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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 house but instead opted to sell it for P2,500,000 then they
have a profit of P500,000 but are they partners?
• Can a partnership be created orally?
No, because even if there was a profit of P500,000, this
Yes. A partnership may be constituted in any form (as stated
is merely incidental to the sale and not from business
in Article 1771)
operations of A&B.
• Partnerships are not covered by the Statute of Fraud since
- If the land was instead used to build an apartment that
these are not necessarily required to be in writing (contract
is rented out?
of partnership can be in any form)
Yes, because A & B share profits from RENTING, this
• If immovable property and/or real rights are contributed to
can be considered as ordinary business operations.
the partnership, then the contract must be in a public
• Example for (3)
instrument (notarized documents)
- If a person owns a big tract of land for planting rice and
• In order to bind 3rd persons, the transfer of OWNERSHIP of
entered into an agreement with a farmer that they will
immovable property MUST BE REGISTERED with the
divide the harvest, is the farmer partners with the owner
REGISTRY OF PROPERTY in the province or city where the
of the land?
property is located
No because of the following reasons:
(1) The farmer had no contribution • The article shows that partnerships can be perfected by
MERE CONSENT.
(2) The farmer has no say in the disposition of the land
(3) The farmer has no say in management
Article 1772
(4) In case of loss, the owner shall carry the entire
Every contract of partnership having a capital of
burden and the farmer need not pay anything
P3,000.00 or more, in money or property, shall appear in
• Example for (4)
a public instrument, which must be recorded in the office
- A partnership borrowed P50,000 and instead of giving
of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
the creditor a specific amount to be repaid, they agreed Failure to comply with the requirements of the
that the creditor will receive 1% of the partnership’s
preceding paragraph shall not affect the liability of the
annual gross profit. Is the creditor a partner? partnership and the members thereof to third persons. (n)
No because the receipt of share in net income happens
to be because of an existing debt.
• If the partnership’s capital is P3, 000.00 or more (in any
• To determine whether a person is a partner:
form), it must be in a public instrument, recorded with the
(1) Required contribution
SEC and note that property referred to here is MOVABLE
(2) Say in management
since immovable property is covered by Article 1771.
(3) Share in losses
• Failure to comply with the requirements of Article 1772 will
not affect the liability of the partnership to 3rd persons.
Article 1770
□ Isn’t this inconsistent with Article 1358?
A partnership must have a lawful object or purpose,
No, remember that in Article 1358, if the contract terms
and must be established for the common benefit or
exceed P500.00 then the contract must be in writing.
interest of the partners.
This is merely for purposes of convenience and not
When an unlawful partnership is dissolved by a
validity or enforceability of the law. Also note that
judicial decree, the profits shall be confiscated in favor
according to Article 1768, the partnership will still be
of the State, without prejudice to the provisions of the
valid and have a juridical entity.
Penal Code governing the confiscation of the
□ How do we reconcile this with Article 1358 and 1357?
instruments and effects of a crime. (1666a)
Article 1358 is for purposes of convenience and not for
validity or enforceability of the law.
• The partnership must have a lawful object or purpose Article 1357 states that contracting parties have the right
- Lawful object refers to CAPITAL
to compel each other to place the contract into writing.
- Lawful purpose refers to the BUSINESS itself • Purpose of Registration:
• There must be common interest and benefit (1) Condition for obtaining a license to engage in business
• Unlawfulness of the partnership will cause it to be dissolved and in trade
and profits shall be confiscated (2) 3rd persons want proof that the partnership is existent,
• Example of unlawful purpose: who the partners are and what the capitalization is
- GAMBLING before they enter into contracts/engage in business.
A & B are partners where A contributed P100,000 in (3) The government requires this so that tax liabilities may
cash and B contributes gambling paraphernalia. They not be avoided (BIR)
were raided and the gambling paraphernalia was • Failure to comply with the Article’s requirements will not
confiscated. Can the P100,000 also be confiscated? prevent the formation of the partnership
No because the P100,000 was not the reason for the • The Statute of Fraud will only apply if there was an
crime in anyway. The state is therefore required to agreement made by the contracting parties
return this amount to A. • Example:
• Legal effects of a Judicial Dissolution A and B promise to contribute to their partnership money
- Partnership is considered void from the beginning
worth P10,000.00 each within one year from their
- Profit and instrument of the crime is confiscated
agreement. A contributes early but when the time comes for
- The only returnable items are those that were never B to contribute his share, he refuses to do so. Can A compel
related to or connected with the crime committed B to give his contribution?
No, A cannot compel B to pay his contribution to the
Article 1771
partnership.
A partnership may be constituted in any form, Why?
except where immovable property or real rights are Because the contract/agreement between the two parties
contributed thereto, in which case, a public instrument was purely ORAL and never really written, and it has already
shall be necessary (1667a) been one year since they agreed to their contract terms.
Article 1773 inventory of said property is not made, signed by the
A contract of partnership is void, whenever parties and attached to the public instrument. (1668a)
immovable property is contributed thereto, if an
• Refers specifically where one or both of the parties (a) Universal Partnership of All Present Property –
contribute immovable property. The requirements are: defined in Article 1778
(1) The contract must be in a public instrument (b) Universal Partnership of All Profits – defined in
(2) An inventory of the immovable property must be made, Article 1780
signed by BOTH parties and attached to the public (c) Particular Partnerships – defined in Article 1783
instrument, otherwise the partnership is VOIDED. (2) As to the Liability:
• Actual Case in Applying Article 1773: (a) General – general partners are liable PRO-RATA
A and B agree to form a partnership engaging in a fish pond and subsidiarily, sometimes solitarily, with their own
business where both partners will contribute cash; the cash property/assets if the partnership is insolvent. (may
is later used to buy land that is converted into a fish pond. C include industrial partners)
comes along and points out that the partnership is void (b) Limited – limited partners are liable only up to the
because no inventory of the land was made. Is the extent of their contribution
partnership really void? (3) As to Duration:
No, the partnership is not void because according to the (a) At will – no particular undertaking, can be dissolved
Supreme Court, Article 1773 need not apply since the land at any time
was BOUGHT from the CASH CONTRIBUTION. (b) With a Fixed Term – may only be dissolved upon
Suppose a partnership contributes immovable property but the end of its term unless continued by the partners
does not conduct an inventory and enters into a contract with (4) As to Legality of Existence:
A. The partnership does not fulfill its obligation to A and A (a) De Jure – complied with ALL requirements
sues the partnership. Was A right in suing the partnership? (b) De Facto – failed to comply with ALL requirements
No, since the partnership was void from the beginning. A (5) As to Representation to Others:
should instead file against the “partners” themselves. They (a) Ordinary/Real – actually exists
will be sued under the legal basis of them being partners by (b) Ostensible/by Estoppel – exists only to partners
estoppels, as stated in Article 1825. (6) As to Publicity:
If A wishes to be in a partnership with B and promises to (a) Secret – some partners are not known to the public
contribute land but subsequently sells the same plot to C, (b) Open/Notorious – all partners are known to the
who immediately registers the transfer, who owns the land? public
C owns the land because A never registered the transfer. (7) As to Purpose:
• Estafa: when the owner of a property sells the same to two (a) Commercial/Trading – business transactions
or more different persons. (b) Professional/Non-Trading – exercise of professions
• Kinds of Partners:
Article 1774 (1) Under the Civil Code:
Any immovable property or an interest therein may (a) Capitalist – contributes money/property
be acquired in the partnership name. Title so acquired (b) Industrial – contributes industry
can be conveyed only in the partnership name. (n) (c) General – liability extends to personal assets
(d) Limited – liability up to contribution only
• Being a juridical entity, a partnership can acquire property (e) Managing – manages the partnership
and subsequently become its owner. (f) Liquidating – responsible during dissolution
(g) By Estoppel – not really a partner
Article 1775 (h) Continuing – continues business after dissolution
Associations and societies whose articles are kept (i) Surviving – remains after partner’s death
secret among members, and wherein anyone of the (j) Sub-partner – contracts with partners, Article 1804
members may contract in his own name with third (2) Other Classifications:
persons, shall have no juridical personality and shall be (a) Ostensible – active, known to the public
governed by the provisions relating to co-ownership. (b) Secret – active, unknown to the public
(1669) (c) Silent – inactive, known to the public
(d) Dormant – inactive, unknown to the public
• There is no juridical entity since the members can contract (e) Original – member at time of organization
with 3rd persons in their own name without binding others. (f) Incoming – about to become a member
• In a partnership: (g) Retiring – about to withdraw
(1) The partners are merely agents who cannot act alone
(2) Articles of Partnership are known to ALL partners AND Article 1777
to the GENERAL PUBLIC. A universal partnership may refer to all the present
property or to all the profits. (1672)
Article 1776
As to its object, a partnership is either universal or Article 1778
particular. A partnership of all present property is that in which
As regards to the liability of the partners, a the partners contribute all the property which actually
partnership may be general or limited. (1671a) belongs to them to a common fund, with the intention of
dividing the same among themselves, as well as the
• Classifications of Partnerships: profits which they may acquire therewith. (1673)
(1) As to the Object:
Article 1779
In a universal partnership of all present property,
the property which belongs to each of the partners at
the time of the constitution of the partnership becomes
the common property of all the partners, as well as all
the profits which they may acquire therewith.
A stipulation for the common enjoyment of any legacy or donation cannot be included in such
other profits may also be made; but the property which stipulation, except the fruits thereof. (1674a)
the partners may acquire subsequently by inheritance,
• Why is the universal partnership of all present property not
• If the articles of universal partnership are doubtful or unclear
popular in the Philippines?
then the presumption is that it is a universal partnership of all
• Property owned at the time of contribution will become profits.
common property of the partnership eventually because only - Because a universal partnership of all profits require
the profits acquired through the contribution will become less obligations and is less onerous since the partners
common property, unless there was a stipulation that says
get to retain ownership over the property that they
otherwise.
contribute.
• Example:
A and B form a Universal Partnership of All Present Property Article 1782
and stipulate that property and profits that are acquired Persons who are prohibited from giving each other
during business operations will become common property any donation or advantage cannot enter into a universal
even if these were not due to their contributions and that if partnership. (1677)
anyone inherits property, it will become common property as
well. A acquires land as part of his compensation package
• A husband and wife cannot join a universal partnership.
from AyalaLand and B inherits land from his parents. Whose
- They are not allowed to donate to each other and a
property will become common property?
universal partnership essentially requires that the
Only A’s land will become common property because it was
partners donate to each other.
essentially PAYMENT while B’s was inherited. The article
- They can join a particular partnership instead.
prohibits donations to become common property, only fruits
• A partnership formed in violation of this article shall be null
of such can become common property.
and void. It shall not have any legal personality either.
• In a partnership, contributions must be determinate/certain
• Illustrative Case:
and partners are akin to donors. Donations cannot
comprehend future property but profits can be stipulated. A, B and C form a partnership to engage in the importation,
marketing and operation of automatic phonographs, radios,
Article 1780 television sets, amusement machines and their parts
A universal partnership of profits comprises all that accessories, with B and C as limited partners. Subsequently,
the partners may acquire by their industry or work A and B got married and thereafter, C sold his share to A
during the existence of the partnership. and B for a nominal amount. Was the partnership dissolved
Movable or immovable property which each of the after the marriage of A and B and C’s sale to them of his
partners may possess at the time of the celebration of share in the partnership?
the contract shall continue to pertain exclusively to No, the firm was not a universal partnership but a particular
each, only the usufruct passing to the partnership. one.
(1675) • Pertinent Legal Provisions
(1) Article 87: Every donation or grant of gratuitous
• Example: advantage, direct or indirect, between spouses during
their marriage, valid or not, shall be void except
Suppose A and B form a Universal Partnership of All Profits
and A wins in the lotto, P100,000.00. B tries to share in 50% moderate gifts which the spouses may give each other
on the occasion of any family rejoicing.
citing the existence of their partnership and that A used the
(2) Article 739: The following donations shall be void:
partnership’s money to purchase the lottery ticket. Can B
(a) Those made between persons who were guilty of
really share in the lotto winnings?
No, B cannot since it came from CHANCE, not WORK. adultery or concubinage at the time of the donation
If the P100,000.00 instead came from A’s work in DLSU, can (b) Those made between persons found guilty of the
B share in the profits of A? same criminal offense, in consideration thereof
Yes, because it came from WORK. (c) Those made to a public officer or his wife,
descendants and ascendants by reason of his
• As long as it is PROFIT, the profit becomes common
office
property to the partners UNLESS there was a stipulation in
their agreement
Article 1783
• If A and B form a Universal Partnership of All Profits for a
A particular partnership has for its object
Taxi-Cab business and both contribute vehicles that will
determinate things, their use or fruits, or a specific
serve as the taxi, what they were actually contributing is the
undertaking, or the exercise of a profession or vocation
USE or the RIGHT TO USE their vehicles. Upon dissolution,
(1678)
the vehicles will be returned to them since there was never a
transfer of ownership.
• Unique feature of the Universal Partnership of All Profits: • Defines what a particular partnership is
- The partners retain the title of ownership. • Particular partnerships are those that are:
- Neither a universal partnership for all present property
Article 1781 nor a universal partnership for all profits
Articles of Universal Partnership, entered into - Example: Those that are formed for the acquisition and
without specification of its nature, only constitute a sale of property, Accounting Firms, Law Firms, etc.
universal partnership of profits (1676) - Popular because it is easy to join

Chapter 2 – Obligations of the Partners

Section 1 – Obligations of the Partners amongst


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

balance since B overstepped his authority. B P 20,000.00 2/6 P 5,000.00 - P 5,000.00


(3) To answer for risks in management
- Example: C P 10,000.00 1/6 P 2,500.00 P 2,000.00P 4,500.00
A partnership is engaged in selling goods and a
P 15,000.00P 2,000.00P
customer keeps asking for discounts and an TOTALP 60,000.00 6/6
17,000.00
argument ensues between the customer, C and the
partner A. A gets injured and is brought to the
hospital. Who shall shoulder the hospital bills? • The same rules shall apply for losses in the partnership’s
The partnership shall shoulder the hospital bills as it operations, however the industrial partner shall not share in
was during A’s time in managing the business that the losses as there is no way for him to retract his industry
he was injured. and in the event of losses, his efforts would have been for
vain and it can thus be said that he has already shared.
Article 1797 • What is the legal effect of having a stipulation that excludes
The losses and profits shall be distributed in a partner from sharing in the profits or losses?
conformity with the agreement. If only the share of each Under Article 1799, the stipulation shall be void because
partner in the profits has been agreed upon, the share of there must be mutual sharing of profits and losses.
each in the losses shall be in the same proportion. • Can the partners appoint a 3rd person to designate the
In the absence of stipulation, the share of each division of their profits and losses?
partner in the profits and losses shall be in proportion to Yes and they will not be allowed to question his decisions
what he may have contributed, but the industrial partner unless the designation of shares is manifestly inequitable.
shall not be liable for the losses. As for the profits, the • 2 cases where partners ABSOLUTELY cannot question
industrial partner shall receive such share as may be designated shares by the 3rd parties:
just and equitable under the circumstances. If besides (1) When a partner begins to execute the 3rd party’s
his services, he has contributed capital, he shall also decision
receive a share in the profits in proportion to his capital. (2) When complaints are raised AFTER three months from
(1689a) the point of knowledge of the designation
• Can the partners designate one of themselves to distribute
Article 1798 profits or losses?
If the partners have agreed to entrust to a third No, the law prohibits this situation because there may be
person the designation of the share of each one in the disparities when it comes to the distribution of net profits.
profits and losses, such designation may be impugned
only when it is manifestly inequitable. In no case may a Article 1800
partner who has begun to execute the decision of the The partner who has been appointed manager in the
third person, or who has not impugned the same within articles of partnership may execute all acts of
a period of three months from the time he had administration despite the opposition of his partners,
knowledge thereof, complain of such decision. unless he should act in bad faith; and his power is
The designation of losses and profits cannot be irrevocable without just and lawful cause. The vote of
entrusted to one of the partners. (1690) the partners representing the controlling interest shall
be necessary for such revocation of power.
Article 1799 A power granted after the partnership has been
A stipulation which excludes one or more partners from constituted may be revoked any time. (1692a)
any share in the profits or losses is void. (1691)
• 2 Kinds of Managing Partners:
• Lays out the rules in the distribution of profits and losses (1) Appointed DURING the Constitution of the Partnership
• A, B and C are partners with the following capital - May execute all administrative acts unless he acted
contributions, P30,000.00, P20,000.00 and P10,000.00 in bad faith. His power may not be revoked unless
respectively, where C is a capitalist-industrialist partner. For there is a JUST and LAWFUL cause and the vote
one year of their operations, their partnership had earned net of the partners with controlling interest
profits of P17,000.00. How shall these profits be divided - Even if there are objections as to his decisions
among the partners? (C is entitled to receive P2,000.00 out coming from the partners, his authority will prevail
of the entire P17,000.00) UNLESS he has acted in bad faith
(1) In accordance with any existing agreement between the - Acts of administration: ordinary business and
partners as to how they shall share. administrative transactions
(2) If there was no agreement, then the partners shall share - Why can he note be revoked for no reason?
on a pro-rata basis Because if you revoke his power, you are in effect
(3) The industrial partner shall get what is JUST and changing the terms of the contract of partnership.
EQUITABLE in the circumstances. (BONUS TO (2) Appointed AFTER the Constitution of the Partnership
PARTNER) - May have his power revoked with or without cause
- Decided upon by those partners who own
SHARE IN TOTAL
controlling interest in the partnership
PCAPITAL BONUSSHARE IN PROFITS
CONTRIBUTIONRATIODISTRIBUTABLE Article 1801
PROFIT
If two or more partners have been entrusted with the
management of the partnership without specification of
their respective duties, or without stipulation that one of
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 prevail. In case of tie, the matter shall be decided by the
acts of the others, the decision of the majority shall partners owning the controlling interest. (1693a)
shall bind the partnership, without prejudice to
• Assume that A, B, C and D are all managing partners. A the provisions of article 1801.
appoints E as a secretary but B objects to this. Is the (2) None of the partners may, without the consent of
appointment of E valid? the others, make any important alteration in the
Yes since majority votes are first counted by head. If C&D immovable property of the partnership, even if it
were the ones to object, and they owned a combined total of may be useful to the partnership. But if the
51% of partnership interest, then the appointment will not be refusal of consent by the other partners is
valid. However, if B was still the one who objected and he manifestly prejudicial to the interest of the
owns 51% of partnership interest, the appointment will still partnership, the court’s intervention may be
be valid because majority votes are first counted by head. sought. (1695a)
• If the partnership cannot make a decision and ends up in a
tie (head count and interest), then the partnership is to be • If there is no agreement as to who will be the managing
dissolved. This will be the only remedy, unless one of the partners, during constitution and after constitution of the
other partners will relent. partnership, then the assumption shall be that ALL the
partners are managing partners, without prejudice to Article
Article 1802 1801, meaning Article 1801 will then apply to their case.
In case it should have been stipulated that none of • The second paragraph of this article provides that the
the managing partners shall act without the consent of partners cannot simply alter immovable property owned by
the others, the concurrence of all shall be necessary for the partnership without the consent of the other partners
the validity of the acts, and the absence or disability of because this is NOT an act of administration but of
any one of them cannot be alleged, unless there is OWNERSHIP.
imminent danger of grave or irreparable injury to the • Note that consent here is no qualified, so it may be
partnership. (1694) expressed or it may be implied.
• Example:
• This is a case wherein two partners, A and B, stipulate that Suppose A, B, C and D are in a partnership where the
one cannot act without the consent of the other. Thus, there managing partner is not specified and A decides to put up a
must always be concurrence between the two before any warehouse in a piece of land owned by the partnership
transactions may be entered into, the absence of the other’s without consent of other partners because he believes it to
consent shall not be used as an excuse.
be useful and beneficial to the partnership. His partners
• Illustrative Case: come over, once the warehouse is finished, to look at it and
A sold to B, one of the managing partners of Partnership X, did not object to its existence. Was this valid?
the other being C, a certain number of mining claims without Yes, since the partners did not object, then there is IMPLIED
the consent of C. In an action by A to recover the unpaid consent. Since consent was never qualified in the article, it is
balance of the purchase price against Partnership X, C assumed that implied consent is enough.
claims that the contract is not binding upon the partnership Suppose before A builds the warehouse, he asks for the
for the reason that under the articles of partnership, there is consent of the other partners, who refuse to give it. When A
a stipulation that one of the partners cannot bind the firm by tries to convince them and asks why they refuse to give
a written contract without the consent of others. Is the consent, they simply say that they do not want it to be there,
transaction made by B binding upon the partnership? making their objection manifestly prejudicial, meaning, there
According to the Supreme Court, the stipulation applies only is really no reason for their objection, what then, is the
to B and C. A has the right to assume that B was authorized remedy of A in this situation?
to complete the transaction. Therefore, the partnership is A may bring the matter to court. If the court finds the other
liable, and since B violated the terms of contract between partners of having no solid reason to object, it may compel
himself and C, he is required to reimburse C for the amount the other partners to give their consent.
C will be paying A on behalf of the partnership, the reason
being, it would be unfair to C who had no knowledge of B’s Article 1804
transaction to have to pay when he never agreed anyway. Every partner may associate another person with
• The only instance in which a partner may transact without him in his share, but the associate shall not be admitted
concurrence is when there is imminent danger of grave or into the partnership without the consent of all the other
irreparable damage to the partnership if he does not do so. partners, even if the partner having an associate should
However, the party involved must be able to prove so else be a manager. (1696)
he shall become liable for what he has done.
• Example: • Refers to SUBPARTNERSHIP
A and B are in a partnership where they sell fruits, B notices • A, B and C are in a partnership wherein A is the managing
that the fruits in the warehouse are starting to rot so, without partner. A enters into a contract with D that states D will
consent of A, he sells them. receive 50% of A’s share in partnership profits. Can A do this
This will be alright because if the fruits rot, then it would have even without the consent of the other partners?
been bad on the part of the partnership. Yes, because a sub-partnership will not affect the
composition of the partnership and D will not be able to
Article 1803 interfere with the partnership’s management anyway.
When the manner of management has not been • When are you required to share your partnership profits with
agreed upon, the following rules shall be observed: 3rd persons?
(1) All of the partners shall be considered agents When you contract with 3rd persons because perhaps in
and whatever any one of them may do alone some past event you needed money and they provided you
with it, and in your contract, it was agreed upon that you will
share in the partnership profits.
The 3rd person can also opt to receive ALL profits.
• 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 this would change the partnership composition.
• Example:
Article 1805
A and B are partners engaged in the operation of a cinema
The partnership books shall be kept, subject to any
business. The theater was mortgaged to C who foreclosed
agreement between the partners, at the principal place
the mortgaged debt. A, in his own behalf, redeemed the
of business of the partnership, and every partner shall
property with his own private funds. Subsequently, A files a
at any reasonable hour have access to and may inspect
petition for the cancellation of the old title of the partnership
and copy any of them. (n)
and the issuance of a new title in HIS name alone. Did A
become the absolute owner of the property?
• The partnership books shall be kept in the following places,
No, the law says that he will only hold the property as the
in order:
trustee and will be entitled to reimbursement plus interest
(1) In accordance with partnership agreements
from the time he redeemed the property.
(2) If there were no agreements, then the partnership books
shall be kept in the principal place of business of the Article 1808
partnership (ex: headquarters) The capitalist partners cannot engage for their own
• Each partner will have access to ALL partnership books. account in any operation which is of the kind of
• When will the partner be allowed to access the partnership business in any operation which is of the kind of
books? business in which the partnership is engaged, unless
The partner is allowed to access partnership books during there is a stipulation to the contrary.
REASONABLE HOURS OF BUSINESS (8am-5pm), Any capitalist partner violating this prohibition shall
according to the law. The one who is keeping the partnership bring to the common fund any profits accruing to him
books cannot state when it can be inspected. from his transaction, and shall personally bear all the
losses. (n)
Article 1806
Partners shall render on demand true and full • The article is with regards to a capitalist partner engaging in
information of all things affecting the partnership to any other businesses.
partner or legal representative of any deceased partner • Is the capitalist partner allowed to engage in other
or of any partner under legal disability. (n) businesses aside from the one he has with the partnership?
Yes, as long as the business he engages in is something
• The article does not mean that the partners need wait for dissimilar or different from the of the partnership’s.
demands before disclosing information, when they get hold • What will happen if the capitalist partner violates the law
of the information, they should disclose it immediately, regarding his ability to engage in other businesses?
although additional details may be demanded. Then he shall have to bring the profits he gained from the
• If information is not disclosed and it is found out later on, the other business to the partnership and be liable for losses
partner/s who did not disclose such will be held liable for it suffered by the partnership.
and be charged for misrepresentation.
• Why is the capitalist partner not allowed to engage in a
• Suppose A, B and C are in a partnership wherein A is sent to similar line of business?
inspect partnership property in Mindanao. A realizes that the Because he might take advantage of the information in the
property contains oil deposits and does not disclose this partnership or of their clients, resulting in a conflict of interest
information to B and C. He also lies and says that the between himself and the other partners.
property is completely useless for their business and offers
• The capitalist partner can engage in a business similar to the
to buy B and C’s interests in the partnership. When A is the
partnership if there was a stipulation in the contract of
only one holding the business, he develops the land and
partnership and if the business he operates exists in a
gains substantial profits from the oil deposits. B and C later
different area or place.
on learn about the information A kept hidden from them and
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
agreement
Every partner must account to the partnership for
(3) As provided by Article 1807
any benefit, and hold as trustee for it any profits derived
(4) Whenever other circumstances render it just and
by him without the consent of the other partners from
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:
• If the partner gets the property back after ONE year from the (1) When he is wrongfully excluded from the partnership
3rd party involved, then it shall become his as it was a private operations (business and property possession)
transaction, so long as he uses his own funds. (2) If the right exists under their agreement
(3) Under Article 1807
(4) Other circumstances which render it just and
reasonable.
(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 3rd 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
the profits, and of any other money due or to fall due to
• The article defines what the partner’s interest in the him in respect of the partnership, and make all other
partnership is. orders, directions, accounts and inquiries which the
• What is the partner’s interest in the partnership?
debtor partner might have made, or which the The interest charged may be redeemed at any time
circumstances of the case may require. before foreclosure, or in case of a sale being directed by
the court, may be purchased without thereby causing Any stipulation against the liability laid down in the
dissolution: preceding article shall be void, expect as among the
(1) With separate property, by any one or more of partners. (n)
the partners
(2) With partnership property, by any one or more of • As to 3rd persons, ALL partners are liable pro-rata and
the partners with the consent of all the partners subsidiary, but as to each other, they are liable in proportion
whose interests are not so charged or sold to their capital contribution.
Nothing in this Title shall be held to deprive a • Examples:
partner of his right, if any, under the exemption laws, as (1) A, B and C are in a partnership where C is the industrial
regards his interest in the partnership. (n) partner and a sum of P26,000.00 is owed to D. A and B
contributed P15,000.00 and P5,000.00 respectively.
• Refers to a partner who obtained a loan from a 3rd person How shall the debt be shared?
and was unable to repay such. As to D, the partners will share equally in the debt left
• For example, PARTNER A failed to pay CREDITOR C a after exhausting all assets (P6,000.00) so they will each
sum of P50,000.00, so C files against A, knowing that A, have to pay P2,000.00 regardless of C being an
being a partner, will receive his interest. C wins the case but industrial partner. If C is insolvent, or if B died, or if A
A is still unable to pay, so C asks that A’s interest be has left the country, the liability of the partners cannot
attached so that it goes to C and cancels out A’s debt. be increased.
- Done to protect C’s interest As to each other, they are liable in proportion to their
- Attached interest can be redeemed using the property of capital contribution, so B and C will be reimbursed by A.
the partners or the partnership’s property, as long as all (2) A, B, C, D and E are sued in court but E is later cleared
partners consent to this, and are given reimbursement of his charges. The court orders A, B, C and D to pay
from the defaulting partner their creditor, but C moves to reconsider that all should
- Amount charged must e sufficient to pay the loan plus be charged, but this move was denied. Can A, B, C and
legal interest D alone be liable for the debt?
According to the Supreme Court, the 4 partners cannot
SECTION 3 – Obligations of the Partners as to 3rd Persons alone be liable for the debt because in excluding E, they
have increased the other partners’ liability and this is
Article 1815 prohibited by the law. The law states that the liability of
Every partnership shall operate under a firm name, the partners cannot be increased such that they
which may or may not include the name of one or more shoulder the liability of another partner.
of the partners. (3) What if there was an agreement that stated B is only
Those who, not being members of the partnership, liable up to P5,000.00? How will A, B and C share in
include their names in the firm name, shall be subject to their liability?
the liability of a partner. (n) The stipulation shall be void as to 3 rd persons, so they
will still share pro-rata. Anyway, B and C will be
• Firm names are required for partnerships because they are reimbursed by A, because as among themselves, the
juridical persons in need of separate names so that they are stipulation is valid and C is an industrial partner.
distinguishable from the partners and other partnerships.
The name can come from any of the partners or 3rd persons. Article 1818
• If a 3rd person’s name is used with his consent, then he shall Every partner is an agent of the partnership for the
be liable as a partner without the rights of a partner because purpose of its business, and the act of every partner,
the partnership uses his name. including the execution in the partnership name of any
• Partnership name must be registered with the (DTI) instrument, for apparently carrying on in the usual way
DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDSUTRY because if the business of the partnership of which he is a member
there was already such an existing name, there might be binds the partnership, unless the partner so acting has
cases of duplication. in fact no authority to act for the partnership in the
• You cannot choose the name of a deceased partner as his particular matter, and the person with whom he is
death caused the partnership’s dissolution. dealing has no knowledge of the fact that he has no
• Sample General and Limited Partnership Names: such authority.
(1) GENERAL – A & Company An act of a partner which is not apparently for the
(2) LIMITED – A, Ltd. carrying on of business of the partnership in the usual
way does not bind the partnership unless authorized by
Article 1816 the other partners.
All partners, including industrial ones, shall be Except when authorized by the other partners or
liable pro-rata with all their property and after all the unless they have abandoned the business, one or more
partnership assets have been exhausted, for the but less than all the partners have no authority to:
contracts which may be entered into in the name and for (1) Assign the partnership property in trust for
the account of the partnership under its signature and creditors or o the assignee’s promise to pay the
by a person authorized to act for the partnership. debts of the partnership
However, any partner may enter into a separate (2) Dispose of the goodwill of the business
obligation to perform a partnership contract. (n) (3) Do any other act which would make impossible
to carry on the ordinary business of a
Article 1817 partnership
(4) Confess a judgment
(5) Enter into a compromise concerning a
partnership claim or liability
(6) Submit a partnership claim or liability to
arbitration
(7) Renounce a claim of the partnership on authority shall bind the partnership to persons having
No act of a partner in contravention of a restriction knowledge of the restriction. (n)
(4) Land title belongs to one or more or all of the partners or
• Qualifies the authority of partners. a 3rd person in trust for the partnership.
• Authority must be in the usual course of business. Only the equitable title will pass to D if the seller had no
• Transactions beyond a partner’s authority is binding if it is in authority to sell such to D.
the usual course of business because the 3 rd person is (5) A, B and C ALL sell the land to D, with the land title
assumed to have no knowledge of his lack of authority. belonging to ALL of them.
• When are transactions not binding? Title passes to D because ALL partners sell to him.
(1) When a transaction is not in the usual course of
business and has no consent from all other partners Article 1820
(2) When the 3rd person had knowledge of the lack of An admission or representation made by any
authority of the acting partner partner concerning the partnership affairs within the
scope of his authority in accordance with this Title is
Article 1819 evidence against the partnership. (n)
Where title to real property is in the partnership
name, any partner may convey title to such property by • Anything a partner says or admits, as long as it is concerning
a conveyance executed in the partnership name; but the the partnership affairs and it is within the scope of his
partnership may recover such property unless the authority, is sufficient evidence against the partnership.
partner’s act binds the partnership under the provisions • This article is a rule of evidence
of Article 1818, or unless such property has been • In order that admission/representation made can be used as
conveyed by the grantee or a person claiming through evidence, the existence of the partnership must be
such grantee to a holder for value without knowledge established and proved first.
that the partner, in making the conveyance, has • Example:
exceeded his authority. (1) Partner A borrows money from the bank and declares
Where title to real property is in the name of the that the money borrowed is for the partnership.
partnership, a conveyance executed by a partner, in his This statement, made by A, is enough evidence against
own name, passes the equitable interest of the the partnership and the bank may use this in case the
partnership, provided the act is one within the authority partnership does not pay back the money borrowed.
of the partner under the provisions of Article 1818. (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 one or debtor already paid his obligation to the partnership. Is
more but not all the partners, and the record does not this enough evidence against the partnership?
disclose the right of the partnership, the partners in YES, since it concerns partnership affairs and the
whose name the title stands may convey title to such partner has authority to say so.
property, but the partnership may recover such property
if the partner’s act does not bind the partnership under Article 1821
Article 1818, unless the purchaser of his assignee, is a Notice to any partner of any matter relating to
holder for value without knowledge. partnership affairs, and the knowledge of the partner
Where title to real property is in the name of one or acting in the particular matter, acquired while a partner
more or all partners, or in a 3trd person in trust for the or then present to his mind, and the knowledge of any
partnership, a conveyance executed by a partner in the other partner who reasonably could and should have
partnership name, or in his name, passes the equitable communicated it to the acting partner, operate his
interest of the partnership, provided the act is one notice to or knowledge of the partnership, except in the
within the authority of the partner under Article 1818. case of a fraud on the partnership, committed by or with
Where title to real property is in the names of all the the consent of that partner. (n)
partners a conveyance executed by all the partners
passes all their rights in such property. (n) • IN SHORT, notice to ANY of the partners is notice to the
partnership. (You don't have to notify EVERY partner in
• Refers to the conveyance of immovable property relation to partnership affairs).
• Suppose A, B and C are partners engaged in the buying and • Knowledge of a partner acting in a particular manner
selling of property, and the following situations occur: (meaning the partner is a managing partner), or knowledge
(1) A, without authority, sells land to D in the partnership’s of any partner who SHOULD HAVE communicated it to the
name but D immediately sells it to E. The land title was managing partner, is knowledge to the partnership.
originally under the partnership’s name. Can the • This is so EVEN IF the non-managerial partner does not
partnership recover the land? communicate the information he knows regarding
Title passes to D, then to E. The partnership cannot partnership affairs. The partner SHOULD have
recover the land once it has transferred to E but if the communicated this. Non knowledge by other partners is not
land was still with D, they could have recovered it if the a reason to evade from obligations.
contract was not binding . • If notice is delivered to a partner, that is an effective
(2) What if A sells the property under his name? communication to the partnership, notwithstanding the failure
Only the equitable title passes to D. of the partner to communicate such notice or knowledge to
(3) What if A sells the property and the land title is the other partners.
registered under his name? • Example:
Title passes to D because land is registered under the (1) A, B, and C are partners where B is the managing
partner’s names. This will hold true if A, B and C are co- partner. D, a 3rd person, filed a case against the
owners of the land, even if only A sold it to D. partners AND the partnership for some unknown
reason. Does D need to notify all of them?
If this is done, D just needs to notify either A, B, or C,
but doesn't have to notify ALL OF THEM (imagine if
there are 100 partners, it would be burdensome and
costly to notify all 100). So if A is notified about the
case, that is considered by D as notice to EVERYONE communicate this to all partners).
even if A is not a managerial partner (since A should (2) Suppose D wants to sell a piece of land to the
partnership and notifies B (the managing partner) about (a) A, B, and C are partners. A made an act of
it, but warns him that the land is under litigation and omission with D as the victim. He caused
there is a possibility of the land to be claimed by E. B P50,000 worth of injury to D. What can D do?
took the risk and purchased the land. Later on, E still D can go to A for the full amount of P50,000
claimed the land. Can the partners reclaim this? OR FROM B OR C.
Even though ALL partners were not informed about the (b) Can D go to B for the whole e P50,000 since B
litigation, the partnership cannot get the land anymore is the richest among the partners?
since B was informed about it. Notice to B, the acting This is allowable since the partners have a
partner, is already notice to the partnership. solidary obligation through A’s act of omission.
(3) Suppose before B became a partner, D was able to talk B will be entitled for reimbursement from the
to him about the piece of land under litigation. Later on, one responsible, A.
B became a managing partner and purchased the land - Any one of A, B, OR C, or all partners including the
D told him about a long time ago. E won the litigation partnership can pay without prejudice to the rights
and was able to claim the land. Can the partnership of partners to get reimbursement from the one
reclaim the land? responsible for the crime
The partnership cannot get it anymore. Even if D was (2) A partner, within the scope of his authority, receives
not informed WHILE he was a partner, the information money or property from a third person and misapplies it.
was still present in his mind. The issue here would be: If - Example:
B can still recall the conversation he had with D before A partnership is engaged in a pawnshop business.
he became a managing partner. D, a 3rd person, pawned his watch to A and A sells
(4) Suppose D informed C (who is not a managing partner) it. Who is liable for the watch?
about the land under litigation. Later on, D sold the land All partners are solidarily liable to D since A
to B, the managing partner, without informing him that misapplies the watch received from D.
the land was under litigation (take note: the information (3) The partnership, in its ordinary course of business,
was given to C). Is notice to C, a notice to B? receives money or property from a 3rd person and a
YES, because C should have communicated the partner misapplies it while in the custody of the
information. partnership.
• In cases (2), (3) and (4), the partnership can't file action - Example:
for damages against D since the "partnership had The partnership is engaged in a pawnshop
knowledge" about the litigation but the partners still took business where it received a watch from D to be
the risk of buying the land. pawned. The watch is placed in the partnership
VAULT. B, a partner, gets the watch from the vault
Article 1822 and sells it. Who is liable for the watch?
Where, by any wrongful act or omission of any All partners are solidarily liable.
partner acting in the ordinary course of the business of
the partnership or with the authority of his co-partner, Article 1825
loss or injury is caused to any person, not being a When a person, by words spoken or written or by
partner in the partnership, or any penalty is incurred, the conduct, represents himself, or consents to another
partnership is liable therefore to the same extent as the representing him to anyone, as a partner in an existing
partner so acting or omitting to act. (n) partnership or with one or more persons not actual
partners, he is liable to any such persons to whom such
Article 1823 representation has been made, who has, on the faith of
The partnership is bound to make good the loss: such representation, given credit to the actual or
(1) Where one partner acting within the scope of his apparent partnership, and if he has made such
apparent authority receives money or property of representation or consented to its being made in a
a third person and misapplies it; and public manner he is liable to such person, whether the
(2) Where the partnership in the course of its representation has or has not been made or
business receives money or property of a third communicated to such person so giving credit by or
person and the money or property so received is with the knowledge of the apparent partner making the
misapplied by any partner while it is in the representation or consent to its being made:
custody of the partnership. (n) (1) When a partnership liability results, he is liable
as though he were an actual member of the
Article 1824 partnership;
All partners are liable solidarily with the partnership (2) When no partnership liability results, he is liable
for everything chargeable to the partnership under pro rata with the other persons, if any, so
Articles 1822 and 1823. (n) consenting to the contract or representation as
to incur liability, otherwise separately.
• In the following cases, obligation is not pro-rata or equal, but When a person has been thus represented to be a
a solidary obligation. Any partner MAY pay for the obligation partner in an existing partnership, or with one or more
(Unlike in article 1816, each partner should only pay for their persons not actual partners, he is an agent of the
SHARE): persons consenting to such representation to bind them
(1) When by an unlawful act or omission, loss or injury is to the same extent and in the same manner as though
caused to 3rd person. he were a partner in fact, with respect to persons who
- Example: rely upon the representation. When all the members of
the existing partnership consent to the representation, a
partnership act or obligation results; but in all other
cases it is the joint act or obligation of the person acting
and the persons consenting to the representation. (n)
• 2 things being mentioned: misrepresent themselves together with a 3rd person.
(1) PARTNERSHIP by estoppels - EXAMPLE:
- There is an existing partnership, and partners (a) Suppose there is a partnership, X, with partners
A, B, and C. D told E that he is a partner of A,
• Personal creditors of partners have BETTER RIGHT than a
B, and C. E verified from the actual partners of
partnership creditor with regards to PERSONAL PROPERTY
X partnership if D is really a partner, A, B, and of the partner.
C consented. E entered in a contract with D,
• EXAMPLE:
believing he was a partner. This is partnership
(1) A, B, and C are partners. A OWES E P6,000.00. The
by estoppels since A, B, and C verified D as a
PARTNERSHIP OWES D P28,000.00. The total
partner. In this case, E can go after A, B, and
partnership assets amount to P40,000.00. Who has
C.
better right to the partnership property?
(b) Suppose only A and B consented, is there a
In this case, D, the partnership creditor, has a better
partnership by estoppels?
right to the partnership property. When obligation to D
There will be no partnership by estoppels since
is paid, what will be left for the partners to share is
only A and B, not all partners, consented to D’s
P4,000.00. If E, the personal creditor of A, demands
misrepresentation.
to be paid out of partnership property, he will only get
(2) PARTNERS by estoppels
P4,000.00 from it since the priority is the partnership
- 2 or more persons pretend to be partners in the
creditor. The P2,000.00 will be paid out from A’s
eyes of 3rd persons.
personal property.
- Example:
(2) If total partnership assets is only P28,000.00, and the
A, B, AND C said they were partners to D and
liability of the partnership is P40,000,, how shall the
entered in a contract with the “partners”. When it
debt be paid?
was time for them to pay D for their obligation, they
A, B, and C will have to pay E P6,000.00 each.
cannot for the reason that they are not partners.
(3) If A only had P6,000.00 of personal property, who will
What is their obligation to D?
have the better right to this?
Their obligation to D will be pro rata, as if they were
A’s priority is his personal creditor, E. So D cannot
partners (since they are partners by estoppels)
collect A’s share of P4,000.00. D cannot, also,
increase the obligation of the other partners to be able
Article 1826
to collect their debt.
A person admitted as a partner into an existing
partnership is liable for all the obligation of the Chapter 3 – Dissolution and Winding Up
partnership arising before his admission as though he
had been a partner when such obligation were incurred, Article 1828
except that this liability shall be satisfied only out of
The dissolution of a partnership is the change in the
partnership property, unless there is a stipulation to the relation of partners caused by any partner ceasing to be
contrary. (n) associated in the carrying on as distinguished from the
winding up of business. (n)
• A new partner admitted to an existing partnership is also
liable to the obligations existing before he was admitted, but Article 1829
his liability only extends to his contribution to the partnership On dissolution, the partnership is not terminated,
UNLESS stipulated.
but continues until the winding up of partnership affairs
• A new partner is liable to his separate property when the is completed. (n)
obligation was incurred when he was already a partner.
• Example Article 1830
A, B, and C are the original partners of the partnership X Dissolution is caused:
with contributions of P10,000.00 each. X partnership owes (1) Without violation of the agreement between the
D P40,000.00. Later on, E entered the partnership and partners:
contributed P4,000.00. How shall the debt be paid? (2) In contravention of the agreement between the
P34,000.00 will be paid to D out of the partnership assets, partners, where the circumstances do not
and the P6,000 will be paid through A, B, and C’s personal permit a dissolution under any other provision
assets. The P6,000.00 will be divided among the 3 original of this article, by the express will of any partner
partners pro rata. at any time;
(3) By any event which makes it unlawful for the
Article 1827 business of the partnership to be carried on or
The creditors of the partnership shall be preferred the members to carry it on in partnership;
to those of each partner as regards the partnership (4) When a specific thing, which a partner had
property. Without prejudice to this right, the private promised to contribute to the partnership,
creditors of each partner may ask for the attachment perishes before the delivery; in any case by the
and public sale of the share of the latter in the loss of the thing, when the partner who
partnership assets. (n) contributed it having reserved the ownership
thereof, has only transferred to the partnership
• Partnership creditors have BETTER RIGHTS to partner the use or enjoyment of the same; but the
obligation WITH REGARD TO PARTNERSHIP PROPERTY. partnership shall not be dissolved by the loss of
the thing when it occurs after the partnership
has acquire the ownership thereof;
(5) By the death of any partner;
(6) By the insolvency of any partner or of the
partnership
(7) By the civil interdiction of any partner;
(8) By degree of court under the following article.
(1700a and 1701a)
• Dissolution is usually caused by change a change of relation undertaken
between partners. • Upon dissolution, partnership continues until winding up and
• If there is dissolution, no new partnership business may be liquidation is completed.
• CAUSES OF DISSOLUTION: (1) After the termination of the specific term or
(1) WITHOUT VIOLATION OF AGREEMENT particular undertaking
(a) Termination/expiration of term or specific (2) At any time the partnership was a partnership at
undertaking will when the interest was assigned or when the
(b) Upon express will of any partner if there is no term charging order was issued. (n)
or specific undertaking AS LONG AS PARTERS
ACT IN GOOD FAITH. • When can a partnership be dissolved judicially?
(c) Upon the will of the partners whose interest is not (1) When a partner is DECLARED insane
assigned or charged. (2) When he becomes incapable of performing his part in
- Example:
the partnership
A sold his interest to E, and B’s interest is (3) Misconduct of a partner prejudicially to the business
charged to F because he borrowed P50,000 (4) Persistent breach of partnership agreement
from him. C and D are the only ones who can (5) The business can only be carried out on a loss
ask for dissolution since their interest is not (6) Other circumstances:
assigned or charged. (a) Abandonment of the business
(d) Expulsion bona fide of a partner (a partner is (b) Fraud
expelled in good faith in accordance with (c) Refusal to render an accounting
agreement. (7) On application of 3rd parties’ (who purchased or have
(e) Expulsion has the effect of decreasing the # of charged a partner’s interest) right as per Articles 1813
partners. and 1814
(2) IN VIOLATION OF THE AGREEMENT
- Example: Article 1832
A, B, and C agreed that the term of their Except so far as may be necessary to wind up
partnership is only until Dec. 31, 2011. A goes to partnership affairs or to complete transactions begun
premature resignation (resigns early from but not then finished, dissolution terminates all
partnership). No one can prevent A from resigning, authority of any partner to act of the partnership:
but the partners can ask for damages for not (1) With respect to the partners
staying with the agreement. (a) When the dissolution is not by the act,
(3) When it becomes unlawful for a partnership to carry on insolvency or death of a partner
the business or partner to carry on his role (b) When the dissolution is by such act,
(4) When specific thing is contributed, and before deliver, it insolvency or death of a partner, in cases
is lost. where Article 1833 so requires
- If it is lost after delivery, partnership is not (2) With respect to persons not partners, as
dissolved. declared in Article 1834
- If use is contributed, it is lost before or after delivery
(it doesn’t matter when it was lost), partnership is • General Rule:
dissolved.
When partnerships are dissolved, partners cannot engage in
- If what is to be contributed is generic, and it is lost,
new business transactions because their authority to do so
there is no dissolution.
terminates upon the occurrence of dissolution.
• 2 Cases with are Contrary to the General Rule:
Article 1831
(1) During the WINDING UP of Business
On application by or for a partner, the court shall
- Transactions relating to the winding up of business
decree dissolution whenever:
such as the liquidation of partnership assets can be
(1) A partner has been declared insane in any
entered into because the partners’ authorities to do
judicial proceeding or is shown to be of unsound
so shall continue.
mind;
(2) To complete unfinished transactions during dissolution
(2) A partner becomes in any other way incapable of
- Example:
performing his part of the partnership contract;
A and B are in a partnership where they have
(3) A partner has been guilty of such conduct as
contracted with C to deliver goods in two
tends to affect prejudicially the carrying on of the
installments. B resigns after the first delivery is
business;
made, thus dissolving the partnership. Can A and B
(4) A partner willfully or persistently commits
cease to continue with their obligation?
breach of the partnership agreement, or
NO. A and B must continue on with their obligation
otherwise so conducts himself in matters
to complete unfinished transactions.
relating to the partnership business that it is not
• If dissolution is not by an act, insolvency or death, the
reasonably practicable to carry on the business
authority of partners as among themselves is terminated.
in partnership with him;
- Example:
(5) The business of the partnership can only be
A partnership was dissolved due to the expiration of the
carried on at a loss
term. If C transacts with D after this and he defaults, he
(6) Other circumstances that will render dissolution
will be the only one liable AS TO THE PARTNERS. If A
equitable
& B are to pay D, C shall reimburse them.
On the application of the purchaser of a partner’s
interest under Article 1813 or 1814:
Article 1833
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
partner acting for the partnership as if the partnership
had not been dissolved unless:
(1) The dissolution being by act of any partner, the (2) The dissolution being by death or insolvency of a
partner acting for the partnership had partner, the partner acting for the partnership
knowledge of the dissolution had knowledge or notice of the death or
insolvency act is appropriate for winding up partnership
affairs; or
• If dissolution is caused by an act, insolvency or death, then (2) Where the partner has become insolvent; or
each partner shall share in the liability of the partnership due (3) Where the partner had no authority to wind up
to the actions of a partner, unless he had knowledge of an partnership affairs; except by a transaction with
act, insolvency or death, or notice of the insolvency or death. one who –
• Example: (a) Had extended credit to the partnership prior
(1) B told A that he is resigning TODAY. The partnership is to dissolution and had no knowledge or
thus dissolved. Should A enter into a contract with D, notice of his want of authority; or
who shall be liable? (b) Had not extended credit to the partnership
As among themselves, only A because he had prior to dissolution, and, having no
knowledge of B’s resignation, thus knowing that they are knowledge or notice of his want of
no longer in a partnership. authority, the fact of his want of authority
(2) If B texts his resignation to A because A is in Mindanao has not been advertised in the manner
and A contracts with D, was his authority terminated provided for advertising the fact of
when the text arrived? dissolution in the first paragraph, No. 2 (b).
No, A’s authority was not terminated as he has only Nothing in this article shall affect the liability under
received a NOTICE. Mere notice cannot terminate the article 1825 of any person who after dissolution
authority of partners because the grounds are BY AN represents himself or consents to another representing
ACT, and because of this it should be PERSONALLY him as a partner in a partnership engaged in carrying on
KNOWN by the acting partner. business (n)
(3) If C texts A that B had died, does their authority
terminate once A gets the text message? • Partners may still bind the partnership to transactions even
Their authority is terminated because in this case, the after dissolution if the transactions are with respect to the
cause of dissolution is death. Mere notice is sufficient to winding up or the completion of unfinished transactions.
terminate authority if the grounds are due to the • The transaction will be binding if:
insolvency or to the death of a partner. (1) Credit was extended without knowledge of the
dissolution before the dissolution
Article 1834 (2) No credit was extended but there was knowledge of the
After dissolution, a partner can bind the partnership’s existence and none of the dissolution
partnership, except as provided in the third paragraph of • The partnership is required to have the dissolution be
this article: announced in general circulation newspapers of the place of
(1) By an act appropriate for winding up operations. As long as they do this, then it is sufficient notice
partnership affairs or completing transactions to all third persons. (If you don’t read broadsheets, that’s
unfinished at dissolution your fault, not the partnership’s)
(2) By any transaction which would bind the • Liabilities shall be satisfied out of partnership assets alone if
partnership is dissolution had not taken place, the partner being dealt with is a DORMANT partner.
provided the other party to the transaction: • Upon dissolution, the partnership is no longer bound by
(a) Had extended credit to the partnership prior transactions :
to dissolution and had no knowledge or (1) When it becomes unlawful to carry on the business
notice of the dissolution; or (2) Insolvency of a partner
(b) Though he had not so extended credit, had (3) Unauthorized winding up, except when
nevertheless known of the partnership prior (a) Credit was extended and there was no knowledge
to dissolution, and, having no knowledge or of the lack of authority
notice of dissolution, the fact of dissolution (b) No credit was extended and there was no
had not been advertised in a newspaper of knowledge of the dissolution because there was no
general circulation in the place (or in each advertisement of such
place if more than one) at which the • In the case wherein “A” still represents himself as a partner
partnership was regularly carried on. even if the partnership has already been dissolved, then he
The liability of a partner under the first paragraph, is a PARTNER BY ESTOPPEL.
No. 2, shall be satisfied out of partnership assets alone
when such partner had been prior to dissolution: Article 1835
(1) Unknown as a partner to the person with whom The dissolution of the partnership does not of itself
the contract is made; and discharge the existing liability of any partner.
(2) So far unknown and inactive in partnership A partner is discharged from any existing liability
affairs that the business reputation of the upon dissolution of the partnership by an agreement to
partnership could not be said to have been in that effect between himself, the partnership creditor and
any degree due to his connection with it the person or partnership continuing the business; and
The partnership is in no case bound by any act of a such agreement may be inferred from the course of
partner after dissolution: dealing between the creditor having knowledge of the
(1) Where the partnership is dissolved because it is dissolution and the person or partnership continuing
unlawful to carry on the business, unless the the business.
The individual property of a deceased partner shall
be liable for all obligations of the partnership incurred
while he was a partner, but subject to the prior payment
of his separate debts. (n)

• Dissolution does not discharge the partnership and/or the


partners from existing liabilities
• EXAMPLE: D a sum of P 26,000.00. Total partnership assets equate to a
Suppose A, B and C are in a partnership (X & Co.) and owe sum of P 20,000.00.
(1) What if C dies and his total assets are worth P2,000.00? manner indemnify him against all present or
The law says that C’s individual property shall be used future partnership liabilities.
to clear his liabilities when he was still alive. In all cases, (3) A partner who has caused the dissolution
the PERSONAL CREDITOR has priority. wrongfully shall have:
(2) What if A resigns? Can he ask to be discharged from his (a) If the business is not continued under the
obligation to pay D? provisions of the second paragraph, No. 2,
A can only be discharged from his obligation to pay D all the rights of a partner under the first
the sum of P2,000.00 if it was agreed upon by all paragraph, subject to liability for damages
concerned parties. Agreement can be EXPRESSED or in the second paragraph, No. 1 (b), of this
IMPLIED, based on our interpretation of the law. article.
(b) If the business is continued under the
Article 1836
second paragraph, No. 2, of this article, the
Unless otherwise agreed, the partners who have not
right as against his co-partners and all
wrongfully dissolved the partnership or the legal
claiming through them in respect of their
representative of the last surviving partner, not
interests in the partnership, to have the
insolvent, has the right to wind up the partnership
value of his interest in the partnership, less
affairs, provided, however, that any partner, his legal
any damage caused to his co-partners by
representative or his assignee, upon cause shown, may
the dissolution ascertained and paid to him
obtain winding up by the court. (n)
in cash, or the payment secured by a bond
approved by the court, and to be released
• Who can wind up partnership affairs? from all existing liabilities of the
(1) Whoever is so assigned by the agreement partnership; but in ascertaining the value of
(2) Partners who did not wrongfully cause the dissolution the partner’s interest the value of the
(3) Legal representatives of the last surviving partner (who goodwill of the business shall not be
is not insolvent) considered. (n)
(4) The court in a judicial winding up of partnership affairs.
• Suppose there is a situation wherein A, B and C are in a
Article 1837
partnership, X & Co., with total assets of P 26,000.00 and
When dissolution is caused in any way, except in liabilities to D amounting to P 20,000.00. If the partnership is
contravention of the partnership agreement, each dissolved WITHOUT VIOLATION OF ANY AGREEMENTS,
partner, as against his co-partners and all persons naturally, the liability will be cleared because the partnership
claiming through them in respect of their interests in the assets are more than enough, and the surplus will be given
partnership, unless otherwise agreed, may have the to each of the partners in proportion to their interest in the
partnership property applied to discharge its liabilities, partnership or as per their agreement.
and the surplus applied to pay in cash the net amount • What if the partnership was dissolved due to EXPULSION?
owing to the respective partners. But if dissolution is Suppose that A was the one expelled from the partnership,
caused by expulsion of a partner, bona fide under the then he can only get a share in the NET PROCEEDS of the
partnership agreement and if the expelled partner is surplus that would have originally been his.
discharged from all partnership liabilities, either by • What if the partnership was dissolved due to VIOLATION
payment or agreement under the second paragraph of OF AGREEMENTS?
Article 1835, He shall receive in cash only the net Determine the rights of the INNOCENT and GUILTY parties.
amount due him from the partnership. Suppose that in this situation, A was the one guilty of
When dissolution is caused in contravention of the violating an agreement. Then B and C will be allowed the
partnership agreement the rights of the partners shall be following rights:
as follows: (1) Apply partnership assets to partnership liabilities and
(1) Each partner who has not caused dissolution distribute the cash surplus amongst themselves.
wrongfully shall have: (2) To be indemnified for the damages that A has caused.
(a) All the rights specified in the first (3) To continue the business up to the agreed term.
paragraph of this article, and (4) To possess partnership property.
(b) The right, as against each partner who While A will have the following rights:
caused the dissolution wrongfully to (1) Partners decide not to continue the business
damages for breach of the agreement (a) Right to claim his share in the cash surplus, but
(2) The partners who have not caused the only the net proceeds of such meaning, the cash
dissolution wrongfully, if they all desire to surplus less damages.
continue the business in the same name either (2) Continue the business
by themselves or jointly with others, may do so, (a) Ascertain his interest in the business.
during the agreed term for the partnership and (b) Freedom from existing and future liabilities of the
for that purpose may possess the partnership partnership.
property, provided they secure the payment by
bond approved by the court, or pay to any Article 1838
partner who has caused the dissolution Where a partnership contract is rescinded on the
wrongfully, the value of his interest in the ground of the fraud or misrepresentation of one of the
partnership at the dissolution, less any parties thereto, the party entitled to rescind is, without
damages recoverable under the second prejudice to any other right, entitled:
paragraph, No. 1 (b) of this article, and in like (1) To a lien on, or right of retention of, the surplus
of the partnership property after satisfying the
partnership liabilities to third persons for any
sum of money paid by him for the purchase of
an interest in the partnership and for any capital have been satisfied, in the place of the creditors
or advances contributed by him; of the partnership for any payments made by him
(2) To stand, after all liabilities to third persons in respect of the partnership liabilities; and
(3) To be indemnified by the person guilty of the (b) Those owing to partnership creditors
fraud or making the representation against all (c) Those owing to partners by way of
debts and liabilities of the partnership. (n) contribution (n)

• Considers a case wherein a partner was induced to join the • Considers the case of liquidation and the distribution of
partnership by means of fraud or misrepresentation partnership assets
• The victim can ask for the recision or restitution of the • Liquidation is when all the assets of the partnership is
contract of partnership (return of all his contributions) converted to cash.
• He has the right to the surplus for certain purposes • Total assets will include GOODWILL as well as the original
• He has the rights of a 3rd person or a subrogated creditor CONTRIBUTIONS of the partners.
after the liabilities have already been paid to recollect what • Order of payment during liquidation:
he paid when he entered into the partnership. (1) 3rd persons/outside creditors
• He is entitled to be indemnified for all debts and liabilities (2) Partner creditors (partners who have claims)
that he paid for during his time in the partnership. (3) Normal partners (all partners)
(a) In accordance with the agreement
Article 1839 (b) In proportion to their contribution
In settling accounts between the partners after
dissolution, the following rules shall be observed, Article 1840
subject to any agreement to the contrary: In the following cases, creditors of the dissolved
(1) The assets of the partnership are: partnership are also creditors of the person or
(a) The partnership property partnership continuing the business:
(b) The contributions of the partners necessary (1) When any new partner is admitted into an
for the payment of all the liabilities existing partnership, or when any partner
specified in No. 2 retires and assigns (or the representative of the
(2) The liabilities of the partnership shall rank in deceased partner assigns) his rights in
order of payment, as follows: partnership property to two or more of the
(a) Those owing to creditors other than partners, or to one or more of the partners and
partners one or more third persons, if the business is
(b) Those owing to partners other than for continued without liquidation of the partnership
capital and profits affairs;
(c) Those owing to partners in respect of (2) When all but one partner retire and assign (or
capital the representative of a deceased partner
(d) Those owing to partners in respect of assigns) their rights in partnership property to
profits the remaining partner, who continues the
(3) The assets shall be applied in the order of their business without liquidation of partnership
declaration in No. 1 of this article to the affairs, either alone or with others;
satisfaction of the liabilities (3) When any partner retires or dies and the
(4) The partners shall contribute, as provided by business of the dissolved partnership is
Article 1797, the amount necessary to satisfy continued as set forth in Nos. 1 and 2 of this
the liabilities article, with the consent of the retired partner or
(5) An assignee for the benefit of the cr4editor or the representative of the deceased partner, but
any person appointed by the court shall have without any assignment of his right in
the right to enforce the contributions specified partnership property;
in the preceding number. (4) When all the partners or their representatives
(6) Any partner or his legal representative shall assign their rights in partnership property to
have the right to enforce the contributions one or more third persons who promise to pay
specified in No. 4, to the extent of the amount the debts and who continue the business of the
which he has paid in excess of his share of the dissolved partnership;
liability. (5) When any partner wrongfully causes a
(7) The individual property of a deceased partner dissolution and the remaining partners continue
shall be liable for the contributions specified in the business under the provisions of Article
No. 4 1837, second paragraph, No. 2, either alone or
(8) When partnership property and the individual with others, and without liquidation of the
properties of the partners are in possession of a partnership affairs;
court for distribution, partnership creditors (6) When a partner is expelled and the remaining
shall have priority on partnership property and partners continue the business either alone or
separate creditors on individual property, with others without liquidation of the
saving the rights of lien or secured creditors partnership affairs.
(9) Where a partner has become insolvent or his The liability of a third person becoming a partner in
estate is insolvent, the claims against his the partnership continuing the business, under this
separate property shall rank in the following article, to the creditors of the dissolved partnership
order: shall be satisfied out of the partnership property only,
(a) Those owing to separate creditors unless there is a stipulation to the contrary.
When the business of a partnership after
dissolution is continued under any conditions set forth
in this article, the creditors of the dissolved partnership,
as against the separate creditors of the retiring or
deceased partner or the representative of the deceased
partner, have a prior right to any claim of the retired
partner or the representative of the deceased partner business, on account of the retired or deceased partner’s
against the person or partnership continuing the interest in the dissolved partnership or on account of any
consideration promised for such interest or for his right
in partnership property. • Who can demand to know how much his interest is in the
Nothing in this article shall be held to modify any partnership and from whom?
right of creditors to set aside any assignment on the All involved parties can demand to know how much his
ground of fraud. interest is. He can demand to know these from the
The use by the person or partnership continuing the SURVIVING, CONTINUING and WINDING UP partners.
business of the partnership name, or the name of a
deceased partner as part thereof, shall not of itself make CHAPTER 4 – LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
the individual property of the deceased partner liable for
any debts contracted by such person or partnership. (n) Article 1843
A limited partnership is one formed by two or more
• Explains the rights of the creditor in case of partnership persons under the provisions of the following article,
dissolution because of membership changes and the having as members one or more general partners and
business is continued without liquidation. one or more limited partners. The limited partners as
• The membership changes include RETIREMENT, such shall not be bound by the obligations of the
EXPULSION, DEATH or ADDITION. partnership.
• Note that the creditor of the OLD partnership will still be the
creditor of the NEW partnership if there is still an old • Defines what a limited partnership is.
partner/original partner with the NEW partnership. (debt will • It is sufficient that there is 1 general and 1 limited partner in
not be cleared or discharged) a limited partnership.
• The creditor will continue to be the creditor of the • The reason for the existence of a limited partnership is to
remaining/new partnership in all cases except when: address the needs of all those who wish to join a partnership
(1) Rights are assigned to other people (no old partners) without the risk of losing any personal property.
(2) Unless there is a promise to pay debt from the new • Characteristics:
partners or if the creditor can set aside the right of the (1) Comply with the statutory requirements of Article 1824
new partners on the ground of fraud. (2) General partners control the partnership and are
personally liable for partnership debts.
Article 1841 (3) Limited partners contribute capital and are not liable
When any partner retires or dies, and the business personally for partnership debts.
is continued under any of the conditions set forth in the
preceding article, or in Article 1837, second paragraph, Article 1844
No. 2, without any settlement of accounts as between Two or more persons desiring to form a limited
him or his estate and the person or partnership partnership shall:
continuing the business, unless otherwise agreed, he or (1) Sign and swear to a certificate, which shall state
his legal representative as against such person or (a) The name of the partnership, adding thereto
partnership may have the value of his interest at the the word “Limited”
date of dissolution ascertained, and shall receive as an (b) The character of the business
ordinary creditor an amount equal to the value of his (c) The location of the principal place of
interest in the dissolved partnership with interest, or, at business
his option or at the option of his legal representative, in (d) The name and place of residence of each
lieu of interest, the profits attributable to the use of his member, general and limited partners being
right in the property of the dissolved partnership; respectively designated
provided that the creditors of the dissolved partnership (e) The term for which the partnership is to
as against the separate creditors, or the representative exist
of the retired or deceased partner, shall have priority on (f) The amount of cash and a description of
any claim arising under this article, providing by Article and the agreed value of the other property
1840, third paragraph. (n) contributed by each limited partner
(g) The additional contributions, if any, to be
• Suppose that A retires but B and C continue the business made by each limited partner and the times
without liquidation. What are the rights of A? at which or events on the happening of
The rights of A are as follows: which they shall be made
(1) That his interest be ascertained as of dissolution date (h) The time, if agreed upon, when the
(2) Collect his interest in the partnership plus interest or contribution of each limited partner is to be
profits by the use of his right to these as a creditor returned
If A dies, and the same situation occurs (he did not retire), (i) The share of the profits or the other
then his legal representatives have the same rights as compensation by way of income which
mentioned above. each limited partner shall receive by reason
of his contribution
Article 1842 (j) The right, if give, of a limited partner to
The right to an account of his interest shall accrue substitute an assignee as contributor in his
to any partner, or his legal representative as against the place, and the terms and conditions of the
winding up partners or the surviving partners or the substitution
person or partnership continuing the business, at the (k) The right, if given, of the partners to admit
date of dissolution, in the absence of any agreement to additional limited partners
the contrary. (n) (l) The right, if given, of one or more of the
limited partners to priority over other
limited partners, as to contributions or as to
compensation b way of income, and the
nature of such priority
(m) The right, if given, of the remaining general business on the death, retirement, civil
partner or partners to continue the interdiction, insanity or insolvency of a
general partner If the certificate contains a false statement, one who
(n) The right, if given, of a limited partner to suffers loss by reliance on such statement may hold
demand and receive property other than liable any party to the certificate who knew the
cash in return for his contribution statement to be false:
(2) File for record the certificate in the Office of the (1) At the time he signed the certificate
Securities and Exchange Commission. (2) Subsequently, but within a sufficient time
A limited partnership is formed if there has been before the statement was relied upon to enable
substantial compliance in good faith with the foregoing him to cancel or amend the certificate, or to file
requirements. a petition for its cancellation or amendment as
provided in Article 1865.
• Two requirements in a limited partnership:
(1) Sign and swear to a certificate containing the data • If there are false statements in the certification and 3 rd
mentioned in the article (a) to (n) persons should suffer loss due to these, then he can hold
(2) Have the certificate recorded with the SEC liable all those who had knowledge of the false statement at
• Can a limited partnership be formed orally? the time certification was signed.
No. A limited partnership contract is not perfected by mere • The same shall apply if the partners concerned had sufficient
agreement as it requires formal proceedings. time to have the certificate cancelled but did not do so.
• Partnership must SUBSTANTIALLY comply with the
requirements. Article 1848
• What if the partnership does not comply with the A limited partner shall not become liable as a
requirements? Will it be void? general partner unless, in addition to the exercise of his
No, it will only become a GENERAL PARTNERSHIP. rights and powers as a limited partner, he takes part in
• Why is it that the certificate must be registered? the control of the business.
Registration is the notice, to all 3rd persons who will be
dealing with or are dealing with the partnership, that there • The limited partner who, aside from his powers, participates
are partners with limited liability. in the management of the partnership becomes liable as a
• The presumption is that when a partnership deals with a 3rd general partner.
person, the partnership is a GENERAL partnership.
Article 1849
Article 1845 After the formation of a limited partnership,
The contributions of a limited partner may be cash additional limited partners may be admitted upon filing
or other property, but not services. an amendment to the original certificate in accordance
with the requirements of Article 1865.
• Limited partners can only contribute cash or other property,
not services because if he does so, then he shall become a • Suppose that in a limited partnership, there are only 2
GENERAL INDUSTRIAL PARTNER. general partners and 1 limited partner. Can you add another
• Contribution must be given immediately. If he has promised limited partner?
additional contribution, then it should be given on the date Yes, amend the certificate under Article 1865 and do so.
promised or agreed upon.
Article 1850
Article 1846 A general partner shall have all the rights and
The surname of a limited partner shall not appear in powers and be subject to all the restrictions and
the partnership name unless: liabilities of a partner in a partnership without limited
(1) It is also the surname of a general partner partners. However, without the written consent or
(2) Prior to the time when the limited partner ratification of the specific act by all the limited partners,
became such, the business had been carried on a general partner or all of the general partners have no
under a name in which his surname appeared authority to:
A limited partner whose surname appears in a (1) Do any act in contravention of the certificate
partnership name contrary to the provisions of the first (2) Do any act which would make it impossible to
paragraph is liable as a general partner to partnership carry on the ordinary business of the
creditors who extend credit to the partnership without partnership
actual knowledge that he is not a general partner. (3) Confess a judgment against the partnership
(4) Possess partnership property, or assign their
• The surname of the limited partner should not appear except rights in specific partnership property, for other
if it is also the surname of a general partner or if at the time than a partnership purpose
of his admission, it was already being used. (5) Admit a person as a general partner
• If the limited partner allows that his surname be used, then (6) Admit a person as a limited partner, unless the
he shall be held liable as a general partner as to 3rd persons right to do so is given in the certificate
who extended credit not knowing he was a limited partner. (7) Continue the business with partnership
• If the creditor has knowledge of his being a limited partner, property on the death, retirement, insanity, civil
then this rule shall not apply. interdiction or insolvency of a general partner,
unless the right to do so is given in the
Article 1847 certificate

• Refers to the power, liabilities and limitations of general


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

Article 1863
In settling accounts after dissolution, the liabilities following order:
of the partnership shall be entitled to payment in the (1) Those to creditors, in the order of priority as
provided by the law, except those to limited (1) Upon DISSOLUTION
partners on account of their contributions, and (2) When ALL limited partners cease to be such
to general partners • When should the certificate be amended?
(2) Those to limited partners in respect to their In all cases other than those that will cause the certificate to
share of the profits and other compensation by be cancelled.
way of income on their contributions
(3) Those to limited partners in respect to the Article 1865
capital of their contributions The writing to amend a certificate shall:
(4) Those to general partners other than for capital (1) Conform to the requirements of Article 1844 as
and profits far as necessary to set forth clearly the change
(5) Those to general partners in respect to profits in the certificate which it is desired to make
(6) Those to general partners in respect to capital (2) Be signed and sworn to by all members, and an
Subject to any statement in the certificate or to amendment substitution a limited partner or
subsequent agreement, limited partners share in the adding a limited or general partner shall be
partnership assets in respect to their claims for capital, signed also by the member to be substituted or
and in respect to their claims for profits or for added, and when a limited partner is to be
compensation by way of income on their contribution substituted, the amendment shall also be
respectively, in proportion to the respective amounts of signed by the assigning limited partner.
such claims. The writing to cancel a certificate shall be signed by
all members.
• Who has priority over distribution of assets in a limited A person desiring the cancellation or amendment of
partnership? a certificate, if any person designated in the first and
(1) Creditors, including limited partners who have a claim second paragraphs as a person who must execute the
against the partnership. writing refuses to do so, may petition the court to order
(2) Limited partners’ share in profits a cancellation or amendment thereof.
(3) Limited partners’ return of capital contribution If the court finds that the petitioner has a right to
(4) General partners who have claims against the have the writing executed by a person who refuses to do
partnership so, it shall order the Office of the Securities and
(5) General partners’ share in profits Exchange Commission where the certificate is recorded,
(6) General partners’ return of capital contribution to record the cancellation or amendment of the
• The difference of this with general partnerships is that in a certificate; and when the certificate is to be amended,
general partnership, capital contributions are returned the court shall also cause to be filed for record in the
BEFORE profits from surplus are shared. said office a certified copy of its decree setting forth the
amendment.
Article 1864 A certificate is amended or cancelled when there is
The certificate shall be cancelled when the filed for record in the Office of the Securities and
partnership is dissolved or all limited partners cease to Exchange Commission where the certificate is recorded:
be such. (1) A writing in accordance with the provisions of
A certificate shall be amended when: the first or second paragraph
(1) There is a change in the name of the (2) A certified copy of the order of court in
partnership or in the amount or character of the accordance with the provisions of the fourth
contribution of any limited partner paragraph
(2) A person is substituted as a limited partner (3) After the certificate is duly amended in
(3) An additional limited partner is admitted accordance with this article, the amended
(4) A person is admitted as a general partner certificate shall thereafter be for all purposes
(5) A general partner retires, dies, becomes the certificate provided for in this Chapter.
insolvent or insane, or is sentenced to civil
interdiction and the business is continued • What are the requisites for certificates to be amended or
under Article 1860 cancelled?
(6) There is a change in the character of the (1) It must be in writing
business of the partnership (2) It must be signed AND sworn by ALL concerned parties
(7) There is a false or erroneous statement in the (3) It must be registered with the SEC
certificate
(8) There is a change in the time as stated in the Article 1866
certificate for the dissolution of the partnership A contributor, unless he is a general partner, is not
or for the return of a contribution a proper party to proceedings by or against a
(9) A time is fixed for the dissolution of the partnership, except where the object is to enforce a
partnership, or the return of a contribution, no limited partner’s right against or liability to the
time having been specified in the certificate partnership.
(10) The members desire to make a change in any
other statement in the certificate in order that it • A limited partner is a mere contributor, meaning, he is
shall accurately represent the agreement practically a stranger. This is because he has no
among them. participation in management and control and is only liable to
the partnership, not to 3rd persons and if he is filed against
• When should a certificate be cancelled? 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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