened, for instance lack of
and the owners of at least a majority of the outstanding quorum or force majeure?
capital stock, or at least a majority of the members of a
non-stock corporation, at a regular or special meeting - It may be postponed on a reasonable date
duly called for the purpose, may amend or repeal any
by-laws or adopt new by-laws. The owners of two-thirds
(2/3) of the outstanding capital stock or two-thirds (2/3)  Notice requirement?
of the members in a non-stock corporation may delegate
to the board of directors or trustees the power to amend - Regular- 2 weeks prior notice
or repeal any by-laws or adopt new by-laws: Provided,
That any power delegated to the board of directors or
trustees to amend or repeal any by-laws or adopt new - Special- 1 week
by-laws shall be considered as revoked whenever
stockholders owning or representing a majority of the  May the notice requirement be lessened?
outstanding capital stock or a majority of the members
in non-stock corporations, shall so vote at a regular or - By-laws may provide a longer or a shorter duration
special meeting.

 What if the notice requirement is not complied with?


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

- Notice requirement is the by-laws is a mandatory


The amended or new by-laws shall only be
requirement
effective upon the issuance by the Securities and
Exchange Commission of a certification that the same
are not inconsistent with this Code. (22a and 23a) - Improperly served, any action will be invalidated at the
objection of any stockholder or member

Baretto vs. La Previsora  Must be held in the proper place

- Any corporate act emanates from the board  Where should it be held?

- Directors themselves cannot amend the by-laws if they - Apparent from the foregoing provision is that meetings
were not granted the same of stockholders must, at all times, be held in the city or
municipality where the principal office of the
 Section 48 corporation is located and, as far as practicable, in the
principal office of the corporation.
 The power granted is not subject to revocation T or F?
 May the by-laws of a corporation provide that meetings
- FALSE be held anywhere in the Philippines?

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

MEETINGS - FALSE. Non-stock corporations lang pwede provided


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

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

- Meetings of director or trustees

Notes on Corporation Law


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 San Miguel office located in Ortigas Center. May 1. It must be held on the date fixed in the by-laws or in
stockholders meeting be held in PICC center? accordance with law

- YES. Metro Manila, one single city 2. Prior notice must be given

 Must be called by the proper party 3. It must be held at he proper place

 Who calls? 4. It must be called by the proper party

- President until and unless there is a provision , 5. Quorum and voting requirements must be met
secretary on order of the president
 Date not complied with, notice, place, not complied with
 What if there is nobody who can call? and the person who called not authorized, what
happens to any resolution called?
- The petitioner, stockholder may petition the court
- Section 51, any meeting shall be valid provided all the
 What if there is a person who can call, but he fails or stockholders are present or duly represented and
neglects to call the meeting? May a stockholder petition provided it is within the power of the corporation. 3 RD
to authorize a meeting? paragraph of 324

- Ponce case only applies when there is NO person - If the voting requirement is met, any resolution passed
authorized to call the meeting. If there is a person, but in the meeting, even if improperly held or called will be
neglects his duty. Ponce will not apply. valid if all the stockholders or members are present or
duly represented thereat. The last paragraph of section
 Writ of injunction may never be issued ex parte 51 is clear on the matter when it provides:

 Is there any exception? “all proceedings had and any business


transacted at any meeting of the stockholders
- Section 28 only instance or members, if within the powers or authority
of the corporation, shall be valid even if the
meeting be improperly held or called,
Section 28. Removal of directors or trustees. - provided all the stockholders or members of
Any director or trustee of a corporation may be removed the corporation are present or duly
from office by a vote of the stockholders holding or
represented at the meeting.”
representing at least two-thirds (2/3) of the outstanding
capital stock, or if the corporation be a non-stock
corporation, by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the  Directors/trustees meeting
members entitled to vote: Provided, That such removal
shall take place either at a regular meeting of the  Regular (monthly) and special (anytime)
corporation or at a special meeting called for the
purpose, and in either case, after previous notice to
stockholders or members of the corporation of the  May that be restricted (within or outside the Phil)
intention to propose such removal at the meeting. A
special meeting of the stockholders or members of a - YES. unless the by-laws provide otherwise.
corporation for the purpose of removal of directors or
trustees, or any of them, must be called by the secretary  Is there any notice requirement?
on order of the president or on the written demand of
the stockholders representing or holding at least a
majority of the outstanding capital stock, or, if it be a - YES. 1 day unless otherwise provided by the by-laws
non-stock corporation, on the written demand of a
majority of the members entitled to vote. Should the  What happens if notice is not complied with?
secretary fail or refuse to call the special meeting upon
such demand or fail or refuse to give the notice, or if
- If the notice requirement is not complied with the
there is no secretary, the call for the meeting may be
addressed directly to the stockholders or members by meeting is illegal and will not bind the corporation
any stockholder or member of the corporation signing except when subsequently ratified or in the case of a
the demand. Notice of the time and place of such close corporation where the act of any one director may
meeting, as well as of the intention to propose such bind the corporation even without a meeting under the
removal, must be given by publication or by written special provision of Section 101 of the Code.
notice prescribed in this Code. Removal may be with or
without cause: Provided, That removal without cause
may not be used to deprive minority stockholders or  Can notice be waived? <sec.53>
members of the right of representation to which they
may be entitled under Section 24 of this Code. (n)
Section 53. Regular and special meetings of
directors or trustees. - Regular meetings of the board of
 Cases of removal or ouster of a director directors or trustees of every corporation shall be held
monthly, unless the by-laws provide otherwise.
 Mandamus would be appropriate remedy if there is a
person authorized but refuses Special meetings of the board of directors or
trustees may be held at any time upon the call of the
 Quorum and voting requirement president or as provided in the by-laws.

- Majority stockholders or members constitute a quorum Meetings of directors or trustees of


corporations may be held anywhere in or outside of the
 Is the presence of the majority owners of the Philippines, unless the by-laws provide otherwise. Notice
of regular or special meetings stating the date, time and
outstanding capital stock ABSOLUTE to have a
place of the meeting must be sent to every director or
quorum? trustee at least one (1) day prior to the scheduled
meeting, unless otherwise provided by the by-laws. A
- NO. when the code requires a higher quorum it must director or trustee may waive this requirement, either
also be equivalent to the vote required expressly or impliedly. (n)

 Do you include non-voting shares in arriving at the - YES. Expressly and impliedly
voting requirement to have a valid corporate act?
- SEC ruling
- It depends.
A special meeting is valid without notice
- Section 6 last par. If it falls within the penultimate par. where the directors are all present or where
Of section 6 they consent to the meeting. Presence at the
meeting waives the want of notice. Moreover,
 Five requisites of a valid meeting it has been ruled that the meeting of the
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directors without a formal call first being had, - Section 58


and notice thereof given to the members, did
not operate to invalidate it or to render the Section 58. Proxies. - Stockholders and
proceedings which were taken at it void, for members may vote in person or by proxy in all meetings
every member of the board were present, and of stockholders or members. Proxies shall in writing,
their joint action had completely bound the signed by the stockholder or member and filed before
corporation as if the meeting has been called the scheduled meeting with the corporate secretary.
with due formality, and everyone of the Unless otherwise provided in the proxy, it shall be valid
directors had received proper notice. only for the meeting for which it is intended. No proxy
shall be valid and effective for a period longer than five
 What is the quorum and voting requirement in the (5) years at any one time. (n)
directors meeting?
 How long may a proxy exist?
- Majority of the members of the board of directors (entire
membership) - Maximum of 5 years

 Vote required to pass a valid corporate act? - Valid for the meeting in which it is intended

- Majority of those present at which there is a quorum (3  Is proxy revocable?


present, vote of 2 sufficient)
- Generally revocable, unless coupled with interest
- Exception, majority of all the members of the board in
case of election of corporate officers, unless the articles  Revocation
provide for a greater quorum or voting requirement
- A proxy, like agency in general is revocable unless
 Should the director or trustees be physically present? coupled with an interest and revocation need not be
made by formal notice in writing. Revocation may be
- General rule, must sit and act as a body to have a valid expressed to the proxy holder, to the election committee,
corporate act by a subsequent proxy to another or by sale of the
shares. Thus it may be revoke orally by conduct such
 Five man member board, a meeting was called today, that appearing and asserting the right to vote at a
should the physical presence or warm bodies requires to meeting by the registered owner of the shares revokes a
constitute a quorum? proxy previously given.

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


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

 Stockholder not yet  What is voting trust agreement?

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


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

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


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

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


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

- Lee vs. CA must pass these criteria


1. Redeemable and preferred shares, however if
founders shares are issued others may be denied
the right to vote. 1. That the voting rights of the stock are separated from
the other attributes of ownership;
2. May be denied by the articles of incorporation or
contracts 2. That the voting rights granted are intended to be
irrevocable for a definite period of time; and,
- When not denied they may do so in person or by proxy
3. That the principal purpose of the grant of voting rights
is to acquire voting control of the corporation.
 May the right to vote by proxy be denied?

 During the duration of the trust they are irrevocable


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

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


 Requisites
allowed?

- Section 59
- NO

 Only non-stock may be denied proxy voting (may be Section 59. Voting trusts. - One or more
broaden, limited or denied) stockholders of a stock corporation may create a voting
trust for the purpose of conferring upon a trustee or
trustees the right to vote and other rights pertaining to
 Proxy voting is a matter of right granted by law
the shares for a period not exceeding five (5) years at
any time: Provided, That in the case of a voting trust
 Requirements of a valid proxy? specifically required as a condition in a loan agreement,
said voting trust may be for a period exceeding five (5)
years but shall automatically expire upon full payment

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of the loan. A voting trust agreement must be in writing - The beneficial owner of the shares in a voting trust is
and notarized, and shall specify the terms and disqualified to be a director in a voting trust whereas in
conditions thereof. A certified copy of such agreement a proxy, the owner of the shares may be elected as such
shall be filed with the corporation and with the
since legal title thereof remains with him
Securities and Exchange Commission; otherwise, said
agreement is ineffective and unenforceable. The
certificate or certificates of stock covered by the voting - YES he remains to be the owner
trust agreement shall be cancelled and new ones shall
be issued in the name of the trustee or trustees stating  Is the stockholder executing in a voting trust agreement,
that they are issued pursuant to said agreement. In the is he qualified to act as a director?
books of the corporation, it shall be noted that the
transfer in the name of the trustee or trustees is made
pursuant to said voting trust agreement. - NO. ceases to be stockholder of record, no longer the
legal owner of shares

The trustee or trustees shall execute and


deliver to the transferors voting trust certificates, which  May the corporation enforce the voting trust agreements
shall be transferable in the same manner and with the executed by its stockholders?
same effect as certificates of stock.
- NO. NIDC vs. AQUINO
The voting trust agreement filed with the
corporation shall be subject to examination by any - Not a privy to the contract
stockholder of the corporation in the same manner as
any other corporate book or record: Provided, That both - Rights liabilities of a stockholder are there in their
the transferor and the trustee or trustees may exercise
individual capacity- corporate entity theory
the right of inspection of all corporate books and records
in accordance with the provisions of this Code.
 Voting trust agreements

Any other stockholder may transfer his


- Normally executed in favor of banking and financial
shares to the same trustee or trustees upon the terms
and conditions stated in the voting trust agreement, and institutions
thereupon shall be bound by all the provisions of said
agreement. - So that they can vote a certain set of directors

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


into for the purpose of circumventing the law against
monopolies and illegal combinations in restraint of trade  Voting pull agreement
or used for purposes of fraud.
- Enters into an agreement
Unless expressly renewed, all rights granted
in a voting trust agreement shall automatically expire at - Pull all their shares to cast one vote
the end of the agreed period, and the voting trust
certificates as well as the certificates of stock in the
name of the trustee or trustees shall thereby be deemed - Covered by rules governing contracts
cancelled and new certificates of stock shall be reissued
in the name of the transferors. - By pulling their votes they can decline the resolution
passed by the board
The voting trustee or trustees may vote by
proxy unless the agreement provides otherwise. (36a)  END OF MIDTERMS

 Does it need to be notarized?

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

 Only legal ownership is transferred  3 modes

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

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

 Stockholder executing as a proxy, is he qualified to be - Purchaser can neither require the issuance
voted as a director?
Xco. Inc.
 Why is he qualified to act as a director if the stockholder
executes as a director?
P
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stock may be any or a combination of any two or more


of the following:
Authorized capital 1M
1. Actual cash paid to the corporation;
500 SUBSCRIBED
2. Property, tangible or intangible, actually received by
500 UNISSUED STOCKS (AS LONG AS GALING DITO) the corporation and necessary or convenient for its use
and lawful purposes at a fair valuation equal to the par
Z wants to acquire 100K or issued value of the stock issued;

Entered in June 50% shall be down payment remainder December 3. Labor performed for or services actually rendered to
08 the corporation;

o he will not be considered a stockholder unless he has


4. Previously incurred indebtedness of the corporation;
paid in full

August 08 property is ravaged by fire all are turned into shares 5. Amounts transferred from unrestricted retained
earnings to stated capital; and

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


6. Outstanding shares exchanged for stocks in the event
of reclassification or conversion.
- YES, no matter how the party refer to it, it is considered
subscription
Where the consideration is other than actual
- Once you subscribe, you become a stockholder which is cash, or consists of intangible property such as patents
of copyrights, the valuation thereof shall initially be
entitled to all the liabilities of a stockholder
determined by the incorporators or the board of
directors, subject to approval by the Securities and
Z- subscribed to 100T/S of XCo. Exchange Commission.

Amount he paid 50k


Shares of stock shall not be issued in
exchange for promissory notes or future service.
Z did not pay on the date called and was declared a delinquent
share
The same considerations provided for in this
section, insofar as they may be applicable, may be used
 Corporation paid 100T/S therefore the corporation for the issuance of bonds by the corporation.
reacquired the shares again, what are they called?

The issued price of no-par value shares may


- Treasury shares
be fixed in the articles of incorporation or by the board
of directors pursuant to authority conferred upon it by
Y- 80T/S DECEMBER 08 the articles of incorporation or the by-laws, or in the
absence thereof, by the stockholders representing at
40 % (AUGUST) WAS DESTROYED BY FIRE, IS HE STILL LIABLE least a majority of the outstanding capital stock at a
TO PAY THE UNPAID PORTION? meeting duly called for the purpose. (5 and 16)

 IT WAS AGREED THAT IT WAS A PURCHASE AND WILL  “Amounts transferred from unrestricted retained
BE A STOCKHOLDER ONLY IF PAID IN FULL IS HE earnings to stated capital” what does it mean?
LIABLE?
- Stock dividends will in effect capitalize the unrestricted
- NO, because that was a purchase retained earnings

- First example galing sa unissued stock  After 5 years the founders shares may be converted into
common shares or other kinds of shares
- 2nd example galling sa treasury shares hindi sa
unissued share  May shares of stocks be issued without consideration?
Why?
 NO such thing as purchase of unissued stocks
- NO, two reasons by the SC, discriminatory against other
 A subscription contract can be conditional provided stockholders and second unlawful, it prejudices the
there is nothing in the charter or statute prohibiting it right of the creditors “Trust Fund Doctrine”
and not against public order, law, etc.
 If issued without a consideration
 Must it be in writing?
- Section 65, they will be considered as watered stocks
- NO, it may be oral
Section 65. Liability of directors for watered
 5M should it be in writing to be valid and binding as a stocks. - Any director or officer of a corporation
subscription? consenting to the issuance of stocks for a consideration
less than its par or issued value or for a consideration in
- NO, statutes of frauds only applies to SALES any form other than cash, valued in excess of its fair
value, or who, having knowledge thereof, does not
forthwith express his objection in writing and file the
Trillana vs. Quezon College same with the corporate secretary, shall be solidarily,
liable with the stockholder concerned to the corporation
- Counter proposal, therefore there was a need for an and its creditors for the difference between the fair value
received at the time of issuance of the stock and the par
acceptance or issued value of the same. (n)

- Facultative because it is in his own free will, it is void


- Subscribers may be compelled to pay the value
 What may be used as a consideration and how much
should be the consideration?  Issuance of a certificate of stock is another thing

- Section 62 provides:  What are the requisites for the issuance of a valid
certificate of stock?

Section 62. Consideration for stocks. - Stocks 1. It must be signed by the president or vice-president and
shall not be issued for a consideration less than the par countersigned by the secretary or assistant secretary;
or issued price thereof. Consideration for the issuance of

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2. It must be sealed with the corporate seal; and the entire affect the validity thereof at least in so far as the
value thereof (together with interest or expenses, if any) contracting parties are concerned.
should have been paid.

Section 63. Certificate of stock and transfer


While it appears, that a subscriber to shares of stock of shares. - The capital stock of stock corporations shall
cannot be entitled to the issuance of a certificate of be divided into shares for which certificates signed by
stock until the full amount of his subscription together the president or vice president, countersigned by the
with interest and expenses (in case of delinquent shares) secretary or assistant secretary, and sealed with the seal
if any is due, has been paid, a subscriber to shares of of the corporation shall be issued in accordance with the
stock, even if not yet fully paid, is entitled to exercise all by-laws. Shares of stock so issued are personal property
and may be transferred by delivery of the certificate or
the rights of a stockholder and the corresponding
certificates indorsed by the owner or his attorney-in-fact
liability that attach thereunder. Thus, the Code or other person legally authorized to make the transfer.
provides: No transfer, however, shall be valid, except as between
the parties, until the transfer is recorded in the books of
Section 72. Rights of unpaid shares. - the corporation showing the names of the parties to the
Holders of subscribed shares not fully paid which are transaction, the date of the transfer, the number of the
certificate or certificates and the number of shares
not delinquent shall have all the rights of a stockholder.
transferred.
(n)

 Is the issuance of a certificate of stock necessary to No shares of stock against which the
corporation holds any unpaid claim shall be
consider the subscriber a stockholder?
transferable in the books of the corporation. (35)

- NO, shall be considered a stockholder even without a


certificate of stock  “Until registration is accomplished, the transfer, though
valid between the parties, cannot be effective as against
 Instances when he may not be able to exercise his rights the corporation. Thus the, unrecorded transfer cannot
as such stockholder enjoy the status of a stockholder; he cannot vote nor be
voted for, and he will not be entitled to dividends. The
corporation will be protected when it pays dividend to
- Declared delinquent
the registered owner despite a previous transfer of which
it had no knowledge. The purpose of registration
- When he exercises his appraisal right
therefore is twofold: to enable the transferee to exercise
all the rights of a stockholder and to inform the
 Are certificate of stocks transferrable?
corporation of any change in shares ownership so that it
can ascertain the persons entitled to the rights and
- YES subject to the liabilities of a stockholder.”

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

 Registration is necessary for the following:


Abc co.
1. To enable the corporation to know who its stockholders
B stole and forged the signature are;
C is purchaser in good faith and for value will C acquire title
2. To enable the transferee to exercise his rights a s
stockholders;

3. To afford the corporation an opportunity to object or


refuse registration of the transfer in case allowed by law;

4. To avoid fictitious and fraudulent transfers; and,

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


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

 What if A endorsed it? 2. Shares of stock against which the corporation holds any
unpaid claim shall not be transferable in the books of
the corporation; unpaid claims, refer to claims arising
- He is estopped, unless there are other available defenses
from unpaid subscription and not to any indebtedness
which a stockholder may owe the corporation such as
 Transfer is required to be recorded in the books of the
monthly dues;
corporation, however even if not recorded, it will be valid
between the parties. Non-registration will not however,
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3. Restrictions required to be indicated in the articles of - By endorsement and delivery of the stock certificate to
incorporation, by-laws and stock certificates of a close the transferee
corporation;
 In order to be valid, must be registered in the books. If
4. Restrictions imposed by special law, such as the Public not, will only be binding among parties
Service Act requiring the approval of the government
agency concerned if it will vest unto the transferee 40%  How may shares of stock be transferred?
of the capital of the public service company;
- Endorsement of stock certificate by owner or attorney-
5. Sale to aliens in violation of maximum ownership of in-fact with delivery
shares under the Nationalization Laws;
Embassy farms vs. CA
6. Those covered by reasonable agreement of the parties.
- Must be endorsed by owner or attorney-in-fact coupled
Monserat vs. Ceron with delivery

- Does it include mortgage? - Endorsed not delivered

- NO, it is not an absolute transfer - Proper mode and manner must be complied with

- Will not affect the transfer through mortgage


Razon vs. IAC

- Absolute and unconditional transfer


- Delivered not endorsed

- Only the transfer or absolute conveyance of the


- Reverse of Embassy Farms
ownership of the title to a share need be entered and
noted upon the books of the corporation in order that
- Endorsement alone is not sufficient nor delivery without
such transfer may be valid, therefore, inasmuch as a
endorsement is not allowed
chattel mortgage of the aforesaid title is not a complete
and absolute alienation of the dominion and ownership
- Endorsement plus delivery is mandatory
thereof, its entry and notation upon the books of the
corporation is not necessary requisite to its validity
 Is there any other mode of transferring stock?
 Chua guan vs. Magsasaka
- Notarized deed
- Was the mortgage valid and effective as against
subsequent third parties - Deed of assignment

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

- All transferred not register will not have a valid force Tay vs. CA
and effect
- Mandamus may issue if petition has a clear legal right
 Right to transfer may be regulated
- Never issued in doubtful cases
 May not be unreasonably restricted
- Petitioner failed to establish a clear legal right and
 Violation of nationalization law- Central Bank alleged ownership is without merit

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

- Reasonable agreement by the parties - In the case there was no attempt to foreclose

- Reasonable as to length of time - Petitioner must have a prima facie right

Padgett vs. Babcock Nava vs. Peers Marketing

- Any attempt to restrain transfer - A stock subscription is a subsisting liability from the
time the subscription is made
- SC, in the absence of a valid lien upon its shares
- The subscriber is as much bound to pay his
- Valid restrictions shares are applicable subscription as he would be to pay any other debt

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

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 Stock certificate has already been issued it must be


coupled with the delivery

 After certificate of stock is issued, may it be effectively


transferred even without endorsement or delivery of the
stock certificate?

- Person sought to be a stockholder is an officer and has


custody ENDORSEMENT FORM

 Endorsement and delivery is not necessary (TAN vs.  C armed with the endorsement form certificate, sold to D
SEC) (innocent purchaser for value), will D acquire title?

Tan vs. SEC (FULL KNOWLEDGE, HE IS ESTOPPED) - NO, subject to such rights and defenses as the true and
lawful owner may have
- Persons sought to be stockholder is officer and has
custody of the book (estopped)  What if C now goes to the corporation and presents the
form?
 General Rule for valid transfer
- Then the corporation shall cancel the old certificate and
- Certificate of stock must be endorsed by owner or issues a new one, now in the name of C, now registered
attorney-in-fact coupled with delivery in the name of C, will C acquire title?

 Exceptions  A found out what happened and goes to the corporation


who has a better title C or A?
- Section 63 uses the word “may”
- A, A cannot be deprived of his right by virtue of an
- Showing that there may be other modes of transferring unauthorized transfer
shares
 Corporation can compel C to deliver the new stock
 Is there a time frame or fixed period as when transfer certificate because he made a representation that the
can be made? certificate where good.
 Armed with the new certificate issued to C, C delivers to
D a purchaser in good faith and for value will D acquire
- NO, (WON vs. WACK WACK)
title?

Won vs. Wack Wack - D will acquire title took the shares not by virtue of a forged
or unauthorized transfer, but on the reliance that the
- Valid between contracting parties even if not recorded in stock certificate is valid and owned by C
corporation books
 Stock certificate now in possession of D. A knew of what
- Right accrues only if refused happened and went to the corporation and complains.
Who will have a better title?
- Statute of limitations does not apply in registration of
shares of stock - the corporation may be compelled to recognize both, A as
stockholder (non-negotiable) D, reliance that the stock
- Must determined from the time of refusal certificate is valid and existing and owned by C

 Why are they non-negotiable when they may be  Forged transfers


transferred?
- If the corporation should issue a new certificate in
- Transferees pays it without prejudice to all the rights pursuance of a forged transfer, the corporation incurs
and defenses as the true and lawful owner may have no liability to the person in whose favor it is issued and
under the law except insofar as such rights and it may demand its return for cancellation. The
defenses are subject to the limitations imposed by the corporation in such case has been guilty of no
principles governing estoppels misrepresentation. On the other hand, it is the duty of
the purchaser to determine that the indorsement of the
De los Santos vs. Republic owner is genuine. However, if the new certificate issued
to the purchaser comes into the hands of a bona fide
- Why is he, not considered as the owner of shares? When purchaser for value, the corporation will be stopped
it has been said that when endorsed by the owner it is from denying validity thereof, since by issuing such new
considered as strict certificate? Because certificate of certificate it represents that the person named therein is
stocks are non-negotiable a stockholder of the corporation. The corporation is thus
forced to recognize both the original certificate and new
certificate-the original, because the true owner could not
- Although a stock-certificate is sometimes regarded as
be deprived of his title by a forged transfer, and the new,
quasi-negotiable, in the sense that it may be transferred
because of its representation that the person named
by endorsement, coupled with delivery, it is well settled
therein is the owner of shares in the corporation. But if
that the instrument is non-negotiable, because the
the recognition of both stockholders would result in an
holder thereof takes it without prejudice to such rights
over issue of shares, then only the original and true
or defenses as the registered owner or creditor may have
owner can be recognized as a stockholder. The bona fide
under the law, except insofar as such rights or defenses
purchaser of the new certificate will however have a
are subject to the limitations imposes by the principles
right of damages against the corporation. The
governing estoppels.
corporation, in turn, would have a right of action
against the person who made false representations and
 Unauthorized issuance of stock certificates
in whose favor it issued a new certificate. The true
owner of the shares which were wrongfully transferred
would of course have a right to compel the corporation
100/s 100 to issue him a certificate in lieu of the original one
which was wrongfully cancelled.
XYZCo
 Authorized capital stock 1M shares

100 pesos per share


 All are subscribed who will the corporation recognize as
Stolen by B and forged the signature of A
B sells to C will C acquire title? NO rightful owner A or D? if both will be recognized there
will be over issuance
Notes on Corporation Law
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38

- only A citing citizens national bank vs. state (but if  Section 62 states that stocks shall not be issued for a
recognition of both stockholders would result in an over consideration less than par or issued price thereof,
issue of shares, then only the original and true owner while section 13 states that in no case shall be paid-up
can be recognized as a stockholder) capital be less than five thousand [P5000] pesos.
 If issued below par, issued value considered as water
- by virtue of the doctrine of non-negotiability of certificate  How may watered stocks be issued?
of stocks 1. For a monetary consideration less than its par or issued
value;
 The true and lawful owner will never be deprived of his 2. For a consideration in property, tangible or intangible,
rights valued in excess of its fair market value;
 What happens to D? 3. Gratuitously or under an agreement that nothing shall
be paid at all; or
- D will have a cause of action against the corporation for 4. In the guise of stock dividends when there are no
the value of his acquisition cost inclusive of damages, surplus profits of the corporation.
attorney’s fees and cost of suit  Why is stock watering illegal?
1. The corporation is deprived of its capital thereby hurting
its business prospects, financial capability and
 D sues the corporation for the value of his acquisition
responsibility;
cost, inclusive of damages, attorney’s fees and cost of
2. Stockholders who paid their subscriptions in full, or
suit. What may the corporation do?
promised to pay the same, are injured and prejudiced by
the reduction of their proportionate interest in the
- NO defense, no valid defense, because it was represented
corporation; and,
to other parties that the certificate of stocks is valid,
3. Present and future creditors are deprived of the
subsisting, etc.
corporate assets for the protection of their interest.
- Corporation is prejudiced
 2nd situation, what cause of action may the corporation
- Stockholders, dilution of interest
have? Remedy?
- Creditors are prejudiced, virtue of right to look upon
corporations properties for the satisfaction of their
- Third party complaint against C, but what if he is a
claims
purchaser for value? 4th party claim against B
 What is the effect of issuance of watered stocks
1. As to the corporation - when a corporation is guilty of
 When may certificate of stocks be issued?
ultra-vires or illegal acts which constitute an injury to or
fraud upon the public, or which will tend to injure or
- Section 64 provides: defraud the public, the State may institute a quo-
warranto proceeding to forfeit its charter for the misuse
Section 64. Issuance of stock certificates. - or abuse of its franchise.
No certificate of stock shall be issued to a subscriber 2. As between the corporation and the subscriber- The
until the full amount of his subscription together with subscription is void. Such being the case, the subscriber
interest and expenses (in case of delinquent shares), if
is liable to pay the full par or issued value thereof, to
any is due, has been paid. (37)
render it valid and effective.
3. As to the consenting stockholders - They are stopped
 A certificate of stock cannot be issued unless he fully from raising any objection thereto;
paid the amount subscribed 4. As to dissenting stockholders - In view of the dilution of
 Subscription to the capital stocks of the corporation are their proportionate interest in the corporation, they may
indivisible compel the payment of the “water” in the stock solidarily
 Clear mandate of section 148 of the code is that the against the responsible and consenting directors and
ruling of the court in Baltazar vs. Lingayen Gulf, no officers inclusive of the holder of the watered stocks;
longer holds true 5. As to creditors - They may enforce payment of the
difference in the price, or the water in the stock,
Section 148. Applicability to existing solidarily against the responsible directors/officers and
corporations. - All corporations lawfully existing and the stockholders concerned; and’
doing business in the Philippines on the date of the 6. As against transferees of the watered stock – His right is
effectivity of this Code and heretofore authorized, the same as that of his transferor. If, however, a
licensed or registered by the Securities and Exchange certificate of stock has been issued and duly indorsed to
Commission, shall be deemed to have been authorized, a bona fide purchaser, without knowledge, actual or
licensed or registered under the provisions of this Code,
constructive, the latter cannot be held liable, at least as
subject to the terms and conditions of its license, and
shall be governed by the provisions hereof: Provided, against the corporation, since he took the shares on
That if any such corporation is affected by the new reliance of the misrepresentation made by the
requirements of this Code, said corporation shall, unless corporation that the stock certificate is valid and
otherwise herein provided, be given a period of not more subsisting. This is because a corporation is prohibited
than two (2) years from the effectivity of this Code within from issuing certificates of stock until the full value of
which to comply with the same. (n) the subscriptions have been paid and could not,
therefore, deny the validity of the stock certificate it
 Subscription to shares of stocks are indivisible issued as against a purchaser in good faith. Thus,
 Also apparent is that once a subscriber has paid his Ballentine states that whether there is any liability on
subscription in full, he becomes entitled to be issued a the part of the transferee of watered stock is made to
stock certificate and in the event that the corporation depend upon whether he acquired the same without
refuses to do so, the stockholder my institute a case for notice, either as purchaser or donee. If he had
mandamus with damages. Thus, it has been said that knowledge thereof, he is subject to the same liability as
the duty of the corporate officers to issue stock his transferor.
certificates to those entitled thereto is a ministerial duty  What is the nature of the liability of the corporate
enforceable by mandamus. directors consenting to the issuance of watered stocks
Fua Cun vs. Summers and China Banking Corp. and the extent of their liabilities?
- The court erred in holding the plaintiff as the owner of - Solidarily liable with the holder of the watered stocks to
250 shares of stock; “the plaintiff’s rights consist in the extent of the water from said shares of stocks
equity in 500 shares and upon payment of the unpaid  Will all the directors be liable? What if you objected will
portion of the subscription price he becomes entitled to you also be liable?
the issuance of certificate for said 500 shares in his - If you do not issue a written objection, you are still
favor.” liable
- No certificate of stock until the full amount has been - Even passive directors may be liable
paid. - Those having knowledge thereof, but did not interpose
 Watered stock their objection shall be liable
- One which is issued by the corporation as fully paid-up
shares, when in fact the whole amount of the value - Section 65 provides:
thereof has not been paid.
- Basis is par value and not the fair market value

Notes on Corporation Law


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39

Section 65. Liability of directors for watered - General rule is they are not liable to pay interest
stocks. - Any director or officer of a corporation because the code says unless requires in the by-laws
consenting to the issuance of stocks for a consideration
less than its par or issued value or for a consideration in
any form other than cash, valued in excess of its fair - Aside from the mandate of the law that subscribers to
value, or who, having knowledge thereof, does not shares of stock must pay the full value of their
forthwith express his objection in writing and file the subscription, they may likewise be required to pay
same with the corporate secretary, shall be solidarily, interest on all unpaid subscriptions if so imposed in the
liable with the stockholder concerned to the corporation contract or in the corporate by-laws at such rate as may
and its creditors for the difference between the fair value be indicated thereat or the legal rate if not so fixed.
received at the time of issuance of the stock and the par Unless so required or provided, however, subscribers to
or issued value of the same. (n) shares of stock, not fully paid, are not liable to pay
interest on their unpaid subscriptions. The code thus
provides:
 ACS-100M 100M/S PAR VALUE-
1.00
Section 66. Interest on unpaid subscriptions.
SUBSCRIBED-50M FAIR MARKET VALUE-
- Subscribers for stock shall pay to the corporation
12.00/S interest on all unpaid subscriptions from the date of
UNSUBSCRIBED-50M subscription, if so required by, and at the rate of
A interest fixed in the by-laws. If no rate of interest is fixed
B in the by-laws, such rate shall be deemed to be the legal
C rate. (37)
D
E  Until a call is made, they are not due and payable, but
still subject to the provisions of the contracts
There is a denial of pre-emptive rights and directors  Procedures in case of sale of delinquent stocks
A,B,C,D,E decided to issue the remaining 50M and
subscribed for 10M each at 2 per share. - Section 68. Delinquency sale. - The board of directors
may, by resolution, order the sale of delinquent stock
 Is there stock watering if the fair market value is 12.00? and shall specifically state the amount due on each
- No stock watering subscription plus all accrued interest, and the date,
time and place of the sale which shall not be less than
- The basis is the par value
thirty (30) days nor more than sixty (60) days from the
- The shares where in fact paid more than the par value date the stocks become delinquent.
indicated in the articles of incorporation

Notice of said sale, with a copy of the


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

1. By board action in accordance with the procedure laid X Co. has 1M authorized capital stock
down in sections 67 to 69 of the code

500 thousand is already subscribed


2. By a collection case in court as provided for in section
70
A subscribed to 100 thousand shares, 50 thousand is
already paid leaving 50 thousand unpaid
 Are subscribers of shares of stocks not fully paid, liable
to pay interest?
The corporation is at a loss of 250 thousand, the board
decides to make a call for the payment of the unpaid
subscriptions, however A could not paid, hence declared

Notes on Corporation Law


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40

delinquent and decides to sell his share at a public the amount due on any unpaid subscription, with
auction accrued interest, costs and expenses. (49a)

55 thousand is to be paid, remaining balance plus cost Velasco vs. Poizat


and expenses

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


BIDDERS: the share subscribed by him as he would be to pay any
other debt, and the right of the company to demand
X-55K FOR 99,900 shares payment is no less incontestable.

Y-55K FOR 99,500 shares - Two available remedies: the first and most special
remedy given by the statute consist in permitting the
corporation to put up the unpaid stock and dispose of it
Z-55K FOR 99,000 shares (winning bidder) for the account of the delinquent subscriber. The other
remedy is by action in court.

 Assume there is no bidder, may the corporation bid?


De Silva vs. Aboitiz and Co.
- NO. It cannot bid because the law says, subject to the
provisions of this CODE. Section 68 and 41 should be - Discretionary on the part of the board of directors to do
reconciled. Section 68 states that: whatever is provided in the said article relative to the
application of the part of the 70 percent of the profit
distributable in equal parts on the payment of the
Should there be no bidder at the public
shares subscribed to and fully paid
auction who offers to pay the full amount of the balance
on the subscription together with accrued interest, costs
of advertisement and expenses of sale, for the smallest
Lingayen Gulf vs. Baltazar
number of shares or fraction of a share, the corporation
may, subject to the provisions of this Code, bid for
the same, and the total amount due shall be credited as - Exception: pursuant to a bona fide compromise or to set
paid in full in the books of the corporation. Title to all off a debt due from the corporation, a release supported
the shares of stock covered by the subscription shall be by consideration, will be effectual as against dissenting
vested in the corporation as treasury shares and may be stockholders and subsequent and existing creditors. A
disposed of by said corporation in accordance with the release which might originally have been held invalid
provisions of this Code. (39a-46a) may be sustained after a considerable lapse of time

Apocada vs. NLRC

- There was no unrestricted retained earnings in the


- Set-off is without any legal basis
example given therefore the corporation cannot bid ,
section 41, it states that:
- It was premature
Section 41. Power to acquire own shares. - A
stock corporation shall have the power to purchase or - Unpaid subscriptions will become due and payable only
acquire its own shares for a legitimate corporate upon certain instance
purpose or purposes, including but not limited to the
following cases: Provided, That the corporation has
unrestricted retained earnings in its books to cover - Call or if there is a stipulation in contract
the shares to be purchased or acquired:

- If no call and no stipulation in contract then it will not


1. To eliminate fractional shares arising out of stock be demandable or payable at all
dividends;

Lumanlan vs. Cura


2. To collect or compromise an indebtedness to the
corporation, arising out of unpaid subscription, in a
delinquency sale, and to purchase delinquent shares - Trust Fund Doctrine- subscription to the capital of a
sold during said sale; and corporation constitute a fund to which the creditors
have a right to look for satisfaction of their claims and
that the assignee in insolvency can maintain an action
3. To pay dissenting or withdrawing stockholders
upon any unpaid stock subscription in order to realize
entitled to payment for their shares under the provisions
assets for the payment of its debts.
of this Code. (a)

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

2. The action shall be commenced by the filing of a


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

- Section 70. Court action to recover unpaid subscription. - May the stockholder be held liable for the debts of the
- Nothing in this Code shall prevent the corporation corporation? YES. To the extent of their unpaid
from collecting by action in a court of proper jurisdiction subscription

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41

- As to the liability of the stockholders, it is settled that a fully paid: Provided, further, That no stock dividend
stockholder is personally liable for the financial shall be issued without the approval of stockholders
obligations of a corporation to the extent of his unpaid representing not less than two-thirds (2/3) of the
subscriptions outstanding capital stock at a regular or special meeting
duly called for the purpose. (16a)

 Is there a prescriptive period wherein a demand for


unpaid subscription should be made? Stock corporations are prohibited from
retaining surplus profits in excess of one hundred
(100%) percent of their paid-in capital stock, except: (1)
- NO. Garcia vs. Suarez case when justified by definite corporate expansion projects
or programs approved by the board of directors; or (2)
when the corporation is prohibited under any loan
Garcia vs. Suarez agreement with any financial institution or creditor,
whether local or foreign, from declaring dividends
without its/his consent, and such consent has not yet
- Never became due and payable until there is a call made
been secured; or (3) when it can be clearly shown that
such retention is necessary under special circumstances
- Prescription will not run until and unless there is obtaining in the corporation, such as when there is need
demand for special reserve for probable contingencies. (n)

- Prescription should be determined from the time  When a certificate of stock is loss or destroyed, what
demand has been made and not from the time of must be done by the owner thereof?
subscription
- Section 73. Lost or destroyed certificates. - The
 If declared delinquent, what would be the effect as to the following procedure shall be followed for the issuance by
owner of said shares? a corporation of new certificates of stock in lieu of those
which have been lost, stolen or destroyed:

- Section 71. Effect of delinquency. - No delinquent stock


shall be voted for or be entitled to vote or to 1. The registered owner of a certificate of
representation at any stockholder's meeting, nor shall stock in a corporation or his legal representative shall
the holder thereof be entitled to any of the rights of a file with the corporation an affidavit in triplicate setting
stockholder except the right to dividends in accordance forth, if possible, the circumstances as to how the
with the provisions of this Code, until and unless he certificate was lost, stolen or destroyed, the number of
pays the amount due on his subscription with accrued shares represented by such certificate, the serial
interest, and the costs and expenses of advertisement, if number of the certificate and the name of the
any. (50a) corporation which issued the same. He shall also
submit such other information and evidence which he
may deem necessary;
- However if the shares are not delinquent, subscribers to
the capital of a corporation, though not fully paid, are
entitled to all the rights of a stockholder, according to 2. After verifying the affidavit and other
section 72 information and evidence with the books of the
corporation, said corporation shall publish a notice in a
newspaper of general circulation published in the place
Section 72. Rights of unpaid shares. - where the corporation has its principal office, once a
Holders of subscribed shares not fully paid which are week for three (3) consecutive weeks at the expense of
not delinquent shall have all the rights of a stockholder. the registered owner of the certificate of stock which has
(n) been lost, stolen or destroyed. The notice shall state the
name of said corporation, the name of the registered
owner and the serial number of said certificate, and the
 May the rules governing delinquency sale apply to a number of shares represented by such certificate, and
non-stock corporation? Are there unpaid shares in a that after the expiration of one (1) year from the date of
non-stock corporation? the last publication, if no contest has been presented to
said corporation regarding said certificate of stock, the
right to make such contest shall be barred and said
- Rules governing stock corporations, when applicable,
corporation shall cancel in its books the certificate of
also applies to a non-stock corporation
stock which has been lost, stolen or destroyed and issue
in lieu thereof new certificate of stock, unless the
- There are delinquent shareholders also in a non-stock registered owner files a bond or other security in lieu
corporation. Example is membership dues thereof as may be required, effective for a period of one
(1) year, for such amount and in such form and with
such sureties as may be satisfactory to the board of
 A corporation paid 50% of subscription and was later on directors, in which case a new certificate may be issued
declared delinquent when he could not pay upon call; A even before the expiration of the one (1) year period
is also a director of the corporation. Will A, upon provided herein: Provided, That if a contest has been
declaration of delinquency , still be able to exercise his presented to said corporation or if an action is pending
right as a director? in court regarding the ownership of said certificate of
stock which has been lost, stolen or destroyed, the
issuance of the new certificate of stock in lieu thereof
- Yes, he loses all his right as a stockholder except his shall be suspended until the final decision by the court
right to receive dividends regarding the ownership of said certificate of stock
which has been lost, stolen or destroyed.
- He remains to be a director, only qualification to be a
director is he must own at least 1 share and since it still Except in case of fraud, bad faith, or
stands in his name pending the sale, he remains to be negligence on the part of the corporation and its officers,
and act as a director no action may be brought against any corporation which
shall have issued certificate of stock in lieu of those lost,
stolen or destroyed pursuant to the procedure above-
- Even if there is sale, he may still be director because the
described. (R.A. 201a)
winning bidder may not bid or pay for all the shares or
there might be remaining shares, which would be
credited in favor of the delinquent stockholder - The rationale of the above-quoted law is to avoid
duplication of certificates of stock and the avoidance of
fictitious and fraudulent transfers.
- Section 43 provides:

 When will the replacement certificate be issued?


Section 43. Power to declare dividends. - The
board of directors of a stock corporation may declare
dividends out of the unrestricted retained earnings - The code provides that:
which shall be payable in cash, in property, or in stock
to all stockholders on the basis of outstanding stock
held by them: Provided, That any cash dividends due on after the expiration of one (1) year from the
delinquent stock shall first be applied to the unpaid date of the last publication, if no contest has been
balance on the subscription plus costs and expenses, presented to said corporation regarding said certificate
while stock dividends shall be withheld from the of stock, the right to make such contest shall be barred
delinquent stockholder until his unpaid subscription is and said corporation shall cancel in its books the

Notes on Corporation Law


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42

certificate of stock which has been lost, stolen or 4. To transfer shares of stock subject only to reasonable
destroyed and issue in lieu thereof new certificate of restrictions such as options and preferences as may be
stock, allowed by law inclusive of the right of the transferee to
compel the registration of the transfer in the books of
the corporation as provided for in section 63;
 Could it be issued earlier than 1 year?

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


- Yes it can be, the code states that: shares in accordance with 64;

unless the registered owner files a bond or 6. To exercise pre-emptive rights as provided for in section
other security in lieu thereof as may be required, 39;
effective for a period of one (1) year, for such amount
and in such form and with such sureties as may be
satisfactory to the board of directors, in which case a 7. To exercise their appraisal right in accordance with the
new certificate may be issued even before the provision of section 81 and in those instance allowed by
expiration of the one (1) year period provided herein: law such as section 42 and 105;
Provided, That if a contest has been presented to said
corporation or if an action is pending in court regarding
the ownership of said certificate of stock which has been 8. To institute and file a derivative suit;
lost, stolen or destroyed, the issuance of the new
certificate of stock in lieu thereof shall be suspended 9. To recover shares of stock unlawfully sold for
until the final decision by the court regarding the delinquency as may be allowed under section 69;
ownership of said certificate of stock which has been
lost, stolen or destroyed.
10. To inspect the books of the corporation subject only to
the limitations imposed by section 73;
 May corporate officers be held liable for the
unauthorized issuance?
11. To be furnished by the most recent financial statement
of the corporation as by section 75;
- YES, the code provides that:

12. To be issued a new stock certificate in lieu of the lost or


Except in case of fraud, bad faith, or destroyed one subject to the procedure laid down in
negligence on the part of the corporation and its officers, section 73;
no action may be brought against any corporation which
shall have issued certificate of stock in lieu of those lost,
stolen or destroyed pursuant to the procedure above- 13. To have the corporation dissolved under section 118 to
described. (R.A. 201a) 121, and section 105 in a close corporation;

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

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


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

Section 31. Liability of directors, trustees or


officers. - Directors or trustees who willfully and 16. Also in the case of a close corporation, to withdraw
knowingly vote for or assent to patently unlawful acts of therefrom, for my reason, and compel the corporation to
the corporation or who are guilty of gross negligence or purchase his shares as provided for under section 105.
bad faith in directing the affairs of the corporation or
acquire any personal or pecuniary interest in conflict
with their duty as such directors or trustees shall be
liable jointly and severally for all damages resulting
there from suffered by the corporation, its stockholders
or members and other persons.

When a director, trustee or officer attempts to


acquire or acquires, in violation of his duty, any interest
adverse to the corporation in respect of any matter
which has been reposed in him in confidence, as to
which equity imposes a disability upon him to deal in
his own behalf, he shall be liable as a trustee for the
corporation and must account for the profits which
otherwise would have accrued to the corporation. (n)

 Certificate of stock was lost, the owner transfers his


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

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


corporation, a mere notarized deed will not suffice

- Deed of assignment was not sufficient since there was


no endorsement (Rural Bank of Lipa vs. CA)

 Rights and liabilities of stockholders

- RIGHTS

1. Participation in the management of the corporate affairs


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

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


procedure, requirements and limitations imposed under
section 50;

3. To receive dividends and to compel their declaration if


warranted under section 43;

Notes on Corporation Law


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43

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


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

Any officer or agent of the corporation who At the regular meeting of stockholders or members, the
shall refuse to allow any director, trustees, stockholder board of directors or trustees shall present to such
or member of the corporation to examine and copy stockholders or members a financial report of the
excerpts from its records or minutes, in accordance with operations of the corporation for the preceding year,
the provisions of this Code, shall be liable to such which shall include financial statements, duly signed
director, trustee, stockholder or member for damages, and certified by an independent certified public
and in addition, shall be guilty of an offense which shall accountant.
be punishable under Section 144 of this Code: Provided,
That if such refusal is made pursuant to a resolution or
However, if the paid-up capital of the corporation is less
order of the board of directors or trustees, the liability
than P50,000.00, the financial statements may be
under this section for such action shall be imposed
certified under oath by the treasurer or any responsible
upon the directors or trustees who voted for such
officer of the corporation. (n)
refusal: and Provided, further, That it shall be a defense
to any action under this section that the person
demanding to examine and copy excerpts from the  May books and records be examined? Who may
corporation's records and minutes has improperly used examine? Can they copy them? In whose expense?
any information secured through any prior examination
of the records or minutes of such corporation or of any
other corporation, or was not acting in good faith or for - Yes, according to the code:
a legitimate purpose in making his demand.
“The records of all business transactions of
Stock corporations must also keep a book to the corporation and the minutes of any meetings
be known as the "stock and transfer book", in which shall be open to inspection by any director, trustee,
must be kept a record of all stocks in the names of the stockholder or member of the corporation at
stockholders alphabetically arranged; the installments reasonable hours on business days and he may
paid and unpaid on all stock for which subscription has demand, in writing, for a copy of excerpts from said
been made, and the date of payment of any installment; records or minutes, at his expense. “
a statement of every alienation, sale or transfer of stock
made, the date thereof, and by and to whom made; and
such other entries as the by-laws may prescribe. The  Is there any defense available that could be raised? By
stock and transfer book shall be kept in the principal the corporate officers to justify the refusal?
office of the corporation or in the office of its stock

Notes on Corporation Law


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44

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

“Stock corporations must also keep a book to


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

- Person who monitors movement by the minutes or by


the hours a. Marketing strategies and pricing structure;

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

- Club share- membership c. Research and development;

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


proposals of mergers or tie-ups with other firms

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


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

3. Criminal complaint for violation of his right to inspect


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

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


 Defense of the responsible corporate officer

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


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

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

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


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

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

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


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

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

Pardo vs. Hercules Lumber Co.


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

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

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

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


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

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


- It depends still subject to the same law

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

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


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

- Almost a year ago San Miguel separated its brewery


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

- San Miguel Corporation is now a full time holding


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

Notes on Corporation Law


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46

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


consolidate

- most common type of corporate recognition


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

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

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


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

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


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

A B 3. The surviving corporation or the consolidated


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

B issues shares of stocks in exchange of the transfer


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

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


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

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

- None, there is nothing to distribute

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


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

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

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

- Without further acts, meaning it is automatic


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

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

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

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


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

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

Notes on Corporation Law


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

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


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

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


- Notation is not mandatory, it is even discretionary unless there is a stipulation in the by-laws
because the code provides “at the option of the
corporation” because it never issued one for that matter
since the subscriptions are not yet fully paid  When may the right to be paid the value of his shares
cease? Can he withdraw his right of appraisal?

 May the corporation be compelled to pay the interest of


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

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


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

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

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

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


exercise his appraisal right;

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


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

6. If the shares are transferred and the certificate


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

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

- It depends “Unless otherwise provided in the articles of


incorporation or the by-laws, a member may vote by
proxy in accordance with the provisions of this Code. (n)
- The corporation bears the cost if “

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

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


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

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

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

 The dissenting stockholder may also sell, transfer or


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

The provisions governing stock corporation,


when pertinent, shall be applicable to non-stock

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

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

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

Section 29. Vacancies in the office of director


A holds a membership certificate
or trustee. - Any vacancy occurring in the board of
directors or trustees other than by removal by the
stockholders or members or by expiration of term, may B goes to the corporation and compels the corporation
be filled by the vote of at least a majority of the to record the transfer in his name
remaining directors or trustees, if still constituting a
quorum; otherwise, said vacancies must be filled by the
stockholders in a regular or special meeting called for - Membership in non-stock corporations may be acquired
that purpose. A director or trustee so elected to fill a by complying with the provisions of its rules prescribed
vacancy shall be elected only or the unexpired term of in the by-laws. This is in consonance with the express
his predecessor in office. power granted by law under section 36, paragraph 6 of
the code, authorizing them to admit members thereof
and that authority carries with it the power to prescribe
Any directorship or trusteeship to be filled by rules on membership. It has thus been stated that in
reason of an increase in the number of directors or the absence of charter or statutory restrictions, non-
trustees shall be filled only by an election at a regular or stock corporations may determine who shall be
at a special meeting of stockholders or members duly admitted to membership and how they shall be
called for the purpose, or in the same meeting admitted.
authorizing the increase of directors or trustees if so
stated in the notice of the meeting. (n)
Section 36. Corporate powers and capacity. -
Every corporation incorporated under this Code has the
Section 30. Compensation of directors. - In power and capacity:
the absence of any provision in the by-laws fixing their
compensation, the directors shall not receive any
compensation, as such directors, except for reasonable 6. In case of stock corporations, to issue or sell stocks to
per diems: Provided, however, That any such subscribers and to sell stocks to subscribers and to sell
compensation other than per diems may be granted to treasury stocks in accordance with the provisions of this
directors by the vote of the stockholders representing at Code; and to admit members to the corporation if it be a
least a majority of the outstanding capital stock at a non-stock corporation;
regular or special stockholders' meeting. In no case shall
the total yearly compensation of directors, as such
directors, exceed ten (10%) percent of the net income - They can provide the manner in which to admit
before income tax of the corporation during the depending on their own rules
preceding year. (n)
 The power or authority to terminate members in non-
 Who elects the other officers? stock corporations is said to be inherent but strict
compliance with the manner and procedure laid down in
the by-laws must be observed, otherwise it may render
- Directly by the general members unless the by-laws or the expulsion ineffective and invalid.
articles provide otherwise. <sec.92>
Section 91. Termination of membership. -
“Unless otherwise provided in the articles of Membership shall be terminated in the manner and for
incorporation or the by-laws, officers of a non-stock the causes provided in the articles of incorporation or
corporation may be directly elected by the members. (n) the by-laws. Termination of membership shall have the
“ effect of extinguishing all rights of a member in the
corporation or in its property, unless otherwise provided
in the articles of incorporation or the by-laws. (n)
 In stock corporations who elect officers?

 Power is inherent and may be exercised in certain


- Directors situations:

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

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

4. Assets other than those mentioned in the


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

- Courts will not generally interfere on matters involving


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

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

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

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


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

Notes on Corporation Law


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

- Between and among themselves, they feel and act alike


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

 After classification what then?


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

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

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


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

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


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

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


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

 What kind of corporations cannot be a close


corporation?  Restrictions

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


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

- In a close corporation, the restrictions must appear in


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

 What if the stockholders do not want to exercise their


5. Educational institutions right or option to purchase may it be sold to any
person?
6. Corporations vested with public interest
- Yes, any third person, section 98 provides:
 Classification of directors
Section 98. Validity of restrictions on transfer
- Ordinary stock- no such right of shares. - Restrictions on the right to transfer shares
must appear in the articles of incorporation and in the
by-laws as well as in the certificate of stock; otherwise,
- Close corporation-yes there is such a right the same shall not be binding on any purchaser thereof
in good faith. Said restrictions shall not be more
onerous than granting the existing stockholders or the
 Section 97 is a permissive provision corporation the option to purchase the shares of the
Notes on Corporation Law
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53

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

 What if there are already 20 stockholders and they want


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

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

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

 Pre-emptive rights in a close corporation is absolute


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

 Why is it said to be absolute?


 How about the stockholder, what is his recourse?

- Because there is no public offering in a close


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

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

- They can even agree to be partners in management


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

Notes on Corporation Law


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54

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


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

 What happens if there is a deadlock?


 Section 105

- Section 104 provides for a remedy


- Dishonesty is a ground for dissolution of a close
corporation
Section 104. Deadlocks. - Notwithstanding
any contrary provision in the articles of incorporation or
by-laws or agreement of stockholders of a close - Even one stockholder may petition for dissolution
corporation, if the directors or stockholders are so
divided respecting the management of the corporation's
o when there is a relief available, dissolution
business and affairs that the votes required for any
would not be available in an ordinary
corporate action cannot be obtained, with the
corporation
consequence that the business and affairs of the
corporation can no longer be conducted to the
advantage of the stockholders generally, the Securities
and Exchange Commission, upon written petition by
any stockholder, shall have the power to arbitrate the CLOSE CORPORATION ORDINARY STOCK
dispute. In the exercise of such power, the Commission CORPORATION
shall have authority to make such order as it deems
appropriate, including an order: (1) cancelling or
altering any provision contained in the articles of 1. The number of No limitation as to number of
incorporation, by-laws, or any stockholder's agreement; stockholders cannot exceed shareholder
(2) cancelling, altering or enjoining any resolution or act 20
of the corporation or its board of directors, stockholders,
or officers; (3) directing or prohibiting any act of the
2. To the extent that all Maximum number of directors
corporation or its board of directors, stockholders,
stockholders can be is 15
officers, or other persons party to the action; (4)
deemed directors, the
requiring the purchase at their fair value of shares of
number of directors can
any stockholder, either by the corporation regardless of
effectively be more than 15
the availability of unrestricted retained earnings in its
books, or by the other stockholders; (5) appointing a
provisional director; (6) dissolving the corporation; or (7) 3. Shares of stock are subject Generally no restriction on
granting such other relief as the circumstances may to specified restrictions transfer of shares
warrant.

4. Shares of stock are No prohibition


A provisional director shall be an impartial prohibited from being listed
person who is neither a stockholder nor a creditor of the in the stock exchange or
corporation or of any subsidiary or affiliate of the offered for sale to the
corporation, and whose further qualifications, if any, public
may be determined by the Commission. A provisional
director is not a receiver of the corporation and does not
have the title and powers of a custodian or receiver. A 5. Stockholders may take an Management is lodged in the
provisional director shall have all the rights and powers active part in corporate Board of Directors
of a duly elected director of the corporation, including management by vesting
the right to notice of and to vote at meetings of management to them
directors, until such time as he shall be removed by rather than a Board of
order of the Commission or by all the stockholders. His Director
compensation shall be determined by agreement
between him and the corporation subject to approval of
the Commission, which may fix his compensation in the 6. Those active in Directors are liable for torts
absence of agreement or in the event of disagreement management are personally only if they have acted
between the provisional director and the corporation. liable for corporate torts negligently or fraudulently
unless the corporation has
obtained an adequate
- Powers of the SEC in intra-corporate concerns has been liability insurance
transferred to the proper commercial courts
- Prohibit, even if acting in good faith
7. Directors can validly act Directors must, as a rule, act
even without a meeting as a body at a duly
- Provisional director appointed by the court constituted meeting

- Requiring the purchase, irrespective of unrestricted 8. Agreements between Not valid and binding since
retained earnings stockholders regarding the stockholders’ agreement
operations of the business cannot limit the discretion of
can validly be made the Board to manage
- The provision of the law above-quoted gives the SEC a corporate affairs
very wide discretion in respect to management of a close
corporation in the event of a deadlock. It may:
9. To the extent that directors Ordinarily, no such
may be classified into one classification and no
1. Cancel or alter any provision in the articles of
or more classes and to be restrictions on cumulative
incorporation, by-laws or any stockholders
voted solely by a particular voting
agreement
class of stock, cumulative
voting may, in effect, be
2. Cancel, alter or enjoin any resolution or other act restricted
of the corporation or its board of directors,
stockholders or officers
10. The articles of Officers are elected by the
incorporation may provide Board of Directors
3. Prohibit any act of the corporation or its board of that all officers shall be
directors, stockholders or officers or other persons elected or appointed by the
party to the action; stockholders

4. Requiring the purchase of the par value of the 11. It may provide for greater Although the articles of
shares of any stockholders, either by the quorum and voting incorporation or by-laws may
corporation regardless of availability of requirements in meetings provide for greater quorum
unrestricted earnings, or by the other of stockholders and and voting requirements in
shareholders, directors directors’ meeting under
section 25, those for
stockholders’ meeting cannot
5. Appointment of a provisional director generally be altered

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55

2.2 Religious Societies

12. Restriction on transfer of Valid and binding if indicated


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

15. The proper forum may Courts cannot interfere I the


interfere in the business judgment of the  Two types of educational corporations
management of a close directors/stockholders
corporation in case of “BUSINESS JUDGMENT - Certificate of completion in the academic field
deadlocks under Section RULE”
104, even of the
directors/stockholders are - Vocational and technical one’s
acting in good faith

o Recommendation of DECS if certificate of


16. Any stockholder may Dissolution may be had only completion in the academic field
petition the SEC for on the grounds provided by
corporate dissolution on the provisions of the Code on
grounds among others, dissolution and P.D. 902-A,  How is the governing board of an educational institution
provides for in section 105 as amended instituted?
Manuel Dulay Enterprises vs. CA
- Non-stock- multiples of 5 only (example: 5,10,15)
- What was the position of Manuel Dulay here? President,
General Manager and Treasurer - Stock- can be anywhere between 5 to 15

- Cannot act both as president and treasurer at the same  Can they consist of 7 or 9 members?
time

- Yes, if stock
- Since it is a close corporation owned by the family of
Manuel Dulay, save and except the secretary, it should
be governed by Title XII  Can they be incorporated also as non-stock?

- Petitioner is classified as a close corporation and - Yes


consequently a board resolution authorizing the sale or
mortgage of the subject property is not necessary to
bind the corporation for the action of its president. At - B.P. 232 allows the organization of an educational
any rate, a corporate action taken at a board meeting institution that is stock corporation, only if they do not
without proper call or notice in a close corporation is issue a certificate of completion in the academic field
deemed ratified by the absent director unless the latter
promptly files his written objection with the secretary of  Qualifications and disqualifications of the membership
the corporation after having knowledge of the meeting in the board of an educational corporation
which, in this case, petitioner Virgilio Dulay failed to do.

- Educational corporations are governed by special laws


- Virgilio Dulay is a signatory witness, he knows very well and general provisions, hence if there is no provision in
about the deed of absolute sale, he is estopped the special law, you go back to section 25 and 27 of the
general provisions
Naguiat vs. NLRC
- Stock- must be a stockholder
- Section 100 par. 5. To the extent that the stockholders
are actively engaged in the management or operation of - Non-stock- must be a member
the business and affairs of a close corporation, the
stockholders shall be held to strict fiduciary duties to
each other and among themselves. Said stockholders - By-laws may provide for additional qualifications and
shall be personally liable for corporate torts unless the disqualifications
corporation has obtained reasonably adequate liability
insurance.
Section 25. Corporate officers, quorum. -
Immediately after their election, the directors of a
 Family corporations is not automatically a close corporation must formally organize by the election of a
corporation the 3 qualifying conditions must be present. president, who shall be a director, a treasurer who may
or may not be a director, a secretary who shall be a
resident and citizen of the Philippines, and such other
SPECIAL CORPORATIONS officers as may be provided for in the by-laws. Any two
(2) or more positions may be held concurrently by the
same person, except that no one shall act as president
 2 types of special corporations and secretary or as president and treasurer at the same
time.
1. Educational corporations
The directors or trustees and officers to be
2. Religious corporations elected shall perform the duties enjoined on them by law
and the by-laws of the corporation. Unless the articles of
incorporation or the by-laws provide for a greater
2.1 Corporation Sole majority, a majority of the number of directors or
trustees as fixed in the articles of incorporation shall
constitute a quorum for the transaction of corporate
Notes on Corporation Law
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56

business, and every decision of at least a majority of the denomination, sect or church, a corporation sole may be
directors or trustees present at a meeting at which there formed by the chief archbishop, bishop, priest, minister,
is a quorum shall be valid as a corporate act, except for rabbi or other presiding elder of such religious
the election of officers which shall require the vote of a denomination, sect or church. (154a)
majority of all the members of the board.

 Is it required to file the articles of incorporation in the


Directors or trustees cannot attend or vote by proxy at SEC?
board meetings. (33a)

- Yes
Section 27. Disqualification of directors, trustees or
officers. - No person convicted by final judgment of an offense
punishable by imprisonment for a period exceeding six (6) years, or  What should be contained in the articles of
a violation of this Code committed within five (5) years prior to the incorporation?
date of his election or appointment, shall qualify as a director,
trustee or officer of any corporation. (n)
- Section 111 and section 112 provides for the contents
and procedures
 Article 14 section 4 par. 2 of the Constitutions
Section 111. Articles of incorporation. - In
Educational institutions, other than those order to become a corporation sole, the chief
established by religious groups and mission boards, archbishop, bishop, priest, minister, rabbi or presiding
shall be owned solely by citizens of the Philippines or elder of any religious denomination, sect or church
corporations or associations at least sixty per centum of must file with the Securities and Exchange Commission
the capital of which is owned by such citizens. The articles of incorporation setting forth the following:
Congress may, however, require increased Filipino
equity participation in all educational institutions. The
1. That he is the chief archbishop, bishop, priest,
control and administration of educational institutions
minister, rabbi or presiding elder of his religious
shall be vested in citizens of the Philippines.
denomination, sect or church and that he desires to
become a corporation sole;
No educational institution shall be established
exclusively for aliens and no group of aliens shall
comprise more than one-third of the enrollment in any 2. That the rules, regulations and discipline of his
school. The provisions of this sub section shall not apply religious denomination, sect or church are not
to schools established for foreign diplomatic personnel inconsistent with his becoming a corporation sole and
and their dependents and, unless otherwise provided by do not forbid it;
law, for other foreign temporary residents.

3. That as such chief archbishop, bishop, priest,


- Management is left solely to citizens of the Philippines minister, rabbi or presiding elder, he is charged with the
- Board of Directors manages the corporate affairs, administration of the temporalities and the management
foreigners cannot therefore be elected in the board of the affairs, estate and properties of his religious
denomination, sect or church within his territorial
- Exceptions are, mission boards and religious orders, jurisdiction, describing such territorial jurisdiction;
which may have a governing board consisting of
foreigners
4. The manner in which any vacancy occurring in the
office of chief archbishop, bishop, priest, minister, rabbi
 Term of office of governing board in an educational of presiding elder is required to be filled, according to
institutions the rules, regulations or discipline of the religious
denomination, sect or church to which he belongs; and

- Can serve a term of 5 years. If that be the case, 1/5 of


their number shall expire every year 5. The place where the principal office of the corporation
sole is to be established and located, which place must
be within the Philippines.
 Non-stock or stock, can they serve for a 1 year term
only?
The articles of incorporation may include any
other provision not contrary to law for the regulation of
- Yes, the articles of incorporation may provide that it be the affairs of the corporation. (n)
1 year only

Section 112. Submission of the articles of


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

 May any person form or organize a corporation sole?  Is it required to indicate its terms of execution? Why
not?

- No, not any person can form a corporation sole, section


110 provides: - Not required because they are supposed to exist in
perpetuity

Section 110. Corporation sole. - For the


purpose of administering and managing, as trustee, the - However, it does not mean that it shall continue to exist
affairs, property and temporalities of any religious forever, it merely means that it has the capacity of

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57

continuous existence during a particular period until exclusively in possession of the property as concept of
dissolved in accordance with law an owner for 30 years, automatically that is

 When will it acquire judicial personality? How do you Republic of the Philippines vs. IAC
compare this to other types of corporation?

- Determination of the character of the land should be in


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

 If there is vacancy who will fill up the same? What if


- Upon filing of verified articles of incorporation with the there is none, what must the successor do?
SEC, will not require the approval of SEC

- According to section 114:


 A corporation sole is possessed with the same power,
rights and privileges, to own, acquire and hold or convey
properties like any other corporation? True or False Section 114. Filling of vacancies. - The
successors in office of any chief archbishop, bishop,
priest, minister, rabbi or presiding elder in a corporation
- False, they have the same power rights and privileges, sole shall become the corporation sole on their
but when it comes to alienation and acquisition, it must accession to office and shall be permitted to transact
possess a court order, however when there is a business as such on the filing with the Securities and
regulated method, a court order may be dispensed with Exchange Commission of a copy of their commission,
<sec. 113> certificate of election, or letters of appointment, duly
certified by any notary public.

Section 113. Acquisition and alienation of


property. - Any corporation sole may purchase and hold During any vacancy in the office of chief
real estate and personal property for its church, archbishop, bishop, priest, minister, rabbi or presiding
charitable, benevolent or educational purposes, and elder of any religious denomination, sect or church
may receive bequests or gifts for such purposes. Such incorporated as a corporation sole, the person or
corporation may sell or mortgage real property held by it persons authorized and empowered by the rules,
by obtaining an order for that purpose from the Court of regulations or discipline of the religious denomination,
First Instance of the province where the property is sect or church represented by the corporation sole to
situated upon proof made to the satisfaction of the court administer the temporalities and manage the affairs,
that notice of the application for leave to sell or estate and properties of the corporation sole during the
mortgage has been given by publication or otherwise in vacancy shall exercise all the powers and authority of
such manner and for such time as said court may have the corporation sole during such vacancy. (158a)
directed, and that it is to the interest of the corporation
that leave to sell or mortgage should be granted. The
application for leave to sell or mortgage must be made  If a corporation exists in equity may it not be dissolved?
by petition, duly verified, by the chief archbishop,
bishop, priest, minister, rabbi or presiding elder acting Section 115. Dissolution. - A corporation sole
as corporation sole, and may be opposed by any may be dissolved and its affairs settled voluntarily by
member of the religious denomination, sect or church submitting to the Securities and Exchange Commission
represented by the corporation sole: Provided, That in a verified declaration of dissolution.
cases where the rules, regulations and discipline of the
religious denomination, sect or church, religious society
or order concerned represented by such corporation sole The declaration of dissolution shall set forth:
regulate the method of acquiring, holding, selling and
mortgaging real estate and personal property, such
rules, regulations and discipline shall control, and the 1. The name of the corporation;
intervention of the courts shall not be necessary. (159a)
2. The reason for dissolution and winding up;
 Since a corporation sole is consists only of one person,
will the registration of the property in the name of the
3. The authorization for the dissolution of the
corporation sole vest unto the head thereof the
corporation by the particular religious denomination,
ownership of the property?
sect or church;

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

- Roman Catholic Church has no nationality and that the


framers of the Constitution, as will be hereunder o Expiration of a corporate term will not apply
explained, did not have in mind the religious to a religious corporation
corporations sole when they provided that 60 percent of
the capital thereof be owned by Filipino citizens.
 May a corporation sole be dissolved by judicial decree?

Director of Lands vs. CA - General rule: No, because a corporation sole, is by its
very nature ecclesiastical and religious (doctrine of
separation of church and state)
- Alienable public land is converted into private land
when the same has been openly, continuously and

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58

- Exception: police power of the state, if its purpose is COOPERATIVES which register, home
being carried out and is instead being used for illegal insurance guaranty corporation- HOME
purpose, it may be so dissolved OWNERS

 What are religious societies?  How may religious societies be dissolved?

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

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


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

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

 Is it required to indicate its term of existence?


1. Voluntary dissolution where no creditors are affected;
<sec.118>
- Likewise to exist in perpetuity, the law does not require
to indicate its term of existence 2. Voluntary dissolution where creditors are affected; <sec.
119>

 When will it acquire juridical personality?


3. Shortening of corporate term. <sec. 120>

- Only a corporation sole may come into existence without


SEC approval, section 19 will thus govern, Vested with  Voluntary dissolution where no creditors are affected
judicial capacity upon issuance of the certificate by the <sec.118>
SEC
- The formal and procedural requirements necessary are
o However it is not accurate according to atty. the following:
Ladia because there are those that can issue
for example cooperatives- BUREAU OF
Notes on Corporation Law
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59

1. Majority vote of the board of directors or trustees; o The foregoing are also mandatory
requirements
2. Sending of notice of each stockholders or member either
by registered mail or personal delivery at least thirty (30)
 Is the appointment of a receiver mandatory?
days prior to the meeting (scheduled by the board for
the purpose of submitting the board action to dissolve
the corporation for approval of the stockholder or - No, it is merely permissive or discretionary on the part
members.); of the court. The code uses the word “may”; the law
intended to let the shareholders have the control of the
3. Publication of the notice of time, place and subject of assets of the corporation upon dissolution and winding
the meeting for three (3) consecutive weeks in a up.
newspaper published in the place where the principal
office of said corporation is located or in a newspaper of - The directors may also undertake liquidation and
general circulation in the Philippines; winding up of its corporate affairs, and sound business
judgment, on how they will wind up
4. Resolution adopted by the affirmative vote of the
stockholders owning at least 2/3 of the outstanding
capital stock or 2/3 of the members at the meeting duly  Dissolution by shortening of corporate term <sec.120>
called for the purpose;
- Will be valid upon approval of the SEC, unlike general
5. A copy of the resolution authorizing the dissolution amendments, which will be deemed approved if not
must be certified by a majority of the board of directors acted upon by the SEC within 6 months from the date of
or trustees and countersigned by the corporate filing for a cause not attributable to the corporation.
secretary;
- Shortening of the corporate term partakes the nature of
6. Issuance of a certificate of dissolution by the SEC. an amendment of the articles of incorporation. Section
16 under general amendments allows “written assent”
 Should this be strictly complied with? section 37 mandates that the vote must be cast at a
duly constituted meeting.

- Yes, compliance with the requirements and formalities


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

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

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

- Dissolution is tantamount to the imposition of death


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

2. Petition for dissolution shall be filed with the SEC


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

3. Issuance of an order by the SEC reciting the purpose of


 What are the grounds for involuntary dissolution?
the petition and fixing the date on or before which
objections thereto may be filed by any person, which
date shall not be less than thirty days nor more than - It is commenced through a verified complaint or motu
sixty days after entry of the order. proprio by the proper courts

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

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

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

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6. Failure to file required reports in appropriate forms as - Defendant corporation threatens substantial injury to
determined by the Commission within the prescribed the general public, dissolution is warrant
period.
- If there is a bank run kawawa naman yung depositors
- Other grounds are provided for in the corporation code
itself: among them are:
Republic vs. Bisaya Land Transportation Co. Inc

1. Violation of any provision of the Code under section


- The relief of dissolution will be awarded only where no
144;
other remedy is available and it will not be allowed
where the rights of the stockholders can be, or are,
2. In case of deadlock in a close corporation as provided for protected in some other way
in section 105;
- Misuse and misapplication of the funds and assets of
3. In a close corporation, any acts of directors, officers or the respondent were committed particularly by the
those in control of the corporation which is illegal or corporate officers, where they can instead be held
fraudulent or dishonest or oppressive or unfairly personally liable
prejudicial to the corporation or any stockholder or
whenever corporate assets are being misapplied or
wasted under section 105. - Since there is another remedy available dissolution is
not warranted

- Mere dishonesty is also a ground in a close corporation


 Assuming the above stated corporation is a close
corporation, would the court decree otherwise?
- Other grounds can be found in other special laws like
the Securities Regulation Code and the General Banking
Act as well as the Insurance Code. - Yes, because in a close corporation, mere dishonesty is
a ground for the dissolution

Government vs. Philippine Sugar Estate - Can even be dissolved by petition of only one
stockholder on the grounds stated in the code < sec.
- It is necessary in order to secure judicial foreclosure of 105>
respondent’s charter to show a mis-user of its franchise
justifying such a forfeiture
Financing Corporation of the Philippines vs. Teodoro
- Object is to protect the public, and not to redress
private grievances, the mis-user must be such as to - Minority stockholders may not ask for the dissolution of
work or threaten a substantial injury to the public, or a corporation in private suits and that such actions
such as to amount to a violation of the fundamental should be brought by the Government through its legal
condition of the contract by which the franchise was officers, except in cases where the intervention of
granted and thus defeat the purpose of the grant the State, for one reason or another, cannot be
obtained, as when the State is not interested
- Courts proceed with extreme caution which has for their because the complaint is strictly a matter between
object the forfeiture of corporate franchise, and the stockholders and does not involve, in the
forfeiture will not be allowed, except under express opinion of the legal officer of the Government, any
limitation, or for plain abuse of power by which the of the acts or omissions warranting quo warranto
corporation fails to fulfill the design and purpose of its proceeding , in which minority stockholders are
organization. But when the abuse or violation entitled to have such dissolution. It should be
constitutes or threatens a substantial injury to the exercised if necessary in order not to entirely ignore and
public or such as to amount to a violation of the disregard the rights of said minority stockholders,
fundamental conditions of its charter, or its conduct is especially when said minority stockholders are unable
characterized by obduracy or pertinacity in contempt of to obtain redress and protection of their rights within
law, dissolution will be granted the corporation itself. Stockholders should not be left
without recourse
- Did the court dissolve the corporation? No, it did not, it
granted the corporation 6 months to cease and desist  Present set up
the performance of the questioned act otherwise it will
be dissolved
- Any stockholder or member of a corporation can
institute a dissolution proceeding against his own
Government vs. El Hogar corporation before the proper forum

- Special Commercial Courts, shall hear and decide intra-


- 3 causes of action, the first is that the corporation
corporate disputes
violated the law by holding on the property beyond that
provide for by law, the second is that the corporation
undertook the management f petitioners belonging to  May a corporation ask for dissolution of the corporation
delinquent shareholders of the association, and lastly when there is no prejudice to the general public?
that the by-law provision, which empowers the BD to
cancel shares and to return to the owners thereof the
balance returning from the liquidation - Yes, in a close corporation, a petition for the dissolution
of the corporation may be instituted by any one
individual shareholder on the ground, even by mere
 Compare to Philippine Sugar Estate, wherein the court dishonesty
ruled conditional dissolution. Why decree conditional
dissolution in one and not in the other case?
 Effects of dissolution
- Because in El Hogar the government was at fault, the
government wasn’t able to issue the certificate of title on - The dissolution of a corporation not only terminates its
time primary franchise to be a corporation, but generally
prevents it from further exercising other or secondary
- When the case was instituted, El Hogar was already able franchises which have been conferred to its. It
to dispose the properties in question, in Philippine terminates its power to enter into contracts or t o
Sugar Estate it was still the holding the properties in continue the business as a going concern.
order to enrich itself at the expense of the taxpayers
- Based on this general rule, the Supreme Court held that
a corporation, whose corporate life expired, cannot
Republic vs. Security Credit and Acceptance Corp. et al. lawfully pursue the business for which it was organized.
It cannot apply for a new certificate or a secondary
franchise for it is incapable of receiving a grant. Neither
- The corporation here is a lending institution and not a can it enforce a contract executed prior its dissolution
banking institution for the purpose of continuing the business of its
organization.
- Defendant corporation violated the law because before a
corporation may engage into a banking activity it must - In general the rights and liabilities of the corporation are
first obtain a secondary franchise from the Central Bank not extinguished by its dissolution.

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Section 145. Amendment or repeal. - No right subscription must so indicate lest they are placed on
or remedy in favor of or against any corporation, its equal footing with common shareholders
stockholders, members, directors, trustees, or officers,
nor any liability incurred by any such corporation, - Preference may be participating or non-participating
stockholders, members, directors, trustees, or officers,
shall be removed or impaired either by the subsequent
dissolution of said corporation or by any subsequent  Dissolved corporations are granted a period of 3 years to
amendment or repeal of this Code or of any part thereof. liquidate
(n)
Section 122. Corporate liquidation. - Every
Buenaflor vs. Camarines Sur Industry Corp. corporation whose charter expires by its own limitation
or is annulled by forfeiture or otherwise, or whose
corporate existence for other purposes is terminated in
- From that time on Camarines Sur was plying in an any other manner, shall nevertheless be continued as a
activity that was illegal body corporate for three (3) years after the time when it
would have been so dissolved, for the purpose of
prosecuting and defending suits by or against it and
- A corporation where the corporate life has expired it enabling it to settle and close its affairs, to dispose of
cannot lawfully pursue the business for which it was and convey its property and to distribute its assets, but
organized. not for the purpose of continuing the business for which
it was established.
- the Supreme Court held that a corporation, whose
corporate life expired, cannot lawfully pursue the At any time during said three (3) years, the
business for which it was organized. It cannot apply for corporation is authorized and empowered to convey all
a new certificate or a secondary franchise for it is of its property to trustees for the benefit of stockholders,
incapable of receiving a grant. members, creditors, and other persons in interest. From
and after any such conveyance by the corporation of its
property in trust for the benefit of its stockholders,
- Awarding it to Camarines Sur is tantamount to a medal members, creditors and others in interest, all interest
for its illegal acts which the corporation had in the property terminates,
the legal interest vests in the trustees, and the beneficial
- It cannot apply for a new certificate or a secondary interest in the stockholders, members, creditors or other
franchise for it is incapable of receiving a grant. It was persons in interest.
not even a corporation de facto. And then, there is no
application subscribed by the new corporation Upon the winding up of the corporate affairs,
any asset distributable to any creditor or stockholder or
- And yet as stated, the new corporation has not filed any member who is unknown or cannot be found shall be
application for certificate of public convenience in escheated to the city or municipality where such assets
Sabang, and has not published such application. are located.

Except by decrease of capital stock and as


Cebu Port Labor Union vs. State Marine Co otherwise allowed by this Code, no corporation shall
distribute any of its assets or property except upon
- Even a cursory reading of the provision would convey lawful dissolution and after payment of all its debts and
liabilities. (77a, 89a, 16a)
the idea clearly manifested in the limitation “but not for
the purpose of continuing the business for which it was
established,” that the 3-year period allowed by the law is  However the 3 year period is not absolute
only for the purpose of winding up its affairs.  Liquidation may be undertaken in either of the 3 ways

Gonzales vs. Sugar Regulatory Administration 1. By the corporation itself through the BOD

- Instead of applying the corporation code, the court - Usual method or procedure of liquidating a corporation
applied the constitutional provision and although there is no law authorizing it, neither is
there anything that prohibits the BOD from undertaking
the same
- Cannot be read as permitting to destroy the substantive
rights
- If this method is resorted to, the board will only have a
period of 3 years to finish its task of liquidation
- Such would collide with the non-impairment of
contracts clause of the constitution
- Claims for or against the corporate entity not filed
within the period will become unenforceable as there
- Complainants will have the right to follow the assets of exist no corporate entity against which they can be
the corporation in the hands of SRA or any other agency enforced
for that matter

- Actions pending for or against the corporation when the


 After dissolution what next? 3 year period expires, are abated since after the period,
the corporation ceases for all intents and purposes and
is no longer capable of suing or being sued
- Liquidation and winding up should follow

2. By a trustee appointed by the corporation


 What is the definition of liquidation and winding up?

- The corporation may opt to convey all corporate assets


- Collection of all corporate assets, the payments of all its
to a trustees who will take charge of liquidation
debts and settlement of its obligations and the ultimate
distribution of the corporate assets, if any of it remains,
to all stockholders in accordance with their - If this method is used, the three year period limitation
proportionate stockholdings in the corporation or in imposed by section 122 will not apply provided the
accordance with their respective contracts of designation of the trustee is made within that period
subscription.

3. By appointment of a receiver
 Preference upon liquidation

- A receiver may be appointed by the proper forum on


- If there are preferred shares, the preference granted to petition or motu proprio upon the dissolution of the
such should be complied with corporation

- Preferred shares may give the holder thereof, preference


only in the dividends but also in the distribution of - The appointment of a receiver is, however, permissive
corporate assets upon liquidation or termination of the rather than mandatory and the law tends to recognize
corporate existence. If such is the intent, the contract of that in cases of voluntary dissolution there is no

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occasion for the appointment of a receiver except under  May a corporation that is already dissolved, transfer and
special circumstances and upon proper showing assign its assets and properties to a new corporation
which will continue the business of the dissolved one?

- If a receiver is appointed, the 3 year period fixed by law


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

- Should the corporation, therefore, finds it difficult to - Winding up is the sole activity of a dissolved corporation
finish its liquidation, it may, at any time during the that does not intend to incorporate anew. If it does,
three year period, convey all its assets and receivables to however, it is not unlawful for the old board of directors
a trustee to prosecute and defend suits by or against the to negotiate and transfer the assets of the dissolved
corporation begun before the expiration of said period corporation to the new corporation intended to be
created as long as the stockholders have given their
consent (Chung Ka Bio vs. IAC)
- The effect of the conveyance is to make the trustees the
legal owners of the property conveyed, subject to the
beneficial interest therein of creditors and stockholders  What happens to the remaining assets and properties of
the dissolved corporation if liquidation and winding up
as provided in section 122 is not complied with, as a
Sumera vs. Valencia result of which the 3 year period has elapsed

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

Board of Liquidators vs. Kalaw


- Who owns the properties? SOCIEDAD ANONIMA

- If there is a trustee, assignee or liquidator, it can - The termination of the life of a juridical entity does not
continue prosecuting suit even beyond the 3 year period by itself cause the extinction or diminution of the rights
fixed by law because he becomes the legal owner of the and liabilities of such entity or those of its owners and
rights, assets and properties conveyed to him creditors. If the three year extended life has expired
without a trustee or receiver having been expressly
designated by the corporation within that period, the
Gelano vs. CA board of directors o trustees itself, following the
rationale of the Supreme Court’s decision in Gelano vs.
CA may be permitted to do so continue as” trustees” by
- “Trustee” as used in the corporation statute must be
legal implication to complete the liquidation. Still in the
understood in its general concept which could include
absence of a BOD or BOT, those having any pecuniary
the counsel to whom was entrusted in the instant case,
interest in the assets, including not only the
the prosecution of the suit filed by the corporation. The
shareholders but likewise the creditors of the
purpose in the transfer of the assets of the corporation
corporation, acting for and in its behalf, might make
to a trustee upon its dissolution is more for the
proper representations with the SEC, which has primary
protection of its creditors and stockholders. Debtors like
and sufficiently broad jurisdiction in matters of this
the petitioners herein may not take advantage of the
nature, for working out a final settlement of the
failure of the corporation to transfer its assets to a
corporate concerns
trustee, assuming it has any to transfer which petitioner
has failed to show, in the first place. To sustain
petitioners’ contention would be to allow them to enrich o the ruling is wrong according to atty. Ladia
themselves at the expense of another, which all
enlightened legal systems condemn.
 According to atty Ladia: What happens to a corporation
- The counsel who prosecuted and defended the interest that is already dissolved, that has not been able to
of the corporation may be considered as a “trustee” at appoint a trustee with in the 3 year period?
least with respect to the matter in litigation only
- a corporation dissolved which failed to exercise its rights
granted in section 122 after the 3 year period has

Notes on Corporation Law


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elapsed, ceases to exist for all intents and purposes, it  If a foreign corporation wants to transact business in
can no longer sue or be sued the Philippines, what must it do?

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


- Obtain a license
escheated, accordingly:

 How may it do so?


Section 122. Corporate liquidation. - Every
corporation whose charter expires by its own limitation
or is annulled by forfeiture or otherwise, or whose - According to sec. 125:
corporate existence for other purposes is terminated in
any other manner, shall nevertheless be continued as a
body corporate for three (3) years after the time when it Section 125. Application for a license. - A
would have been so dissolved, for the purpose of foreign corporation applying for a license to transact
prosecuting and defending suits by or against it and business in the Philippines shall submit to the
enabling it to settle and close its affairs, to dispose of Securities and Exchange Commission a copy of its
and convey its property and to distribute its assets, but articles of incorporation and by-laws, certified in
not for the purpose of continuing the business for which accordance with law, and their translation to an official
it was established. language of the Philippines, if necessary. The
application shall be under oath and, unless already
stated in its articles of incorporation, shall specifically
At any time during said three (3) years, the set forth the following:
corporation is authorized and empowered to convey all
of its property to trustees for the benefit of stockholders,
members, creditors, and other persons in interest. From 1. The date and term of incorporation;
and after any such conveyance by the corporation of its
property in trust for the benefit of its stockholders,
members, creditors and others in interest, all interest 2. The address, including the street number, of the
which the corporation had in the property terminates, principal office of the corporation in the country or state
the legal interest vests in the trustees, and the beneficial of incorporation;
interest in the stockholders, members, creditors or other
persons in interest. 3. The name and address of its resident agent
authorized to accept summons and process in all legal
Upon the winding up of the corporate affairs, proceedings and, pending the establishment of a local
any asset distributable to any creditor or office, all notices affecting the corporation;
stockholder or member who is unknown or cannot
be found shall be escheated to the city or 4. The place in the Philippines where the corporation
municipality where such assets are located. intends to operate;

Except by decrease of capital stock and as 5. The specific purpose or purposes which the
otherwise allowed by this Code, no corporation shall corporation intends to pursue in the transaction of its
distribute any of its assets or property except upon business in the Philippines: Provided, That said purpose
lawful dissolution and after payment of all its debts and or purposes are those specifically stated in the
liabilities. (77a, 89a, 16a) certificate of authority issued by the appropriate
government agency;
FOREIGN CORPORATIONS
6. The names and addresses of the present directors
 Definition and officers of the corporation;

- Section 123. Definition and rights of foreign 7. A statement of its authorized capital stock and the
corporations. - For the purposes of this Code, a foreign aggregate number of shares which the corporation has
corporation is one formed, organized or existing under authority to issue, itemized by classes, par value of
any laws other than those of the Philippines and whose shares, shares without par value, and series, if any;
laws allow Filipino citizens and corporations to do
business in its own country or state. It shall have the 8. A statement of its outstanding capital stock and the
right to transact business in the Philippines after it shall aggregate number of shares which the corporation has
have obtained a license to transact business in this issued, itemized by classes, par value of shares, shares
country in accordance with this Code and a certificate of without par value, and series, if any;
authority from the appropriate government agency. (n)

9. A statement of the amount actually paid in; and


 What if the law of the state of the foreign corporation
does not allow Filipino citizens to do business in their
country? 10. Such additional information as may be necessary or
appropriate in order to enable the Securities and
Exchange Commission to determine whether such
- The phrase “and whose laws allow Filipino citizens and corporation is entitled to a license to transact business
corporations to do business in its own country or state” in the Philippines, and to determine and assess the fees
is not, however, an accurate inclusion in the definition payable.
as ay corporation registered or organized under the laws
of another state is necessarily a foreign corporation
whether or not the state of its incorporation allow Attached to the application for license shall
Filipino citizens or corporations to do business in that be a duly executed certificate under oath by the
forum. authorized official or officials of the jurisdiction of its
incorporation, attesting to the fact that the laws of the
country or state of the applicant allow Filipino citizens
- The said phrase was inserted by the framers of the law and corporations to do business therein, and that the
only as a condition precedent to the grant of a license of applicant is an existing corporation in good standing. If
a foreign corporation to do business in the Philippines. such certificate is in a foreign language, a translation
thereof in English under oath of the translator shall be
attached thereto.
 Composed of 100% Americans; organized under the
laws other than the Philippines
The application for a license to transact
business in the Philippines shall likewise be
- The test is the “incorporation test”
accompanied by a statement under oath of the president
or any other person authorized by the corporation,
- General rule: the place of its incorporation irrespective showing to the satisfaction of the Securities and
of the nationality Exchange Commission and other governmental agency
in the proper cases that the applicant is solvent and in
sound financial condition, and setting forth the assets
- Exception: control test would apply in determining the and liabilities of the corporation as of the date not
corporate nationality, i.e., the citizenship of the exceeding one (1) year immediately prior to the filing of
controlling stockholders determines the nationality of the application.
the corporation

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Foreign banking, financial and insurance  Other than section 125 and 126. What other
corporations shall, in addition to the above requirements are set under Philippine Law before a
requirements, comply with the provisions of existing foreign corporation may transact business in the
laws applicable to them. In the case of all other foreign Philippines
corporations, no application for license to transact
business in the Philippines shall be accepted by the
Securities and Exchange Commission without previous - Yes. A Resident agent is required. As a condition
authority from the appropriate government agency, precedent to the grant of a license to do or transact
whenever required by law. (68a) business in the Philippines, the foreign corporation is
required to designate its resident agent on whom
summons and other legal processes may be served in all
 Is there any deposit or security requirement? actions or legal proceedings against such corporation

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

Notes on Corporation Law


“Notes come in handy only when you have studied…”
©GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
65

- No, if there is a resident agent, the designation is


exclusive and service must be made only to the resident
agent or else the service is without force and effect not it can sue not it can be sued
unless made to him
A foreign corporation A foreign corporation
- Thus, while the law allows service upon the SEC or any transacting or doing transacting business in the
of its officers or agents within the Philippines business in the Philippines Philippines with the requisite
with a license can sue before license can be sued in the
Philippine Courts Philippine Courts
- The two modes may become effective only if the foreign
corporation failed or neglected to designate such a
person or an agent Subject to certain A foreign corporation
exceptions, a foreign transacting business in the
corporation doing business Philippines without a license
- Summons must be made only to resident agent except in the country without a can be sued in Philippine
when there is no resident agent appointed license cannot sue in Courts
Philippine Courts

- Where such foreign corporation actually doing business


here has not applied for a license to do and has not If it is not transacting if it is not doing business in
designated an agent to receive summons, then service of business in the Philippines, the Philippines, it cannot be
summons on it will be made pursuant to the provisions even without a license, it can sued in Philippine Courts for
of the rules of court. If such foreign corporation has a sue before the Philippine lack of jurisdiction
license to do business, then summons to it will be Courts
served on the agent designated by it for the purpose, or  A foreign corporation not doing business in the
otherwise in accordance with the Corporation Law Philippines, may it be sued?
(General Corporation of the Philippines vs. Union
Insurance Soc. Of Canton Ltd.)
- If it is not transacting business in the country it cannot
be sued for lack of jurisdiction
 If the foreign corporation conducts business in the
Philippines without the license requirement. What is the
effect?  Is there any sanction that can be enforced to foreign
corporations which are doing business without the
required license?
- Section 133 provides:

- Penal sanctions under section 144


Section 133. Doing business without a
license. - No foreign corporation transacting business in
the Philippines without a license, or its successors or - Any violation of the code is subject to such penal
assigns, shall be permitted to maintain or intervene in sanctions
any action, suit or proceeding in any court or
administrative agency of the Philippines; but such
corporation may be sued or proceeded against before  What would constitute doing business?
Philippine courts or administrative tribunals on any
valid cause of action recognized under Philippine laws. - The true test, however, seems to be whether the foreign
(69a) corporation is continuing the body or substance of the
business or enterprise for which it was organized or
- if they do so, the responsible officers may be subjected whether it has substantially retired from it and turned it
to the penal sanctions provided for in section 144 of the over to another. The term implies a continuity of
code, which may either be fine or imprisonment commercial dealings and arrangements, and
contemplates, to that extent, the performance of acts or
works or the exercise of some of the functions normally
 What if it is not doing business without a license? incident to, and in progressive prosecution of, the
purpose and object of its organization (Mentholatum Co.
Inc. vs. Mangaliman)
- If it is not transacting business in the Philippines, even
without a license, it can sue before the Philippine
Courts Mentholatum vs. Mangaliman

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

Marshall-Wells Co. vs. Henry W. Elser and Co.


5. Or where a party is stopped to challenge the
personality of the corporation by entering into a
contract with it. - The object of the statute was to subject the foreign
corporation doing business in the Philippines to the
jurisdiction of its courts. The object of the statute was
 Rules laid down by the SC not to prevent the foreign corporation from performing
single acts, but to prevent it from acquiring a domicile
for the purpose of business without taking the steps
necessary to render it amenable to suit in local courts.
A. As to whether or B. As to whether or

Notes on Corporation Law


“Notes come in handy only when you have studied…”
©GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
66

Bulakhidas vs. Navarro - In the instant case, the testimony of Atty. Pablo
Ocampo, that appellant was doing business in the
Philippines corroborated by no less than Nabuo
- It is settled that if a foreign corporation is not engaged Toshida, one of appellant’s officers, that he was sent to
in business in the Philippines, it may not be denied the the Philippines to look into the operation of mines,
right to file an action in Philippine courts for isolated thereby revealing the defendant’s desire to continue
transactions engaging in business here, after receiving the shipment
of the scrap iron under consideration, making the
Philippines a base thereof.
- The object of section 68 and 69 of the Corporation law
was not to prevent the foreign corporation from
- In such a case, the single act of transaction is not
performing single acts, but to prevent it from acquiring
merely incidental or casual, but is of such character as
a domicile for the purpose of business without taking
distinctly to indicate a purpose on the part of the
the steps necessary to render it amenable to suit in the
operations for the conduct of a part of corporation’s
local courts. It was never the purpose of the Legislature
ordinary business
to exclude a foreign corporation which happens to
obtain an isolated order for business from the
Philippines, from securing redress in the Philippine  If a corporation appoints a distributor or a
courts representative, will it necessarily imply doing business
in the country?

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

Communications Materials and Design vs. CA


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

- 3 contracts, but according to the court was not doing - And it contends that its rights to the use of its corporate
business in the Philippines and trade name, is a property right, a right in rem,
which may assert and protect against all the world, in
any of the courts of the world even in jurisdictions
Far East Int’l import vs. Nankai Kogyo Co. Ltd. where it does not transact business just the same as it
may protect its tangible property, real or personal,
against trespass, or conversion
- Only one contract , but according to the Supreme Court
was doing business in the Philippines
- Since it is the trade and not the mark that is to be
protected a trademark acknowledges no territorial
- Every case shall be judged in the light of its peculiar boundaries or municipalities or states or nations, but
circumstances, where a single act or transaction extends to every market where the trader’s goods have
however, is not merely incidental or casual but indicates become known and identified by the use of the mark
the foreign corporation’s intention to do other business
in the Philippines, said single act or transaction
constitutes “doing” or “engaging in” or “transacting” General Garments Corporation vs. Director of Patents
business in the Philippines

Notes on Corporation Law


“Notes come in handy only when you have studied…”
©GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
67

- A foreign corporation which has never done business in - The law denies to a foreign corporation the right to
the Philippine Islands and which is unlicensed and maintain suit unless it has previously complied with a
unregistered to do business here, but is widely and certain requirement, then such compliance, or the fact
favorably known in the Islands through the use therein that the suing corporation is exempt there from,
of its products bearing its corporate and trade name has becomes a necessary averment in the complaint
a legal right to maintain an action in the Islands
- These are matters peculiarly within the knowledge of
- Mentholatum case was subsequently derogated when appellants alone, and it would be unfair to impose upon
Congress, purposely to “counteract the effects” of said appellee the burden of asserting and proving the
case, enacted R.A. 638, inserting Section 21-A in the contrary. It is enough that foreign corporations are
Trademark Law, which allows a foreign corporation or allowed by law to seek redress in our courts under
juristic person to bring an action in Philippine Courts certain conditions: the interpretation of the law should
for infringement of a mark or trade-name, for unfair not go so far as to include, in effect, an inference than
competition, or false designation of origin and false those conditions have been met from the mere fact that
description, “whether or not it has been licensed to do the party suing is a foreign corporation
business in the Philippines under Act Numbered
Fourteen hundred and fifty-nine, as amended, otherwise
known as Corporation Law, at the time it brings Olympia Business Machines Co. vs. E. Razon
complaint.

- How do you distinguish this case with Atlantic?


Puma Sporschufabriken Rudolf Dassler, K.G. vs. IAC
and MIL-ORO MFG. Corp. - In Atlantic it dismissed the case, while in Olympia it did
not

- Treaties for part of the law of the land


Time Inc. vs. Reyes
- Quoting the Paris Convention and the case of Vanity
Fair Mills Inc. vs. T. Eaton Co. this court further said:
- We fail to see how these doctrines can be a propos in the
case at bar, since the petitioner is not “maintaining any
“By the same token, the petitioner should be suit” but is merely defending one against itself; it did
given the same treatment in the Philippines not file any complaint but only a corollary defensive
as we make available to our own citizens. We petition to prohibit the lower court from further
are obliged to assure to nationals of countries proceeding with a suit that it had no jurisdiction to
of the Union an effective protection against entertain
unfair competition on the same way that they
are obligated to similarly protect Filipino
Citizen and firms  What law govern foreign corporation doing and
transacting business in the Philippines with a license

- The ruling in the aforecited case is in consonance with


the Convention of the Union of Paris for the protection of - Laws of the Republic of the Philippines save and except
Industrial Property to which the Philippines became a that would normally be those matters which concern its
party. Article 8 thereof provides that a trade name shall formation, organization or dissolution, or those fixing
be protected in all the countries of the Union without the relationship, liabilities, responsibilities, or duties of
the obligation of filing or registration, whether or not it the stockholders, members or officers of the foreign
forms part of the trademark corporation or their relations to each other.

- In effect, intra-corporate or internal matters not


Le Chemiste Lacoste vs. Fernandez affecting creditors or the public in general are governed
not by Philippine laws but the law under which the
foreign corporation was formed or organized
- The French company may gain access to our courts, in
the first place it was not doing business in the
Philippines Section 129. Law applicable. - Any foreign
corporation lawfully doing business in the Philippines
- The marketing of its products in the Philippines is done shall be bound by all laws, rules and regulations
through an exclusive distributor, Rustan Commercial applicable to domestic corporations of the same class,
Corporation. The latter is an independent entity which except such only as provide for the creation, formation,
buys and then markets not only products of the organization or dissolution of corporations or those
petitioner but also many other products bearing equally which fix the relations, liabilities, responsibilities, or
well-known and established trademarks and trade- duties of stockholders, members, or officers of
names corporations to each other or to the corporation. (73a)

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

Notes on Corporation Law


“Notes come in handy only when you have studied…”
©GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
68

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

Notes on Corporation Law


“Notes come in handy only when you have studied…”
©GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
69

 Securities Regulation Code - Decided on motion for reconsideration


- Transferred jurisdiction of the SEC to Special - It court 7 years to decide authentication
Commercial Courts  Rule of the thumb
- Suspension of payment, appointment of management - Automatic suspension even if not decreed in the
receivership decision itself
 What is the reason for suspension of all claims? - Once lifted the preferred creditors will regain their
- The reason for suspending actions for claims against the preference
corporation is not really to enable the management  Appointment of a management committee
committee or the rehabilitation receiver to substitute the - Take over the management committee of the distressed
defendant in any pending action against it before any corporation
court, tribunal or body. The real justification is to - Extraordinary and drastic remedy
enable the management committee or rehabilitation - Without any remedy
receiver to effectively exercise his powers free from any  What is an intra-corporate controversy?
Judicial or extra-judicial interference that might unduly - Section 5(B)
hinder or prevent the “rescue” of the debtor company. - Sole criteria is whether there exists an intra-corporate
To allow such other actions to continue would only add dispute is that if there is an intra-corporate relationship
to the burden of the management committee pr  Why is there suspension of all actions against claims
rehabilitation receiver, whose time, effort and resources when a receiver is appointed?
would be wasted in defending claims against the - To enable the management committee to exercise its
corporation instead of being directed towards powers
restructuring and rehabilitation.(PAL vs. Spouses Sadic
Sy Chim vs. Sy Siy Ho (before a management committee
and Kurangking)
may be opt by a court)
- To enable the receiver to effectively exercise his or her
- 2 requisites for a valid appointment of management
power free form any judicial or extra-judicial that may
committee
disturb
1. Imminent danger of dissipation, loss, wastage or
 3 types of suspension of payments
destruction of assets or other corporate properties
1. Simple suspension of payments
2. Paralysis of business operations, the mere apprehension
- where deferment of payment of claims against a
of future misconduct based upon prior management
distress company; ask the court to be given time to the
- Save and except in the case of a close corporation in
payment of liability by postponing the payment
case of deadlock management committee is allowed to
- When it has sufficient assets and liabilities but forces
take over right away
the impossibility of meeting them when they respectively
fall due Jacinto case
2. Suspension of receiver with a management committee - 2nd par of page 676
with a rehabilitation play or suspension of payments - 2 requisites where present
accompanied by a proposal for rehabilitation (with or - Wala ng mapautang, there was a paralyzation
without rehabilitation) Sy Chim
- corporation has sufficient assets to cover its liabilities, - Did not appoint a management committee
but sees the possibility; is or without rehabilitation - In the absence of a strong showing of an imminent
plans; normally would attach the rehabilitation plan danger of dissipation, loss wastage or destruction of
- For purpose of economic development assets or other properties of a corporation and paralysis
3. Suspension of payments when the corporation has no of its business operations, the mere apprehension of
sufficient assets to its liabilities future misconduct based upon prior mismanagement
 May it still be revived? will not authorize the appointment of a management
- Yes, it may still be revived committee
 How can a corporation with more liabilities than assets  Section 5 and 6(D) governed by separate rules; interim
continue its operations profitably? rules and intra-corporate controversy
- Even if the distressed company has no sufficient assets  Venue of actions
and liabilities it can go for suspension - Rules of court- where the parties are residing
- It asked for a management committee without a receiver - Intra-corporate- no matter where the parties are
plan (Victorius Milling case) residing it will be in the city or municipality where the
 Convert their claims into equity principal office is located
- Their liability was almost wiped out they became  Rehabilitation proceedings venue
stockholders instead of creditors - In rem
- After 5 years those who converted sold it back to the - Acquired upon publication without furnishing the
corporation, thereby making profits creditors a copy of the petition and attachments thereof
 Amendment is for the economic development of the - A creditor may now file the suspension proceedings;
country provides that creditors owns at least 25%
 What if walang amendment, e mas maraming liabilities  Intra-corporate- rule 1 section 6
kesa assets  Service of summons- rule 2 section 5
 Suspension order- all actions for claims against the - Summons may be made to anyone
corporation are accordingly suspended at whatever  In case of intra-corporate dispute, elections, fraud, etc;
stage the proceedings maybe if they are governed by interim rules of procedure on
 Effect of suspension- you cannot foreclose intra-corporate controversies
 What are claims?  Venue
- Debts or demands of pecuniary nature. Assertion of a - Special commercial courts where principal office is
right to have money paid located/established (section 5 rule 1)
- Claims against the corporation shall be suspended, - Matters of payment/suspension must be filed in the
assertion of a right to have money paid; it must present city/ municipality where corporation is located
a monetary claim, liquidated or unliquidated  Under old rule, creditors have no right to institute an
 Nullification of corporations does not present a action for receivership; now creditors, if they sold 20%
monetary claim of pecuniary nature they can institute an action for receivership
Union vs. CA  Section 5
- It does not allow a mere individual to file the petition - Service of summons may be made by fax/e-mail
which is limited to corporations partnership or E.B. Villarosa vs. Benito
associations. - Will apply only if it is not an intra-corporate controversy
- Where no authority is granted to hear petitions of  If the controversy arose out of an intra-corporate
individuals for suspension of payments, such petition dispute rules on interim rules of procedure of intra-
are beyond the competence of the SEC corporate controversies shall govern
 What happens if there is a suspension order?  Rule 4 section 17- immunity from suit
 Explain the key phrase “quality is equity”  Rehabilitation receiver shall not subject to any action,
- All creditors stand on equal footing, secure or unsecure, claim or demand in connection with any act done
holding or lien or without a lien, no creditor may enforce omitted by him in good faith in the exercise of his
his lien while rehabilitation is going (Alemar case) functions and powers herein conferred
- No preference shall be given  Claim
RCBC vs. IAC

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70

- Right to payment, whether or not it is reduced to of the Office of the Insurance Commission, Housing and
judgment, liquidated or unliquidated, fixed or Land Use Regulatory Board, or the Bureau of Internal
contingent, matured or unmatured, disputed or Revenue.
e) Any security issued by a bank except its own shares of
undisputed, legal or equitable and secured or unsecured
stock.
 Investment contracts
- A contract, transaction or scheme whereby a person AND Exempt Transactions under Sec 10
invests his money in a common enterprise and is led to a) A judicial sale, or sale by an executor, administrator,
expect profits primarily from the effects of others guardian or receiver or trustee in insolvency or
 The management committee and rehabilitation receiver bankruptcy.
are empowered to: b) By or for the account of a pledge holder, or mortgagee or
any other similar lien holder selling or offering for sale or
1. Take custody and control of all assets of the corporation
delivery in the ordinary course of business and not for
2. Evaluate assets and liabilities, earnings operations of the purpose of avoiding the provisions of this Code, to
the corporation liquidate a bona fide debt, a security pledged in good
3. Determine the best way to protect the investors and faith as security for such debt.
creditors c) An isolated transaction in which any security is sold,
4. Study, review evaluate the feasibility of continuing offered for sale, subscription or delivery by the owner
thereof, or by his representative for the owner’s account,
operation and structures
such sale or offer for sale, subscription or delivery not
5. Submit recommendations to the RTC regarding being made in the course of repeated and successive
rehabilitation plan transactions of a like character by such owner, or on his
6. Rehabilitate the corporation if determined to be feasible account by such representative and such owner or
by the RTC representative not being the underwriter of such
7. Report to the RTC until the corporation is dissolved security.
d) Distribution by a corporation, actively engaged in the
business authorized by its AOI, of securities to its
THE SECURITIES REGULATION CODE (RA8799)
stockholders or other security holders as a stock
dividend or other distribution out of surplus.
- Also known as the Blue Sky Law since it was enacted to protect
e) Sale of capital stock of a corporation to its own
the public from unscrupulous promoters who stake business
stockholders exclusively, where no commission or other
which have no basis and sell shares and interest therein to
remuneration is paid or given directly or indirectly in
investors, who are then left holding certificates representing
connection with the sale of such capital stock.
nothing more than a claim to a square of the blue sky.
f) Issuance of bonds or notes secured by mortgage upon
real estate or tangible personal property, where the
-SEC. 2. Declaration of State Policy. – The State shall establish a
entire mortgage together with all the bonds or notes
socially conscious, free market that regulates itself, encourage the
secured thereby are sold to a single purchaser at a
widest participation of ownership in enterprises, enhance the
single sale.
democratization of wealth, promote the development of the capital
g) Issue and delivery of any security in exchange for any
market, protect investors, ensure full and fair disclosure about
other security of the same issuer pursuant to a right of
securities, minimize if not totally eliminate insider trading and
conversion entitling the holder of the security
other fraudulent or manipulative devices and practices which
surrendered in exchange to make such conversion:
create distortions in the free market.
Provided, That the security so surrendered has been
registered under this Code or was, when sold, exempt
BROKER - person who buys and sells securities for the account of
from the provisions of this Code, and that the security
others.
issued and delivered in exchange, if sold at the
conversion price, would at the time of such conversion
DEALER - person who buys and sells securities for his/her own
fall within the class of securities entitled to registration
account in the ordinary course of business.
under this Code. Upon such conversion the par value of
the security surrendered in such exchange shall be
NOTE: No person shall engage in the business
deemed the price at which the securities issued and
of buying or selling securities in the Philippines as a
delivered in such exchange are sold.
broker or dealer, or act as a salesman, or an
h) Broker’s transactions, executed upon customer’s orders,
associated person of any broker or dealer unless
on any registered Exchange or other trading market.
registered as such with the Commission. (Sec 28)
i) Subscriptions for shares of the capital stock of a
corporation prior to the incorporation thereof or in
SECURITES - shares, participation or interests in a corporation or
pursuance of an increase in its authorized capital stock
in a commercial enterprise or profit-making venture and evidenced
under the Corporation Code, when no expense is
by a certificate, contract, instrument, whether written or electronic
incurred, or no commission, compensation or
in character. It includes:
remuneration is paid or given in connection with the
CODE: COFDIPS
sale or disposition of such securities, and only when the
a) Certificates of assignments, certificates of participation,
purpose for soliciting, giving or taking of such
trust certificates, voting trust certificates or similar
subscriptions is to comply with the requirements of such
instruments;
law as to the percentage of the capital stock of a
b) Other instruments as may in the future be determined
corporation which should be subscribed before it can be
by the Commission;
registered and duly incorporated, or its authorized
c) Fractional undivided interests in oil, gas or other
capital increased.
mineral rights;
j) The exchange of securities by the issuer with its existing
d) Derivatives like option and warrants;
security holders exclusively, where no commission or
e) Investment contracts, certificates of interest or
other remuneration is paid or given directly or indirectly
participation in a profit sharing agreement, certificates
for soliciting such exchange.
of deposit for a future subscription;
k) The sale of securities by an issuer to fewer than twenty
f) Proprietary or non proprietary membership certificates
(20) persons in the Philippines during any twelve-month
incorporations; and
period.
g) Shares of stock, bonds, debentures, notes, evidences of
l) The sale of securities to any number of the following
indebtedness, asset-backed securities;
qualified buyers: (i) Bank; (ii) Registered investment
house; (iii)insurance company; (iv) Pension fund or
GR: Securities shall not be sold or offered for sale or distribution
retirement plan maintained by the Government of the
within the PH, without a registration statement filed with and
Philippines or any political subdivision thereof or
approved by SEC. Prior to such sale, information on the securities,
managed by a bank or other persons authorized by the
in such form and with such substance as the Commission may
Bangko Sentral to engage in trust functions; (v)
prescribe, shall be made available to each prospective purchaser.
investment company or; (vi) Such other person as the
(Sec 8)
Commission may by rule determine as qualified buyers,
on the basis of such factors as financial sophistication,
EXCEPT: Exempt Securities under Sec 9
net worth, knowledge, and experience in financial and
a) Any security issued or guaranteed by the Government of
business matters, or amount of assets under
the PH, or by any political subdivision or agency thereof,
management.
or by any person controlled or supervised by, and acting
as an instrumentality of said Government.
PROTECTION OF SHAREHOLDERS INTEREST
b) Any security issued or guaranteed by the government of
any country with diplomatic relations with the PH, or by
1. Tender Offers (Sec 19)
any state, province or political subdivision thereof on the
2. Proxy solicitation (Sec 20)
basis of reciprocity: Provided, that the SEC may require
3. Internal record keeping and accounting (Sec 22)
compliance with the form and content of disclosures the
Commission may prescribe.
TENDER OFFER – A publicly announced intention acting alone or
c) Certificates issued by a receiver or by a trustee in
in concert with others to acquire equity securities of a company.
bankruptcy duly approved by the proper adjudicatory
(2002 Bar Exams)
body.
d) Any security or its derivatives the sale or transfer of
Instances when Tender Offer is Required
which, by law, is under the supervision and regulation

Notes on Corporation Law


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©GTan; ASoguilon; VVillanueva
71

1. When the person intends to acquire 15% or more of the 12. Insider Trading – the act of an insider to buy or sell
equity share of a public company pursuant to an security of the issuer while in possession of material
agreement made between or among the person and one information with respect to such security that is not
or more sellers; generally made known to the public unless (a) The
2. When the person intends to acquire 30% or more of the insider proves that the information was not gained from
equity share of a public company within a period of 12 such relationship; or (b) If the other party selling to or
months; buying from the insider (or his agent) is identified, the
3. When the person intends to acquire shares that would insider proves: (i) that he disclosed the information to
result in an ownership of more than 50% of the equity the other party, or (ii) that he had reason to believe that
shares of a public company. the other party otherwise is also in possession of the
information.
PROXY SOLICITATION
Note: When is information “material non-public”? -
NOTE: A broker or dealer who holds or acquires the proxy for at if: (a) It has not been generally disclosed to the public and
least ten per centum (10%) or such percentage as the Commission would likely affect the market price of the security after
may prescribe of the outstanding share of the issuer, shall submit a being disseminated to the public and the lapse of a
report identifying the beneficial owner within ten (10) days after reasonable time for the market to absorb the information;
such acquisition, for its own account or customer, to the issuer of the or (b) would be considered by a reasonable person
security, to the Exchange where the security is traded and to the important under the circumstances in determining his
Commission. (Sec 20.5) course of action whether to buy, sell or hold a security.

FRAUDULENT TRANSACTIONS AND OTHER MARKET Note: Who is an “insider”? - “Insider” means: (a) the
MANIPULATIONS issuer; (b) a director or officer (or person performing
similar functions) of, or a person controlling the issuer; (c)
1. Wash Sale (Sec 24.1(a)(i)) – any transaction in a a person whose relationship or former relationship to the
security which involves no change in the beneficial issuer gives or gave him access to material information
ownership thereof. about the issuer or the security that is not generally
2. Matched Order (Sec 24.1(a)(ii)) – order or orders for the available to the public; (d) a government employee, or
purchase or sale of security with the knowledge that a director, or officer of an exchange, clearing agency and/or
simultaneous order or orders of substantially the same self-regulatory organization who has access to material
size, time and price for the sale or purchase of such information about an issuer or a security that is not
security has, or will be entered by or for the same or generally available to the public; or (e) a person who
different parties. learns such information by a communication from any of
the foregoing insiders.
Note: Wash sale and matched orders become illegal
when they are used as a means to create false INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR
appearance of active trading in the security concerned. Person other than an officer or employee of the
corporation, its parent or subsidiaries, or any other individual
3. Marking the close – placing the purchase order, at or having a relationship with the corporation, which would interfere
near the close of the trading period. The price that was with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the
closed will then be the price that will be posted on the responsibilities of a director.
following trading day.
4. Painting the tape – involves a series of transactions Corporations which require an Independent Director
that are reported publicly to give the impression of an 1. An exchange; or
activity in a security. 2. Any corporation with a class of equity securities listed
5. Squeezing the float – the part of an outstanding for trading on an Exchange or with assets in excess of
security intentionally held by dealers or other persons P50M and having 200 or more holders, at least 200 of
with a view of reselling them later for profit. which are holding at least 100 shares of a class of its
6. Hype and dump – Act employed by a person or group of equity securities or which has sold a class of equity
persons of purchasing the outstanding capital stock of a securities to the public pursuant to an effective
dormant public shell company for a nominal amount registration statement shall have at least two (2)
and merge it with their privately held company. They independent directors or such independent directors
would then gain control of the majority stocks of the shall constitute at least 20% of the members of such
merged entity. Stock certificates are often re-issued in board, whichever is the lesser.
the name of the merged entity to relatives and associates
who act as nominees of the person or persons employing OPTION TRADING
the device. They would then look for a broker-dealer  Put – a transferrable option or offer to deliver a given
who would be willing to make a “hype” of the securities. number of shares of stock at a stated price on any given
The broker-dealer then generates volume and advance time during the stated period.
bid price. When the market reaches a high price, they  Call – a transferrable option to buy a specified number
would “dump” their shareholdings and bail out. of share at a stated price
7. Boiler Room Operations – involves an intensive selling  Straddle – a combination of put and call.
campaign through numerous salesmen by telephone or
through direct mail offerings for securities of either a SETTLEMENT OFFERS
certain type or from a specific issuer. Investors are At any time, during an investigation or proceeding under
induced to purchase through hard-sell based on this Code, parties being investigated and/or charged may propose
unfounded predictions and mailing of misleading market in writing an offer of settlement with the Commission. The
letters. Commission may only agree to a settlement offer based on its
findings that such settlement is in the public interest. Any
Note: Marking the close, Painting the tape, Squeezing the agreement to settle shall have no legal effect until publicly
float, Hype and dump, Boiler Room Operations become disclosed. Such decision may be made without a determination of
unlawful if it is effected to either raise the price or induce guilt on the part of the person making the offer.
the purchase of a security or of a controlling, controlled, or
commonly controlled company by others or to depress the DAMAGES
price to induce the sale of a security, whether of the same All suits to recover damages shall be brought before the
or of a different class, of the same issuer or of a Regional Trial Court, which shall have exclusive jurisdiction to
controlling, controlled company or common controlled hear and decide such suits. The Court is authorized to award
company by others or to create active trading to induce damages in an amount not exceeding triple the amount of the
the purchase through said devices or schemes. transaction plus actual damages.

8. Circulating or Disseminating Information –


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

Notes on Corporation Law


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

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