Professional Documents
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3. The sharing of gross returns does not partnership, they become subject to
of itself establish a partnership, liabilities of partners (doctrine of
whether or not the persons sharing estoppel).Whether or not the parties call
them have a joint or common right or their relationship or believe it to be a
interest in any property from which the partnership is immaterial. Thus, with the
returns are derived. exception of partnership by estoppel, a
partnership cannot exist as to third persons
4. The receipt by a person of a share of if no contract of partnership has been
the profits of a business is prima entered into between the parties
facie evidence that he is a partner in the themselves.
business, but no such inference shall be
drawn if such profits were received in Co-ownership or co-possession
payment: There is co-ownership whenever the
ownership of an undivided thing or right
a. As a debt by installments or belongs to different persons.
otherwise.
Clear intent to derive profits from
b. As wages of an employee or rent to operation of business
a landlord. Co-ownership does not of itself establish
the existence of a partnership, although it is
c. As an annuity to a widow or one of its essential elements. This is true
representative of a deceased even if profits are derived from the joint
partner. ownership. The profits must be derived
from the operation of business by
d. As interest on a loan, though the the members of the association and
amount of payment vary with the not merely from property ownership. The
profits of the business. law does not imply a partnership between
co-owners because of the fact that they
e. As the consideration for the sale of develop or operate a common property,
a goodwill of a business or other since they may rightfully do this by virtue of
property by installments or their respective titles. There must be a clear
otherwise. intent to form a partnership.
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Reason for the rule asserting its termination. One who alleges
Partner interested in both failures and partnership cannot prove it merely by
successes; it is the chance of loss or gain evidence of an agreement using the term
that characterizes a business. Where “partner”. Non-use of the term, however,
the contract requires a given portion of is entitled to weight. The question of
gross returns to be paid over, the portion is whether a partnership exists is not always
paid over as commission, wages, rent, etc. dependent upon the personal arrangement
or understanding of the parties. Parties
Where there is evidence of mutual intending to do a thing which in law
management constitutes partnership are partners.
Where there is further evidence of mutual
management and control, partnership may Legal intention is the crux of partnership.
result. Parties may call themselves partners but
their contract may be adjudged something
Receipt of share in the profits strong quite different. Conversely, parties may
presumptive evidence of partnership expressly state that theirs in not a
An agreement to share both profits partnership yet the law may determine
and losses tends strongly to establish the otherwise on the basis of legal intent.
existence of a partnership. It is not However, courts will be influenced to some
conclusive, however, just prima facie and extent by what the parties call their
may be rebutted by other circumstances. contract.
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2. Both can only act through its agents; Right to return of contribution where
3. Both are organizations composed of an partnership is unlawful
aggregate of individuals; Partners must be reimbursed the amount of
4. Both distribute profits to those who their respective contributions. The partner
contribute capital to the business; who limits himself to demanding only the
5. Both can only be organized where there amount contributed by him need not resort
is a law authorizing is organization; to the partnership contract on which to
6. Partnerships are taxable base his claim or action. Since the purpose
as corporations. for which the contribution was made has
not come into existence, the manager or
Art. 1770. A partnership must have a lawful administrator must return it, and he who
object or purpose, and must be established has paid his share is entitled to recover it.
for the common benefit or interest of the
Right to receive profits where partnership
partners. When an unlawful partnership is
is unlawful
dissolved by a judicial decree, the profits Law does not permit action for obtaining
shall be confiscated in favor of the earnings from an unlawful partnership
State, without prejudice to the provisions because for that purpose, the partner will
of the Penal Code governing the have to base his action upon the
confiscation of the instruments and effects partnership contract, which is null and
of a crime. Object or purpose of partnership without legal existence by reason of its
unlawful object; and it is self-evident that
The provision of the 1st paragraph what does not exist cannot be a cause
reiterates 2 essential elements of a of action. Profits earned do not constitute
contract of partnership: or represent the partner’s contribution. He
1. Legality of the object; and must base his claim on the contract which is
2. Community of benefit or interest of the void. It would be immoral and unjust for the
partners. The parties possess absolute law to permit a profit from an industry
freedom to choose the transaction or prohibited by it. T he courts will refuse to
transactions they must engage in. The recognize its existence, and will not lend
only limitation is that the object must their aid to assist either of the parties
be lawful and for the common benefit thereto in an action against each other.
of the members. The illegality of the Therefore, there cannot be no accounting
object will not be presumed; it must demanded of a partner for the profits which
appear to be of the essence of the may be in his hands, nor can recovery be
relationship. had.
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Art. 1773. A contract of partnership is void, Since partnership has juridical personality of
whenever immovable property is its own, it may acquire immovable property
contributed thereto, if an inventory of said in its own name. Title so acquired can
property is not made, signed by the parties, be conveyed only in the partnership name.
and attached to the public instrument.
Partnership with contribution of immovable Art. 1775. Associations and societies, whose
property articles are kept secret among the
members, and wherein any one of the
Where immovable property contributed, members may contract in his own name
failure to comply w/ the following with third persons, shall have no juridical
requisites will render the partnership personality, and shall be governed by the
contract void: provisions relating to co-ownership. Secret
1. The contract must be in a public partnerships without juridical personality
instrument;
2. An inventory of the property Partnership relation is created only by the
contributed must be made, signed by voluntary agreement of the partners. It is
the parties, and attached to the public essential that the partners are fully
instrument. Art. 1773 is intended informed not only of the agreement but of
primarily to protect 3rd persons. W/ all matters affecting the partnership. Secret
regard to 3rdpersons, a de facto partnerships are not by nature
partnership or partnership by estoppel partnerships. Secret partnerships shall be
may exist. There is nothing to prevent governed by the provisions relating to co-
the court from considering the ownership.
partnership agreement an ordinary
contract from which the parties’ rights Importance of giving publicity to articles
and obligations to each other may be of partnership
inferred and enforced. It is essential that the arts of partnership be
given publicity for the protection not only of
When inventory is not required the members themselves but also 3rd
An inventory is required only whenever persons from fraud and deceit. A member
immovable property is contributed. If not who transacts business for the secret
contributed or if personal property, no partnership in his own name becomes
inventory required. personally bound to 3rd persons unaware of
the existence of such association.
Importance of making inventory of real Partnership liability may still
property in a p a r t n e r s h i p result, however, in cases of estoppel.
An inventory is very important in
a partnership to how much is due from each Art. 1776. As to its object, a partnership is
partner to complete his share in the either universal or particular. As regards the
common fund and how much is due to each liability of the partners, a partnership may
of them in case of liquidation. The be general or limited. Classifications of
execution of a public instrument of partnership
partnership would be useless if there is no
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As to extent of its subject matter not avowed or made known to the public by
1. Universal partnership. (Art. 1777) any of the partners.
a. Universal partnership of all present Open or notorious partnership: one whose
property. (Art. 1778) existence is avowed or made known to the
b. Universal partnership of profits. public by the members of the firm.
(Art. 1780)
2. Particular partnership. (Art. 1783) As to purpose
Commercial or trading partnership: one
As to liability of the partners formed or the transaction of business.
General partnership: one consisting of
general partners who are liable pro rata and Professional or non-trading partnership:
subsidiary and sometimes solidarily w/ their one formed for the exercise of a profession.
separate property for partnership debts.
Kinds of partners
Limited partnership: one formed by two or Under the Civil Code
more persons having as members one or 1. Capitalist partner: one who contributes
more general partners and one or more money or property to the common
limited partners, the latter not being fund.
personally liable for the obligations of the 2. Industrial partner: one who contributes
partnership. only his industry or personal service.
3. General partner: one whose liability to
As to duration 3rd persons extends to his separate
Partnership at will: one in w/c no time is property.
specified and is not formed for a particular 4. Limited partner: one whose liability to
undertaking or venture and w/c may be 3rd persons is limited to his capital
terminated at any time by mutual contribution.
agreement of the partners, or by the will of 5. Managing partner: one who manages
any one partner alone; or one for a fixed the entity.
term or particular undertaking w/c is 6. Liquidating partner: one who takes
continued after the end of the term or charge of the winding up of partnership
undertaking w/o express agreement. affairs upon dissolution.
Partnership with a fixed term: one w/c the 7. Partner by estoppel: one who is not
term for w/c the partnership is to exist is really a partner but is liable as a partner
fixed or agreed upon or one formed for for the protection of innocent 3rd
a particular undertaking. persons. He is one represented as being
a partner but who is not so between
As to the legality of its existence the partners themselves.
De jure partnership: one w/c has complied 8. Continuing partner: one who continues
w/ all the legal requirements for the business of a partnership after it
its establishment. has been dissolved by reason of the
De facto partnership: one w/c has failed to admission of a new partner, or the
comply w/ all the legal requirements for its retirement, death or expulsion of one
establishment. or more partners.
9. Surviving partner: one who remains
As to representation to others after a partnership has been dissolved
Ordinary or real partnership: one w/c by the death of any partner.
actually exists among the partners and also 10. Subpartner: one who, not being
as to 3rd persons. a member of the partnership, contracts
Ostensible partnership or partnership or w/ a partner w/reference to the latter’s
partnership by estoppel: one w/c in reality share in the partnership.
is not a partnership, but is considered a
partnership only in relation to those who, Other classifications
by their conduct or admission, are 1. Ostensible partner: one who takes
precluded to deny or disprove its existence. active part and known to the public as a
partner.
As to publicity 2. Secret partner: one who takes active
Secret partnership: one wherein the part in the business but is not known to
existence of certain persons as partners is be a partner by outside parties nor held
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out as a partner by the other partners. Property w/c belonged to each of them at
He is an actual partner. the time of the constitution of the
3. Silent partner: one who does not take partnership;
any active part in the business although Profits w/c they may acquire from the
he may be known to be a partner. property contributed.
4. Dormant partner: one who does not
take active part in the business and is Contribution of future property
not known or held out as a partner. He General rule: future properties cannot be
would be both a silent and a secret contributed. The very essence of the
partner. contract of partnership that the properties
5. Original partner: one who is a member contributed be included in the partnership
of the partnership from the time of its requires the contribution of things
organization. determinate. The position of a partner is
6. Incoming partner: a person lately, or like that of a donor, and donations
about to be, taken into an existing cannot comprehend future property. Thus,
partnership as a member. property subsequently acquired by
7. Retiring partner: one withdrawn from 1.inheritance; 2. Legacy; or 3. Donation
the partnership; a withdrawing partner. cannot be included by stipulation except
Art. 1777. A universal partnership may the fruits thereof. Hence, any stipulation
refer to all the present property or to including property so acquired is void.
all the profits. Profits from other sources (not from
properties contributed) will become
Art. 1778. A partnership of all present common property only is there’s a
property is that in which the partners stipulation.
contribute all the property which actually
belongs to them to a common fund, with Art. 1780. A universal partnership of profits
the intention of dividing the same among comprises all that the partners may acquire
themselves, as well as all the profits they by their industry or work during
may acquire therewith. the existence of the partnership. Movable
or immovable property which each of the
Art. 1779. In a universal partnership of all partners may possess at the time of the
present property, the property which celebration of the contract shall continue to
belongs to each of the partners at the time pertain exclusively to each, only the
of the constitution of the partnership usufruct passing to the partnership.
becomes the common property of all the
partners, as well as all the profits which Universal partnership of profits explained
they may acquire there with. A stipulation A universal partnership of profits is one w/c
for the common enjoyment of any other comprises all that the partners may acquire
profits may also be made; but the property by their industry or work during the
which the partners may acquire existence of the partnership and the
subsequently by inheritance, legacy or usufruct of movable or immovable property
donation cannot be included in such w/c each of the partners may possess at the
stipulation, except the fruits thereof. time of the celebration of the contract.
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Art. 1782. Persons who are prohibited from Business of partnership need not be
giving each other any donation or continuing in nature
advantage cannot enter into a universal The carrying on of a business of a
partnership. Limitations upon the right to continuing nature is not essential to
form a partnership constitute a partnership. An agreement to
undertake a particular piece of work or a
Persons who are prohibited by law to give single transaction or a limited number of
donations cannot enter into a universal transactions and immediately divide the
partnership for the reason that each of the resulting profits would seemt o fall w/in the
partners virtually makes a donation. To meaning of the term “partnership” as used
allow it would be permitting them to do in the law.
indirectly what the law expressly prohibits.
A partnership formed in violation of this Rule under American law
article is null and void. Consequently, no The above is not true under the Uniform
legal personality is acquired. A husband and Partnership Act w/c does not include joint
wife, however, may enter into a particular ventures w/c exists for a single transaction
partnership or be members thereof. or a limited number of transactions.
Relevant provisions:
Joint venture
Art. 87: Donations between spouses during While a joint venture is not a formal
marriage void, except moderate gifts on partnership in the legal or technical sense,
occasion of family rejoicing. Also applies both are governed, subject to certain
to those living together as husband and qualifications, practically by the same rules
wife w/o valid marriage. or principles of partnership. This is logical
Art. 739: The following donations are void: since in a joint venture, like in
Those made between persons who are a partnership, there is a community of
guilty of adultery or concubinage at the interest in the business and a mutual right
time of the donation (no need for of control and an agreement to share jointly
conviction; preponderance of evidence only in profits and losses.
required);
Those made between persons found guilty Corporation as a partner
of the same criminal offense, While under the Philippine Civil Code, a
inconsideration thereof; joint venture is a form of partnership w/ a
c.)Those made to a public officer or his wife, legal personality separate and distinct from
descendants and ascendants, by reason of the parties composing it, and should thus
his office. be governed by the law of partnership,
the Supreme Court has recognized the
distinction between these two business
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forms, and has held that although a have contributed it up to actual delivery
corporation cannot enter into a partnership without necessity of any demand;
contract, it may, however, engage in a joint 4. Shall preserve said properties with the
venture if the nature of the venture is diligence of a good father of a family
authorized by its charter. pending their delivery to the
partnership;
Art. 1784. A partnership begins from the 5. And shall indemnify the partnership for
moment of the execution of the contract, any damage caused it by the retention
unless it is otherwise stipulated. (1679) of said properties or by the delay in
their contribution.
Art. 1785. When a contract for a fixed term
or particular undertaking is continued after Art. 1787. When the capital or part thereof
the termination of such term or particular which a partner is bound to contribute
undertaking without any express consists of goods, their appraisal must be
agreement, the rights and duties of the made in the manner prescribed in the
partners remains the same as they were at contract of partnership, and in the absence
such termination, so far as is consistent of stipulation, it shall be made by experts
with a partnership at will. chosen by the partners, and according to
current prices, the subsequent changes
A continuation of the business by the thereof being for the account of the
partners or such of them as habitually acted partnership.
therein during the term, without any
settlement or liquidation of the partnership Art. 1788. A partner who has undertaken to
affairs, is prima facie evidence of a contribute a sum of money and fails to do
continuation of the partnership. so becomes a debtor for the interest and
damages from the time he should have
Partnership at will is one in which no term complied with his obligation.
of existence has been fixed and which may
be terminated at the will of any partners. The same rule applies to any amount he
may have taken from the partnership
Art. 1786. Every partner is a debtor of the coffers, and his liability shall begin from the
partnership for whatever he may have time he converted the amount to is own
promised to contribute thereto. use.
He shall also be bound for warranty in case Liability of partner for estafa
of eviction with regard to specific and Failure to return the money taken, there is
determinate things which he may have the element of fraudulent appropriation of
contributed to the partnership, in the same the money delivered to a partner with
cases and in the same manner as the specific instructions for the use of the
vendor is bound with respect to the vendee. partnership, then estafa is committed under
He shall also be liable for the fruits thereof the Revised Penal Code.
from the time they should have been
delivered, without the need of any demand. Art. 1789. An industrial partner cannot
engage in any business for himself, UNLESS
Obligations of partners to contribute: the partnership expressly permits him to do
1. Shall deliver at the beginning of the so; and if he should do so, the capitalist
partnership or, if a different date has partners may either exclude him from the
been agreed upon, at the stipulated firm or avail themselves of the benefits
time the properties he agreed to which he may have obtained in violation of
contribute; this provision, with a right to damages in
2. Shall answer for eviction, in case the either case.
partnership is deprived of the
ownership of any specific property he Industrial partner is one who contributes
contributed; his industry or labor in the partnership.
3. Shall answer to the partnership for the
fruits of the properties whose delivery Industrial partner barred from engaging in
he delayed from the date he should business
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To prevent any conflict of interest between compensate them with the profits and
the industrial and the partnership, and to benefits which he may have earned for the
insure faithful compliance by said partner partnership by his industry. However, the
with his prestation. courts may equitably lessen this
responsibility if through the partner’s
Art. 1790. Unless there is a stipulation to extraordinary efforts in other activities of
the contrary, the partners shall contribute the partnership, unusual profits have been
equal shares to the capital of the realized.
partnership.
Partner liable for damages caused the
Art. 1791. If there is no agreement to the partnership
contrary, in case of an imminent loss of the Art. 1794 follows the general rule of
business of the partnership, any partner contracts that where a person is at fault in
who refuses to contribute an additional the fulfillment of his obligations he shall be
share to the capital, except an industrial liable for the payment of damages. The
partner, to save the venture, shall be partner’s fault, however, must be
obliged to sell his interest to the other determined in accordance with the
partners. circumstances of person, time and place.
Art. 1793. A partner who has received, in Risk of Specific and determinate things
whole or in part, his share of a partnership The risk of specific and determinate things
credit, when the other partners have not which are not fungible, like a boat, only the
collected theirs, shall be obliged, if the use of which is contributed, shall be borne
debtor should thereafter become insolvent, by the partner as the ownership thereof is
to bring to the partnership capital what he not transferred to the partnership. This
received even though he may have given follows the general rule that the thing
receipt for his share only. perished with the owner.
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(perishable) like wine, oil, etc., even if they also receive a share in the profits in
are contributed only for the use of the proportion to his capital.
partnership, the risk of loss shall be for the
account of the partnership for the latter Rules in profit sharing:
cannot make use of them without their 1. The partners share the profits in
getting consumed or presumed. accordance with the ratio established
by their contract.
Things contributed to be sold 2. If there is no such stipulation in the
If the things contributed are to be sold, the partnership contract, then:
partnership bears the risk of loss, for 1. If all are capitalist partners they
obviously the partnership is the intended have the profits in proportion to
owner; otherwise, the firm cannot make the their capital contributions;
sale. 2. If there are capitalist as well as
industrial partners, the industrial
Things brought and appraised in inventory partner get a share each that is
The partnership bears the risk of loss of just and equitable while the
things brought and appraised in the capitalist partners divide the
inventory as this has the effect of an implied remainder in proportion to their
sale thus making the partnership the owner capital contributions; and
of said things. 3. If there is a capitalist-industrial
partner, he gets a share in the
Art. 1796. The partnership shall be profits as an industrial partner and
responsible to every partner for the an additional share in proportion to
amounts he may have disbursed on behalf his capital contribution to be
of the partnership and for the determined as in (b), above.
corresponding interest, from the time the
expenses are made; it shall also answer to Rules in loss sharing:
each partner for the obligations he may 1. The stipulation in the partnership
have contracted in good faith in the interest agreement regarding loss sharing must
of the partnership business, and for the risk be followed.
inconsequence of its management. 2. If there is no such agreement, but the
contract provides for a profit sharing
Responsibility of the partnership to a ration, the profit sharing ratio shall also
partner be the loss sharing ration.
If a partner has advanced funds for the 3. In the absence of loss sharing and profit
partnership, he is entitled to recover the sharing stipulations in the contract,
amounts advanced by him with interest. then the loss shall be borne by the
This must be so for the reason that a partners in proportion to their capital
partner is a mere agent of the partnership contributions; but a purely industrial
and under the rules of agency, an agent partner is exempted from participation
who advances funds for his principal may in the loss.
recover the same interest.
Share of industrial partner in profits and
Art. 1797. The profits and losses shall be losses
distributed in conformity with the Unless agreed upon, the industrial partner
agreement. If only the share of each partner shall receive such share in the profits as
in the profits has been agreed upon, the may be just and equitable under the
share of each in the losses shall be in the circumstances. As for the losses, the
same proportion. industrial partner is not liable. However,
In the absence of stipulation, the share of under Art. 1816, if the partnership has a
each partner in the profits and losses shall contractual debt and it cannot pay, the
be in proportion to what he may have industrial partner equally with the capitalist
contributed, but the industrial partner shall partners, can be compelled by the creditor
not be liable for the losses. As for the to pay his pro rata share out of his own
profits, the industrial partner shall receive property or assets.
such share as may be just and equitable
under the circumstances. If besides his Art. 1798. If the partners have agreed to
services he has contributed capital, he shall entrust to a third person the designation of
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the share of each one in the profits and partner’s capital contribution.
losses, such designation may be impugned
only when it is manifestly inequitable. In no Appointed as manager after the
case may a partner who has begun to constitution of the partnership
execute the decision of the third person, or Partner appointed in arts of partnership
who has not impugned the same within a may execute all acts of administration
period of three months from the time he notwithstanding the opposition of the other
had knowledge thereof, complain of such partners, unless he should act in bad faith.
decision. His power is revocable only upon just and
lawful cause and upon the vote of the
The designation of profits and losses cannot partners representing the controlling
be entrusted to one of the partners. interest.
Reason: revocation represents change in
Reason for the provision terms of contract.
Admittedly, the designation of profits and In case of mismanagement: Usual remedies
losses cannot be entrusted to one of the allowed by law including dissolution.
partners as the fulfillment of a contract
cannot be left to one of the contracting Appointment as manager after the
parties. It may, however, be entrusted to a constitution of the partnership
third person by common interest. Appointment may be revoked at any time
for any cause what so ever.
Art. 1799. A stipulation which excludes one
or more partners from any share in the Reason: revocation not founded on a
profits or losses is void. change of will on the part of the partners.
Appointment not condition of contract. It is
Stipulation to exclude a partner from merely a simple contract of agency, which
profits and losses is void may be revoking at any time. It is believe
The law does not allow a provision in the that the vote for revocation must also
contract of partnership excluding one or represent the controlling interest.
more partners from sharing in the profits
and losses. The reason is that a partnership Scope of the power of the managing
is organized for the common benefit or partner
interest of the partners. General rule: partner appointed as manager
has all the powers of a general agent as well
Reason for exclusion of industrial partner as all the incidental powers necessary to
An industrial partner is not liable for losses carry out the object of the partnership in
because if the partnership fails to realize the transaction of its business.
any profits, the industrial partner would Exception: When powers of manager is
have contributed his labor in vain. specifically restricted. A managing partner
Furthermore, the industrial partner cannot may not bind the partnership by contract
withdraw the work already done by him for foreign to its business.
the partnership.
Compensation for service rendered
Art. 1800. The partner who has been Partner Generally not entitle to
appointed manager in the articles of the compensation, In the absence of an
partnership may execute all acts of the agreement to the contrary, each member of
administration despite the opposition of his the partnership assumes the duty to give his
partners, unless he should act in Bad faith., time, attention, and skill to the
and his powers is irrevocable without the management of its affairs, as may be
just or lawful cause. The vote of the reasonably necessary to the success of the
partners representing the controlling common enterprise; and for this service a
interest shall be necessary for such share of the profits is his only
revocation of power. A power granted after compensation. In managing partnership
the partnership has constituted may affairs, a partner is practically taking care of
revoked at any time. Each partner has a his own interest or managing his own
right to an equal voice in the conduct of the business. In the absence of any prohibition
partnership business. This right is not in the arts. Of partnership for the payment
dependent on the amount or size of the of salaries to general partners, there is
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Rules when manner of the management not become a member of the partnership,
that has not agreed upon all partners even if the other partners know about the
considered as managers and agents agreement. Not being a member of
All partners shall have equal rights in the the partnership, he does not acquire the
mgmt. and conduct of partnership affairs. rights of a partner nor is he liable for its
All of them shall considered mgrs. and debts.
agents and whatever any one of them may
do alone shall bind the partnership. If there Reason for the rule
is timely opposition, however, the matter Partnership is based on mutual trust and
shall decided by majority vote. In case confidence among the partners. Inclusion of
of tie, vote of partners representing new partner would be a modification of the
controlling interest. original contract of partnership requiring
unanimous consent of all the partners.
Unanimous consent required for alteration Prohibition applies even if person
of immovable property associated is already a partner.
The consent need not be express. It may
presume from the fact of knowledge of the Art. 1805. The partnership books shall be
alteration without interposing any kept, subject to any agreement between the
objection. Prohibition only applies partners, at the principal place of the
to immovable property because of the business of the partnership, and every
greater importance of this kind of property, partner shall at any reasonable hour have
and the alteration thereof must be access to and may inspect and copy any of
important. This would be an act of strict them.
dominion. If refusal to give consent is
manifestly prejudicial to the interest of Keeping of partnership books
the partnership, court intervention maybe Partner with duty to keep partnership
sought. Consent may presume from silence books
(lack of opposition despite knowledge).If The duty to keep true and correct books
alteration is necessary for preservation of showing the firm’s accounts, such books
the property, consent of the other partners being at all times open to inspection of all
not required. members of the firm, primarily rests on the
managing or active partner. It is presume
Art. 1804. Every partner may associate that the partners have knowledge of the
another person with him in his share, but contents of the partnership books and that
the associates shall not admitted into the said books state accurately the state
partnership without the consent of all other of accounts, but errors can corrected.
partners, even of the partner having an
associate should be a manager of Rights with the respect to partnership
subpartnership nature books
Books should kept at the principal place of
The partnership formed between a business as each partner has the right to
member of a partnership and a third free access to them and to inspect or copy
Person for a division of the profits coming to any of them at any reasonable time, even
him from the partnership enterprise is after dissolution. Inspection rights not
termed subpartnership. absolute can restrained from using info
It is a partnership within a partnership and for other than partnership purpose.
is distinct and separate from the main or
principal partnership. Access to partnership books
Rights can exercise at any reasonable hour.
This means reasonable hours on business
Right of the person associated with the
days throughout the year and not merely
partnership’s share
during some arbitrary period of a few days
Subpartnership agreements do not
chosen by the managing partners.
affect the composition, existence, or
operations of the firm. The subpartners are
Art. 1806. Partners shall render on demand
partners interest,
true and full information of all things
affecting the partnership to any partner or
However, in the absence of the mutual
the legal representative of any deceased
assent of all the parties, a subpartner does
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partner or of any partner under legal i.e. the winding up of partnership affairs
disability. Duty to render information, there is completed.
must be no concealment between partners
in all matters affecting the partnership. Duty to account for secret and similar
Information must use only for partnership profits
purpose. Not just on demand but partner The duty of a partner to account as a
also has duty of voluntary disclosure. fiduciary operates to prevent from making a
However, duty to render info does notarise secret profit out of the operation of the
with respect to matters appearing partnership and from carrying on the
in partnership books since each partner has business for his private advantage or
the right to inspect those. Good faith not a business in competition w/ the firm
only requires that a partner should not w/o consent of other partners. Violation
make a false statement but also that he may be ground for dissolution.
should abstain from any false concealment.
Duty to account for earnings accruing even
Art. 1807. Every partner must account the after termination of partnership
partnership for any benefit, and hold as If a partner uses info obtained by him from
trustee for it any profits derived from him the partnership for his own account w/o the
without the consent of the partners from consent of the other partners, he is liable to
any transaction connected with the account for any benefit he might obtain.
formation, conduct, or liquidation of the
partnership or from any use by him of his Duty to make full disclosure of information
property. belonging to partnership
A partner is also subject to the fiduciary
The relation between the partners duty of undivided loyalty and complete
is essentially fiduciary involving trust and disclosure of info of all things affecting the
confidence, each partner considered in law, partnership. By Information is meant
as he is, in fact, the confidential agent of the information, which can be used for the
others. The duties of a partner are purposes of the partnership. Info cannot
analogous to those of a trustee. use for a partner’s private gain – even if
after termination.
Duty to act for common benefit
Cannot use and apply exclusively to own Duty not to acquire interest or right
individual benefit partnership assets or adverse to partnership
results of knowledge and info gained in If partner does, he holds it in trust for the
character of partner. Managing partners benefit of the partnership and must account
particularly owe a fiduciary duty to inactive to the firm for the profits of the transaction,
partners. unless it appears that the others consented
Duty begins during the formation of Art. 1808. The Capitalist partners cannot
partnership engage for their own account in any
Principle of good faith applies not only operation, which is of the kind of business
during partnership but during the in which the partnership is engaged, unless
negotiations leading to the formation of the there is a stipulation to the contrary. Any
partnership. Also, a person who agreed w/ capitalist partner violating this prohibition
another to form a partnership has the shall bring to the common funds any profit
obligation to account for commissions and accruing to him from his transactions, and
discounts received in acquiring property for shall personally bear all the losses.
the future partnership.
Prohibition against partner engaging the
Duty continues even after the dissolution business
of the partnership Prohibition relative – Prohibition against
Duty of partner to act w/ utmost good faith capitalist partner to engage in business is
towards his co-partners continues relative, unlike the industrial partner who is
throughout the entire life of the partnership absolutely prohibited from engaging in any
even after dissolution for whatever reason business for himself. Capitalist partner is
or whatever means, until the relationship is only prohibited from engaging for his own
terminated, account in any operation which is the same
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2. If the right exists under the terms of any Partnership property and partnership
agreement; capital distinguished
Partnership Partnership
3. Provided by article 1807; property capital
Changes Variable: its Constant: it
4. Whenever other circumstances render value value may remains
it just and reasonable, Right of the vary from day unchanged
partner to a formal account. today w/ as the
changes in amount is fix
General rule: During existence of market value by
partnership, a partner is not entitled to a agreement
formal account of partnership affairs. of the
Reason: rights of partner amply protected in partners,
arts1805 and 1806. In addition, it would and is not
cause much inconvenience and unnecessary affected by
waste of time. fluctuations
in the value
Exception: In the special and unusual of the
situations enumerated under art. 1809. partnership
Right of partner to demand an accounting property,
w/o bringing about dissolution is although it
a necessary corollary to right to share in may be
profits. A formal account is a necessary increased
incident to the dissolution of the and
partnership. decreased by
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unanimous partners;
consent of
the partners. 2. A partner’s right in specific partnership
Assets Includes not The property is not assignable except in
Included only the aggregate connection with the assignment of rights of
original of the all the partners in the same property;
capital individual
contributions, contributions 3. A partner’s right in specific partnership
but also all made by the property is not subject to attachment or
property partners in execution, except on a claim against the
subsequently establishing partnership;
acquired or continuing
because of the 4. A partner’s right in specific partnership
the partnership. property is not subject to legal support
partnership under art. 291 nature of a partner’s right in
or w/ specific partnership property
partnership
funds, Art. 1811 contemplates tangible property
including but not intangible things. A partner is a co-
partnership owner w/ his partners of specific
name and partnership property, but the rules on co-
goodwill. ownership do not necessarily apply. The
legal incidents of this tenancy in partnership
Ownership of certain property are distinctively characteristic of the
Property use by the partnership – Where partnership relation. They are as follows:
there is no express agreement that property
used by a partnership constitutes Equal rights of possession - Ordinarily, a
partnership property, such use does not partner has an equal right to possess
make it partnership property, and whether specific partnership property for
it is so depends on the intention of the partnership purposes. None of the partner
parties, w/c may be shown by proving an scan possesses and uses the
express agreement or acts of particular specific partnership property other than for
conduct. The intent of the parties is the partnership purposes w/o the consent
controlling factor. of the other partners. Should any of them
Property acquired by a partner with use the property for his own benefit, he
partnership funds – Unless a contrary must account, like a stranger, to the others
intention appears, property acquired by a for the profits derived there from or the
partner in his own name w/ partnership value of his wrongful possession or
funds is partnership property. However, occupation. A partner wrongfully excluded
if the property was acquired after from possession of partnership property
dissolution but before the winding up of the by a co-partner has a right to formal
partnership affairs, it would be his separate account and may even apply for a
property but he would be liable to account judicial decree of dissolution. On the death
to the partnership for the funds used in its of a partner, his right in specific partnership
acquisition. property vests in the surviving partners. By
agreement, the right to possess specific
Art. 1811. A partner is co-owner with his partnership property may surrender. In the
partners of specific partnership property. absence of special agreement, however,
The incidents of this co-ownership are such neither partner separately owns, or has the
that; exclusive right of possession of any
partnership property or any proportional
1. A partner, subject to the provision of this part thereof. Each has dominion over
title and any agreement between the the entire partnership property. The
partner, has an equal right with his partners possession of partnership property by one
to possess specific partnership property for partner is the possession of all until his
partnership purposes; but he has no right to possession becomes adverse. A partner
possess such property for any other cannot initiate title by adverse possession
purpose without the consent of his until and unless he makes an adverse claim.
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his interest in the partnership to any of his preferred rights of the partnership creditors
co-partners or to a third Person irrespective on due application to a competent court by
of the consent of the other partners, in the any judgement creditor of the partner, the
absence of agreement to the contrary. court which entered the interest of the
debtor partner with payment of the
Rights withheld from assignee unsatisfied amount of such judgement debt
1. To interfere in the management. with the interest thereon; and may then or
2. To require any information or account. later appoint a receiver of his share of the
3. To inspect any of the partnership books. profits, and of any other money due or to
fall due to him in respect of the partnership,
No one can be compelled to be partners w/ and make all other orders, directions and
someone else. The assignment does not accounts and inquiries which the debtor
divest the assignor of his status and rights partner might have made, or which
as a partner nor operate as dissolution. circumstances of the case may require. The
The law, however, provides the non- interest charged may redeem at any time
assigning collaborates w/ a ground before foreclosure, or in any case of a sale
for dissolving the partnership if they being directed by the court, may be
so desire. purchase without thereby causing
dissolution:
Remedy of other partners
Dissolution of partnership not intended – 1. With separate property, by any one or
Many partnership agreements are made more of the partners;
merely as security for loans, the assigning
partner never intending to destroy the 2. With partnership property, by any one
partnership relation. If the assigning partner or more of the partners with the
neglects his duties after assignment, consent of all the partners a whose
the other partners may dissolve the interest are not so charged or sold,
partnership under art. 1830. nothing in this title shall be held to
Dissolution of partnership intended – A deprive a partner of his right, if any,
partner’s conveyance of his interest in the under the exemption laws, as regards
partnership operates as dissolution of the his interest in the partnership.
partnership only when it is clear that the
parties contemplated and intended the Application for a charging order after
entire withdrawal from the partnership of securing judgement on his credit
such partner and the termination of the While a separate creditor of a partner
partnership as between the partners. cannot attach or levy upon specific
partnership property for the satisfaction of
Rights of assignee of partner’s interest his credit because partnership assets are
1. To receive in accordance w/ his contract reserved for partnership creditors, he can
the profits accruing to the assigning secure a judgment on his credit and then
partner; apply to the proper court for a “charging
2. To avail himself of the usual remedies order”, subjecting the interest of the debtor
provided by law in the event of fraud in partner in the partnership w/ the payment
the management; of the unsatisfied amount of such judgment
3. To receive the assignor’s interest in case w/ interest thereon w/ the least
of dissolution; interference w/ the partnership business
4. To require an account of partnership and the rights of the other partners.
affairs, but only in case the partnership By virtue of the charging order, any amount
is dissolved, and such account shall or portion thereof w/c the partnership
cover the period from the date only of would otherwise pay to the debtor-partner
the last account agreed to by all should instead be given to the judgment
partners. The purchaser of a partner’s creditor. This remedy, however, is w/o
interest may apply to the court for prejudice to the preferred rights of
dissolution after the termination of the partnership creditors whose claims should
specified term or undertaking or at any be satisfied first.
time if the partnership is one at will.
Availability of other remedies
Art. 1814. Without prejudice to the Art. 1814 have made this an exclusive
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remedy so that a writ of execution will not synonymous with “company,” “house,” and
be proper. However, if the judgment debt “concern.”
remains unsatisfied, the court may resort to
other courses of action notwithstanding the Importance of having a firm name
issuance of the charging order. A partnership must have a firm name under
which it will operate. A firm name is
Redemption or purchase of interest necessary to distinguish the partnership,
charged which has a distinct and separate juridical
Redemptioner – The interest of the debtor- personality from the individuals composing
partner so charged may be redeemed or the partnership and from other
purchased w/ the separate property of any partnerships and entities.
one or more of the partners, or w/
partnership property but w/ the consent of Right of the partners to choose firm name
all the partners whose interests are not so The partners enjoy the utmost freedom in
charged or sold. the selection of the partnership name.
As a general rule, they may adopt any firm
Redemption Price – The value of name desired.
the partner’s interest in the partnership has
no bearing on the redemption price w/c is Use of misleading name – The partners
likely to be lower since it will be dependent cannot use a name that is identical or
on the amount of the unsatisfied judgment deceptively confusingly similar to that
debt. of any existing partnership or corporation or
to any other name already protected by law
Right of redeeming non-debtor partner – or is patently deceptive, confusing or
There deeming non-debtor partner does contrary to existing laws, as to mislead the
not acquire absolute ownership over the public by passing itself off as another
debtor-partner’s interest but holds it in partnership or corporation, or its goods or
trust for him consistent w/ principles of services as those of such other company.
fiduciary relationship.
Liability inclusion of name in the firm name
Rights of partner under exemption laws – Persons who, not being partners, include
A partner cannot claim any right under the their names in the firm name do not acquire
homestead laws or exemption laws when the rights of a partner but shall be subject
specific partnership property is attached for to the liability of a partner insofar as 3rd
partnership debt. W/ respect, however, to Persons without notice are concerned. Such
the partner’s interest in the partnership as persons become partners by estoppel. Art.
distinguished from his interest in specific 1815 does not cover the case of a limited
partnership property, the partner may avail partner who allows his name to be included
himself of the exemption laws after in the firm name, orof a person continuing
partnership debts have been paid. A the business of a partnership after
partner’s interest or share in the dissolution, who uses the name of the
partnership property is really his property. dissolved partnership or the name of
a deceased partner as part thereof.
Art. 1815. Every partnership shall operate
under a firm name, which may or may not Art. 1816. All partners, including industrial
include the name of one or more of the ones, shall be liable pro rata with all their
partners, those who, not being members of property and after all the partnership assets
the partnership, include their names in the have been exhausted, for the contracts
firm name, shall be subject to liability of a which may be entered into in the name and
partner for the account of the partnership, under its
signature and by a person authorized to act
Requirement of the firm name for the partnership. However, any partner
Meaning of word “firm” – The name, title, may enter into a separate obligation to
or style under which a company transacts perform a partnership contract.
business; a partnership of two or more
persons; a commercial house. In its Article 1816 distinguished from article
common acceptation, the term implies a 1787
partnership. The term is also used as
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Article 1816 applies in cases where third Art. 1818. Every partner is an agent of the
party creditors are concerned as it falls partnership for the purpose of its business,
under the heading of section 3. “Obligations and the act of every partner, including the
of the Partners with Regard to Third execution in the partnership name of any
Persons.” Article 1797 applies only where instrument, for apparently carrying on in
the issue is among the partners as it falls the usual way the business of the
under the heading of Section 1, Chapter 2, partnership of which he is a member binds
which states: “Obligations of the Partners the partnership, unless the partner so
Among Themselves.” The pro rata liability acting has in fact no authority to act for the
of partners to third persons under Article partnership in the particular matter, and
1816 being a clear mandate of the law, any the person with whom he is dealing has
stipulation changing or modifying such knowledge of the fact that he has no
liability is void except as among the such liability.
partners.
An act of a partner which is not apparently
Refers to partnership obligations for the carrying on of business of the
Article 1816 which refers to the payment of partnership in the usual way does not bind
partnership obligations arising from the partnership unless authorized by the
contracts clearly imposes subsidiary and other partners.
joint (pro rata) liability for contractual debts
owing to third persons upon all the Except when authorized by the other
partners, including industrial partners who partners or unless they have abandoned the
ordinarily are not liable for losses. The business, one or more but less than all the
liability is subsidiary because the partners partners have no authority to:
cannot be made answerable with their
separate property unless the partnership 1. Assign the partnership property in trust
property has first been exhausted. for creditors or on the assignee’s
promise to pay the debts of the
Pro rata liability – Literally, pro rata liability partnership.
means proportionate distribution of
liability. In the law of obligations, the 2. Dispose of the goodwill of the business.
concurrence of two or more debtors in one
and the same obligation makes it prima 3. Do any other act which would make it
facie a joint (pro rata) obligation, and the impossible to carry on the ordinary
debts is presumed divided into as many business of a partnership.
equal shares as there are debtors and each
one of them is bound to pay only his share. 4. Confess a judgment.
Art. 1817. Any stipulation against the 5. Enter into a compromise concerning a
liability laid down in the preceding article partnership claim or liability.
shall be void, except as among the partners.
6. Submit a partnership claim or liability to
Industrial partner cannot exempt himself
arbitration.
from liability to third persons
Each one of the industrial partners is liable
to third persons for the debts of the firm 7. Renounce a claim of the partnership.
and if he has paid such debts out of his
private property during the life of the No act of a partner in contravention of a
partnership, when its affairs are settled he restriction on authority shall bind the
is entitled to credit for the amount so paid, partnership to persons having knowledge of
and if its results that there is not enough the restriction.
property in the partnership to pay him, then
the capitalist partners must pay him. Our Art. 1819. Where title to real property is in
conclusion is that neither on principle nor the partnership name, any partner may
on authority can the industrial partner be convey title to such property by a
relieved from liability to third persons for conveyance executed in the partnership
the debts of the partnership. name; but the partnership may recover
such property unless the partner's act binds
the partnership under the provisions of the
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first paragraph of article 1818, or unless partnership, except in the case of fraud on
such property has been conveyed by the the partnership, committed by or with the
grantee or a person claiming through such consent of that partner.
grantee to a holder for value without
knowledge that the partner, in making the Notice to partner is notice to partnership
conveyance, has exceeded his authority. Clearly a third person desiring to give notice
to a partnership of some matter pertaining
Where title to real property is in the name to the partnership business need not
of the partnership, a conveyance executed communicate with all of the partners. If
by a partner, in his own name, passes the notice is delivered to a partner, that is an
equitable interest of the partnership, effective communication to the partnership.
provided the act is one within the authority
of the partner under the provisions of the Knowledge before becoming partner
first paragraph of Article 1818. Where the knowledge or notice had been
received by the partner before he became a
Where title to real property is in the name partner, and his partners are ignorant of
of one or more but not all the partners, and this, and he is not the partner acting in the
the record does not disclose the right of the particular matter, there is no doubt that
partnership, the partners in whose name there has been neither knowledge of nor
the title stands may convey title to such notice to the partnership.
property, but the partnership may recover
such property if the partners’ act does not Art. 1822. Where, by any wrongful act
bind the partnership under the provisions or omission of any partner acting in the
of the first paragraph of Article 1818, unless ordinary course of the business of the
the purchaser or his assignee, is a holder for partnership or with the authority of co-
value, without knowledge. partners, loss or injury is caused to any
person, not being a partner in the
Where the title to real property is in the partnership, or any penalty is incurred, the
name of one or more or all the partners, or partnership is liable therefor to the same
in a third person in trust for the extent as the partner so acting or omitting
partnership, a conveyance executed by a to act.
partner in the partnership name, or in his
own name, passes the equitable interest of Partner liable for wrongful act of a partner
the partnership, provided the act is one The partners are liable for the negligent
within the authority of the partner under operation of a vehicle by a partner, acting in
the provisions of the first paragraph of the course of business, which results in a
Article 1818. traffic accident.
Art. 1821. Notice to any partner of any Art. 1823. The partnership is bound to
matter relating to partnership affairs, and make good the loss:
the knowledge of the partner acting in the
particular matter, acquired while a partner 1. Where one partner acting within the
or then present to his mind, and the scope of his apparent authority receives
knowledge of any other partner who money or property of a third person
reasonably could and should have and misapplies it.
communicated it to the acting partner,
operate as notice to or knowledge of the
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2. Where the partnership in the course of and if he has made such representation or
its business receives money or property consented to its being made in a public
of a third person and the money or manner he is liable to such person, whether
property so received is misapplied by the representation has or has not been
any partner while it is in the custody of made or communicated to such person so
the partnership. giving credit by or with the knowledge of
the apparent partner making the
Partnership bound by partner’s breach of representation or consenting to its being
trust made:
The partnership is liable for the conversion
(misappropriation) of money or property 1. When a partnership liability results, he
entrusted to the partnership by a third is liable as though he were an actual
person. The effect under Article 1824 is the member of the partnership.
same whether by the partnership and
subsequently misappropriated by a partner. 2. When no partnership liability results, he
is liable pro rata with the other persons,
Art. 1824. All partners are liable solidarily if any, so consenting to the contract or
with the partnership for everything representation as to incur liability,
chargeable to the partnership under otherwise separately.
Articles 1822 and 1823.
When a person has been thus represented
Law imposes solidary liability to be a partner in an existing partnership, or
The law imposes solidary liability upon the with one or more persons not actual
partners and the partnership in cases of partners, he is an agent of the persons
torts and acts of conversion by a partner as consenting to such representation to bind
provided in Art. 1824. It may be stated that them to the same extent and in the same
the liability of a partner for a debt of the manner as though he were a partner in fact,
partnership depends upon whether the with respect to persons who rely upon the
debts is contractual or it arises from tort or representation. When all the members of
conversion. If it arises from contract, the the existing partnership consent to the
liability is subsidiary and pro rata; if it arises representation, a partnership act or
from tort or conversion, the liability is obligation results; but in all other cases it is
solidary. the joint act or obligation of the person
acting and the persons consenting to the
Business partners solidarily liable representation.
Arts. 1711 and 1712 of the New Civil Code
and Sec. 2 of the Workmen’s Compensation Estoppel – A preclusion, in law, which
Act reasonably indicate that in prevents a man from alleging or denying a
compensation cases, the liability of business fact, in consequence of his own previous
partners should be merely joint and not act, allegation, or denial of a contrary tenor.
solidary, and one of them happens to be
insolvent, the amount awarded to the Person bound by his representation
dependents of the deceased employee A person who hold himself out as a partner
would only be partially satisfied, which is in a business, or consents to his being so
evidently contrary to the intent and held out, is liable on contracts made with
purpose of the law to give full protection to third persons who deal with the persons
the employee. carrying on the business on the faith of the
representation. He is stopped to deny the
Art. 1825. When a person, by words spoken apparent agency.
or written or by conduct, represents
himself, or consents to another Art. 1826. A person admitted as a partner
representing him to anyone, as a partner in into an existing partnership is liable for all
an existing partnership or with one or more the obligations of the partnership arising
persons not actual partners, he is liable to before his admission as though he had been
any such persons to whom such a partner when such obligations were
representation has been made, who has, on incurred, except that this liability shall be
the faith of such representation, given satisfied only out of partnership property,
credit to the actual or apparent partnership, unless there is a stipulation to the contrary.
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Incoming partner liable for existing b. By the express will of any partner,
obligations who must act in good faith, when
A newly admitted partner is liable for no definite term or particular is
obligations of the partnership at the time of specified.
his admission. The obligation of the
incoming partner shall be satisfied only out c. By the express will of all the
of partnership property. This is not a harsh partners who have not assigned
rule because the incoming partner their interests or suffered them to
“partakes of the benefit of the partnership be charged for their separate debts,
property, and an established business. He either before or after the
has every means of obtaining full termination of any specified term or
knowledge of protecting himself, because particular undertaking.
he may insist on the liquidation or
settlement of existing partnership debts. On d. By the expulsion of any partner
the other hand, the creditors have no from the business bona fide in
means of protecting themselves. accordance with such a power
conferred by the agreement
Art. 1827. The creditors of the partnership between the partners
shall be preferred to those of each partner
as regards the partnership property. 2. In contravention of the agreement
Without prejudice to this right, the private between the partners, where the
creditors of each partner may ask the circumstances do not permit a
attachment and public sale of the share of dissolution under any other provision of
the latter in the partnership assets. this article, by the express will of any
partner at any time.
Art. 1828. The dissolution of a partnership
is the change in the relation of the partners 3. By any event which makes it unlawful
caused by any partner ceasing to be for the business of the partnership to
associated in the carrying on as be carried on or for the members to
distinguished from the winding up of the carry it on in partnership.
business.
4. When a specific thing which a partner
Art. 1829. On dissolution the partnership is
had promised to contribute to the
not terminated, but continues until the
partnership, perishes before the
winding up of partnership affairs is
delivery; in any case by the loss of the
completed.
thing, when the partner who
contributed it having reserved the
“Dissolution,” “Winding up,” and
ownership thereof, has only transferred
“Termination” explained
to the partnership the use or enjoyment
Dissolution, winding up, and termination
of the same; but the partnership shall
should not be confused because they are
not be dissolved by the loss of the thing
distinct terms in law. Dissolution
when it occurs after the partnership has
“designates the point in time when the
acquired the ownership thereof.
partners cease to carry on the business
together: termination is the point in time
when all partnership affairs are wound up; 5. By the death of any partner.
winding up is the process of settling
partnership affairs after dissolution.” 6. By the insolvency of any partner or of
the partnership.
Art. 1830. Dissolution is caused:
7. By the civil interdiction of any partner.
1. Without violation of the agreement
between the partners: 8. By decree of court under the following
article.
a. By the termination of the definite
term or particular undertaking Causes of dissolution in general
specified in the agreement. Generally, a partnership may be dissolved
by causes: (1) without violation of the
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2. A partner becomes in any other way 2. With respect to persons not partners,
incapable of performing his part of the as declared in article 1834.
partnership contract.
General Rule
3. A partner has been guilty of such If the cause of dissolution is not by act,
conduct as tends to affect prejudicially death, or insolvency of a partner, the
the carrying on of the business. authority ceases immediately.
Exception
4. A partner willfully or persistently For the purposes of winding-up partnership
commits a breach of the partnership affairs.
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Art. 1836. Unless otherwise agreed, the b. The right, as against each partner
partners who have not wrongfully dissolved who has caused the dissolution
the partnership or the legal representative wrongfully, to damages breach of
of the last surviving partner, not insolvent, the agreement.
has the right to wind up the partnership
affairs, provided, however, that any 2. The partners who have not caused the
partner, his legal representative or his dissolution wrongfully, if they all desire
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3. A partner who has caused the Art. 1838. Where a partnership contract is
dissolution wrongfully shall have: rescinded on the ground of the fraud or
misrepresentation of one of the parties
a. If the business is not continued thereto, the party entitled to rescind is,
under the provisions of the second without prejudice to any other right,
paragraph, No. 2, all the rights of a entitled:
partner under the first paragraph,
subject to liability for damages in 1. To a lien on, or right of retention of, the
the second paragraph, No. 1 (b), of surplus of the partnership property
this article. after satisfying the partnership
liabilities to third persons for any sum
b. If the business is continued under of money paid by him for the purchase
the second paragraph, No. 2, of this of an interest in the partnership and for
article, the right as against his co- any capital or advances contributed by
partners and all claiming through him.
them in respect of their interests in
the partnership, to have the value 2. To stand, after all liabilities to third
of his interest in the partnership, persons have been satisfied, in the
less any damage caused to his co- place of the creditors of the partnership
partners by the dissolution, for any payments made by him in
ascertained and paid to him in cash, respect of the partnership liabilities.
or the payment secured by a bond
approved by the court, and to be 3. To be indemnified by the person guilty
released from all existing liabilities of the fraud or making the
of the partnership; but in representation against all debts and
ascertaining the value of the liabilities of the partnership.
partner's interest the value of the
good-will of the business shall not Right of partner to rescind contract of
be considered. partnership
If one is induced by fraud or
Rights of partners upon dissolution misrepresentation to become a partner, the
1. Dissolution is caused without violation contract is voidable. If the contract is
of the agreement. annulled, the injured party is entitled to
2. In contravention of the agreement. restitution. Here, the fraud or
misrepresentation vitiates consent.
If partnership is dissolved without However, until the partnership contract is
violation of the agreement annulled by a proper action in court, the
1. All partners may have the property sold partnership relations exist and
for payment of partnership liabilities. the defrauded partner is liable for all
2. If there is surplus, after paying the obligations to third persons.
liabilities of the firm, it shall be given in 1. Right of injured partner where
cash to the partners. partnership contract rescinded
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3. When any partner retires or dies and The use by the person or partnership
the business of the dissolved continuing the business of the partnership
partnership is continued as set forth in name, or the name of a deceased partner as
Nos. 1 and 2 of this article, with the part thereof, shall not of itself make the
consent of the retired partners or the individual property of the deceased partner
representative of the deceased liable for any debts contracted by such
partner, but without any assignment of person or partnership.
his right in partnership property.
Dissolution of a partnership by change of
4. When all the partners or their members
representatives assign their rights in Causes
partnership property to one or more 1. New partner is admitted
third persons who promise to pay the 2. Partner retires
debts and who continue the business 3. Partner dies
of the dissolved partnership. 4. Partner withdraws
5. Partner is expelled from partnership
5. When any partner wrongfully causes a 6. Other partners assign their rights
dissolution and the remaining partners to sole remaining partner
continue the business under the 7. All the partners assign their rights in
provisions of article 1837, second partnership property to third persons.
paragraph, No. 2, either alone or with *Any change in membership dissolves a
others, and without liquidation of the partnership and creates a new one
partnership affairs. *When a business of a dissolved
partnership is continued by former or
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without new partners, the old creditors are person or partnership continuing the
creditors of the person or partnership that business, at the date of dissolution, in the
is continuing the business. absence of any agreement to the contrary.
Art. 1841. When any partner retires or dies, Right to demand an accounting of
and the business is continued under any of partnership affairs must be directed
the conditions set forth in the preceding against
article, or in article 1837, second paragraph, 1. Winding-up partners
No. 2, without any settlement of accounts 2. Surviving partners
as between him or his estate and the 3. The person the partnership continuing
person or partnership continuing the the business
business, unless otherwise agreed, he or his
legal representative as against such person Art. 1843. A limited partnership is one
or partnership may have the value of his formed by two or more persons under the
interest at the date of dissolution provisions of the following article, having as
ascertained, and shall receive as an ordinary members one or more general partners and
creditor an amount equal to the value of his one or more limited partners. The limited
interest in the dissolved partnership with partners as such shall not be bound by the
interest, or, at his option or at the option of obligations of the partnership.
his legal representative, in lieu of interest,
the profits attributable to the use of his General partner Limited partner
right in the property of the dissolved Personally liable for Liability extends
partnership; Provided, That the creditors of partnership only to his capital
the dissolved partnership as against the obligations contribution.
separate creditors, or the representative of Have equal right in No share in
the retired or deceased partner, shall have management of management of
priority on any claim arising under this partnership partnership.
article, as provided article 1840, third May contribute May contribute
paragraph. money, property or money and property
industry
Rights of retiring of properties of Proper party to Not proper party to
deceased, partner when business proceedings proceedings
continued Interest cannot be Interest is assignable
To have the value of the interest of assigned to make with assignee
the retiring partner or deceased partner in new partner acquiring all rights of
the partnership determined as of the date the limited partner
of dissolution. His name may Name not included
appear in the firm in firm name
To receive thereafter, as an ordinary name
creditor, an amount equal to the value of Prohibited from No prohibition
his share in the dissolved partnership with engaging in a
interest, or, at his option, in place of business like
interest, the profits attributable to the use partnership’s
of his right. His retirement, His retirement,
insolvency and insolvency and
General Rule death dissolves the death does not
When partner retires from the partnership, partnership dissolve the
he is entitled to the payment of what may partnership
be due to him after liquidation.
Exception Characteristics of limited partnership
No liquidation needed when there is 1. Must be formed in accordance with the
settlement as to what retiring partner shall requirements of the law.
receive. 2. There must be one or more general
partners who control the management
Art. 1842. The right to an account of his of the business.
interest shall accrue to any partner, or his 3. There must be one or more limited
legal representative as against the winding partners contributing to the capital and
up partners or the surviving partners or the
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sharing in the profits but have nothing l. The right, if given, of one or more of
to do with the management. the limited partners to priority over
4. Obligations of the partnership must be other limited partners, as to
paid out of common fund and in the contributions or as to
separate properties of the general compensation by way of income,
partners. and the nature of such priority.
Art. 1844. Two or more persons desiring to m. The right, if given, of the remaining
form a limited partnership shall: general partner or partners to
continue the business on the death,
1. Sign and swear to a certificate, which retirement, civil interdiction,
shall state — insanity or insolvency of a general
partner.
a. The name of the partnership,
adding thereto the word "Limited". n. The right, if given, of a limited
partner to demand and receive
b. The character of the business. property other than cash in return
for his contribution.
c. The location of the principal place
of business. 2. File for record the certificate in the
Office of the Securities and Exchange
d. The name and place of residence of Commission.
each member, general and limited
partners being respectively A limited partnership is formed if there has
designated. been substantial compliance in good faith
with the foregoing requirements.
e. The term for which the partnership
is to exist. Qualifications of limited partnership
f. The amount of cash and a 1. The partners must sign and swear to a
description of and the agreed value certificate of limited partnership
of the other property contributed 2. Must file for record the certificate in
by each limited partner. the office of the Securities and
Exchange Commission
g. The additional contributions, if any,
to be made by each limited partner Art. 1845. The contributions of a limited
and the times at which or events on partner may be cash or property, but not
the happening of which they shall services.
be made.
Limited partners can only contribute money
h. The time, if agreed upon, when the and property and cannot contribute
contribution of each limited partner services to the partnership to protect
is to be returned. persons dealing with the firms with frauds.
i. The share of the profits or the other Art. 1846. The surname of a limited partner
compensation by way of income shall not appear in the partnership name
which each limited partner shall unless:
receive by reason of his
contribution. 1. It is also the surname of a general
partner.
j. The right, if given, of a limited
partner to substitute an assignee as 2. Prior to the time when the limited
contributor in his place, and the partner became such, the business has
terms and conditions of the been carried on under a name in which
substitution. his surname appeared.
k. The right, if given, of the partners to A limited partner whose surname appears
admit additional limited partners. in a partnership name contrary to the
provisions of the first paragraph is liable as
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ART. 1855. Where there are several limited the return of the contribution or for the
partners the members may agree that one dissolution of the partnership.
or more of the limited partners shall have a
priority over other limited partners as to In the absence of any statement in the
the return of their contributions, as to their certificate to the contrary or the consent of
compensation by way of income, or as to all members, a limited partner, irrespective
any other matter. If such an agreement is of the nature of his contribution, has only
made it shall be states in the certificate, and the right to demand and receive cash in
in the absence of such a statement all the return for his contribution.
limited partners shall stand upon equal
footing. A limited partner may have the partnership
dissolved and its affairs wound up when:
ART. 1856. A limited partner may receive
from the partnership the share of the 1. He rightfully but unsuccessfully
profits or the compensation by way of demands the return of his contribution.
income stipulated for in the certificate;
provided, that after such payment is made, 2. The other liabilities of the partnership
whether from the property of the have not been paid, or the partnership
partnership or that of a general partner, the property is insufficient for their
partnership assets are in excess of all payment as required by the first
liabilities of the partnership except liabilities paragraph, No. 1, and the limited
to limited partners on account of their partner would otherwise be entitled to
contributions and to general partners. the return of his contribution.
ART. 1857. A limited partner shall not Conditions of a limited partner entitled to
receive from a general partner or out of return of his contribution
partnership property any part of his 1. All liabilities of the partnership have
contributions until: been paid or there are assets sufficient
to pay partnership liabilities.
1. All liabilities of the partnership, except 2. The consent of all the partners is
liabilities to general partners and to obtained.
limited partners on account of their 3. The certificate is cancelled or so
contributions, have been paid or there amended as to set forth the withdrawal
remains property of the partnership or reduction of the contribution.
sufficient to pay them.
When limited partner may demand return
2. The consent of all members is had, 1. The partnership is dissolved
unless the return of the contribution 2. The date specified for its return has
may be rightfully demanded under the arrived
provisions of the second paragraph. 3. If no term is specified, after six months’
notice in writing to all other partners.
3. The certificate is cancelled or so
amended as to set forth the withdrawal Limited partner to receive cash
or reduction. It will be noted that the limited partner has
a right to demand and receive cash only in
Subject to the provisions of the first return for his contribution even when he
paragraph, a limited partner may rightfully contributed property.
demand the return of his contribution:
ART. 1858. A limited partner is liable to the
1. On the dissolution of a partnership. partnership:
2. When the date specified in the 1. For the difference between his
certificate for its return has arrived. contribution as actually made and that
stated in the certificate as having been
3. After he has given six months’ notice in made.
writing to all other members, if no time
is specified in the certificate, either for 2. For any unpaid contribution which he
agreed in the certificate to make in the
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future at the time and on the return of his contribution, to which his
conditions stated in the certificate. assignor would otherwise be entitled.
A limited partner holds a trustee for the An assignee shall have the right to become
partnership: a substituted partner if all the members
1. Specific property stated in the consent thereto or if the assignor, being
certificate as contributed by him, but thereunto empowered by the certificate,
which was not contributed or which has gives the assignee that right.
been wrongfully returned.
An assignee becomes a substituted limited
2. Money or other property wrongfully partner when the certificate is
paid or conveyed to him on account of appropriately amended in accordance with
his contribution. Article 1865.
The liabilities of a limited partners as set The substituted limited partner has all the
forth in this article can be waived or rights and powers, and is subject to all the
compromised only by the consent of all restrictions and liabilities of his assignor,
members; but a waiver or compromise shall except those liabilities of which he was
not affect the right of a creditor of a ignorant at the time he became a limited
partnership who extended credit or whose partner and which could not be ascertained
claim arose after the filling and before a for the certificate.
cancellation or amendment of the
certificate, to enforce such liabilities. The substitution of the assignee as a limited
partner does not release the assignor from
When a contributor has rightfully received liability to the partnership, under article
the return in whole or in part of the capital 1847 and 1858.
of his contribution, he is nevertheless liable
to the partnership for any sum, not in Limited partner’s interest assignable
excess of such return with interest, A limited partner’s interest in the
necessary to discharge its liabilities to all partnership is assignable. The assignee,
creditors who extended credit or whose
however, of a limited partner’s interest
claims arose before such return.
does not necessarily become a substituted
Limited partner liable to partnership for limited partner.
sum returned
A limited partner whose contribution has ART. 1860. The retirement, death,
been rightfully returned is still liable to the insolvency, insanity or civil interdiction of a
partnership for an amount not in excess of general partner dissolves the partnership,
the sum returned plus interest as may be unless the business is continued by the
necessary to pay the claims of persons who remaining general partners:
extended credit or whose claims arose
before the return. 1. Under a right so to do stated in the
certificate.
ART. 1859. A limited partner’s interest is
assignable. 2. With the consent of all members.
A substitute limited partner is a person It must be observed that the death, etc., of
admitted to all the rights of a limited a general partner dissolves the partnership
partner who has died or has assigned his while the death of a limited partner does
interest in a partnership. not cause the dissolution of the firm, unless
there is only one limited partner.
An assignee, who does not become a
substituted limited partner, has no right to ART. 1861. On the death of a limited
require any information or account of the partner his executor or administrator shall
partnership transactions or to inspect the have all the rights of a limited partner for
partnership books; he is only entitled to the purpose of settling his estate, and such
receive the share of the profits or other power as the deceased had to constitute his
compensation by way of income, or the assignee a substituted limited partner.
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