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Chapter 1 – General Provisions Article 1768

The partnership has a juridical personality separate


Article 1767 and distinct from that of each of the partners, even in
By the contract of partnership two or more persons case of failure to comply with the requirements of article
bind themselves to contribute money, property, or 1772, first paragraph. (n)
industry to a common fund, with the intention of
dividing the profits among themselves.  Example
Two or more persons may also form a partnership - If A and B form a partnership with X & Co., the property
for the exercise of a profession. (1665a). of X & Co. is not A & B’s property and likewise, A & B’s
property is not X & Co.’s.
 NOMINATE - Since X & Co is a juridical entity, it can acquire any
- There is a name given by the law property since the partners are merely agents.
- Contract of Partnership: CONSENSUAL (meaning it is - Thus the obligations of X & Co are not those of A & B’s.
perfected by both parties) - The partnership of X & Co can file against A & B and be
 PERSONS sued by A & B, likewise, if a third party sues X & Co., A
- Includes not only natural persons but also JURIDICAL & B are not affected.
persons. A corporation may NOT be a partner but it may - The partnership will still be a juridical entity even without
engage in JOINT VENTURES. compliance with A1772.
 BIND THEMSELVES - If X & Co. is exempted from certain things, it does not
- Must be capable and competent, meaning, the following follow that A & B are included.
may are not included:  Consequences of being a Juridical Person
1. Minors - Can sue and be sued
2. Emancipated Minors - Acquire any kind of property
3. Those under civil interdiction – accessory penalty of - Insolvency of a partnership does not mean that the
being convicted of crimes partners themselves are insolvent.
4. Insane persons
5. Incompetent persons (see oblicon notes) Article 1769
- HOWEVER, if the person is only a SUSPECT, he may In determining whether a partnership exists, these
still bind himself into a contract since there is no final rules shall apply:
verdict yet. (1) Except as provided by article 1825, persons who are
 TO CONTRIBUTE MONEY, PROPERTY OR INDUSTRY not partners as to each other are not partners as to
- Makes the contract onerous since this is MUTAL and third persons.
ALL must give either one of the above (2) Co-ownership or co-possession odes not of itself
- Examples: establish a partnership, whether such co-owners or
1. A and B create a partnership with a promise of co-possessors do or do not share any profits made
contributing P10,000 each in cash. A gave his by the use of the property
share while B gave a check worth P10,000. Is the (3) The sharing of gross returns does not of itself
issuance a contribution of money? establish a partnership, whether or not the persons
No, unless the check is encashed. sharing them have a joint or common right or
2. Considering the same information above but with B interest in any property from which the returns are
contributing P10,000 in equivalent dollars. derived
No, the contribution must be made using the legal (4) The receipt by a person of a share in the profits of a
tender, in this case, Philippine pesos. business is prima facie evidence that he is partner
- Property contributed may be movable, immovable or in the business, but no such inference shall be
intangible property. (Ex: equipment, land, patents, etc.) drawn if such profits were received in payment:
- If the partnership did not contribute money or property, (a) As a debt by installments or otherwise;
then industry was contributed. (b) As wages of an employee or rent to a landlord
- Note: Contributions may differ for each of the partners. (c) As an annuity to a widow or representative of a
 TO A COMMON FUND TO DIVIDE PROFITS AMONGST deceased partner
EACH OTHER (d) As interest on a loan, though the amounts of
- The primary objective of partnerships is to make profits. payment vary with the profits of the business
Sharing profits need not be equal. (e) As consideration for the sale of a goodwill of a
- Sharing ratios are determined by the partner’s business or other property by installments or
agreement, and if there was no agreement, then the otherwise. (n)
ratios will be based on the ratio of the partners’
contributions.  Provides the rule in determining partnerships
- Sharing ratios for losses will be the same as the sharing  Example for (1)
ratios for profits. - If A & B say PUBLICLY that they are not partners, then
- The industrial partner shall NOT share in losses. according to A1825, if they told C that they are and C
- The industrial partner is exempt only to the partners but enters into a contract of partnership with them, then A
not to 3rd parties without prejudice to his right. A1816 and B are in a PARTNERSHIP OF ESTOPPEL.
 CONSENT (DELECTUS PERSONAE)  Example for (2)
- You can’t join a partnership without the consent of ALL - If A & B inherited land from their parents and
partners. subsequently leased the land out for P50,000/month,
Why? then it can be said that they share profits, but are they in
Because the partnership will need to be dissolved a partnership?
before you are admitted and a new partnership will be No, they are merely co-owners. The P50,000 profit is
made in its place. merely incidental and besides, it was not derived from
BUSINESS OPERATIONS.
- If they bought the land for P1,000,000 each to build a  Can a partnership be created orally?
house but instead opted to sell it for P2,500,000 then Yes. A partnership may be constituted in any form (as stated
they have a profit of P500,000 but are they partners? in Article 1771)
No, because even if there was a profit of P500,000, this  Partnerships are not covered by the Statute of Fraud since
is merely incidental to the sale and not from business these are not necessarily required to be in writing (contract
operations of A&B. of partnership can be in any form)
- If the land was instead used to build an apartment that  If immovable property and/or real rights are contributed to
is rented out? the partnership, then the contract must be in a public
Yes, because A & B share profits from RENTING, this instrument (notarized documents)
can be considered as ordinary business operations.  In order to bind 3rd persons, the transfer of OWNERSHIP of
 Example for (3) immovable property MUST BE REGISTERED with the
- If a person owns a big tract of land for planting rice and REGISTRY OF PROPERTY in the province or city where the
entered into an agreement with a farmer that they will property is located
divide the harvest, is the farmer partners with the owner  The article shows that partnerships can be perfected by
of the land? MERE CONSENT.
No because of the following reasons:
(1) The farmer had no contribution Article 1772
(2) The farmer has no say in the disposition of the land Every contract of partnership having a capital of
(3) The farmer has no say in management P3,000.00 or more, in money or property, shall appear in
(4) In case of loss, the owner shall carry the entire a public instrument, which must be recorded in the office
burden and the farmer need not pay anything of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 Example for (4) Failure to comply with the requirements of the
- A partnership borrowed P50,000 and instead of giving preceding paragraph shall not affect the liability of the
the creditor a specific amount to be repaid, they agreed partnership and the members thereof to third persons. (n)
that the creditor will receive 1% of the partnership’s
annual gross profit. Is the creditor a partner?  If the partnership’s capital is P3, 000.00 or more (in any
No because the receipt of share in net income happens form), it must be in a public instrument, recorded with the
to be because of an existing debt. SEC and note that property referred to here is MOVABLE
 To determine whether a person is a partner: since immovable property is covered by Article 1771.
(1) Required contribution  Failure to comply with the requirements of Article 1772 will
(2) Say in management not affect the liability of the partnership to 3rd persons.
(3) Share in losses  Isn’t this inconsistent with Article 1358?
No, remember that in Article 1358, if the contract terms
Article 1770 exceed P500.00 then the contract must be in writing.
A partnership must have a lawful object or purpose, This is merely for purposes of convenience and not
and must be established for the common benefit or validity or enforceability of the law. Also note that
interest of the partners. according to Article 1768, the partnership will still be
When an unlawful partnership is dissolved by a valid and have a juridical entity.
judicial decree, the profits shall be confiscated in favor  How do we reconcile this with Article 1358 and 1357?
of the State, without prejudice to the provisions of the Article 1358 is for purposes of convenience and not for
Penal Code governing the confiscation of the validity or enforceability of the law.
instruments and effects of a crime. (1666a) Article 1357 states that contracting parties have the right
to compel each other to place the contract into writing.
 The partnership must have a lawful object or purpose  Purpose of Registration:
- Lawful object refers to CAPITAL (1) Condition for obtaining a license to engage in business
- Lawful purpose refers to the BUSINESS itself and in trade
 There must be common interest and benefit (2) 3rd persons want proof that the partnership is existent,
 Unlawfulness of the partnership will cause it to be dissolved who the partners are and what the capitalization is
and profits shall be confiscated before they enter into contracts/engage in business.
 Example of unlawful purpose: (3) The government requires this so that tax liabilities may
- GAMBLING not be avoided (BIR)
A & B are partners where A contributed P100,000 in  Failure to comply with the Article’s requirements will not
cash and B contributes gambling paraphernalia. They prevent the formation of the partnership
were raided and the gambling paraphernalia was  The Statute of Fraud will only apply if there was an
confiscated. Can the P100,000 also be confiscated? agreement made by the contracting parties
No because the P100,000 was not the reason for the  Example:
crime in anyway. The state is therefore required to A and B promise to contribute to their partnership money
return this amount to A. worth P10,000.00 each within one year from their
 Legal effects of a Judicial Dissolution agreement. A contributes early but when the time comes for
- Partnership is considered void from the beginning B to contribute his share, he refuses to do so. Can A compel
- Profit and instrument of the crime is confiscated B to give his contribution?
- The only returnable items are those that were never No, A cannot compel B to pay his contribution to the
related to or connected with the crime committed partnership.
Why?
Article 1771 Because the contract/agreement between the two parties
A partnership may be constituted in any form, was purely ORAL and never really written, and it has already
except where immovable property or real rights are been one year since they agreed to their contract terms.
contributed thereto, in which case, a public instrument
shall be necessary (1667a)
Article 1773 (a) Universal Partnership of All Present Property –
A contract of partnership is void, whenever defined in Article 1778
immovable property is contributed thereto, if an (b) Universal Partnership of All Profits – defined in
inventory of said property is not made, signed by the Article 1780
parties and attached to the public instrument. (1668a) (c) Particular Partnerships – defined in Article 1783
(2) As to the Liability:
 Refers specifically where one or both of the parties (a) General – general partners are liable PRO-RATA
contribute immovable property. The requirements are: and subsidiarily, sometimes solitarily, with their own
(1) The contract must be in a public instrument property/assets if the partnership is insolvent. (may
(2) An inventory of the immovable property must be made, include industrial partners)
signed by BOTH parties and attached to the public (b) Limited – limited partners are liable only up to the
instrument, otherwise the partnership is VOIDED. extent of their contribution
 Actual Case in Applying Article 1773: (3) As to Duration:
A and B agree to form a partnership engaging in a fish pond (a) At will – no particular undertaking, can be dissolved
business where both partners will contribute cash; the cash at any time
is later used to buy land that is converted into a fish pond. C (b) With a Fixed Term – may only be dissolved upon
comes along and points out that the partnership is void the end of its term unless continued by the partners
because no inventory of the land was made. Is the (4) As to Legality of Existence:
partnership really void? (a) De Jure – complied with ALL requirements
No, the partnership is not void because according to the (b) De Facto – failed to comply with ALL requirements
Supreme Court, Article 1773 need not apply since the land (5) As to Representation to Others:
was BOUGHT from the CASH CONTRIBUTION. (a) Ordinary/Real – actually exists
Suppose a partnership contributes immovable property but (b) Ostensible/by Estoppel – exists only to partners
does not conduct an inventory and enters into a contract with (6) As to Publicity:
A. The partnership does not fulfill its obligation to A and A (a) Secret – some partners are not known to the public
sues the partnership. Was A right in suing the partnership? (b) Open/Notorious – all partners are known to the
No, since the partnership was void from the beginning. A public
should instead file against the “partners” themselves. They (7) As to Purpose:
will be sued under the legal basis of them being partners by (a) Commercial/Trading – business transactions
estoppels, as stated in Article 1825. (b) Professional/Non-Trading – exercise of professions
If A wishes to be in a partnership with B and promises to  Kinds of Partners:
contribute land but subsequently sells the same plot to C, (1) Under the Civil Code:
who immediately registers the transfer, who owns the land? (a) Capitalist – contributes money/property
C owns the land because A never registered the transfer. (b) Industrial – contributes industry
 Estafa: when the owner of a property sells the same to two (c) General – liability extends to personal assets
or more different persons. (d) Limited – liability up to contribution only
(e) Managing – manages the partnership
Article 1774 (f) Liquidating – responsible during dissolution
Any immovable property or an interest therein may (g) By Estoppel – not really a partner
be acquired in the partnership name. Title so acquired (h) Continuing – continues business after dissolution
can be conveyed only in the partnership name. (n) (i) Surviving – remains after partner’s death
(j) Sub-partner – contracts with partners, Article 1804
 Being a juridical entity, a partnership can acquire property (2) Other Classifications:
and subsequently become its owner. (a) Ostensible – active, known to the public
(b) Secret – active, unknown to the public
Article 1775 (c) Silent – inactive, known to the public
Associations and societies whose articles are kept (d) Dormant – inactive, unknown to the public
secret among members, and wherein anyone of the (e) Original – member at time of organization
members may contract in his own name with third (f) Incoming – about to become a member
persons, shall have no juridical personality and shall be (g) Retiring – about to withdraw
governed by the provisions relating to co-ownership.
(1669) Article 1777
A universal partnership may refer to all the present
 There is no juridical entity since the members can contract property or to all the profits. (1672)
with 3rd persons in their own name without binding others.
 In a partnership: Article 1778
(1) The partners are merely agents who cannot act alone A partnership of all present property is that in which
(2) Articles of Partnership are known to ALL partners AND the partners contribute all the property which actually
to the GENERAL PUBLIC. belongs to them to a common fund, with the intention of
dividing the same among themselves, as well as the
Article 1776 profits which they may acquire therewith. (1673)
As to its object, a partnership is either universal or
particular. Article 1779
As regards to the liability of the partners, a In a universal partnership of all present property,
partnership may be general or limited. (1671a) the property which belongs to each of the partners at
the time of the constitution of the partnership becomes
 Classifications of Partnerships: the common property of all the partners, as well as all
(1) As to the Object: the profits which they may acquire therewith.
A stipulation for the common enjoyment of any  If the articles of universal partnership are doubtful or unclear
other profits may also be made; but the property which then the presumption is that it is a universal partnership of all
the partners may acquire subsequently by inheritance, profits.
legacy or donation cannot be included in such - Because a universal partnership of all profits require
stipulation, except the fruits thereof. (1674a) less obligations and is less onerous since the partners
get to retain ownership over the property that they
 Why is the universal partnership of all present property not contribute.
popular in the Philippines?
 Property owned at the time of contribution will become Article 1782
common property of the partnership eventually because only Persons who are prohibited from giving each other
the profits acquired through the contribution will become any donation or advantage cannot enter into a universal
common property, unless there was a stipulation that says partnership. (1677)
otherwise.
 Example:  A husband and wife cannot join a universal partnership.
A and B form a Universal Partnership of All Present Property - They are not allowed to donate to each other and a
and stipulate that property and profits that are acquired universal partnership essentially requires that the
during business operations will become common property partners donate to each other.
even if these were not due to their contributions and that if - They can join a particular partnership instead.
anyone inherits property, it will become common property as  A partnership formed in violation of this article shall be null
well. A acquires land as part of his compensation package and void. It shall not have any legal personality either.
from AyalaLand and B inherits land from his parents. Whose  Illustrative Case:
property will become common property? A, B and C form a partnership to engage in the importation,
Only A’s land will become common property because it was marketing and operation of automatic phonographs, radios,
essentially PAYMENT while B’s was inherited. The article television sets, amusement machines and their parts
prohibits donations to become common property, only fruits accessories, with B and C as limited partners. Subsequently,
of such can become common property. A and B got married and thereafter, C sold his share to A
 In a partnership, contributions must be determinate/certain and B for a nominal amount. Was the partnership dissolved
and partners are akin to donors. Donations cannot after the marriage of A and B and C’s sale to them of his
comprehend future property but profits can be stipulated. share in the partnership?
No, the firm was not a universal partnership but a particular
Article 1780 one.
A universal partnership of profits comprises all that  Pertinent Legal Provisions
the partners may acquire by their industry or work (1) Article 87: Every donation or grant of gratuitous
during the existence of the partnership. advantage, direct or indirect, between spouses during
Movable or immovable property which each of the their marriage, valid or not, shall be void except
partners may possess at the time of the celebration of moderate gifts which the spouses may give each other
the contract shall continue to pertain exclusively to on the occasion of any family rejoicing.
each, only the usufruct passing to the partnership. (2) Article 739: The following donations shall be void:
(1675) (a) Those made between persons who were guilty of
adultery or concubinage at the time of the donation
 Example: (b) Those made between persons found guilty of the
Suppose A and B form a Universal Partnership of All Profits same criminal offense, in consideration thereof
and A wins in the lotto, P100,000.00. B tries to share in 50% (c) Those made to a public officer or his wife,
citing the existence of their partnership and that A used the descendants and ascendants by reason of his
partnership’s money to purchase the lottery ticket. Can B office
really share in the lotto winnings?
No, B cannot since it came from CHANCE, not WORK. Article 1783
If the P100,000.00 instead came from A’s work in DLSU, can A particular partnership has for its object
B share in the profits of A? determinate things, their use or fruits, or a specific
Yes, because it came from WORK. undertaking, or the exercise of a profession or vocation
 As long as it is PROFIT, the profit becomes common (1678)
property to the partners UNLESS there was a stipulation in
their agreement  Defines what a particular partnership is
 If A and B form a Universal Partnership of All Profits for a  Particular partnerships are those that are:
Taxi-Cab business and both contribute vehicles that will - Neither a universal partnership for all present property
serve as the taxi, what they were actually contributing is the nor a universal partnership for all profits
USE or the RIGHT TO USE their vehicles. Upon dissolution, - Example: Those that are formed for the acquisition and
the vehicles will be returned to them since there was never a sale of property, Accounting Firms, Law Firms, etc.
transfer of ownership. - Popular because it is easy to join
 Unique feature of the Universal Partnership of All Profits:
- The partners retain the title of ownership. Chapter 2 – Obligations of the Partners

Article 1781 Section 1 – Obligations of the Partners amongst


Articles of Universal Partnership, entered into Themselves
without specification of its nature, only constitute a  Relations created by a contract of partnership
universal partnership of profits (1676) (1) Relations among the partners themselves
(2) Relations of the partners with the partnership
(3) Relations of the partnership with third persons
(4) Relations of the partners with third persons
Every partner is a debtor of the partnership for
Article 1784 whatever he may have promised to contribute thereto.
A partnership begins from the moment of the He shall also be bound for warranty in case of
execution of the contract, unless it is otherwise eviction with regard to specific and determinate things
stipulated. (1679) which he may have contributed to the partnership, in the
same cases and in the same manner as the vendor is
 Partnership is perfected by mere consent and if ALL the bound with respect to the vendee. He shall also be liable
requirements are met for the fruits thereof from the time they should have
 Notwithstanding the fact that the partners have not given been delivered, without the need of any demand. (1681a)
their contributions yet
 Example: Article 1787
A and B agree to form a partnership that will begin on When the capital or a part thereof which a partner is
December 1 and upon the arrival of certain machinery bound to contribute consists of goods, their appraisal
needed by the business. In this situation, are A and B in must be made in the manner prescribed in the contract
already in a partnership? of partnership, and in the absence of stipulation, it shall
As long as the agreement remains executory, then A and B be made by experts chosen by the partners, and
are NOT partners therefore there is no partnership yet. according to current prices, the subsequent changes
 Partners may agree to form a partnership to take effect in thereof being the account of the partnership. (n)
the future
 Example: Article 1788
A and B agree to form a partnership 1.5 years later, with A partner who has undertaken to contribute a sum
contributions of P100,000.00 each. A contributes his share of money and fails to do so becomes a debtor for the
early but when the time comes for B to contribute his share, interest and damages from the time he should have
he refuses and says he no longer wants to partake in the complied with his obligation.
partnership. Can A compel B to contribute his share to the The same rule applies to any amount he may have
partnership? taken from the partnership coffers, and his liability shall
NO. Because they cannot enforce the contract since it was begin from the time he converted the amount to his own
perfected 1.5 years ago and the contract was only oral. use. (1682)
Since the contract was for 1.5 years, it was greater than 1
year and should have been written instead.  Suppose A, B and C are partners. A promises to contribute a
 The Statute of Fraud does not usually apply but to some RED CAR, B promises to contribute GOODS WORTH
particular cases such as the example above, it will. P50,000.00 and C promises to contribute P50,000.00 IN
 If the contribution is immovable property, comply with Article CASH on October 2011. On October 2011, none of them
1773 otherwise the partnership will be void. comply. What happens?
A, B and C thus become debtors to the partnership.
Article 1785  Suppose B and C contribute their parts but A does not. Can
When a partnership for a fixed term or particular B and C ask for the recission or annulment of the contract?
undertaking is continued after the termination of such NO. If one of the partners fails to comply with his
term or particular undertaking without any express requirements, then the others can request for specific
agreement, the rights and duties of the partners remain performance with damages from the defaulting partner A.
the same as they were at such termination, so far as is  What are the obligations of A before October 2011?
consistent with a partnership at will. (1) To contribute what he promised
A continuation of the business by the partners or (2) To be held liable to answer for eviction if the partnership
such of them as habitually acted therein during the term, is deprived of his contribution
without any settlement or liquidation of the partnership (3) To take care of the contribution with the diligence of a
affairs, is prima facie evidence of a continuation of the good father of a family.
partnership. (n)  Suppose A leased the car out and gets it back by December
2011.
 A partnership with a fixed term/particular undertaking is Then A must deliver the car and the fruits (profits from lease)
continued without express agreement to the partnership because there was a delay.
- Rights and duties remain the same as they were at  Suppose that after A contributes the car, a 3rd person, D
termination. claims to the real owner of the car and is able to prove so.
 Example: Then A is held liable for eviction because the partnership is
If A and B form a partnership to last until December 30, 2011 deprived for a specific thing. A is also held liable for
and A is the manager and they share profits 50-50 and after damages to BOTH the partnership and to D.
December 30, 2011 they continue with their partnership.  What about B? Can the partnership determine the value of
What happens? the goods he contributed?
A and B retain their rights, meaning A is still the manager In Article 1787, it clearly states that the goods SHOULD be
and they still share profits 50-50. appraised by the partnership. If there was no
 If there was express agreement for the term of existence, agreement/stipulation, then the partnership shall have the
then when the term expires, the partnership is dissolved and goods appraised by an expert.
becomes a partnership at will  What if the goods appreciate/depreciate?
 Continuation is when there is NO settlement/liquidation. It will be charged to the partnership’s account.
There must be prima facie evidence, meaning it must be  What will happen if C fails to comply with his obligation?
seen on first glance. C will be liable for his contribution plus interest and damages
from the date he was supposed to contribute. The same rule
Article 1786 will apply if the partners take money from the partnership’s
funds without everyone’s consent. He will however, not be
charged for theft or estafa and his obligation will only be to
return the money he took plus interest and damages from the capital, except an industrial partner, to sav4e the
the time he took the money. venture, shall be obliged to sell his interest to the other
 When will a partner be held criminally liable? partners. (n)
Suppose the partners set aside P10,000.00 for payment to
one of their creditors. A takes this amount from the fund and  If there is an imminent loss in the partnership, the partner
is subsequently discovered to have done so. who refuses to contribute additional funds, IF HE IS
- Then A can be charged for estafa since he CAPABLE TO DO SO, shall sell his share TO THE
misappropriated the money ALREADY SET ASIDE. PARTNERS, unless he is an industrial partner.
- Imminent Loss
Article 1789  There is a need for the capitalist partners to
An industrial partner cannot engage in business for contribute additional funds to save the partnership
himself, unless the partnership expressly permits him to  The industrial partner need not do so because he
do so; and if he should do so, the capitalist partners has already given 100% of his efforts
may either exclude him from the firm or avail  If the capitalist partner is WILLING but NOT
themselves of the benefits which he may have obtained FINANCIALLY CAPABLE, the article will NOT apply
in violation of this provision, with a right to damages in to him because he is already insolvent
either case. (n) - Selling of interest
 Refusal to contribute additional funds to save the
 An industrial partner contributes his industry partnership means that the partner no longer has
- Partnership has the EXCLUSIVE RIGHT to his industry any interest in the partnership
- Prohibited from the engaging in business of ANY kind  He should not be allowed to reap the benefits that
unless the partnership has expressly permitted him to the other partners have worked hard for because
do so. he had not done anything to help anyway
 Example:  He cannot complain of being removed from the
Suppose that a partnership is engaged in a automobile partnership because he will be paid what is due to
repair shop. A is the industrial partner (chief mechanic) and him for his share in the interest of the partnership
works only up to 5PM every working day. Can he go home - Agreement that the partner need not contribute
and work on the partnership’s customers’ autos, even if he additional funds in cases of loss
says it to the capitalist partners EVERY DAY before he  The capitalist partner will not be required since it
leaves? was in their agreement in the first place.
The law says that there must be EXPRESSED permission,  Note that more contribution to the partnership
in this situation, all A has is IMPLIED permission. The capital would mean you share more in the profits
capitalist partners’ remedy is therefore to either: (only one) but this should be voluntary
(1) Avail of the benefits from A’s “business”  Things to consider:
(2) Exclude A from the partnership and demand for (1) There must be an IMMINENT LOSS
damages (2) The partner who is unwilling to contribute must be
 Capitalist partners are prohibited from engaging in SIMILAR SOLVENT/FINANCIALLY CAPABLE
businesses only. (3) There was no agreement that the partners will not have
 Industrial partners have the same remedies as capitalist to contribute additional funds in cases of loss
partners.  If the purpose of additional contribution is simply to raise
capital, then this article will not apply.
Article 1790
Unless there is a stipulation to the contrary, the Article 1792
partners shall contribute equal shares to the capital of If a partner authorized to manage collects a
the partnership. (n) demandable sum, which was owed to him in his own
name, from a person who owed the partnership another
 The partners shall contribute to the capital of the partnership sum also demandable, the sum thus collected shall be
as per their agreement, except if there was no agreement in applied to the two credits in proportion to their amounts,
the first place, in which case, they shall contribute equally. even though he may have given a receipt for his own
 Example: credit only; but should he have given it for the account
A and B decide to form a partnership and agree to contribute of the partnership credit, the amount shall be fully
to the capital in the ratio of 60:40, how much should the applied to the latter.
partners contribute to the partnership? The provisions of this article are understood to be
The partners shall contribute in the ratio of 60:40, meaning if without prejudice to the right granted to the debtor by
their partnership capital is a combined total of P10, 000.00 Article 1252, but only if the personal credit of that
then A contributed P6, 000.00 and B contributed P4, 000.00. partner should be more onerous to him. (1684)
A and B decide to form a partnership but did not say how
much the other should contribute, how much should each  A and B are in a partnership where A is the managing
partner contribute to the partnership? partner. C owes A a sum of P5,000.00 and the partnership a
Since the partners did not give any sort of agreement as to sum of P10,000.00. The credit to A is due on September 1
the ratio of their capital contribution, we shall assume that while the partnership’s is due on September 15, both debts
they will contribute in equal proportions, meaning if the are due and demandable. A collects from C a total of
partnership capital is a combined total of P10, 000.00, then P3,000.00 only and A subsequently issues a receipt in his
each partner contributed P5, 000.00. name. Is the partnership entitled to share in the P3,000.00?
Yes but in proportion to their respective debts so A gets
Article 1791 P1,000.00 and the partnership gets P2,000.00.
If there is no agreement to the contrary, in case of  Supposing there was no mention as to who the managing
imminent loss of the business of the partnership, any partner is, will the requisites of Article 1792 still be present?
partner who refuses to contribute an additional share to
Yes, in the absence of information relating to the identity of painted RED. Damages are suffered by the partnership for
the managing partner, the assumption shall be that ALL P30,000.00 due to the repainting. Can A compensate this
partners are managing partners. loss using the profits he earned for the partnership?
 If A issues a receipt on the name of the partnership instead, A cannot compensate it with the profits he earned because it
to whose credit will the P3,000.00 be put? is his obligation to bring profits in the first place. The
The entire P3,000.00 will go to the partnership. responsibility of the P30,000.00, however, may be mitigated
 Supposing the credit of A carries 18% while that of the by the court if by other activities, A is able to bring about
partnership carries only 10%. C pays A and says that the unusual or extraordinary profits, meaning, he may be
P3,000.00 shall be applied to A’s credit. Is the partnership allowed by the courts to pay back just P15,000.00 instead.
entitled to share in the P3,000.00 still?  Follows that if the partner is guilty of fraud or damages, he
No, the debtor is given the right to apply payment to shall be liable for that.
whichever debt is more onerous.
 Things to remember: Article 1795
The two conditions should be both present in order for the The risk of specific and determinate things which
Article to apply, otherwise, the entire amount will go to are not fungible, contributed to the partnership so that
whoever collects payment from the debtor. only their use and fruits may be for the common benefit,
(1) 2 debts and both are due and demandable shall be borne by the partner who owns them.
(2) The one collecting should be the managing partner If the things contributed are fungible, or cannot be
kept without deteriorating, or if they were contributed to
Article 1793 be sold, the risk shall be borne by the partnership. In the
A partner who was received, in whole or in part, his absence of stipulation, the risk of things brought and
share of a partnership credit, when the other partners appraised in the inventory, shall also be borne by the
have not collected theirs, shall be obliged, if the debtor partnership, and in such case the claim shall be limited
should thereafter become insolvent, to bring to the to the value at which they were appraised. (1687)
partnership capital what he received even though he
may have given receipt for his share only. (1685a)  Refers to rules as to who bears the risks made by
contributions
 In this case, there is only ONE debt but 2 or more debtors,  If the contribution is determinate and non-fungible but only
both of which are partners. the use is contributed, when it is lost, then the one who
 Example: contributes it is liable for it.
A and B are partners and C owes the partnership a sum of  If fungible things are contributed, the partnership shall be the
P10,000.00. B is the managing partner but A collects his one to shoulder the risks
share in the P10,000.00 and C pays A P5,000.00 to which A  The partnership shall also be the one to bear the risk for
issues a receipt in his name. When B’s turn to collect comes, items brought for sale in inventory for appraisal for the value
C is already insolvent. What should A do? at which they were appraised.
A shall return his P5,000.00 to the partnership and split it
with B because C has already become insolvent. Article 1796
 Take not that whoever collects doesn’t matter as it doesn’t The partnership shall be responsible to every
make a difference partner for the amounts he may have disbursed on
 If you get your share early and the other parties cannot get behalf of the partnership and for the corresponding
theirs because the debtor has become insolvent, then you interest from the time the expenses are made; it shall
must return YOUR share to the partnership so that no one also answer to each partner for the obligations he may
gets more than he should have. have contracted in good faith in the interest of the
partnership business, and for the risks in consequence
Article 1794 of its management. (1688a)
Every partner is responsible to the partnership for  Refers to the obligation of the partnership to the partners
damages suffered by it through his fault, and he cannot  The partners are merely agents so they are not personally
compensate them with the profits and benefits which he liable except if they are at fault or if they exceeded their
may have earned for the partnership by his industry. expressed authority
However, the courts may equitably lessen this  Obligations of the Partnership:
responsibility if through the partner’s extraordinary (1) To reimburse any amount disbursed by the partners in
efforts in other activities of the partnership, unusual behalf of the partnership
profits have been realized. (1686a) - Example:
A partnership borrows from the bank a sum of
 Why compensation will not apply: P10,000.00 for additional funds but cannot pay it
Compensation will not apply because in compensation, you back when it is due to be paid back. A pays back
should be both a debtor and a creditor at the same time. the P10,000.00 using his personal funds. Should he
However, the partner here is only a DEBTOR for damages be reimbursed by the partnership?
and he cannot compensate using his profits and benefits Yes, the partnership should reimburse A for the
earned for the partnership because it IS HIS DUTY to do so sum of P10,000.00 PLUS legal interest starting
in the first place. from the date A disbursed the P10,000.00.
 Responsibility may be equitably mitigated by the courts if, (2) To answer for any obligation contracted in good faith
through extraordinary efforts of the partner, unusual profits - Example:
are recognized/realized. A partnership needs office supplies so B contracts
 Example: for P10,000.00 worth of supplies. Who will pay for
A partnership between A and B is engaged in an autoshop the contract price of P10,000.00?
business. A customer brought his car in to be painted The partnership shall be the one to shoulder the
YELLOW but A bought RED paint instead and the car is cost as it was made in good faith and B did not
overstep his authority.
If it was stated that the partners cannot contract for A P 30,000.00 3/6 P 7,500.00 - P 7,500.00
more than P5,000.00 worth of supplies and B still
contracts for P10,000.00, how much will the B P 20,000.00 2/6 P 5,000.00 - P 5,000.00
partnership pay?
C P 10,000.00 1/6 P 2,500.00 P 2,000.00 P 4,500.00
The partnership will only pay what was allowed,
that is, P5,000.00 and B will pay the remaining P
TOTAL P 60,000.00 6/6 P 15,000.00 P 2,000.00
balance since B overstepped his authority. 17,000.00
(3) To answer for risks in management
- Example:  The same rules shall apply for losses in the partnership’s
A partnership is engaged in selling goods and a operations, however the industrial partner shall not share in
customer keeps asking for discounts and an the losses as there is no way for him to retract his industry
argument ensues between the customer, C and the and in the event of losses, his efforts would have been for
partner A. A gets injured and is brought to the vain and it can thus be said that he has already shared.
hospital. Who shall shoulder the hospital bills?
 What is the legal effect of having a stipulation that excludes
The partnership shall shoulder the hospital bills as it
a partner from sharing in the profits or losses?
was during A’s time in managing the business that
Under Article 1799, the stipulation shall be void because
he was injured.
there must be mutual sharing of profits and losses.
 Can the partners appoint a 3rd person to designate the
Article 1797
The losses and profits shall be distributed in division of their profits and losses?
Yes and they will not be allowed to question his decisions
conformity with the agreement. If only the share of each
partner in the profits has been agreed upon, the share of unless the designation of shares is manifestly inequitable.
each in the losses shall be in the same proportion.  2 cases where partners ABSOLUTELY cannot question
In the absence of stipulation, the share of each designated shares by the 3rd parties:
partner in the profits and losses shall be in proportion to (1) When a partner begins to execute the 3rd party’s
what he may have contributed, but the industrial partner decision
shall not be liable for the losses. As for the profits, the (2) When complaints are raised AFTER three months from
industrial partner shall receive such share as may be the point of knowledge of the designation
just and equitable under the circumstances. If besides  Can the partners designate one of themselves to distribute
his services, he has contributed capital, he shall also profits or losses?
receive a share in the profits in proportion to his capital. No, the law prohibits this situation because there may be
(1689a) disparities when it comes to the distribution of net profits.

Article 1798 Article 1800


If the partners have agreed to entrust to a third The partner who has been appointed manager in the
person the designation of the share of each one in the articles of partnership may execute all acts of
profits and losses, such designation may be impugned administration despite the opposition of his partners,
only when it is manifestly inequitable. In no case may a unless he should act in bad faith; and his power is
partner who has begun to execute the decision of the irrevocable without just and lawful cause. The vote of
third person, or who has not impugned the same within the partners representing the controlling interest shall
a period of three months from the time he had be necessary for such revocation of power.
knowledge thereof, complain of such decision. A power granted after the partnership has been
The designation of losses and profits cannot be constituted may be revoked any time. (1692a)
entrusted to one of the partners. (1690)
 2 Kinds of Managing Partners:
Article 1799 (1) Appointed DURING the Constitution of the Partnership
A stipulation which excludes one or more partners from - May execute all administrative acts unless he acted
any share in the profits or losses is void. (1691) in bad faith. His power may not be revoked unless
there is a JUST and LAWFUL cause and the vote
 Lays out the rules in the distribution of profits and losses of the partners with controlling interest
 A, B and C are partners with the following capital - Even if there are objections as to his decisions
contributions, P30,000.00, P20,000.00 and P10,000.00 coming from the partners, his authority will prevail
respectively, where C is a capitalist-industrialist partner. For UNLESS he has acted in bad faith
one year of their operations, their partnership had earned net - Acts of administration: ordinary business and
profits of P17,000.00. How shall these profits be divided administrative transactions
among the partners? (C is entitled to receive P2,000.00 out - Why can he note be revoked for no reason?
of the entire P17,000.00) Because if you revoke his power, you are in effect
(1) In accordance with any existing agreement between the changing the terms of the contract of partnership.
partners as to how they shall share. (2) Appointed AFTER the Constitution of the Partnership
(2) If there was no agreement, then the partners shall share - May have his power revoked with or without cause
on a pro-rata basis - Decided upon by those partners who own
(3) The industrial partner shall get what is JUST and controlling interest in the partnership
EQUITABLE in the circumstances. (BONUS TO
PARTNER) Article 1801
If two or more partners have been entrusted with the
management of the partnership without specification of
SHARE IN TOTAL
P
CAPITAL
RATIO DISTRIBUTABLE BONUS SHARE IN their respective duties, or without stipulation that one of
CONTRIBUTION
PROFIT PROFITS them shall not act without the consent of the others,
each one may separately execute all acts of
administration, but if any of them should oppose the shall bind the partnership, without prejudice to
acts of the others, the decision of the majority shall the provisions of article 1801.
prevail. In case of tie, the matter shall be decided by the (2) None of the partners may, without the consent of
partners owning the controlling interest. (1693a) the others, make any important alteration in the
immovable property of the partnership, even if it
 Assume that A, B, C and D are all managing partners. A may be useful to the partnership. But if the
appoints E as a secretary but B objects to this. Is the refusal of consent by the other partners is
appointment of E valid? manifestly prejudicial to the interest of the
Yes since majority votes are first counted by head. If C&D partnership, the court’s intervention may be
were the ones to object, and they owned a combined total of sought. (1695a)
51% of partnership interest, then the appointment will not be
valid. However, if B was still the one who objected and he  If there is no agreement as to who will be the managing
owns 51% of partnership interest, the appointment will still partners, during constitution and after constitution of the
be valid because majority votes are first counted by head. partnership, then the assumption shall be that ALL the
 If the partnership cannot make a decision and ends up in a partners are managing partners, without prejudice to Article
tie (head count and interest), then the partnership is to be 1801, meaning Article 1801 will then apply to their case.
dissolved. This will be the only remedy, unless one of the  The second paragraph of this article provides that the
other partners will relent. partners cannot simply alter immovable property owned by
the partnership without the consent of the other partners
Article 1802 because this is NOT an act of administration but of
In case it should have been stipulated that none of OWNERSHIP.
the managing partners shall act without the consent of  Note that consent here is no qualified, so it may be
the others, the concurrence of all shall be necessary for expressed or it may be implied.
the validity of the acts, and the absence or disability of  Example:
any one of them cannot be alleged, unless there is Suppose A, B, C and D are in a partnership where the
imminent danger of grave or irreparable injury to the managing partner is not specified and A decides to put up a
partnership. (1694) warehouse in a piece of land owned by the partnership
without consent of other partners because he believes it to
 This is a case wherein two partners, A and B, stipulate that be useful and beneficial to the partnership. His partners
one cannot act without the consent of the other. Thus, there come over, once the warehouse is finished, to look at it and
must always be concurrence between the two before any did not object to its existence. Was this valid?
transactions may be entered into, the absence of the other’s Yes, since the partners did not object, then there is IMPLIED
consent shall not be used as an excuse. consent. Since consent was never qualified in the article, it is
 Illustrative Case: assumed that implied consent is enough.
A sold to B, one of the managing partners of Partnership X, Suppose before A builds the warehouse, he asks for the
the other being C, a certain number of mining claims without consent of the other partners, who refuse to give it. When A
the consent of C. In an action by A to recover the unpaid tries to convince them and asks why they refuse to give
balance of the purchase price against Partnership X, C consent, they simply say that they do not want it to be there,
claims that the contract is not binding upon the partnership making their objection manifestly prejudicial, meaning, there
for the reason that under the articles of partnership, there is is really no reason for their objection, what then, is the
a stipulation that one of the partners cannot bind the firm by remedy of A in this situation?
a written contract without the consent of others. Is the A may bring the matter to court. If the court finds the other
transaction made by B binding upon the partnership? partners of having no solid reason to object, it may compel
According to the Supreme Court, the stipulation applies only the other partners to give their consent.
to B and C. A has the right to assume that B was authorized
to complete the transaction. Therefore, the partnership is Article 1804
liable, and since B violated the terms of contract between Every partner may associate another person with
himself and C, he is required to reimburse C for the amount him in his share, but the associate shall not be admitted
C will be paying A on behalf of the partnership, the reason into the partnership without the consent of all the other
being, it would be unfair to C who had no knowledge of B’s partners, even if the partner having an associate should
transaction to have to pay when he never agreed anyway. be a manager. (1696)
 The only instance in which a partner may transact without
concurrence is when there is imminent danger of grave or  Refers to SUBPARTNERSHIP
irreparable damage to the partnership if he does not do so.  A, B and C are in a partnership wherein A is the managing
However, the party involved must be able to prove so else partner. A enters into a contract with D that states D will
he shall become liable for what he has done. receive 50% of A’s share in partnership profits. Can A do this
 Example: even without the consent of the other partners?
A and B are in a partnership where they sell fruits, B notices Yes, because a sub-partnership will not affect the
that the fruits in the warehouse are starting to rot so, without composition of the partnership and D will not be able to
consent of A, he sells them. interfere with the partnership’s management anyway.
This will be alright because if the fruits rot, then it would have  When are you required to share your partnership profits with
been bad on the part of the partnership. 3rd persons?
When you contract with 3rd persons because perhaps in
Article 1803 some past event you needed money and they provided you
When the manner of management has not been with it, and in your contract, it was agreed upon that you will
agreed upon, the following rules shall be observed: share in the partnership profits.
(1) All of the partners shall be considered agents The 3rd person can also opt to receive ALL profits.
and whatever any one of them may do alone  Can D become a partner without the consent of the other
partners, if he associates with the managing partner?
No, D would need to get the consent of all partners because  If the partner gets the property back after ONE year from the
this would change the partnership composition. 3rd party involved, then it shall become his as it was a private
transaction, so long as he uses his own funds.
Article 1805  Example:
The partnership books shall be kept, subject to any A and B are partners engaged in the operation of a cinema
agreement between the partners, at the principal place business. The theater was mortgaged to C who foreclosed
of business of the partnership, and every partner shall the mortgaged debt. A, in his own behalf, redeemed the
at any reasonable hour have access to and may inspect property with his own private funds. Subsequently, A files a
and copy any of them. (n) petition for the cancellation of the old title of the partnership
and the issuance of a new title in HIS name alone. Did A
 The partnership books shall be kept in the following places, become the absolute owner of the property?
in order: No, the law says that he will only hold the property as the
(1) In accordance with partnership agreements trustee and will be entitled to reimbursement plus interest
(2) If there were no agreements, then the partnership books from the time he redeemed the property.
shall be kept in the principal place of business of the
partnership (ex: headquarters) Article 1808
 Each partner will have access to ALL partnership books. The capitalist partners cannot engage for their own
 When will the partner be allowed to access the partnership account in any operation which is of the kind of
books? business in any operation which is of the kind of
The partner is allowed to access partnership books during business in which the partnership is engaged, unless
REASONABLE HOURS OF BUSINESS (8am-5pm), there is a stipulation to the contrary.
according to the law. The one who is keeping the partnership Any capitalist partner violating this prohibition shall
books cannot state when it can be inspected. bring to the common fund any profits accruing to him
from his transaction, and shall personally bear all the
Article 1806 losses. (n)
Partners shall render on demand true and full
information of all things affecting the partnership to any  The article is with regards to a capitalist partner engaging in
partner or legal representative of any deceased partner other businesses.
or of any partner under legal disability. (n)  Is the capitalist partner allowed to engage in other
businesses aside from the one he has with the partnership?
 The article does not mean that the partners need wait for Yes, as long as the business he engages in is something
demands before disclosing information, when they get hold dissimilar or different from the of the partnership’s.
of the information, they should disclose it immediately,  What will happen if the capitalist partner violates the law
although additional details may be demanded. regarding his ability to engage in other businesses?
 If information is not disclosed and it is found out later on, the Then he shall have to bring the profits he gained from the
partner/s who did not disclose such will be held liable for it other business to the partnership and be liable for losses
and be charged for misrepresentation. suffered by the partnership.
 Suppose A, B and C are in a partnership wherein A is sent to  Why is the capitalist partner not allowed to engage in a
inspect partnership property in Mindanao. A realizes that the similar line of business?
property contains oil deposits and does not disclose this Because he might take advantage of the information in the
information to B and C. He also lies and says that the partnership or of their clients, resulting in a conflict of interest
property is completely useless for their business and offers between himself and the other partners.
to buy B and C’s interests in the partnership. When A is the  The capitalist partner can engage in a business similar to the
only one holding the business, he develops the land and partnership if there was a stipulation in the contract of
gains substantial profits from the oil deposits. B and C later partnership and if the business he operates exists in a
on learn about the information A kept hidden from them and different area or place.
demand that they be given their shares in the oil profits. The
question now is, can B and C, after having sold their Article 1809
interests in the partnership, still share in the profits? Any partner shall have the right to a formal account
Yes, they will be allowed to share in the profits because the as to partnership affairs:
information regarding oil deposits was present when they (1) If he is wrongfully excluded from the partnership
sold their share to A, just that it was hidden from them. business or possession of its property by his co-
partners
Article 1807 (2) If the right exists under the terms of any
Every partner must account to the partnership for agreement
any benefit, and hold as trustee for it any profits derived (3) As provided by Article 1807
by him without the consent of the other partners from (4) Whenever other circumstances render it just and
any transaction connected with the formation, conduct reasonable. (n)
or liquidation of the partnership or from any use by him
of its property. (n)  General Rule:
During existence, a partner is not required to demand for an
 A partner who receives benefits or profits derived without accounting because his interest is already protected by two
consent of others shall account for it as the partnerships. Articles of the law, Article 1805 and Article 1806. But for
 If particular property is mortgaged and foreclose, the partner specific cases, the law provides that he can DEMAND for an
who uses personal funds is able to get the property back will accounting of the partnership books.
not become the new owner, he will only be its trustee.  4 Cases where a partner can demand for an accounting:
(1) When he is wrongfully excluded from the partnership
operations (business and property possession)
(2) If the right exists under their agreement
(3) Under Article 1807  The article defines what the partner’s interest in the
(4) Other circumstances which render it just and partnership is.
reasonable.  What is the partner’s interest in the partnership?
(1) DURING operations, the partner’s interest is his share in
Section 2 – Property Rights of a Partner profits and losses
(2) AFTER operations/LIQUIDATION/DISSOLUTION, his
Article 1810 interest is in the surplus of partnership assets after all
The property rights of a partner are: debts have been cleared.
(1) His rights in specific partnership property  Interest can be subject to attachment or execution because it
(2) His interest in the partnership belongs to the partner, not the partnership.
(3) His right to participate in the management. (n)
Article 1813
 The partner has the following rights: A conveyance by a partner of his whole interest in
(1) Right to the ownership of partnership property the partnership does not of itself dissolve the partner,
(2) Right to his interest in the partnership or, as against the other partners in the absence of
(3) Right to participate in partnership management agreement, entitle the assignee, during the continuance
of the partnership, to interfere in the management or
Article 1811 administration of the partnership business or affairs, or
A partner is co-owner with his partners of specific to require any information or account of partnership
partnership property. transactions, or to inspect the partnership books but it
The incidents of this co-ownership are such that: merely entitles the assignee to receive in accordance
(1) A partner, subject to the provisions of this Title with his contract the profits to which the assigning
and to any agreement between the partners, has partner would otherwise be entitled. However, in case of
an equal right with his partners to possess fraud in the management of the partnership, the
specific partnership property for partnership assignee may avail himself of the usual remedies.
purposes; but he has no right to possess such In case of dissolution of the partnership, the
property for any other purpose without the assignee is entitled to receive his assignor’s interest
consent of his partners; and may require an account from the date only of the
(2) A partner’s right in specific partnership last account agreed to by all the partners. (n)
property is not assignable except in connection
with the assignment of rights of all the partners  How can a partner convey his interest in the partnership
in the same property; without getting the partnership dissolved?
(3) A partner’s right in specific partnership (1) By selling it to a 3rd person
property is not subject to attachment or (2) By donating it to a 3rd person
execution, except on a claim against the (3) By using it as security on a loan from a 3rd person
partnership. When partnership property is  Example:
attached for a partnership debt the partners, or D offers to buy A’s interest of P50,000.00 for P1,000,000.00
any of them, or the representatives of a and A agrees to sell his interest. What happens now?
deceased partner, cannot claim any right under D becomes the assignee and A becomes the assignor but
the homestead or exemption laws; the partnership will not be dissolved because his interest in
(4) A partner’s right in specific partnership profits and surplus is the one being sold. A will also continue
property is not subject to legal support under to be the partner but D will be the one to receive his profits.
Article 291. (n)  This is similar to sub-partnerships, so the consent of others
is not required for interest to be conveyed.
 The partners are considered co-owners of specific  The assignee does not have any say in the management
partnership property  Rights of the Assignee:
 If A, B and C are partners who own specific property under (1) He shall get the assignor’s share in profits/surplus
the partnership’s name, what are their rights? (2) He may avail of legal remedies of the partners in cases
(1) They can use it for partnership business purposes of fraud by the assignor
(2) They cannot use it for personal purposes WITHOUT the (3) He can demand for an accounting upon dissolution but
consent of others. only starting from the date of the last accounting
 Why can’t A simply assign his right with respect to the undertaken by the partnership
partnership’s property? (4) Can ask for the dissolution of the partnership if it has
(1) It doesn’t belong to him reached the end term or anytime if the partnership is
(2) The extent of his interest with regards to the property one at will, because he is interested in the surplus.
cannot be determined before dissolution  The assignee, however, cannot become a partner without
 The partnership can altogether assign a 3 rd party with the the consent of the other partners because it will entail a
right to use the property for partnership business purposes. change in the partnership’s composition.
 The right of the partners as to the property is not subject to
attachment unless it is a claim against the partnership due to Article 1814
the reason that any one partner is not the owner of it. Without prejudice to the preferred rights of a
 Under Article 291, the specific partnership property cannot partnership creditor under Article 1827, on due
be used as the subject of legal support because it does not application to a competent court by any judgment
belong to any one of the partners. creditor of a partner, the court which entered the
judgment, or any other court, may charge the interest of
Article 1812 the debtor partner with payment of the unsatisfied
A partner’s interest in the partnership is his share of amount of such judgment debt with interest thereon;
the profits and surplus. (n)
and may then or later appoint a receiver of his share of However, any partner may enter into a separate
the profits, and of any other money due or to fall due to obligation to perform a partnership contract. (n)
him in respect of the partnership, and make all other
orders, directions, accounts and inquiries which the Article 1817
debtor partner might have made, or which the Any stipulation against the liability laid down in the
circumstances of the case may require. preceding article shall be void, expect as among the
The interest charged may be redeemed at any time partners. (n)
before foreclosure, or in case of a sale being directed by
the court, may be purchased without thereby causing  As to 3rd persons, ALL partners are liable pro-rata and
dissolution: subsidiary, but as to each other, they are liable in proportion
(1) With separate property, by any one or more of to their capital contribution.
the partners  Examples:
(2) With partnership property, by any one or more of (1) A, B and C are in a partnership where C is the industrial
the partners with the consent of all the partners partner and a sum of P26,000.00 is owed to D. A and B
whose interests are not so charged or sold contributed P15,000.00 and P5,000.00 respectively.
Nothing in this Title shall be held to deprive a How shall the debt be shared?
partner of his right, if any, under the exemption laws, as As to D, the partners will share equally in the debt left
regards his interest in the partnership. (n) after exhausting all assets (P6,000.00) so they will each
have to pay P2,000.00 regardless of C being an
 Refers to a partner who obtained a loan from a 3 rd person industrial partner. If C is insolvent, or if B died, or if A
and was unable to repay such. has left the country, the liability of the partners cannot
 For example, PARTNER A failed to pay CREDITOR C a be increased.
sum of P50,000.00, so C files against A, knowing that A, As to each other, they are liable in proportion to their
being a partner, will receive his interest. C wins the case but capital contribution, so B and C will be reimbursed by A.
A is still unable to pay, so C asks that A’s interest be (2) A, B, C, D and E are sued in court but E is later cleared
attached so that it goes to C and cancels out A’s debt. of his charges. The court orders A, B, C and D to pay
- Done to protect C’s interest their creditor, but C moves to reconsider that all should
- Attached interest can be redeemed using the property of be charged, but this move was denied. Can A, B, C and
the partners or the partnership’s property, as long as all D alone be liable for the debt?
partners consent to this, and are given reimbursement According to the Supreme Court, the 4 partners cannot
from the defaulting partner alone be liable for the debt because in excluding E, they
- Amount charged must e sufficient to pay the loan plus have increased the other partners’ liability and this is
legal interest prohibited by the law. The law states that the liability of
the partners cannot be increased such that they
SECTION 3 – Obligations of the Partners as to 3rd Persons shoulder the liability of another partner.
(3) What if there was an agreement that stated B is only
Article 1815 liable up to P5,000.00? How will A, B and C share in
Every partnership shall operate under a firm name, their liability?
which may or may not include the name of one or more The stipulation shall be void as to 3rd persons, so they
of the partners. will still share pro-rata. Anyway, B and C will be
Those who, not being members of the partnership, reimbursed by A, because as among themselves, the
include their names in the firm name, shall be subject to stipulation is valid and C is an industrial partner.
the liability of a partner. (n)
Article 1818
 Firm names are required for partnerships because they are Every partner is an agent of the partnership for the
juridical persons in need of separate names so that they are purpose of its business, and the act of every partner,
distinguishable from the partners and other partnerships. including the execution in the partnership name of any
The name can come from any of the partners or 3rd persons. instrument, for apparently carrying on in the usual way
 If a 3rd person’s name is used with his consent, then he shall the business of the partnership of which he is a member
be liable as a partner without the rights of a partner because binds the partnership, unless the partner so acting has
the partnership uses his name. in fact no authority to act for the partnership in the
 Partnership name must be registered with the (DTI) particular matter, and the person with whom he is
DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDSUTRY because if dealing has no knowledge of the fact that he has no
there was already such an existing name, there might be such authority.
cases of duplication. An act of a partner which is not apparently for the
 You cannot choose the name of a deceased partner as his carrying on of business of the partnership in the usual
death caused the partnership’s dissolution. way does not bind the partnership unless authorized by
 Sample General and Limited Partnership Names: the other partners.
(1) GENERAL – A & Company Except when authorized by the other partners or
(2) LIMITED – A, Ltd. unless they have abandoned the business, one or more
but less than all the partners have no authority to:
Article 1816 (1) Assign the partnership property in trust for
All partners, including industrial ones, shall be creditors or o the assignee’s promise to pay the
liable pro-rata with all their property and after all the debts of the partnership
partnership assets have been exhausted, for the (2) Dispose of the goodwill of the business
contracts which may be entered into in the name and for (3) Do any other act which would make impossible
the account of the partnership under its signature and to carry on the ordinary business of a
by a person authorized to act for the partnership. partnership
(4) Confess a judgment
(5) Enter into a compromise concerning a Title passes to D because land is registered under the
partnership claim or liability partner’s names. This will hold true if A, B and C are co-
(6) Submit a partnership claim or liability to owners of the land, even if only A sold it to D.
arbitration (4) Land title belongs to one or more or all of the partners or
(7) Renounce a claim of the partnership a 3rd person in trust for the partnership.
No act of a partner in contravention of a restriction Only the equitable title will pass to D if the seller had no
on authority shall bind the partnership to persons authority to sell such to D.
having knowledge of the restriction. (n) (5) A, B and C ALL sell the land to D, with the land title
belonging to ALL of them.
 Qualifies the authority of partners. Title passes to D because ALL partners sell to him.
 Authority must be in the usual course of business.
 Transactions beyond a partner’s authority is binding if it is in Article 1820
the usual course of business because the 3rd person is An admission or representation made by any
assumed to have no knowledge of his lack of authority. partner concerning the partnership affairs within the
 When are transactions not binding? scope of his authority in accordance with this Title is
(1) When a transaction is not in the usual course of evidence against the partnership. (n)
business and has no consent from all other partners  
(2) When the 3rd person had knowledge of the lack of  Anything a partner says or admits, as long as it is concerning
authority of the acting partner the partnership affairs and it is within the scope of his
authority, is sufficient evidence against the partnership.
Article 1819  This article is a rule of evidence
Where title to real property is in the partnership  In order that admission/representation made can be used as
name, any partner may convey title to such property by evidence, the existence of the partnership must be
a conveyance executed in the partnership name; but the established and proved first.
partnership may recover such property unless the  Example:
partner’s act binds the partnership under the provisions (1) Partner A borrows money from the bank and declares
of Article 1818, or unless such property has been that the money borrowed is for the partnership.
conveyed by the grantee or a person claiming through This statement, made by A, is enough evidence against
such grantee to a holder for value without knowledge the partnership and the bank may use this in case the
that the partner, in making the conveyance, has partnership does not pay back the money borrowed.
exceeded his authority. (2) A, B, and C are partners. A told D, a 3rd person, that the
Where title to real property is in the name of the debtor already paid his obligation to the partnership. Is
partnership, a conveyance executed by a partner, in his this enough evidence against the partnership?
own name, passes the equitable interest of the YES, since it concerns partnership affairs and the
partnership, provided the act is one within the authority partner has authority to say so.
of the partner under the provisions of Article 1818.
Where title to real property is in the name of one or Article 1821
more but not all the partners, and the record does not Notice to any partner of any matter relating to
disclose the right of the partnership, the partners in partnership affairs, and the knowledge of the partner
whose name the title stands may convey title to such acting in the particular matter, acquired while a partner
property, but the partnership may recover such property or then present to his mind, and the knowledge of any
if the partner’s act does not bind the partnership under other partner who reasonably could and should have
Article 1818, unless the purchaser of his assignee, is a communicated it to the acting partner, operate his
holder for value without knowledge. notice to or knowledge of the partnership, except in the
Where title to real property is in the name of one or case of a fraud on the partnership, committed by or with
more or all partners, or in a 3trd person in trust for the the consent of that partner. (n)
partnership, a conveyance executed by a partner in the  
partnership name, or in his name, passes the equitable  IN SHORT, notice to ANY of the partners is notice to the
interest of the partnership, provided the act is one partnership. (You don't have to notify EVERY partner in
within the authority of the partner under Article 1818. relation to partnership affairs).
Where title to real property is in the names of all the  Knowledge of a partner acting in a particular manner
partners a conveyance executed by all the partners (meaning the partner is a managing partner), or knowledge
passes all their rights in such property. (n) of any partner who SHOULD HAVE communicated it to the
managing partner, is knowledge to the partnership.
 Refers to the conveyance of immovable property  This is so EVEN IF the non-managerial partner does not
 Suppose A, B and C are partners engaged in the buying and communicate the information he knows regarding
selling of property, and the following situations occur: partnership affairs. The partner SHOULD have
(1) A, without authority, sells land to D in the partnership’s communicated this. Non knowledge by other partners is not
name but D immediately sells it to E. The land title was a reason to evade from obligations. 
originally under the partnership’s name. Can the  If notice is delivered to a partner, that is an effective
partnership recover the land? communication to the partnership, notwithstanding the failure
Title passes to D, then to E. The partnership cannot of the partner to communicate such notice or knowledge to
recover the land once it has transferred to E but if the the other partners.
land was still with D, they could have recovered it if the  Example:
contract was not binding . (1) A, B, and C are partners where B is the managing
(2) What if A sells the property under his name? partner. D, a 3rd person, filed a case against the
Only the equitable title passes to D. partners AND the partnership for some unknown
(3) What if A sells the property and the land title is reason. Does D need to notify all of them?
registered under his name?
If this is done, D just needs to notify either A, B, or C, (1) When by an unlawful act or omission, loss or injury is
but doesn't have to notify ALL OF THEM (imagine if caused to 3rd person.
there are 100 partners, it would be burdensome and - Example:
costly to notify all 100). So if A is notified about the (a) A, B, and C are partners. A made an act of
case, that is considered by D as notice to EVERYONE omission with D as the victim. He caused
even if A is not a managerial partner (since A should P50,000 worth of injury to D. What can D do?
communicate this to all partners).  D can go to A for the full amount of P50,000
(2) Suppose D wants to sell a piece of land to the OR FROM B OR C.
partnership and notifies B (the managing partner) about (b) Can D go to B for the whole e P50,000 since B
it, but warns him that the land is under litigation and is the richest among the partners?
there is a possibility of the land to be claimed by E. B This is allowable since the partners have a
took the risk and purchased the land.  Later on, E still solidary obligation through A’s act of omission.
claimed the land. Can the partners reclaim this? B will be entitled for reimbursement from the
Even though ALL partners were not informed about the one responsible, A.
litigation, the partnership cannot get the land anymore - Any one of A, B, OR C, or all partners including the
since B was informed about it. Notice to B, the acting partnership can pay without prejudice to the rights
partner, is already notice to the partnership. of partners to get reimbursement from the one
(3) Suppose before B became a partner, D was able to talk responsible for the crime
to him about the piece of land under litigation. Later on, (2) A partner, within the scope of his authority, receives
B became a managing partner and purchased the land money or property from a third person and misapplies it.
D told him about a long time ago. E won the litigation - Example:
and was able to claim the land. Can the partnership A partnership is engaged in a pawnshop business.
reclaim the land? D, a 3rd person, pawned his watch to A and A sells
The partnership cannot get it anymore. Even if D was it. Who is liable for the watch?
not informed WHILE he was a partner, the information All partners are solidarily liable to D since A
was still present in his mind. The issue here would be: If misapplies the watch received from D.
B can still recall the conversation he had with D before (3) The partnership, in its ordinary course of business,
he became a managing partner. receives money or property from a 3rd person and a
(4) Suppose D informed C (who is not a managing partner) partner misapplies it while in the custody of the
about the land under litigation. Later on, D sold the land partnership.
to B, the managing partner, without informing him that - Example:
the land was under litigation (take note: the information The partnership is engaged in a pawnshop
was given to C). Is notice to C, a notice to B? business where it received a watch from D to be
YES, because C should have communicated the pawned. The watch is placed in the partnership
information.  VAULT. B, a partner, gets the watch from the vault
 In cases (2), (3) and (4), the partnership can't file action and sells it. Who is liable for the watch?
for damages against D since the "partnership had All partners are solidarily liable.
knowledge" about the litigation but the partners still took
the risk of buying the land.  Article 1825
When a person, by words spoken or written or by
Article 1822 conduct, represents himself, or consents to another
Where, by any wrongful act or omission of any representing him to anyone, as a partner in an existing
partner acting in the ordinary course of the business of partnership or with one or more persons not actual
the partnership or with the authority of his co-partner, partners, he is liable to any such persons to whom such
loss or injury is caused to any person, not being a representation has been made, who has, on the faith of
partner in the partnership, or any penalty is incurred, the such representation, given credit to the actual or
partnership is liable therefore to the same extent as the apparent partnership, and if he has made such
partner so acting or omitting to act. (n) representation or consented to its being made in a
public manner he is liable to such person, whether the
Article 1823 representation has or has not been made or
The partnership is bound to make good the loss: communicated to such person so giving credit by or
(1) Where one partner acting within the scope of his with the knowledge of the apparent partner making the
apparent authority receives money or property of representation or consent to its being made:
a third person and misapplies it; and (1) When a partnership liability results, he is liable
(2) Where the partnership in the course of its as though he were an actual member of the
business receives money or property of a third partnership;
person and the money or property so received is (2) When no partnership liability results, he is liable
misapplied by any partner while it is in the pro rata with the other persons, if any, so
custody of the partnership. (n) consenting to the contract or representation as
to incur liability, otherwise separately.
Article 1824 When a person has been thus represented to be a
All partners are liable solidarily with the partnership partner in an existing partnership, or with one or more
for everything chargeable to the partnership under persons not actual partners, he is an agent of the
Articles 1822 and 1823. (n) persons consenting to such representation to bind them
to the same extent and in the same manner as though
 In the following cases, obligation is not pro-rata or equal, but he were a partner in fact, with respect to persons who
a solidary obligation. Any partner MAY pay for the obligation rely upon the representation. When all the members of
(Unlike in article 1816, each partner should only pay for their the existing partnership consent to the representation, a
SHARE): partnership act or obligation results; but in all other
cases it is the joint act or obligation of the person acting  Partnership creditors have BETTER RIGHTS to partner
and the persons consenting to the representation. (n) obligation WITH REGARD TO PARTNERSHIP PROPERTY.
   Personal creditors of partners have BETTER RIGHT than a
 2 things being mentioned: partnership creditor with regards to PERSONAL PROPERTY
(1) PARTNERSHIP by estoppels of the partner.
- There is an existing partnership, and partners  EXAMPLE:
misrepresent themselves together with a 3rd (1) A, B, and C are partners. A OWES E P6,000.00. The
person. PARTNERSHIP OWES D P28,000.00. The total
- EXAMPLE: partnership assets amount to P40,000.00. Who has
(a) Suppose there is a partnership, X, with better right to the partnership property?
partners A, B, and C. D told E that he is a In this case, D, the partnership creditor, has a better
partner of A, B, and C. E verified from the right to the partnership property. When obligation to D
actual partners of X partnership if D is really a is paid, what will be left for the partners to share is
partner, A, B, and C consented. E entered in a P4,000.00. If E, the personal creditor of A, demands
contract with D, believing he was a partner. to be paid out of partnership property, he will only get
This is partnership by estoppels since A, B, P4,000.00 from it since the priority is the partnership
and C verified D as a partner. In this case, E creditor. The P2,000.00 will be paid out from A’s
can go after A, B, and C. personal property.
(b) Suppose only A and B consented, is there a (2) If total partnership assets is only P28,000.00, and the
partnership by estoppels? liability of the partnership is P40,000,, how shall the
There will be no partnership by estoppels since debt be paid?
only A and B, not all partners, consented to D’s A, B, and C will have to pay E P6,000.00 each.
misrepresentation. (3) If A only had P6,000.00 of personal property, who will
(2) PARTNERS by estoppels have the better right to this?
- 2 or more persons pretend to be partners in the A’s priority is his personal creditor, E. So D cannot
eyes of 3rd persons. collect A’s share of P4,000.00. D cannot, also,
- Example: increase the obligation of the other partners to be able
A, B, AND C said they were partners to D and to collect their debt.
entered in a contract with the “partners”. When it
was time for them to pay D for their obligation, they Chapter 3 – Dissolution and Winding Up
cannot for the reason that they are not partners.
What is their obligation to D? Article 1828
Their obligation to D will be pro rata, as if they were The dissolution of a partnership is the change in the
partners (since they are partners by estoppels) relation of partners caused by any partner ceasing to be
associated in the carrying on as distinguished from the
Article 1826 winding up of business. (n)
A person admitted as a partner into an existing
partnership is liable for all the obligation of the Article 1829
partnership arising before his admission as though he On dissolution, the partnership is not terminated,
had been a partner when such obligation were incurred, but continues until the winding up of partnership affairs
except that this liability shall be satisfied only out of is completed. (n)
partnership property, unless there is a stipulation to the
contrary. (n) Article 1830
            Dissolution is caused:
 A new partner admitted to an existing partnership is also (1) Without violation of the agreement between the
liable to the obligations existing before he was admitted, but partners:
his liability only extends to his contribution to the partnership (2) In contravention of the agreement between the
UNLESS stipulated. partners, where the circumstances do not
 A new partner is liable to his separate property when the permit a dissolution under any other provision
obligation was incurred when he was already a partner. of this article, by the express will of any partner
 Example at any time;
A, B, and C are the original partners of the partnership X (3) By any event which makes it unlawful for the
with contributions of P10,000.00 each.  X partnership owes business of the partnership to be carried on or
D P40,000.00. Later on, E entered the partnership and the members to carry it on in partnership;
contributed P4,000.00. How shall the debt be paid? (4) When a specific thing, which a partner had
P34,000.00 will be paid to D out of the partnership assets, promised to contribute to the partnership,
and the P6,000 will be paid through A, B, and C’s personal perishes before the delivery; in any case by the
assets. The P6,000.00 will be divided among the 3 original loss of the thing, when the partner who
partners pro rata. contributed it having reserved the ownership
thereof, has only transferred to the partnership
Article 1827 the use or enjoyment of the same; but the
The creditors of the partnership shall be preferred partnership shall not be dissolved by the loss of
to those of each partner as regards the partnership the thing when it occurs after the partnership
property. Without prejudice to this right, the private has acquire the ownership thereof;
creditors of each partner may ask for the attachment (5) By the death of any partner;
and public sale of the share of the latter in the (6) By the insolvency of any partner or of the
partnership assets. (n) partnership
(7) By the civil interdiction of any partner;
(8) By degree of court under the following article. (6) Other circumstances that will render dissolution
(1700a and 1701a) equitable
On the application of the purchaser of a partner’s
 Dissolution is usually caused by change a change of relation interest under Article 1813 or 1814:
between partners. (1) After the termination of the specific term or
 If there is dissolution, no new partnership business may be particular undertaking
undertaken (2) At any time the partnership was a partnership at
 Upon dissolution, partnership continues until winding up and will when the interest was assigned or when the
liquidation is completed. charging order was issued. (n)
 CAUSES OF DISSOLUTION:
(1) WITHOUT VIOLATION OF AGREEMENT  When can a partnership be dissolved judicially?
(a) Termination/expiration of term or specific (1) When a partner is DECLARED insane
undertaking (2) When he becomes incapable of performing his part in
(b) Upon express will of any partner if there is no term the partnership
or specific undertaking AS LONG AS PARTERS (3) Misconduct of a partner prejudicially to the business
ACT IN GOOD FAITH. (4) Persistent breach of partnership agreement
(c) Upon the will of the partners whose interest is not (5) The business can only be carried out on a loss
assigned or charged. (6) Other circumstances:
- Example: (a) Abandonment of the business
A sold his interest to E, and B’s interest is (b) Fraud
charged to F because he borrowed P50,000 (c) Refusal to render an accounting
from him. C and D are the only ones who can (7) On application of 3rd parties’ (who purchased or have
ask for dissolution since their interest is not charged a partner’s interest) right as per Articles 1813
assigned or charged. and 1814
(d) Expulsion bona fide of a partner (a partner is
expelled in good faith in accordance with Article 1832
agreement. Except so far as may be necessary to wind up
(e) Expulsion has the effect of decreasing the # of partnership affairs or to complete transactions begun
partners. but not then finished, dissolution terminates all
(2) IN VIOLATION OF THE AGREEMENT authority of any partner to act of the partnership:
- Example: (1) With respect to the partners
A, B, and C agreed that the term of their (a) When the dissolution is not by the act,
partnership is only until Dec. 31, 2011. A goes to insolvency or death of a partner
premature resignation (resigns early from (b) When the dissolution is by such act,
partnership). No one can prevent A from resigning, insolvency or death of a partner, in cases
but the partners can ask for damages for not where Article 1833 so requires
staying with the agreement. (2) With respect to persons not partners, as
(3) When it becomes unlawful for a partnership to carry on declared in Article 1834
the business or partner to carry on his role
(4) When specific thing is contributed, and before deliver, it  General Rule:
is lost. When partnerships are dissolved, partners cannot engage in
- If it is lost after delivery, partnership is not new business transactions because their authority to do so
dissolved. terminates upon the occurrence of dissolution.
- If use is contributed, it is lost before or after delivery  2 Cases with are Contrary to the General Rule:
(it doesn’t matter when it was lost), partnership is (1) During the WINDING UP of Business
dissolved. - Transactions relating to the winding up of business
- If what is to be contributed is generic, and it is lost, such as the liquidation of partnership assets can be
there is no dissolution. entered into because the partners’ authorities to do
so shall continue.
Article 1831 (2) To complete unfinished transactions during dissolution
On application by or for a partner, the court shall - Example:
decree dissolution whenever: A and B are in a partnership where they have
(1) A partner has been declared insane in any contracted with C to deliver goods in two
judicial proceeding or is shown to be of unsound installments. B resigns after the first delivery is
mind; made, thus dissolving the partnership. Can A and B
(2) A partner becomes in any other way incapable of cease to continue with their obligation?
performing his part of the partnership contract; NO. A and B must continue on with their obligation
(3) A partner has been guilty of such conduct as to complete unfinished transactions.
tends to affect prejudicially the carrying on of the  If dissolution is not by an act, insolvency or death, the
business; authority of partners as among themselves is terminated.
(4) A partner willfully or persistently commits - Example:
breach of the partnership agreement, or A partnership was dissolved due to the expiration of the
otherwise so conducts himself in matters term. If C transacts with D after this and he defaults, he
relating to the partnership business that it is not will be the only one liable AS TO THE PARTNERS. If A
reasonably practicable to carry on the business & B are to pay D, C shall reimburse them.
in partnership with him;
(5) The business of the partnership can only be Article 1833
carried on at a loss Where the dissolution is caused by the act, death or
insolvency of a partner, each partner is liable to his co-
partners for his share of any liability created by any (1) Where the partnership is dissolved because it is
partner acting for the partnership as if the partnership unlawful to carry on the business, unless the
had not been dissolved unless: act is appropriate for winding up partnership
(1) The dissolution being by act of any partner, the affairs; or
partner acting for the partnership had (2) Where the partner has become insolvent; or
knowledge of the dissolution (3) Where the partner had no authority to wind up
(2) The dissolution being by death or insolvency of partnership affairs; except by a transaction with
a partner, the partner acting for the partnership one who –
had knowledge or notice of the death or (a) Had extended credit to the partnership prior
insolvency to dissolution and had no knowledge or
notice of his want of authority; or
 If dissolution is caused by an act, insolvency or death, then (b) Had not extended credit to the partnership
each partner shall share in the liability of the partnership due prior to dissolution, and, having no
to the actions of a partner, unless he had knowledge of an knowledge or notice of his want of
act, insolvency or death, or notice of the insolvency or death. authority, the fact of his want of authority
 Example: has not been advertised in the manner
(1) B told A that he is resigning TODAY. The partnership is provided for advertising the fact of
thus dissolved. Should A enter into a contract with D, dissolution in the first paragraph, No. 2 (b).
who shall be liable? Nothing in this article shall affect the liability under
As among themselves, only A because he had article 1825 of any person who after dissolution
knowledge of B’s resignation, thus knowing that they are represents himself or consents to another representing
no longer in a partnership. him as a partner in a partnership engaged in carrying on
(2) If B texts his resignation to A because A is in Mindanao business (n)
and A contracts with D, was his authority terminated
when the text arrived?  Partners may still bind the partnership to transactions even
No, A’s authority was not terminated as he has only after dissolution if the transactions are with respect to the
received a NOTICE. Mere notice cannot terminate the winding up or the completion of unfinished transactions.
authority of partners because the grounds are BY AN  The transaction will be binding if:
ACT, and because of this it should be PERSONALLY (1) Credit was extended without knowledge of the
KNOWN by the acting partner. dissolution before the dissolution
(3) If C texts A that B had died, does their authority (2) No credit was extended but there was knowledge of the
terminate once A gets the text message? partnership’s existence and none of the dissolution
Their authority is terminated because in this case, the  The partnership is required to have the dissolution be
cause of dissolution is death. Mere notice is sufficient to announced in general circulation newspapers of the place of
terminate authority if the grounds are due to the operations. As long as they do this, then it is sufficient notice
insolvency or to the death of a partner. to all third persons. (If you don’t read broadsheets, that’s
your fault, not the partnership’s)
Article 1834  Liabilities shall be satisfied out of partnership assets alone if
After dissolution, a partner can bind the the partner being dealt with is a DORMANT partner.
partnership, except as provided in the third paragraph of  Upon dissolution, the partnership is no longer bound by
this article: transactions :
(1) By an act appropriate for winding up (1) When it becomes unlawful to carry on the business
partnership affairs or completing transactions (2) Insolvency of a partner
unfinished at dissolution (3) Unauthorized winding up, except when
(2) By any transaction which would bind the (a) Credit was extended and there was no knowledge
partnership is dissolution had not taken place, of the lack of authority
provided the other party to the transaction: (b) No credit was extended and there was no
(a) Had extended credit to the partnership prior knowledge of the dissolution because there was no
to dissolution and had no knowledge or advertisement of such
notice of the dissolution; or  In the case wherein “A” still represents himself as a partner
(b) Though he had not so extended credit, had even if the partnership has already been dissolved, then he
nevertheless known of the partnership prior is a PARTNER BY ESTOPPEL.
to dissolution, and, having no knowledge or
notice of dissolution, the fact of dissolution Article 1835
had not been advertised in a newspaper of The dissolution of the partnership does not of itself
general circulation in the place (or in each discharge the existing liability of any partner.
place if more than one) at which the A partner is discharged from any existing liability
partnership was regularly carried on. upon dissolution of the partnership by an agreement to
The liability of a partner under the first paragraph, that effect between himself, the partnership creditor and
No. 2, shall be satisfied out of partnership assets alone the person or partnership continuing the business; and
when such partner had been prior to dissolution: such agreement may be inferred from the course of
(1) Unknown as a partner to the person with whom dealing between the creditor having knowledge of the
the contract is made; and dissolution and the person or partnership continuing
(2) So far unknown and inactive in partnership the business.
affairs that the business reputation of the The individual property of a deceased partner shall
partnership could not be said to have been in be liable for all obligations of the partnership incurred
any degree due to his connection with it while he was a partner, but subject to the prior payment
The partnership is in no case bound by any act of a of his separate debts. (n)
partner after dissolution:
 Dissolution does not discharge the partnership and/or the damages recoverable under the second
partners from existing liabilities paragraph, No. 1 (b) of this article, and in like
 EXAMPLE: manner indemnify him against all present or
Suppose A, B and C are in a partnership (X & Co.) and owe future partnership liabilities.
D a sum of P 26,000.00. Total partnership assets equate to (3) A partner who has caused the dissolution
a sum of P 20,000.00. wrongfully shall have:
(1) What if C dies and his total assets are worth P2,000.00? (a) If the business is not continued under the
The law says that C’s individual property shall be used provisions of the second paragraph, No. 2,
to clear his liabilities when he was still alive. In all cases, all the rights of a partner under the first
the PERSONAL CREDITOR has priority. paragraph, subject to liability for damages
(2) What if A resigns? Can he ask to be discharged from his in the second paragraph, No. 1 (b), of this
obligation to pay D? article.
A can only be discharged from his obligation to pay D (b) If the business is continued under the
the sum of P2,000.00 if it was agreed upon by all second paragraph, No. 2, of this article, the
concerned parties. Agreement can be EXPRESSED or right as against his co-partners and all
IMPLIED, based on our interpretation of the law. claiming through them in respect of their
interests in the partnership, to have the
Article 1836 value of his interest in the partnership, less
Unless otherwise agreed, the partners who have not any damage caused to his co-partners by
wrongfully dissolved the partnership or the legal the dissolution ascertained and paid to him
representative of the last surviving partner, not in cash, or the payment secured by a bond
insolvent, has the right to wind up the partnership approved by the court, and to be released
affairs, provided, however, that any partner, his legal from all existing liabilities of the
representative or his assignee, upon cause shown, may partnership; but in ascertaining the value of
obtain winding up by the court. (n) the partner’s interest the value of the
goodwill of the business shall not be
 Who can wind up partnership affairs? considered. (n)
(1) Whoever is so assigned by the agreement
(2) Partners who did not wrongfully cause the dissolution  Suppose there is a situation wherein A, B and C are in a
(3) Legal representatives of the last surviving partner (who partnership, X & Co., with total assets of P 26,000.00 and
is not insolvent) liabilities to D amounting to P 20,000.00. If the partnership is
(4) The court in a judicial winding up of partnership affairs. dissolved WITHOUT VIOLATION OF ANY AGREEMENTS,
naturally, the liability will be cleared because the partnership
Article 1837 assets are more than enough, and the surplus will be given
When dissolution is caused in any way, except in to each of the partners in proportion to their interest in the
contravention of the partnership agreement, each partnership or as per their agreement.
partner, as against his co-partners and all persons  What if the partnership was dissolved due to EXPULSION?
claiming through them in respect of their interests in the Suppose that A was the one expelled from the partnership,
partnership, unless otherwise agreed, may have the then he can only get a share in the NET PROCEEDS of the
partnership property applied to discharge its liabilities, surplus that would have originally been his.
and the surplus applied to pay in cash the net amount  What if the partnership was dissolved due to VIOLATION
owing to the respective partners. But if dissolution is OF AGREEMENTS?
caused by expulsion of a partner, bona fide under the Determine the rights of the INNOCENT and GUILTY parties.
partnership agreement and if the expelled partner is Suppose that in this situation, A was the one guilty of
discharged from all partnership liabilities, either by violating an agreement. Then B and C will be allowed the
payment or agreement under the second paragraph of following rights:
Article 1835, He shall receive in cash only the net (1) Apply partnership assets to partnership liabilities and
amount due him from the partnership. distribute the cash surplus amongst themselves.
When dissolution is caused in contravention of the (2) To be indemnified for the damages that A has caused.
partnership agreement the rights of the partners shall be (3) To continue the business up to the agreed term.
as follows: (4) To possess partnership property.
(1) Each partner who has not caused dissolution While A will have the following rights:
wrongfully shall have: (1) Partners decide not to continue the business
(a) All the rights specified in the first (a) Right to claim his share in the cash surplus, but
paragraph of this article, and only the net proceeds of such meaning, the cash
(b) The right, as against each partner who surplus less damages.
caused the dissolution wrongfully to (2) Continue the business
damages for breach of the agreement (a) Ascertain his interest in the business.
(2) The partners who have not caused the (b) Freedom from existing and future liabilities of the
dissolution wrongfully, if they all desire to partnership.
continue the business in the same name either
by themselves or jointly with others, may do so, Article 1838
during the agreed term for the partnership and Where a partnership contract is rescinded on the
for that purpose may possess the partnership ground of the fraud or misrepresentation of one of the
property, provided they secure the payment by parties thereto, the party entitled to rescind is, without
bond approved by the court, or pay to any prejudice to any other right, entitled:
partner who has caused the dissolution (1) To a lien on, or right of retention of, the surplus
wrongfully, the value of his interest in the of the partnership property after satisfying the
partnership at the dissolution, less any partnership liabilities to third persons for any
sum of money paid by him for the purchase of (a) Those owing to separate creditors
an interest in the partnership and for any capital (b) Those owing to partnership creditors
or advances contributed by him; (c) Those owing to partners by way of
(2) To stand, after all liabilities to third persons contribution (n)
have been satisfied, in the place of the creditors
of the partnership for any payments made by  Considers the case of liquidation and the distribution of
him in respect of the partnership liabilities; and partnership assets
(3) To be indemnified by the person guilty of the  Liquidation is when all the assets of the partnership is
fraud or making the representation against all converted to cash.
debts and liabilities of the partnership. (n)  Total assets will include GOODWILL as well as the original
CONTRIBUTIONS of the partners.
 Considers a case wherein a partner was induced to join the  Order of payment during liquidation:
partnership by means of fraud or misrepresentation (1) 3rd persons/outside creditors
 The victim can ask for the recision or restitution of the (2) Partner creditors (partners who have claims)
contract of partnership (return of all his contributions) (3) Normal partners (all partners)
 He has the right to the surplus for certain purposes (a) In accordance with the agreement
 He has the rights of a 3rd person or a subrogated creditor (b) In proportion to their contribution
after the liabilities have already been paid to recollect what
he paid when he entered into the partnership. Article 1840
 He is entitled to be indemnified for all debts and liabilities In the following cases, creditors of the dissolved
that he paid for during his time in the partnership. partnership are also creditors of the person or
partnership continuing the business:
Article 1839 (1) When any new partner is admitted into an
In settling accounts between the partners after existing partnership, or when any partner
dissolution, the following rules shall be observed, retires and assigns (or the representative of the
subject to any agreement to the contrary: deceased partner assigns) his rights in
(1) The assets of the partnership are: partnership property to two or more of the
(a) The partnership property partners, or to one or more of the partners and
(b) The contributions of the partners necessary one or more third persons, if the business is
for the payment of all the liabilities continued without liquidation of the partnership
specified in No. 2 affairs;
(2) The liabilities of the partnership shall rank in (2) When all but one partner retire and assign (or
order of payment, as follows: the representative of a deceased partner
(a) Those owing to creditors other than assigns) their rights in partnership property to
partners the remaining partner, who continues the
(b) Those owing to partners other than for business without liquidation of partnership
capital and profits affairs, either alone or with others;
(c) Those owing to partners in respect of (3) When any partner retires or dies and the
capital business of the dissolved partnership is
(d) Those owing to partners in respect of continued as set forth in Nos. 1 and 2 of this
profits article, with the consent of the retired partner or
(3) The assets shall be applied in the order of their the representative of the deceased partner, but
declaration in No. 1 of this article to the without any assignment of his right in
satisfaction of the liabilities partnership property;
(4) The partners shall contribute, as provided by (4) When all the partners or their representatives
Article 1797, the amount necessary to satisfy assign their rights in partnership property to
the liabilities one or more third persons who promise to pay
(5) An assignee for the benefit of the cr4editor or the debts and who continue the business of the
any person appointed by the court shall have dissolved partnership;
the right to enforce the contributions specified (5) When any partner wrongfully causes a
in the preceding number. dissolution and the remaining partners continue
(6) Any partner or his legal representative shall the business under the provisions of Article
have the right to enforce the contributions 1837, second paragraph, No. 2, either alone or
specified in No. 4, to the extent of the amount with others, and without liquidation of the
which he has paid in excess of his share of the partnership affairs;
liability. (6) When a partner is expelled and the remaining
(7) The individual property of a deceased partner partners continue the business either alone or
shall be liable for the contributions specified in with others without liquidation of the
No. 4 partnership affairs.
(8) When partnership property and the individual The liability of a third person becoming a partner in
properties of the partners are in possession of a the partnership continuing the business, under this
court for distribution, partnership creditors article, to the creditors of the dissolved partnership
shall have priority on partnership property and shall be satisfied out of the partnership property only,
separate creditors on individual property, unless there is a stipulation to the contrary.
saving the rights of lien or secured creditors When the business of a partnership after
(9) Where a partner has become insolvent or his dissolution is continued under any conditions set forth
estate is insolvent, the claims against his in this article, the creditors of the dissolved partnership,
separate property shall rank in the following as against the separate creditors of the retiring or
order: deceased partner or the representative of the deceased
partner, have a prior right to any claim of the retired date of dissolution, in the absence of any agreement to
partner or the representative of the deceased partner the contrary. (n)
against the person or partnership continuing the
business, on account of the retired or deceased  Who can demand to know how much his interest is in the
partner’s interest in the dissolved partnership or on partnership and from whom?
account of any consideration promised for such interest All involved parties can demand to know how much his
or for his right in partnership property. interest is. He can demand to know these from the
Nothing in this article shall be held to modify any SURVIVING, CONTINUING and WINDING UP partners.
right of creditors to set aside any assignment on the
ground of fraud. CHAPTER 4 – LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
The use by the person or partnership continuing the
business of the partnership name, or the name of a Article 1843
deceased partner as part thereof, shall not of itself make A limited partnership is one formed by two or more
the individual property of the deceased partner liable for persons under the provisions of the following article,
any debts contracted by such person or partnership. (n) having as members one or more general partners and
one or more limited partners. The limited partners as
 Explains the rights of the creditor in case of partnership such shall not be bound by the obligations of the
dissolution because of membership changes and the partnership.
business is continued without liquidation.
 The membership changes include RETIREMENT,  Defines what a limited partnership is.
EXPULSION, DEATH or ADDITION.  It is sufficient that there is 1 general and 1 limited partner in
 Note that the creditor of the OLD partnership will still be the a limited partnership.
creditor of the NEW partnership if there is still an old  The reason for the existence of a limited partnership is to
partner/original partner with the NEW partnership. (debt will address the needs of all those who wish to join a partnership
not be cleared or discharged) without the risk of losing any personal property.
 The creditor will continue to be the creditor of the  Characteristics:
remaining/new partnership in all cases except when: (1) Comply with the statutory requirements of Article 1824
(1) Rights are assigned to other people (no old partners) (2) General partners control the partnership and are
(2) Unless there is a promise to pay debt from the new personally liable for partnership debts.
partners or if the creditor can set aside the right of the (3) Limited partners contribute capital and are not liable
new partners on the ground of fraud. personally for partnership debts.

Article 1841 Article 1844


When any partner retires or dies, and the business Two or more persons desiring to form a limited
is continued under any of the conditions set forth in the partnership shall:
preceding article, or in Article 1837, second paragraph, (1) Sign and swear to a certificate, which shall state
No. 2, without any settlement of accounts as between (a) The name of the partnership, adding thereto
him or his estate and the person or partnership the word “Limited”
continuing the business, unless otherwise agreed, he or (b) The character of the business
his legal representative as against such person or (c) The location of the principal place of
partnership may have the value of his interest at the business
date of dissolution ascertained, and shall receive as an (d) The name and place of residence of each
ordinary creditor an amount equal to the value of his member, general and limited partners being
interest in the dissolved partnership with interest, or, at respectively designated
his option or at the option of his legal representative, in (e) The term for which the partnership is to
lieu of interest, the profits attributable to the use of his exist
right in the property of the dissolved partnership; (f) The amount of cash and a description of
provided that the creditors of the dissolved partnership and the agreed value of the other property
as against the separate creditors, or the representative contributed by each limited partner
of the retired or deceased partner, shall have priority on (g) The additional contributions, if any, to be
any claim arising under this article, providing by Article made by each limited partner and the times
1840, third paragraph. (n) at which or events on the happening of
which they shall be made
 Suppose that A retires but B and C continue the business (h) The time, if agreed upon, when the
without liquidation. What are the rights of A? contribution of each limited partner is to be
The rights of A are as follows: returned
(1) That his interest be ascertained as of dissolution date (i) The share of the profits or the other
(2) Collect his interest in the partnership plus interest or compensation by way of income which
profits by the use of his right to these as a creditor each limited partner shall receive by reason
If A dies, and the same situation occurs (he did not retire), of his contribution
then his legal representatives have the same rights as (j) The right, if give, of a limited partner to
mentioned above. substitute an assignee as contributor in his
place, and the terms and conditions of the
Article 1842 substitution
The right to an account of his interest shall accrue (k) The right, if given, of the partners to admit
to any partner, or his legal representative as against the additional limited partners
winding up partners or the surviving partners or the (l) The right, if given, of one or more of the
person or partnership continuing the business, at the limited partners to priority over other
limited partners, as to contributions or as to
compensation b way of income, and the Article 1847
nature of such priority If the certificate contains a false statement, one who
(m) The right, if given, of the remaining general suffers loss by reliance on such statement may hold
partner or partners to continue the liable any party to the certificate who knew the
business on the death, retirement, civil statement to be false:
interdiction, insanity or insolvency of a (1) At the time he signed the certificate
general partner (2) Subsequently, but within a sufficient time
(n) The right, if given, of a limited partner to before the statement was relied upon to enable
demand and receive property other than him to cancel or amend the certificate, or to file
cash in return for his contribution a petition for its cancellation or amendment as
(2) File for record the certificate in the Office of the provided in Article 1865.
Securities and Exchange Commission.
A limited partnership is formed if there has been  If there are false statements in the certification and 3 rd
substantial compliance in good faith with the foregoing persons should suffer loss due to these, then he can hold
requirements. liable all those who had knowledge of the false statement at
the time certification was signed.
 Two requirements in a limited partnership:  The same shall apply if the partners concerned had sufficient
(1) Sign and swear to a certificate containing the data time to have the certificate cancelled but did not do so.
mentioned in the article (a) to (n)
(2) Have the certificate recorded with the SEC Article 1848
 Can a limited partnership be formed orally? A limited partner shall not become liable as a
No. A limited partnership contract is not perfected by mere general partner unless, in addition to the exercise of his
agreement as it requires formal proceedings. rights and powers as a limited partner, he takes part in
 Partnership must SUBSTANTIALLY comply with the the control of the business.
requirements.
 What if the partnership does not comply with the  The limited partner who, aside from his powers, participates
requirements? Will it be void? in the management of the partnership becomes liable as a
No, it will only become a GENERAL PARTNERSHIP. general partner.
 Why is it that the certificate must be registered?
Registration is the notice, to all 3 rd persons who will be Article 1849
dealing with or are dealing with the partnership, that there After the formation of a limited partnership,
are partners with limited liability. additional limited partners may be admitted upon filing
 The presumption is that when a partnership deals with a 3 rd an amendment to the original certificate in accordance
person, the partnership is a GENERAL partnership. with the requirements of Article 1865.

Article 1845  Suppose that in a limited partnership, there are only 2


The contributions of a limited partner may be cash general partners and 1 limited partner. Can you add another
or other property, but not services. limited partner?
Yes, amend the certificate under Article 1865 and do so.
 Limited partners can only contribute cash or other property,
not services because if he does so, then he shall become a Article 1850
GENERAL INDUSTRIAL PARTNER. A general partner shall have all the rights and
 Contribution must be given immediately. If he has promised powers and be subject to all the restrictions and
additional contribution, then it should be given on the date liabilities of a partner in a partnership without limited
promised or agreed upon. partners. However, without the written consent or
ratification of the specific act by all the limited partners,
Article 1846 a general partner or all of the general partners have no
The surname of a limited partner shall not appear in authority to:
the partnership name unless: (1) Do any act in contravention of the certificate
(1) It is also the surname of a general partner (2) Do any act which would make it impossible to
(2) Prior to the time when the limited partner carry on the ordinary business of the
became such, the business had been carried on partnership
under a name in which his surname appeared (3) Confess a judgment against the partnership
A limited partner whose surname appears in a (4) Possess partnership property, or assign their
partnership name contrary to the provisions of the first rights in specific partnership property, for other
paragraph is liable as a general partner to partnership than a partnership purpose
creditors who extend credit to the partnership without (5) Admit a person as a general partner
actual knowledge that he is not a general partner. (6) Admit a person as a limited partner, unless the
right to do so is given in the certificate
 The surname of the limited partner should not appear except (7) Continue the business with partnership
if it is also the surname of a general partner or if at the time property on the death, retirement, insanity, civil
of his admission, it was already being used. interdiction or insolvency of a general partner,
 If the limited partner allows that his surname be used, then unless the right to do so is given in the
he shall be held liable as a general partner as to 3 rd persons certificate
who extended credit not knowing he was a limited partner.
 If the creditor has knowledge of his being a limited partner,  Refers to the power, liabilities and limitations of general
then this rule shall not apply. partners in a limited partnership.
 A general partner has the same rights, powers and profits of the business, or other compensation by way of
limitations in a limited partnership as when he would have income.
been in a general partnership.
 A general partner, without written consent from ALL limited  Refers to a failure to create a limited partnership.
partners, cannot:  Suppose A, B and C form a limited partnership, with C being
(1) Do any act in contravention of the certificate the limited partner with a contribution of P20,000.00. The
(2) Do any act which would make it impossible to carry on certificate that they sign says that C is a general partner.
the ordinary business of the partnership What, then, if C, believing himself to be a limited partner,
(3) Confess a judgment against the partnership begins to exercise his rights as such?
(4) Possess partnership property, or assign their rights in C cannot be held liable, as a general partner, if upon his
specific partnership property realization of the error, he promptly renounces his
(5) Admit a person as a general partner involvement with the partnership, except:
(6) Admit a person as a limited partner, unless the right to (1) If he participates in the management of the partnership
do so is given in the certificate (2) If his surname is used in the partnership name
(7) Continue the business with partnership property on the  Consider the situation above, but this time, C’s name is not
death, retirement, insanity, civil interdiction or insolvency mentioned at all. What happens then?
of a general partner, unless the right to do so is given in If that is the case, then there is no limited partnership
the certificate because there is no limited partner mentioned .
 If there are 100 general partners and 1 dies, the partnership  The law anticipates a situation where in the person is a
will be dissolved. However, this rule will not apply in the case limited partner but his name is not mentioned as such or not
of limited partners. If there are 5 limited partners and 1 dies, mentioned at all in the certificate.
then the partnership will still continue.
 A limited partnership will continue (not dissolve) even in Article 1853
cases of the death of a limited partner as long as there is still A person may be a general partner and a limited
ONE surviving limited partner in the partnership. partner in the same partnership at the same time,
provided that this fact shall be stated in the certificate
Article 1851 provided for in Article 1844.
A limited partner shall have the same rights as a A person who is a general, and also at the same
general partner to: time a limited partner, shall have all the rights and
(1) Have the partnership books kept at the principal powers and be subject to all the restrictions of a general
place of business of the partnership, and at a partner; except that, in respect to his contribution, he
reasonable hour to inspect and copy any of shall have the rights against the other members which
them he would have had if he were not also a general partner.
(2) Have on demand true and full information of all
things affecting the partnership, and a formal  A partner can be a limited and general partner at the same
account of partnership affairs whenever time provided that this fact is STATED IN THE
circumstances render it just and reasonable CERTIFICATE that he signs.
(3) Have dissolution and winding up by decree of  Who are they to 3rd persons then?
court They are general partners as to 3rd persons but as amongst
A limited partner shall have the right to receive a the partners themselves, they are seen as limited partners
share of the profits or other compensation by way of with regards to their contribution.
income and to the return of his contribution as provided
in Articles 1856 and 1857. Article 1854
A limited partner also may loan money to and
 This Article is important as far as the limited partner is transact with other businesses with the partnership,
concerned as it shows them what rights they have. and, unless he is also a general partner, receive on
 A limited partner is given the same rights as the general account of resulting claims against the partnership, with
partner, that is: general creditors, a pro rata share of the assets. No
(1) They can require that the partnership books be kept at limited partner shall in respect to any such claim:
the principal place of business. (1) Receive or hold as collateral security any
(2) Inspect and copy partnership books. partnership property
(3) Demand true and full information regarding all matters (2) Receive from a general partner or the
concerning the partnership. partnership any payment, conveyance, or
(4) Demand for legal winding up or dissolution release from liability, if at the time the assets of
(5) Share in profits, other compensation by way of income the partnership are not sufficient to discharge
and the return of contributions. partnership liabilities to persons not claiming
as general or limited partners.
Article 1852 The receiving of collateral security, or a payment,
Without prejudice to the provisions of Article 1848, conveyance or release in violation of the foregoing
a person who has contributed to the capital of a provisions is a fraud on the creditors of the partnership.
business conducted by a person or partnership
erroneously believing that he has become a limited  Provides that a limited partner can extend credit or transact
partner in a limited partnership, is not, by reason of his with partnerships that he is part of.
exercise of the rights of a limited partner, a general  He is also entitled to partnership assets pro rata to creditors
partner with the person or in the partnership carrying on but it cannot be used as collateral from the partnership.
the business, or bound by the obligations of such  Suppose X & Co. owes D a sum of P20,000.00 and C, a
person or partnership, provided that on ascertaining the limited partner, P20,000.00. The total assets of the
mistake he promptly renounces his interest in the partnership is P50,000.00. How shall these be settled?
Both C and D can simultaneously collect from the the certificate, either for the return of the
partnership as partnership assets are sufficient to cover contribution or for the dissolution of the
BOTH. However, if partnership assets are only P20,000.00, partnership.
C cannot share in it because it would prejudice D’s claim. In the absence of any statement in the certificate to
the contrary or the consent of all members, a limited
Article 1855 partner, irrespective of the nature of his contribution,
Where there are several limited partners the has only the right to demand and receive cash in return
members may agree that one or more of the limited for his contribution.
partners shall have a priority over other limited partners A limited partner may have the partnership
as to the return of their contributions, as to their dissolved and its affairs wound up when:
compensation by way of income, or as to any other (1) He rightfully but unsuccessfully demands the
matter. If such an agreement is made, it shall be stated return of his contribution
in the certificate, and in the absence of such a (2) The other liabilities of the partnership have not
statement, all the limited partners shall stand upon been paid, or the partnership property is
equal footing. insufficient for their payment as required by the
first paragraph, No. 1, and the limited partner
 Suppose that there are three limited partners. These would otherwise be entitled to the return of his
partners can agree (because there are more than 1) that one contribution.
of them can have priority over the others provided that such
SHOULD BE STATED IN THE CERTIFICATE.  What are the requisites for the limited partner to be entitled
to the return of his contribution?
Article 1856 (1) When, after deducting partnership liabilities, partnership
A limited partner may receive from the partnership assets are sufficient to do so.
the share of the profits or the compensation by way of (2) If he has the consent of all partners unless the right can
income stipulated for in the certificate; provided, that be demanded.
after such payment is made, whether from the property (3) The certificate must be amended to reflect the return of
of the partnership or that of a general partner, the his contribution.
partnership assets are in excess of all liabilities of the  When may a limited partner rightfully demand the return of
partnership except liabilities to limited partners on his contribution?
account of their contributions and to general partners. (1) During dissolution
(2) Upon arrival of the date of return of his contribution
 The limited partner is entitled to share in payment by share (3) After he has given 6 months’ notice, WRITTEN, and
in profits or other compensation by way of income provided there was no date of return nor dissolution
that the partnership assets are sufficient to meet such.  The limited partner is only entitled to the return of his
 To determine total liability, do not deduct contributed capital. contribution, IN CASH, except:
 Liabilities owed to general partners are not considered part (1) If it was agreed upon
of the partnership’s total liabilities. (2) He has the consent of all the partners
 The ability of the limited partner to share is based on the  When can a limited partner ask for dissolution?
total liability, which must be known. (1) He rightfully but unsuccessfully demanded the return
 Suppose that A, B and C are in partnership wherein C is the (2) If he was entitled to receive his contribution and the
limited partner and total assets are P50,000.00. They owe D certificate was already amended but partnership assets
a sum of P10,000.00, C P15,000.00 and A P50,000.00, is C are not sufficient to pay off partnership creditors.
still entitled to share in the surplus after clearing liabilities?
Yes, because total liabilities in this case is only P25,000.00 Article 1858
and the assets are still sufficient to pay out the surplus. A limited partner is liable to the partnership:
(1) For the difference between his contribution as
Article 1857 actually made and that stated in the certificate
A limited partner shall not receive from a general as having been made
partner or out of partnership property any part of his (2) For any unpaid contribution which he agreed in
contribution until: the certificate to make in the future of the time
(1) All liabilities of the partnership, except liabilities and on the conditions stated in the certificate
to general partners and to limited partners on A limited partner holds as trustee for the
account of their contributions, have been paid partnership:
or there remains property of the partnership (1) Specific property stated in the certificate as
sufficient to pay them contributed by him, but which was not
(2) The consent of all members is had, unless the contributed or which has been wrongfully
return of the contribution may be rightfully returned
demanded under the provisions of the second (2) Money or other property wrongfully paid or
paragraph conveyed to him on account of his contribution
(3) The certificate is cancelled or so amended as to The liabilities of a limited partner as set forth in this
set forth the withdrawal or reduction article can be waived or compromised only by the
Subject to the provisions of the first paragraph, a consent of all members; but a waiver or compromise
limited partner may rightfully demand the return of his shall not affect the right of a creditor of a partnership
contribution: who extended credit or whose claim arose after the
(1) On the dissolution of a partnership filing and before a cancellation or amendment of the
(2) When the date specified in the certificate for its certificate, to enforce such liabilities.
return has arrived When a contributor has rightfully received the
(3) After he has given six months’ notice in writing return in whole or in part of the capital of his
to all other members, if no time is specified in contribution, he is nevertheless liable to the partnership
for any sum, not in excess of such return with interest, (2) Cannot demand information on partnership activities nor
necessary to discharge its liabilities to all creditors who inspect partnership books.
extended credit or whose claims arose before such  When will the assignee become a substituted limited
return. partner?
(1) If consent from all other partners was given
 Suppose A promises to contribute P20,000.00 but only pays (2) If the limited partner is empowered by the certificate to
P15,000.00. What is his obligation to the partnership? constitute a substituted limited partner, and the
Then A must pay the P5,000.00 difference NOW. certificate is amended under Article 1865
 Suppose C, the limited partner, promises to contribute  What are the rights of a substituted limited partner?
P20,000.00 more. What should be done? He has all the powers, limitations and liabilities as his
It should be paid on the date he promised to pay it. assignor except those which he was ignorant of at the time
 When can a limited partner be held as trustee? he became a limited partner and those that could not be
(1) When he promises specific things but does not follow ascertained from the certificate.
through with the promise of delivery  What about the assignor?
(2) In circumstances of wrongful returns The assignor is still liable for false statements and claims
(3) In cases of money and/or property that is wrongfully before the admittance of a substitute limited partner, as in
conveyed Articles 1847 and 1858.
 Can the partnership waive the difference of contributions?
(EX: the first situation) Article 1860
Yes, as long as it will not affect creditors who had extended The retirement, death, insolvency, insanity or civil
credit before the waiver of such. interdiction of a general partner dissolves the
 Can the partnership reclaim the returns if it is needed? (EX: partnership, unless the business is continued by the
C’s contribution was already returned but the partnership remaining general partners:
needs it to finish paying off D, a creditor) (1) Under a right so to do stated in the certificate
Yes, as long as the claim came into existence before the (2) With the consent of all the members
return of contribution.
 Again, this does not apply to limited partners because as
Article 1859 long as there is ONE limited partner still living, then the
A limited partner’s interest is assignable. partnership is continued.
A substituted limited partner is a person admitted to  General partners can only continue the business if:
all the rights of a limited partner who has died or has (1) The right was stated in the certificate
assigned his interest in a partnership. (2) All partners consent to such.
An assignee, who does not become a substituted
limited partner, has no right to require any information Article 1861
or account of the partnership transactions or to inspect On the death of a limited partner, his executor or
the partnership books; he is only entitled to receive the administrator shall have the rights of a limited partner
share of the profits or other compensation by way of for the purpose of settling his estate, and such power as
income, or return of his contribution, to which his the deceased had to constitute his assignee a
assignor would otherwise be entitled. substituted limited partner.
An assignee shall have the right to become a The estate of a deceased limited partner shall be
substituted limited partner if all the members consent liable for all his liabilities as a limited partner.
thereto or if the assignor, being thereunto empowered
by the certificate, gives the assignee that right.  The executor/administrator has the power to settle the dead
An assignee becomes a substituted limited partner partner’s estate and those to constitute his assignee as a
when the certificate is appropriately amended in substituted limited partner, if the limited partner originally had
accordance with Article 1865. the power to do so, or was allowed such.
The substituted limited partner has all the rights and  The estate of a limited partner will pay for all his liabilities as
powers, and is subject to all the restrictions and a limited partner.
liabilities of his assignor, except those liabilities of
which he was ignorant at the time he became a limited Article 1862
partner and which could not be ascertained from the On due application to a court of competent,
certificate. jurisdiction by any creditor of a limited partner, the court
The substitution of the assignee as a limited partner may charge the interest of the indebted limited partner
does not release the assignor from liability to the with payment of the unsatisfied amount of such claim,
partnership under Articles 1847 and 1858. and may appoint a receiver, and make all other orders,
directions, and inquiries which the circumstances of the
 The interest of a limited partner can be assigned. His interest case may require.
is his share in profits, other compensation by way of income The interest may be redeemed with the separate
or his return. property of any general partner, but may not be
 A substituted limited partner is the person admitted and has redeemed with partnership property.
all the rights of a limited partner who dies or has assigned The remedies conferred by the first paragraph shall
his interest. not be deemed exclusive of others which may exist.
 What if the person is not qualified to be a substituted limited Nothing in this Chapter shall be held to deprive a
partner? limited partner of his statutory exemption.
Then he shall remain an assignee with the following rights
and limitations:  Similar to Article 1814 for general partnerships.
(1) Receive share in profits, other compensation by way of
income or return of contribution
 If a 3rd person files a case against the limited partners for (9) A time is fixed for the dissolution of the
non-payment or non-compliance with their contract, he can partnership, or the return of a contribution, no
ask for the partners’ interests to be attached. time having been specified in the certificate
 The attached interest may be redeemed using separate (10) The members desire to make a change in any
general partners’ property but not partnership property other statement in the certificate in order that it
UNLESS all partners have consented to such. shall accurately represent the agreement
among them.
Article 1863
In settling accounts after dissolution, the liabilities  When should a certificate be cancelled?
of the partnership shall be entitled to payment in the (1) Upon DISSOLUTION
following order: (2) When ALL limited partners cease to be such
(1) Those to creditors, in the order of priority as  When should the certificate be amended?
provided by the law, except those to limited In all cases other than those that will cause the certificate to
partners on account of their contributions, and be cancelled.
to general partners
(2) Those to limited partners in respect to their Article 1865
share of the profits and other compensation by The writing to amend a certificate shall:
way of income on their contributions (1) Conform to the requirements of Article 1844 as
(3) Those to limited partners in respect to the far as necessary to set forth clearly the change
capital of their contributions in the certificate which it is desired to make
(4) Those to general partners other than for capital (2) Be signed and sworn to by all members, and an
and profits amendment substitution a limited partner or
(5) Those to general partners in respect to profits adding a limited or general partner shall be
(6) Those to general partners in respect to capital signed also by the member to be substituted or
Subject to any statement in the certificate or to added, and when a limited partner is to be
subsequent agreement, limited partners share in the substituted, the amendment shall also be
partnership assets in respect to their claims for capital, signed by the assigning limited partner.
and in respect to their claims for profits or for The writing to cancel a certificate shall be signed by
compensation by way of income on their contribution all members.
respectively, in proportion to the respective amounts of A person desiring the cancellation or amendment of
such claims. a certificate, if any person designated in the first and
second paragraphs as a person who must execute the
 Who has priority over distribution of assets in a limited writing refuses to do so, may petition the court to order
partnership? a cancellation or amendment thereof.
(1) Creditors, including limited partners who have a claim If the court finds that the petitioner has a right to
against the partnership. have the writing executed by a person who refuses to do
(2) Limited partners’ share in profits so, it shall order the Office of the Securities and
(3) Limited partners’ return of capital contribution Exchange Commission where the certificate is recorded,
(4) General partners who have claims against the to record the cancellation or amendment of the
partnership certificate; and when the certificate is to be amended,
(5) General partners’ share in profits the court shall also cause to be filed for record in the
(6) General partners’ return of capital contribution said office a certified copy of its decree setting forth the
 The difference of this with general partnerships is that in a amendment.
general partnership, capital contributions are returned A certificate is amended or cancelled when there is
BEFORE profits from surplus are shared. filed for record in the Office of the Securities and
Exchange Commission where the certificate is recorded:
Article 1864 (1) A writing in accordance with the provisions of
The certificate shall be cancelled when the the first or second paragraph
partnership is dissolved or all limited partners cease to (2) A certified copy of the order of court in
be such. accordance with the provisions of the fourth
A certificate shall be amended when: paragraph
(1) There is a change in the name of the (3) After the certificate is duly amended in
partnership or in the amount or character of the accordance with this article, the amended
contribution of any limited partner certificate shall thereafter be for all purposes
(2) A person is substituted as a limited partner the certificate provided for in this Chapter.
(3) An additional limited partner is admitted
(4) A person is admitted as a general partner  What are the requisites for certificates to be amended or
(5) A general partner retires, dies, becomes cancelled?
insolvent or insane, or is sentenced to civil (1) It must be in writing
interdiction and the business is continued (2) It must be signed AND sworn by ALL concerned parties
under Article 1860 (3) It must be registered with the SEC
(6) There is a change in the character of the
business of the partnership Article 1866
(7) There is a false or erroneous statement in the A contributor, unless he is a general partner, is not
certificate a proper party to proceedings by or against a
(8) There is a change in the time as stated in the partnership, except where the object is to enforce a
certificate for the dissolution of the partnership limited partner’s right against or liability to the
or for the return of a contribution partnership.
 A limited partner is a mere contributor, meaning, he is
practically a stranger. This is because he has no
participation in management and control and is only liable to
the partnership, not to 3rd persons and if he is filed against as
a general partner, he can file a counterclaim for wrongful
inclusion.
 2 exceptions to this rule:
(1) To enforce his right against the partnership
(2) If he refuses to restore his contribution when the
partnership assets are not sufficient to pay creditors

Article 1867
A limited partnership formed under the law prior to
the effectivity of this Code, may become a limited
partnership under this Chapter by complying with the
provisions of Article 1844, provided the certificate sets
forth:
(1) The amount of the original contribution of each
limited partner and the time when the
contribution was made\
(2) That the property of the partnership exceeds
the amount sufficient to discharge its liabilities
to persons not claiming as general or limited
partners by an amount greater than the sum of
the contributions of its limited partners.
A limited partnership formed under the law prior to
the effectivity of this Code, until or unless it becomes a
limited partnership under this Chapter, shall continue to
be governed by the provisions of the old law.

 This is a transitory law.


 Articles 145 to 150 of the Code of Commerce used to govern
limited partnerships.
 What happens to a limited partnership existing before the
Civil Code?
The partnership must first comply with the following
requirements before they can become a limited partnership
under the Civil Code:
(1) State the amount of contribution and the time it was
contributed
(2) After paying off all liabilities, the total assets of the
partnership must be greater than the contribution of all
limited partners, otherwise, it will continue to be
governed by the Code of Commerce.

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