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Divina - Commercial Law A Comprehensive Guide Vol 1 - 2021
Divina - Commercial Law A Comprehensive Guide Vol 1 - 2021
on
COMMERCIAL LAW
A Comprehensive Guide
VOLUME I
NILO T. DIVINA
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Y^REX Book Store H
* 856 Nlcanor Reyes, Sr. St
Tel. Nos.: 8736-0567/8733-6746 H
2161-65 Freedom Bldg., C.M. Recto Avenue
Tel. Nos.: 8522-4521/8522-4107 H
Manila, Philippines
www.rex.com.ph
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FOREWORD
Among the different fields of law, commercial law has perhaps the most practical
and utilitarian application in this day and age of incessant innovation,
interconnectedness, and technological breakthroughs. Indeed, we engage in a myriad
of commercial transactions on a daily basis, ranging from the more mundane activities
of booking public transport and having our basic commodities delivered through third-
party couriers, to the more complex pursuits such as business mergers and
consolidations, and even corporate rehabilitation or liquidation. These matters and a
whole lot more are given stability and structure through the different facets of
commercial law, which, for its extensiveness and breadth, has become an indispensable
aspect of today’s society and its ever-evolving future. In a sense, commerce is the
lifeblood of a nation. As such, it is vital that our aptitude and understanding of
commercial law be continuously honed.
Emblematic of the subject, the commercial law qualities of practicality and utility
are likewise reflected in this new undertaking of Dean Nilo T. Divina, whose expertise
and experience in the field are insightfully showcased in this compendium of questions.
In particular, Dean Divina craftily weaves various topics and issues in the realm of
insurance, pre-need plans, transportation (including air transportation), partnerships,
and corporate law, into useful hypotheticals that are intelligibly answered in order to
convey the underlying essentials of each subject matter. In the same vein, fundamental
definitions and enumerations for each subject are included, providing the reader an
effective memory aid that is easy to follow. Truly, this book, with its clear, concise, and
simple presentation, but comprehensive scope, will surely serve as an important tool
not only for law practitioners and law students alike, but also to the layman who has a
legitimate desire to familiarize himself with the basic concepts as well as seemingly
intricate workings of commercial law.
I would like to congratulate Dean Divina for this momentous effort well done.
This comprehensive guide should be considered as an important resource in the field of
commercial law that is definitely worthy of praise and commendation.
16 April 2021
ESTELA M^R1*AS^ERNABE
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FOREWORD
Commercial law has never been the cup of tea of a lot of law students,
which most probably accounts for their comparably low ratings on the
subject in bar examinations. In their law course, they plod through
what they perceive, rightly or wrongly, as endless arid landscapes of
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negotiable instruments, insurance, banking, securities, business
organizations, investments ... laws seemingly divested of the human
dimension, all too often absent the flesh and blood facets of, for
example, family law or criminal law.
But, as in all Divina law books this work upends this perception. The
dissection of commercial laws is done through a different perspective
and methodology. Aimed at demystifying and decluttering the law, the
treatise is underpinned by an undefinable sense of reaching out to and
connecting with the humaneness of the reader. For the work in its
entirety is understandable: its language intelligent but simple and
clear, not at all opaque nor obsfuscatory which is oftentimes the
hallmark of the intellectually pretentious. In other words, it is shorn of
aoristicism and prolixity, as it adopts a style that is an honest-to-
goodness down-to-earth Q and A, all of which make for readability,
easier comprehension as well as sufficiently good, if not total, recall.
/ ZENAIDA Nu ELEPANO
Commissioner and Officer-in-Charge
Legal Education Board
Manila, Philippines
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FOREWORD
Divina on Commercial Law: A Comprehensive Guide
Atty. Nilo Divina, one of the country's top lawyers, once again publishes an important volume
on commercial law. Divina's opus examines the subject point by point, which is counterpoised
with popular myths and misconceptions regarding commercial law, and analyzes it by providing
important cases as examples which highlight in his discussion binding agreements, standard
rules and rights, interpretations and misinterpretations, exceptions, exemptions and entitlements,
special interests and potential risks, benefits and liabilities, subtleties and severities. The book
"Divina on Commercial Law" provides an in-depth look into the many facets of commercial law
which will surely be the go-to reference book by students of law and law practitioners. The book
is organized in such a way that it facilitates easy reading. The flow of the author's language is
smooth; his grasp of the legal jargon, clear and precise. "Divina on Commercial Law" is a must-
have for every law firm, law school, insurance company, and for anyone who wishes to further
understand the many intricacies of the laws governing business and commerce, as the author
immediately goes into the heart of the matter in a style that is akin to some of the best author
barristers in the world. Indeed, Divina's new book is a major contribution to the field of law.
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FOREWORD
Let me start by proudly saying that among the law deans in various law schools, only Dean Nilo T. Divina
of the UST Faculty of Civil Law has produced bar topnotchers. In 2017, UST regained its past glory as the
best law school in the country.
Dean Divina is not only an academician, but also a scholar, a bar topnotcher, a distinguished law
practitioner, a prolific writer, and an ideal family man. Above all, he is a benefactor. His reasons for writing
this book is not only to lead his readers to the intricate realm of commercial law, but also to grant
scholarships, derived from its proceeds, to academically deserving students and to enable law students to
acquire it at a very reasonable price. When I asked him how he could write this two-volume work despite
the pandemic, Dean Divina laughingly answered, "Because I love students." This statement is a window
to his soul.
Unquestionably, this book is a treasury of knowledge influenced not only by Dean Divina's brilliance of
mind, but also by his close to 30 years of law practice and extensive work in the academe. It is said that
genuine knowledge originates directly from a wide range of experience.
Being a dear showcase of the author’s ability to capture what is basic and vital in commercial law, the
book in its entirety is thoroughly interesting and instructive. Thus, through a Socratic Q and A style, it
presents a wonderful compact survey of the laws on Insurance, Pre-need Company, Transportation,
Business Organizations, Securities, General Banking, and many other fields of commercial law. It contains
annotations of cited laws usually intertwined with relevant Supreme Court Decisions. Not only that. Dean
Divina's discourse thereon gives the readers a glimpse of his mindset and a chance to appredate and
assimilate its wisdom. Significantly, he evokes a web of legal and judicial Issues, enough to send any
assiduous reader to his or her study.
As the title indicates, this book is an excellent comprehensive guide to aspiring law students,
academicians, bar reviewers, practitioners, members of the judiciary, and even lay persons as they journey
on the winding road of commercial law. It is the answer to the continuing quest for knowledge of men
and women of law.
What makes this book impressive is its mode of educating its readers.
Preeminent for his legal craftsmanship. Dean Divina's Q and A are well written, indeed "as clear and lucid
as the fabled skies of Greece." Anyone who reads this book will readily grasp and remember what It
Imparts. Truly, a must read.
The "Dlvlna on Commercial Law" Is a crowning masterpiece and a legacy of a great mind.
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FOREWORD
(Sgd.)
DEAN SEDFREY M. CANDELARIA
Officer-in-Charge, Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Board
Chief of Office, Research, Pubheation and Linkages,
Philippine Judicial Academy
Former President of Philippine Association of Law School
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FOREWORD
It has not even been a year, but I find myself with yet another Divina
manuscript on a subject matter he can talk about in his sleep. Divina on
Commercial Law - A Comprehensive Guide will hit the stands in the wake of
the bestselling Questions 8s Answers on the Revised Corporation Code.
But more than the novelty of the collection and the content is the
benevolence characteristic of the author that accompanies this latest addition
to our legal archives. This book is another testament to Dean Nilo’s
commitment to make legal education accessible to as many who wish to
embrace it. Making this book affordable is an exercise in compassion that
finds its very core in the heart of a healing world.
The legal academe is once again grateful to Dean Divina for this
outstanding effort to endow students and practitioners alike with this
excellent presentation of existing laws and recent initiatives that enriches our
commercial law framework.
Congratulations!
7LDLANENIAS
Chqii son and President
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FOREWORD
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Dean Divina has painted for us a detailed anatomy of the laws
governing our mercantile system. Comprehensive in scope, versatile
in form, and uncompromising in content, Divina on Commercial Law:
A Comprehensive Guide is an astute companion for law students,
bar examinees, and legal practitioners alike.
(Sgd.)
DEAN JOAN S. LARGO
Former President of Philippine Association of Law Schools
Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs,
University of San Carlos
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FOREWORD
Divina on Commercial Law is an all-encompassing guide to the subject matter that will
prove to be useful to undergraduates, bar reviewees and practitioners alike. The text covers
a wide variety of subtopics covering the whole gamut of commercial law. The language is
straight to the point and coherent, allowing for a logical transition from one topic to the
next. Situational examples are used to illustrate the principles for a concretized
understanding of the concepts discussed in the text. In this light, the reviewer goes beyond
presenting mere facts.
However, what sets this reviewer apart from the others is its unique writing style: the
question-and-answer format simulates the essence of the test-taking experience, making
the book an excellent supplementary' material for bar reviewees. In the decades I have
spent conducting bar reviews, most of the materials I have come across relied solely on the
reviewees' ability to question their own understanding of the information they’ absorb.
Divina on Commercial Law attends to that concern— the need to repeatedly question
oneself for the purpose of refining one's understanding of the subject. All in all, this brilliant
work is a thorough and well-constructed educational material that I would highly
recommend to anyone interested in developing their knowledge of commercial law.
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FOREWORD
The review center believes that the use of scientifically written books
will help bar candidates in their pursuit to successfully hurdle the
bar examinations.
Dean Divina’s latest published works - the two-volume Compendium
on Commercial Law — are epitomes of scientific learning. It contains
annotations of laws and decisions of the Supreme Court, which
are organized in accordance with the 2020/2021 Bar Examinations
Syllabus on Commercial Law. Engagingly, it is written in Q-and-A
format, for easy understanding and retention.
This Compendium on Commercial Law is a must-read for every bar
candidate. One can never go wrong with the 30 years of academic
and law practice of our legal luminary, Dean Nilo T. Divina.
(Sgd.)
ATTY. ARGEL JOSEPH T. CABATBAT
Review Director, Legal Edge Experts Review Center, Inc.
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CONTENTS
Forewords
Estela M. Perlas—Bernabe.................. iii
Zenaida N. Elepano............................... v
Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P............. vii
Justice Angelina Sandoval-Gutierrez ix
Dean Sedfrey M. Candelaria.............. xi
Marisol DL Anenias.............................. xiii
Dean Joan S. Largo ............................. xv
Alden Francis C. Gonzales.................. xvii
Argel Joseph T. Cabatbat.................... xix
I. INSURANCE
Concept of Insurance.................................................................. 1
Elements of an Insurance Contract....................................... 5
Characteristics and Nature of Insurance Contracts.......... 7
Insurable Interest....................................................................... 11
In life/health...................................................................... 11
In Property ........................................................................ 20
Double Insurance.............................................................. 35
Multiple or several interests on same property......... 39
Perfection of the Contract of Insurance................................ 41
Offer and acceptance/consensuality.............................. 41
Premium Payment............................................................ 44
Non-default options in life insurance........................... 57
Reinstatement of a Lapsed Policy of Life Insurance. 57
Refund of Premium.......................................................... 58
Rescission of Insurance Contracts......................................... 60
Concealment...................................................................... 60
Misrepresentations/Omissions...................................... 67
Breach of Warranties....................................................... 80
Claims Settlement and Subrogation..................................... 87
Notice and Proof of Loss................................................. 87
Guidelines on Claims Settlement................................ 95
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Unfair Claims Settlement; Sanctions.................... 95
Prescription of Action............................................... 96
Subrogation................................................................. 98
Classes.................................................................................. 108
Marine.......................................................................... 108
Coverage...............................
108
Fire............................................................................... 127
Casualty Insurance................................................... . 134
Suretyship.................................................................... 138
Life............................................................................... 143
Microinsurance............................................................ 149
Compulsory motor vehicle liability insurance...... 150
No Fault Indemnity Clause....................................... 153
Authorized Driver Clause.......................................... 158
Theft Clause................................................................ 161
Compulsory insurance coverage for agency-hired
workers....................................................... 164
Variable Contracts............................................................... 164
Business of Insurance; Requirements.............................. 164
Insurance Commissioner and Its Power.......................... 165
Insurance Agent.......................................................... 169
Reinsurance................................................................. 171
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Contributory negligence............................................................ 214
Duration of liability.................................................................. 214
Delivery of goods to common carrier............................ 214
Actual or constructive delivery...................................... 214
Temporary loading or storage....................................... 217
Stipulation for limitation of liability..............................219
Void stipulations............................................................... 219
Limitation of liability to fixed amount........................ 220
Limitation of liability in the absence of
declaration of greater value........................ 221
Liability for baggage of passengers.............................. 225
Checked-in baggage.......................................................... 225
Baggage in possession of strangers.............................. 225
SAFETY OF PASSENGERS.............................................................. 227
Void stipulations........................................................................ 228
Duration of liability................................................ ................... 229
Waiting for carrier or boarding a carrier................... 231
Arrival at destination...................................................... 231
234
Liability for acts of others..............................
Employees.......................................................................... 234
Other passengers and strangers................................... 237
Liability for delay in the commencement of the voyage... 240
Liability for defects in the equipment and facilities......... 240
Extent of liability for damages............................................... 241
BILL OF LADING................................................................................ 242
Three-Fold Character................................................................. 242
Delivery of Goods....................................................................... 244
Period for delivery............................................................ 244
Delivery without surrender of the bill of lading....... 246
Refusal of consignee to take delivery........................... 248
Period for Filing Claims........................................................... 248
Period for Filing Actions........................................................... 252
Coastwise (within Philippines)...................................... 252
International (Foreign ports to Philippine ports)..... 252
Effects of Stipulations................................................................ 253
MARITIME COMMERCE.................................................................. , 253
Charter Parties............................................................................ 253
Bareboat/Demise Charter............................................... 255
Time Charter..................................................................... 257
Voyage/Trip Charter ....................................................... 257
Liability of Ship Owners and Shipping Agents.................. 258
Liability for Acts of Captain.......................................... 262
Limited Liability Rule..................................................... 264
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Exceptions to the Limited Liability Rule 268
Accidents and Damages in Maritime Commerce... 271
General and Particular Averages 271
Collisions 275
Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (COGSA) 281
Application 281
Notice of Loss or Damage 286
Period of Prescription 287
PUBLIC SERVICE ACT (Commonwealth Act No. 146) 295
Definition of public utility 295
Necessity for Certificate of Public Convenience.... 299
Requisites 304
Citizenship . 304
Promotion of public interests . 306
Financial capability . 307
Prior Operator Rule............................................ 307
Meaning...................................................... 307
Exceptions 309
Ruinous competition 310
Fixing of rate...................................................... 310
Rate of return 313
Exclusion of income tax as expense 314
Unlawful arrangements 314
Boundary system 314
Kabit system 316
Approval of sale, encumbrance, or lease
of property 318
AIR TRANSPORTATION 320
The Warsaw Convention 320
Death or injury to passengers 326
Destruction, loss damage or delay in
carrying baggage 327
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Professional partnership............................................ 353
Management................................................................. 353
Rights and obligations of the partnership
and partners ...................................................... 355
Rights and obligations of the partnership............. 355
Obligations of the partners among themselves..... 356
Obligations of the partnership/partners to
third persons............................................. 370
Dissolution and Winding Up.............................................. 379
Limited Partnership............................................................. 394
CORPORATIONS.......................................................................... 405
Definition of corporation..................................................... 405
Classes of corporations ...................................................... 409
Nationality of corporations............................................... 418
Control test.................................................................. 419
Grandfather rule........................................................ 421
425
Corporate juridical personality...................................
Doctrine of separate juridical personality............ 425
Doctrine of piercing the corporate veil.................. 425
Grounds for application of doctrine............... 425
Test in determining applicability................... 427
432
Capital structure...................................
Number and qualifications of incorporators......... 432
Subscription requirements........................................ 435
Corporate term............................................................ 438
Classification of shares............................................. 442
Preferred shares versus common shares..... 442
Scope of voting rights subject
to classification.............................. 445
Founder’s shares................................................ 446
Redeemable shares........................................... 447
Treasury shares................................................. 448
449
Incorporation and organization...................................
Promoter ..................................................................... 450
Subscription contract ............................................... 451
Pre-incorporation subscription agreements ....... 453
Consideration for stocks ......................................... 454
Articles of Incorporation ......................................... 456
Contents............................................................. 457
Non-amendable items ..................................... 460
Corporate name; limitations on use of
corporate name........................................ 462
Registration, incorporation and commencement
of corporate existence............................ 465
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Election of directors or trustees . 466
Adoption of bylaws............................................. 470
Contents of bylaws 471
Binding effects 473
Amendments 474
Effects of non-use of corporate charter . 475
Corporate powers ....................................................... 477
General powers; theory of general capacity ... 478
Specific powers; theory of specific capacity .... 482
Power to extend or shorten corporate term ... 486
Power to increase or decrease capital stock
or incur, create, increase bonded
indebtedness 488
Power to deny pre-emptive rights 496
Power to sell or dispose corporate assets 499
Power to acquire own shares 502
Power to invest corporate funds in another
corporation or business 505
Power to declare dividends .'......... 507
Power to enter into management contract 515
Limitations .................. 516
Ultra vires acts 516
Applicability of ultra vires doctrine 518
Consequences of ultra vires acts . 521
Doctrine of individuality of subscription.......... 522
Doctrine of equality of shares.................. k 522
Trust fund doctrine 523
How exercised 525
Stockholders and members 530
Fundamental rights of a stockholder 530
Participation in management 530
Proxy 530
Voting trust 532
Cases when stockholders’ action is required ... 536
Manner of voting 538
Proprietary rights 538
Right to dividends 538
Appraisal right 538
When available 538
Manner of exercise of right 542
Right to inspect 545
Pre-emptive right 555
Right to vote 555
Right to dividends 555
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Remedial rights............................................................ 555
Individual Suit..................................................... 555
Representative Suit............................................. 556
Derivative Suit..................................................... 556
Obligations of a stockholder....................................... 562
Meetings......................................................................... 563
Regular or special................................................ 563
Notice of meetings............................................... 564
Place and time of meetings............................... 566
Quorum................................................................. 567
Minutes and agenda of meetings.................... . 568
Board of directors and trustees.......................................... 572
Repository of corporate powers................................ 572
Tenure, qualifications, and disqualifications
of directors.................................................. 573
Requirement of independent directors.................... 579
Elections......................................................................... 581
Cumulative voting............................................... 582
Quorum................................................................. 582
Removal.......................................................................... 584
Filling of vacancies...................................................... 586
Compensation............................................................... 589
Disloyalty....................................................................... 591
Business judgment rule............................................. 592
Solidary liabilities for damages................................ 593
Personal liabilities....................................................... 593
Knowingly Voting or Assenting to
Patent Unlawful Acts of the
Corporation...................................... 594
Gross Negligence or Bad Faith in Directing
the Affairs of the Corporation.... . 595
Acquiring any personal or pecuniary
( interest in conflict with their duty as
directors or trustees...................... 596
Consenting to the issuance of watered stocks.. 596
Contractual liability................................................ 596
Statutory liability for corporate act
or omission............................... 596
Responsibility for crimes........................... 597
Special fact doctrine.................................... 598
Inside information....................................... 598
Contracts....................................................... 599
Executive and other special committees 602
Creation......................................................... 602
Limitations on its powers.................................. 604
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Meetings 604
Regular or special . 605
Who presides............................... ;........................ 606
Quorum .............. 607
Rule on abstention 609
Capital affairs............................................................... 611
Certificate of stock 611
Nature of the certificate 612
Uncertificated shares ..... 612
Negotiability; requirements for valid transfer
of stocks............................................. 613
Issuance 616
Full payment 617
Payment pro-rata 617
Stock and transfer book 618
Contents 618
Who may make valid entries 618
Stock transfer agent 620
Lost or destroyed certificates 620
Situs of the shares of stock 623
Watered stocks 623
Definition 623
Liability of directors for watered stocks 624
Trust fund doctrine for liability for
watered stocks 624
Payment of balance of subscription . 624
Call by board of directors..................................... 624
Notice requirement 624
Sale of delinquent shares 626
Effect of delinquency 626
Call by resolution of the board of directors 626
Notice of sale 626
Auction sale 626
Alienation of shares 633
Allowable restrictions on the sale of shares 634
Sale of partially paid shares 636
Sale of a portion of shares not fully paid... 636
Sale of all of shares not fully paid 637
Sale of fully paid shares 637
Requisites of a valid transfer 637
Involuntary dealings 639
Corporate books and records 639
Records to be kept at principal office 640
Right to inspect corporate records 641
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Dissolution and liquidation..................................................... 641
Modes of dissolution.................................................................. 641
644
Voluntary dissolution..............................
Where no creditors are affected.......................... 645
Where creditors are affected................................ 646
By shortening of corporate term......................... 649
Withdrawal of dissolution..................................... 651
Involuntary dissolution.......................................... 652
655
Methods of liquidation..............................
By the corporation itself........................................ 656
Conveyance to a trustee within a three-year
period..................................................... 656
By management committee or
rehabilitation receiver....................... 656
Liquidation after three (3) years......................... 660
Other corporations.................................................................... 663
663
Close corporations..............................
Characteristics of a close corporation................. 665
Validity of restrictions on transfer of shares.... 667
Issuance or transfer of stock in breach of
qualifying conditions.......................... 669
When board meeting is unnecessary or
improperly held................................... 670
Preemptive right..................................................... 671
Amendment of articles of incorporation............ 672
Deadlocks.................................................................. 673
674
Nonstock corporations.............................
674
. Definition.............................
Purposes..................................................................... 675
Treatment of profits................................................ 676
Plan and distribution of assets upon
3 dissolution............................................ 676
3 Educational corporations............................................... 678
Religious corporations..................................................... 679
Corporation sole; nationality................................ 679
Religious societies................................................... 681
682
One person corporations.............................
Excepted corporations........................................... 683
Capital stock requirement.................................... 684
Articles of incorporation and bylaws................. 684
Corporate name...................................................... 684
Corporate structure and officers......................... 685
Nominee.................................................................... 686
Minutes and records.............................................. 687
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Liability.................... 688
Conversion of corporation to one person
corporations and vice-versa.......... 688
689
Foreign corporations...................
Bases of authority over foreign corporations 690
Consent.............................................................. 690
Doctrine of “doing business”........................... 690
Necessity of a license to do business............. 696
Requisites for issuance of a license................ 696
Resident agent................................................... 699
Amendment of license...................................... 699
Personality to sue.............................................. , 700
Suability of foreign corporations..................... 701
Instances when unlicensed foreign
corporations may be allowed to sue
(isolated transactions).................... 702
705
Grounds for revocation of license...................
Merger and Consolidation.................................................. 706
Definition and concept............................................... 706
Distinguish: constituent and consolidated
corporation.................................................. 707
Plan of merger or consolidation............................... 708
Articles of merger or consolidation.......................... 708
Procedure...................................... 708
Effectivity...................................... 710
Limitations.................................... 711
Effects........................................... 712
Investigations, offenses, and penalties, 3 716
Authority of Commissioner.. 716
Investigation and prosecution of offenses 716
Administration of oath and issuance
of subpoena................................ 716
Cease and desist power.............................. 716
Contempt...................................................... 720
Sanctions for violations............................... 720
Administrative sanctions................... 720
Prohibited Acts................................... 721
Penalties............................................. . 721
Who are liable..................................... 726
Authority of the Securities and
Exchange Commission............... 727
Case index 729
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I. INSURANCE
A. Concept of Insurance
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2 DIVINA ON COMMERCIAL LAW:
A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE VOLUME I
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I. INSURANCE 3
Since indemnity of the insured was not the focal point of the
agreement but the extension of medical services to the members at
an affordable cost, it did not partake of the nature of a contract of
insurance.
Even if a contract contains all the elements of an insurance
contract, if its primary purpose is the rendering of service, it is not
a contract of insurance. Under the principal purpose test, the test
applied is whether the assumption of risk and indemnification of
loss (which are elements of an insurance business) are the principal
object and purpose of the organization or whether they are merely
incidental to its business. If these are the principal objectives, the
business is that of insurance. But if they are merely incidental, and
service is the principal purpose, then the business is not insurance.
Therefore, since Maxicare substantially provides health care
services rather than insurance services, it cannot be considered as
being in the insurance business.3
J9JC9B0M
I
6Fortune Medicare, Inc. v. David Robert Amorin, G.R. No. 195872, March 12,
2014.
6Section 6, Insurance Code.
’Section 7, Insurance Code.
’BAR 2000.
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I. INSURANCE 5
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6 DIVINA ON COMMERCIAL LAW:
A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE VOLUME I
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I. INSURANCE 7
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8 DIVINA ON COMMERCIAL LAW:
A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE VOLUME I
J9JC9B0M
I. INSURANCE 9
13Spouses Nilo Cha and Stella Uy Cha, et al. v. Court of Appeals and CKS
Development Corporation, G.R. No. 124520, August 18, 1997; 2009 BAR.
‘‘BAR 2012.
16Alpha Insurance and Surety Co. v. Arsenia Sonia Castor, G.R. No. 198174,
September 2, 2013.
J9JC9B0M
10 DIVINA ON COMMERCIAL LAW:
A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE VOLUME I
l6Fortune Medicare, Inc. v. David Robert U. Amorin, G.R. No. 195872, March
12, 2014.
’'Violeta R. Lalican v. The Insular Life Assurance Company Limited, as
represented by the President Vicente R. Avilon, G.R. No. 183526, August 25, 2009.
J9JC9B0M
I. INSURANCE 11
D. Insurable Interest
1. In life/health
18. Upon whose life or health does a person have insurable interest
in?
Every person has an insurable interest in the life and health:
“(a) Of himself, of his spouse, and of his children;
“(b) Of any person on whom he depends wholly or in
part for education or support, or in whom he has a pecuniary
interest;
“(c) Of any person under a legal obligation to him for the
payment of money, or respecting property or services, of which
death or illness might delay or prevent the performance; and
“(d) Of any person upon whose life any estate or interest
vested in him depends.19
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20. Who are the persons specified in Article 739 and as such,
cannot be designated beneficiary of the insured?
The persons specified in Article 739 of the Civil Code are:
a. persons in illicit relations — adultery or concubinage (no
need for conviction);20
b. persons found guilty of adultery or concubinage;
c. public officer or his wife, descendants, or ascendants.
22. Heirs of Loreto Maramag, his legal wife and his legitimate
children filed a case for revocation and/or reduction of
insurance proceeds alleging that Eva de Guzman Maramag
(Eva) was a concubine of Loreto and a suspect in the killing of
the latter, thus, she is disqualified to receive any proceeds from
his insurance policies and that illegitimate children of Loreto
were entitled only to one-half of the legitime of the legitimate
children.
Who are entitled to the proceeds of the insurance policy?
The illegitimate children, designated as beneficiaries, are
entitled to the insurance proceeds, to the exclusion of the legitimate
children. Section 53 of the Insurance Code states that the insurance
proceeds shall be applied exclusively to the proper interest of
“Insular Life Assn. Co., Ltd. v. Ebrado, G.R. No. L-44059, October 28, 1977;
BAR 1981.
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23. What is the rationale for the rule prohibiting the donees
specified in Article 739 of the Civil Code from being designated
as beneficiaries in life insurance policy?
Life insurance policy is no different from donation insofar
as the beneficiary is concerned. Both are founded on liberality. A
beneficiary is like a donee because from the premiums of the policy
which the insured pays out of liberality, the beneficiary will receive
the proceeds of the insurance. As a consequence, the proscription in
Article 739 of the Civil Code should equally operate in life insurance
contracts.22
21Heirs of Loreto Maramag v. Eva Verna De Guzman Maramag, et al., G.R. No.
181132, June 5, 2009; 1998 and 2019 Bar exams.
22The Insular Life Assurance Co. v. Ebrado, 80 SCRA 181, October 28,1977.
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24. Does a person have insurable interest on the life of his parents?
By express exclusion under par-, (a), a person has no insurable
interest on the life of his parents and other ascendants unless he
depends upon them for education and/or support. (Par. b.) The
rationale for their exclusion in par. (a) is that the parents are
logically expected to predecease their children.
25. Do the parents have insurable interest on the life and health of
their illegitimate children?
Yes, as such, thej' can take insurance on the life of their
children, whether legitimate or illegitimate, because the law makes
no distinction as to the kind of children and there being no statutory
prohibition against it.
26. Can a person take insurance on the life of another person and
designate himself as the beneficiary?
A person can take an insurance on the life of another person
nd designate himself as the beneficiary provided that he has
pecuniary interest in the person he is insuring. In other words, the
insured must be any of the persons under Section 10 (b to d).
27. Blanco took out a P1M life insurance policy naming his friend
and creditor, Montenegro, as his beneficiary. When Blanco
died, his outstanding loan obligation to Montenegro was only
P50,000.00. Blanco’s executor contended that only P50,000.00
out of the insurance proceeds should be paid to Montenegro
and the balance of P950,000.00 should be paid to Blanco's
estate.
Is the executor's contention correct? Reason out your
answer.
The contention of the executor is incorrect. The beneficiary
of a life insurance need not have any insurable interest in the life
of the insured. Any person can take insurance on his own life like
what Blanco did and designate anyone as his beneficiary except
those disqualified to be donees under Article 739 of the Civil Code.
Blanco’s friend and creditor does not fall within the disqualification.
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23BAR 1987.
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24BAR2014.
“El Oriente Fabrica de Tabacos, Inc. Juan Posadas, G.R. No. 34774,
September 21,1931.
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34. Shortly after Yin and Yang were wed, they each took out
separate life insurance policies on their lives, and mutually
designated one another as sole beneficiary. Both life insurance
policies provided for a double indemnity clause, the cost for
which was added to the premium rate. During the last 10
years of their marriage, the spouses had faithfully paid for the
annual premiums over the life policies from both their salaries.
Unfortunately, Yin fell in love with his officemate, Vessel, and
“Section 11.
272005 Bar.
281978 and 1988 Bar.
“Section 11.
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“Heirs of Loreta Maramag v. Maramag, G.R. No. 181132, June 5, 2009; BAB
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3'2012 Bar.
32Maramag v. Maramag, supra.
33Section 12.
312008 Bar.
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2. In Property
36. What does insurable interest in property consist of?
Every interest in property, whether real or personal, or any
relation thereto, or liability in respect thereof, of such nature that
a contemplated peril might directly damnify the insured, is an
insurable interest.35
An insurable interest in property may consist in:
“(a) An existing interest;
“(b) An inchoate interest founded on an existing interest;
or
“(c) An expectancy, coupled with an existing interest in
that out of which the expectancy arises.36
A mere contingent or expectant interest in anything, not
founded on an actual right to the thing, nor upon any valid contract
for it, is not insurable.3’
The measure of an insurable interest in property is the extent
to which the insured might be damnified by loss or injury thereof.38
“Section 13.
“Section 14; 2019 Bai
’’Section 16.
“Section 17.
“Section 18.
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39. The newly restored Ford Mustang muscle car was just
released from the car restoration shop to its owner, Seth, an
avid sportsman. Given his passion for sailing, he needed to go
to a round-the-world voyage with his crew on his brand-new
180-meter yacht. Hearing about his coming voyage, Sean, his
bosom friend, asked Seth if he could borrow the car for his
next roadshow. Sean, who had been in the business of holding
motor shows and promotions, proposed to display the restored
car of Seth in major cities of the country. Seth agreed and lent
the Ford Mustang to Sean. Seth further expressly allowed Sean
to use the car even for his own purposes on special occasions
during his absence from the country. Seth and Sean then went
together to Bayad Agad Insurance Co. (BAIC) to get separate
policies for the car in their respective names.
40BAR 2001.
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44. When should insurable interest exist in property and in life and
health?
An interest in property insured must exist when the insurance
takes effect, and when the loss occurs, but need not exist in the
meantime: and interest in the life or health of a person insured must
exist when the insurance takes effect, but need not exist thereafter
or when the loss occurs.41
“Section 19.
16BAR 2002.
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47. In a civil suit, the Court ordered Benjie to pay Nat P5,000,000.00.
To execute the judgment, the sheriff levied upon Benjie's
registered property (a parcel of land and the building thereon),
and sold the same at public auction to Nat, the highest bidder.
The latter, on April 18, 2019 registered with the Register of
Deeds the certificate of sale issued to him by the sheriff.
’ Meanwhile, on January 27, 2020, Benjie insured with Garapal
Insurance for P5,000,000.00 the same building that was sold at
public auction to Nat. Benjie failed to redeem the property by
April 19,2020.
On May 2, 2020, a fire razed the building to the ground.
Garapal Insurance refused to make good its obligation to
Benjie under the insurance contract.
“BAR 2000.
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‘’Section 9.
“Section 8.
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56. What are the exceptions to the rule that a change of interest in
any part of a thing insured unaccompanied by a corresponding
change of interest in the insurance suspends the insurance
to an equivalent extent, until the interest in the thing and the
interest in the insurance are vested in the same person and the
reasons therefor?
The exceptions are:
a. In life, health, and accident insurance.69
Because for these types of insurance, it is enough that insurable
interest exists at the time of the issuance of the policy.
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“Section 21.
01Section 22.
“Section 23.
“Section 24.
“Section 57, IC.
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3. Double Insurance
57. What is double insurance?
A double insurance exists where the same person is insured
by several insurers separately in respect to the same subject and
interest.66
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67BAR 1999.
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interest over the safety of the goods, which may become the basis of
the latter’s liability in case of loss or damage to the property.68
"Malayan Insurance v. Philippine First Insurance Co., G.R. No. 184300, July
11, 2012.
"Armando Geagonia v. Court of Appeals and Country Bankers Insurance
Corporation, G.R. No. 114437, February 6, 1995.
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63. To what extent may the insured recover in a policy, other than
life, if the insured is over insured by double insurance?
The insured shall be governed by the following rules if he is
over insured by double insurance.
“(a) The insured, unless the policy otherwise provides,
may claim payment from the insurers in such order as he may
select, up to the amount for which the insurers are severally
liable under their respective contracts;
“(b) Where the policy under which the insured claims
is a valued policy, any sum received by him under any other
policy shall be deducted from the value of the policy without
regard to the actual value of the subject matter insured;
“(c) Where the policy under which the insured claims is
an unvalued policy, any sum received by him under any policy
shall be deducted against the full insurable value, for any sum
received by him under any policy;
“(d) Where the insured receives any sum in excess of
the valuation in the case of valued policies, or of the insurable
value in the case of unvalued policies, he must hold such sum
in trust for the insurers, according to their right of contribution
among themselves;
“(e) Each insurer is bound, as between himself and the
other insurers, to contribute ratably to the loss in proportion to
the amount for which he is liable under his contract.72
’°BAR2011.
’■Bar 2012.
72Section 96.
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”BAR 2005.
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,1BAR2008.
7SBAR 2012.
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7bBAB 2016,2011.
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79People of the Philippines v. Yip Wai Ming, G.R. No. 120959, November 14,1996.
“South Sea Surety and Insurance Co., Inc. v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No.
102253, June 2, 1995.
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2, Premium Payment
72. What is the cash and carry rule under the Insurance Code?
Under the cash and carry rule, an insurance policy is generally
not binding unless the premium thereof has not been paid. This is
based on Section 77 of the Insurance Code which provides that an
insurer is entitled to payment of the premium as soon as the thing
insured is exposed to the peril insured against. Notwithstanding
any agreement to the contrary, no policy or contract of insurance
issued by an insurance company is valid and binding unless and
until the premium thereof has been paid.
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82Jose Marques and Maxilite Technologies, Inc. v. Far East Bank and Trust
Company, et al., G.R. No. 171379, January 10, 2011.
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“Capital Insurance & Surety Co., Inc. v. Plastic Era Co., Inc., et al., G.R. No.
L-22375, July 28,1975.
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78. Is the insurer liable if the loss occurred while the check it
received from the insured representing premium payment
remained unencashed?
Yes, the insurer is liable because the acceptance of the check is
tantamount to extension of credit.
79. Will your answer be the same if the loss occurred before the
maturity date of the post-dated check?
My answer will be the same. The insurer remains liable.
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Estoppel
83. Masagana Telemart obtained from UCPB five (5) insurance
policies on its Manila properties. The policies were effective
from May 22,1991 to May 22,1992. On June 13,1992, Masagana's
properties were razed by fire. On July 13, 1992, Masagana
Telemart tendered five checks as renewal premium payments.
A receipt was issued. On July 14, 1992, Masagana Telemart
made its formal demand for indemnification for the burned
insured properties. UCPB then rejected Masagana's claims
under the argument that the fire took place before the tender
of payment and that it did not result in the renewal of the
policies. Thus, Masagana Telemart filed a complaint against
UCPB. On trial, it was found that Masagana Teiemart, which
had procured insurance coverage from UCPB for a number
of years, had been granted a 60 to 90-day credit term for the
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GCPB General Insurance Co., Inc. v. Masagana Telemart, Inc., G.R. No.
137172, April 4,2001; BAR 2013.
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‘“Great Pacific Life Ass. Co. V. C.A., G.R. No. 1,31845, April 30, 1979; BAR
1980.
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5. Refund of Premium
93. Name at least 3 instances when an insured is entitled to a
return of the premium paid.
Three instances when an insured is entitled to a return of
premium paid are:
a. To the whole premium, if no part of his interest in the
thing insured be exposed to any of the perils insured
against.
b. Where the insurance is made for a definite period of time
and the insured surrenders his policy, to such portion
of the premium as corresponds with the unexpired time
at a pro rata rate, unless a short period rate has been
agreed upon and appears on the face of the policy, after
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110BAR 2000.
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1. Concealment
95. What is concealment?
The neglect to communicate that which a party knows and
ought to communicate is called a concealment."2
"'Great Pacific Life Insurance Corporation v. Court of Appeals, et al., G.R. No.
1,57308, April 23, 1990.
""Section 26, IC.
""Section 27, IC.
'"Insular Life Assurance Co., Ltd. v. Heirs of Alvarez, G.R. Nos. 207526 and
210156.
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99. Julian Sy, one of the partners, insured the stocks in trade of
New Life Enterprises with Western Guaranty Corporation,
Reliance Surety and Insurance Co., Inc., and Equitable
Insurance Corporation.
When the building occupied by the New Life Enterprises
was gutted by fire, the stocks in the trade inside said building
were insured against fire in the total amount of P1,550,000.00.
After the fire, Julian Sy went to the three insurance companies.
Ultimately, the three insurance companies denied plaintiffs'
claim for payment for not giving notice of any insurances already
effected covering the stocks in trade. Julian Sy contended that
the insurer's agents knew about the other insurances. Was
there concealment?
Yes, where Julian Sy is specifically required to disclose to the
insurers any other insurance and its particulars which he may have
effected on the same subject matter, the knowledge of such insurance
by the insurers’ agents, even assuming the acquisition thereof by
the insurers, is not the notice that would estop the insurers from
denying the claim.11’
116BAR1989.
"’New Life Enterprises and Julian Sy v. Court of Appeals, et al., G.R. No.
94071, March 31,1992.
'■“Section 28, IC.
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102. Should the fact/s concealed be the proximate cause of the loss
in order to constitute concealment?
No, the facts concealed need not be the proximate cause of the
loss in order to constitute concealment. Materiality is to be determined
not by the event, but solely by the probable and reasonable influence
of the facts upon the party to whom the communication is due, in
forming his estimate of the disadvantages of the proposed contract,
or in making his inquiries. The test is whether the matters concealed
would have definitely affected the insurer’s action on the application
of the insured, either by approving it with the corresponding
adjustment for a higher premium or rejecting the same.121
““BAR 2011.
““Section 31, IC.
121Sunlife Assurance Company of Canada v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 105135,
June 22, 1995.
122BAR 2001.
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‘“Great Pacific Life Assurance Company V. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. L-31845,
April 30,1979.
‘“Sunlife Assurance Company of Canada v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 105135,
June 22,1995; Bar 1996..
‘“Thelma Vda. de Canilang v. Court of Appeals and Great Pacific Life
Assurance Corporation, G.R. No. 92492, June 17,1993.
‘“BAR 1976.
'“’BAR 1983.
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>1
“(a) Those which the other knows;
“(b) Those which, in the exercise of ordinary care, the
other ought to know, and of which the former has no reason to
suppose him ignorant;
“(c) Those of which the other waives communication;
“(d) Those which prove or tend to prove the existence of
a risk excluded by a warranty, and which are not otherwise
material; and
“(e) Those which relate to a risk excepted from the policy
and which are not otherwise material.128
Information of the nature or amount of the interest of one
insured need not be communicated unless in answer to an inquiry,
except as prescribed by Section 51.129
Neither party to a contract of insurance is bound to
communicate, even upon inquiry, information of his own judgment
upon the matters in question.130
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131Gen. Insurance & Surety Corporation v. Ng Hua, G.R. No. L-14373, January
30, I960; BAR 1979.
132Ng Gan Zee v. Asian Crusader Life Assurance Corporation, G.R. No.
L-30685, May 30,1983.
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2. Misrepresentations/Omissions
108. What is representation in the context of insurance laws?
Representation is a statement of fact or condition relating
to the risk which induced the insurer to enter into a contract.
Representation is the statement made in compliance with the duty
to disclose.
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l36Ma. Lourdes Florendo v. Philam Plans, Inc., el al., G.R. No. 186983, February
22, 2012.
137Florendo v. Philam, ibid.
,38New Life Enterprises v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 94071, March 31, 1992.
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115. On the basis of the entries in the death certificate of the insured,
Manulife conducted an investigation into the circumstances
leading to the insured's death. It relied on the medical records
of the hospital where the insured was confined, and that
Manulife thereafter concluded that the insured misrepresented
or concealed material facts at the time the insurance policies
were applied for; and accordingly, Manulife denied the death
claims.
Should the policy be rescinded?
No, in order for the insurer to rescind the policy, there should
be intent to defraud on the part of the insured to rescind the policy.
The medical records that might have established the insured’s
purported misrepresentation/s or concealment/s is inadmissible
for being hearsay, given the fact that Manulife failed to present
the physician or any responsible official of the hospital who could
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116. Jose Alvarez applied for and was granted a housing loan by
UnionBank. This loan was secured by a promissory note, a real
estate mortgage over the property of Alvarez and a mortgage
redemption insurance taken on the life of Alvarez with
UnionBank as beneficiary. Alvarez was among the mortgagors
included in the list of qualified debtors covered by the Group
Mortgage Redemption Insurance that UnionBank had with
Insular Life.
Alvarez died and subsequently, UnionBank filed with
Insular Life a death claim under Alvarez's name pursuant to the
Group Mortgage Redemption Insurance. Insular Life denied
the claim after determining that Alvarez was not eligible for
coverage of Group Mortgage Redemption Insurance as he was
supposedly more than 60 years old at the time of his loan's
approval. With the claim's denial, the monthly amortizations
of the loan stood unpaid. Subsequently, the lot was foreclosed
and sold at a public auction with UnionBank as the highest
bidder.
The Heirs of Alvarez filed a complaint for specific
performance to demand against Insular Life to fulfill its
obligation as an insurer under the Group Mortgage Redemption
Insurance, and for nullification of foreclosure against
UnionBank. Was there concealment?
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‘■' ‘Insular Life Assurance Co., Ltd. v. Heirs of Alvarez, G.R. Nos. 207526 and
210156, October 3, 2018.
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121. On March 6,1997, Felipe N. Khu, Sr. (Felipe) applied for a life
insurance policy with Insular Life. This took effect on June
22,1997. On June 23,1999, Felipe's policy lapsed due to non
payment of the premium covering the period from June 22,
1999 to June 23,2000. On September 7,1999, Felipe applied for
the reinstatement of his policy and paid the premium.
146Sunlife of Canada (Philippines), Inc. v. Sibya, et al., G.R. No. 211212, June
8, 2016; BAR 2012.
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124. In January 2016, Mr. H was issued a life insurance policy by XYZ
Insurance Co., wherein his wife, Mrs. W, was designated as the
sole beneficiary. Unbeknownst to XYZ Insurance Co., however,
Mr. H had been previously diagnosed with colon cancer, the
fact of which Mr. H had concealed during the entire time his
insurance policy was being processed. In January 2019, Mr. H
unfortunately committed suicide. Due to her husband’s death,
Mrs. W, as beneficiary, filed a claim with XYZ Insurance Co. to
recover the proceeds of the late Mr. H's life insurance policy.
However, XYZ Insurance Co. resisted the claim, contending
that; (1) The policy is void ab initio because Mr. H fraudulently
concealed or misrepresented his medical condition, i.e., his
colon cancer; and (2) As an insurer in a life insurance policy,
it cannot be held liable in case of suicide. Rule each of XYZ
Insurance Co.'s contentions.
Rule each of XYZ Insurance Co.'s contentions.
The first contention is not tenable. Under the incontestability
clause, after a policy of life insurance made payable upon the death
of the insured shall have been in force during the lifetime of the
insured for a period of two (2) years from the issuance of the policy
or last reinstatement, the insurer must make good on the policy
even though the policy was obtained through fraud, concealment, or
misrepresentation.™ Even if Mr. H had concealed or misrepresented
that he was previously diagnosed with colon cancer, XYZ can no
longer rescind the policy since it had been in force already for three
(3) years.
On the second contention, XYZ Insurance is liable despite the
suicide ofMr. H. Under the Insurance Code, the insurer is liable when
suicide is committed after the policy has been in force for a period
of two (2) years from the date of issue or its last reinstatement.161 In
this case, Mr. H committed suicide three (3) years after issuance of
the policy. Thus, XYZ should be liable to the beneficiary of Mr. H.162
'“Section 48 Insurance Code; Manila Bankers v. Aban, G.R. No. 175666, July
29, 2013; Sun Life of Canada v. Sibya, G.R. No. 211212, June 8, 2016.
’“Section 180-A, IC.
162BAR 2019; 2013.
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l63Emilio Tan, Juanito Tan, Alberto Tan, and Arturo Tan v. Court of Appeals
and Philippine American Life Insurance Company, G.R. No. 48049, June 29, 1989.
16,G.R. No. 175666.
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126. On July 3,1993, Delia Sotero (Sotero) took out a life insurance
policy from llocos Bankers Life Insurance Corporation (llocos
Life) designating Cresencia Aban (Aban), her niece, as her
beneficiary.
On April 10,1996, Sotero died. Aban filed a claim for the
insurance proceeds on July 9,1996. llocos Life conducted an
investigation into the claim and came out with the following
findings:
1. Sotero did not personally apply for insurance coverage,
as she was illiterate.
2. Sotero was sickly since 1990.
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3. Breach of Warranties
128. What is a warranty in the context of insurance laws?
Warranty is a statement or promise made by the insured set
forth in the policy itself or incorporated in it by proper reference,
the untruth or non-fulfillment of which in any respect, and without
reference to whether the insurer was in fact prejudiced by such
untruth or non-fulfillment renders the policy voidable by the
insurer.1"
‘“Manila Bankers Life Insurance Corporation v. Aban, G.R. No. 175666; BAR
2014.
16,Dimaampao: Bar Essentials in Commercial Law, p. 337, 2020 edition.
0
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168BAR 1986.
'“Section 67. Insurance Code, as amended.
'“Section 71. ibid.
161Section 70, ibid.
V.
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131. What is the legal effect when before the time arrives for the
performance of a warranty, the loss insured against happens?
When, before the time arrives for the performance of a
warranty relating to the future, a loss insured against happens,
or performance becomes unlawful at the place of the contract, or
impossible, the omission to fulfill the warranty does not avoid the
policy.163
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167BAR 2010.
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135. Qua Chee Gan obtained fire insurance policies from Law
Union and Rock Insurance for his four warehouses used for
storing copra and hemp. Under the policies, Qua Chee Gan
should install fire hydrants every 150 feet or 11 hydrants in
the warehouse premises, however, he installed only two (2)
hydrants.
Nevertheless, Law Union proceeded with the insurance
and collected premiums from Qua Chee Gan. In the 1940s,
three (3) of the warehouses were razed by fire prompting Qua
Chee Gan to demand insurance payment from Law Union. The
insurance company refused, alleging that the policies should
have been avoided for breach of warranties.
May Law Union and Rock Insurance avoid the policy?
No, it is barred by waiver (or rather estoppel) to claim violation
of warranties for the reason that knowing fully all that the number of
hydrants demanded therein never existed from the very beginning,
respondent nevertheless issued the policies in question subject to
such warranty, and received the corresponding premiums. It is a
well-settled rule of law that an insurer which with knowledge of
facts entitling it to treat a policy as no longer in force, receives, and
accepts a premium on the policy, estopped to take advantage of the
forfeiture.169
‘“Malayan Insurance Company v. PAP Co, G.R. No. 200784, August 7, 2013;
BAR 2014.
169Qua Chee Gan v. Law Union and Rock Insurance Co., Ltd., G.R. No. L-4611,
December 17,1955.
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136. K.S. Young has a business of a candy and fruit store in Escolta
and occupied a building as a residence and bodega. Young
entered into a contract of insurance with Midland Textile
Insurance in case said residence and bodega and its contents
should be destroyed by fire. One of the conditions of said
contract of insurance is found in "warranty B” which provides
that no hazardous goods should be stored or kept for sale, and
no hazardous trade or process be carried on, in the building
to which this insurance applies, or in any building connected
therewith. However, Young placed in said residence and
bodega three (3) boxes filled with fireworks intended to be
used in the celebration of Chinese New Year. A few days after,
the insured building got partially destroyed by fire. The said
fireworks, however, were found in the part of the building not
destroyed by the fire and that they in no way contributed to the
fire or to the loss occasioned thereby.
Is placing of fireworks a violation of the terms of the
policy?
Yes, it is a breach of warranty. Contracts of insurance are
contracts of indemnity upon the terms and conditions specified
in the policy. The parties have a right to impose such reasonable
conditions at the time of the making of the contract as they may deem
wise and necessary. If the insured cannot bring himself within the
conditions of the policy, he is not entitled to recover for the loss. The
terms of the policy constitute the measure of the insurer’s liability,
and in order to recover the insured must show himself within those
terms; and if it appears that the contract has been terminated by a
violation, on the part of the insured, of its conditions, then there can
be no right of recovery.
The argument that the storing of the fireworks on the premises
did not contribute in any way to the damage occasioned by the fire is
untenable. The violation of the terms of the contract, by virtue of the
provisions of the policy itself, terminated, at the election of either
party, the contractual relations.170
170K.S. Young v. Midland Textile Insurance Company, G.R. No. 9370, March
31,1915.
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140. When is the insurer not liable despite the occurrence of a loss?
An insurer is not liable for a loss caused by the willful act or
through the connivance of the insured;”6 for a loss of which the peril
insured against was only a remote cause,”7 or if the loss is caused by
an excepted risk.”8
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142. What should the insured do after the loss in order to recover
from the insurer?
After the loss, the insured must submit the notice and proof of
loss within the period stipulated in the policy.
When a preliminary proof of loss is required by a policy, the
insured is not bound to give such proof as would be necessary in a
court of justice; but it is sufficient for him to give the best evidence
which he has in his power at the time.190
If the policy requires, by way of preliminary proof of loss, the
certificate or testimony of a person other than the insured, it is
sufficient for the insured to use reasonable diligence to procure it,
and in case of the refusal of such person to give it, then to furnish
reasonable evidence to the insurer that such refusal was not induced
by any just grounds of disbelief in the facts necessary to be certified
or testified.181
179BAR 2007.
‘“Section 91, Insurance Code, as amended.
"“Section 94, ibid.
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144. Anco Enterprises Company owned the M/T ANCO tugboat and
the D/B Lucio barge which were operated as common carriers.
San Miguel Corporation (SMC) entered into agreement with
ANCO wherein the latter will ship its cargoes on board the D/B
Lucio, for towage by M/T ANCO. They further agreed that SMC
will insure the cargoes in order to recover indemnity in case
of loss, hence the cargoes were insured with FGU Insurance
Corporation. ANCO failed to deliver to SMC’s consignee
the cargoes. As a consequence of the incident, SMC filed a
complaint for Breach of Contract of Carriage and Damages
against ANCO.
Subsequently, ANCO filed a Third-Party Complaint
against FGU on the ground that the loss of said cargoes
occurred as a result of risks insured against in the insurance
policy and during the existence and lifetime of said insurance
policy.
Is FGU liable under the insurance policy?
No. It is a basic rule in insurance that the carelessness and
negligence of the insured or his agents constitute no defense on the
part of the insurer. This rule, however, presupposes that the loss
has occurred due to causes which could not have been prevented by
the insured, despite the exercise of due diligence. However, when
evidence show that the insured’s negligence or recklessness is so
gross as to be sufficient to constitute a willful act, the insurer must
be exonerated. In the case at bar, ANCO’s representatives had failed
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145. Does discrepancy between the actual loss and that claimed in
the proof of loss void the policy and adversely affect the right
of the insured to recover?
The Insurance Code provides that a policy may declare that
a violation of specified provisions thereof shall avoid it. Thus, in
fire insurance policies, if so stipulated, a fraudulent discrepancy
between the actual loss and that claimed in the proof of loss voids
the insurance policy. Mere filing of such a claim will exonerate the
insurer. In one case, the claim is twenty-five times the actual claim
proved. As a consequence, the policy was voided. The Supreme Court
stated that the most liberal human judgment cannot attribute such
difference to mere innocent error in estimating or counting but to a
deliberate intent to demand from insurance companies payment for
indemnity of goods not existing at the time of the fire.'86
It was also ruled that a false and material statement made
with an intent to decide or defraud avoids an insurance policy.186 In
this case, the insured’s verified claim totaled P31,860.85, of which,
in accordance with the terms of the policy, three-fourths was asked,
or P23,895.64 but the insurer’s inventory of the goods found after
the fire came to P13.113. The difference between the two claim’s
estimate of the loss, which was confirmed in the trial court, was
P18,747.85. In connection with these figures, the insured suggested
too low a valuation by the representatives of the insurer but even
when computed at the insured’s valuation, the goods inventoried
by the insurer’s committee would amount to P19,346.30. There
would, however, still remain a considerable void between the two (2)
amounts, of P12.514.55.187
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148. When should the insurer make the insurance payment to the
insured?
Insurance payment should be made within the following
periods:
LIFE insurance - The proceeds of a life insurance policy
shall be paid immediately upon maturity of the policy, unless such
proceeds are made payable in installments or as an annuity, in which
case the installments, or annuities shall be paid as they become
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b. Prescription of Action
151. What is the remedy available to the insured in case his
insurance claim is rejected by the insurer?
In case of denial of the insurance claim, the insured may file
an action for specific performance against the insurer within the
prescriptive period allowed by law.
The prescriptive period to file a legal action against the insurer,
for an action based on breach of an insurance policy, is ten years from
accrual of cause of action, unless the policy reduced such period, but
in no case, shorter than one (1) year from accrual of cause of action.
A condition, stipulation, or agreement in any policy of
insurance, limiting the time for commencing an action thereunder
to a period of less than one (1) year from the time when the cause of
action accrues, is void.197
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154. When does the prescriptive period for the insured's action for
indemnity be reckoned from?
The prescriptive period for the insured’s action for indemnity
should be reckoned from the “final rejection” of the claim. “Final
rejection” simply means denial by the insurer of the claims of
the insured and not the rejection or denial by the insurer of the
insured’s motion or request for reconsideration.199 The request for
reconsideration does not suspend the running of the prescriptive
period stipulated in the insurance policy. The reason for this rule
is to insure that claims against insurance companies are promptly
settled and that insurance suits are brought by the insured while
the evidence as to the origin and cause of the destruction has not yet
disappeared.200
However, where the delay in bringing the suit against the
insurance company was not caused by the insured or its subrogee but
by the insurance company itself, it is unfair to penalize the insured or
its subrogee by dismissing its action against the insurance company
on the ground of prescription. In one case, the insured sent a notice
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c. Subrogation
155. What is subrogation? What is the statutory basis of the right of
the insurer to subrogation?
The basis of subrogation is Article 2207 of the Civil Code of the
Philippines which provides that “if the plaintiffs property has been
insured and he has received indemnity from the insurance company
for the injury or loss arising out of the wrong or breach of contract
complained of, the insurance company shall be subrogated to the
rights of the insured against the wrongdoer or the person who has
delated the contract. If the amount paid by the insurance company
!oes not fully cover the injury or loss, the aggrieved party shall be
entitled to recover the deficiency from the person causing the loss of
injury.”
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158. L" borrows P50,000.00 from "M" payable 360 days after date,
at 12% interest per annum. To secure the loan, "L" mortgages
his house and lot in favor of "M" To protect himself from certain
contingencies, "M" insures the house for the full amount of
the loan with Rock Insurance Company. A fire breaks out and
burns the house and "M” collects from the insurance company
the full value of the insurance.
Upon maturity of the loan, the insurance company
demands payment from "L" The latter refuses to pay on the
ground that the loan had been extinguished by the insurance
payment which "M" received from the insurance company.
He argues that he has not entered into any loan or contract
204Malayan Insurance Co., Inc. v. Rodelio Alberto, et al., G.R. No. 194320,
February 1, 2012.
205BAR 2011.
“Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company v. Jamila & Company, Inc., G.R. No.
L-27427, April 7, 1976.
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207Article 2207, N.C.C.; Fireman’s Fund Insurance Co. v. Jamila & Co., G.R.
No. L-1976, April 7,1976; BAR 1980.
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160. How much may the insurer recover from the wrongdoer as a
result of subrogation?
The insurer, after paying the claim of the insured under the
insurance policy, is subrogated merely to the rights of the assured.
As subrogee, it can recover only the amount that is recoverable by the
latter. In one case, a shipment was covered by a bill of lading which
stipulated, among others, that the carrier’s liability with respect to
lost or damaged shipments is expressly limited to the C.I.F. value of
the goods, upon arrival at the Port of Manila, several cartons were
received in bad order condition, hence the consignee filed a claim
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with the carrier as well as the insurer but the carrier refused, so it
was the insurer that paid the value of the insured goods, including
other expenses in connection therewith. Thereafter, the insurer sued
the carrier, to collect what it paid the insured. It was held that after
paying the claim of the insured for damages under the insurance,
the insurer is subrogated merely to the rights of the insured. As
subrogee, it can recover only the amount that is recoverable by the
latter. Since the right of the assured is limited by the provisions in
the bill of lading, a suit by the insurer as a subrogee is necessarily
subject to like limitations.209
In another case, it was held that the failure of the insurer to
present sufficient proof that the subrogor sustained damages, which
would have entitled it to indemnity, precludes recovery on the part of
the insurer. The rights of a subrogee cannot be superior to the rights
possessed by a subrogor. Consequently, an insurer indemnifies the
insured based on the loss or injury the latter actually suffered from,
f there is no loss or injury, then there is no obligation on the part
f the insurer to indemnify the insured. Should the insurer pay the
.nsured and it turns out that indemnification is not due, or if due,
the amount paid is excessive, the insurer takes the risk of not being
able to seek recompense from the alleged wrongdoer.210
In this particular case, the Philippine Associated Smelting
and Refining Corporation (PASAR) had not established by an
iota of evidence the amount of loss or actual damage it suffered
by reason of seawater wettage of the 777.29 metric tons of copper
concentrates. In spite of no proof of loss, Malayan paid the claim of
PASAR in the amount of P33,934,948.75. The Supreme Court ruled
that Malayan cannot make the common carrier answerable for its
mistake in indemnifying PASAR. This is in line with the principle
that a subrogee steps into the shoes of the insured and can recover
only if the insured likewise could have recovered.211
■“St. Paul Fire & Marine Insurance Co. v. Macondray & Co., Inc., el al., G.R.
No. L-27796, March 25,1976.
2l0Loadatar Shipping Company v. Malayan Insurance, G.R. No. 185565,
November 26,2014.
21lLoadstar Shipping Company and Loadstar International Company v.
Malayan Insurance, ibid.
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212Philippine Air Lines, Inc. v. Herald Lumber Co., G.R. L-11497, August 16,
1957; for both 1 and 2 answers; BAR 1978.
213Pan Malayan Insurance Corporation v. Court of Appeals, et al., G.R. No.
81026, April 3,1990.
21<Pan Malayan Insurance Corporation v. Court of Appeals, et al., G.R. No.
81026, April 3,1990.
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insured. No new obligation was created between the insurer and the
wrongdoer. The rights of a subrogee cannot be superior to the rights
possessed by a subrogor. Therefore, for purposes of prescription, the
insurer inherits only the remaining period within which the insured
may file an action against the wrongdoer. The Supreme Court said,
however, that the Henson doctrine is prospective in application.
The facts of this case are as follows:
From 1989 to 1999, National Arts Studio and Color Lab
(NASCL) leased the front portion of a two-storey building owned
by Vicente Henson Jr. (Henson). In 1999, NASCL gave up its lease
and instead leased the right front portion and the entire second-
floor of the building. Meanwhile, Copylandia Office Systems Corp.
(Copylandia) moved in to the ground floor.
A water leak occurred in the building causing injury to the
various equipment of Copylandia. As the said equipment were
insured, Copylandia filed a claim with its insurer, UCPB General
Insurance Co., Inc. (UCPB). UCPB paid the claim and, as subrogee,
demanded from NASCL for the amount of the payment it made.
Since the demand proved to be futile, UCPB filed a complaint for
damages against NASCL.
Meanwhile, Henson transferred ownership of the building
to Citrinne Holdings, Inc. (CHI), where he was a stockholder and
President. UCPB amended its complaint impleading CHI as a
defendant. Thereafter, UCPB filed a motion praying Henson, instead
of CHI, be impleaded as a defendant. CHI opposed the complaint
on the ground of prescription, arguing that since UCPB’s cause of
action is based on quasi-delict, it must be brought within four (4)
years from its accrual on May 9, 2006.
On the issue of whether the claim of UPCB already prescribed,
the Supreme Court ruled that the claim has not yet prescribed
following the Vector ruling. Although in this case, the Court deemed
it necessary to abandon the ruling in Vector that an insurer may
file an action against the tortfeasor within 10 years from the time
the insurer indemnifies the insured, the abandonment of the
Vector doctrine should be prospective in application for the reason
that judicial decisions applying or interpreting the laws or the
Constitution, until reversed, shall form part of the legal system of
the Philippines.
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H. Classes
1. Marine
a. Coverage
167. What is marine insurance?
Marine insurance is a type of insurance against loss or damage to:
“(1) Vessels, craft, aircraft, vehicles, goods, freights,
cargoes, merchandise, effects, disbursements, profits, moneys,
securities, choses in action, instruments of debts, valuable
papers, bottomry, and respondentia interests and all other kinds
of property and interests therein, in respect to, appertaining to
or in connection with any and all risks or perils of navigation,
transit or transportation, or while being assembled, packed,
crated, baled, compressed or similarly prepared for shipment
or while awaiting shipment, or during any delays, storage,
transshipment[sic], or reshipment incident thereto, including
war risks, marine builder’s risks, and all personal property
floater risks;
“'Vicente Henson, Jr. UCPB General Insurance Co., G.R. No. 223134,
August 14, 2019.
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“‘2010 Bar.
2322011 Bar.
“iSSS Bar.
“’Transimex v. Mafre Insurance Corporation, September 14, 2016.
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235Filipino Merchants Insurance Co., Inc. v. Court of Appeals, et al., G.R. No.
85141, November 28, 1989; Choa Tiek Seng, doing business under the name and style
of Seng’s Commercial Enterprises v. Court of Appeals, et al., G.R. No. 84507, March
15,1990.
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Yes. South Sea and Charter are liable under the all-risk marine
insurance policy which covers all kinds of loss other than those due
to willful and fraudulent act of the insured. Under the Carriage
of Goods by Sea Act, only the carrier’s liability is extinguished if
no suit is brought within one year. But the liability of the insurer
is not extinguished because the insurer’s liability is based not on
the contract of carriage but on the contract of insurance. A close
reading of the law reveals that the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act
governs the relationship between the carrier on the one hand and
the shipper, the consignee and/or the insurer on the other hand. It
defines the obligations of the carrier under the contract of carriage.
It does not, however, affect the relationship between the shipper and
the insurer. The latter case is governed by the Insurance Code. In
the case at bar, it was the shipper which filed a claim against the
insurer. The basis of the shipper’s claim is the “all risks” insurance
policies issued by South Sea and Charter to Mayer.236
As previously noted, the prescriptive period to file a suit against
the insurer is ten years from accrual of the insured’s cause of action,
unless the policy reduces the period to not less than one year from
accrual of cause of action.
176. Absolute Timber Co. (ATC) has been engaged in the logging
business in Isabela. To secure one of its shipments of logs
to be transported by Andok Shipping Co., ATC purchased a
marine policy with an "all risks" provision. Because of a strong
typhoon then hitting Northern Luzon, the vessel sank and
the shipment of logs was totally lost. ATC filed its claim, but
the insurer denied the claim on several grounds, namely: (1)
the vessel had not been seaworthy; (2) the vessel’s crew had
lacked sufficient training; (3) the improper loading of the logs
on only one side of the vessel had led to the tilting of the ship to
the other side during the stormy voyage; and (4) the extremely
bad weather had been a fortuitous event.
ATC now seeks your legal advice to know if its claim was
sustainable. What is your advice? Explain your answer.
ATC’s claim is sustainable. The all-risk policy that ATC
procured from the insurer insures against all causes of conceivable
■“Mayer Steel Pipe Corp. v. Court of Appeals and South Sea Surety, G.R. No.
124050, June 19,1997.
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loss or damage except when the loss or damage was due to fraud or
intentional misconduct committed by ATC. The grounds of denial
that the insurer invoked are not due to the fraud or intentional
misconduct of the insurer.237
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as ballasts, cables and anchors, cordage and sails, food, water, fuel
and lights, and other necessary or proper stores and implements for
the voyage/"
Wien the ship becomes unseaworthy during the voyage to
which an insurance relates, an unreasonable delay in repairing the
defect exonerates the insurer on ship or shipowner’s interest from
liability from any loss arising therefrom.2'6
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choice of the common carrier that will transport his goods. Or the
cargo owner may enter into a contract of insurance which specifically
provides that the insurer answers not only for the perils of the sea
but also provides for coverage of perils of the ship.
Moreover, the fact that the unseaworthiness of the ship was
unknown to the insured is immaterial in ordinary marine insurance
and may not be used by him as a defense in order to recover on the
marine insurance policy.2,16
240Isabela Roque, doing business under the name and style of Isabela Roque
Timber Enterprises and Ong Chiong v. Hon. Intermediate Appellate Court and
Pioneer Insurance and Surety Corporation, G.R. No. L-66935, November 11, 1985.
247BAR 2010.
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24“BAR2008.
“Section 125, IC.
““Section 123, IC.
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188. T, the captain of MV Don Alan, while asleep in his cabin, dreamt
of an Intensity 8 earthquake along the path of his ship. On
waking up, he immediately ordered the ship to return to port.
True enough, the earthquake and tsunami struck three (3) days
later and the ship was saved. Was the deviation proper?
No, because no reasonable ground for avoiding a peril existed
at the time of the deviation.255
190. When may the insured recover for an actual total loss under a
marine insurance?
The insured may recover for an actual total loss under a marine
insurance in the following cases:
If the actual total loss is caused by:
“(a) Total destruction of the thing insured;
“(b) The irretrievable loss of the thing by sinking, or by
being broken up;
“(c) Any damage to the thing which renders it valueless
to the owner for the purpose for which he held it; or
xxx”
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269BAR 1996.
““Section 132, IC.
“‘Section 134, IC.
““Section 137, IC.
““Sections 133 and 141, IC.
““Section 140, IC.
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Ansiccr: ,,
a. The notice of abandonment made in writing by the
insured to the insurer was sufficient, had the loss been
a constructive total loss, meaning more than 3/4 of the
value of the vessel.2’9
Jih f; ■■■ I !■ :: 'I ■'
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2. Fire
201. Enumerate the perils covered under a fire insurance.
Fire insurance is insurance against loss arising from fire,
lightning, windstorm, tornados, earthquakes and other allied risks,
when such risks are covered by extension to fire insurance policies
or under separate policies.283
While conceptually fire insurance includes allied risks as
enumerated above, the insured may recover only for the risk/s
insured against, as specified in the policy.
Extent of Liability
202. What are the different kinds of insurance policy?
A policy is either open, valued or running.281
An open policy is one in which the value of the thing insured is
not agreed upon, and the amount of the insurance merely represents
the insurer’s maximum liability. The value of such thing insured
shall be ascertained at the time of the loss.286
A valued policy is one which expresses on its face an agreement
that the thing insured shall be valued at a specific sum.286
A running policy is one which contemplates successive
insurances, and which provides that the object of the policy may be
from time to time defined, especially as to the subjects of insurance,
by additional statements or indorsements.287
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288BAR 1990.
289Modified 1975 Bar.
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208, PAM, Inc. obtained a P15M fire insurance policy from llocano
Insurance covering its machineries and equipment effective for
1 year. The policy expressly stated that the insured properties
were located at "Sanyo Precision Phils. Building, Phase III, Lots
4 and 6, Block 15, PEZA, Rosario Cavite." Before its expiration,
the policy was renewed on "as is" basis for another year. The
subject properties were later transferred to Pace Factory also
in PEZA. During the effectivity of the renewed policy, a fire
broke out at the Pace Factory which totally burned the insured
properties.
The policy forbade the removal of the insured properties
unless sanctioned by llocano. Condition 9(c) of the policy
provides that "the insurance ceases to attach as regards the
property affected unless the insured, before the occurrence
of any loss or damage, obtains the sanction of the company
signified by endorsement upon the policy xx x (c) if the property
insured is removed to any building or place other than in that
which is herein stated to be insured." PAM claims that it has
substantially complied with notifying llocano for the insurance
coverage. Is llocano liable under the policy?
llocano is not liable under the policy. With the transfer of
the location of the subject properties, without notice and without
insurer’s consent, after the renewal of the policy, the insured
clearly committed concealment, misrepresentation, and a breach
of material warranty. A concealment entitles the injured party to
rescind a contract of insurance in case of an alteration in the use or
condition of the thing insured. An alteration in the use or condition
of a thing insured from that to which it is limited by the policy made
without the consent of the insurer, by means within the control of
the insured, and increasing the risks, entitles the insurer to rescind
the contract of fire insurance.295
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I. INSURANCE 133
210. Cite examples of damage caused by friendly fire for which the
insurer is not liable.
a. Damage caused on the insured curtains in a condominium
unit by smoke from a lamp when no ignition occurred
outside of the lamp.
b, Damage done to sugar by the heat of the usual fires
employed for refining, being accumulated by the
mismanagement of the insured, who inadvertently kept
the top of their chimney closed.
c. Smoke emitted by cooking stove.
296BAR 1989.
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3. Casualty Insurance
214. What is casualty insurance?
Casualty insurance is insurance covering loss or liability
arising from accident or mishap, excluding certain types of loss
which by law or custom are considered as falling exclusively within
the scope of other types of insurance such as fire or marine. It
includes, but is not limited to, employer’s liability insurance, motor
vehicle liability insurance, plate glass insurance, burglary and theft
insurance, personal accident and health insurance as written by
non-life insurance companies, and other substantially similar kinds
of insurance.289
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300BAR 1990.
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302Fortune Insurance and Surety Co., Inc. V. Court of Appeals and Producers
Bank of the Philippines, G.R. No. 115278, May 23, 1995.
“'Melecio Coquia, et al. v. Fieldmen’s Insurance Co., Inc., G.R. No. L-23276,
November 29, 1968.
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138 DIVINA ON COMMERCIAL LAW:
A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE VOLUME I
4. Suretyship
220. What is a contract of suretyship?
“SECTION 177. A contract of suretyship is an agreement
whereby a party called the surety guarantees the performance by
another party called the principal or obligor of an obligation or
undertaking in favor of a third party called the obligee. It includes
official recognizances, stipulations, bonds or undertakings issued by
any company by virtue of and under the provisions of Act No. 536,
as amended by Act No. 22O6.”305
Examples: Contractor bond, attachment bond, injunction bond
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I. INSURANCE 139
307 FGU Insurance Corporation v. Roxas, G.R. No. 189526, G.R. No. 189526,
August 9, 2017.
308 FGU Insurance Corporation v. Roxas, ibid.
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140 DIVINA ON COMMERCIAL LAW:
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amount of the bond it has put up but includes all the actual
and consequential damages suffered by private respondent,
there having intervened malice and bad faith on Zenith's part.
Is Zenith liable for more than the amount of bond?
No. when a surety executes a bond, it does not guarantee
that the plaintiffs cause of action is meritorious, and that it will
be responsible for all the costs that may be adjudicated against
principal in case the action fails. The extent of a surety’s liability is
determined only by the clause of the contract suretyship. It cannot
be extended by implication, beyond the terms of the contract.309
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226. When does the bond issued by the surety company become
valid and binding?
No contract of suretyship or bonding shall be valid and binding
unless and until the premium therefor has been paid, except where
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I. INSURANCE 143
the obligee has accepted the bond, in which case the bond becomes
valid and enforceable irrespective of whether or not the premium has
been paid by the obligor to the surety: Provided, That if the contract
of suretyship or bond is not accepted by, or filed with the obligee, the
surety shall collect only a reasonable amount, not exceeding fifty
percent (50%) of the premium due thereon as service fee plus the
cost of stamps or other taxes imposed for the issuance of the contract
or bond: Provided, however, That if the nonacceptance of the bond
be due to the fault or negligence of the surety, no such service fee,
stamps or taxes shall be collected.
“In the case of a continuing bond, the obligor shall pay the
subsequent annual premium as it falls due until the contract of
suretyship is cancelled by the obligee or by the Commissioner or by
a court of competent jurisdiction, as the case may be.
5. Life
228. What is a life insurance?
Life insurance is insurance on human lives and insurance
appertaining thereto or connected therewith.
Every contract or undertaking for the payment of annuities
including contracts for the payment of lump sums under a
retirement program where a life insurance company manages or
acts as a trustee for such retirement program shall be considered a
life insurance contract for purposes of the Insurance Code.”5
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144 DIVINA ON COMMERCIAL LAW:
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31G2012 Bar.
’"Maramag v. Maramag, ibid.
’’“Section 12.
3192008 Bar.
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I. INSURANCE 145
230. Who will get proceeds of life insurance policy in case insured
failed to designate beneficiaries?
Where a GSIS member failed to state his beneficiary in his
application for membership, the proceeds of the retirement benefits
shall accrue to his estate and will be distributed among his legal
heirs in accordance with the law on intestate succession.320
320Re: Claims for Benefits of the Heirs of the Late Mario V. Chanliongco, Adm.
Matter No. I90-RET, October 18, 1977.
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146 DIVINA ON COMMERCIAL LAW:
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236. X, in January 30, 2009, or two (2) years before reaching the
age of 65, insured his life for P20M. For reason unknown to his
family, he took his own life two (2) days after his 65th birthday.
The policy contains no excepted risk. Which statement is most
accurate?
a. the insurer will be liable.
b. the insurer will not be liable.
C. the state of sanity of the insured is relevant in cases of
suicide in order to hold the insurer liable.
d. the state of sanity of the insured is irrelevant in cases of
suicide in order to hold the insurer liable.324
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148 D1VIN.A ON COMMERCIAL LAW:
A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE VOLUME I
335Sun Insurance Office, Ltd. v. Court of Appeals and Nerissa Lim, G.R. No.
92383, July 17, 1992.
’“Section 184, IC.
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I. INSURANCE 149
240. The policy of insurance upon his life, with a face value of
P100,000.00, was assigned by Jose, a married man with 2
legitimate children, to his nephew, Y as security for a loan of
P50,000.00. He did not give the insurer any written notice of
such assignment despite the explicit provision to that effect
in the policy. Jose died. Upon the claim on the policy by the
assignee, the insurer refused to pay on the ground that it was
not notified of the assignment. Upon the other hand, the heirs
of Jose contended that Y is not entitled to any amount under
the policy because the assignment without due notice to the
insurer was void. Resolve the issues.
A life insurance is assignable. A provision, however, in the
policy stating that written notice of such an assignment should be
given to the insurer is valid. The failure of the notice of assignment
would thus preclude the assignee from claiming rights under the
policy. The failure of notice did not, however, avoid the policy; hence,
upon the death of Jose, the proceeds would, in the absence of a
designated beneficiary, go to the estate of the insured. The estate, in
turn, would be liable for the loan of P50,000.00 owing in favor of Y.32’
6. Microinsurance
243. What is Microinsurance?
Microinsurance is a financial product or service that meets the
risk protection needs of the poor where:
a. The amount of contributions, premiums, fees or charges,
computed on a daily basis, does not exceed seven and a
half percent (7.5%) of the current daily minimum wage
rate for nonagricultural workers in Metro Manila; and
327BAR 1991.
328Section 186, IC.
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150 DIVINA ON COMMERCIAL LAW:
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246. Lope Maglana met an accident that resulted in his death while
driving his motorcycle on his way to workstation. He was
bumped by a PUJ jeep which was driven by Pepito Into and was
operated and owned by defendant Destrajo, when he overtook
another passenger jeep that was going towards the city.
Thereafter, the heirs of the deceased filed an action against
Destrajo and the Afisco Insurance Corporation (AFISCO) for
damages and attorney’s fees.
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247. When does the right of the insured to recover under the policy
accrue?
AFISCO’s liability under Third Party Liability coverage
accrues immediately upon occurrence of injury or event upon
which the liability depends and does not depend on the recovery of
judgment by the injured party against the insured. Therefore, the
AFISCO can be sued and held directly liable by the injured party
to the extent of coverage but not solidary with that of Destrajo. As
such, the heirs have the option either to claim from AFISCO and
the balance from Destrajo or enforce the entire judgment from
Destrajo subject to reimbursement from AFISCO to the extent of
the insurance coverage.330
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249. While driving his car along EDSA, Cesar sideswiped Roberto,
causing injuries to the latter. Roberto sued Cesar and the
third-party liability insurer for damages and/or insurance
proceeds. The insurance company moved to dismiss the
complaint, contending that the liability of Cesar has not yet
been determined with finality.
a. Is the contention of the insurer correct? Explain.
b. May the insurer be held liable with Cesar?
Answer:
a. No, the contention of the insurer is not correct. There is
no need to wait for the decision of the court determining
Cesar’s liability with finality before the third-party
liability insurer could be sued. The occurrence of the
injury to Roberto immediately gave rise to the liability
of the insurer under its policy. In other words, where
an insurance policy insures directly against liability,
the insurer’s liability accrues immediately upon the
occurrence of the injury or event upon which the liability
depends.
b. The insurer cannot be held solidarily liable with Cesar.
The liability of the insurer is based on contract while that
of Cesar is based on tort. If the insurer were solidarily
liable with Cesar, it could be made to pay more than the
amount stated in the policy. This would, however, be
contrary to the principles underlying insurance contracts.
On the other hand, if the insurer were solidarily liable
with Cesar and it is made to pay only up to the amount
stated in the insurance policy, the principles underlying
solidary obligations would be violated.332
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250. Poe was run over by a truck which was insured with Malayan
Insurance. Heirs of Poe then filed a complaint against the
owner of the truck and Malayan Insurance. Malayan Insurance
while admitting that it is the insurer of the truck, it asserts that
its liability is limited, and it should not be held solidarily liable
with the owner for all the damages awarded to the aggrieved
parties.
Is Malayan Insurance solidarily liable with the truck
owner?
No, where the insurance contract provides for indemnity
against liability to third persons, the liability of the insurer is direct
and third persons can directly sue the insurer. The direct liability of
the insurer under indemnity contracts against third party liability
does not mean, however, that the insurer can be held solidarily
liable with the insured and/or the other parties found at fault, since
they are being held liable under different obligations. The liability of
the insured carrier or vehicle owner is based on tort, in accordance
with the provisions of the Civil Code; while that of the insurer arises
from contract, particularly, the insurance policy. The third-party
liability of the insurer is only up to the extent of the insurance policy
and that required by law; and it cannot be held solidarily Hable for
anything beyond that amount. Any award beyond the insurance
coverage would already be the sole liability of the insured and/or the
; other parties at fault. However, Malayan did not produce evidence to
prove its hmited liability so the Court concluded that it had agreed
to fully indemnify third-party liabilities.333
“’Heirs of George Poe v. Malayan Insurance Company, G.R. No. 156302, April
7,2009.
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253. Jose, driving his own car together with his wife Maria, were
on their way home from their respective offices when a car
driven by Pedro hit them from behind which was in turn hit
by a gasoline tanker driven by Mario, causing the car of Jose
to turn-turtle, thus, resulting in the death of Maria. All motor
vehicles being insured, Jose filed his claim for the death of
Maria against the "NO FAULT" Insurance, Section 378 of the
Insurance Code.
Will Jose's claim for the death of Maria against insurers
of said three motor vehicles prosper and up to what amount?
Reasons.
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I. INSURANCE 155
Jose’s claim for the death of Maria against the insurer of said
three (3) motor vehicles will not prosper. According to Section 378 of
the Insurance Code:
“Any claim for death or injury to any passenger or
third-party pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall
be paid without necessity of proving fault or negligence of
any kind; Provided, that for purposes of this section.
XXX
254. If Jose includes in the claim damage for his car, will the claim
prosper? Why?
Jose’s claim for damages for his car will not prosper. As may
be clearly gleaned from Section 378 of the Insurance Code on NO
FAULT Insurance applies only to “any claim for death or injury to
any passenger or third party”.336
“BAR 1977.
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“’BAR 1981.
“Section 391, Insurance Code.
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“BAR 2000.
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3l“Perla Compania de Seguros Inc. v. Hon. Constante Ancheta, el al., G.R. No.
L-49699, August 8, 1988.
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261. Rudy Lao is the owner of a Fuso truck insured with Standard
Insurance Co., Inc. While the policy was in effect, the insured
truck bumped another truck, also owned by Lao.
Lao filed a claim with the insurance company for the
proceeds from his policy. However, the claim was denied by
the insurance company on the ground that it was found that
the driver of the insured truck, Leonardo Anit, did not possess
a proper driver's license at the time of the accident. The
Restriction 4 in Leonardo Anit's driver's license provided that
he can only drive four-wheeled vehicles weighing not more
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than 4,500 kgs. Since the insured truck he was driving weighed
more than 4,500 kgs, he therefore violated the "authorized
driver" clause 5 of the insurance policy. Lao claims that at the
time of the accident, it was in fact another driver. Giddie Boy,
who was driving the insured truck. Giddie Boy possessed a
driver's license authorizing him to drive vehicles such as the
truck which weighed more than 4,500 kgs.
Is Standard Insurance liable to pay Lao?
No, if the license of the third party driving the private motor
vehicle prohibits him from driving a vehicle exceeding the weight of
4,500 kgs, the Standard Insurance is not liable if the weight exceeds
4,500 kgs. The license provides for the extent of authority.343
262. Capital Insurance & Surety Co., Inc. insured for one (1) year
the jeepney of Agapito Gutierrez against passenger and
third-party liability. The policy provides in Item 13 that the
authorized driver must be the holder of a valid and subsisting
professional driver's license. A driver with an expired Traffic
Violation Receipt or expired Temporary Operator's Permit is
not considered an authorized driver. ;
The insured jeepney figured in an accident. As a result,
a passenger fell off the vehicle and died. At the time of the
accident, Teofilo Ventura, the jeepney driver, did not have his
license but he had with him instead a carbon copy of a traffic
violation report (TVR) issued by a policeman. However, the
said TVR was already expired because it only served as a
temporary operator's permit for 15 days from receipt.
Does the insurance cover a jeepney whose driver's TVR
or temporary operator's permit had already expired?
No, where the driver’s temporary operator’s permit had expired,
and the insurance policy states that a driver with an expired TVR or
expired temporary operator’s permit is not considered an authorized
driver within the meaning of the policy, the expiration of the same
bars recovery under the policy. In liability insurance, the parties
are bound by the terms of the policy and the right of the insured to
recover is governed thereby.344
3riRudy Lao v. Standard Insurance Co., Inc., G.R. No. 140023, August 14,2003.
344Agapito Gutierrez v. Capital Insurance & Surety Co., Inc., G.R. No. L-26827,
June 29, 1984.
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Theft Clause
263. Villacorta had her Colt Lancer car insured with Empire
Insurance Company against own damage, theft and third-
party liability. While the car was in the repair shop, one of the
employees of the said repair shop took it out for a joyride after
which it figured in a vehicular accident. This resulted to the
death of the driver and some of the passengers as well as to
extensive damage to the car.
Villacorta filed a claim for total loss with the said insurance
company. However, it denied the claim on the ground that the
accident did not fall within the provisions of the policy either
for the Own Damage er Theft coverage, invoking the policy
provision on "Authorized Driver Clause"
Is Empire Insurance liable under the Authorized Driver
Clause?
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165. On May 26, 2014, Jess insured with Jack Insurance (Jack) his
2014 Toyota Corolla sedan under a comprehensive motor
vehicle insurance policy for one (1) year. On July 1,2014, Jess' car
was unlawfully taken. Hence, he immediately reported the theft
to the Traffic Management Command (TMC) of the Philippine
National Police (PNP), which made Jess accomplish a complaint
sheet as part of its procedure. In the complaint sheet, Jess
alleged that a certain Ric Silat (Silat) took possession of the
subject vehicle to add accessories and improvements thereon.
However, Silat failed to return the subject vehicle within the
agreed three-day period. As a result, Jess notified Jack of his
claim for reimbursement of the value of the lost vehicle under
the insurance policy. Jack refused to pay claiming that there is
no theft as Jess gave Silat lawful possession of the car.
Is Jack correct?
No. Jack is not correct. The “theft clause” of a comprehensive
motor vehicle insurance policy has been interpreted by the Court
m several cases to cover situations like (1) when one takes the
motor vehicle of another without the latter’s consent even if the
motor vehicle is later returned, there is theft—there being intent
to gain as the use of the thing unlawfully taken constitutes gain,
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164 DIVINA ON COMMERCIAL LAW:
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I. Variable Contracts
267. What is a Variable Contract?
The term variable contract shall mean any policy or contract
n either a group or on an individual basis issued by an insurance
Irmpany providing for benefits or other contractual payments or
alues thereunder to vary so as to reflect investment results of
any segregated portfolio of investments or of a designated separate
account in which amounts received in connection with such
contracts shall have been placed and accounted for separately and
apart from other investments and accounts. This contract may also
provide benefits or values incidental thereto payable in fixed or
variable amounts, or both. It shall not be deemed to be a security or
securities.34’
Important rules:
1. Contract of insurance involves public interest, regulation
by the State is necessary.349 No insurer or insurance
company is allowed to engage in the insurance business
without a license or a certificate of authority from the
Insurance Commission.
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360Avon Insurance PLC v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 97642, August 29,1997.
“‘Section 318, IC.
““Insurance Commission Opinion LO-2018-03, January 30, 2018.
““Section 307, IC.
“‘Section 437, IC.
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^Ibid.
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Insurance Agent
272. Petitioners, beneficiaries in the life insurance benefits under
a group policy, sought to recover these benefits from Insular
Life but the latter denied their claim on the ground that its
liability was already extinguished upon delivery to and receipt
by Prime Marine Services, Inc. of the checks issued in their
names. Capt. Roberto Nuval, President and General Manager
of PMSI, the employer of seamen who died, allegedly received
3mIbid.
“‘Philippine American Life Insurance Company, et al. v. Hon. Armando
Ansaldo, G.R. No. 76542, July 26, 1994.
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170 DIVINA ON COMMERCIAL LAW:
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73. Joseph Bengzon Chua, doing business under the style of Tic
Hin Chiong, filed a case against Smith, Bell, and Co., Inc. and
the latter's principal, First Insurance Co. Ltd., to recover the
value of the losses sustained by him when his cargo arrived
in apparent bad order condition. Smith, Bell & Co. denied any
liability alleging that it is merely a settling or claim agent o
the insurance company and as such agent, it is not persona y
liable under the policy in which it has not even taken part of. Is
Smith, Bell & Co. solidarily liable with its principal?
No. A settling agent acting within the scope of its authority
cannot be held personally Hable and/or solidarily liable for the
obligations of the disclosed principal. A resident agent is taske
only to receive legal processes on behalf of its principal and not to
answer personally for any insurance claims. The scope and extent
of the functions of an adjustment and settlement agent do not
include personal liability. His functions are merely to settle and
adjust claims in behalf of his principal if those claims are proven
and undisputed, and if the claim is disputed or is disapproved by the
principal, like in the instant case, the agent does not assume any
personal liability. The recourse of the insured is to press his claim
against the principal.363
M2Luz Pineda, el al. v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 105562, September 27, 1993.
“’Smith, Bell & Co., Inc. v. Court of Appeals and Joseph Bengzon, G.R. No.
110668, February 6, 1997.
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Reinsurance
274. CISC and SAPL entered into a Memorandum of Agreement
(MOA) whereby MSAPL appointed CISC as the exclusive agent
of MSAPL to PCSO during the lifetime of the recently concluded
MOA entered into between MSAPL, PCSO and other parties.
After initially complying with its obligation under the
MOA, MSAPL stopped remitting commissions to CISC. As a
result of MSAPL’s refusal to pay, CISC filed a complaint for
specific performance against MSAPL, MSPI, Atty. Ofelia
Cajigal, and PCSO. CISC prayed that private respondents be
ordered to comply with its obligations under the MOA.
CISC posted a bond through Plaridel Surety and Insurance
Company (Plaridel) in favor of MSAPL. Two days later, MSAPL
filed a motion to determine the sufficiency of the bond because
of questions regarding the financial capacity of Plaridel. But
before the RTC could act on this motion, MSAPL, apparently
getting hold of Plaridel’s latest financial statements, moved to
recall and set aside the approval of the attachment bond on the
ground that Plaridel had no capacity to underwrite the bond
pursuant to Section 215 of the old Insurance Code because
its net worth was only P214,820,566.00 and could therefore
only underwrite up to P42,964,113.20. RTC denied MSAPL’s
motion, finding that although Plaridel cannot underwrite the
bond by itself, the amount covered by the attachment bond
was likewise reinsured to sixteen other insurance companies.
Plaridel submitted proof of reinsurance. Is Plaridel’s bond
correctly approved?
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172 DIVINA ON COMMERCIAL LAW:
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365Ivor Robert Dayton Gibson v. Hon. Pedro Revilla, et al., G.R. No. L-41432,
July 30, 1979.
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I. INSURANCE 173
366Avon Insurance PLC, et al. v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 97642, August 29,
1997.
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A. Definition
1. What law governs the establishment, operation, and regulation
of pre-need companies in the Philippines? Which regulatory
body oversees the pre-need companies in the Philippines?
The establishment, operation and regulation of pre-need
companies are governed by Republic Act (“R.A.”) No. 9829, otherwise
known as Pre-Need Code of the Philippines, which took effect on
December 3, 2009.
All pre-need companies shall be under the primary and
-■xclusive supervision and regulation of the Insurance Commission.1
174
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II. PRE-NEED CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES 175
(Republic Act No. 9829)
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Before offering them for sale to the public, pre-need plans must
be registered with the Insurance Commission.
Within a period of 45 days after the grant of a license to do
business as a pre-need company, and for every pre-need plan which
the pre-need company intends to offer for sale to the public, the pre
need company shall, among other things, file with the Insurance
Commission the following:
a. Duly accomplished Registration Statements;
b. Board resolution authorizing the registration of
applicant’s pre-need plans;
c. Opinion of independent counsel on the legality of the
issue;
d. Audited financial statements;
e. Viability study with certification, under oath, of pre-need
actuary accredited by the Commission;
f. Copy of the proposed pre-need plan; and
g- Sample of sales materials.
Such registration statements and sales materials required
under this section shall contain the appropriate risk factors as may
be determined by the Insurance Commission.6
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II. PRE-NEED CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES 177
(Republic Act No. 9829)
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178 DIVINA ON COMMERCIAL LAW:
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II. PRE-NEED CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES 179
(Republic Act No. 9829)
10. How can the issuer voluntarily cancel the registration and
permit to sell of its pre-need plans?
A registration of a pre-need plan may be cancelled or a permit
to sell may be suspended or cancelled by the Commission upon
petition for its suspension and/or cancellation, as the case may be,
by the issuer.
A petition for the cancellation of registration of a pre-need plan
or a petition for suspension and/or cancellation of a permit to sell
shall be accompanied by the following:
a. Petition for the cancellation of the registration or petition
for suspension and/or cancellation for the permit to sell
stating the reasons therefor;
b. Proof of the reasons for cancellation of registration or
suspension and/or cancellation of the permit to sell;
c. Proof of publication of a notice to stockholders/investors/
planholders of said petition for cancellation of registration
and/or petition for suspension and/or cancellation of a
permit to sell;
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180 DIVINA ON COMMERCIAL LAW:
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11. Who is a sales counselor, and what are the requirements before
a sales counselor can sell pre-need plans?
“Sales counselors” refers to natural persons who are engaged
in the sale of, or offer to sell, or counsel of prospective planholders
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II. PRE-NEED CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES 181
(Republic Act No. 9829)
12. What are the grounds for denial, suspension, and revocation of
a license to act as a sales counselor?
An application for the issuance or renewal of a license to act
as sales counselor may be denied, or such license, if already issued,
shall be suspended or revoked based on the following grounds:
a. Materially misrepresented statements in the application
requirements;
b. Obtained or attempted to obtain a license by fraud or
misrepresentation;
c. Materially misrepresented the terms and conditions of
pre-need plan which he sold or offered to sell;
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183 DIVINA ON COMMERCIAL LAW:
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II. PRE-NEED CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES 183
(Republic Act No. 9829)
13. Can the issuer contract the services of the general agent for
the sale of the pre-need plans? What are the requirements?
If the issuer should contract the services of a general agent to
undertake the sales of its plans, such general agent shall be required
to be licensed as such with the Insurance Commission, in accordance
with the requirements imposed by the Insurance Commission.
The following are the minimum requirements for the licensing
of general agents:
i. Copy of certificate of registration;
ii. Copy of articles of incorporation/partnership/cooperation
and by-laws;
iii. Minimum paid-up capital of Pl,000,000.00;
iv. Application form;
V. Endorsement of the applicant by the principal pre-need
company; and
vi. Copy of the general agency agreement.
The general agent must be a registered corporation or
partnership in the Philippines. Agents soliciting or selling pre
need plans in behalf of the general agent must possess the same
qualifications as the sales counselors.
The application of a general agent shall not be approved unless
a salesman is qualified and licensed by the Insurance Commission.
The general agent shall cease solicitation and selfing of pre-need
plans when no natural person holds a valid license representing the
general agent.
The general agent must be authorized in the general agency
agreement or by a written power of attorney to receive notices,
summons, and legal processes for and in behalf of the pre-need
company concerned in connection with actions or legal proceedings
against said pre-need company.
A license issued to a general agent shall authorize only
the individual or individuals named in the license. Exercise or
attempted exercise of such authority by an individual not so named
in the license, with the knowledge or consent of the licensee shall
constitute cause for the revocation, suspension, or non-renewal of
the license.16
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II. PRE-NEED CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES 185
(Republic Act No. 9829)
E. Claims settlement
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(Republic Act No. 9829)
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A. COMMON CARRIERS
188
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’Spouses Cruz v. Sun Holidays, G.R. No. 186312, June 29, 2010.
“Unsworth Transport International (Phils.), Inc. v. Court of Appeals and
Pioneer Insurance and Surety Corporation, G.R. No. 166250, July 26, 2010.
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12Asia Lighterage and Shipping, Inc. v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 147246,
August 9, 2003, 409 SCRA 340.
13Batangas Transportation v. Orlanes, 52 Phil 455, cited in Perez, p. 9.
14De Villola v. Stanley, 32 Phil. 541, cited in Perez, ibid.
16Benedicto v. IAC, 187 SCRA 547, cited in Perez, ibid.
‘“First Philippine Industrial Pipeline v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 125948,
December 29, 1989.
’’Spouses Perena V. Spouses Nicolas, G.R. No. 157917, August 29, 2012.
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Air transportation
Phil, as destination New Civil Code Code of Commerce
Phil, as one of Treaties, Inti, New Civil Code
itineraries agreement, Montreal
Convention
Water transportation
Coastwise New Civil Code Code of Commerce
(interisland)
Foreign port to Phil. New Civil Code Code of Commerce/
_______Port_______ COGSA
Phil, port to foreign Law of country of destination
port
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27BAR 1987.
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31Annie Tan v. Great Harvest Enterprises, G.R. No. 220400, March 20, 2019.
32Heirs of Jose Marcia K. Ochoa v. G&S Transport Corporation, G.R. No.
170071, 170125, March 9, 2011.
“Sulpicio Lines, Inc. v. Napoleon Sesante, Now Substituted By Maribel
Atilano, et al., G.R. No. 172682, July 27, 2016.
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was injured, i.e., he fractured his left leg. Peter sued Jimmy for
damages, based upon a contract of carriage, and Peter won.
Jimmy wanted to challenge the decision before the Supreme
Court on the ground that the trial court erred in not making an
express finding as to whether or not Jimmy was responsible for
the collision and, hence, civilly liable to Peter. He went to see
you for advice. What will you tell him? Explain your answer.
I will counsel Jimmy to desist from challenging the decision.
The action of Peter being based on culpa contractual, the carrier’s
fault or negligence is presumed upon the breach of contract. The
burden of proof instead would lie on Jimmy to establish that, despite
an exercise of extraordinary diligence, the collision could not have
been avoided.34
34BAR 1990.
35Allredo Manay, Jr. v. Cebu Air, Inc., G.R. No. 210621, April 4,2016, Leonen, J.
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human care and foresight can provide, using the utmost diligence of
very cautious persons with a due regard for all the circumstances.’*7
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26. X Company loaded six (6) metric tons of Soybean Meal on board
the vessel M/V "Sea Dream" at the Port of U.S.A., for delivery
to the Port of Manila to Simon Enterprises, Inc., as consignee.
When the vessel arrived in Manila, the shipment was discharged
to the receiving barges of the arrastre operator. Consignee
later received the shipment but claimed having received only
five (5) metric tons of Soybean Meal. Are the common carrier
and arrastre operator liable for the shortage?
No. Though it is true that common carriers are presumed to have
been at fault or to have acted negligently if the goods transported
by them are lost, destroyed, or deteriorated, and that the common
carrier must prove that it exercised extraordinary diligence in order
to overcome the presumption, the plaintiff must still, before the
burden is shifted to the defendant, prove that the subject shipment
suffered actual shortage. This can only be done if the weight of the
shipment at the port of origin and its subsequent weight at the port
of arrival are proven by a preponderance of evidence, and it can be
seen that the former weight is considerably greater than the latter
weight, taking into consideration the exceptions provided in Article
1734 of the Civil Code.62
“Asian Terminals, Inc. v. Simon Enterprises, Inc., G.R. No. 177116, February
27, 2013.
“Grab subsequently acquired Uber operations in the Philippines.
MSee explanatory note to House Bill 1260 of the 18th Congress by Honorable
Luis Raymund Villafuerte.
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1. Exempting causes
29. What are the defenses available to the common carrier in case
of loss, destruction, or deterioration of the goods?68
As a rule, the common carrier is liable for the loss, destruction,
or deterioration of the goods, except in the following cases:
a. Flood, storm, earthquake, lightning, or other natural
disaster or calamity;
b. Acts of public enemy in war, whether international or
civil;
c. Act or omission of the shipper or passenger;
i'Supra.
KIbid.
8,The House Bill, citing Crisostomo v. Court of Appeals (G.R. No. 138334,
August 25, 2003), applied by analogy TNC with a travel agency which merely
arranges the booking of a person but the actual act of transporting the customer is
done by an airline but the author believes that the appropriate comparison is that of
the freight forwarder.
“BAR 2001.
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Force majeure
30. What are the requisites for natural disaster to be considered an
exempting circumstance in case of loss or damage to goods?
a. The natural disaster is the proximate and only cause of
the loss;
b. The common carrier should have exercised due diligence
to prevent or minimize the loss before, during and after
the occurrence of the natural disaster;
c. The common carrier should not incur in delay.60
It should be noted that fire is not one of those enumerated under
the above provision which exempts a carrier from liability for loss or
destruction of the goods. Since the peril of fire is not comprehended
within the exceptions in Article 1734, then the common carrier shall
be presumed to have been at fault or to have acted negligently,
unless it proves that it has observed the extraordinary diligence
required by law.61
In one case, it was held that monsoons, during which strong
winds were not unusual, would not be sufficient to categorize the
weather condition as a storm. When the loss of the vessel was caused
not only by the southwestern monsoon but also by the shifting of
the logs in the hold due to improper stowage, the defense of force
- ■
majeure is unavailing.62
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“Torres-Madrid Brokerage, Inc. v. Feb Mitsui Marine Insurance Co., Inc. and
Benjamin P. Manalastas, doing business under the Name of BMT Trucking Services,
GJl.No. 194121, July 11, 2016.
“G.R. No. 179446, January 10, 2011.
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against both of them for loss or damage to goods, whether the cause
of action against the trucking company is one for tort or breach of
contract of carriage.
In fact, there is authority to the effect that a tortfeasor can be
made jointly and severally Hable with a common carrier.67
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69Virgines Calvo UCPB General Insurance, G.R. No. 148496, March 19,
2002.
™Mauro Ganzon v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. L-48757, May 30,1988.
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3. Duration of liability
a. Delivery of goods to common carrier
b. Actual or constructive delivery
71Tan Liao v. American President Lines, G.R. No. L-7280, January 20, 1956;
BAR 1979.
72G.R. No. 94761, May 17,1993.
73Saludo v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 95536, March 23, 1992.
"Article 1741, Civil Code.
76Article 1742, Civil Code.
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8lLu Do & Lu Ym Corporation v. L.V. Binamira, G.R. No. L-9840, April 22,
1957.
“BAR 1989.
“Eastern Shipping Lines, Inc. v. BPI/MS Insurance Corporation and Mitsui
Insurance Co., Ltd., G.R. No. 182864, January 12, 2015.
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45. A condition was printed at the back of the tickets which provides
that any and all actions arising out of the ticket, irrespective of
where it is issued, shall be filed before the courts of Cebu City.
Is this stipulation valid and enforceable? Were the passengers
deemed to have acceded to it when they purchased the tickets
and took the carrier's vessel for passage and thus amounted to
effective waiver of venue?
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“Sweet Lines v. Hon. Bernardo Teves, G.R. No. L-37750, May 19,1978.
91 Article 1750, NCC.
“Article 1751, NCC.
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48. If the insurer paid the insured based on the actual value of the
goods, how much can the insurer recover from the common
carrier?
As to the insurance company, it must be noted that after
paying the claim of the insured, the former is merely subrogated to
the rights of the latter. As subrogee, it can recover only the amount
that is recoverable by the insured. Since the right of the insured, in
case of loss or damage to the goods, is restricted by the provisions in
the bill of lading, a suit by the insurer necessarily is subject to like
limitations.86
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49. What are the usual stipulations often made in a bill of lading
regarding the liability of the common carrier?
Three (3) kinds of stipulations have often been made in a bill
of lading. The first is one exempting the carrier from any and all
liability for loss or damage occasioned by its own negligence. The
second is one providing for an unqualified limitation of such liability
to an agreed valuation. And the third is one limiting the liability
of the carrier to an agreed valuation unless the shipper declares
a higher value and pays a higher rate of freight. According to an
almost uniform weight of authority, the first and second kinds of
stipulations sire invalid as being contrary to public policy, but the
third is valid and enforceable.96
A stipulation limiting the sum that may be recovered by the
shipper or owner to 90% of the value of the goods in case of loss due
to theft is void. Such stipulation is considered unreasonable, unjust,
and contrary to public policy under Article 1745 of the Civil Code.97
The bus company’s liability for the injuries inflicted upon Juan
is at least P6,000.00, notwithstanding the stipulation limiting its
liability, and only P500.00, the amount stipulated in the bus ticket,
for the damage and destruction to Juan’s baggage.
1999 96Loadstar ShiPPinB Co- v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 131621, September 28,
97BAR 2002.
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"BAR 1984.
"Articles 1749-1750, Civil Code.
’"BAR 1987.
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HI. TRANSPORTATION LAWS 225
53, X took a plane from Manila bound for Davao via Cebu where
there was a change of planes. X arrived in Davao safely but to
his dismay, his two (2) suitcases were left behind in Cebu. The
airline company assured X that the suitcases would come in
the next flight, but they never did.
X claimed P2,000.00 for the loss of both suitcases, but
the airline was willing to pay only P500.00 because the airline
ticket stipulated that unless a higher value was declared,
any claim for the loss cannot exceed P250.00 for each piece
of luggage. X however reasoned out that he did not sign the
stipulation and in fact had not even read it.
X did not declare a greater value despite the fact that the
clerk had called his attention to the stipulation in the ticket.
Decide the case.
j Even if he did not sign the ticket, X is bound by the stipulation
that any claim for loss cannot exceed P250.00 for each luggage. He
did not declare a higher value. Thus, X is only entitled to P500.00 for
the two (2) luggage lost.106
‘“'Bar 1998.
105BAR 1998; 1985.
‘“Article 1754, NCC.
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107Supra.
’“BAR 1986.
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C. SAFETY OF PASSENGERS
57. In a court case involving claims for damages arising from death
and injury of bus passengers, counsel for the bus operator filed
a demurrer to evidence arguing that the complaint should be
dismissed because the plaintiffs did not submit any evidence
that the operator or its employees were negligent. If you were
the judge, would you dismiss the complaint?
No. In the carriage of passengers, the failure of the common
carrier to bring the passengers safely to their destination immediately
raises the presumption that such failure is due to the carrier’s fault
or negligence. It is not the burden of the aggrieved passenger to
establish such fault or negligence. The carrier instead must rebut
such presumption. Otherwise, the conclusion can be properly made
that the carrier failed to exercise extraordinary diligence as required
by law.110
109Victory Liner, Inc. v. Rosalito Gammad, G.R. No. 159636, November 25,
2004; Articles 1755 and 1756, NCC.
““BAR 1997.
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228 DIVINA ON COMMERCIAL LAW:
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a. Void stipulations
59. Cite stipulations that are considered void in a contract of
carriage for passengers.
a. Stipulation where the responsibility of the common
carrier for the safety of its passengers is dispensed with
or lessened by stipulation, by the posting of notices, by
statements on the ticket, or otherwise."3
b. Stipulation limiting the liability for willful acts or gross
negligence.1"
When a passenger is carried gratuitously, a stipulation limiting
the common carrier’s liability for negligence is valid, but not for
willful acts or gross negligence.116
The reduction of fare does not justify any limitation of the
common carrier’s liability.116
60. Suppose "A" was riding on an airplane of a common carrier
when the accident happened and "A" suffered serious injuries.
In an action by "A" against the common carrier, the latter
claimed that (1) there was a stipulation in the ticket issued
to "A" absolutely exempting the carrier from liability from the
passenger's death or injuries and notices were posted by the
common carrier dispensing with the extraordinary diligence
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of the carrier, and (2) "A" was given a discount on his plane
fare thereby reducing the liability of the common carrier with
respect to "A" in particular.
Are those valid defenses?
No. These are not valid defenses because they are contrary to
law as they are in violation of the extraordinary diligence required
of common carriers.
In the carriage of passengers, the responsibility of common
carriers cannot be dispensed with or lessened by stipulation. This
rule applies notwithstanding the reduction of fare. But, when the
passenger is carried gratuitously, a stipulation limiting liability for
negligence is valid, except for willful acts or gross negligence.117
b. Duration of liability
62. In the carriage of passengers, when does the obligation to
exercise extraordinary diligence commence and when does it
end?
k
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63. A and her child boarded the train of Manila Railroad Company.
Upon approaching Barrio Lagalag, the train slowed down and
the conductor shouted "Lusacan, Lusacan!” despite the fact
that the next stop was still three (3) minutes away. A walked
towards the train exit carrying her child with one hand and
holding her baggage with the other. When they were near
the door, the train suddenly picked up speed. A and her child
stumbled from the train causing them to fall down the tracks
and were hit by an oncoming train, causing their instant death.
Is Manila Railroad Company liable? £
Yes. It is a matter of common knowledge and experience about
common carriers like trains and buses that before reaching a station
or flagstop they slow down and the conductor announces the name
of the place. It is also a matter of common experience that as the
train or bus slackens its speed, some passengers usually stand
and proceed to the nearest exit, ready to disembark as the train or
bus comes to a full stop. This is especially true of a train because
passengers feel that if the train resumes its run before they are able
to disembark, there is no way to stop it as a bus may be stopped.
It was negligence on the conductor’s part to announce the next
flag stop when said stop was still a full three (3) minutes ahead. That
the announcement was premature and erroneous is shown by the
fact that immediately after the train slowed down, it unexpectedly
accelerated to full speed. Manila Railroad Company failed to show
any reason why the train suddenly resumed its regular speed. The
announcement was made while the train was still in Barrio Lagalag.
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66. The father returned to the bus to get one of his baggages which
was not unloaded when they alighted from the bus. Racque,
his child, followed him. However, although the father was sti
on the running board of the bus waiting for the conductor to
hand him the bag or bayong, the bus started to run. Raquel was
run over and killed. Is the bus operator still liable as a common
carrier?
Yes. The relation of carrier and passenger does not cease at the
moment the passenger alights from the carrier’s vehicle at a place
selected by the carrier at the point of destination, but continues unt
the passenger has had a reasonable time or a reasonable opportunity
to leave the carrier’s premises. And, what is a reasonable time or a
reasonable delay within this rule is to be determined from all the
circumstances. It cannot be claimed that the carrier’s agent had
exercised the “utmost diligence” of a “very cautious person require
by Article 1755 of the Civil Code to be observed by a common carrier
in the discharge of its obligation to transport safely its passengers.
The presence of said passengers near the bus was not unreasonable
and they are, therefore, to be considered still as passengers of the
carrier, entitled to the protection under their contract of carriage.123
l22BAR 1989.
123La Mallorca v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. L-20761, July 27, 1966.
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70. Marjorie, while waiting for the ZRT train to arrive, had a fistfight
with the guard on duty. For the injuries she suffered, she sued
ZRT Company for damages. ZRT Company denied liability and
argued that the guard on duty was not their employee but that
of an independent contractor. Is ZRT Company liable?
Yes. The foundation of ZRT’s liability is the contract of carriage
and its obligation to indemnify the victim arises from the breach of
that contract by reason of its failure to exercise the high diligence
required of a common carrier. In the discharge of its commitment
to ensure the safety of passengers, a carrier may choose to hire its
own employees or avail itself of the services of an outsider or an
independent firm to undertake the task. In either case, the common
carrier is not relieved of its responsibilities under the contract of
carriage.'27
71. City Railways, Inc. (CRI) provides train services, for a fee, to
commuters from Manila to Calamba, Laguna. Commuters are
required to purchase tickets and then proceed to designated
loading and unloading facilities to board the train. Ricardo
l26Maranan v. Perez, et al., G.R. No. L-22272, June 26, 1967; BAR 2011.
l27Light Rail Transit Authority and Rodolfo Roman v. Marjorie Navidad, G.R.
No. 145804, February 6, 2003.
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75. Mariter, a paying bus passenger, was hit above her left eye by a
stone hurled at the bus by an unidentified bystander as the bus
was speeding through the National Highway. The bus owner's
personnel lost no time in bringing Mariter to the provincial
hospital where she was confined and treated.
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In one case, the passenger argued that the carrier could have
prevented the injury if something like mesh-work grills had covered
the windows of its bus but the Court found the same untenable.
Although the suggested precaution could have prevented the injury,
the rule of ordinary care and prudence is not so exacting as to require
one charged with its exercise to take doubtful or unreasonable
precautions to guard against unlawful acts of strangers. Where the
carrier uses cars of the most approved type used generally by others
engaged in the same occupation, and exercises a high degree of care
in maintaining them in suitable condition, the carrier cannot be
charged with negligence in this respect.135
™Ibid.
'“Fortune Express, Inc. v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 119756, March 18,1999.
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No. Considering that the bus driver did not immediately stop
the bus at the height of the commotion; the bus was speeding from
a full stop; the victims fell from the bus door when it was opened or
gave way while the bus was still running; the conductor panicked
and blew his whistle after people had already fallen off the bus;
and the bus was not properly equipped with doors in accordance
with law, it is clear that Bachelor Express, Inc. failed to overcome
the presumption of fault and negligence found in the law governing
common carriers. It failed to prove that the deaths of the two (2)
passengers were exclusively due to force majeure and not to the
failure to observe extraordinary diligence in transporting safely the
passengers to their destinations as warranted by law.137
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139Alberta Yobido v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 113003, October 17, 1997.
““Victory Liner, Inc. v. Rosalito Gammad, G.R. No. 159636, November 25,
2004.
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support and sendee; and (c) moral and mental sufferings. The loss of
earning capacity is based mainly on the number of years remaining
in the person's expected life span. In turn, this number is the basis
of the damages that shall be computed and the rate at which the loss
sustained by the heirs shall be fixed.
The formula for the computation of loss of earning capacity is
as follows:
Net earning capacity = Life expectancy x [Gross Annual
Income - Living Expenses (50% of gross annual income)], where life
expectancy = 2/3 (80 — the age of the deceased).141
Thus, if prior to his death at the age of 60 years old, he was
earning P10 million gross income, his loss of earning capacity is
computed as follows:
Life expectancy = 2/3 x 80 - 60 = 13.33 x (P10 million -
P5 million or P5 million) = P66,666,666.70 million.
D. BILL OF LADING
1. Three-Fold Character
80. What is a Bill of Lading?
A bill of lading may be defined as a written acknowledgment
of the receipt of goods and an agreement to transport and to deliver
them at a specified place to a person named therein or on his order.141
81. What are the three (3) main characteristics of a bill of lading?
a. A bill of lading is considered a receipt for the goods
shipped to the common carrier.
b. It also serves as the contract by which three (3) parties,
namely, the shipper, the carrier, and the consignee
undertake specific responsibilities and assumed stipulated
obligations.
c. It is the evidence of the existence of the contract of
carriage providing for the terms and conditions thereof.141
141Smith Bell Dodwell Shipping Agency Corp. v. Borja, G.R. No. 143008, June
10, 2002.
142BAR 1998.
143Keng Hua Paper Products v. Court of Appeals, 286 SCRA 257; BAR 2015.
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83. JRT, Inc. entered into a contract with C. Co. of Japan to export
anahaw fans valued at $23,000.00. As payment thereof, a letter
of credit was issued to JRT, Inc. by the buyer. The letter of
credit required was issued to JRT, Inc. by the buyer. The letter
of credit required the issuance of an on-board bill of lading and
prohibited the transhipment. The President of JRT, Inc. then
contracted a shipping agent to ship the anahawfans through O
Containers Lines, specifying the requirements of the letter of
credit. However, the bill of lading issued by the shipping lines
bore the notation "received for shipment" and contained an
entry indicating transshipment in Hong Kong. The President of
JRT, Inc. personally received and signed the bill of lading and,
despite the entries, he delivered the corresponding check in
payment of the freight.
The shipment was delivered at the port of discharge but
the buyer refused to accept the anahaw fans because there was
no on-board bill of lading, and there was transshipment since
the goods were transferred in Hong Kong from MV Pacific,
the feeder vessel, to MV Oriental, a mother vessel. The same
cannot be considered transshipment because both vessels
belong to the same shipping company.
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2. Delivery of Goods
a. Period for delivery
84. If a shipper, without changing the place of delivery changes
the consignment or consignee of the goods (after said goods
have been delivered to the carrier), under what condition will
the carrier be required to comply with the new orders of the
shipper?
If the shipper should change the consignee of the goods, without
changing their destination, the carrier shall comply with the new
order provided the shipper returns to the carrier the bill of lading,
and a new one is issued showing the novation of the contract. All
expenses for the change must be paid by the shipper.146
145BAR 1993.
140BAR 1975.
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and has no remedy over, then his own contract creates a duty or
charge upon himself, he is bound to make it good notwithstanding
any accident or delay by inevitable necessity because he might have
provided against it by contract. It has been held that a delay in the
delivery of the goods spanning a period of two (2) months and seven
(7) days is beyond the realm of reasonableness.1'”
87. Based on the same set of facts, were the airline companies
liable for damages for the switching of the two caskets?
No, the switching happened while the cargo was still with
CMAS, well before the same was place in the custody of the carrier.
Verily, no amount of inspection by the carrier could have guarded
against the switching that had already taken place. Or, granting
that they could have opened the casket to inspect its contents,
carriers had no means of ascertaining whether the body therein
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hsBAR 2012.
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90. May the consignee obtain delivery of the goods even without
the surrender of the bill of lading?
In case the consignee, upon receiving the goods, cannot return
the bill of lading subscribed by the carrier, because of its loss or
of any other cause, he must give the latter a receipt for the goods
delivered, this receipt producing the same effects as the return of
the bill of lading. The surrender of the original bill of lading is not
a condition precedent for a common carrier to be discharged of its
contractual obligation. If surrender of the original bill of lading is
not possible, acknowledgment of the delivery by signing the delivery
receipt suffices.161
91. The buyer could not produce the bill of lading covering the
shipment not because it was lost, but because the bill of lading
was retained by the seller pending the buyer's full payment of
the shipment. The buyer and the carrier then entered into an
Indemnity Agreement, wherein the former asked the latter to
release the shipment even without the surrender of the bill of
lading. May the goods be released even without the surrender
of the bill of lading?
Yes. The general rule is that upon receipt of the goods, the
lonsignee surrenders the bill of lading to the carrier and their
respective obligations are considered cancelled. Article 353 of the
Code of Commerce, however, provides two (2) exceptions where the
goods may be released without the surrender of the bill of lading
because the (Sansignee can no longer return it. These exceptions are
when the bill of lading gets lost or for other causes. In either case, the
consignee must issue a receipt to the carrier upon the release of the
goods. Such receipt shall produce the same effect as the surrender
of the bill of lading.
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’“Designer Baskets, Inc. v. Air Sea Transport, Inc. and Asia Cargo Container
Lines, Inc., G.R. No. 184513, March 9, 2016.
’“Loadstar Shipping Company v. Malayan Insurance Company, G.R. No.
185565, November 26, 2014.
'’•'Ibid.
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94. When does the 24-hour period for the filing of notice
commence?
The 24-hour period within which claims must be presented does
not begin to run until the consignee has received such possession of
the merchandise that he may exercise over it the ordinary control
pertinent to ownership. In other words, there must be delivery of the
cargo by the carrier to the consignee at the place of destination.167
The giving of notice of loss or injury is a condition precedent
to the action for loss or injury or the right to enforce the carrier’s
liability. This notice requirement protects the carrier by affording
it an opportunity to make an investigation of the claim while the
matter is still fresh and easily investigated. It is meant to safeguard
the carrier from false and fraudulent claims.168
’ It was also held that where the contract of shipment contains
a reasonable requirement of giving notice of loss of or injury to the
goods, (in this case, 30 days for filing a claim with the carrier for loss
or damage) the giving of such notice is a condition precedent to the
action for loss or injury or the right to enforce the carrier’s liability.
Such requirement is not an empty formalism. The fundamental
reason or purpose of such a stipulation is not to relieve the carrier
from just liability, but reasonably to inform it that the shipment
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has been damaged and that it is charged with liability therefor, and
to give it an opportunity to examine the nature and extent of the
injury. This protects the carrier by affording it an opportunity to
make an investigation of a claim while the matter is fresh and easily
investigated so as to safeguard itself from false and fraudulent
claims. Notice is a condition precedent and the carrier is not liable if
notice is not given in accordance with the stipulation, as the failure
to comply with such a stipulation in a contract of carriage with
respect to notice of loss or claim for damage bars recovery for the
loss or damage suffered.169
'■'■'Philippine American General Insurance Co. Sweet Lines, Inc., G.R. No.
87434, August 5, 1992.
160UCPB General Insurance Co., Inc. v. Aboitiz Shipping Corporation, 578
SCRA 251 (2009).
""Federal Express Corporation v. American Home Assurance Company, G.R.
No. 150094, August 18, 2004.
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162BAR 1984.
‘“G.R. No. 168402, August 6, 2008.
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99. Can the parties validly reduce the one (1)-year period for the
filing of the action?
No. A stipulation reducing one (l)-year period for filing the
action for recovery on lost or damaged cargo is null and void.106
‘“Loadstar Shipping Co. v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 131621, September 28,
1999.
‘“Loadstar Shipping Co., Inc. v. Court of Appeals, 315 SCRA 339 (1999).
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5. Effects of Stipulations160
E. MARITIME COMMERCE
100. What rules govern the legal relationship of the common carrier
and the passenger/shipper in maritime commerce?
The legal relationship of the common carrier and the passenger/
shipper is governed by the Civil Code provisions on common carriers,
the Code of Commerce and the terms and conditions of the bill of
lading.
1. Charter Parties
101. What is a charter party? What are the kinds of charter party?
A charter party is a contract by which an entire ship or some
principal part thereof is let by the owner to another person for a
specified time or use. It has two (2) types. First, it can be a contract
of affreightment whereby the use of shipping space on vessels is
leased in part or as a whole to carry good for others. The charter
party provides for the hire of the vessel only, either for a determinate
period of time (time charter) or for a single or consecutive voyage
(voyage charter). The shipowner supplies the ship’s stores, pay for
the wages of the master and the crew, and defray the expenses
for the maintenance of the ship. The voyage remains under the
responsibility of the common carrier and is answerable for the loss
of the goods received for transportation. The charterer is free from
liability to third persons in respect of the ship.167
Second, it can be a charter by demise or bareboat charter under
which the whole vessel is let to the charterer with a transfer to him
of its entire command and possession and consequent control over its
navigation, including the master and the crew, who are his servants.
The charterer mans the vessel with his own people and becomes, in
effect, the owner for the voyage or service stipulated, and hence,
liable for damages or loss sustained by the goods transported.168
'•’“'‘Infra.
l6’PhiIam Insurance Company (now Chartis Philippines Insurance) v. Heung-A
Shipping Corporation and Wallem Philippines Shipping, Inc., G.R. No. 187701, July
23, 20 1 4; Caltex Philippines, Inc. v. Sulpicio Lines, Inc., et al., G.R. No. 131166,
September 30, 1999; National Food Authority v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 96453,
August 4, 1999.
'“/bid.
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103. A contract of carriage was entered into where the carrier and
shipowner are not the same person. In case an event arises
wherein the responsibilities of common carrier attach, who
will be made liable to the charterer/shipper, the carrier or the
shipowner?
The carrier. The carrier that enters into a contract of carriage
is liable to the charterer or shipper even if it does not own the vessel
it chooses. The fact that it did not own the vessel it decided to use to
consummate the contract of carriage does not negate its character
and duties as a common carrier. The shipper (and the insurer by
reason of subrogation) could not be reasonably expected to inquire
a out the ownership of the vessel which the charterer offered to
utilize. As a practical matter, it is very difficult and often impossible
or the general public to enforce its rights of action under a contract
o carriage if it should be required to know who the actual owner of
the vessel is.109
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a. Bareboat/Demise Charter
106. Tirso Molina charters a vessel owned and operated by Star
Shipping Co., a common carrier, for the purpose of transporting
) two (2) tractors to his logging concession. The crane operator
of the shipping company somehow negligently puts the
tractors in a place where they would tilt each other. During the
trip, a strong wind hits the vessel, causing severe damage to
the tractors.
Tirso Molina sues the shipping company for damages. The
latter cites a stipulation in the charter agreement exempting
the company from liability from loss or damage arising from
the negligence of its agents. Tirso Molina countered by stating
that the aforementioned stipulation is against public policy
and, therefore, null and void. Is the stipulation valid? Would
you hold the shipping company liable?
Yes. The stipulation in the charter party is valid, and Star
Shipping Co. is not liable. The Civil Code provision on common
carriers should not apply where the common carrier is not acting
as such but as a private carrier, as is the case in the above problem.
A common carrier undertaking to carry a special cargo or chartered
17°BAR 2015.
171Caltex v. Sulpicio Lines, G.R. No. 131166, September 30,1999.
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109. Who is liable for the expenses of the voyage, including the
wages of the seamen, in a bareboat or demise charter?
It is well settled that in a demise or bareboat charter, the
charterer is treated as the owner pro hac vice of the vessel, the
charterer assuming in large measure the customary rights and
liabilities of the shipowner in relation to third persons who have
dealt with him or with the vessel. In such case, the master of the
vessel is the agent of the charterer and not of the shipowner. The
charterer or owner pro hac vice, and not the general owner of the
vessel, is held Hable for the expenses of the voyage, including the
wages of the seamen.176
b. Time Charter
110. X entered into a time charter with ABC Shipping Company.
Unfortunately, the vessel containing few cargoes sank during
its voyage. No insurance was taken by X over the cargoes. Who
should be held liable for the lost cargoes?
ABC Shipping Company. Where the agreement executed by the
parties was a time charter where the possession and control of the
vessel was retained by the owner, the latter is, therefore, a common
farrier legally charged with extraordinary diligence in the vigilance
over the goods transported by him. The sinking of the vessel created
a presumption of negligence and/or unseaworthiness which the
barge owner failed to overcome and gave rise to his liability for the
charterer’s lost cargo despite the latter’s failure to insure the same.176
C. Voyage/Trip Charter
111. Who controls the master and the crew in a Voyage/Trip
Charter?
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Answer:
a) Yes, the insurance company can recover from “R.” A ship
agent (“R”) under the Code of Commerce is liable solidarily
with its principal (X), in an amount representing the
value of the good lost or damaged.186
b) The Bay Brokerage Co. is not liable. The evidence
disclosed that the damage occurred while the goods were
yet in the custody of the carrier, before the goods were
discharged from the vessel to a lighter owned by the Bay
Brokerage Co.187
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586 of the Code of Commerce: “the person who represents the vessel
in the port in which she happens to be.” Considering the peculiar
relationship of the parties, Best Lines, Inc. cannot be considered as
a “mere agent” of a disclosed principal under the civil law on agency
as distinguished from a ship agent within the context of the Code of
Commerce. Our Supreme Court has held that the doctrine having
reference to the relation between principal and agents cannot be
applied in the case of ship agents and ship owners.’88
The Code of Commerce provides that the ship agent shall be
liable for indemnities in favor of third persons which arise from
the conduct of the captain in the care of the goods which the vessel
carried. The insolvency of Able Shipping Co. has no bearing insofar
as the liability of Best Lines, Inc. is concerned. The law does not
make the liability of the ship agent dependent upon the solvency or
insolvency of the shipowner. Best Lines, Inc., as ship agent, is liable
solidarity with its principal, Able Shipping Co., for the amount of the
losses damages sustained by the goods.189
118. Give instances when the shipowner and ship agent are liable
for culpa contractual arising from the acts of the captain.
a. The owner of the property which has been jettisoned or
cast overboard by order of the captain should have a right
of action against the shipowner for the breach of any duty
which the law may have imposed on the captain with
respect to such cargo.191
’“Yu Biao Suntua & Co. v. Ossorio, 43 Phil. 51; BAR 1984.
'“Switzerland General Insurance Co., Ltd. v. Ramirez, 96 SCRA 297 (1980).
190Article 586, par. 1, Code of Commerce.
’’’Standard Oil Co. v. Lopez Castelo, 42 Phil 256, cited in Perez, p. 135.
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III. TRANSPORTATION LAWS 263
■"Guzman v. Behn, Meyer & Co., 9 Phil. 112, cited in Perez, ibid.
1930hta Development Co. v. Steamship Pompey, 49 Phil. 117, cited in Perez, ibid.
,94Urrutia & Co. v. Baeo River Plantation Co., 26 Phil. 362; Guan v. Cia
Maritime (SC), 38 Off. Gaz. 2536; etc.; BAR 1978.
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does not fall under any of the foregoing cases, the amount borrowed
shall be considered a personal liability of Z, the captain, and Y, the
ship-owner, cannot thus be held liable.195
195BAR 1989.
'“BAR 2004.
197BAR 1994, 1997.
'“Aboitiz Shipping Corporation General Accident Fire and Life Assurance
Corporation, 217 SCRA 359 (1993).
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124. Captain Hook, the ship captain of M.V. Peter Pan, overloaded
the M.V. Peter Pan, as a consequence of which the vessel sank
in the middle of the Sulu Sea, and nothing whatsoever was
recovered. The owners of the cargo and the heirs of the three
(3) passengers of the vessel filed an action for damages in the
amount of P500.000.D0 against Mr. Wendy, the owner. Will the
action prosper? Reasons.
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202BAR 1988.
203BAR 2000.
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HI. TRANSPORTATION LAWS 267
“'BAR 1991.
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268 DIVINA ON COMMERCIAL LAW:
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2fljAugustin P. Dela Torre, el al. v. Court of Appeals, et al., G.R. No. 160565,
July 13, 2011.
200BAR 1999.
^'Philippine General Insurance Company Court of Appeals, G.R. No.
116940, June 11, 1997; BAR 2016.
20“BAR 1989.
209Luzon Stevedoring Corporation Court of Appeals, G.R. No. L-58897,
December 3, 1987.
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III. TRANSPORTATION LAWS 269
210Loadstar Shipping Co. v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 131621, September 28,
1999.
211Phil-Nippon Kyoei Corp. v. Gudelosao, G.R. No. 181375, July 13, 2016.
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212BAR 1999.
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“BAR 2010.
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21,BAR 2000.
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Answer:
a. The jettison of Romualdo’s TV sets resulted in a general
average loss, which entitles him compensation or
indemnification from the shipowner and the owners of the
cargoes saved by the jettison.
b. Romualdo has a cause of action for his lost TV sets against
the shipowner and the owners of the cargoes saved by the
jettison. The jettison of the TV sets resulted in a general
average loss, entitling Romualdo to indemnity for the lost
TV sets.218
b. Collisions
138. State the Rules on collision of vessels.
a. Collision refers to the contact of two (2) moving vessels. If
one vessel is moving while the other is stationary, this is
known as an allision.
b. But collision is used in a broad sense to include allision.
c. The vessel at fault shall indemnify the damages sustained
or losses incurred.220
d. If both vessels are at fault, each shall suffer its own
damages, and both shall be solidarity liable for losses or
damages to the cargoes.221
21BBAR 2009.
219BAR 2010.
220Article 826, Code of Commerce.
“'Articles 827-828, Code of Commerce.
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142. Vessels "U" and "V" collided with each other causing damage
to both vessels. Vessel "U" had the last clear chance to avoid
the collision but failed to do so.
Is the doctrine of last clear chance in tort applicable to
collisions of vessels at sea under the Code of Commerce?
Which vessel should shoulder liability for the damage
suffered by both vessels and by the cargo?
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22cGov't of the P.I. v. Phil. Steamship Co., Inc., 44 Phil. 359; BAR 1980.
22,BAR 1991.
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144. Which party should bear the damage to the vessels and the
cargoes if the cause of the collision was a fortuitous event?
Explain.
Each vessel must bear its own damage. Both of them are at
fault. No party shall be held liable since the cause of the collision is
fortuitous event. The carrier is not an insurer.229
“BAR 1995.
“Far Eastern Shipping Company v. Court of Appeals. G.R. No. 130068,
October 1,1998.
“BAR 1998,1987.
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151. What law will apply in case of loss of goods shipped from
foreign country to the Philippines?
The law of the country to which the goods are to be transported
governs the liability of the common carrier in case of their loss,
destruction or deterioration.236 Thus, the rule was specifically laid
down that for cargoes transported from Japan to the Philippines,
the liability of the carrier is governed primarily by the Civil Code
and in all matters not regulated by said Code, the rights and
obligations of common carrier shall be governed by the Code of
commerce and special laws.237 Hence, the COGSA, a special law, is
merely suppletory to the provision of the Civil Code.238
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240Ang v. Compania Maritima, 133 SCRA 600 (1984); BAR 1975; Ang v.
American Steamship, G.R. No. L-22491, January 27, 1967.
241Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd., represented by Magsaysay Agencies, Inc. v. Court
ofAppeals, G.R. No. 119571, March 11, 1998.
242BAR 2004.
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243Transimex Co. v. Mafre Asian Insurance Corp., G.R. No. 190271, September
14,2016.
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24IBAR 1975.
246Asian Terminals v. Philam Insurance Co., G.R. No. 181262, July 24, 2013;
Section 3(6), COGSA.
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c. Period of Prescription
157. When should the one (1)-year prescriptive period for bringing
an action for loss or damage of goods delivered commence?
The one (l)-year period within which the consignee should
sue the carrier is computed from “the delivery of the goods or the
date when the goods should have been delivered.” The sensible
and practical interpretation is that delivery within the meaning of
Section 3(6) of the Carriage of Goods by Sea Law means delivery
to the arrastre operator. That delivery is evidenced by tally sheets
which show whether the goods were landed in good order or in bad
order, a fact which the consignee or shipper can easily ascertain
through the customs broker.
To use as basis for computing the one (l)-year period the
delivery to the consignee would be unrealistic and might generate
confusion between the loss or damage sustained by the goods while
in the carrier’s custody and the loss or damage caused to the goods
while in the arrastre operator’s possession.240
On the other hand, if no delivery is made, then the period
should be computed from the date the goods should have been
delivered. Thus, if the carrier arrived on November 2, 1962 and left
on November 4, 1962 without delivering the cargo, it was on the
latter date that the carrier had the last opportunity to deliver the
goods. Hence, the one (l)-year period within which the carrier could
be sued commenced to run on November 2, 1962 and expired on
November 4, 1963.247
246Union Carbide Philippines, Inc. v. Manila Railroad Co., G.R. No. L-27798,
June 15,1977; BAR 2000 and 1975.
“’Rizal Surety & Insurance Co. v. Macondray & Co, 22 SCRA 902, cited in
Perez, p. 257.
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I
159. Does the filing of an insurance claim by the consignee for loss
or damage to cargo interrupt the running of the one (l)-year
prescriptive period under the COGSA?
No. In fact, if the insurer finds the documents in support of
the insurance claim for loss or damage to cargo as unsubstantiated,
it should formally reject the claim so that the consignee can file a
suit against the carrier within the one (l)-year prescriptive period
under the COGSA. The delay in the rejection of the claim and the
consequent expiration of the one (l)-year prescriptive period makes
the insurer liable to pay the value stated in the policy.262
*4BF.H. Stevens & Co v. Nordeutscher Lloyd, 6 SCRA 180, cited in Perez, p. 256.
uaIbid.
““Tan Liao v. American President Lines, Ltd., G.R. No. L-7280, January 20,
1956, cited in Perez, ibid.
“'Dole Philippines v. Maritime Company of the Philippines, G.R. No. L-61352,
February 27, 1987.
““New World International Development Corporation v. NYK-FilJapan
Shipping Corporation, G.R. No. 171468, August 24, 2011.
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162. Is the one (1)-year period to file a suit against the carrier and
ship agent applicable also to the insurer of the goods?
No. The one (l)-year prescriptive period only applies in a suit
against the common carrier, shipowner, or charterer (and even the
ship agent). It applies to a suit by the insurer against the ship owner
or ship agent but not to a suit against the insurer.258
Under Section 3(6) of the COGSA, only the carrier’s liability is
extinguished if no suit is brought within one (1) year. The ruling in
Filipino Merchants Insurance Co., Inc. v. Alejandro267 should apply
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only to suits against the carrier filed by the shipper, the consignee,
or the insurer, not to suits by the insured against the insurer.
When the Court said in Filipino Merchants that Section 3(6) of the
COGSA applies to the insurer, it meant that the insurer, like the
shipper, may no longer file a claim against the carrier beyond the
one (l)-year period provided in the law. But it does not mean that
the shipper may no longer file claims against the insurer because
the basis of the insurer’s liability is the insurance contract. Such
daim prescribes in 10 years, in accordance with Article 114 of the
Civil Code.
Otherwise, what the Act intends to prohibit after the lapse of
the one (l)-year prescriptive period can be done indirectly by the
shipper or owner of the goods by simply filing a claim against the
insurer even after the lapse of one (1) year. This could not have been
the intention of the law which has also for its purpose the protection
of the carrier and the ship from fraudulent claims by having “matters
affecting transportation of goods by sea be decided in as short a time
as possible” and by avoiding incidents which would “unnecessarily
extend the period and permit delays in the settlement of questions
affecting the transportation.”268
However, where there is inordinate delay in the processing of
the insurance claim, as when the insurer made an unreasonable
demand for an itemized list of the damaged units, parts and
accessories with corresponding values when it appeared settled
that the loss was total and the insurance policy did not require the
production of such list in the event of a claim, and as a consequence,
the insured failed to file a suit against the carrier within the one (1)
year period, the ship owner is relieved from liability but the insurer
must make good the loss incurred by the insured.269
163. A cargo shipment for ABC, Inc., the consignee, was discharged
at the port of Manila on April 15,1992 on board a vessel owned
and operated by XYZ Ltd. Because of a cargo shortage, a suit
for damages was filed by ABC, Inc. against XYZ Ltd. on March
11,1993. An amended pleading was filed by ABC, Inc. on June 7,
1993 to implead Wallem Philippines Shipping Inc. ("Wallem”),
L
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the ship agent of XYZ [Ltd.]. Can the action against Wallem
prosper considering the one (l)-year prescriptive period under
the COGSA?
No, the action against Wallem cannot prosper.
The filing of an amended pleading does not retroact to the date
of the filing of the original; hence, the statute of limitation runs until
the submission of the amendment. It is true that, as an exception,
the Court has held that an amendment which merely supplements
and amplifies facts originally alleged in the complaint relates back
to the date of the commencement of the action and is not barred
by the statute of limitations which expired after the service of the
original complaint. The exception, however, would not apply to the
party impleaded for the first time in the amended complaint. The
claim against Wallem, was therefore filed out of time under the
COGSA.2"
164. On Jan. 13,2012, Chillies Export House Ltd., turned over to APL
Co. Pte. Ltd. (APL) 250 bags of chili pepper for transport from
the port of India to Manila. The shipment, with a total declared
value of $12,272.50, was loaded on board M/V Wan Hai 262. In
turn, BSFIL Technologies, Inc. (BSFIL), as consignee, insured
the cargo with petitioner Pioneer Insurance and Surety
Corporation (Pioneer Insurance). On Feb. 2,2012, the shipment
arrived at the port of Manila and was temporarily stored at
North Harbor, Manila. On Feb. 6, 2012, the bags of chili were
withdrawn and delivered to BSFIL. Upon receipt thereof,
it discovered that 76 bags were wet and heavily infested
with molds. The shipment was declared unfit for human
consumption and was eventually declared as a total loss. As
a result, BSFIL made a formal claim against APL and Pioneer
Insurance. Having been subrogated to all the rights and cause
of action of BSFIL, Pioneer Insurance sought payment from
APL, but the latter refused. This prompted Pioneer Insurance
to file a complaint for sum of money against APL.
APL invoked a clause in the Bill of lading which absolves
the carrier from any liability unless a case is fled within nine (9)
months after delivery of the goods. Is the clause valid?
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165. The liability of the common carrier under the COGSA is US$
500.00 per package unless the shipper declares higher
valuation. Does the term "package" mean container or number
of units?
The term “package” means container unless the bill of lading
disclosed the contents of the containers, the number of cartons or
units, as well as the nature of the goods, in which case, each of those
units and not the container constitutes the “package” referred to in
the liability limitation provision of the COGSA.262
z61Pioneer Insurance and Surety Corp. v. APL Co. Pte. Ltd., G.R. No. 226345,
August 2, 2017.
^Eastern Shipping Lines v. Intermediate Appellate Court, G.R. No. L-69044,
May 29,1987.
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by the Civil Code, the right and the obligations of common carriers
shall be governed by the Code of Commerce and special laws. Thus,
the COGSA, which is suppletory to the provisions of the Civil Code,
supplements the latter by establishing a statutory provision limiting
the carrier’s liability in the absence of a shipper’s declaration of a
higher value in the bill of lading. The provisions on limited liability
are as much a part of the bill of lading as though physically in it and
as though placed there by agreement of the parties.263
In this case of Belgian Overseas Chartering and Shipping v.
Philippine First Insurance,264 there was no stipulation in the Bill of
Lading limiting the carrier’s liability. Neither did the shipper declare
a higher valuation of the goods to be shipped. It was held that this
fact notwithstanding, the insertion of the words “L/C No. 90/02447,”
cannot be the basis for the carriers’ liability. First, a notation in the
Bill of Lading which indicated the amount of the Letter of Credit
obtained by the shipper for the importation ofrsteel sheets did not
effect a declaration of the value of the goods as required by the bill.
That notation was made only for the convenience of the shipper and
he bank processing the Letter of Credit. Second, a bill of lading is
Separate from the Other Letter of Credit arrangements. The carriers’
Lability was thus computed based on US$500.00 per package and
not on the per metric ton price declared in the Letter of Credit.
The value of the goods which the carrier must pay in cases of
loss or misplacement shall be determined in accordance with that
declared in the bill of lading, the shipper not being allowed to present
proof that among the goods declared therein there were articles of
greater value and money. In case, however, of the shipper’s failure
to declare the value of the goods in the bill of lading the carrier
nor the ship shall in any event be or become liable for any loss or
damage to or in connection with the transportation of goods in an
amount exceeding $500.00 per package.266
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““As amended by Commonwealth Act No. 454 (1939) and R.A. No. 1270 (1955).
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267J. Tinga, Separate Opinion, J.G. Summit Holding, Inc. v. Court of Appeals,
G.R. No. 124293, September 24, 2003.
268NAPOCOR v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 112702, September 26, 1997.
269JG Summit Holdings v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 124293, September 24,
2003.
270179 Cal., 68; 8 A. L. R., 249 (1918), as cited in Iloilo Ice and Cold Storage,
G.R. No. 19857, March 2, 1923.
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4. What are the purposes for the enactment of the Public Service
Act?
a. To secure adequate, sustained service for the public at the
least possible cost;
b. To protect the public against unreasonable charges and
poor, inefficient service;
c. To protect and secure investments in public services; and
d. To prevent ruinous competition.2’3
The first two are carried out by the appropriate government
agencies in terms of fixing rates, like water rates and electricity
rates. They are regulated by the State.
The fourth is achieved, among others, by determining who will
be allowed to provide public service in a particular area. Thus, there
is the first operator rule which gives preferential right to the first
operator to perform service, and a second operator shall be allowed
only if public interest will indeed be served.
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274BAR 1993.
™Ibid.
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congestion between the hours of seven (7) and nine (9) o'clock
in the morning, and four (4) to eight (8) o'clock in the evening, a
municipal ordinance was passed prohibiting provincial buses
from entering Manila on those hours but allowing them to use
one (1) shuttle bus for every five (5) buses. A challenged the
validity of the ordinance, on the ground that it infringes on his
certificate of public convenience, and that he had acquired
a vested right to enter Manila at any time of the day, thru
aforementioned route. Decide with reasons.
The ordinance is valid. Under its Charter, the City of Manila
has the power to regulate the use of its streets. This Charter is a
special law and therefore prevails over the Public Service Act.
Consequently, the power of the BOT to grant certificates is subject
to this provision of the Charter of Manila. A has thus not acquired
any vested right as alleged by him.276
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10. The Batong Bakal Corporation filed with the Board of Energy
an application for a Certificate of Public Convenience for the
purpose of supplying electric power and lights to the factory
and its employees living within the compound. The application
was opposed by the Bulacan Electric Corporation contending
that the Batong Bakal Corporation has not secured a franchise
to operate and maintain an electric plant. Is the opposition’s
contention correct?
No. A Certificate of Public Convenience may be granted to
Batong Bakal Corporation, though not possessing a legislative
franchise, if it meets all the other requirements. There is nothing
in the law nor the Constitution which indicates that a legislative
franchise is necessary or required for an entity to operate as a
supplier of electric power and light to its factory and its employees
living within the compound.278
278BAR 1998.
279Section 14, Public Service Act, Commonwealth Act No. 146, as amended by
R.A. No. 2677.
^Surigao Electric v. Municipality of Surigao, G.R. No. L-22766, August 30,
1968.
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g- Public markets281
i
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“’Collector v. Buan, G.R. No. L-11438, July 31, 1958; Regodon v. Public
Service Commission, G.R. No. L-11899, September 23, 1958; Paez v. Marcelo, G.R.
No. L-1530, March 30, 1962.
““Manzanal v. Ausejo, G.R. No. L-31056; BAR 1993.
299BAR1993. J*
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304 DIVINA ON COMMERCIAL LAW:
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a. Requisites
18. What requirements must be met before a certificate of public
convenience may be granted under the Public Service Act?
The following are the requirements for the granting of a
certificate of public convenience, to wit:
The applicant must be a citizen of the Philippines, or a
corporation, co-partnership, or association organized under the
laws of the Philippines and at least 60% of the stock or paid-
up capital of which must belong to citizens of the Philippines.
(Citizenship)
The applicant must prove public necessity. (Public
Necessity)
The applicant must prove that the operation of the public
service proposed and the authorization to do business will
promote the public interest in a proper and suitable manner.
(Promotion of Public Interest)
The applicant must be financially capable of undertaking
the proposed service and meeting the responsibilities incident
to its operation. (Financial Capability)301
i. Citizenship
19. What constitutional provision governs the citizenship
requirement for public utilities?
Section 11, Article XII of the 1987 Constitution governs the
citizenship requirement for public utilities. It provides:
No franchise, certificate, or any other form of
authorization for the operation of a public utility shall
be granted except to citizens of the Philippines or to
corporations or associations organized under the laws of
the Philippines at least sixty per centum of whose capital
is owned by such citizens, nor shall such franchise,
““Section 16(n), Public Service Act; Halili Herras, G.R. No. L-18889-90,
April 30, 1964; BAR 1993.
“‘BAR 1995.
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III. TRANSPORTATION LAWS 305
20. To what does "capital" in Section 11, Article XII of the 1987
Constitution refer?
The term “capital” refers to shares with voting rights, as well
as with full beneficial ownership. This is precisely because the
right to vote in the election of directors, coupled with full beneficial
ownership of stocks, translates to effective control of a corporation.
Consequently, what the Constitution requires is full and legal
beneficial ownership of 60 percent of the outstanding capital stock,
coupled with 60 percent of the voting rights which must rest in the
hands of Filipino nationals.302
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3°'BAR 2000.
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III. TRANSPORTATION LAWS 307
“Republic Telephone Co. v. Philippine Long Distance Co, 25 SCRA 81; Teresa
Electric & Power Co. v. Public Service Commission, 21 SCRA, cited in Perez: Reviewer
and Quizzer in Commercial Law, Vol. IV, ibid., p. 287.
“Mandbusco v. Francisco, 32 SCRA 405, cited in Perez, ibid.
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“’BAR 1986.
“8Batangas Transportation Co. v. Orlanes, G.R. No. L-28865, December 19,
1928; BAR 1979.
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III. TRANSPORTATION LAWS 309
ii. Exceptions
30. Bayan Bus Lines had been operating satisfactorily a bus
service over the route Manila to Tarlac and vice versa via
the McArthur Highway. With the upgrading of the new North
Expressway, Bayan Bus Lines service became seemingly
inadequate despite its efforts of improving the same. Pasok
Transportation, Inc., now applies for the issuance to it by the
Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board of a
certificate of public convenience for the same Manila-Tarlac-
Manila route. Could Bayan Bus Lines, Inc., invoke the "prior
operator" rules against Pasok Transportation, Inc.? Why?
No, Bayan Bus Lines, Inc., cannot invoke the “prior operator”
rules against Pasok Transportation, Inc. because such “Prior or Old
Operator Rule” under the Public Service Act only applies as a policy
of the law of the Public Service Commission to issue a certificate
of public convenience to a second operator when prior operator is
rendering sufficient, adequate and satisfactory service, and who in
all things and respects is complying with the rules and regulations
of the Commission.
In the facts of the case at bar, Bayan Bus Lines’ service
became seemingly inadequate despite its efforts of improving the
same. Hence, in the interest of providing efficient public transport
services, the use of the “prior operator” and the “priority of filing”
rules is untenable in this case.309
’“BAR 2003.
31“Guico v. Estate of F.P. Buan, G.R. No. L-9769, August 30, 1957, cited in
Perez: Quizzer and Reviewer in Commercial Law Vol. IV, 2009 Ed., p. 291.
’"Manila Yellow Cab v. Castelo, G.R. No. L-13910, May 30, 1960, cited in
Perez, ibid.
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3. Fixing of rate
34. What is "rate"?
Rate is a charge, payment, or price fixed according to a ratio,
scale, or standard. It is an amount paid or charged for a good or
service.31’
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™Ibid.
319Section 16(c), Commonwealth Act No. 146.
’“Republic v. Manila Electric Co., G.R. Nos. 141314 and 141369, November
15,2002.
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“'Republic v. Manila Electric Co., G.R. Nos. 141314 and 141369, November
15, 2002.
322National Power Corp. v. Philippine Electric Plant Owners Association, Inc.,
G.R. No. 159457, April 7, 2006.
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a. Rate of return
40. What is "rate of return"?
The rate of return is a judgment percentage which, if multiplied
with the rate base, provides a fair return on the public utility for the
use of its property for service to the public. The rate of return of
a public utility is not prescribed by statute but by administrative
and judicial pronouncements. The Supreme Court has consistently
adopted a 12% rate of return for public utilities. The rate base, on the
other hand, is an evaluation of the property devoted by the utility to
the public service or the value of invested capital or property which
the utility is entitled to a return.324
’“Republic v. Manila Electric Co., G.R. Nos. 141314 and 141369, November
15,2002.
mIbid.
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4. Unlawful arrangements
a. Boundary system
42. Define boundary system.
It is an arrangement whereby a driver is engaged to drive the
owner/operator’s unit and pays the latter a fee - commonly called
“boundary” - for the use of the unit. Whatever he earned in excess of
that amount is his income.326
326Republic v. Manila Electric Co., G.R. Nos. 141314 and 141369, November
15, 2002.
326Paguio Transport Corp. v. NLRC, G.R. No. 119500, August 28, 1998.
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327BAR 2012.
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b. Kabit system
45. Discuss the "kabit system” in land transportation and its legal
consequences.
The “kabit system” is an arrangement whereby a person who
has been granted a certificate of public convenience allows another
who owns a motor vehicle to operate under his certificate for a fee or
a percentage of the earnings. The owner of the certificate of public
convenience and the actual owner of the motor vehicle should be
held jointly and severally liable for damages to third persons as a
consequence of the negligent operation of the motor vehicle.328
Although the parties to such an agreement are not outrightly
penalized by law, the kabit system is invariably recognized as being
contrary to public policy and therefore void and inexistent under
Article 1409 of the Civil Code. In the early case of Dizon v. Octavio,
the Court explained that one of the primary factors considered in
the granting of a certificate of public convenience for the business
of public transportation is the financial capacity of the holder of
the license, so that liabilities arising from accidents may be duly
compensated. The kabit system renders illusory such purpose and,
worse, may still be availed of by the grantee to escape civil liability
caused by a negligent use of a vehicle owned by another and operated
under his license. If a registered owner is allowed to escape liability
by proving who the supposed owner of the vehicle is, it would be
easy for him to transfer the subject vehicle to another who possesses
no property with which to respond financially for the damage done.
Thus, for the safety of passengers and the public who may have
been wronged and deceived through the baneful kabit system, the
registered owner of the vehicle is not allowed to prove that another
person has become the owner so that he may be thereby relieved of
responsibility. Subsequent cases affirm such basic doctrine. It would
seem then that the thrust of the law in enjoining the kabit system is
not so much as to penalize the parties but to identify the person upon
whom responsibility may be fixed in case of an accident with the end
view of protecting the riding public. The policy therefore loses its
force if the public at large is not deceived, much less involved.329
328BAR 2005.
329Lim v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 125817, January 16, 2002.
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1
i
49. Why is prior approval required for the sale, mortgage or lease
of the franchise or of the property of the public utility?
Since a franchise is personal in nature, any transfer or lease
thereof should be brought to the attention of the Commission so that
the latter may take proper safeguards to protect the interest of the
public. In fact, the law requires that, before the approval is granted,
there should be a public hearing, with notice to all interested parties,
in order that the Commission may determine if there are good and
335Lim v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 125817, January 16, 2002, citing Baliwag
Transit v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 57493, January 7, 1987.
“’’First Malayan Leasing v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 91378, June 9, 1992;
and “F” Transit Co., Inc. v. NLRC, G.R. Nos, 88195-96, January 27, 1994; BAR 2005.
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III. TRANSPORTATION LAWS 319
“’Montoya v. Ignacio, G.R. No. L-5868, December 29, 1953, cited in Perez:
Quizzer and Reviewer in Commercial Law Vol. IV, p. 306, 2009 Ed.
338Cogeo-Cubao Operators and Drivers Association v. Court of Appeals, 207
SCRA 346, cited in Perez, ibid., p. 306.
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G. AIR TRANSPORTATION
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322 DIVINA ON COMMERCIAL LAW:
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No. For having arrived at the airport after the closure of the
flight manifest, respondent’s employee could not be faulted for not
entertaining petitioners’ tickets and travel documents for processing,
as the checking in of passengers for SAS Flight was finished. There
was no fraud or bad faith as would justify the court’s award of moral
damages.346
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9. What are the liabilities of the air carrier under the Warsaw
Convention?
Under the Warsaw Convention, the air carrier is liable in any
of the following cases:
a. Death or injury to the passenger while on board,
embarking and disembarking.
b. Loss, destruction and damage to baggage during the
carriage.
This means simple loss of luggage without any
improper conduct on the part of carrier’s officials and
employees.’49
The period of responsibilities includes the period
during which the baggage is in the charge, of the carrier
whether in an airport or any place whatsoever.
c. Delay in the flight.
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III. TRANSPORTATION LAWS 325
10. What are the legal effects of the Warsaw Convention on the
liabilities of air carrier engaged in international transportation?
They are as follows:
a. The action against the carrier will prescribe if it is not
brought within two (2) years from date of arrival of the
air carrier at the destination, or it should have arrived or
from the date on which the transportation stopped.352
The Montreal Convention retained this provision.
The Montreal Convention, however, added time
limits in case of filing claims against the carrier. In case
of damage to baggage, the complainant must file his or
her written complaint within seven (7) days from the date
of receipt of the checked-in baggage. In case of delay of
delivery, on the other hand, the complaint must be made
at the latest within 21 days from the date of receipt of the
baggage.353 These time limitations are important since no
action can lie against the carrier if the complaints were
made beyond the period stated, save in the cases where
the carrier employed fraud.
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328 DIVINA ON COMMERCIAL LAW:
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11. May the passenger recover an amount greater than the amount
set forth in the Convention?
The passenger may recover a greater amount in the following
cases:
a. If at the time the packages were handed over to the
carrier, the passenger made a special declaration of the
value at delivery and has paid a supplementary sum;3®
and
b. When the air carrier failed to raise timely objections
during the trial when questions and answers regarding
the actual claims and damages sustained by the passenger
were asked.361
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III. TRANSPORTATION LAWS 329
14. Cite jurisprudence where the Supreme Court ruled that the
Warsaw Convention does not apply.
Jurisprudence recognizes that the Warsaw Convention does
not “exclusively regulate” the relationship between passenger and
carrier on an international flight. For instance, the Supreme Court
distinguished between the (1) damage to the passenger’s baggage and
(2) humiliation he suffered at the hands of the airline’s employees.
The first cause of action was covered by the Warsaw Convention
which prescribes in two (2) years, while the second was covered by
the provisions of the Civil Code on torts, which prescribes in four
(4) years. Had the case merely consisted of claims incidental to the
airlines’ delay in transporting their passengers, the passenger’s
complaint would have been time-barred under Article 29 of the
Warsaw Convention.364
^'Philippine Airlines, Inc. v. Hon. Adriano Savillo, et al., G.R. No. 149547,
July 4,2008.
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’“Philippine Airlines. Inc. Hon. Adriano Savillo, et al., G.R. No. 149547,
July 4, 2008.
™Supra.
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IV. BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS
A. PARTNERSHIP
1. General provisions
a. Definition
1. What is a contract of partnership?
Partnership is a contract where two or more persons bind
themselves to contribute money, property, or industry to a common
fund, with the intention of dividing the profits among themselves.1
335
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IV. BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS 337
’BAR 1994.
10CIR v. Suter, el al., G.R. No. L-25532, February 28, 1969.
"Article 1783, Civil Code.
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12BAR 2014.
nBARl&94.
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IV. BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS 339
b. Elements
13. Spouses A and B entered into an agreement with the Spouses
C and D to provide mutual assistance to each other by way of
financial support to any commercial and agricultural activity
on a joint business arrangement. This business relationship
proved to be successful as they were able to establish a
manufacturing and trading business, acquire real properties,
and construct buildings, among other things.
Related to this. Spouses C and D executed a document
wherein they acknowledged that while registered only in C's
name, they were not the only owners of the capital of three (3)
businesses. In this same "Acknowledgement of Participating
Capital," they stated the participating capital of their co
owners. Is there a partnership?
Yes. Under Article 1767 of the Civil Code, there are two (2)
essential elements in a contract of partnership: (a) an agreement to
contribute money, property, or industry to a common fund; and (b)
intent to divide the profits among the contracting parties. The first
element is undoubtedly present in the case at bar, for, admittedly,
all the parties in this case have agreed to, and did, contribute money
and property to a common fund. Hence, the issue narrows down to
their intent in acting as they did. It is not denied that all the parties
in this case have agreed to contribute capital to a common fund to
be able to later on share its profits. They have admitted this fact,
agreed to its veracity, and even submitted one common documentary’
evidence to prove such partnership — the Acknowledgement of
Participating Capital.16
"BAR 1994.
l6Jnrnntilla, Jr. v. Jnrnntilln, G.R. No. 154489, December 1, 2010, 051 SCRA
13-38.
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c. Characteristics
14. Does a partnership have separate juridical personality?
Yes, the partnership has a juridical personality separate and
distinct from that of each of the partners.16
15. Toby, Shiela, Dustin, and Max are partners in TSDM Partnership,
They executed an "Acknowledgment of Participating Capital"
enumerating the three (3) parcels of land in Cotabato, Davao,
and Bukidnon being used in the partnership business. The
Acknowledgment of Participating Capital states that Toby is
not the sole owner of the three (3) parcels of land despite being
the only registered owner thereof. Shiela filed a complaint for
accounting of the assets and income of the co-ownership, and
for its partition and the delivery of her proportionate share. In
her complaint, she prayed for the distribution of the partnership
assets including a certain land in Zamboanga registered
under the name of Toby. Shiela claimed co-ownership of the
land in Zamboanga since, according to her, the only way Toby
could have purchased these properties were through the
partnership as they had no other source of income. Rule on
Shiela's contention.
Shiela’s contention has no merit. In Villareal u. Ramirez, tlw
Court held that since a partnership is a separate juridical entity,
the shares to be paid out to the partners is necessarily limited
only to its total resources, to wit: “Since it is the partnership, as
a separate and distinct entity, that must refund the shares of the
partners, the amount to be refunded is necessarily limited to its
total resources. In other words, it can only pay out what it has in its
coffers, which consists of all its assets. However, before the partners
can be paid their shares, the creditors of the partnership must first
be compensated. After all the creditors have been paid, whatever is
left of the partnership assets becomes available for the payment of
the partners’ shares.”
There is no evidence that the subject real properties were
assets of the partnership referred to in the Acknowledgement of
Participating Capital.17
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IV. BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS 341
‘“Hongkong Bank v. Jurado & Co.. G.R. No. 414, November 9,1903.
■’Article 1775, Civil Code.
“Article 1770, Civil Code.
“‘Article 1770, Civil Code.
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No. Our Civil Code does not state whether, upon the dissolution
of the unlawful partnership, the amounts contributed are to be
returned to the partners, because it only deals with the disposition
of the profits; but the fact that said contributions are not included in
the disposal prescribed for said profits, shows that in consequence of
said exclusion, the general rules of law must be followed, and hence,
the partners must be reimbursed the amount of their respective
contributions. Any other solution would be immoral, and the law will
not consent to the latter remaining in the possession of the manager
or administrator who has refused to return them, by denying to the
partners the action to demand them.22
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IV. BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS 345
in the practice of law, effective this date, under the terms and
conditions hereafter set forth, and subject to the provisions of
existing laws."
Based on the Memorandum of Understanding and the
Articles of Co-Partnership, is ZAM Law a sole proprietorship
ora partnership?
ZAM Law is a partnership. ZAM Law Office was constituted as a
partnership at the time its partners signed the Articles of Partnership
wherein they bound themselves to establish a partnership for the
practice of law, contribute capital and industry for the purpose, and
receive compensation and benefits in the course of its operation.
The opening paragraph of the Articles of Partnership reveals the
unequivocal intention of its signatories to form a partnership.
The Memorandum of Understanding evinces the parties’
intention to entirely shift any liability that may be incurred by ZAM
Law Office in the course of its operation to Kenneth, who shall also
receive all the remaining assets of the firm upon its dissolution.
This memorandum, however, does not serve to convert ZAM Law
Office into a sole proprietorship. As discussed, ZAM Law Office was
manifestly established as a partnership based on the Articles of
Partnership. The MOU, from its tenor, reinforces this fact. It did not
change the nature of the organization of ZAM Law Office but only
excused the industrial partners from liability.31
28, In 2012, Lisa and Tommy bought two (2) parcels of land located
in Laguna. A year later, they bought another three (3) parcels
of land in Laguna. The first two (2) parcels of land were sold
by Lisa and Tommy to B Corporation in 2015, while the three
(3) parcels of land were sold to Spouses Tecson in 2017. Lisa
and Tommy realized a net profit in the sale made in 2015 in the
amount of Php940,000.00 while they realized a net profit of
Php460,000.00 in the sale made in 2017. The BIR assessed that
corporate income taxes were due, as it alleged that Lisa and
Tommy formed an unregistered partnership. Does the sharing
of returns, in itself, establish a partnership?
31Saludo, Jr. v. Philippine National Bank, G.R. No. 193138, August 20, 2018.
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29. Clarence Santos Sr. was the father of five (5) children, including
Clarence Santos, Jr. After Clarence Santos, Sr. passed away, a
project of partition was approved. Instead of distributing the
estate of the deceased, pursuant to the project of partition,
the properties remained under the management of co-heir
Clarence Santos, Jr. who used said properties in business
by leasing or selling them and investing the income derived
therefrom and the proceeds from the sales thereof in real
properties and securities. This led to said properties and
investments steadily increasing in value yearly.
The heirs never actually received any share of the income
or profits from Clarence Santos, Jr., and instead, they allowed
him to continue using said shares as part of the common fund
for their ventures, even as they paid the corresponding income
taxes on the basis of their respective shares of the profits
of their common business as reported by the said Clarence
Santos, Jr. Is the arrangement formed by the heirs considered
an unregistered partnership?
Yes, the co-ownership of inherited properties is automatically
converted into an unregistered partnership the moment the said
common properties and/or the incomes derived therefrom are used
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The partnership was not only formed, but upon the organization
thereof and the winning of the prize, Santiago personally appeared
in the office of the PCSO, in his capacity as co-partner, as such
collected the prize, the office issued the check for Pl,000,000.00 in
favor of Santiago and Company and the said partner, in the same
capacity, collected the said check. All these circumstances repel the
idea that the four organized and formed a community of property
only.34
31. Juancho and Debbie entered into a written agreement to: (1)
organize a partnership for the bottling and distribution of Best
Milk Tea, with Juancho as the industrial partner, and Debbie
as the capitalist, furnishing the capital necessary; (2) that
Juancho was to secure the Best Milk Tea franchise for and in
behalf of the proposed partnership; and (3) that Juancho was
to receive 30% of the net profits of the business. It turned out
that Juancho did not have the Best Milk Tea franchise, and the
two had to go abroad to secure the franchise in Debbie's name.
Upon returning, they established the business, and
Juancho demanded for the execution of the partnership
agreement. Debbie countered that her consent to the written
agreement was secured by the representation of Juancho
that he was the owner, or was about to become owner of an
exclusive bottling franchise, which representation was false
and that Juancho did not secure the franchise, but such was
given to Debbie herself. Does the alleged fraud perpetrated by
Juancho annul the agreement to form a partnership?
No, in order that fraud may vitiate consent, it must be the
causal (dolo causante), not merely the incidental (dolo incidente),
inducement to the making of the contract. By pretending that he
had the exclusive franchise and promising to transfer it to Debbie,
Juancho obtained the consent of Debbie to give him a big slice in
the net profits. This is incidental fraud because it was used to get
the other party’s consent to a big share in the profits, an incidental
matter in the agreement. Thus, the agreement may not be declared
null and void.
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e. Partnership term
33. When does a partnership commence?
A partnership begins from the moment of the execution of the
contract, unless it is otherwise stipulated.37
i
34. KLM Partnership was constituted in January 2020 for a fixed
period of five (5) years. What is the status of KLM Partnership
if it is continued by the partners after January 2025?
When a partnership for a fixed term or particular undertaking
is continued after the termination of such term or particular
undertaking without any express agreement, the rights and duties
of the partners remain the same as they were at such termination,
so far as is consistent with a partnership at will.
A continuation of the business by the partners or such of them
as habitually acted therein during the term, without any settlement
or liquidation of the partnership affairs, is prima facie evidence of a
continuation of the partnership.38
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f. Partnership by estoppel
36. Weyland and Porco were partners of a real estate business,
where they bought and sold properties for a profit. Weyland
was the managing partner who dealt with the clients of the
business. When Weyland died, his wife Irene continued dealing
with the clients of the business, with the approval of Porco.
After Porco and Irene's friendship turned sour, Porco denied all
of the transactions that Irene handled. The irate clients claim
that Irene is a general partner by estoppel, thus, her acts bind
the partnership. Are the clients correct?
Yes, the widow of the managing partner was authorized by
the other partner to manage the partnership, Irene is a partner
by estoppel. By authorizing the widow of the managing partner
to manage partnership property (which a limited partner could
not be authorized to do), the other general partner recognized her
as a general partner, and is now in estoppel to deny her position
as a general partner, with authority to administer and alienate
partnership property.
A third person has the right to presume that a general partner
dealing with partnership property has the requisite authority from
his co-partners. A third person may and has a right to presume that
the partner with whom he contracts has, in the ordinary and natural
course of business, the consent of his co-partner.
Where the express and avowed purpose of the partnership is
to buy and sell real estate (as in the present case), the immovables
thus acquired by the firm form part of its stock-in-trade, and the
sale thereof is in pursuance of partnership purposes, hence within
the ordinary powers of the partner.10
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h. Professional partnership
39. May a partnership be formed for the exercise of a profession?
Yes, two (2) or more persons may form a partnership for the
exercise of a profession.43
i. Management
40. K has been appointed manager in the Articles of Partnership of
KLM Offices. What are the acts that he may execute?
The partner who has been appointed manager in the articles
of partnership may execute all acts of administration despite the
opposition of his partners, unless he should act in bad faith; and his
power is irrevocable without just or lawful cause. The vote of the
partners representing the controlling interest shall be necessary for
such revocation of power.
A power granted after the partnership has been constituted
may be revoked at any time.44
41. May a managing partner act without the consent of the other
partners entrusted with the management of the partnership?
It depends.
If two (2) or more partners have been entrusted with the
management of the partnership without specification of their
respective duties, or without a stipulation that one of them shall not
act without the consent of all the others, each one may separately
execute all acts of administration, but if any of them should oppose
the acts of the others, the decision of the majority shall prevail. In
case of a tie, the matter shall be decided by the partners owning the
controlling interest.45
However, in case it should have been stipulated that none of
the managing partners shall act without the consent of the others,
the concurrence of all shall be necessary for the validity of the acts,
and the absence or disability of any one of them cannot be alleged,
unless there is imminent danger of grave or irreparable injury to the
partnership.46
k
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43. What are the rules when the manner of management has not
been agreed upon?
"BAR 1992.
“Article 1801, Civil Code.
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47. John and Mark entered into a partnership for the operation of a
coffee shop, with John contributing cash and Mark contributing
coffee equipment. Mark sold the same coffee equipment to
another person without the consent of his partner. John claims
that Mark cannot do so without his approval as the coffee
equipment is now partnership property. Is John correct?
Yes, an equipment which was contributed by one of the
partners to the partnership becomes the property of the partnership
and as such cannot be disposed of by the party contributing the
same without the consent or approval of the partnership or of the
other partner.62
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54. Megan and Tanya entered into a partnership where they would
both invest P500,000.00 each for the purpose of carving
10 wooden figures. Tanya would also receive a P15,000.00
commission per month from April to December. The business
venture did not succeed, as Megan and Tanya both failed to
give their full contributions. Tanya filed a case in order to get
the promised profits of the venture from Megan and the eight
(8) months of commission worth P15,000.00 per month. Is
Tanya entitled to the supposed profits and commission?
No, being a contract of partnership, each partner must share
in the profits and losses of the venture. That is the essence of a
partnership. And even with an assurance made by one of the partners
that they would earn a huge amount of profits, in the absence of
fraud, the other partner cannot claim a right to recover the highly
speculative profits. A partner is entitled to recover share of profits
actually realized by venture.
The partnership agreement stipulated that the Megan
would give Tanya a monthly commission of P15,000.00 from April
to December for a total of eight (8) monthly commissions. The
agreement does not state the basis of the commission. The payment
of the commission could only have been predicated on relatively
extravagant profits. The parties could not have intended the giving
of a commission in spite of loss or failure of the venture. Since
the venture was a failure, Tanya is not entitled to the P15,000.00
commission.™
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57. Joe and Rudy formed a partnership to operate a car repair shop
in Quezon City. Joe provided the capital while Rudy contributed
his labor and industry. On one side of their shop, Joe opened
and operated a coffee shop, while on the other side, Rudy put
up a car accessories store. May they engage in such separate
businesses? Why?61
Joe, the capitalist partner, may engage in the restaurant
business because it is not the same kind of business the partnership
is engaged in. On the other hand, Rudy may not engage in any other
business unless their partnership expressly permits him to do so
because as an industrial partner he has to devote his full time to the
business of the partnership.65
6,bar 2001.
“Article 1789, Civil Code.
“Article 1792, Civil Code.
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(2) shares (2:1). Given the three (3) shares plus two (2)
shares, the balance of P700,000.00 will be divided by five
(5) which will yield the result of P140,000.00 multiplied
by two (2) (for O).
64. Can the partnership creditors hold L, O, and P liable after all
the assets of the partnership are exhausted?
a. Yes, The stipulation exempting P from losses is
valid only among the partners. L is liable because
the agreement limiting his liability to his capital
contribution is not valid insofar as the creditors are
concerned. Having taken part in the management
of the partnership, O is liable as capitalist partner.
b. No. P is not liable because there is a valid stipulation
exempting him from losses. Since the other partners
allowed him to engage in an outside business activity, the
stipulation absolving P from liability is valid. For 0, it is
basic that a limited partner is liable only up to the extent
of his capital contribution.
c. Yes. The stipulations exempting P and L from losses
are not binding upon the creditors. O is likewise liable
because the partnership was not formed in accordance
with the requirements of a limited partnership.
d. No. The Civil Code allows the partners to stipulate that
a partner shall not be liable for losses. The registration of
the Articles of Partnership embodying such stipulations
serves as constructive notice to the partnership creditors.
e. None of the above is completely accurate.
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74Saludo, Jr. v. Philippine National Bank, G.R. No. 193138, August 20, 2018.
75Island Sales, Inc. v. United Pioneers General Construction Company, et al.,
G.R. No. L-22493, July 31, 1975.
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67. May the designation of the share of each partner in the profits
and losses be entrusted to a third person? May the designation
be entrusted to one of the partners?
The designation may be entrusted to a third person, but not to
one of the partners.
If the partners have agreed to entrust to a third person the
designation of the share of each one in the profits and losses, such
designation may be impugned only when it is manifestly inequitable.
In no case may a partner who has begun to execute the decision
of the third person, or who has not impugned the same within a
period of three (3) months from the time he had knowledge thereof,
complain of such decision.
The designation of losses and profits cannot be entrusted to one
of the partners.’6
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Since Ollie acted with evident bad faith and malice, they should pay
moral and exemplary damages as well as attorney’s fees to Pearl.”
’’Ramnani v. Court of Appeals, G.R. Nos. 85494 and 85496, May 7,1991.
’’Article 1810, Civil Code.
“Article 1811, Civil Code.
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75. When may a partner be obliged to sell his interest to the other
partners?
If there is no agreement to the contrary, in case of an imminent
loss of the business of the partnership, any partner who refuses to
contribute an additional share to the capital, except an industrial
partner, to save the venture, shall be obliged to sell his interest to
the other partners.86
‘■‘Ibid.
“Article 1791, Civil Code.
“Article 1814, Civil Code.
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78. May a partner associate another person with him in his share?
Yes. Every partner may associate another person with him in
his share, but the associate shall not be admitted into the partnership
without the consent of all the other partners, even if the partner
having an associate should be a manager.88
80. What is the effect of including the name of a person who is not
a partner in the partnership name?
Those who, not being members of the partnership, include
their names in the firm name, shall be subject to the liability of a
partner.90
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82, ZAM Law Office entered into a Contract of Lease with PNB,
whereby the latter agreed to lease the second floor of the PNB
Financial Center Building. ZAM Law Office then occupied the
leased premises and paid advance rental fees and security
deposit.
The Contract of Lease subsequently expired. However,
ZAM Law Office continued to occupy the leased premises,
but discontinued paying its monthly rental obligations.
Consequently, PN B sent a demand letter for ZAM Law Office to
pay its outstanding unpaid rents. ZAM Law Office sent a letter
proposing a settlement by providing a range of suggested
computations of its outstanding rental obligations, with
deductions for the value of improvements it introduced in the
premises.
Kenneth, in his capacity as managing partner of ZAM Law
Office, filed a complaint for accounting and/or recomputation
of unpaid rentals and damages against PNB in relation to
the Contract of Lease. PNB filed a motion to include an
indispensable party as plaintiff, praying that Kenneth be
ordered to amend his complaint to include ZAM Law Office as
principal plaintiff. PNB argued that the lessee in the Contract
of Lease is not Kenneth but ZAM Law Office, and that Kenneth
merely signed the Contract of Lease as the managing partner
of the law firm.
Is PNB's contention tenable?
Yes. ZAM Law Office is the real party in interest. Section 2,
Rule 3 of the Rules of Court defines a real party-in-interest as the
one “who stands to be benefited or injured by the judgment in the
Suit, or the party entitled to the avails of the suit.” ZAM Law Office
is the party that would be benefited or injured by the judgment in
the suit before the RTC. Particularly, it is the party interested in
the accounting and/or recomputation of unpaid rentals and damages
in relation to the contract of lease. It is also the party that would
be liable for payment to PNB of overdue rentals, if that claim
would be proven. This is because it is the one that entered into the
contract of lease with PNB. As an entity possessed of a juridical
personality, it has concomitant rights and obligations with respect
to the transactions it enters into. Equally important, the general
rule under Article 1816 of the Civil Code is that partnership assets
are primarily liable for the contracts entered into in the name of
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83. The RTC found a partnership liable for damages. Can the
Sheriff immediately levy the personal property of the general
partner?
No. Article 1816 of the Civil Code governs the liability of the
partners to third persons, which states that: “All partners, including
industrial ones, shall be liable pro rata with all their property
and after all the partnership assets have been exhausted, for the
contracts which may be entered into in the name and for the account
of the partnership, under its signature and by a person authorized
to act for the partnership. However, any partner may enter into
a separate obligation to perform a partnership contract.” The
managing partner’s liability would only arise after the properties of
the partnership would have been exhausted.93
92Saludo, Jr. v. Philippine National Bank, G.R. No. 193138, August 20, 2018.
“Guy v. Gacott, G.R. No. 206147, 778 SCRA 308-326 (2016).
“Article 1817, NCC.
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86. Greg and Irvin are business partners who stipulated in the
articles of partnership that one partner cannot enter into a
contract with a third person regarding the partnership business
without the consent of the other partner. Leslie, a third party
unaware of this arrangement, entered into a contract with Irvin
without the consent of Greg. Does Leslie's contract with the
partnership through Irvin have legal force?
Yes, the stipulation in the articles of partnership that any of
the two (2) managing partners may contract and sign in the name of
the partnership with the consent of the other, undoubtedly creates
an obligation between the two (2) partners, which consists in asking
the other’s consent before contracting for the partnership. This
obligation of course is not imposed upon a third person who contracts
with the partnership. Neither is it necessary for the third person
to ascertain if the managing partner, with whom he contracts, has
previously obtained the consent of the other.
A third person may and has a right to presume that the partner
with whom he contracts has, in the ordinary and natural course
of business, the consent of his co-partner; for otherwise he would
not enter into the contract. The third person would naturally not
presume that the partner with whom he enters into the transaction
is violating the articles of partnership but, on the contrary, is
acting in accordance therewith. And this finds support in the legal
presumption that the ordinary course of business has been followed,
and that the law has been obeyed.
This last presumption is equally applicable to contracts which
have the force of law between the parties. Unless the contrary is
shown, namely, that one of the partners did not consent to his
co-partner entering into a contract with a third person, and that
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the latter with knowledge thereof entered into said contract, the
aforesaid presumption with all its force and legal effects should
be taken into account. There is nothing in the case at bar which
destroys this presumption.97
87. What acts does one or more but less than all the partners have
no authority to do?
Assign the partnership property in trust for creditors or on
the assignee’s promise to pay the debts of the partnership;
b. Dispose of the goodwill of the business;
c. Do any other act which would make it impossible to carry
on the ordinary business of a partnership;
d. Confess a judgment;
Enter into a compromise concerning a partnership claim
or liability;
f. Submit a partnership claim or liability to arbitration;
g- Renounce a claim of the partnership.98
“’Litton v. Hill & Ceron, G.R. No. 45624, April 25, 1939.
“Article 1818, NCC.
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90. Atty. Badua purchased two (2) transreceivers from Quack Shell
Corporation (QSC) in Manila through its employee Bonsol. Due
I to major defects, Badua personally returned the transreceivers
to QSC and requested that they be replaced. Badua received
the returned transreceivers and promised to send him the
replacement units within two (2) weeks.
7
Time passed and Badua did not receive the replacement
units as promised. Despite several demands, Badua was never
given a replacement or a refund. Thus, Badua filed a complaint
for damages. Summons was served upon QSC and Bonsol,
k
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after which they filed their Answer, verified by Bonsol. The RTC
found that the two (2) transreceivers were defective and that
QSC and Bonsol failed to replace the same or return Badua's
money. The decision became final. During the execution stage,
Badua learned that QSC was not a corporation, but was in fact
a general partnership. In the articles of partnership, Gayya was
appointed as General Manager of QSC.
To execute the judgment, the Sheriff went to the Land
Transportation Office (LTO) and verified whether Bonsol, QSC
and Gayya had personal properties registered therein. Upon
learning that Gayya had vehicles registered in his name, Badua
instructed the sheriff to proceed with the attachment of one of
the motor vehicles of Gayya.
The Sheriff attached Gayya’s vehicle by virtue of the
Notice of Attachment/Levy Upon Personalty served upon
the record custodian of the LTO. A similar notice was served
to Gayya through his housemaid at his residence. Thereafter,
Gayya filed his Motion to Lift Attachment Upon Personalty,
arguing that he was not a judgment debtor and, therefore, his
vehicle could not be attached. Rule on Gayya’s defense.
Gayya’s defense is meritorious. Although a partnership is
based on delectus personae or mutual agency, whereby any partner
can generally represent the partnership in its business affairs, it is
non sequitur that a suit against the partnership is necessarily a suit
impleading each and every partner. It must be remembered that
a partnership is a juridical entity that has a distinct and separate
personality from the persons composing it. Here, Gayya was never
made a party to the case. He did not have any participation in the
entire proceeding until his vehicle was levied upon and he suddenly
became QSC’s “co-defendant debtor” during the judgment execution
stage. It is a basic principle of law that money judgments are
enforceable only against the property incontrovertibly belonging to
the judgment debtor. Indeed, the power of the court in executing
judgments extends only to properties unquestionably belonging to
the judgment debtor alone. An execution can be issued only against
a party and not against one who did not have his day in court.
Further, Article 1821 of the Civil Code does not state that
there is no need to implead a partner in order to be bound by the
partnership liability. It provides that: “Notice to any partner of any
matter relating to partnership affairs, and the knowledge of the
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all proceeds from the pre-selling of its saleable units for the
completion of the Condominium Project.
The Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB)
issued a License to Sell in favor of ABC and PP as project
owners. By virtue of said license, PP executed a Contracts to
Sell with Spouses Magsombol over a condominium unit and a
parking lot.
The Spouses filed against ABC and PP the complaint for
the rescission of the aforesaid Contracts to Sell docketed before
the HLURB, contending that the promised date of turnoverwas
not fulfilled. ABC asseverated that, by the terms of the JVA,
each party was individually responsible for the marketing and
sale of the units pertaining to its share; that not being privy to
the Contracts to Sell executed by PP and respondents, it did
not receive any portion of the payments made by the latter;
and that without any contributory fault and negligence on its
part, PP breached its undertakings under the JVA by failing to
complete the condominium project. Is ABC's defense tenable?
No. A joint venture is considered in this jurisdiction as a
form of partnership and is, accordingly, governed by the law of
partnerships. Under Article 1824 of the Civil Code, all partners are
solidarity liable with the partnership for everything chargeable to
the partnership, including loss or injury caused to a third person or
penalties incurred due to any wrongful act or omission of any partner
acting in the ordinary course of the business of the partnership or
with the authority of his co-partners. Whether innocent or guilty, all
the partners are solidarity liable with the partnership itself.104
l0,J. Tiosejo Investment Corp. v. Spouses Ang, G.R. No. 174149, September 8
2010, 644 SCRA 601-616.
105Article 1826, NCC.
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94. Are the creditors of the partnership preferred over the private
creditors of each partner?
Yes. The creditors of the partnership shall be preferred to
those of each partner as regards the partnership property. Without
prejudice to this right, the private creditors of each partner may
ask the attachment and public sale of the share of the latter in the
partnership assets.100
L
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110BAR 1995.
“'Article 1813, NCC.
“2BAR 1997.
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100. Will dissolution terminate all authority of any partner to act for
the partnership?
Yes. Except so far as may be necessary to wind up partnership
affairs or to complete transactions begun but not then finished,
dissolution terminates all authority of any partner to act for the
partnership:
a. With respect to the partners,
i. When the dissolution is not by the act, insolvency or
death of a partner; or
ii. When the dissolution is by such act, insolvency or
death of a partner, in cases where Article 1833 so
requires;
b. With respect to persons not partners, as declared in
Article 1834.
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1 Ji/ Ml . ........................................ .
102. When can a partner bind the partnership even after dissolution?
After dissolution, a partner can bind the partnership,
a. By any act appropriate for winding up partnership affairs
or completing transactions unfinished at dissolution;
b. By any transaction which would bind the partnership if
dissolution had not taken place, provided the other party
to the transaction:
i. Had extended credit to the partnership prior to
dissolution and had no knowledge or notice of the
dissolution; or
ii. Though he had not so extended credit, had
nevertheless known of the partnership prior to
dissolution, and having no knowledge or notice
of dissolution, the fact of dissolution had not been
advertised in a newspaper of general circulation in
the place (or in each place if more than one) at which
the partnership business was regularly carried on.us
103. When is the partnership not bound by any act of a partner after
dissolution?
a. Where the partnership is dissolved because it is unlawful
to carry on the business, unless the act is appropriate for
winding up partnership affairs; or
b. Where the partner has become insolvent; or
c. Where the partner has no authority to wind up partnership
affairs; except by a transaction with one who —
k
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126BAR 2010.
“’Articles 1841,1785, par. 2, and Article 1833 of NCC.
‘“Article 1816, NCC.
‘“Articles 1829, 1835, par. 2, NCC; Testate Estate of Mota v. Serra, 47 Phil.
464 (1925).
‘“Article 1835, NCC.
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131BAR 1993.
“Article 1816, Civil Code.
133Articles 1829 and 1830, par. 1-a, Civil Code.
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4. Limited Partnership
118. Define a limited partnership.
A limited partnership is one formed by two (2) or more persons
under the provisions of the following article, having as members
ne or more general partners and one or more limited partners. The
imited partners as such shall not be bound by the obligations of the
partnership.137
136Yu v. National Labor Relations Commission, G.R. No. 92712, June 30,1993.
■’’Article 1843, NCC.
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123. What is the legal effect of a limited partner taking part in the
control of the business?
The limited partner becomes liable as a general partner.'42
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132. When may a limited partner rightfully demand the return of his
contribution?
Subject to the provisions of the first paragraph, a limited
partner may rightfully demand the return of his contribution:
a. On the dissolution of a partnership, or
b. When the date specified in the certificate for its return
has arrived, or
c. After he has given six (6) months’ notice in writing to all
other members, if no time is specified in the certificate,
either for the return of the contribution or for the
dissolution of the partnership.162
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IV. BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS 405
B. CORPORATIONS
I, Definition of corporation
1. What is a corporation?
A corporation is an artificial being created by operation of
law, having the right of succession and the powers, attributes,
and properties expressly authorized by law or incidental to its
existence.161
l61Section 2, RCC.
,82Stonehill v. Diokno, G.R. No. L-19550, En Banc, June 19,1967.
163BASECO v. PCGG, G.R. No. 75885, En Banc, May 27,1987.
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,67Heirs of Antonio Pael v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 133547, December 7,2001.
■“See further discussion on ultra vires act under Section 44.
169Mangila v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 125027, Third Division, August 12,
2002.
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b. Partnership v. Corporation
As to definition:
A partnership is an agreement whereby two or more persons
bind themselves to contribute money, property, or industry to
a common fund, with the intention of dividing the profits among
themselves.”0 ..„ 0>
A corporation is an artificial being created by operation of
law, having the right of succession and the powers, attributes, and
properties expressly authorized by law or incidental to its existence.
As to composition:
In partnership, there should be at least two partners while one
person may compose a corporation.
As to liability:
The liability of the stockholders, who are not directors, officers
and agents, is limited to their subscription to the capital stock of the
corporation while the general partners may be held liable beyond
their contribution to the partnership if the assets thereof are not
sufficient to answer for creditors’ claims.
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As to the management:
The business of a corporation is generally conducted by
the Board of Directors whereas a partnership is managed by the
Managing Partner designated in the Articles of Partnership, or in
the absence of designation, by anyone of the general partners.
'’•Section 3, RCC.
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”2BAR 1994.
'’’Sections 3 and 86, RCC.
'’’Section 87, RCC.
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e. As to Legal Status:
i. De Jure: is one that has fulfilled all the requirements
mandated by law and can successfully resist a suit
by the State to challenge its existence. De jure means
“a matter of law” that validates the corporation as a
legal entity.
ii. De Facto: is one organized with colorable compliance
with the requirements of a valid law. Its existence
cannot be inquired into collaterally. Such inquiry
must be by a direct attack by the State through a
quo warranto proceeding.”5
iii. By Estoppel: It exists when two or more persons
assume to act as a corporation knowing it to be
without authority to do so. They are liable as
general partners for all debts, liabilities, and
damages incurred or arising as a result thereof:
Provided, however, that when any such ostensible
corporation is sued on any transaction entered by
it as a corporation or on any tort committed by it
as such, it shall not be allowed to use as a defense
its lack of corporate personality. One who assumes
an obligation to an ostensible corporation as such,
cannot resist performance thereof on the ground
that there was, in fact, no corporation.”5
iv. By Prescription: one which has exercised corporate
powers for an indefinite period without interference
on the part of the sovereign power, e.g., Roman
Catholic Church.
f. As to Relationship of Management and Control:
i. Holding corporation: A corporation that holds
stocks in other companies for purposes of control
rather than for mere investment and ‘holding” them
in a conglomerate or umbrella structure along with
other subsidiaries.’”
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‘“’Section 4, RCC.
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188BAR 1994.
’“Feliciano v. Commission on Audit, G.R. No. 147402, January 14, 2004.
'"Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Fatima v. Alzona, et al., G.R. No. 224307,
August 6, 2018.
■’■Section 20, RCC.
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™lbid.
'"Section 20, RCC.
""People v. Garcia, G.R. No. 117010, April 18, 1997.
'“Pioneer Insurance and Surety Corporation v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No.
84197, July 28, 1989.
I96Lim Tong v. Philippine Fishing Gear Industries, G.R. No. 136448, November
3, 1999.
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its application in the reverse, in fact, the very wording of the law
which sets forth the doctrine of corporation by estoppel permits such
interpretation. Such that a person who has assumed an obligation
in favor of a non-existent corporation, having transacted with the
latter as if it was duly incorporated, is prevented from denying the
existence of the latter to avoid the enforcement of the contract. In
this case, while the donation was accepted at the time the donee
was not yet incorporated, the subsequent incorporation of the donee
corporation and its affirmation of the recipient’s authority to accept
on its behalf cured whatever defect that may have attended the
acceptance of the donation, applying the doctrine of corporation by
estoppel under the Corporation Code.200
The Supreme Court likewise stated that the donee could not
be considered a de facto corporation because, at the time of the
donation, it was not registered with the SEC. The filing of articles of
incorporation and the issuance of the certificate of incorporation are
essential for the existence of a de facto corporation.
200Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Fatima v. Alzona, et al., G.R. No. 224307,
August 6, 2018.
2O1SEC-OGC Opinion No. 16-15.
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a. Control test
22. What is the prevailing mode of determining the nationality of
corporations engaged in nationalized activities?
The “control test” is the prevailing mode of determining the
nationality of corporations engaged in nationalized activities.
However, when in the mind of the Court there is doubt as to where
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b. Grandfather rule
23. When is the grandfather rule applied?
The grandfather rule is applied in the following cases:
a. Under the Grandfather Rule Proper, if the percentage of
Filipino ownership in the corporation or partnership is
less than 60%, only the number of shares corresponding
to such percentage shall be counted as of Philippine
nationality.
b. Under the Strict Rule or Grandfather Rule Proper, the
combined totals in the Investing Corporation and the
Investee Corporation, when traced (i.e., “grandfathered”)
to determine the total percentage of Filipino ownership,
show less than 60% requirement.
c. If based on records, Filipinos own at least 60% of the
investing corporation but there is doubt as to where
control and beneficial ownership in the corporation really
reside.
24. Illustrate the application of the control test and grandfather rule.
For better understanding, below are various diagrams to
illustrate the application of the control test and grandfather rule.
Rule I:
iwmikwiobj'’
100,00!
60% f 40%
TjffiCQ
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Rule II:
W
90,000 10,000
[ wzz
1
60,000 40,000
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This case calls for the application of the grandfather rule. First,
the control test is applied because ABC appears to be 60% owned by
a Philippine national, XYZ. XYZ is a Philippine national because
60% of its capital is owned by Filipinos. Let us assume, however,
that the share subscriptions of the Filipinos were not paid and the
foreign held-corporation basically contributed all, or almost all, of the
capital of ABC, creating a doubt as to where beneficial ownership and
control actually reside. Given such doubt, the grandfather rule then
is cumulatively applied with the control test. Under the grandfather
rule, only' the shares that correspond to the percentage owned by
Filipinos shall be registered as Filipino-owned. Therefore, only 60%
of the 60,000 shares owned by XYZ should be recorded as Filipino-
owned while 40% of the 60,000 shares shall be registered as foreign-
owned. Adding the 24,000 shares that the foreign-held corporation
indirectly owns in ABC with the 40,000 shares it directly owns, the
aggregate foreign shareholdings translate to 64,000 or 64% of the
capital of ABC, in excess of the 40% allowable limit.
Rule IV:
60,000 40,000
50%
|[ iWfiQ J | :^Tjiv ]j
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211Leo R. Rosales, el al. v. New A.N.J.H. Enterprises & N.H. Oil Mill
Corporation, el al., G.R. No. 203355, August 18, 2015.
212Erson Ang Lee Doing Business as “Super Lamination Services” v. Samahang
Manggagawa ng Super Lamination (SMSLS-NAFLU-KMU), G.R. No. 193816,
November 21, 2016.
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32. Cite jurisprudence when the corporate veil may be pierced if the
complaint alleges that the directors and/or officers committed
bad faith or gross negligence in conducting the affairs of the
corporation.
a. The president of a family-owned corporation who
committed fraud in selling its vehicle to a customer and
collected down payment from the latter knowing fully
well that the vehicle was already sold to another cannot
hide behind the separate corporate personality of the
corporation to escape from liability.214
b. In another case, the building contractor of Shangri-La
mall sued Shangri-La Properties for unpaid fees. The
plaintiff impleaded the directors of the corporation for
bad faith and gross negligence in conducting the affairs of
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33. Should the court first acquire jurisdiction over the corporation
involved before its separate legal personality may be
disregarded? ,
There appears to be a lack of conclusive yardstick as to when
the court may pierce the veil of corporate fiction of a corporation
that has not been brought to its jurisdiction by summons, voluntary
appearance, or other recognized modes of acquiring jurisdiction.
There are, in fact, conflicting Supreme Court decision in this regard.
The author believes that the corporate veil may be pierced without
having to conduct a full-blown trial as long as the corporation,
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™Ibid.
217Intemational Academy of Management and Economics (I/AME) v. Litton
and Company, Inc., G.R. No. 191525, December 13, 2017.
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36. What are the effects of piercing the corporate veil? Does it
result in the dissolution of the corporation?
The piercing of the corporate veil does not dissolve the
corporation. It simply means that the stockholder and/or director
and/or officer, whose action/s became the basis for the application
of the doctrine, and the corporation shall be treated as one and
the same entity. In traditional piercing the corporate veil, the
concerned stockholders, directors/trustees, and officers become
liable for the obligation of the corporation. In reverse piercing the
corporate veil, the corporation becomes liable for the debts of the
concerned stockholders/members, directors/trustees, and officers of
the corporation.
In case the corporation is just an alter ego of another
corporation, both corporations become one and the same entity.
V. Capital structure
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™Ibid.
"“Section 8, SEC Memorandum Circular No. 16 series of 2019, July 30, 2019.
"'Section 15, R.A. No. 8791, otherwise known as the General Banking Law.
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b. Subscription requirements
43. What are the revisions under the RCC on subscription and
paid-up capital requirements upon incorporation?
a. The RCC dispensed with the minimum subscription and
paid-up capital requirement except as otherwise provided
by a special law.
b. After incorporation, however, in case of increase of capital
stock, at least 25% of the increase in capital stock must
be subscribed and at least 25% of the amount subscribed
should be paid in cash or property the valuation of which
is equivalent to at least 25% of the subscription.
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““Jose M. Roy HI v. Teresita Herbosa, et al., G.R. No. 207246, November 22,
2016.
““Jose M. Roy III v. Teresita Herbosa, et al., G.R. No. 207246, April 18, 2017.
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c. Corporate term
48. What are the revisions under the RCC on corporate term?
a. A corporation shall have perpetual existence unless its
articles of incorporation provides otherwise.
b. Corporations with certificates of incorporation issued prior
to the effectivity of the RCC, and which continue to exist,
shall have perpetual existence, unless the corporation,
upon a vote of its stockholders representing a majority
of its outstanding capital stock, notifies the SEC that it
elects to retain its specific corporate term pursuant to its
articles of incorporation: Provided, That any change in
the corporate term under this section is without prejudice
to the appraisal right of dissenting stockholders.
c. The period to extend the corporate term has been reduced
from five (5) to three (3) years prior to the original or
subsequent expiry date(s).
d. Extension of the corporate term shall take effect only
on the day following the original or subsequent expiry
date(s).
e. A corporation whose term has expired is not ipso facto
dissolved but may apply for a revival of its corporate
existence. Upon approval by the SEC, the corporation
shall be deemed revived and a certificate of revival of
corporate existence shall be issued, giving it perpetual
existence, unless its application for revival provides
otherwise.
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IV. BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS 441
54. Can the extension of the corporate term be done during the
three (3)-year liquidation period?
No, the extension of corporate term can only be done during
the lifetime of the corporation but not earlier than three (3) years
prior to the original or subsequent expiry date(s) unless there are
justifiable reasons for an earlier extension as may be determined
by the SEC. The activities of the corporation during the liquidation
period should be limited to winding up of corporate affairs. Extension
of term is tantamount to the continuation of the business and as
such, incompatible with the purpose and nature of liquidation.
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d. Classification of shares
55. What are shares of stock?
Shares of stock are forms of securities representing equity
ownership in a corporation, divided up into units. They are the
measure of the stockholder’s proportionate interest in the corporation
in terms of the right to vote and to receive dividends, as well as the
right to share in the assets of the corporation when distributed in
accordance with law and equity.
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“Republic Planters Bank v. Hon. Enrique Agana, Sr., G.R. No. 51765, March
3,1997.
’“Section 6, RCC.
’’’Republic Planters Bank, ibid.
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66. In what instances does the law vest the right to vote for non
voting shares?
Holders of non-voting shares shall be entitled to vote on the
following matters:
a. Amendment of the articles of incorporation;
b. Adoption and amendment of bylaws;
243Section 6, RCC.
Z44Section 70, RCC.
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245Section 7, RCC.
246Close Holding Corporation; Founder’s Shares, SEC-OGC Opinion No. 02-10,
January 15, 2010.
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v. Treasury shares
72. What are treasury shares?
Treasury shares are shares of stock that have been issued
and fully paid for, but subsequently reacquired by the issuing
corporation through purchase, redemption, donation, or some other
lawful means. Such shares may again be disposed of for a reasonable
price fixed by the board of directors.260
247Section 8, RCC.
™Ibid.
249BAR 2009.
““Section 9, RCC.
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a. Promoter
74. What is a promoter?
A promoter is a person who brings about or causes to bring
about the formation and organization of a corporation by bringing
together the incorporators or the persons interested in the
enterprise, procuring subscriptions or capital to the corporation and
setting in motion the machinery which leads to the incorporation of
the corporation itself.263
In actuality though, a corporation is usually formed and
organized by the incorporators themselves, without the need for any
promoter.
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b. Subscription contract
77. What is a subscription contract?
Any contract for the acquisition of unissued stock in an existing
corporation or a corporation still to be formed shall be deemed a
subscription, notwithstanding the fact that the parties refer to it as
a purchase or some other contract.255
It provides for the kind of shares to be issued, the consideration
for the issuance of the shares, date and other terms of payment.
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constitute a fund to which creditors have the right to look for the
satisfaction of their claims.267
In Philippine National Bank v. Bitulok Sawmill, et al.,268 the
Supreme Court said that the assignee in an insolvency can maintain
an action upon any unpaid stock subscription in order to realize
assets for the payment of its debt. In case of insolvency, all unpaid
stock subscriptions become payable on demand and are immediately
recoverable. The impheation is that the creditor cannot collect
the unpaid subscription unless there is an insolvency proceeding
involving the corporation.
In Halley u. Printwell, Inc. ,2ra there was no insolvency proceeding
and yet the Supreme Court affirmed the right of the creditor to
enforce the payment of the unpaid subscription in the same collection
suit against the corporation. It is submitted that the appropriate
remedy is to enforce the judgment against the corporation first and
it is only when the writ of execution is returned unsatisfied for lack
of leviable assets sufficient to satisfy the judgment debt that the
judgment against the unpaid subscriber may be enforced. Otherwise,
the unpaid subscriber effectively becomes solidarily liable with the
corporation. Such solidary liability has no basis in law.
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e. Articles of Incorporation
89. What are the revisions under the RCC on the provision on
articles of incorporation?
a. An arbitration agreement may be provided in the articles
of incorporation.
b. Filing of the articles of incorporation or amendments
thereto may be in the form of an electronic document in
accordance with the rules on electronic filing of the SEC.
c. The articles of incorporation should include an
undertaking to change the corporate name immediately
upon receipt of notice from the SEC that another
corporation, partnership or person has acquired a prior
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right to the use of such name, that the name has been
declared not distinguishable from a name already
registered or reserved for the use of another corporation,
or that it is contrary to law, public morals, good customs
or public policy.
d. It provides that the corporation shall have perpetual
existence or a fixed term as may be indicated in the
articles of incorporation.
e. There is no need to state that at least twenty-five (25%)
percent of the authorized capital stock above stated
has been subscribed and that at least twenty-five (25%)
percent of the total subscription have been paid as this
double 25% requirement under the OCC has been deleted.
f. There is a requirement of certification of receipt of
the paid-up portion of subscription by the Corporate
Treasurer.
g- Since the requirement of Treasurer’s Affidavit has
already been deleted under the RCC, the format for the
said affidavit is omitted as well.
i. Contents
91. What are the contents of the articles of incorporation?
The articles of incorporation shall contain substantially the
following matters, except as otherwise prescribed by the RCC or by
special law:
a. The name of the corporation;
2MForest Hills Golf and Country Club, Inc. Gardpro, Inc., G.R. No. 164686,
October 22, 2014.
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92. May the articles of incorporation provide for more than one (1)
purpose?
Yes, the articles of incorporation may have more than one (1)
purpose provided that the purposes are not contrary to law, capable
of being lawfully combined and there is only one primary purpose. It
is important to distinguish the primary from the secondary purposes
in the articles of incorporation because the stockholders have the
right to expect that the funds and assets of the corporation should be
primarily devoted to attain its primary purpose. Such disbursement
and use only require board approval. Investment of funds and assets
in the secondary purpose/s require the approval of at least a majority
of the entire board and stockholders representing at least 2/3s of the
outstanding capital stock.270
93. Does the SEC have the authority to inquire whether the
corporation has purposes other than those stated in the
articles of incorporation?
If the corporation’s purpose, as stated in the articles of
incorporation is lawful, then the SEC has no authority to inquire
whether the corporation has purposes other than those stated,
and mandamus will lie to compel it to issue the certificate of
incorporation.271
However, if it turns out that the corporation committed
misrepresentation as to its actual purpose, the SEC may revoke the
corporate franchise and dissolve the corporation.272 The corporation
may also be criminally liable for obtaining corporate registration
through fraud.273
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mIbid.
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2MBAR 1978.
^International Express Travel and Tour Services Court of Appeals, Henri
Kahn, el al., G.R. No. 119002, October 19, 2000.
286Section 50, RCC.
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or bylaws, he can cast all the six (6) votes in favor of any nominee or
spread out the six (6) votes among the nominees as he deems fit?’
z87BAR2011.
^Section 23, RCC.
289Re: Cumulative Voting in Condominium Corporation, SEC-OGC Opinion
No. 10-14, June 2, 2014.
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IV. BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS 469
a. Non-voting shares;
b. Delinquent shares; and
c. Treasury shares.
^See Procedure for Election of Directors, SEC-OGC Opinion No. 19-11, March
23,2011.
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i. Adoption of bylaws
112. What are the nature and functions of bylaws?
Bylaws are set of rules and regulations adopted by the
corporation for its internal government, and to regulate the conduct
and prescribe the rights and duties of its members towards itself and
among themselves in reference to the management of its affairs.191
The corporation has the inherent and, at the same time, express
power to adopt bylaws.
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1 i
i. Contents of bylaws
114. What are the contents of bylaws?
A private corporation may provide the following in its bylaws:
a. The time, place and manner of calling and conducting
regular or special meetings of the directors or trustees;
b. The time and manner of calling and conducting regular or
special meetings and mode of notifying the stockholders
or members thereof;
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Since the RCC removed the one (1) month period to submit
the bylaws, does it mean that non-submission of the bylaws ceased
to be a ground for the suspension or revocation of the certificate
of registration? It appears so. But what if the corporation does not
at all adopt any bylaws? What is the status of the corporation in
the meantime? In Sappari K. Sawadjaan v. Court of Appeals,** the
Supreme Court held that at the very least, by its failure to submit
its bylaws on time, the corporation involved in that case may be
considered a de facto corporation whose right to exercise corporate
powers may not be inquired into collaterally in any private suit to
which such corporations may be a party. The corporation involved
was Al-Amanah Investment Bank of the Philippines. While it was
not a private corporation but a corporation created under a special
law (R.A. No'.- 6848), the Supreme Court, nevertheless, applied the
provisions of the then OCC and the SEC Rules and Regulations for
Suspension/Revocation of the Certificate of Registration.
In actuality though, one of the SEC’s documentary
requirements for incorporation is the bylaws of the proposed
corporation. Nevertheless, for academic discussion, it is submitted
that a corporation which has not adopted bylaws, after incorporation,
should be considered a de facto corporation. It has all the powers
and privileges of a corporation under the RCC until the State
assails its existence in a direct proceeding. But because the one
(l)-month period to submit the bylaws was removed, it may adopt
the bylaws anytime and the basis of the suit against the corporation
is only the inaction or refusal of the corporation to adopt and submit
bylaws despite the order from the SEC.
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Hi. Amendments
118. How are bylaws amended or revised?
Under Section 47 of the RCC, bylaws may be amended by at
least majority of the board of directors or trustees and the owners of
at least majority of the outstanding capital stock in case of a stock
corporation or of the members in case of a nonstock corporation, at a
regular or special meeting duly called for the purpose.
Owners of two-thirds (2/3) of the outstanding capital stock of
stock corporations or two-thirds (2/3) of the members in a nonstock
corporation can delegate to the board of directors or trustees the
power to amend or repeal the bylaws or adopt new bylaws. This
delegation is revoked by the vote of stockholders owning or
representing a majority of the outstanding capital stock or a majority
of the members at a regular or special meeting.
Whenever the bylaws are amended or new bylaws are adopted,
the corporation shall file with the SEC such amended or new
bylaws and, if applicable, the stockholders’ or members’ resolution
authorizing the delegation of the power to amend and/or adopt new
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119. May the bylaws reflect the actual delegation of authority to the
board of directors to amend the bylaws?
Under the RCC, the delegation of authority should be made
through a shareholders’ or members’ resolution. The bylaws cannot
reflect the actual delegation. The delegated authority is temporary.
It may be revoked anytime by a majority vote of the shareholders or
members.301 If the delegation is in the bylaws, the authority cannot
be simply recalled for it would have required an amendment to the
bylaws itself.
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“Sections 35 to 43.
^‘Corporate Powers: Ultra Vires Acts, SEC-OGC Opinion No. 20-09, August
4,2009.
“National Power Corp. v. Vera, G.R. No. 83558, Third Division, February 27,
1989, J. Cortes.
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314Lopez Realty, Inc. v. Fontecha, G.R. No. 76801, Second Division, August 11,
1995.
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128. What are the different corporate powers and their respective
voting requirements?
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rv. BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS 487
131. What is the effect of the failure of the corporation to extend its
corporate term?
In the case of Philippine National Bank v. Court of First
Instance of Rizal, Pasig,3'0 the Supreme Court ruled that upon the
expiration of the period fixed in the articles of incorporation, in the
absence of compliance with the legal requisites for the extension of
the period, the corporation ceases to exist and is dissolved ipso facto.
The automatic dissolution of the corporation is no longer applicable
under the RCC given the option available to the corporation to revive
the corporate term.317 Since the period of revival is not indicated in
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shares with par value of P1.00 per share, can the corporation
reduce the capital stock to Php50,000,000?
No, the capital stock of the corporation may be decreased only if
it will not result in prejudice to corporate creditors. In this case, the
reduction of the capital stock to 50,000,000 will mean the release or
condonation of the 10,000,000 unpaid subscription, thereby causing
prejudice to the creditors as subscriptions to the capital stock are
funds held in trust for their benefit under the trust fund doctrine.
148. Supposing that the corporation wants to obtain funds from the
public through the issuance of bond, is stockholders’ approval
required in addition to board approval?
No, even though the bond will be issued to the public, it does
not require stockholders’ approval. Board approval will suffice. The
bond though being in the nature of securities must be registered
with the SEC. Only borrowings in the nature of bonded indebtedness
require approval of the board by at least majority vote and by the
stockholders representing at least 2/3s of the outstanding capital
stock.321
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322H.C. Bentley, Corporate Finance and Accounting, cited in Fisher, pp. 315-
316, cited in De Leon: The Corporation Code, Annotated, p. 191.
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154. Cite the instances when pre-emptive right does not apply.
The pre-emptive right of stockholders is not an absolute right.
It is subject to the following exceptions:
a. Denial of pre-emptive right in the articles of incorporation
or amendment thereto.
Take note that the denial of pre-emptive right must
be contained in the articles of incorporation or amendment
thereto. The denial cannot be by mere board resolution or
as an amendment to the bylaws of the corporation.326
b. Waiver of such right by the stockholder, whether express
or implied.
If the board resolution approving the issuance of
shares prescribes certain number of days to exercise the
pre-emptive right and the stockholder fails to exercise
such right within the fixed period, the stockholder is
deemed to have impliedly waived his right.
c. Shares issued in compliance with the laws requiring
minimum stock ownership by the public.
Public companies are required to have a portion of
their outstanding capital stock owned by the public. The
current minimum public ownership set by law is 10% of
the corporation’s outstanding capital stock. Failure to
comply with this requirement will result to the delisting
of the shares in the Stock Exchange. Thus, the issuance
of shares to comply with the minimum public ownership
requirement is not subject to pre-emptive right.
d. Issuance of shares ip exchange for property given for
a corporate purpose, if approved by the stockholders
representing at least 2/3 of the outstanding capital stock.
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iii. The inventory and the list must be filed with the
Department of Trade and Industry.
If the sale in bulk failed to comply with these requisites and the
vendor does not apply the purchase price of the said properties to the
pro-rata payment of creditors’ claims, the vendor shall be deemed to
have violated the law and any such sale, transfer, or mortgage shall
be fraudulent and void.334
The buyer shall hold in trust the properties of the vendor for
the benefit of the creditors with the concomitant right to require the
return of the purchase price and ask for damages.
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IV. BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS 505
169. What are the requisites for the exercise by the corporation of
the power to invest corporate funds for purposes other than
the primary purpose?
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IV. BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS 507
“Del Rama v. Maao Sugar Central, G.R. No. 17504, February 28,1969; 1983
Bar Exam.
“Gokongwei v. Securities and Exchange Commission, G.R. No. L-45911, April
11,1979.
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I
j
b. Earned surplus which includes non-operating profits
arising from the sale of fixed assets, investments, and
other non-recurring profit transactions.
In one case, it was held that dividends received by a
company which is a stockholder in another corporation is
a corporate earning arising from corporate investment. It
forms part of the assets of the corporation.356
C. Paid-up surplus which arises from the issuance of shares
for a premium or a price above par value.
Unlike par value shares, when no par value shares
are sold at a premium, the entire consideration paid is
considered capital (Section 6, RCC).
d. Revaluation or appraisal surplus which arises from the
revaluation of the acquired corporate assets or marking
up their value in the books of the corporation.
e. Reduction surplus which arises from the reduction of the
corporation’s capital stock.
179. May dividends be paid out of the paid-in capital, meaning, the
premium above par value?
Additional Paid-In Capital Stock shall neither be declared
as dividend nor shall it be reclassified to absorb deficiency except
through an organizational restructuring duly approved by the
SEC.357
t
180. May the corporation declare dividends out of revaluation/
appraisal surplus?
■ No, the SEC opined that an increase in the value of a fixed
asset as a result of its revaluation is not retained earnings.353 Such
are mere increments in the value of corporate assets which may
fluctuate from time to time.
““Madrigal & Company. Inc. v. Zamora, G.R. No. L-48237, June 30,1987.
“’SEC Memorandum Circular No. 11-08.
’“SEC Opinion, January 25, 1977.
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185. Can the corporation offset the cash dividends against any debt
of the stockholder to the corporation?
Yes, the corporation may offset or apply the cash dividends
against any debt of the stockholder because as to cash dividends
that are declared, the stockholders are creditors of the corporation.365
Thus, the principle of legal compensation under the Civil Code may
apply.
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189. What are the requirements and limitations for the exercise of
the power to enter into Management Contracts?
a. Such contract shall have been approved by the board of
directors and by stockholders owning at least the majority
of the outstanding capital stock, or by at least the majority
of the members in the case of a nonstock corporation, of
both the managing and the managed corporation, at a
meeting duly called for the purpose;
b. Where a stockholder or stockholders representing the
same interest of both managing and managed corporation
own and control more than one-third (1/3) of the total
outstanding capital stock entitled to vote of the managing
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k. Limitations
i. Ultra vires acts
190. What is the test to determine whether or not an act is within
the powers of the corporation?
The test to be applied is whether the act in question is in direct
and immediate furtherance of the corporation’s business, fairly
incident to the express powers and reasonably necessary to their
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370Montelibano v. Bacolod-Murqia Milling Co., Inc., G.R. No. L-16092, May 18,
1962.
371Querubin v. COMELEC, G.R. No. 218787, December 8, 2015.
372III Fletcher, Section 1511; 19 C.J.S. 419; Atrium Management Corporation
v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 109491, February 28, 2001.
373University of Mindanao, Inc. v. Bangko Sentral Pilipinas, et al., G.R. Nos.
194964-65, January 11, 2016.
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TV. BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS 519
194. Cite instances where the corporate acts are within the powers
of the corporation but are considered ultra vires because they
were entered into on behalf of the corporation by persons who
have no corporate authority or have exceeded the scope of
their authority.
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the rights of the state or creditors are not involved.3*1 The majority
of the cases though hold that acts which are merely ultra vires, or
acts which are not illegal, maybe ratified by the stockholders of a
corporation.382
It was held that a contract entered into by corporate officers
who exceed their authority generally does not bind the corporation
except when the contract is ratified by the Board of Directors. In
Office of the Ombudsman v. Antonio Z. De Guzman, there was no
evidence presented that the Board of Directors of the Philippine
Postal Corporation repudiated the contract with Aboitiz One for
outsourcing mail deliveries. The contract remained effective until
a certain period. Considering that the Board of Directors remained
silent and the Postmaster Generals continued to approve the
payments to Aboitiz One, they are presumed to have substantially
ratified the company official’s unauthorized acts. Therefore, the
official’s action is not considered ultra vires.363
The foregoing case affirms that an ultra vires act, which is not
an illegal act, may be ratified by the stockholders of the corporation.
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203. Does the additional paid-in capital ("APIC"), that is, the
premium above par value, form part of the trust fund doctrine?
APIC forms part of the equity emanating from the original
subscription agreement. APIC, as a premium, forms part of the
capital of the corporation and therefore, falls within the purview of
the trust fund doctrine.391 There have been previous SEC Opinions3”
that stock dividends can be declared out of APIC but the most
recent SEC regulation, as previously pointed out, is that APIC shall
neither be declared as dividend nor shall it be reclassified to absorb
deficiency except through an organizational restructuring duly
approved by the SEC.390
39lOng V. Tiu, G.R. Nos. 144476 and 144629, April 8, 2003; 2007 and 2015 Bar
Exams.
’“Section 42, RCC.
’“Section 41, RCC.
’91SEC-OGC Opinion No. 50-2019.
395SEC Letter Opinion, July 5, 1994; Re: William, Gothong & Aboitiz (WG&A)
SEC Opinion dated October 2, 2001.
396SEC-OGC Opinion No. 23-19, June 17, 2019; SEC Memorandum Circular
No. 11-08, December 5,2008; SEC Opinion No. 01-05, January 4,2005; SEC Opinion,
August 8, 1991.
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i. How exercised
a. By the shareholders338
b. By the board of directors31>»
c. By the officers
205. When is the act of the officer of the corporation considered
the act of the corporation and therefore, valid and enforceable
against the corporation?
The authority of certain individuals to bind the corporation
is generally derived from law, corporate bylaws or authorization
by the board, either expressly or impliedly, by habit, custom or
acquiescence. Thus, the act of the officer binds the corporation if he
is authorized by law, the bylaws, or by the board of directors, or if
despite lack of authority from any of the three (3) sources, his act is
ratified by the corporation.100
3970ng Yong, et al. v. David S. Tiu, et al., G.R. No. 144476 and G.R. No. 144629,
April 8, 2003.
39sSee discussion on cases requiring stockholders’ approval, infra.
399See discussion on board of directors, infra.
400People’s Aircargo and Warehousing Company v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No.
117847, October 7, 1998; Citibank, N.A. v. Hon. Segundino G. Chua, et al., G.R. No.
102300, March 17, 1993.
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'“'Citibank, N.A. Hon. Segundino G. Chua, et al., G.R. No. 102300, March
17,1993.
'^Great Asian Sales Center Corporation v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 105774,
April 25, 2002.
mSupra.
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him and the usual course and conduct thereof, yet the
power to modify or nullify corporate contracts remains
generally in the board of directors. Being a mere branch
manager alone is insufficient to support the conclusion
that he has been clothed with “apparent authority* to
verbally alter terms of written contracts, especially
when viewed against the telling circumstances of this
case: the unequivocal provision in the mortgage contract;
the corporation’s vigorous denial that any agreement to
release the mortgage was ever entered into by it; and, the
fact that the purported agreement was not even reduced
into writing considering its legal effects on the parties’
interests.410
C. While in the absence of a charter or bylaw provision to
the contrary the president is presumed to have authority,
the questioned act should still be within the domain of the
general objectives of the company’s business and within
the scope of his or her usual duties. Here, the corporation
is an association of professional horse trainers in the
Philippine horse racing industry organized as a nonstock
corporation and it is committed to the uplifting of the
economic condition of the working sector of the racing
industry. It is not in its ordinary course of business to
enter into housing projects, especially not in such scale and
magnitude so massive as to amount to P101,150,000.00.4U
Based on these cases, the doctrine of apparent
authority will not apply if the transaction is not part of
the function of the officer within the corporation and/
or the transaction is not related to the purposes of the
corporation. As a simple example, the officer of the
corporation in charge of the administration of facilities
can never bind the corporation for contracts relating to an
investment in securities as the latter transaction is not
related to the function of the officer in the corporation.
110Banate v. Philippine Countryside Rural Bank (Liloan, Cebu), Inc., G.R. No.
163825, July 13, 2010.
‘■'Philippine Race Horse Trainer’s Association, Inc. v. Piedras Negras
Construction and Development Corporation, G.R. No. 192659, December 2,2015.
£
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b. Participation in management
i. Proxy
210. What is a proxy?
A proxy is the written instrument signed by the stockholder
authorizing another person to exercise the voting rights of the
former. It may also refer to the person exercising the voting authority
granted by the stockholder.
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C. Proprietary rights
i. Right to dividends'
ii. Appraisal right
(a) When available
222. What is appraisal right?
It is the right of the stockholder to demand the payment of the
fair value of his shares after dissenting against a proposed corporate
act in the cases specified by law.420 In practical terms, it means the
right to get out of the corporation and get back his equity investment.
""Supra.
*xlIbid.
4l8Section 23, RCC.
419See previous discussion on dividends.
420Section 80, RCC.
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225. What are the requisites for the valid exercise of appraisal right?
The requisites are:
a. It can only be exercised in cases specified by law.424
b. The dissenting stockholder must have voted against a
proposed corporate action specified by law.426
c. The stockholder must make a written demand on the
corporation for the payment of the fair value of shares
held within 30 days from the date on which the vote was
taken.426
d. If the proposed corporate action is implemented, the
corporation shall pay the stockholder, upon surrender
of the certificate or certificates of stock representing the
stockholder’s shares, the fair value thereof as of the day
before the vote was taken, excluding any appreciation or
depreciation in anticipation of such corporate action.427
e. The fair value must be determined in accordance with the
mechanism set forth by law.426
f. Within 10 days after demanding payment for shares held,
a dissenting stockholder shall submit the certificates
of stock representing the shares to the corporation for
notation that such shares are dissenting shares. Failure
to do so shall, at the option of the corporation, terminate
appraisal right.429
g- Availability of unrestricted retained earnings.420
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229. What is the effect of demand for the payment of the fair value
of the stockholder's share?
From the time of demand for payment of the fair value of a
stockholder’s shares until either the abandonment of the corporate
action involved or the purchase of the said shares by the corporation,
all rights accruing to such shares, including voting and dividend
rights, shall be suspended in accordance with the provisions of the
RCC, except the right of such stockholder to receive payment of the
fair value thereof: Provided, That if the dissenting stockholder is not
paid the value of the said shares within 30 days after the award, the
voting and dividend rights shall immediately be restored.435
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231. When does the right to demand payment cease? When are the
rights of the dissenting stockholder restored?
The right to demand payment of the fair value of the shares
ceases in the same cases where his rights as a stockholder are
restored. These are:
a. demand for payment is withdrawn with the consent of the
corporation.
b. if the proposed corporate action is abandoned or rescinded
by the corporation or disapproved by the SEC where such
approval is necessary.
c. if the SEC determines that such stockholder is not entitled
to the appraisal right.438
d. if the dissenting stockholder is not paid the value of the
said shares within 30 days after the award, the voting
and dividend rights shall immediately be restored.439
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235. What are the rules on the determination of the fair value of
shares?
The fair value of the shares is determined by the parties.
However, if, within 60 days from the approval of the corporate
action by the stockholders, the withdrawing stockholder and the
corporation cannot agree on the fair value of the shares, it shall be
determined and appraised by three (3) disinterested persons, one of
whom shall be named by the stockholder, another by the corporation,
and the third by the two (2) thus chosen. The findings of the majority
of the appraisers shall be final, and their award shall be paid by the
corporation within 30 days after such award is made."6
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unpaid on all stocks for which subscription has been made, and the
date of payment of any installment; a statement of every alienation,
sale or transfer of stock made, the date thereof, by and to whom
made; and such other entries as the bylaws may prescribe.41*
237. Is the stock and transfer book conclusive evidence to show the
outstanding capital stock of the corporation?
A stock and transfer book is necessary as a measure of
precaution, expediency, and convenience since it provides the only
certain and accurate method of establishing the various corporate
acts and transactions and of showing the ownership of stock and like
matters. However, a stock and transfer book, like other corporate
books and records, is not in any sense a public record, and thus is
not exclusive evidence of the matters and things which ordinarily
are or should be written therein.449
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242. What is the penalty for unjustified refusal to grant the right of
inspection?
Any officer or agent of the corporation who shall refuse to allow
the inspection and/or reproduction of records in accordance with
the provisions of the RCC shall be liable to such director, trustee,
stockholder, or member for damages, and in addition, shall be guilty
of an offense which shall be punishable under Section 161 of the
RCC.459
If such refusal is made pursuant to a resolution or order of
the board of directors or trustees, the liability under this section
for such action shall be imposed upon the directors or trustees who
voted for such refusal.400
Under Section 161 of the RCC, the unjustified failure or
refusal by the corporation, or by those responsible for keeping and
maintaining corporate records, to comply with Sections 45, 73, 92,
128, 177 and other pertinent rules and provisions of the RCC on
inspection and reproduction of records shall be punished with a fine
ranging from Ten Thousand Pesos (P10,000.00) to Two Hundred
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244. What are the requisites before the penal provision may be
applied in a case of violation of a stockholder or member's
right to inspect the corporate books/records?
The elements of the offense are:
First. A director, trustee, stockholder, or member has made a
prior demand in writing for a copy of excerpts from the corporation’s
records or minutes;
Second. Any officer or agent of the concerned corporation shall
refuse to allow the said director, trustee, stockholder, or member of
the corporation to examine and copy said excerpts;
Third. If such refusal is made pursuant to a resolution or order
of the board of directors or trustees, the liability under this section
for such action shall be imposed upon the directors or trustees who
voted for such refusal; and
Fourth. Where the officer or agent of the corporation sets up the
defense that the person demanding to examine and copy excerpts
from the corporation’s records and minutes has improperly used any
information secured through any prior examination of the records
or minutes of such corporation or of any other corporation, or was
not acting in good faith or for a legitimate purpose in making his
demand, the contrary must be shown or proved.
Thus, in a criminal complaint for violation of Section 74 of
the Corporation Code (now Section 73 of the RCC), the defense of
improper use or motive is in the nature of a justifying circumstance
that would exonerate those who raise and are able to prove the same.
Accordingly, where the corporation denies inspection on the ground
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461Sy Tiong Shiou, et al. v. Sy Chim, el al., G.R. No. 179438, March 30, 2009.
KiIbid.
’“Sections 73 and 161, RCC.
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470Alejandro - D.C. Roque v. People of the Philippines, G.R. No. 211108, June
7, 2017.
471Alfredo L. Chua v. People of the Philippines, G.R. No. 216146, August 24,2016.
472Section 73, RCC.
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d. Remedial rights
i. Individual Suit
An individual suit is filed when the cause of action belongs to
the individual stockholder personally, and not to the stockholders as
a group or to the corporation (e.g., denial of the right to inspection
and denial of dividends to a stockholder).4’8
113 Supra.
474See previous discussion.
■’’“See previous discussion.
476Villamor v. Umale, G.R. Nos. 172843, 172881, September 24,2014.
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IV. BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS 557
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258. AA, a minority stockholder, filed a suit against BB, CC, DD,
and EE, the holders of majority shares of MOP Corporation, for
alleged misappropriation of corporate funds. The complaint
averred, inter alia, that MOP Corporation is the corporation
in whose behalf and for whose benefit the derivative suit is
brought. In their capacity as members of the board of directors,
the majority stockholders adopted a resolution authorizing
MOP Corporation to withdraw the suit. Pursuant to said
resolution, the corporate counsel filed a motion to dismiss in
the name of MOP Corporation.
Should the motion be granted or denied? Reason briefly.
The motion should be denied. The complaint is in the nature of
a derivative suit. In Conmart (Phils.) Inc. v. Securities and Exchange
Commission)83 it was held that to grant the corporation concerned
the right of withdrawing or dismissing the suit, at the instance of
the majority stockholders and directors who themselves are the
persons alleged to have committed the breach of trust against the
interest of the corporation would be to emasculate the right of the
minority stockholders to seek redress for the corporation. Filing
such action as a derivative suit even by a lone stockholder is one of
the protections extended by law to the minority stockholders against
the abuses of the majority.'184
482OBcar C. Reyes v. Hon. Regional Trial Court of Makati, Branch 142, Zenith
Insurance Corporation, and Rodrigo C. Reyes, G.R. No. 165744, August 11, 2008;
Anthony Yu, et al. v. Joseph Yukayguan, et al., G.R. No. 177549, January 18, 2009;
Juanito Ang, for and in behalf of Sunrise Marketing (Bacolod), Inc. v. Sps. Roberto
and Rachel Ang, G.R. No. 201675, June 19, 2013; Alfredo L. Villamor, Jr. v. John S.
Umale, G.R. Nos. 172843 & 172881, September 24, 2014; Nestor Ching v. Subic Bay
Golf And Country Club, Inc., et al., G.R. No. 174353 September 10, 2014.
483Commart (Phils.) Inc., et al. v. Securities and Exchange Commission and
Alice Magtulac, G.R. No. 85318, June 3, 1991.
4842004 Bar Exam.
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IV. BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS 559
259. What is the intent behind the second requisite for filing a
derivative suit - that there is exhaustion of intra-corporate
remedies?
The obvious intent behind the rule is to make the derivative
suit the final recourse of the stockholder after all other remedies to
obtain the relief sought had failed. Thus, the complaint before the
RTC should allege with particularity the remedies exhausted that
are available under the articles of incorporation, bylaws, laws or
rules governing the corporation to obtain the relief desired.
In one case, the Supreme Court held that the allegation of the
suing stockholder’s repeated attempts to talk to the other directors
regarding their dispute hardly constitutes “all reasonable efforts
to exhaust all remedies available.” The fact that the corporation
involved is a family corporation should not in any way exempt the
suing stockholder from complying with the clear requirements and
formalities of the rules for filing a derivative suit.485
260. What is the rationale for the fourth requisite for filing a
derivative suit - that the derivative suit is not a nuisance or
harassment suit?
The complaint must likewise allege that the derivative suit is
not a nuisance or harassment suit to remind the stockholders not to
abuse the remedy and that the same should only be resorted to when
warranted by the circumstances.
485Anthony Yu, et al. Joseph Yukayguan, et al., G.R. No. 177549, January
18,2009.
486Asset Privatization Trust v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 121171, December
29,1988.
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490Juanito Ang, for and in behalf of Sunrise Marketing (Bacolod), Inc. v. Sps.
Roberto and Rachel Ang, G.R. No. 201675, June 19, 2013.
491Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas v. Vicente Jose Campa, Jr., et al., G.R. No.
185979, March 16, 2016.
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e. Obligations of a stockholder
263. What are the obligations of a stockholder?
A stockholder has the following obligations:
1. To pay to the corporation unpaid subscription;
2. To pay to the corporation interest on unpaid subscription
if so required by the bylaws or in case of default;
3. He is liable to the creditors of the corporation for unpaid
subscription based on the trust fund doctrine;
4. He is liable for watered stocks;
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f. Meetings
264. What are the types of meetings covered by the RCC?
Only two (2) types of meetings are covered by the RCC -
meetings of the (1) board directors or trustees, and (2) stockholders
or members. Management meetings, among others, are not indicated
therein.
i. Regular or special
265. What are the requisites of a valid stockholders meeting?
The following requisites must be present for a stockholders’
meeting to be considered valid:
a. It must be held at the stated date and the appointed
time or at a reasonable time thereafter. To determine the
date of the annual stockholder’s meeting, reference must
be made to the pertinent provision of the bylaws of the
corporation.
b. There must be previous notice. The notice must be in the
form required by the bylaws, given within the period fixed
in the bylaws and sent by the proper officer authorized
therein.
c. It must be called by the proper person. The person
authorized to call the meeting is normally stated in the
bylaws. If no person is designated in the bylaws, the
authority to call a stockholders’ meeting rests with the
board of directors.
d. It must be held in the proper place. It is mandatory that
stockholders’ meetings be held in the principal office of the
corporation, as indicated in the articles of incorporation,
and if not practicable, in the city or municipality where
the principal office of the corporation is located.
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iv. Quorum
272, What is the quorum requirement for stockholders' meetings?
Unless otherwise provided in the Corporation Code or in the
bylaws, a quorum shall consist of the stockholders representing a
majority of the outstanding capital stock.604 Quorum is based on
the totality of the shares which have been subscribed and issued,
whether it be founders’ shares or common shares. The totality of
shares issued is not only based on the stock and transfer book of the
corporation but also the articles of incorporation and all records of
the corporation.605
To be more precise, for stock corporations, the quorum is the
majority of the outstanding voting stocks whereas for a nonstock
corporation, the basis in determining the presence of quorum in
nonstock corporations is the numerical equivalent of all members
who are entitled to vote, unless some other basis is provided by the
bylaws of the corporation.600 The bylaws, for instance, may provide
that members who are delinquent in the payment of their dues
are not entitled to vote, in which case, they are not included in the
computation of quorum.607
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276. When should the stock and transfer book or membership book
be closed?
Unless the bylaws provide for a longer period, the stock and
transfer book or membership book shall be closed at least 20 days
for regular meetings and seven (7) days for special meetings before
the scheduled date of the meeting.
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278. Cite instances where the SEC ruled that the postponement of
the regular election of directors or trustees is not valid.
The SEC, on several occasions, had consistently opined that,
as a general rule, the regular election of directors and officers as
stated in the bylaws cannot be dispensed with or postponed by the
directors and officers in order to extend their term of office as fixed
in the bylaws. While ‘hold over term’ may be allowed under Section
22 of the RCC, such situation arises only when no successors are
elected due to valid and justifiable reasons.
In another SEC Opinion,614 incurring big expenses for the
purpose of holding a meeting and because there is the uncertainty
that a quorum can be secured is NOT considered a valid and justifiable
reason. If the members cannot be present in person, Section 88 of
the RCC (for nonstock corporation) allows voting by proxy, by mail,
or other similar means, that could sufficiently address the problem
of quorum.
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283. What do you understand by the provision under the RCC that
each director and trustee shall hold office until the successor
is elected and qualified?
It means that if his successor is not elected and qualified, the
director, or trustee may continue to perform his duties in a hold-over
capacity. The hold-over period is not, however, part of the term of
office of the director or trustee.
Thus, if'a hold-over director resigns, the vacancy is due to the
expiration of term and not resignation. Accordingly, the vacancy
can only be filled by the stockholders in a meeting called for the
purpose and not by the board of directors even though the remaining
■directors may still constitute a quorum.619
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517Paul Lee Tan v. Paul Sycip, et al., G.R. No. 153468, August 17,2006.
518Valle Verde Country Club, Inc., et al. v. Victor Africa, G.R. No. 151969,
September 4, 2009; Re-Election of The Members of The Board of Directors, SEC-OGC
Opinion No. 48-11, December 2, 2011.
519Valle Verde, ibid., see discussion on “Vacancies in the Office of Director or
Trustee”.
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288. Can the bylaws require that the director own more than one (1)
share of stock?
Yes, the bylaws may enlarge the share ownership requirement
provided that it is not intended to deprive minority representation.
As provided under Section 46 of the RCC, additional
qualifications of directors and trustees may be prescribed under the
bylaws of the corporation.
In the absence of a provision in the bylaws, a corporation
cannot require additional qualifications for directors other than the
mandatory requirement under the RCC.630
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d. Elections
296. What are the requisites for the election of the directors or
trustees to be for the valid?
a. Except when the exclusive right to be voted as directors
is reserved for holders of founders’ shares under Section
7 of the RCC, every stockholder or member has the right
nominate the director or trustee to be elected.
b. There must be a notice of meeting sent to the stockholders
in accordance with the form and mode under the bylaws.638
c. The owners of the majority of the outstanding capital
stock or the majority of the members entitled to vote
must be present, either in person or by a representative
authorized to act by a written proxy. If voting through
remote communication or in absentia will be allowed,
such voter, voting through said means, shall be deemed
present for purposes of counting the majority/quorum.
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i. Cumulative voting
ii. Quorum
297. EPCC is a nonstock corporation. Article 6 of EPCC Articles
of Incorporation states: "That the number of trustees of the
association shall be 15."
Based on the foregoing:
a. Should there be 11 nominees to the Board of Trustees,
which is below the required number of trustees to be
elected [15] as provided by the Corporation's Articles of
Incorporation, are all 11 considered automatically elected
regardless of the number of votes received by each?
While the Corporation Code requires the presence of at least a
majority of the members of a nonstock corporation for the election
of its Board, it does not require such number of votes for one to
be declared elected. Under the aforecited provision, the candidates
receiving the highest number of votes shall be declared elected.
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e. Removal
300. May a director or trustee be removed from office? If yes, under
what conditions?
Yes, a director or trustee may be removed from office. The
removal may be carried out by the stockholders or the SEC.
Within the corporation, only stockholders or members have the
power to remove the directors of trustees elected by them. The board
of directors or trustees may remove an officer but not a director or
trustee.641
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f. Filling of vacancies
303. What are the grounds or causes of vacancy in the position of
board director or trustee?
a. Vacancy in the position of director or trustee may be due
to expiration of term, removal or increase in the number
of board seats; or,
b. It may be due to resignation, retirement, withdrawal,
death, abandonment, or similar grounds, other than those
stated in the preceding paragraph.
545Z6id.
iwIbid.
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“’Section 28.
“’Section 6, RCC.
“’Section 28, ibid.
’“Section 28, ibid.
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307. Who should fill the vacancy due to the resignation of a hold
over director?
In the case of Valle Verde Country Club, Inc., et al. v. Africa,1*'
the Supreme Court ruled the resignation as a hold-over director will
not change the nature of the cause of the vacancy which is due to the
expiration of director’s term. The term of a hold-over director has
expired. The hold-over period is not part of his term. So, the cause of
the vacancy is not resignation but the expiration of term. As such,
the vacancy must be filled by the stockholders in a regular or special
meeting called for the purpose pursuant to Section 29 of OCC.652
“‘Valle Verde Country Club, Inc., et al. v. Africa, G.R. No. 151969, September
4, 2009.
“2Now, Section 28 of RCC.
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g. Compensation
309. Are directors or trustees entitled to compensation for their
services rendered to the corporation in their capacity as such?
As a general rule, directors, or trustees are not entitled to
compensation in their capacity as such, because they are supposed
to render their services to the corporation gratuitously, and the
return upon their shares adequately furnishes the motives for
service, without compensation.653 In other words, the directors
presumably have significant equity stake in the corporation since
one generally cannot be elected to the board unless he has sufficient
number of shares. The return on their equity is sufficient motive or
consideration for their work.
The exceptions to this rule are as follows: (1) the bylaws authorize
the said compensation, or, (2) the stockholders representing at
least a majority of the outstanding capital stock or a majority of
the members grant the directors or trustees with compensation and
approve the amount thereof at a regular or special meeting.
653Western Institute of Technology, Inc., et al. v. Salas, et al., G.R. No. 113032,
August 21,1997.
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h. Disloyalty
313. What is the so-called "doctrine of corporate opportunity"?
What is the underlying philosophy upon which such doctrine
rests?
The doctrine of corporate opportunity means that if the director
acquired for himself a business opportunity that should belong
to the corporation, he must account to the corporation for all the
profits he obtained unless his act was ratified by the stockholders
representing at least 2/3s of the outstanding capital stock.
Under such doctrine, a director of the corporation is prohibited
from competing with the business in which the corporation is
engaged in, as otherwise, he would be guilty of disloyalty, where
profits he may realize will have to go to the corporate funds except if
the disloyal act is ratified.655
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faith,559 the board may not even be held liable for mistakes or errors
in directing the affairs of the corporation.
The business judgment rule is not absolute. Corporate acts
cannot be justified under the business judgment rule if they are
contrary to law. For instance, the board cannot invoke this rule to
declare dividends when there is no surplus profit or declare dividends
out of re-appraisal surplus,560 or to pay compensation to directors, as
this power is lodged with the stockholders. It cannot be relied upon
to support a request for a new stock and transfer book on the pretext
that the original is lost (when in fact it is not) and declare entries in
the supposed lost stock and transfer book as invalid.561
316. What are the instances when personal liability may attach to
directors, trustees, or officers of the corporation?
A director, officer, or trustee may be held personally liable in
the following cases:
a. Knowingly voting for or assenting to patently unlawful
acts of the corporation;
b. Gross negligence or bad faith in directing the affairs of
the corporation;
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e. Contractual liability
If a director or officer makes himself contractually liable with
the corporation, is he automatically liable solidarily? It depends on
the nature of the agreement he entered to secure the obligation of
the corporation. If he signs a surety agreement, he is liable solidarily
with the corporation. If it is a guaranty agreement, he is liable
subsidiarily with the corporation because as a guarantor, he has the
right of excussion. However, if the guaranty agreement waives the
benefit of excussion, then he is liable solidarily with the corporation.
It is thus clear that the assumption of the corporation’s liability
does not always translate to solidary liability. It has to be read in
conjunction with the provisions of the Civil Code on guaranty.
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i. Inside information
319. What is an inside information?
It is an information not known to the public that one has
obtained by virtue of being an insider — called also as insider
information.
676The Executive Secretary, et al. Court of Appeals, et al., G.R. No. 131719,
May 25, 2004.
“’“Securities and Exchange Commission v. Price Richardson Corp., et al., G.R.
No. 197032, July 26, 2017.
“’’Please see discussion on insider trading under the SRC part of the reviewer.
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j. Contracts
i. By self-dealing directors with the corporation
321. What is the legal status of a contract between the corporation
and any' of its directors, trustees, or officers or their related
interest?
A contract of the corporation with one (1) or more of its directors,
trustees, officers or their spouses and relatives within the fourth
civil degree of consanguinity or affinity is voidable, at the option of
such corporation, unless all the following conditions are present:
a. The presence of such director or trustee in the board
meeting in which the contract was approved was not
necessary to constitute a quorum for such meeting;
b. The vote of such director or trustee was not necessary for
the approval of the contract;
c. The contract is fair and reasonable under the
circumstances;
d. In case of corporations vested with public interest,
material contracts are approved by at least two-thirds
(2/3) of the entire membership of the board, with at least
a majority of the independent directors voting to approve
the material contract; and
e. In the case of an officer, the contract has been previously
authorized by the board of directors.
Where any of the first three (3) conditions set forth in the
preceding paragraph is absent, in the case of a contract with a
director or trustee, such contract may be ratified by the vote of the
stockholders representing at least two-thirds (2/3) of the outstanding
capital stock or of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the members in a
meeting called for the purpose: Provided, That full disclosure of
the adverse interest of the directors or trustees involved is made
at such meeting and the contract is fair and reasonable under the
circumstances.678
Under this provision, such a contract is voidable at the option
of the corporation, meaning valid, until annulled by the corporation.
The option to void the contract ceases if the foregoing requisites are
duly complied with.
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more than twenty percent (20%), and not necessarily more than fifty
percent (50%). Conversely, an interest amounting to twenty percent
(20%) or less will be considered nominal.
To illustrate, let us assume that the interest of Juan Dela
Cruz in ABC Corporation is substantial and his interest in XYZ
Corporation is nominal, and Mr. Dela Cruz is also in the board of
both ABC and XYZ Corporation. Under Section 32 of RCC, in so
far as XYZ Corporation is concerned, Mr. Dela Cruz is subject to
the requirements of Section 31. Thus, his presence must not be
necessary in the meeting of XYZ Corporation, and also his vote
must not be necessary for the approval of the contract between ABC
and XYZ Corporation. Similarly, the said contract must be fair and
reasonable under the circumstances. It is as if the said contract
is between ABC Corporation and Mr. Dela Cruz in so far as the
nominal corporation is concerned.
The foregoing requirements will not apply if the interest of
the interlocking director in the corporations is both substantial or
nominal.
If the contract is a management contract under Section 43
of the RCC, in addition to the requirements under Section 32, the
following approvals must likewise be obtained:
a. board of directors of each corporation - majority of the
quorum of each of the managing and managed corporation
(not majority of their respective boards);580 and
b. stockholders representing at least majority of the
outstanding capital stock, or at least majority of the
members of both the managing and managed corporation.
Moreover, where: (a) a stockholder or stockholders representing
the same interest ofboth the managing and the managed corporations
own or control more than one-third (1/3) of the total outstanding
capital stock entitled to vote of the managing corporation, or (b) a
majority of the members of the board of directors of the managing
corporation also constitute a majority of the members of the board
of directors of the managed corporation, then the management
contract must be further approved by the stockholders owning at
As a guide, if the RCC only mentions the approval of the “board of directors,"
a quorum of said directors will suffice. This must be distinguished from other
provisions, e.g., Sections 15, 36, 37, and 41, where the RCC provides the requirement
of approval of a “majority of the board of directors.”
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i. Creation
325. Can the board of directors or trustees create positions or
committees?
Yes, the board has the power to create positions, committees,
or offices as may be necessary to conduct the business affairs of the
corporation. This is covered by the business judgment rule. It was
held that the determination of the necessity for additional offices
and/or positions is a management prerogative which courts are not
wont to review in the absence of any proof that such prerogative was
exercised in bad faith.6"1
In fact, this power is now explicit under the RCC which
provides that the board of directors may create special committees
of temporary or permanent nature and determine the members'
term, composition, compensation, powers, and responsibilities,™
However, the board cannot create the executive committee
referred to under Section 34 of the RCC nor a corporate office,
because these are required to be created by the bylaws.6"3
■' Port '.y-r/m v. v. '/irlormooGo, <-/ «/., G.K. No. HIIHHIJ, Mnn h III, 2007.
"'•‘fioct.ion 34, Yf
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a. Meetings
330. What are the requisites of a valid board meeting?
a. The meeting must be held on the date fixed in the bylaws
or in accordance with law;
b. Prior written notice of such meeting must be sent to all
directors/trustees;
c. It must be called by the proper party;
d. It must be held at the proper place; and
e. Quorum and voting requirements must be met.685
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(b) Notice
332. What are the notice requirements for board meetings?
The notices of the regular or special board meetings must state
the date, time, and place of the meeting. Such notices must also be
sent to every director or trustee at least two (2) days prior to the
scheduled meeting, unless a longer time is provided in the bylaws.
However, a director or trustee may waive this requirement, either
expressly or impliedly.
Thus, the required period for notices was increased from one
(1) to two (2) days prior to the scheduled meeting. It must also be
noted that such notices need not be in writing, unless the bylaws
require otherwise.
333. What is the effect of failure to give notice of the board meeting
to even one director?
In Lopez Realty, Inc. v. Spouses Tanjangco,687 the Supreme
Court held that such board meeting is legally infirm considering that
there is a failure to comply with the requirements or formalities of
the law or the corporation’s bylaws. As such, any action taken during
the said meeting may be challenged. However, said action may be
subsequently ratified by the board. Ratification can be made either
expressly or impliedly. Implied ratification may take various forms
— like silence or acquiescence, acts showing approval or adoption of
the act, or acceptance and retention of benefits flowing therefrom.688
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689Seetion 4, SEC Memorandum Circular No. 6 series of 2020, March 12, 2020.
‘"Section 5, SEC Memorandum Circular No. 6 series of 2020, March 12,2020.
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Hi. Quorum
337. What is the quorum for board meetings?
Based on Section 52 of the RCC, a majority of the directors or
trustees as stated in the articles of incorporation shall constitute
a quorum to transact corporate business, unless the articles
of incorporation or the bylaws provides for a greater majority.
Furthermore, every decision reached by at least a majority of the
directors or trustees constituting a quorum, except for the election of
officers which shall require the vote of a majority of all the members
of the board, shall be valid as a corporate act.
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339. What are the corporate acts under the RCC requiring only
majority of the quorum?
a. Declaration of dividends.
b. Entering into a management contract.
c. Fixing the issued price of no-par value shares.
d. And such other corporate acts which under the RCC and
the bylaws do not require approval by at least majority of
the entire board.
This is because under Section 52 of the RCC, unless the RCC or
the bylaws require otherwise, every decision reached by a majority
of the directors or trustees constituting a quorum shall be valid.
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340. How can a director or trustee cast vote in a meeting via remote
communication?
The director or trustee in the meeting via remote communication
may cast his vote through electronic mail, messaging service or such
other manner as may be provided in internal procedures. The vote
shall be sent to the Presiding Officer and the Corporate Secretary
for notation.593
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Quorum-requiremer J
Regular Stockholders/ at least majority of the outstanding
meeting members capital stock or majority of the
members unless the RCC or the
bylaws provide otherwise. The
bylaws may provide for less or
greater than majority in determining
quorum
Special Board/trustees at least majority of the board of
meeting directors or trustees as fixed in the
articles of incorporation or bylaws.
The bylaws may provide for a greater
but not lesser than majority of the
board members for quorum purposes
Vent
Stockholders/ principal office of the corporation
Members and if not practicable in the city or
municipality where the principal
office is located
Directors/Trustees anywhere unless otherwise provided
in the bylaws
Modeol
Stockholders/ in person or by proxy, or through
Members remote communication or in absentia
when provided by the bylaws
Directors/Trustees proxy voting is not allowed
I. Capital affairs
a. Certificate of stock
345. What is a stock certificate?
A certificate of stock is a written instrument signed by the
proper officer of a corporation stating or acknowledging that the
person named therein is the owner of a designated number of shares
of its stock. It indicates the name of the holder, the number, kind
and class of shares represented, and the date of issuance.
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352. What is the nature of delivery that the law contemplates for the
transfer of shares?
The delivery contemplated in Section 63 (now 62 of the RCC),
pertains to the delivery of the certificate of shares by the transferor
to the transferee, that is, from the original stockholder named in the
certificate to the person or entity the stockholder was transferring
the shares to, whether by sale or some other valid form of absolute
conveyance of ownership. It is the delivery of the certificate,
coupled with the endorsement by the owner or his duly authorized
representative that is the operative act of transfer of shares from
the original owner to the transferee.603
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In another case, it was held that where the seller indorsed the
stock certificates but did not deliver them, ownership of the shares
cannot be transferred to the buyer. For an effective transfer of
shares of stock, the mode and manner of transfer as prescribed by
law should be followed.604
353. What other steps should the transferee take for the registration
of the transfer of shares and the issuance of the stockcertificate
in his favor?
He should pay the taxes due on the transaction, if any, then
obtain from the Bureau of Internal Revenue a certificate authorizing
registration (“CAR”). The transferee should present the CAR and
the document evidencing the conveyance, and surrender the duly
endorsed stock certificate to the secretary of the corporation who
shall then cancel the stock certificate of the transferor and issue a
new stock certificate to the transferee.
In one case, the Supreme Court ruled that with regard to the
issuance of a new certificate of stock, the surrender of the original
certificate of stock is necessary before the issuance of a new one so
that the old certificate may be cancelled. A corporation is not bound
and cannot be required to issue a new certificate unless the original
certificate is produced and surrendered. Surrender and cancellation
of the old certificates serve to protect not only the corporation but
the legitimate shareholder and the public as well, as it ensures that
there is only one document covering a particular share of stock.605
“’Embassy Farms, Inc. v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 80682, August 13,1990.
605Anna Teng v. Securities and Exchange Commission, ibid.
mIbid.
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iv. Issuance
355. What are the formalities for the issuance of a stock certificate?
a. The certificate should be signed by the president or vice
president, countersigned by the secretary or assistant
secretary, and sealed with the seal of the corporation.608
Thus, a mere typewritten statement advising a
stockholder of the extent of his ownership in a corporation
without qualification and/or authentication cannot be
considered a formal certificate of stock.609
b. It shall be issued in accordance with the bylaws of the
corporation.
c. Every certificate must state on its face that the corporation
is organized under the laws of the state, the name of the
person to whom issued, the number and class of shares
and the designation of a series if any which the certificates
represents, the par value of each share represented, or a
statement that the shares are without par value.610
d. It should be detached from the book of stock certificate
and issued to the stockholder.
e. No certificate of stock shall be issued to a subscriber until
the full amount of the subscription together with interest
and expenses (in case of delinquent shares), if any is due,
has been paid.
It should be noted that the SEC may require corporations whose
securities are traded in trading markets and which can reasonably
demonstrate their capability to do so to issue their securities or
shares of stocks in uncertificated or scripless form in accordance
with the rules of the SEC.611
mIbid.
““Section 62, RCC.
“““Bitong v. Court of Appeals, ibid.
“'“Bearer Certificates, SEC Opinion No. 02-05, January 31, 2005.
“"Section 64, RCC.
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360. Is the stock and transfer book conclusive evidence to show the
outstanding capital stock of the corporation?
A stock and transfer book is necessary as a measure of
precaution, expediency and convenience since it provides the only
certain and accurate method of establishing the various corporate
acts and transactions and of showing the ownership of stock and like
matters. However, a stock and transfer book, like other corporate
books and records, is not in any sense a public record, and thus is
not exclusive evidence of the matters and things which ordinarily
are or should be written therein.617
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363. Who may file the petition for mandamus to compel the
registration of the transfer?
In Ponce v. Alsons Cement Corporation621 the Supreme Court
ruled that only the transferor may file the petition for mandamus.
The transferee cannot compel the corporate secretary to cause the
registration and issuance of a stock certificate because the transferee
has not acquired standing yet in the books of the corporation and that
the transferee can only file such petition if he has been authorized
by the transferor to cause such transfer.
Subsequently, in Andaya t>. Rural Bank of Cabadbaran,6-
the Supreme Court held that transferees of shares of stock are real
parties in interest having a cause of action for mandamus to compel
the registration of the transfer and the corresponding issuance of
stock certificates.
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C. Suppose Juan did not really lose the stock certificate but
had previously endorsed it to Maria. After obtaining the
replacement stock certificate, Juan endorsed it to Anna.
Who has a better right, Maria as endorsee of the
. purportedly lost certificate, or Anna, the endorsee of the
replacement stock certificate?
The endorsee of the replacement certificate has a better right
because the lost certificate of Juan had already been canceled and is
no longer outstanding in the books of the corporation.
b. Watered stocks
i. Definition
370. What is a watered stock?
A watered stock is a stock issued for a consideration less than
the par or issued price thereof or for a consideration in any form
other than cash, valued in excess of its fair value.626
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372. Can treasury shares be sold for a price below par value? If yes,
are they not considered watered shares?
Yes, treasury shares may be sold for a price below par value;
provided that such price is reasonable under the circumstances as
determined by the board of directors.027 They are not watered stocks
because rule against watered stocks only applies to the issuance of
original or primary shares and not disposition of existing shares.
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d. Does Pedro have any right to the shares after the auction
sale?
Under Section 67 of the RCC, the stock so purchased during the
public auction shall be transferred to such purchaser in the books of
the corporation and a certificate for such stock shall be issued in the
purchaser’s favor. The remaining shares, if any, shall be credited in
favor of the delinquent stockholder who shall likewise be entitled to
the issuance of a certificate of stock covering such shares.644
Therefore, C shall be issued a stock certificate for 750,000
shares corresponding to the stocks he purchased while Pedro will be
issued a stock certificate covering 250,000 shares.
In the event, however, that the auction is successful but there
is only one (1) bidder who offered to pay the full amount for the
entire delinquent stocks, the corporation must issue a certificate of
stock covering the entire subscription and not for only the unpaid
portion of the subscription.
The principle of indivisibility of subscription is absolute as
Section 63 of the RCC speaks of no exception. Thus, partial payment
to a subscription contract shall be deemed forfeited and the whole
subscription shall be declared delinquent.
UiIbid.
M6Ibid.
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The payment must be made in full at the time of the sale, and
not subject to terms, or in installment basis. In the sale of delinquent
stocks, the highest bidder is the person who offers to pay or is willing
to pay the full amount of the balance on the subscription together
with accrued interest, costs of advertisement and expenses of sale,
for the smallest number of shares or fraction of a share. The stock
so purchased shall be transferred to such purchaser in the books
of the corporation and a certificate for such stock shall be issued
in his favor. Because a certificate of stock shall be issued in favor
of the successful bidder, with more reason should the payment be
made in full, otherwise, the certificate of stock cannot be issued, as
prescribed by Section 63 of the RCC.647
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e. Alienation of shares
383. When is the sale of shares perfected?
Sale of share is perfected not upon the meeting of the minds
by the parties on the cause, consideration and object of the sale but
upon compliance with the formalities prescribed by the RCC.
““/bid.
“'Section 67, RCC.
“2Section 68, RCC.
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In one case, the buyer of the shares had fully paid the purchase
price but the stock certificate was only delivered after close to three
(3) years from the sale. The seller clearly failed to deliver the stock
certificates to the buyer, representing the shares of stock purchased
by the buyer, within a reasonable time from the transaction. This
was a substantial breach of their contract that entitles the buyer the
right to rescind the sale under Article 1191 of the Civil Code. It is
not entirely correct to say that a sale had already been consummated
as the buyer already enjoyed the rights a shareholder can exercise.
The enjoyment of these rights cannot suffice where the law, by its
express terms, requires a specific form to transfer ownership.653
653Fil-Estate Golf and Development, Inc. Vertex Sales And Trading, Inc.,
G.R. No. 202079, June 10, 2013.
“’Marsh Thomson v. Court of Appeals and the American Chamber of
Commerce of the Philippines, Inc., G.R. No. 116631, October 28, 1998.
C55Section 97, RCC.
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390. Is the payment of the capital gains tax on the part of the seller,
assuming there was a gain in the sale, a requirement for the
validity of the sale or assignment or transfer of the shares to
the buyer?
Nonpayment of capital gains tax does not affect the validity
of the transfer as between the seller and the buyer. However, if the
capital gains tax is not paid, the sale or the transfer of the shares
shall not be registered in the books of the corporation by the transfer
agent or secretary of the corporation.602
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“’Forest Hills Golf & Country Club v. Vertex Sales and Trading, Inc., G.R. No.
202205, March 6, 2013.
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“““Philippine National Bank v. Court of First Instance of Rizal, et al., G.R. No.
63201, May 27, 1992.
“““Dr. Gil J. Rich v. Guillermo Paloma III, G.R. No. 210538, March 7, 2018.
“’“Philippine National Bank v. Court of First Instance of Rizal, et al., G.R. No.
63201, May 27, 1992.
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i. Voluntary dissolution
399. What are the voluntary modes of dissolution?
The voluntary modes of dissolution are:
a. Verified request for dissolution which does not prejudice
the rights of creditors having a claim against it;
b. Petition for dissolution where creditors are affected;
c. Shortening of the corporate term;
d. Merger or consolidation; and
e. Affidavit of dissolution by a corporation sole.
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The SEC shall give reasonable notice to, and coordinate with,
the appropriate regulatory agency prior to the involuntary dissolution
of companies under their special regulatory jurisdiction.692
Note that it is only on the grounds specified in paragraph (e)
that the SEC may file a petition with the appropriate court that the
assets be forfeited in favor of the national government but without
prejudice to the rights of innocent stockholders and employees for
services rendered.
Note further that while the three (3) grounds provided in
paragraph (e) refer to commission of graft and corrupt practices,
fraudulent or other illegal acts, these are distinct from one another.
Under the first ground, the corporation was organized for the purpose
of creating, concealing or aiding in the commission of the specified
illegal acts. Obviously, in this case, there was misrepresentation too
as to the purposes of the corporation because the SEC will not approve
the incorporation if the articles of incorporation, on its face, indicates
as the corporation’s purposes the commission of illegal acts. Under the
second ground, the corporation is lawfully organized and conducting
business but it committed or aided in the commission of the same
specified illegal acts and its stockholders knew about them. Under
the third ground, the corporation is created for lawful purposes and
legally conducting business but it repeatedly and knowingly tolerated
the commission of graft and corrupt practices or other fraudulent or
illegal acts by its directors, trustees, officers, or employees.
409. Are there other grounds to dissolve the corporation upon order
of the SEC?
The SEC may also suspend or revoke, after proper notice and
hearing, the certificate of registration of private corporations upon
any of the following grounds:
a. Fraud in procuring its certificate of incorporation.
b. Serious misrepresentation as to what the corporation can
do or is doing to the great prejudice of or damage to the
general public.
c. Refusal to comply or defiance of any lawful order of the
SEC restraining commission of acts which amount to a
grave violation of its franchise.
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b. Methods of liquidation
410. What is liquidation?
Liquidation is the process of settling the affairs of the
corporation after its dissolution. This consists of: (1) collection of
693As previously explained, the RCC removed the one-month period to submit
the bylaws and therefore, non-submission of the bylaws within such period does not
appear to be a ground to suspend or revoke the certificate of registration. In actuality,
one of the SEC-prescribed documentary requirements for incorporation is the bylaws
of the corporation. Submission after incorporation is, therefore, merely theoretical for
private corporation. For corporations governed by special law and which are required
to submit bylaws, or if for whatever reason, the SEC approves the incorporation of
a private corporation sans the bylaws, it will be the refusal or failure to submit the
bylaws, despite SEC order, which will serve as a ground to suspend or revoke the
corporate franchise.
691P.D. No. 902-A, Section 6(i).
695Section 103, RCC.
696Section 104, RCC.
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all that is due the corporation, (2) the settlement and adjustment
of claims against it, and (3) the payment of its debts and (4) the
distribution of the remaining assets, if any among the stockholders
thereof in accordance with their contracts, or if there be no special
contract, on the basis of their respective interests. The manner
of liquidation or winding up may be provided for in the corporate
bylaws and this would prevail unless it is inconsistent with law.
The finds basis under Section 122 of the OCC (now Section 139
of the RCC), which empowers every corporation whose corporate
existence has been legally terminated to continue as a body
corporate for three (3) years after the time when it would have been
dissolved. This continued existence would only be for the purposes of
“prosecuting and defending suits by or against it and enabling it to
settle and close its affairs, to dispose of and convey its property and
to distribute its assets.”697
697Dr. Gil J. Rich v. Guillermo Paloma III, G.R. No. 210538, March 7, 2018.
698Chung Ka Bio v. Intermediate Appellate Court, G.R. No. 71837, July 26,
1988.
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’“Victor Yam & Yek Sun Lent, doing business under the name and style of
Philippine Printing Works v. Court of Appeals and Manphil Investment Corporation,
G.R. No. 104726, February 11, 1999.
701G.R. No. 161771, February 15, 2012.
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413. How are the assets of the corporation distributed during the
liquidation process?
The assets of the corporation shall be used to pay off the claims
of various creditors based on the law on concurrence and preference
of credit. The residual assets shall then be distributed to the holders
of the preferred shares of stock, if any, then to the holders of common
shares based on their agreement, if any, otherwise, in proportion to
their respective shareholdings in the corporation.
Note that SEC approval is not required in the approval of the
distribution or liquidation of the assets of the dissolved corporation.
This falls within the authority of the directors and stockholders or
the duly appointed trustee or receiver.
Any asset distributable to the creditor or stockholder or
member who is unknown or cannot be found shall be escheated in
favor of the national government.703
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Action filed more than three (3) years from the dissolution
of the corporation?
As previously expounded, an action filed more than three (3)
years from the dissolution of the corporation should be dismissed
since by that time the corporation lacks the capacity to sue because it
no longer possesses juridical personality by reason of its dissolution.
While there are cases that a corporation may still sue, even
after it has been dissolved and despite the lapse of the three-year
liquidation period, the corporations involved in those cases filed
their respective complaints while they were still in existence. In
other words, they already had pending actions at the time that their
corporate existence was terminated.712
417. Other than dissolution, when else may the assets or property
of the corporation be distributed?
Except by decrease of capital stock and as otherwise allowed by
the RCC, no corporation shall distribute any of its assets or property
except upon lawful dissolution and after payment of all its debts and
liabilities.713
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’■’Sergio Naguiat and Clark Field Taxi, Inc. v. NLRC, G.R. No. 116123, March
13,1997.
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’’“Joselito Hernand M. Bustos v. Millians Shoe, Inc., G.R. No. 185024, April
24, 2017.
71BManuel R. Dulay Enterprises, Inc. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 91889,
August 27, 1993.
’“Sections 96-104, RCC.
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v. Preemptive right
431. Distinguish right of first refusal from pre-emptive right.
Right of first refusal is the option granted to the corporation
and/or its stockholders to purchase the shares of a transferring
stockholder upon reasonable terms and conditions while pre-emptive
right refers to the right of the stockholder to subscribe to any and all
issuances and disposition of shares by the corporation.
' The corporation and its stockholders have no right of first
refusal unless such restriction on transfer is embodied in the articles
of incorporation, bylaws of the corporation and stock certificate f
the corporation. This means that a stockholder may freely conve
his shares to any person without having to offer the shares to th
corporation and/or the stockholders first, unless a right of first
refusal is granted to the latter.
Pre-emptive right is available to all stockholders unless such
right is denied in the articles of incorporation or amendment thereto.
Pre-emptive right pertains to stockholders by law and does not
require any statutory enabling provision, the right of first refusal, if
not provided for by law or by the articles of incorporation, does not
exist at all.726
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vii. Deadlocks
434. May the SEC interfere in the management of a close corporation
without violating the business judgment rule?
Under Section 103 of the RCC, if the directors or stockholders
are so divided on the management of the corporation’s business
and affairs that the votes required for a corporate action cannot
be obtained, with the consequence that the business and affairs
of the corporation can no longer be conducted to the advantage of
the stockholders generally, the SEC, upon written petition by any
stockholder, shall have the power to arbitrate the dispute.
In the exercise of such power, the SEC shall have the authorit
to make appropriate orders, such as:
a. canceling or altering any provision contained in the
articles of incorporation, bylaws, or any stockholder’s
agreement;
b. canceling, altering or enjoining a resolution or act of the
corporation or its board of directors, stockholders, or
officers;
c. directing or prohibiting any act of the corporation or its
board of directors, stockholders, officers, or other persons
party to the action;
d. requiring the purchase at their fair value of shares of any
stockholder, either by the corporation regardless of the
availability of unrestricted retained earnings in its books,
or by the other stockholders;
e. appointing a provisional director;
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b. Nonstock corporations
i. Definition
435. What is a nonstock corporation?
A nonstock corporation is one without a capital stock and/
or where no part of its income is distributable as dividends to
its members, trustees, or officers, subject to the provision on
dissolution.729 Any profit which a nonstock corporation may obtain
incidental to its operations shall, whenever necessary or proper, be
used for the furtherance of the purpose or purposes for which the
corporation was organized.
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ii. Purposes
438. What are the allowable purposes for a nonstock corporation?
It may be formed or organized for charitable, religious,
educational, professional, cultural, fraternal, literary, scientific,
social, civic service, or similar purposes, like trade, industry,
agricultural and like chambers, or any combination thereof, subject
to the special provisions governing particular classes of nonstock
corporations.732
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441. How are the assets of the corporation distributed upon its
dissolution?
Section 93 of the RCC provides for the rules of distribution, as
follows:
a. All liabilities and obligations of the corporation shall
be paid, satisfied and discharged, or adequate provision
shall be made therefor;
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c. Educational corporations
442. What are educational corporations?
Educational corporations are those organized for educational
purposes, particularly the establishment and maintenance of a
school, college or university.
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i. Corporation sole; nationality
445. What are the classes of religious corporations?
Religious corporations may be incorporated by one or more
persons. Such corporations may be classified as corporations sole or
religious societies.737
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449. May a corporation sole acquire and hold real property in the
Philippines if its presiding bishop, priest, minister or rabbi is a
foreigner?
Yes, a corporation sole, regardless of the nationality of its
presiding bishop, priest, minister, rabbi or presiding elder, may
acquire real property in the Philippines; provided that at least 60%
of the members of the religious denomination are Filipino citizens
and the real property is necessary and convenient for the lawful use
of the corporation.
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451. What is the number and term of trustees for religious societies?
Like in educational institutions, trustees of religious societies
shall not be less than five (5) nor more than 15. Note, however, that
the term of these trustees can be one (1) year or such other period
as may be prescribed by the laws of the religious society or religious
order, or of the diocese, synod, or district organization.743
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455. What is the "trust" referred to under the RCC which can
organize an OPC?
The “trust” as used by the law does not refer to a trust entity,
but to the subject being managed by the trustee.745
i. Excepted corporations
457. Which corporations are not allowed to incorporate as OPC?
Banks and quasi-banks, pre-need, trust, insurance, public and
publicly-listed companies, and non-chartered government-owned
and -controlled corporations may not incorporate as OPC: Provided,
further, That a natural person who is licensed to exercise a profession
may not organize as an OPC for the purpose of exercising such
profession except as otherwise provided under special laws.
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vi. Nominee
462. Who shall take the place of the single stockholder in managing
the affairs of the corporation in case of the latter's death or
incapacity?
The nominee and alternate nominee designated by the single
stockholder shall, in the event of the single stockholder’s death or
incapacity, take the place of the single stockholder as director and
shall manage the corporation’s affairs.767
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464. How may the single stockholder change its nominee and
alternate nominee?
The single stockholder may, at any time, change its nomine
and alternate nominee by submitting to the SEC the names of tht
new nominees and their corresponding written consent. For this
purpose, the articles of incorporation need not be amended.7’9
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viii. Liability
466. What are the requisites for the limited liability of the single
stockholder of OPC?
The liability of the sole stockholder shall be limited to his
subscription to the corporation if the following requisites are present:
a. The sole shareholder must show that the corporation was
adequately financed;
b. He must prove that the property of the OPC is independent
of the stockholder’s personal property; and
c. There is no ground to pierce the veil of corporate fiction.
Otherwise, the sole stockholder shall be jointly and severally
liable for the debts and other liabilities of the OPC.761
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f. Foreign corporations
469. What is a foreign corporation?
A foreign corporation is one formed, organized or existing
under laws other than those of the Philippines and whose laws allow
Filipino citizens and corporations to do business in its own country
or State.764
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475. Cite jurisprudence where the Supreme Court ruled that the
foreign corporation is doing business in the Philippines.
a. When a foreign corporation engaged in the manufacture
of uniforms purchased thousands of soccer jerseys from
the Philippines since the purchase was within its ordinary
course of business. When a single act or transaction of a
foreign corporation is not merely incidental or casual but
is of such character as distinctly to indicate a purpose on
the part of the foreign corporation to do other business
in the state, such act will be considered as constituting
doing business.770
b. When it granted a 90-day credit term to a domestic
corporation over a period of seven months for every
purchase, as in the usual course of a commercial
transaction, credit is extended only to customers in good
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IV. BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS 693
476. Cite jurisprudence where the Supreme Court ruled that the
activities of the foreign corporation are not deemed as doing
business.
a. The hiring of an attorney-in-fact by a foreign corporation
which owns the copyright to foreign films and exclusive
distribution rights in the Philippines to file criminal cases
for the protection of its property rights, if the contracts are
consummated abroad, as this is merely for the protectic
of its property rights.773
b. A reinsurance company is not doing business in a certa
state merely because the property or Eves which ai
insured by the original insurer are located in that State.
The reason for this is that a contract of reinsurance is
generally a separate and distinct arrangement from the
original contract of insurance. Thus, a foreign reinsurance
company which accepted reinsurance from a domestic
insurance company cannot be sued in the Philippines.
c. Mere ownership by a corporation of a property in a certain
state, unaccompanied by its active use in furtherance of
the business for which it was formed, is insufficient in
itself to constitute doing business. A foreign corporation
which becomes the assignee of mining properties,
facilities and equipment and assumes the loan obligation
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™MR Holdings, Ltd. v. Bajar, G.R. No. 138104, April 11, 2002.
776Aetna Casualty and Surety Co. v. Pacific Star Line, G.R. No. L-26809.
December 29, 1977.
7,cLorenzo Shipping Corp. v. Chubb and Sons, G.R. No. 147724, June 8, 2004.
777Van Zuiden Bros Ltd. v. GTVL Manufacturing Industries, G.R. No. 147905,
May 28, 2007; 2015 Bar.
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IV. BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS 695
’’’Cargill, Inc. Intra Strata Assurance Corporation, G.R. No. 168266, March
16,2010.
’’’Steel Case v. Design International Selection, G.R. No. 171995, April 18,
2012; 2015 Bar Exam.
”°Tuna Processing, Inc. v. Philippine Kingford, Inc., G.R. No. 185582, February
29,2012.
”‘Llorente v. Star City Pty Limited, G.R. Nos. 212050 and 212216, January
15,2020.
’’’Commissioner of Internal Revenue Interpublic Group of Companies, G.R.
No. 207039, August 14, 2019.
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a
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amendment becomes effective, file with the SEC, and in proper cases;
with the appropriate government agency, a duly authenticated copy
of the amended articles of incorporation or bylaws, indicating clearly
in capital letters or underscoring the change or changes made, duly
certified by the authorized official or officials of the country or state
of incorporation. Such filing shall not in itself enlarge or alter the
purpose or purposes for which such corporation is authorized to
transact business in the Philippines 788
It should also obtain an amended license in the event it
changes its corporate name, or desires to pursue other or additional
purposes in the Philippines, by submitting an application with the
SEC, favorably endorsed by the appropriate government agency in
the proper cases.789
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its holder. It is conferred by law and not by the parties. The insurer
has satisfactorily proven its capacity to sue, after having shown that
it is not doing business in the Philippines, but is suing only under
an isolated transaction, i.e., under the one marine insurance policy
issued in favor of the consignee/insured.791
791Lorenzo Shipping Corp. v. Chubb and Sons, G.R. No. 147724, June 8, 2004.
792MR Holdings, Ltd. v. Sheriff Carlos P. Bajar, Sheriff Ferdinand M. Jandusay,
Solidbank Corporation, and Marcopper Mining Corporation, G.R. No. 138104, April
11, 2002.
793Llorente v. Star City Pty Limited, G.R. Nos. 212050 and 212216, January
15, 2020,
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™See discussions on Question No. 21 (cases where the Supreme Court held
that the activities of the foreign corporation do no amount to doing business).
’“Lorenzo Shipping Corp. v. Chubb and Sons, G.R. No. 147724, June 8, 2004.
796Rimbunan Hijau Group of Companies Oriental Wood Processing
Corporation, G.R. No. 152228. September 23, 2005.
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“‘Global Business Holdings, Inc. v. Surecomp Software, B.V., G.R. No. 173463,
October 13, 2010; Steelcase, Inc. v. Design International Selections, Inc., G.R. No.
171995, April 18, 2012.
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’‘’ ’Bank of Commerce v. RPN, G.R. No. 195615, April 21, 2014.
®°5McLeod v. National Labor Relations SEC First Division, et al., G.R. No.
146667, January 23, 2007; PNB v. Andrada Electric and Engineering Co., GK. No.
142936, April 17, 2002.
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““John F. McLeod v. National Labor Relations SEC First Division, et al., G.R.
No. 146667, January 23, 2007.
'“"Section 75, RCC.
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f. Effectivity
490. When is merger or consolidation effective?
The merger or consolidation is effective upon issuance by the
SEC of a certificate approving the articles and plan of merger or
of consolidation.816 It is the operative fact by which the merger or
consolidation shall be effective.
In case of merger of banks, it is not the approval of the plan
of merger by the BSP that makes the merger effective but upon
issuance of by the SEC of the certificate of merger or consolidation.
Hence, prior to the SEC approval, any payment of an obligation
by the debtor of the absorbed corporation in favor of the surviving
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g. Limitations
491. In 2015, Total Bank ("Total") proposed to sell to Royal Bank
("Royal") its banking business for P10 billion consisting of
specified assets and liabilities. The parties reached an eventual
agreement, which they termed as "Purchase and Assumption
Agreement" ("P&A") in which Royal would acquire Total’s
specified assets and liabilities, excluding contingent claims,
with the further stipulation that it should be approved by
the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas ("BSP"). BSP imposed the
condition that Total should place in escrow PI billion to cover for
contingent claims against it. Total complied. After securing the
approval of the BSP, the two (2) banks signed the agreement.
BSP thereafter issued a circular advising all bank and non
bank intermediaries that effective January 1,2016, "the banking
activities of Total Bank and Royal Bank have been consolidated
and the latter has carried out their operations since then."
a. Was there a merger and consolidation of the two (2)banks
in point of the Corporation Code? Explain.
There was no merger or consolidation of the two (2) banks in
point of the Corporation Code. The Supreme Court ruled in Bank
of Commerce v. Radio Philippine Network, Tnc.817 that there can be
no merger if the requirements and procedure for merger were not
observed and no certificate of merger was issued by the SEC.
The transaction is basically a sale of all or substantially all
of the assets. It is settled if one (1) corporation sells or otherwise
transfers all its assets to another corporation, the latter is not liable
for the debts and liabilities of the transferor if it has acted in good
faith and has paid adequate consideration for the assets, except:
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h. Effects
492. What are the effects of merger or consolidation?
The following are the effects of merger or consolidation:
a. The constituent corporations shall become a single
corporation which, in case of merger, shall be the surviving
corporation designated in the plan of merger; and, in case
of consolidation, shall be the consolidated corporation
designated in the plan of consolidation.
b. The separate existence of the constituent corporations
shall cease, except that of the surviving or the consolidated
corporation.
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496. Can the debtor of the absorbed bank invoke novation against
the surviving corporation which demanded payment of the
debtor’s loan?
A bank which merged with another bank can sue the debtor
of the absorbed bank because it acquired the rights of the latter.
Novation (because of the change of creditor) is not a valid defense
because it is settled that in a merger of two (2) existing corporations,
one of the corporations survives and continues the business, while
the other is dissolved and all its rights, properties and liabilities are
acquired by the surviving corporation.822
The surviving or consolidated corporation shall be responsible
for all the liabilities and obligations of each constituent corporation
as though such surviving or consolidated corporation had itself
incurred such liabilities or obligations; and any pending claim, action
or proceeding brought by or against any constituent corporation
may be prosecuted by or against the surviving or consolidated
corporation. The rights of creditors or liens upon the property of
such constituent corporations shall not be impaired by the merger
or consolidation.823
“'Associated Bank Court of Appeals and Lorenzo Sarmiento, Jr., G.R. No.
123793, June 29, 1998.
822Babst v. Court of Appeals, G.R. Nos. 99398 and 104625, January 26, 2001.
“"Section 79, RCC.
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499. In what cases may SEC issue a cease and desist order under
the RCC?
The RCC contains two (2) provisions granting authority to the
SEC to issue a cease and desist order.
The first is Section 156, to wit:
“Whenever the SEC has reasonable basis
to believe that a person has violated, or is about
to violate this Code, a rule, regulation, or order of
the SEC, it may direct such person to desist from
committing the act constituting the violation.”
The SEC “may issue a cease and desist order ex
parte to enjoin an act or practice which is fraudulent
or can be reasonably expected to cause significant,
imminent, and irreparable danger or injury to public
safety or welfare” and the ex parte order shall be
valid for a maximum period of twenty (20) days.
Said order may also become permanent after due
notice and hearing.”
While the RCC explicitly allows the issuance of a cease and
desist order ex parte only when the act sought to be restrained is
fraudulent or can be reasonably expected to cause significant,
imminent and irreparable danger or injury to public safety or welfare,
it is submitted that a cease and desist order may also be issued by
the SEC ex parte to enjoin an actual or threatened violation of the
RCC any rule, regulation or order of the SEC, consistent with the
thrust of the RCC to strengthen the regulatory powers of the SEC.
The other is Section 179(f) which allows the issuance of a cease
and desist orders ex parte to prevent imminent fraud or injury
to the public. This is almost identical though with Section
156.
500. Is the power of the SEC to issue cease and desist orders under
the RCC the same as its authority to issue similar orders under
SRC?
They are different. The SRC is a different source of authority
for the SEC to issue a cease and desist order.
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may be issued ex-parte, while the CDO under Section 64.1 requires
“grave and irreparable” injury, language absent in Section 5(i).
Notwithstanding the similarities between Section 5(i) and Section
64.1, it remains clear that the CDO issued under Section 53.3 is a
distinct creation from that under Section 64.
The CDO as contemplated in Section 53.3 or in Section 64,
may be issued “ex-parte” (under Section 53.3) or “without necessity
of hearing” (under Section 64.1). Nothing in these provisions impose
a requisite hearing before the CDO may be issued thereunder.
Nonetheless, there are identifiable requisite actions on the part of
the SEC that must be undertaken before the CDO may be issued
either under Section 53.3 or Section 64. In the case of Section 53.3,
the SEC must make two (2) findings: (1) that such person has
engaged in any such act or practice, and (2) that there is a reasonable
likelihood of continuing, (or engaging in) further or future violations
by such person. In the case of Section 64, the SEC must adjudge that
the act, unless restrained, will operate as a fraud on investors or is
otherwise likely to cause grave or irreparable injury or prejudice to
the investing public.”
A singular CDO could not be founded on Section 5.1, Section
53.3 and Section 64 collectively. At the very least, the CDO under
Section 53.3 and under Section 64 have their respective requisites
and terms. It is an error on the part of the SEC in granting the CDO
without stating which kind of CDO as it is an act that contravenes
due process of law.
Also, the fact that the CDO was signed, much less apparently
deliberated upon, by only by one commissioner likewise renders
the order fatally infirm. The SEC is a collegial body composed of
a Chairperson and four Commissioners. In order to constitute
a quorum to conduct business, the presence of at least three (3)
Commissioners is required.829
It is also in this case that the Supreme Court ruled that if
the proxies were obtained on matters which are intra-corporate in
nature, like the election of directors or determination of quorum for
the election of directors, any issue about the validity and legality of
the proxies partakes of an election contest, falling under the rules
on intra-corporate controversy and outside the jurisdiction of the
SEC even though the petition may ostensibly raise a violation of
the SRC. If the proxies were sought and to be voted on any non-
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iv. Contempt
b. Sanctions for violations
i. Administrative sanctions
501. What are the administrative sanctions that the SEC may
impose if it finds that any provision of the RCC or any of the
SEC's orders has been violated?
The SEC may impose administrative sanctions against
the corporation any or all of the following sanctions, taking into
consideration the extent of participation, nature, effects, frequency
and seriousness of the violation.
a. Imposition of a fine ranging from Five Thousand Pesos
(P5,000.00) to Two Million Pesos (P2,000,000.00), and
not more than One Thousand Pesos (Pl,000.00) for each
day of continuing violation but in no case to exceed Two
Million Pesos (P2,000,000.00);
b. Issuance of a permanent cease and desist order;
c. Suspension or revocation of the certificate of incorporation;
and
d. Dissolution of the corporation and forfeiture of its assets
under the conditions in Title XIV of the RCC.831
It should be noted that the SEC also has the authority to
punish for contempt, issue subpoena and summons, impose fines,
and suspend, revoke, after proper notice and hearing, the franchise
or certificate of registration of the corporation under the SRC.832 But
these are distinct from the similar powers and authority granted
to the SEC under the RCC. Obviously, the said powers of the SEC
under the SRC are for the purpose of implementing the provisions
of the SRC, its rules and regulations while the similar authority
granted to the SEC under the RCC is intended to enforce the RCC,
its rules and regulations.
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Hi. Penalties
503. What are the acts penalized under the RCC and their
corresponding sanctions?
Violation Penalty
SECTION 159. Unauthorized use of a Fine ranging from
corporate name. P10,000.00 to P200,000.00.
Unauthorized
Use of Corporate
Name; Penalties.
SECTION 160. When, despite the Fine ranging from
knowledge of the PIO,000.00 to P200,000.00
Violation of existence of a ground at the discretion of the
Disqualification
for disqualification as court, and permanent
Provision; provided in Section 26 disqualification from being
Penalties. of the RCC, a director, a director, trustee or officer
trustee or officer of any corporation; if the
willfully holds office, violation is injurious or
or willfully conceals detrimental to the public,
such disqualification, the fine ranges from
such director, trustee or P20,000.00 to P400,000.00. I
officer.
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Violation Penalty
SECTION 161. Unjustified failure Fine ranging from
or refusal by the P10,000.00 to P200,000.00,
Violation of Duty
corporation, or by those at the discretion of
to Maintain
responsible for keeping the court, taking into
Records, to Allow
and maintaining consideration the
their Inspection
corporate records, to seriousness of the violation
or Reproduction;
comply with Sections and its implications.
Penalties.
45, 73, 92, 128, 177 and When the violation of this
other pertinent rules provision is injurious or
and provisions of the detrimental to the public,
RCC on inspection and the penalty is a fine
reproduction of records. ranging from P20,000. 00 to
P400,000.00.
The penalties imposed
under this section shall
be without prejudice to
the SEC’s exercise of its
contempt powers under
Section 157 hereof.
SECTION 162. Willful certification Fine ranging from
of a report required P20,000.00 to P200,000.00;
Willful
under the RCC, if the wrongful certification
Certification is injurious or detrimental
knowing that the same
of Incomplete, to the public, the auditor or
contains incomplete,
Inaccurate, False the responsible person may
inaccurate, false, or
or Misleading
misleading information also be punished with a fine
Statements ranging from P40,000.00 to
or statements.
or Reports;
P400,000.00.
Penalties.
SECTION 163. An independent Fine ranging from
auditor who, in P80,000.00 to P500,000.00.;
Independent if the statement or report
collusion with the
Auditor
corporation’s directors certified is fraudulent, or
Collusion;
or representatives, has the effect of causing
Penalties.
certifies the injury to the general public,
corporation’s financial the auditor or responsible
statements despite officer may be punished
its incompleteness or with a fine ranging from
inaccuracy, its failure to P100,000.00 to P600,000.00.
give a fair and accurate
presentation of the
corporation’s condition,
or despite containing
false or misleading
statements.
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Violation Penalty
SECTION 164. Those responsible for Fine ranging from
the formation of a P200,000.00 to
Obtaining corporation through P2,000,000.00; if the
Corporate fraud, or who assisted violation of this provision
Registration directly or indirectly is injurious or detrimental
Through Fraud; therein. to the public, the
Penalties. penalty is a fine ranging
from P400,000.00 to
P5,000,000.00.
SECTION 165. Conduct of the Fine ranging P200,000.00
corporation’s business to P2,000,000.00; if the
Fraudulent through fraud. violation of this provision
Conduct of is injurious or detrimental
Business; to the public, the
Penalties. penalty is a fine ranging
from P400,000.00 to
P5,000,000.00.
SECTION 166. A corporation used for Fine ranging P100,000.00 to
fraud, or for committing P5,000,000.00.
Acting as or concealing graft and
Intermediaries corrupt practices as
for Graft and defined under pertinent
Corrupt statutes.
Practices; When there is a
Penalties. finding that any of
its directors, officers,
employees, agents, or
representatives are
engaged in graft and
corrupt practices, the
corporation’s failure to
install:
(a) safeguards for the
transparent and lawful
delivery of services;
and (b) policies, code of
ethics, and procedures
against graft and
corruption shall be
prima facie evidence
of corporate liability
under this section.
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Violation Penalty
SECTION 167. A corporation Fine ranging from >. i
that appoints an P100,000.00 to
Engaging Pl,000,000.00. , 10
intermediary who
Intermediaries
engages in graft and
for Graft and
corrupt practices for the
Corrupt corporation’s benefit or
Practices; interest.
Penalties.
SECTION 168. A director, trustee, or Fine ranging from
officer who knowingly P500,000.00 to
Tolerating Graft Pl,000,000.00.
fails to sanction,
and Corrupt
report, or file the
Practices;
appropriate action
Penalties. with proper agencies,
allows or tolerates
the graft and corrupt
practices or fraudulent
acts committed by a
corporation’s directors,
trustees, officers, or
employees.
SECTION 169. Any person who, At the discretion of
knowingly and with the court, be punished
Retaliation
Against
intent to retaliate,
commits acts
with a fine ranging
from P100,000.00 to I
Whistleblowers. detrimental to a Pl,000,000.00.
whistleblower such as
interfering with the
lawful employment
or livelihood of the
whistleblower.
A whistleblower
refers to any person
who provides truthful
information relating
to the SEC or possible
SEC of any offense or
violation under the
RCC.
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Violation Penalty
SECTION 170. Violations of any of the Fine of not less than
other provisions of the PIO,000.00 but not more
Other Violations RCC or its amendments than Pl,000,000.00; if the
of the Code; not otherwise violation is committed by
Separate specifically penalized a corporation, the same
Liability. therein. may, after notice and
hearing, be dissolved in
appropriate proceedings
before the SEC: Provided,
That such dissolution
shall not preclude the
institution of appropriate
action against the director,
trustee, or officer of the
corporation responsible for
said violation: Provided,
further, That nothing in this
section shall be construed to
repeal the other causes for
dissolution of a corporation
provided in the RCC.
Liability for any of the
foregoing offenses shall be
separate from any other
administrative, civil, or
criminal liability under the
RCC and other laws.
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“‘Section 172, RCC.
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’“In Gamboa v. Teves, G.R. No. 176579, October 9, 2012, the Supremo Court
pronounced that only the SEC en banc can issue opinions which shiill have the force
and effect of rules and regulations.
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CASE INDEX
A
Aboitiz Shipping Corporation v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 84458, November
6,1989, 233
Aboitiz Shipping Corporation v. General Accident Fire and Life Assurance
Corporation, 217 SCRA 359 (1993), 264, 265, 271
Aboitiz Shipping Corporation v. Insurance Company of North America, G.R.
No. 168402, August 6, 2008, 98, 249, 251
Abra Valley. Grace Borgona Insigne, et al. v. Abra Valley Colleges, Inc. and
Francis Borgona, G.R. No. 204089, July 29, 2015, 548
ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation v. Honorato Hilario, G.R. No. 193136,
July 10, 2019, 425, 429
Abueg v. San Diego, 44 Off. Gaz. 80, 265
AC. Ransom Labor Union-CCLU v. National Labor Relations Commission,
et al., G.R. No. L-69494, May 29, 1987, 427
Aderito Z. Yujuico v. Cezar T. Quiambao, et al., G.R. No. 180416, June 2,
2014, 552, 548
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729
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Asian Terminals Philam Insurance Co., G.R. No. 181262, July 24, 2013,
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731
1
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Bonnevie v. Hernandez, G.R. No. L-5837, May 31, 1954, 387
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c
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Cathay Pacific Airways v. Spouses Daniel Vasquez and Maria Luisa
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732
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r
Chua Yek Hong v. Intermediate Appellate Court, G.R. No. 74811, September
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CIR v. Suter, et al., G.R. No. L-25532, February 28, 1969, 337
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Collector v. Buan, G.R. No. L-11438, July 31, 1958, 303
Columbia Pictures, Inc. v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 110318. August 28,
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Commart (Phils.) Inc., et al. v. Securities and Exchange Commission and
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Communication and Information Systems Corporation v. Mark Sensing
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Country Bankers Insurance Corporation v. Travellers Insurance and Surety
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Crisostomo v. Court of Appeals, infra, 193
Cua, Jr. v. Tan, G.R. Nos. 181455-56 and 182008, December 4, 2009, 592
Cua, Jr. v. Tan, 622 Phil. 661 (2009), 556
David C. Lao v. Dionisio Lao, G.R. No. 170585, October 6, 2008, 612
Dela Torre v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 160088, July 13, 2011, 265
Del Rama v. Maao Sugar Central, G.R. No. 17504, February 28, 1969, 507
733
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Delsan Transport Lines v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 127897, November
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Development Bank of the Philippines v. Hydro Resources Contractors
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Development Insurance Corporation v. Intermediate Appellate Court, et al.,
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De Villola v. Stanley, 32 Phil. 541, 192
Dizon v. Octavio, 316
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Dr. Gil J. Rich v. Guillermo Paloma III, G.R. No. 210538, March 7, 2018,
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DSR-Senator Lines v. Federal Phoenix Assurance Co., G.R. No. 135377,
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734
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Engineering Geoscience, Inc. v. Philippine Savings Bank, G.R. No. 187262,
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Equitable Insurance Corporation v. Transmodal International, Inc., G.R.
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Everett Steamship Corporation v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 122494,
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F
“F” Transit Co., Inc. v. NLRC, G.R. Nos, 88195-96, January 27,1994, 318
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Federal Phoenix Assurance • Fortune Sea Carrier, G.R. No. 188118,
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FGU Insurance Corporation v. Roxas, G.R. No. 189526, G.R. No. 189526,
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F.H. Stevens & Co v. Nordeutscher Lloyd, 6 SCRA 180, 288
Fieldman’s Insurance Co., Inc. v. Vda. de Songco, G.R. No. L- 24833,
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Figuration Vda. de Maglana, et al. v. Hon. Francisco Consolacion and Afisco
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Filipinas Broadcasting Network v. Ago Medical and Educational Center,
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Filipinas Port Services v. Victoriano Go, et al., G.R. No. 161886, March 16,
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Filipino Merchants Insurance Co., Inc. v. Court of Appeals, et al., G.R. No.
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Filipino Merchants Insurance Company, Inc. v. Hon. Jose Alejandro, G.R.
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735
1
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Finman General Assurance Corporation v. Honorable Court of Appeals and
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Finman General Assurance Corporation v. William Inocencio, et al., G.R.
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Fireman’s Fund Insurance Co. v. Jamila & Co., G.R. No. L-1976, April 7,
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First Lepanto-Taisho Insurance Corporation v. Chevron Philippines, Inc.,
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First Malayan Leasing v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 91378, June 9, 19921
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First Philippine Industrial Pipeline Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 125948,
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Florendo v. Philam, ibid., 68
Florete v. Florete, GR. No. 174909, January 20, 2016, 556, 557
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Fortis v. Hermanos, G.R. No. 2484, April 11, 1906, 349
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Fredco Manufacturing Corporation v. President and Fellows of Harvard
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G
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Gatchalian v. Collector of Internal Revenue, G.R. No. 45425, April 29, 1939,
348
Geagonia v. Court of Appeals, 241 SCRA 152 (1995), 27
Gelano v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. L-39050, February 24, 1981, 661, 662
736
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Gelisan v. Alday, G.R. No. L-30212, September 9, 1987, 317
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Gilda C. Lim, et al. v. Patricia Lim-Yu, In her capacity as a Minority
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Gokongwei v. Securities and Exchange Commission, G.R. No. L-45911,
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Gonzales v. Philippine National Bank, supra, 553
Gonzalo Chua Guan v. Samahang Magsasaka, Inc., G.R. No. L-42091,
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Goquiolay v. Sycip, G.R. No. L-11840, July 26, 1960, 351
Government Service Insurance System v. Court of Appeals, et al., G.R. No.
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Gov’t of the P.I. v. Phil. Steamship Co., Inc., 44 Phil. 359, 278
Grace Christian High School v. Court of Appeals, et al., G.R. No. 108905,
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Granger Associates v. Microwave Systems, Inc., G.R. No. 79986. September
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Great Asian Sales Center Corporation v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 105774
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Great Pacific Life Ass. Co. v. C.A., G.R. No. L-31845, April 30,1979, 54
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Gregorio Singian, Jr. v. Honorable Sandiganbayan and the Presidential
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Guan v. Cia Maritime (SC), 38 Off. Gaz. 2536; etc., 263
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Guzman v. Behn, Meyer & Co., 9 Phil. 112, 263
737
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Home Insurance Co. v. American Steamship Agencies, April 4, 1968; 23
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Home Insurance Company v. Eastern Shipping Lines, 703
Hongkong Bank v. Jurado & Co., G.R. No. 414, November 9, 1903, 341
Hutchison Ports Philippines Limited v. Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority,
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I
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738
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International Express Travel & Tour Services, Inc. v. Hon. Court of Appeals,
Henri Kahn, Philippine Football Federation, G.R. No. 119002, October
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Isabela Roque, doing business under the name and style of Isabela Roque
Timber Enterprises and Ong Chiong v. Hon. Intermediate Appellate
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Islamic Directorate of the Philippines, et al. v. Court of Appeals and Iglesia
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Island Sales, Inc. v. United Pioneers General Construction Company, et al.,
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J
J. Tinga, Separate Opinion, J.G. Summit Holding, Inc. v. Court of Appeals,
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James IENT v. Tullett Prebon, G.R. Nos. 189158 and 189530, January 11,
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James Stokes, as Attorney-in-Fact of Daniel Stephen Adolfson v. Malayan
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739
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741
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Mandbusco v. Francisco, 32 SCRA 405, 307, 310
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743
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744
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0
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p
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745
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R
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747
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Republic Telephone Co. v. Philippine Long Distance Co, 25 SCRA 81, 307
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Republic v. Acoje Mining Company, G.R. No. L-18062, February 28,1963, 520
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Roque v. IAC, 111
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s
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748
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Southern Lines, Inc. v. Court of Appeals, 4 SCRA 259, 212
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Spouses Cruz v. Sun Holidays, G.R. No. 186312, June 29, 2010, 190
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Spouses Vasquez v. Cathay Pacific Airways, supra, 321
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