This document is the table of contents for a compilation of answers to bar examination questions in mercantile law from 1990 to 2006. It lists 104 topics related to various areas of mercantile law, including banking law, corporation law, bulk sales law, and dividends, along with the page numbers for the answers provided for each topic. The answers were compiled by law students and aim to provide a deeper understanding of issues covered in the Philippine Bar Examinations.
This document is the table of contents for a compilation of answers to bar examination questions in mercantile law from 1990 to 2006. It lists 104 topics related to various areas of mercantile law, including banking law, corporation law, bulk sales law, and dividends, along with the page numbers for the answers provided for each topic. The answers were compiled by law students and aim to provide a deeper understanding of issues covered in the Philippine Bar Examinations.
This document is the table of contents for a compilation of answers to bar examination questions in mercantile law from 1990 to 2006. It lists 104 topics related to various areas of mercantile law, including banking law, corporation law, bulk sales law, and dividends, along with the page numbers for the answers provided for each topic. The answers were compiled by law students and aim to provide a deeper understanding of issues covered in the Philippine Bar Examinations.
This document is the table of contents for a compilation of answers to bar examination questions in mercantile law from 1990 to 2006. It lists 104 topics related to various areas of mercantile law, including banking law, corporation law, bulk sales law, and dividends, along with the page numbers for the answers provided for each topic. The answers were compiled by law students and aim to provide a deeper understanding of issues covered in the Philippine Bar Examinations.
Download as RTF, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
Download as rtf, pdf, or txt
You are on page 1of 201
At a glance
Powered by AI
The key takeaways are that this document contains answers to bar examination questions in mercantile law arranged by topic from 1990-2006. It covers various topics related to commercial transactions, banking law, and other areas of mercantile law.
The purpose of this document is to provide a deeper understanding of issues touched by the Philippine Bar Examinations and its trends. It is intended to help law students, especially those from provinces, understand these issues.
Some of the topics related to banking law that are discussed include the applicability of foreign currency deposit acts and secrecy of bank deposits, classifications of banks, insolvency requirements, restrictions on loan accommodations, and secrecy of bank deposits.
Page 1 of 103 Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006)
Version 1990-2006 U pdated by
Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 ANSWERS TO BAR EXAMINATION QUESTIONS IN MERCANTILE LAW ARRANGED BY TOPIC (1990 2006) E dited and Arranged by: Silliman University College o La! "at#$ 2005 U%&ate& 'y( )on&ee )* "AR+Reta,e 200- From the ANSWERS TO BAR EXAMINATION QUESTIONS b the U! "AW #OM!"EX $ !%I"I!!INE ASSO#IATION OF "AW S#%OO"S 200& June 27, 2007 F O R E W A R D This work is no inen!e! "or s#$e or %o&&er%e' This work is "reew#re' I &#( )e "ree$( %o*ie! #n! !isri)ue!' I is *ri&#ri$( inen!e! "or #$$ hose who !esire o h#+e # !ee*er un!ers#n!in, o" he issues ou%he! )( he Phi$i**ine B#r E-#&in#ions #n! is ren!' I is s*e%i#$$( inen!e! "or $#w su!ens "ro& he *ro+in%es who, +er( o"en, #re re%i*iens o" !e$i)er#e$( !isore! noes "ro& oher uns%ru*u$ous $#w s%hoo$s #n! su!ens' .h#re o ohers his work #n! (ou wi$$ )e ri%h$( rew#r!e! )( Go! in he#+en' I is #$so +er( ,oo! k#r&#' We wou$! $ike o seek he in!u$,en%e o" he re#!er "or so&e B#r /uesions whi%h #re i&*ro*er$( %$#ssi"ie! un!er # o*i% #n! "or so&e o*i%s whi%h #re i&*ro*er$( or i,nor#n$( *hr#se!, "or he #uhors #re 0us B#r Re+iewees who h#+e *re*#re! his work whi$e re+iewin, "or he B#r E-#&s un!er i&e %onsr#ins #n! wihin heir $i&ie! know$e!,e o" he $#w' We wou$! $ike o seek he re#!er1s in!u$,en%e "or # $o o" (*o,r#*hi%#$ errors in his work' The Auhors Ju$( 22, 2003 4*!#e!5 June 27, 2007 TA"LE ./ C.NTENTS 0 General Principles of Mercantile Law''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''408H408H62 1H1HCommercial Transaction (2003) 409H409H62 2H2HJoint Account (2000) 410H410H62 3H3HJoint Account vs. Partnership (2000) 411H411H62 4H4HTheory of Cognition vs. Theory of Manifestation (!!") 412H412H62 5H5H"an,ing La!'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''413H413H62 6H6HBanks: Applicability: Foreign Currency Deposit Act & Secrecy of Bank Deposits !""#$ 414H414H62 7H7HBanks: Collateral Security !""!$ 415H415H62 8H8HBanks: Secrecy of Bank Deposits% Garnis&'ent !""($ 416H416H67 9H9HBanks% Classifications of Banks !""!$ 417H417H67 10H10HBanks% Conser)ator )s* +ecei)er !"",$ 418H418H67 11H11HBanks% Diligence +e-uire. /00!$ 419H419H68 12H12HBanks% 1nsol)ency% Pro&ibite. 2ransactions !"""$ 420H420H68 13H13HBanks% 1nsol)ency% +e-uire'ents /003$ 421H421H68 14H14HBanks% +estrictions on Loan Acco''o.ations !""!$ 422H422H68 15H15HBanks% +estrictions on Loan Acco''o.ations !"",$ 423H423H63 16H16HBanks% Safety Deposit Bo4% Liability 424H424H63 17H17HBanks% Secrecy of Bank Deposit% AMLC !"",$ 425H425H63 18H18HBanks% Secrecy of Bank Deposit% 54ceptions !"",$ 426H426H62 19H19HBanks% Secrecy of Bank Deposits /00"$ 427H427H62 20H20HBanks% Secrecy of Bank Deposits /00/$ 428H428H62 21H21HBanks% Secrecy of Bank Deposits /00!$ 429H429H67 22H22HBanks% Secrecy of Bank Deposits /00($ 430H430H67 23H23HBanks% Secrecy of Bank Deposits /00#$ 431H431H67 24H24HBanks% Secrecy of Bank Deposits /006$ 432H432H67 25H25HBanks% Secrecy of Bank Deposits !"""$ 433H433H69 26H26HBanks% Secrecy of Bank Deposits% 54ceptions !""($ 434H434H69 27H27HBanks% Secrecy of Bank Deposits% Garnis&'ent !""/$ 435H435H69 28H28HBSP% +ecei)ers&ip% 7uris.iction /00!$ 436H436H69 29H29HLegal 2en.er !"""$ 437H437H6: 30H30HPD1C Law )s* Secrecy of Bank Deposits Act /003$ 438H438H6: 31H31H+esponsibilities & 8b9ecti)es of BSP /006$ 439H439H6: 32H32H2rut& in Len.ing Act /00/$ 440H440H6: 33H33H2rut& in Len.ing Act !"""$ 441H441H6: 34H34H"0l, Sales La! ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''442H442H20 35H35HBulk Sales Law% Co)ere. 2ransactions /00($ 443H443H20 36H36HBulk Sales Law% Co)ere. 2ransactions !"""$ 444H444H20 37H37HBulk Sales Law% Co)ere. 2ransactions !"",$ 445H445H20 38H38HBulk Sales Law% 54clusions /00:$ 446H446H20 39H39HBulk Sales Law% 8bligation of t&e ;en.or /00#$ 447H447H26 40H40HBulk Sales Law% 8bligation of t&e ;en.or /003$ 448H448H26 41H41HBulk Sales Law% 8bligation of t&e ;en.or !""/$ 449H449H26 42H42HCons0mer 1rote#tion La! ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''450H450H26 43H43HMetric Syste' Law /00($ 451H451H26 44H44HCor%oration La!''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''452H452H22 45H45HB8D: 5lection of Aliens as 'e'bers !""#$ 453H453H22 46H46HB8D% Capacity of Directors /00,$ 454H454H22 47H47HB8D% Co'pensation /00/$ 455H455H22 48H48HB8D% Conflict of 1nterest /00($ 456H456H22 49H49HB8D% 1nterlocking Directors /00#$ 457H457H22 50H50HB8D% 1nterlocking Directors /00,$ 458H458H27 51H51H#y$%a&s' (ali)ity' limiting *ualifications of #+, mem-ers (!!.) 459H459H27 52H52HBy<Laws% ;ali.ity% li'iting -ualifications of B8D 'e'bers !"""$ 460H460H27 53H53HBy<Laws% ;ali.ity% li'iting -ualifications of B8D 'e'bers !""/$ 461H461H27 54H54HBy<Laws% ;ali.ity% li'iting -ualifications of B8D 'e'bers !"":$ 462H462H28 55H55HClose Corporations% Dea.locks /00#$ 463H463H28 56H56HClose) Corporation' /estriction' Transfer of shares (!!0) 464H464H28 57H57HContro)ersy% 1ntra<Corporate /00($ 465H465H23 58H58HContro)ersy% 1ntra<Corporate /00,$ 466H466H23 59H59HContro)ersy% 1ntra<Corporate /00,$ 467H467H23 60H60HContro)ersy% 1ntra<Corporate !"",$ 468H468H23 61H61HContro)ersy% 1ntra<corporate% 7uris.iction /003$ 469H469H23 62H62HCorporation Sole% Definition !""($ 470H470H22 63H63HCorporation1 2ssuance of shares of stoc3 to pay for the services (2004) 471H471H22 64H64HCorporation: +ig&t of +epurc&ase of S&ares% 2rust Fun. Doctrine !""#$ 472H472H22 65H65HCorporation: Sole Proprietors&ip !""($ 473H473H22 66H66HCorporation% Articles of 1ncorporation /00"$ 474H474H22 67H67HCorporation% Bulk Sales Law !""#$ 475H475H27 68H68HCorporation% By<laws !""/$ 476H476H29 69H69HCorporation' Commencement' Corporate 56istence (2003) 477H477H29 70H70HCorporation% Con)ersion of Stock Corporation !""/$ 478H478H29 71H71HCorporation% De Facto Corporation /00($ 479H479H29 72H72HCorporation' ,issolution' Metho)s of %i*ui)ation (200) 480H480H29 73H73HCorporation% 1ncorporation% +e-uire'ents !"",$ 481H481H29 74H74HCorporation% 1ncorporation% +e-uisites !""!$ 482H482H2: 75H75HCorporation% Meetings% B8D & Stock&ol.ers /00:$ 483H483H2: 76H76HCorporation% =ationality of Corporation /006$ 484H484H2: 77H77HCorporation% =on<Stock Corporation /00:$ 485H485H2: 78H78HCorporation' Po&er to 2nvest Corporate 7un)s for other Purpose (!!4) 486H486H70 79H79HCorporation% Power to 1n)est Corporate Fun.s in anot&er Corporation /00,$ 487H487H70 80H80HCorporation% +eco)ery of Moral Da'ages /006$ 488H488H70 81H81HCorporation% Separate 7uri.ical Personality /00#$ 489H489H76 82H82HCorporation% Separate 7uri.ical Personality /00,$ 490H490H76 83H83HCorporation% Separate 7uri.ical Personality /00,$ 491H491H76 84H84HCorporation% Separate 7uri.ical Personality /000$ 492H492H76 85H85HCorporation% Separate 7uri.ical Personality !"""$ 493H493H72 86H86HCorporation% Separate 7uri.ical Personality !"""$ 494H494H72 87H87HCorporation% Set<8ff% >npai. Subscription /00($ 495H495H72 88H88HCorporation% Stock Corporation !""/$ 496H496H72 89H89HCorporation% ;ali.ity of Corporate Acts /006$ 497H497H77 90H90HCorporation% ;ali.ity of Corporate Acts !""!$ 498H498H77 91H91HCorporation% ;oluntary Dissolution !""!$ 499H499H77 92H92HCorporation% ;oting 2rust Agree'ent /00!$ 500H500H77 93H93HDeri)ati)e Suit: +e-uisites !""($ 501H501H78 94H94HDeri)ati)e Suit: ?atere. Stock /00:$ 502H502H78 95H95H,erivative 8uit' Close Corporation' Corporate +pportunity (2004) 503H503H78 96H96HDeri)ati)e Suit% Minority Stock&ol.er !"":$ 504H504H73 97H97H,istinction1 ,e facto Corporation vs. Corporation -y 5stoppel (2000) 505H505H73 98H98HDistinction: Di)i.en.s )s* Profit: Cas& Di)i.en. )s* Stock Di)i.en. !""#$ 506H506H73 99H99HDistinction% Pri)ate )s* Public Corporation !""($ 507H507H73 100H100HDistinction% Stock )s* =on<Stock Corporation !""($ 508H508H72 101H101HDi)i.en.s: Declaration of Di)i.en.s !""#$ 509H509H72 102H102HDi)i.en.s: Sources of Di)i.en.s% 2rust Fun. Doctrine !""#$ 510H510H72 103H103HDi)i.en.s% Declaration of Di)i.en.s /00"$ 511H511H72 104H104HDi)i.en.s% Declaration of Di)i.en.s /00/$ 512H512H72 105H105HDi)i.en.s% Declaration of Di)i.en.s !""/$ 513H513H72 106H106HDi)i.en.s% +ig&t% Managing Corporation /00/$ 514H514H77 107H107HDoctrine of Corporate 8pportunity !""#$ 515H515H77 108H108H5ffect: 54piration of Corporate 2er' !""($ 516H516H77 109H109H5ffects% Merger of Corporations /000$ 517H517H77 110H110H5ffects% ?in.ing >p Perio. of a Corporation /003$ 518H518H79 111H111H5ffects% ?in.ing >p Perio. of a Corporation !"""$ 519H519H79 112H112H7oreign Corporation' 9,oing #usiness: in the Philippines (!!.) 520H520H79 113H113HForeign Corporation% @Doing BusinessA in t&e P&ilippines% Acts or Acti)ities !""!$ 521H521H79 114H114HForeign Corporation% @Doing BusinessA in t&e P&ilippines% 2est !""!$ 522H522H7: 115H115H7oint ;enture% Corporation /00,$ 523H523H7: 116H116HLiabilities% B8D% Corporate Acts /00,$ 524H524H7: 117H117HLiabilities% Stock&ol.ersB DirectorsB 8fficers /003$ 525H525H7: 118H118HPiercing t&e Corporate ;eil /00($ 526H526H7: 119H119HPiercing t&e Corporate ;eil /00,$ 527H527H80 120H120HPiercing t&e Corporate ;eil !""/$ 528H528H80 121H121HPiercing t&e Corporate ;eil !""($ 529H529H80 122H122HPiercing t&e Corporate ;eil !"",$ 530H530H80 123H123HPre<e'pti)e +ig&t !""/$ 531H531H80 124H124HPre<5'pti)e +ig&t )s* Appraisal +ig&t /000$ 532H532H86 125H125HS5C% 7uris.iction% 2ransferre. 7uris.iction /00,$ 533H533H86 126H126HStock&ol.er% Delin-uent% >npai. Subscription /003$ 534H534H86 127H127HStock&ol.ers: Pree'pti)e +ig&t !""($ 535H535H82 128H128HStock&ol.ers% Appraisal +ig&t !"":$ 536H536H82 129H129HStock&ol.ers% +e'o)al of 8fficers & B8D !""/$ 537H537H82 130H130HStock&ol.ers% +e'o)al% Minority Director /00/$ 538H538H82 131H131HStock&ol.ers% +ig&ts /00,$ 539H539H82 132H132HStock&ol.ers% ;oting Power of Stock&ol.ers /00"$ 540H540H82 133H133HStocks% 1ncrease of Capital Stock !""/$ 541H541H82 134H134HStocks% SaleB 2ransfer of Certificates of Stock /00,$ 542H542H87 135H135HStocks% SaleB 2ransfer of Certificates of Stock !""/$ 543H543H87 136H136HStocks% SaleB 2ransfer of Certificates of Stock !""($ 544H544H87 137H137H2rust Fun. Doctrine /00!$ 545H545H87 138H138H2rust Fun. Doctrine% 1ntra<Corporate Contro)ersy /00/$ 546H546H87 139H139HCre&it Transa#tions ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''547H547H88 140H140HC&attel Mortgage )s* After<1ncurre. 8bligations /00/$ 548H548H88 141H141HC&attel Mortgage )s* After<1ncurre. 8bligations /000$ 549H549H88 142H142HC&attel Mortgage% Foreclosure /003$ 550H550H88 143H143HC&attel Mortgage% 8wners&ip of 2&ing Mortgage. /00"$ 551H551H83 144H144HCre.it 2ransactions /000$ 552H552H83 145H145HMortgage /000$ 553H553H83 146H146HMortgage )s* Le)y !"":$ 554H554H82 147H147HMortgage% 54tra9u.icial Foreclose !"",$ 555H555H82 148H148HMortgage% Foreclosure !"":$ 556H556H82 149H149HMortgage% Foreclosure !"":$ 557H557H82 150H150HMortgage% Foreclosure of 1'pro)e'ents /000$ 558H558H82 151H151HMortgage' 7oreclosure' 5ffect of mere ta3ing -y cre)itor$mortgagor of property (!!2) 559H559H87 152H152HMortgage' /e)emption Perio)' 7oreclose) Property (2002) 560H560H87 153H153HMortgage% +e'e.ies !"":$ 561H561H89 154H154HPreference of Cre.its !""!$ 562H562H89 155H155HPro'issory =ote: Liability !""/$ 563H563H89 156H156H+e'e.ies% A)ailable to Mortgagee<Cre.itor /00,$ 564H564H89 157H157H+e'e.ies% A)ailable to Mortgagee<Cre.itor !""/$ 565H565H8: 158H158H+e'e.ies% Secure. Debt /00/$ 566H566H8: 159H159HIns0ran#e La!''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''567H567H8: 160H160HBeneficiary: 5ffects: 1rre)ocable Beneficiary !""#$ 568H568H8: 161H161HBeneficiary: +ig&ts% 1rre)ocable Beneficiary !""#$ 569H569H30 162H162HBeneficiary% Life 1nsurance% Pro&ibite. Beneficiaries /006$ 570H570H30 163H163HConceal'ent% Material Conceal'ent !""/$ 571H571H30 164H164HConcealment' Material Concealment1 2ncontesta-ility Clause (!!0) 572H572H30 165H165HConceal'ent% Material Conceal'ent: 1ncontestability Clause /00,$ 573H573H30 166H166HConceal'ent% Material Conceal'ent: 1ncontestability Clause /003$ 574H574H36 167H167HConceal'ent% Material Conceal'ent% 1ncontestability Clause /00/$ 575H575H36 168H168HConceal'ent% Material Conceal'ent% 1ncontestability Clause /006$ 576H576H36 169H169H1nsurable 1nterest: Bank Deposit !"""$ 577H577H36 170H170H1nsurable 1nterest: Public 5ne'y !"""$ 578H578H32 171H171H1nsurable 1nterest: Separate 1nsurable 1nterest /000$ 579H579H32 172H172H1nsurable 1nterest% 5-uitable 1nterest /00/$ 580H580H32 173H173H1nsurable 1nterest% Life )s* Property 1nsurance /003$ 581H581H32 174H174H1nsurable 1nterest% Life )s* Property 1nsurance !"""$ 582H582H32 175H175H1nsurable 1nterest% Life )s* Property 1nsurance !""!$ 583H583H37 176H176H1nsurable 1nterest% Property 1nsurance /00($ 584H584H37 177H177H1nsurable 1nterest% Property 1nsurance !""/$ 585H585H37 178H178H1nsurance% Cas& & Carry Basis !"":$ 586H586H37 179H179H1nsurance% Co<1nsurance )s* +e<1nsurance /00($ 587H587H37 180H180H1nsurance% Double 1nsurance !""#$ 588H588H38 181H181H1nsurance% Double 1nsurance% effect /00:$ 589H589H38 182H182H2nsurance' 5ffects' Payment of Premiums -y 2nstallment (200;) 590H590H38 183H183H1nsurance% Life 1nsurance% Assign'ent of Policy /00/$ 591H591H38 184H184H1nsurance% Perfection of 1nsurance Contracts !"":$ 592H592H38 185H185H1nsurance% Property 1nsurance% Prescription of Clai's /00,$ 593H593H38 186H186H1nsurance% +eturn of Pre'iu's !"""$ 594H594H33 187H187H1nsure.% Acci.ent Policy !""($ 595H595H33 188H188H1nsure.% Acci.ent )s* Suici.e /00"$ 596H596H33 189H189H1nsure.% Acci.ent )s* Suici.e /00:$ 597H597H32 190H190H1nsure.% Acci.ent )s* Suici.e /00#$ 598H598H32 191H191H1nsurer: 5ffects: Se)eral 1nsurers !""#$ 599H599H32 192H192H1nsurer% :r. Party Liability /00,$ 600H600H32 193H193H1nsurer% :r. Party Liability !"""$ 601H601H37 194H194H1nsurer% :r. Party Liability% =o Fault 1n.e'nity /00($ 602H602H37 195H195H1nsurer% :r. Party Liability% Cuitclai' /00($ 603H603H37 196H196H1nsurer% Aut&oriDe. Dri)er Clause /00/$ 604H604H37 197H197H1nsurer% Aut&oriDe. Dri)er Clause !"":$ 605H605H37 198H198H1nsurer% Aut&oriDe. Dri)er Clause% )e&icle is stolen /00:$ 606H606H39 199H199H1nsurer% Group 1nsurance% 5'ployer<Policy Eol.er !"""$ 607H607H39 200H200H1nsurer% Liability of t&e 1nsurers /00"$ 608H608H39 201H201HLoss: Actual 2otal Loss /00,$ 609H609H3: 202H202HLoss: Constructi)e 2otal Loss !""#$ 610H610H3: 203H203HLoss: 2otal Loss 8nly /00!$ 611H611H3: 204H204HMarine 1nsurance% 1'plie. ?arranties !"""$ 612H612H20 205H205HMarine 2nsurance' Peril of the 8hip vs. Peril of the 8ea (!!.) 613H613H20 206H206HMutual 1nsurance Co'pany% =ature & Definition !"",$ 614H614H20 207H207HIntelle#t0al 1ro%erty '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''615H615H20 208H208HCopyrig&t /00#$ 616H616H20 209H209HCopyrig&t% Co''issione. Artist /00#$ 617H617H20 210H210HCopyrig&t% Co''issione. Artist !""($ 618H618H20 211H211HCopyrig&t% 1nfringe'ent /00($ 619H619H20 212H212HCopyrig&t% 1nfringe'ent /003$ 620H620H26 213H213HCopyrig&t% 1nfringe'ent /006$ 621H621H26 214H214HCopyrig&t% 1nfringe'ent !"",$ 622H622H26 215H215HCopyrig&t% P&otocopy% w&en allowe. /006$ 623H623H26 216H216H1nfringe'ent )s* >nfair Co'petition /00,$ 624H624H26 217H217H1nfringe'ent )s* >nfair Co'petition !"":$ 625H625H26 218H218H1nfringe'ent% 7uris.iction !"":$ 626H626H26 219H219HPatent% =on<Patentable 1n)entions !"",$ 627H627H26 220H220HPatents: Gas<Sa)ing De)ice: first to file rule !""#$ 628H628H22 221H221HPatents: 1nfringe'ent% +e'e.ies & Defenses /00:$ 629H629H22 222H222HPatents% 1nfringe'ent /00!$ 630H630H22 223H223HPatents% +ig&ts o)er t&e 1n)ention /00"$ 631H631H27 224H224H2ra.e'ark /00"$ 632H632H27 225H225H2ra.e'ark /00($ 633H633H27 226H226H2ra.e'arkB 2est of Do'inancy /00,$ 634H634H27 227H227H2ra.e'ark% 1nfringe'ent /00/$ 635H635H27 228H228H2ra.e'ark% 2est of Do'inancy /00,$ 636H636H28 229H229H2ra.ena'e: 1nternational Affiliation !""#$ 637H637H28 230H230HInsolven#y 2 Cor%orate Re#overy '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''638H638H28 231H231H1nsol)ency )s* Suspension of Pay'ent /006$ 639H639H28 232H232H1nsol)ency: ;oluntary 1nsol)ency !""#$ 640H640H28 233H233H1nsol)ency% Assets )s* Liabilities /006$ 641H641H23 234H234H1nsol)ency% Assignees /00,$ 642H642H23 235H235H1nsol)ency% 5ffect% Declaration of 1nsol)ency /00/$ 643H643H23 236H236H1nsol)ency% Frau.ulent Pay'ent !""!$ 644H644H23 237H237H1nsol)ency% 7uris.iction% Sole Proprietors&ip /00"$ 645H645H22 238H238H1nsol)ency% obligations t&at sur)i)e /003$ 646H646H22 239H239H1nsol)ency% ;oluntary 1nsol)ency Procee.ing /00/$ 647H647H22 240H240H1nsol)ency% ;oluntary )s* 1n)oluntary Sol)ency /00#$ 648H648H22 241H241HLaw on Corporate +eco)ery !"":$ 649H649H27 242H242H+e&abilitation% Stay 8r.er !"",$ 650H650H27 243H243HSuspension of Pay'ent )s* 1nsol)ency /00#$ 651H651H27 244H244HSuspension of Pay'ents )s* Stay 8r.er !"":$ 652H652H27 245H245HSuspension of Pay'ents% +e&abilitation +ecei)er /000$ 653H653H27 246H246HSuspension of Pay'ents% +e'e.ies !"":$ 654H654H29 247H247HLetters o Cre&it ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''655H655H29 248H248HLetter of Cre.it: Mortgage !""#$ 656H656H29 249H249HLetter of Cre.it% Certification fro' Consignee /00:$ 657H657H29 250H250H%etters of Cre)it' %ia-ility of a confirming an) notifying -an3 (!!0) 658H658H2: 251H251HLetters of Cre.it% Liability of a =otifying Bank !"":$ 659H659H2: 252H252HLetters of Cre.it% 2&ree Distinct Contract +elations&ips !""!$ 660H660H2: 253H253HMaritime Commer#e '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''661H661H2: 254H254HA)erage% Particular A)erage )s* General A)erage !"":$ 662H662H2: 255H255HBotto'ry /00($ 663H663H70 256H256HCarriage of Goo.s: De)iation: Liability !""#$ 664H664H70 257H257HCarriage of Goo.s% De)iation% ?&en Proper !""#$ 665H665H70 258H258HCarriage of Goo.s% 54ercise 54traor.inary Diligence !""#$ 666H666H70 259H259HC&arter Party /00/$ 667H667H70 260H260HC&arter Party !""($ 668H668H76 261H261HC8GSA: Prescription of Clai'sFActions !""($ 669H669H76 262H262HC8GSA% Prescription of Clai's /00!$ 670H670H76 263H263HC8GSA% Prescription of Clai's !"""$ 671H671H72 264H264HC8GSA% Prescripti)e Perio. /00#$ 672H672H72 265H265HDoctrine of 1nscrutable Fault /00#$ 673H673H72 266H266HDoctrine of 1nscrutable Fault /003$ 674H674H72 267H267HDoctrine of 1nscrutable Fault /006$ 675H675H72 268H268HLi'ite. Liability +ule /00($ 676H676H72 269H269HLi'ite. Liability +ule /003$ 677H677H72 270H270HLi'ite. Liability +ule /000$ 678H678H72 271H271HLi'ite. Liability +ule !"""$ 679H679H77 272H272HLi'ite. Liability +ule% Doctrine of 1nscrutable Fault /00/$ 680H680H77 273H273HLi'ite. Liability +ule% General A)erage Loss !"""$ 681H681H77 274H274HLi'ite. Liability +ule% General A)erage Loss !"""$ 682H682H77 275H275HNationali3e& A#tivities or Un&erta,ings ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''683H683H78 276H276H=ationaliDe. Acti)ities or >n.ertakings /00:$ 684H684H78 277H277H=ationaliDe. Acti)ities or >n.ertakings /00($ 685H685H78 278H278H=ationaliDe. Acti)ities or >n.ertakings /00#$ 686H686H73 279H279H+etail 2ra.e Law /00"$ 687H687H73 280H280H+etail 2ra.e Law /00/$ 688H688H73 281H281H+etail 2ra.e Law /00!$ 689H689H73 282H282H/etail Tra)e %a& (!!3) 690H690H72 283H283H+etail 2ra.e Law /00,$ 691H691H72 284H284H+etail 2ra.e Law /00,$ 692H692H72 285H285H+etail 2ra.e Law% Consign'ent /00/$ 693H693H72 286H286HNegotia'le Instr0ments La! ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''694H694H72 287H287H#on)1 Cash #on) vs. 8urety #on) (2000) 695H695H72 288H288HC&ecks: Crosse. C&ecks !""#$ 696H696H77 289H289HC&ecks: Crosse. C&ecks )s* Cancelle. C&ecks !""($ 697H697H77 290H290HC&ecks% Crosse. C&eck /00/$ 698H698H77 291H291HC&ecks% Crosse. C&eck /00($ 699H699H77 292H292HC&ecks% Crosse. C&eck /00#$ 700H700H79 293H293HC&ecks% Crosse. C&eck /00,$ 701H701H79 294H294HC&ecks% Crosse. C&eck /00,$ 702H702H79 295H295HC&ecks% 5ffect% Acceptance by t&e .rawee bank /006$ 703H703H79 296H296HC&ecks% 5ffects% Alterations% Prescripti)e Perio. /00,$ 704H704H79 297H297HC&ecks% Forge. C&eck% 5ffects !"",$ 705H705H7: 298H298HC&ecks% Liability% Drawee Bank /00#$ 706H706H90 299H299HC&ecks% Material Alterations% Liability /000$ 707H707H90 300H300HC&ecks% Present'ent /00($ 708H708H90 301H301HC&ecks% Present'ent !"":$ 709H709H90 302H302HC&ecks% ;ali.ity% ?ai)er of BankGs liability for negligence /00/$ 710H710H90 303H303HDefenses% Forgery !""($ 711H711H96 304H304HForgery% Liabilities% Prior & Subse-uent Parties /00"$ 712H712H96 305H305HForgery% Liabilities% Prior & Subse-uent Parties /00#$ 713H713H96 306H306H1nco'plete & Deli)ere. !""($ 714H714H92 307H307H1nco'plete an. Deli)ere. !""#$ 715H715H92 308H308H1nco'plete 1nstru'ents% 1nco'plete Deli)ere. 1nstru'ents )s* 1nco'plete >n.eli)ere. 1nstru'ent !"",$ 716H716H92 309H309H1n.orser: 1rregular 1n.orser )s* General 1n.orser !""#$ 717H717H92 310H310H=egotiability /00:$ 718H718H92 311H311H=egotiability !""!$ 719H719H97 312H312H=egotiability% Eol.er in Due Course /00!$ 720H720H97 313H313H=egotiability% +e-uisites !"""$ 721H721H97 314H314H=egotiable 1nstru'ent: A'biguous 1nstru'ents /006$ 722H722H98 315H315H=egotiable 1nstru'ent: Definition & C&aracteristics !""#$ 723H723H98 316H316H=egotiable 1nstru'ent: 1.entification !""#$ 724H724H98 317H317H=egotiable 1nstru'ent: =egotiable Docu'ent )s* =egotiable 1nstru'ent !""#$ 725H725H93 318H318H=egotiable 1nstru'ent% =egotiability /003$ 726H726H93 319H319H=egotiable 1nstru'ents% Bearer 1nstru'ent /006$ 727H727H93 320H320H=egotiable 1nstru'ents% Bearer 1nstru'ents /003$ 728H728H93 321H321H=egotiable 1nstru'ents% bearer instru'ents% liabilities of 'aker an. in.orsers !""/$ 729H729H93 322H322H=egotiable 1nstru'ents% inco'plete an. un.eli)ere. instru'ents% &ol.er in .ue course !"""$ 730H730H92 323H323H=egotiable 1nstru'ents% 1nco'plete Deli)ere. 1nstru'ents% Co'parati)e =egligence /003$ 731H731H92 324H324H=egotiable 1nstru'ents% kin.s of negotiable instru'ent% wor.s of negotiability !""!$ 732H732H92 325H325H=egotiable 1nstru'ents% +e-uisites /00,$ 733H733H97 326H326H=otice Dis&onor /00,$ 734H734H97 327H327HParties% Acco''o.ation Party /00"$ 735H735H97 328H328HParties% Acco''o.ation Party /00/$ 736H736H97 329H329HParties% Acco''o.ation Party /00,$ 737H737H97 330H330HParties% Acco''o.ation Party /006$ 738H738H97 331H331HParties% Acco''o.ation Party !"":$ 739H739H99 332H332HParties% Acco''o.ation Party !"":$ 740H740H99 333H333HParties% Acco''o.ation Party !""#$ 741H741H99 334H334HParties% Eol.er in Due Course /00:$ 742H742H99 335H335HParties% Eol.er in Due Course /00,$ 743H743H99 336H336HParties% Eol.er in Due Course /00,$ 744H744H99 337H337HParties% Eol.er in Due Course /006$ 745H745H9: 338H338HParties% Eol.er in Due Course% 1n.orse'ent in blank !""!$ 746H746H9: 339H339HPlace of Pay'ent !"""$ 747H747H9: 340H340H10'li# Servi#e La! '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''748H748H9: 341H341HCertificate of public Con)enience /006$ 749H749H9: 342H342HCertificate of Pu-lic Convenience' insepara-ility of certificate an) vessel (!!2) 750H750H:0 343H343HCertificate of Public Con)enience% +e-uire'ents /00#$ 751H751H:0 344H344HPowers of t&e Public Ser)ice Co''ission /00:$ 752H752H:0 345H345HPublic utilities !"""$ 753H753H:0 346H346H+e)ocation of Certificate /00:$ 754H754H:6 347H347H+e)ocation of Certificate /00:$ 755H755H:6 348H348HSe#0rities Reg0lation ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''756H756H:6 349H349H1nsi.er !""($ 757H757H:6 350H350H1nsi.er 2ra.ing /00#$ 758H758H:6 351H351H1nsi.er 2ra.ing% Manipulati)e Practices /00($ 759H759H:2 352H352HManipulati)e Practices !""/$ 760H760H:2 353H353HSecurities +egulation Co.e% Purpose /006$ 761H761H:2 354H354HSecurities% Definition /00,$ 762H762H:2 355H355HSecurities% Selling of Securities% Meaning !""!$ 763H763H:2 356H356H2en.er 8ffer !""!$ 764H764H:7 357H357HTrans%ortation La! ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''765H765H:7 358H358HBoun.ary Syste' !""#$ 766H766H:7 359H359HCarriage' #reach of Contract' Presumption of <egligence (!!0) 767H767H:7 360H360HCarriage% Breac& of Contract% Presu'ption of =egligence /003$ 768H768H:7 361H361HCarriage% Fortuitous 5)ent /00#$ 769H769H:7 362H362HCarriage' %ia-ility' %ost #aggage or Acts of Passengers (!!") 770H770H:8 363H363HCarriage% Pro&ibite. & ;ali. Stipulations !""!$ 771H771H:8 364H364HCarriage% ;aluation of Da'age. Cargo /00:$ 772H772H:8 365H365HCo''on Carrier /00,$ 773H773H:8 366H366HCo''on Carrier% Breac& of Contract% Da'ages !"":$ 774H774H:8 367H367HCo''on Carrier% Defenses !""!$ 775H775H:3 368H368HCo''on Carrier% Defenses% Fortuitous 5)ents /00($ 776H776H:3 369H369HCo''on Carrier% Defenses% Li'itation of Liability /006$ 777H777H:3 370H370HCo''on Carrier% Defenses% Li'itation of Liability !""/$ 778H778H:3 371H371HCo''on Carrier% Duration of Liability /00,$ 779H779H:3 372H372HCommon Carrier' ,uty to 56amine #aggages' /ail&ay an) Airline (!!2) 780H780H:2 373H373HCo''on Carrier% 2est /00,$ 781H781H:2 374H374HCo''on Carriers% Defenses /00,$ 782H782H:2 375H375HCo''on Carriers% Liability for Loss /00/$ 783H783H:2 376H376HCo''on )s* Pri)ate Carrier% Defenses !""!$ 784H784H:7 377H377HHabit Syste' !""#$ 785H785H:7 378H378HHabit Syste'% Agent of t&e +egistere. 8wner !""#$ 786H786H:7 379H379HMariti'e Co''erce% Bareboat !"":$ 787H787H:7 380H380HPrior 8perator +ule !"":$ 788H788H:7 381H381H+egistere. 8wner% Conclusi)e Presu'ption /00"$ 789H789H:9 382H382H2rans<S&ip'ent% Bill of La.ing% bin.ing contract /00:$ 790H790H:9 383H383HTr0st Re#ei%ts La!'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''791H791H:9 384H384H2rust +eceipts Law% Acts & 8'issions% Co)ere. !"",$ 792H792H:9 385H385H2rust +eceipts Law% Liability for estafa /00/$ 793H793H:: 386H386H2rust +eceipts Law% Liability for 5stafa /003$ 794H794H:: 387H387H2rusts +eceipt Law !"":$ 795H795H:: 388H388HUs0ry La! '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''796H796H:: 389H389H>sury Law /00$ 797H797H:: 390H390HWare$o0se Re#ei%ts La! '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''798H798H600 391H391HBill of La.ing /006$ 799H799H600 392H392HDeli)ery of Goo.s% +e-uisites /006$ 800H800H600 393H393HDeli)ery of t&e Goo.s /00/$ 801H801H600 394H394HGarnis&'ent or Attac&'ent of Goo.s /000$ 802H802H600 395H395H=egotiable Docu'ents of 2itle /00!$ 803H803H600 396H396H8wners&ip of Goo.s Store. /00!$ 804H804H606 397H397H+ig&t to t&e Goo.s !""#$ 805H805H606 398H398H>npai. Seller% =egotiation of t&e +eceipt /00:$ 806H806H606 399H399H(ali)ity of stipulations e6cusing &arehouseman from negligence (2000) 807H807H606 400H400HMis#ellaneo0s ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''808H808H602 401H401H5nergy +egulatory Co''ission: 7uris.iction & Power !""($ 809H809H602 402H402HFour AC1D Proble's of P&ilippine 7u.iciary !"",$ 810H810H602 403H403H=overnment ,eregulation vs. Privati>ation of an 2n)ustry (2000) 811H811H602 404H404HPolitical Law% ?28 /000$ 812H812H602 405H405HPower of t&e State: +egulating of Do'estic 2ra.e !""($ 813H813H607 406H406H2ariff an. Custo's Co.e: ;iolation of Custo's Laws !""($ 814H814H607 4eneral 1rin#i%les o Mer#antile La! Commercial Transaction (2003) What do you understand by the term commercial transaction? Is it essential that at least one party to a contract be a merchant in order to consider such a commercial transaction? (4%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: A Commercial transaction is defned as ...... It is not essential that at least one party to the commercial transaction be a merchant. What is essential is that the transaction eince an intent to en!a!e in commerce or trade. Joint Account (2000) What is a "oint account? (#%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: A "oint account is a transaction o$ merchants %here other merchants a!ree to contribute the amount o$ capital a!reed upon& and participatin! in the $aorable or un$aorable results thereo$ in the proportion they may determine. Joint Account s! "artners#i$ (2000) 'istin!uish "oint account $rom partnership. ((%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: )he $ollo%in! are the distinctions bet%een "oint account and partnership* /$ A partnership has a frm name %hile a "oint account has none and is conducted in the name o$ the ostensible partner. !$ While a partnership has "uridical personality and may sue or be sued under its frm name& a "oint account has no "uridical personality and can sue or be sued only in the name o$ the ostensible partner. :$ While a partnership has a common $und& a "oint account has none. ($ While in a partnership& all !eneral partners hae the ri!ht o$ mana!ement& in a "oint account& the ostensible partner mana!es its business operations. #$ While li+uidations o$ a partnership may& by a!reement& be entrusted to a partner or partners& in a "oint account li+uidation thereo$ can only be done by the ostensible partner. T#eor% o& Co'nition s! T#eor% o& (ani&estation ()**+) 2&e Ci)il Co.e a.opts t&e t&eory of cognitionB w&ile t&e Co.e of Co''erce generally recogniDes t&e t&eory of 'anifestationB in t&e perfection of contracts* Eow .o t&ese two t&eories .ifferI SUGGESTED ANSWER: ,nder the theory o$ co!nition& the acceptance is considered to e-ectiely bind the o-eror only $rom the time it came to his .no%led!e. ,nder the theory o$ mani$estation& the contract is per$ected at the moment %hen the acceptance is declared or made by the o-eree. "an,ing La! ,an-s: A$$lica.ilit%: /orei'n Currenc% De$osit Act 0 Secrec% o& ,an- De$osits (2001) /i 0ieldin! Corporation fled a complaint a!ainst fe o$ its o-icers $or iolation o$ 1ection (2 o$ the Corporation Code. )he corporation claimed that the said o-icers %ere !uilty o$ adancin! their personal interests to the pre"udice o$ the corporation& and that they %ere !rossly ne!li!ent in handlin! its a-airs. Aside $rom documents and contracts& the corporation also submitted in eidence records o$ the o-icers3 ,.1. 'ollar deposits in seeral ban.s oerseas 4 5oston 5an.& 5an. o$ 1%it6erland& and 5an. o$ 7e% 0or.. 8or their part& the o-icers fled a criminal complaint a!ainst the directors o$ /i 0ieldin! Corporation $or iolation o$ 9epublic Act 7o. :4#:& other%ise .no%n as the 8orei!n Currency 'eposit Act o$ the ;hilippines. )he o-icers alle!ed that their ban. deposits %ere ille!ally disclosed $or %ant o$ a court order& and that such deposits %ere not een the sub"ect o$ the case a!ainst them. a$ Will the complaint fled a!ainst the directors o$ /i 0ieldin! Corporation prosper? <=plain. SUGGESTED ANSWER: 7o& because the 8orei!n Currency 'eposit Act (9.A. 7o. :4#:)& includin! its punitie proisions& re$ers to $orei!n currency deposits accounts constituted %ithin the ;hilippines. It has no application at all to accounts& een thou!h they are ban.s& opened and constituted abroad. b$ Was there a iolation o$ the 1ecrecy o$ 5an. 'eposits >a% (9epublic Act 7o. 24?@)? <=plain. (@%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( =oB because t&e puniti)e pro)isions of t&e Secrecy of Bank Deposits Law +*A* =o* /("#$B inclu.ing t&e statutory e4e'ptions pro)i.e. t&ereinB are not applicable to FCD> accountsB e)en w&en constitute. locally* Intengan v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 128996, February 15, 22$ ,an-s: Collateral Securit% (2002) Andre% is en!a!ed in the business o$ buildin! lo%4cost housin! units under contracts %ith real estate deelopers. /e applied $or a loan o$ ;( Aillion $rom 9eady Credit 5an. (the 5an.)& %hich re+uired Andre% to proide collateral security $or it. Andre% o-ered to assi!n to the 5an. his receiables amountin! to ;4 million $rom /ome 5uilders 'eelopment Corporation (the Bbli!or). )he 5an. accepted the o-er. Accordin!ly& Andre% obtained the loan and he e=ecuted a promissory note underta.in! to pay the loan in $ull in one lump sum on 1eptember 2& #??#& to!ether %ith interest thereon at the rate o$ #?% per annum. At the same time& Andre% e=ecuted a 'eed o$ Assi!nment in $aor o$ the 5an. assi!nin! to the 5an. his receiables $rom the Bbli!or. )he deed o$ assi!nment read* I& Andre% >ee& hereby assi!n& trans$er and coney& absolutely and unconditionally& to 9eady Credit 5an. (hereina$ter called the 5an.) all o$ my ri!ht& title and interest in and to my accounts receiable $rom /ome 5uilders 'eelopment Corporation (hereina$ter called the Bbli!or) arisin! $rom deliery o$ housin! units %ith a total contract price o$ ;4&???&???.??& the description and contract alue o$ %hich are attached hereto as Anne= A (hereina$ter called the 9eceiables). In the eent that I shall be unable to pay my outstandin! indebtedness o%ned to the 5an.& the 5an. shall hae the ri!ht& %ithout any $urther $ormality or act on its part& to collect the 9eceiables $rom the Bbli!or and to apply the proceeds thereo$ to%ard payment o$ my said indebtedness. Andre% $ailed to pay the loan on its due date on 1eptember 2& #??#. When the 5an. attempted to collect $rom the Bbli!or& the 5an. discoered that the latter had already closed operations and li+uidated all its assets. )he 5an. sued Andre% $or collection& but Andre% moed to dismiss the complaint on the !round that the debt had already been paid by reason o$ his e=ecution o$ the a$oresaid 'eed o$ Assi!nment %hich& bein! absolute and unconditional& %as in essence a dacion en pa!o. )he 5an. opposed the motion& contendin! that the 'eed o$ Assi!nment %as only a security $or a loan. I$ you %ere the Cud!e& ho% %ould you resole the motion to dismiss fled by Andre%? <=plain (@%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( (Since the question is outside the scope of the Bar Examination, it is recommended that the candidate be given full credit of 5%, whatever may be his answer, and he be given a bonus if he made an answer in the following manner! )he motion to dismiss should be !ranted. )he simple absolute and unconditional coneyance embodied in the deed o$ assi!nment %ould be operatie& and the assi!nment %ould constitute essentially a mode o$ payment or dacion en pa!o. ,an-s: Secrec% o& ,an- De$osits2 Garnis#ment (2003) C'C maintained a sain!s account %ith C5an.. Bn orders o$ the AA 9e!ional )rial Court& the 1heri- !arnished ;@?&??? o$ his account& to satis$y the "ud!ment in $aor o$ his creditor& AB. C'C complained that the !arnishment iolated the >a% on the 1ecrecy o$ 5an. 'eposits because the e=istence o$ his sain!s account %as disclosed to the public. (@%) Is C'CDs complaint meritorious or not? 9eason brieEy. SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 7o. C'CDs complaint is not meritorious. It %as held in China Banking Corporation v. Ortega, 49 SCRA 355 (1973) that peso deposits may be !arnished and the depositary ban. can comply %ith the order o$ !arnishment %ithout iolatin! the >a% on the 1ecrecy o$ 5an. 'eposits. <=ecution is the !oal o$ liti!ation as it is its $ruit. Farnishment is part o$ the e=ecution process. ,pon serice o$ the notice o$ !arnishment on the ban. %here the de$endant deposited $unds& such $unds become part o$ the sub"ect matter o$ liti!ation. ,an-s2 Classi&ications o& ,an-s (2002) )here are si= (:) classes o$ ban.s identifed in the Feneral 5an.in! >a% o$ #???. 7ame at least $our (4) o$ them and e=plain the distin!uishin! characteristic or $unction o$ each one. (@%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( Any $our (4) o$ the $ollo%in! si= (:) classes o$ ban.s identifed in the Feneral 5an.in! >a% o$ #??#& to %it* /* Universa Banks G )hese are those %hich used to be called e=panded commercial ban.s and the operations o$ %hich are no% primarily !oerned by the Feneral 5an.in! >a% o$ #??#. )hey can e=ercise the po%ers o$ an inestment house and inest in non4 allied enterprises. )hey hae the hi!hest capitali6ation re+uirement. !* Co!!er"ia Banks G )hese are ordinary or re!ular commercial ban.s& as distin!uished $rom a uniersal ban.. )hey hae a lo%er capitali6ation re+uirement than uniersal ban.s and cannot e=ercise the po%ers o$ an inestment house and inest in non4 allied enterprises. :* #hri$t Banks G )hese ban.s (such as sain!s and mort!a!e ban.s& stoc. sain!s and loan associations& and priate deelopment ban.s) may e=ercise most o$ the po%ers and $unctions o$ a commercial ban. e=cept that they cannot& amon! others& open current or chec. accounts %ithout prior Aonetary 5oard approal& and they cannot issue letters o$ credit. )heir operations are !oerned primarily by the )hri$t 5an.s Act o$ 2HH@ (9A IH?:). (* R%ra Banks G these are those %hich are or!ani6ed primarily to e=tend loans and other credit $acilities to $armers& fshermen or $arm $amilies& as %ell as cooperaties& merchants& and priate and public employees and %hose operations are primarily !oerned by the 9ural 5an.s Act o$ 2HH# (9A I(@(). #* Cooperative Banks G these are those %hich are or!ani6ed primarily to proide fnancial and credit serices to cooperaties and %hose operations are primarily !oerned by the Cooperatie Code o$ the ;hilippines (9A :H(J). ,* &sa!i" Banks G these are those %hich are or!ani6ed primarily to proide fnancial and credit serices in a manner or transaction consistent %ith the Islamic 1hari3ah. At present& only the Al Amanah Islamic Inestment 5an. o$ the ;hilippines has been or!ani6ed as an Islamic 5an.. ,an-s2 Conserator s! Receier (2004) 'istin!uish bet%een the role o$ a conserator and that o$ a receier o$ a ban.. (#.@%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( )he Conserator is appointed $or a period not e=ceedin! one (2) year& to ta.e char!e o$ the assets& liabilities& and the mana!ement o$ a ban. or a +uasi4ban. in a state o$ continuin! inability& or un%illin!ness to maintain a condition o$ li+uidity deemed ade+uate to protect the interest o$ depositors and creditors. Bn the other hand& the 9eceier is appointed to mana!e a ban. or +uasi4ban. that is unable to pay its liabilities in Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 15 of 103 the ordinary course o$ business& or has insu-icient reali6able assets to meet its liabilities& or cannot continue in business %ithout probable losses to its depositors or creditorsK or has %ill$ully iolated a fnal cease and desist order& inolin! acts or transactions amountin! to $raud or a dissipation o$ the assets o$ the institution. )he main purpose o$ the 9eceier is to recommend the rehabilitation or li+uidation o$ the ban.. ,an-s2 Dili'ence Re5uire6 ()**2) ;lacido& a ban. depositor& le$t his chec.boo. on his des. at his house. ,n.no%n to him& a isitor at the time& noticin! the same& too. a chec. there$rom& flled it up in the amount o$ ;(&???.?? and succeeded in encashin! the chec. on the same day. ;lacido3s account %as thereby debited in the same amount. 'iscoerin! the erroneous debit& ;lacido demanded that the ban. credit him %ith a li.e amount. )he ban. re$used on the !round that ;lacido %as ne!li!ent in leain! his chec.boo. on his des. so that he could not put up the de$ense o$ $or!ery or %ant o$ authority under the 7I>. )he 8acts disclose that een to the na.ed eye& there %ere mar.ed di-erences bet%een ;lacido3s si!nature and the one in the chec. $or!ed by the isitor. As bet%een ;lacido and the ban.& %ho should bear the loss? <=plain. SU44ESTE) ANSWER( )he ban. should bear the loss. A dra%ee ban. must e=ercise the hi!hest dili!ence in sa$e!uardin! the accounts o$ its client4 depositors. )he ban. is also char!ed %ith !enuineness o$ the si!natures o$ its current account holders. 5ut %hat can be more stri.in! is that there %ere mar.ed di-erences bet%een ;lacido3s si!nature and the one in the chec. $or!ed by the isitor. Certainly& ;lacido %as not ne!li!ent in leain! his chec.boo. in his o%n des. ('(B v )%i!po 15* SCRA 5*+) ,an-s2 7nsolenc%2 "ro#i.ite6 Transactions (2000) )he Aonetary 5oard o$ the 51; closed ,rban 5an. a$ter it encountered cripplin! fnancial di-iculties that resulted in a ban. run. L& one o$ the members o$ the 5B' o$ the ban.& attended and stayed throu!hout the entire meetin! o$ the 5oard that %as held %ell in adance o$ the ban. run and be$ore ne%s had be!un to tric.le to the business community about the dire fnancial pit the ban. had $allen into. Immediately a$ter the meetin!& L caused the preparation and issuance o$ a mana!er3s chec. payable to himsel$ in the sum o$ @ million pesos e+uialent to the amount placed or inested in the ban. by a business ac+uaintance. /e no% claims that he is .eepin! the $unds in trust $or the o%ner and that he had committed no iolation o$ the Feneral 5an.in! Act (9A ((I& as amended) $or %hich he should be punished. 'o you a!ree that there has been no iolation o$ the statute? ((%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 7o. I do not a!ree that there is no iolation o$ the statute (9A ((I& as amended). L iolated 1ec J@ %hen he caused the preparation and issuance o$ a mana!er3s chec. Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 payable to himsel$ in the sum o$ ;@ million. )his is payin! out or permittin! to be paid out $unds o$ the ban. a$ter the latter became insolent. )his act is penali6ed by fne o$ not less than ;2&???.?? nor more than ;2?&???.?? and by imprisonment $or not less than t%o nor more than ten years. ,an-s2 7nsolenc%2 Re5uirements ()**+) Fie the basic re+uirements to be complied %ith by the 51; be$ore the Aonetary 5oard can declare a ban. insolent& order it closed and $orbid it $rom doin! $urther business in the ;hilippines. SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 5e$ore the Aonetary 5oard can declare a ban. insolent& order it closed and $orbid it $rom doin! $urther business in the ;hilippines& the $ollo%in! basic re+uirements must be complied %ith by the 51;& to %it* /* )here must be an e=amination by the head o$ the 'epartment o$ 1uperision or his e=aminers or a!ents into the condition o$ the ban.. !* )he e=amination discloses that the condition o$ the ban. is one o$ insolency& or that its continuance in business %ould inole probable loss to creditors or depositors. :* )he head o$ said 'epartment shall in$orm in %ritin! the Aonetary 5oard o$ such $acts. (* ,pon fndin! said in$ormation or statement to be true& the Aonetary 5oard shall appoint a receier to ta.e char!e o$ the assets and liabilities o$ the ban.. #* Within :? days& the Aonetary 5oard shall determine and confrm i$ the ban. is insolent& and public interest re+uires& to order the li+uidation o$ the ban.. ,an-s2 Restrictions on 8oan Accommo6ations (2002) As part o$ the sa$e!uards a!ainst imprudent ban.in!& the Feneral 5an.in! >a% imposes limits or restrictions on loans and credit accommodations %hich may be e=tended by ban.s. Identi$y at least t%o (#) o$ these limits or restrictions and e=plain the rationale o$ each o$ them. (@%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( Any t%o (#) o$ the $ollo%in! limits or restrictions on loan and credit transactions %hich may be e=tended by ban.s& as part o$ the sa$e!uards a!ainst imprudent ban.in!& to %it* /* SBL Rules G (i.e.& 1in!le 5orro%er3s >imit) rules are those promul!ated by the 5an!.o 1entral n! ;ilipinas& upon the authority o$ 1ection (@ o$ the Feneral 5an.in! >a% o$ #???& %hich re!ulate the total amount o$ loans& credit accommodations and !uarantees that may be e=tended by a ban. to any person& partnership& association& corporation or other entity. )he rules see. to protect a ban. $rom ma.in! e=cessie loans to a sin!le borro%er by prohibitin! it $rom lendin! beyond a specifed ceilin!. !* DOSRI Rules G )hese rules promul!ated by the 51;& upon authority o$ 1ection @ o$ the Feneral 5an.in! >a% o$ #???& %hich re!ulate the amount o$ credit accommodations that a ban. may e=tend to its Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 15 of 103 directors& o-icers& stoc.holders and their related interests (thus& 'B19I). Fenerally& a ban.3s credit accommodations to its 'B19I must be in the re!ular course o$ business and on terms not less $aorable to the ban. than those o-ered to non4 'B19I borro%ers. :* 7o commercial ban. shall ma.e any loan or discount on the security o$ shares o$ its o%n capital stoc.. ,an-s2 Restrictions on 8oan Accommo6ations (2004) ;io is the president o$ Western 5an.. /is %i$e applied $or a loan %ith the said ban. to fnance an internet ca$e. )he loan o-icer told her that her application %ill not be approed because the !rant o$ loans to related interests o$ ban. directors& o-icers& and stoc.holders is prohibited by the Feneral 5an.in! >a%. <=plain %hether the loan o-icer is correct. (@%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 1ection (: o$ the Feneral 5an.in! >a% o$ #??? does not entirely prohibit directors or o-icers o$ the ban.& directly or indirectly& $rom borro%in! $rom the ban.. In this case& ;io is the president o$ Western 5an.& %hich ma.es him an o-icer& director and stoc.holder o$ the said ban.. )he Feneral 5an.in! >a% proides $or additional restrictions to the ban. be$ore it can lend to its directors or o-icers. A %ritten approal o$ the ma"ority ote o$ all the directors o$ the ban.& e=cludin! the director concerned& is re+uired. 8urthermore& such dealin!s must be upon terms not less $aorable to the ban. than those o-ered to others (Section 1326, Central Bank's "Manual of Regulations for Banks and Other Financial nter!ediaries, cited in Ranioso "# C$, %#R# &o# 11'(16, )ece!*er +, 2,,,). A iolation o$ this proision %ill cause his or her position to be declared acant and the errin! director or o-icer sub"ected to the penal proisions o$ the 7e% Central 5an. Act. ,an-s2 Sa&et% De$osit ,o92 8ia.ilit% A7 and B; rented a sa$ety deposit bo= at 1I5A7M. )he parties si!ned a contract o$ lease %ith the conditions that* the ban. is not a depository o$ the contents o$ the sa$e and has neither the possession nor control o$ the sameK the ban. assumed no interest in said contents and assumes no liability in connection there%ith. )he sa$ety deposit bo= had t%o .eyholes* one $or the !uard .ey %hich remained %ith the ban.K and the other $or the rentersD .ey. )he bo= can be opened only %ith the use o$ both .eys. )he renters deposited certifcates o$ title in the bo=. 5ut later& they discoered that the certifcates %ere !one. A7 and B; no% claim $or dama!es $rom 1I5A7M. Is the ban. liable? <=plain brieEy. (@%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 2&e bank is liableB base. on t&e .ecisions of t&e Supre'e Court in "# #gro$%ndustrial &evelopment "orp' v' "ourt of #ppeals, ()* S"+# ,(- ()**.! and Sia v' "ourt of #ppeals, ((( S"+# (, ()**.!' 1n t&ose casesB t&e Supre'e Court rule. t&at t&e renting out of safety .eposit bo4es is a Jspecial /ind of depositJ w&erein t&e bank is t&e .epositary* 1n t&e absence of any stipulation prescribing t&e .egree of .iligence re-uire.B t&at of a goo. fat&er of a fa'ily is to be obsered by the depositary. Any stipulation e=emptin! the depositary $rom any liability arisin! $rom the loss o$ the thin! deposited %ould be oid $or bein! contrary to la% and public policy. )he deposit bo= is located in the ban. premises and is under the absolute control o$ the ban.. ,an-s2 Secrec% o& ,an- De$osit2 A(8C (2004) 9udy is "obless but is reputed to be a "ueten! operator. /e has neer been char!ed or conicted o$ any crime. /e maintains seeral ban. accounts and has purchased @ houses and lots $or his children $rom the >uansin! 9ealty& Inc. 1ince he does not hae any isible "ob& the company reported his purchases to the Anti4Aoney >aunderin! Council (AA>C). )herea$ter& AA>C char!ed him %ith iolation o$ the Anti4Aoney >aunderin! >a%. ,pon re+uest o$ the AA>C& the ban. disclosed to it 9udyDs ban. deposits amountin! to ;2?? Aillion. 1ubse+uently& he %as char!ed in court $or iolation o$ the Anti4Aoney >aunderin! >a%. /* Can 9udy moe to dismiss the case on the !round that he has no criminal record? (#.@%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 7o. ,nder the Anti4Aoney >aunderin! >a%& 9udy %ould be !uilty o$ a Nmoney launderin! crimeN committed %hen the proceeds o$ an Nunla%$ul actiity&N li.e "ueten! operations& are made to appear as hain! ori!inated $rom le!itimate sources. )he money launderin! crime is separate $rom the unla%$ul actiity o$ bein! a "ueten! operator& and re+uires no preious coniction $or the unla%$ul actiity (1ee also 1ec. (& Anti4 Aoney >aunderin! Act o$ #??2). !* )o raise $unds $or his de$ense& 9udy sold the houses and lots to a $riend. Can >uansin! 9ealty& Inc. be compelled to trans$er to the buyer o%nership o$ the houses and lots? (#.@%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( >uansin! 9ealty& Inc. is a real estate company& hence it is not a coered institution under 1ection ( o$ the Anti4 Aoney >aunderin! Act. Bnly ban.in! institutions& insurance companies& securities dealers and bro.ers& pre4 need companies and other entities administerin! or other%ise dealin! in currency& commodities or fnancial deriaties are coered institutions. /ence& >uansin! 9ealty& Inc. may not use the Anti4Aoney >aunderin! Act to re$use to trans$er to the buyer o%nership o$ the houses and lots. :* In disclosin! 9udyDs ban. accounts to the AA>C& did the ban. iolate any la%? (#.@%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 7o& the ban. did not iolate any la%. )he ban. bein! specifed as a Ncoered institutionN under the Anti4 Aoney >aunderin! >a%& is obli!ed to report to the AA>C coered and suspicious transactions& %ithout thereby iolatin! any la%. )his is one o$ the e=ceptions to the 1ecrecy o$ 5an. 'eposit Act. Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 16 of 103 (* 1upposin! the titles o$ the houses and lots are in possession o$ the >uansin! 9ealty& Inc.& is it under obli!ation to delier the titles to 9udy? (#.@%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 0es& it has an obli!ation to delier titles to 9udy. As >uansin! 9ealty& Inc. is not a coered institution under 1ection ( o$ the Anti4Aoney >aunderin! Act& it may not ino.e this la% to re$use deliery o$ the titles to 9udy. ,an-s2 Secrec% o& ,an- De$osit2 E9ce$tions (2004) ,nder 9epublic Act 7o.24?@ ()he 5an. 1ecrecy >a%)& ban. deposits are considered absolutely confdential and may not be e=amined& in+uired or loo.ed into by any person& !oernment o-icial& bureau or o-ice. What are the e=ceptions? (@%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( )he e=ceptions to the 5an. 1ecrecy >a% are the $ollo%in!* /* 1pecial or !eneral e=amination o$ a ban.& authori6ed by the 5an!.o 1entral n! ;ilipinasD Aonetary 5oard& in connection %ith a ban. $raud or serious irre!ularity. !* <=amination by an independent Auditor& hired by the 5an. and $or the 5an.Ds e=clusie use. :* 'isclosure %ith the 'epositorDs %ritten permission. a* In case o$ Impeachment. b* In cases o$ 5ribery or dereliction o$ duty by a ;ublic B-icer& upon order o$ a competent court. c* In cases o$ money depositedOinested %hich& in turn& is the sub"ect o$ >iti!ation& upon order o$ a competent Court. (* 'B19I >oans* >oans %ith their 5an.s o$ 5an. 'irectors& B-icers& 1toc.holders and related interests. a* >oans in e=cess o$ @% o$ the 5an.Ds Capital P 1urplus b* )he 5orro%er %aied his ri!ht as re!ards the 1ecrecy o$ 5an. 'eposits #* Qiolation o$ the Anti4Fra$t and Corrupt ;ractices Act. ,* Coup dD etat >a% (9A :H:J& Bct #4&2HH?). 3* 5I9 CommissionerDs authority to eri$y a decedentDs Fross <state and a ta=payerDs re+uest $or a compromise a!reement due to incapacity to pay his ta= liability. 6* 8orei!n Currency 'eposits by $orei!n lenders P inestors under ;'s 2?(4. 0* Qiolations o$ the Anti4Aoney >aunderin! >a%. /"* ?&en t&e State e4ercisesFin)okes its Police Power* (012# BE0E %t is suggested that any - of the above be given full credit! ,an-s2 Secrec% o& ,an- De$osits ()**0) Aanosa& a ne%spaper columnist& %hile ma.in! a deposit in a ban.& oerheard a pretty ban. teller in$ormin! a co4 employee that Fi!i& a %ell .no%n public o-icial& has "ust a $e% hundred pesos in her ban. account and that her ne=t chec. %ill in all probability bounce. Aanosa %rote this in$ormation in his ne%spaper column. )hus& Fi!i Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 fled a complaint %ith the City 8iscal o$ Aanila $or unla%$ully disclosin! in$ormation about her ban. account. a$ Will the said suit prosper? <=plain your ans%er. b$ 1upposin! that Fi!i is char!ed %ith unla%$ully ac+uirin! %ealth under 9A 2(IH and that the fscal issued a su*-oena duces tecu! $or the records o$ the ban. account o$ Fi!i. Aay Fi!i alidly oppose the said issuance on the !round that the same iolates the la% on secrecy o$ ban. deposits? <=plain your ans%er. SU44ESTE) ANSWER( a) )he 1ecrecy o$ 5an. 'eposits Act prohibits& sub"ect to its e=clusionary clauses& any person $rom e=aminin!& in+uirin! or loo.in! into all deposits o$ %hateer nature %ith ban.s or ban.in! institutions in the ;hilippines %hich by la% are declared absolutely confdential in nature. Aanosa %ho merely oerheard %hat appeared to be a a!ue remar. o$ a 5an. employee to a co4 employee and %ritin! the same in his ne%spaper column is neither the in+uiry nor disclosure contemplated by la%. ALTERNATI7E ANSWER( a$ )he complaint a!ainst Aanosa %ill not prosper because merely %ritin! a a!ue remar. o$ a 5an. employee to a co4employee is not the disclosure contemplated by la%. I$ anyone should be liable& it %ill be the ban. employee %ho disclosed the in$ormation. SU44ESTE) ANSWER( b$ Amon! the instances e=cepted $rom the coera!e o$ the 1ecrecy o$ 5an. 'eposits Act are Anti4!ra$t cases. /ence Fi!i may not alidly oppose the issuance o$ a su*-oena duces tecu! $or the ban. records on her. ,an-s2 Secrec% o& ,an- De$osits ()**)) )he la% (9A :J(#) creatin! a Commission to conduct a )horou!h 8act48indin! Inesti!ation o$ the 8ailed Coup d3etat o$ 'ec 2HJH& 9ecommend Aeasures to ;reent the Bccurrence o$ 1imilar Attempts At a Qiolent 1ei6ure o$ ;o%er and $or Bther ;urposes& proides that the Commission may as. the Aonetary 5oard to disclose in$ormation on andOor to !rant authority to e=amine any ban. deposits& trust or inestment $unds& or ban.in! transactions in the name o$ andOor utili6ed by a person& natural or "uridical& under inesti!ation by the Commission& in any ban. or ban.in! institution in the ;hilippines& %hen the Commission has reasonable !round to beliee that said deposits& trust or inestment $unds& or ban.in! transactions hae been used in support or in $urtherance o$ the ob"ecties o$ the said coup d3etat. 'oes the aboe proision not iolate the >a% on 1ecrecy o$ 5an. 'eposits (9A 24?@)? SU44ESTE) ANSWER( )he >a% on 1ecrecy o$ 5an. 'eposits is itsel$ merely a statutory enactment& and it may& there$ore& be modifed& or amended (such as by proidin! $urther e=ceptions there$rom)& or een repealed& e=pressly or impliedly& by a subse+uent la%. )he 1ecrecy o$ 5an. 'eposits Act did not amount to a contract bet%een the depositors and depository ban.s %ithin the meanin! o$ the non4 impairment clause o$ the Constitution. <en i$ it did& the police po%er o$ the 1tate is superior to the non4 Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 1- of 103 impairment clause. 9A :J(#& creatin! a commission to conduct an inesti!ation o$ the $ailed 2HJH coup d3etat and to recommend measures to preent similar attempts to sei6e po%er is a alid e=ercise o$ police po%er. ,an-s2 Secrec% o& ,an- De$osits ()**2) 1ocorro receied R2?&??? $rom a $orei!n ban. althou!h she %as entitled only to R2&???.??. In an apparent plan to conceal the erroneously sent amount& she opened a dollar account %ith her local ban.& deposited the R2?&??? and issued 4 chec.s in the amount o$ R#&??? and 2 chec. $or R2&??? each payable to di-erent indiiduals %ho deposited the same in their respectie dollar accounts %ith di-erent local ban.s. )he sender ban. then brou!ht a ciil suit be$ore the 9)C $or the recoery o$ the erroneously sent amount. In the course o$ the trial& the sender presented testimonies o$ ban. o-icials to sho% that the $unds %ere& in $act& deposited in a ban. by 1ocorro and paid out to seeral persons& %ho participated in the concealment and dissipation o$ the amount that 1ocorro had erroneously receied. 1ocorro moed to stri.e out said testimonies $rom the record ino.in! the la% on secrecy o$ ban. deposits. I$ you %ere the Cud!e& %ould you issue an order to stri.e them out? Why? SU44ESTE) ANSWER( I %ill not stri.e out the testimonies $rom the record. )he testimonies o$ ban. o-icials indicatin! %here the +uestioned dollar accounts %ere opened in depositin! misappropriated sums must be considered as li.e%ise inoled in liti!ation G one %hich is amon! the e=cepted cases under the 1ecrecy o$ 5an. 'eposits Act (,eon Bank v ,agsino 19- SCRA .33) ,an-s2 Secrec% o& ,an- De$osits ()**3) Ai!uel& a special customs a!ent is char!ed be$ore the Bmbudsman %ith hain! ac+uired property out o$ proportion to his salary& in iolation o$ the Anti4Fra$t and Corrupt ;ractices Act. )he Bmbudsman issued a su*-oena duces tecu! to the 5anco de Cinco commandin! its representatie to $urnish the Bmbudsman records o$ transactions by or in the name o$ Ai!uel& his %i$e and children. A second subpoena %as issued e=pandin! the frst by includin! the production o$ records o$ $riends o$ Ai!uel in said ban. and in all its branches and e=tension o-ices& specifcally namin! them. Ai!uel moed to +uash the subpoenas ar!uin! that they iolate the 1ecrecy o$ 5an. 'eposits >a%. In addition& he contends that the subpoenas are in the nature o$ fshin! e=pedition or !eneral %arrants and are constitutionally impermissible %ith respect to priate indiiduals %ho are not under inesti!ation. Is Ai!uel3s contention tenable? SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 7o. Ai!uel3s contention is not tenable. )he in+uiry into ille!ally ac+uired property e=tends to cases %here such property is concealed by bein! held by or recorded in the name o$ other persons. )o sustain Ai!uel3s theory and restrict the in+uiry only to property held by or in the name o$ the !oernment o-icial %ould ma.e aailable to persons in !oernment %ho ille!ally ac+uire property an easy means o$ eadin! prosecution. All they hae to do %ould be to simply place the property in the name o$ persons other than their spouses and children .Banco Fili-ino Sa"ings "s# /urisi!a 161 scra 0'61 Sec + $nti2%raft 3a4 as a!ended *5 B/ 1607 ,an-s2 Secrec% o& ,an- De$osits ()**1) Aichael %ithdre% %ithout authority $unds o$ the partnership in the amounts o$ ;@??th and ,1R@?th $or serices he claims he rendered $or the beneft o$ the partnership. /e deposited the ;@??th in his personal peso current account %ith ;rosperity 5an. and the ,1R@?th in his personal $orei!n currency sain!s account %ith <astern 5an.. )he partnership instituted an action in court a!ainst Aichael& ;rosperity& and <astern to compel Aichael to return the sub"ect $unds to the partnership and pendin! liti!ation to order both ban.s to disallo% any %ithdra%al $rom his accounts. At the initial hearin! o$ the case the court ordered ;rosperity to produce the records o$ Aichael3s peso current account& and <astern to produce the records o$ his $orei!n currency sain!s account. Can the court compel ;rosperity and <astern to disclose the ban. deposits o$ Aichael? 'iscuss $ully. SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 0es& as $ar as the peso account is concerned. 1ec # o$ 9A 24?@ allo%s the disclosure o$ ban. deposits in case %here the money deposited is the sub"ect matter o$ liti!ation. 1ince the case fled a!ainst Aichael is aimed at recoerin! the amount he %ithdre% $rom the $unds o$ the partnership& %hich amount he alle!edly deposited in his account& a disclosure o$ his ban. deposits %ould be proper. 7o& %ith respect to the $orei!n currency account. ,nder the 8orei!n Currency >a%& the e=emption to the prohibition a!ainst disclosure o$ in$ormation concernin! ban. deposits is the %ritten consent o$ the depositor. ,an-s2 Secrec% o& ,an- De$osits ()**:) 2HHJ (#?) An insurance company is deluded into releasin! a chec. to A $or ;(@th to pay $or )reasury 5ills ()4bills) %hich A claims to be en route on board an armored truc. $rom a !oernment ban.. )he chec. is deliered to A %ho deposits it to his account %ith L0S 5an. be$ore the insurance company reali6es it is a scam. ,pon such reali6ation& the insurance company fles an action a!ainst A $or recoery o$ the amount de$rauded and obtains a %rit o$ preliminary attachment. In addition to the %rit& the 5an. is also sered a subpoena to e=amine the account records o$ A. )he 5an. declines to proide any in$ormation in response to the %rit and moes to +uash the subpoena ino.in! secrecy o$ ban. Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 18 of 103 deposits under 9A 24?@& as amended. Can the 5an. "ustifably ino.e 9A 24?@ and a) not respond to the %rit and b) +uash the subpoena $or e=amination? (@%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 0es. Whether the transaction is considered a sale or money placement does not ma.e the money sub"ect matter o$ liti!ation %ithin the meanin! o$ 1ec # o$ 9A 24?@ %hich prohibits the disclosure or in+uiry into ban. deposit e=cept in cases %here the money deposited or inested is the sub"ect matter o$ liti!ation nor %ill it matter %hether the money %as s%indled. ,an-s2 Secrec% o& ,an- De$osits (2000) F; is a suspected "ueten! lord %ho is rumored to be en"oyin! police and military protection. )he eny o$ many dru! lords %ho had not escaped the dra!net o$ the la%& F; %as summoned to a hearin! o$ the Committee on 9ac.eteerin! and Bther 1yndicated Crimes o$ the /ouse o$ 9epresentaties& %hich %as conductin! a con!ressional inesti!ation in aid o$ le!islation on the inolement o$ police and military personnel& and possibly een o$ local !oernment o-icials& in the ille!al actiities o$ suspected !amblin! and dru! lords. 1ubpoenaed to attend the inesti!ation %ere o-icers o$ certain identifed ban.s %ith a directie to them to brin! the records and documents o$ ban. deposits o$ indiiduals mentioned in the subpoenas& amon! them F;. F; and the ban.s opposed the production o$ the ban.s3 records o$ deposits on the !round that no such in+uiry is allo%ed under the >a% on 1ecrecy o$ 5an. 'eposits (9A 24?@ as amended). Is the opposition o$ F; and the ban.s alid? <=plain. SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 0es. )he opposition is alid. F; is not a public o-icial. )he inesti!ation does not inole one o$ the e=ceptions to the prohibition a!ainst disclosure o$ any in$ormation concernin! ban. deposits under the >a% on 1ecrecy o$ 5an. 'eposits. )he Committee conductin! the inesti!ation is not a competent court or the Bmbudsman authori6ed under the la% to issue a subpoena $or the production o$ the ban. record inolin! such disclosure. ,an-s2 Secrec% o& ,an- De$osits2 E9ce$tions (2003) )he >a% on 1ecrecy o$ 5an. 'eposits proides that all deposits o$ %hateer nature %ith ban.s or ban.in! institutions are absolutely confdential in nature and may not be e=amined& in+uired or loo.ed into by any person& !oernment o-icial& bureau or o-ice. /o%eer& the la% proides e=ceptions in certain instances. Which o$ the $ollo%in! may not be amon! the e=ceptions* /* In cases o$ impeachment. !* In cases inolin! bribery :* In cases inolin! 5I9 in+uiry. (* In cases o$ anti4!ra$t and corrupt practices. #* In cases %here the money inoled is the sub"ect o$ liti!ation. <=plain your ans%er or choice brieEy. (@%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 ,nder 1ection :(8) o$ the 7ational Internal 9eenue Code& the Commissioner o$ Internal 9eenue can in+uire into the deposits o$ a decedent $or the purpose o$ determinin! the !ross estate o$ such decedent. Apart $rom this case& a 5I9 in+uiry into ban. deposits cannot be made. )hus& e=ception ( may not al%ays be applicable. 2urning to e4ception (B an in-uiry into bank .eposits is possible only in prosecutions for une4plaine. wealt& un.er t&e Anti<Graft an. Corrupt Practices ActB accor.ing to t&e Supre'e Court in t&e cases of 3hilippine 0ational Ban/ v' 4ancayco, )5 S"+# *) ()*-5! and Banco 5ilipino Savings and 6ortgage Ban/ v' 3urisima, )-) S"+# 57- ()*88!' Eowe)erB all ot&er cases of anti<graft an. corrupt practices will not warrant an in-uiry into bank .eposits* 2&usB e4ception ( 'ay not always be applicable* Like any ot&er e4ceptionB it 'ust be interprete. strictly* <=ceptions 2& # and @& on the other hand& are proided e=pressly in the >a% on 1ecrecy o$ 5an. 'epositors. )hey are aailable to depositors at all times. ,an-s2 Secrec% o& ,an- De$osits2 Garnis#ment (200)) )he >a% on 1ecrecy o$ 5an. 'eposits& other%ise .no%n as 9A 24?@& is intended to encoura!e people to deposit their money in ban.in! institutions and also to discoura!e priate hoardin! so that the same may be properly utili6ed by ban.s to assist in the economic deelopment o$ the country. Is a notice o$ !arnishment sered on a ban. at the instance o$ a creditor o$ a depositor coered by the said la%? 1tate the reason(s) $or your ans%er. (@%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 7o. )he notice o$ !arnishment sered on a ban. at the instance o$ a creditor is not coered by the >a% on 1ecrecy o$ 5an. 'eposits. Farnishment is "ust a part o$ the process o$ e=ecution. )he moment a notice o$ !arnishment is sered on a ban. and there e=ists a deposit by the "ud!ment debtor& the ban. is directly accountable to the sheri-& $or the beneft o$ the "ud!ment creditor& $or the %hole amount o$ the deposit. In such eent& the amount o$ the deposit becomes& in e-ect& a sub"ect o$ the liti!ation. ,S"2 Receiers#i$2 Juris6iction ()**2) 8amily 5an. %as placed under statutory receiership and subse+uently ordered li+uidated by the Central 5an. (C5) due to $raud and irre!ularities in its lendin! operations %hich rendered it insolent. Cudicial proceedin!s $or li+uidation %ere therea$ter commenced by the C5 be$ore the 9)C. 8amily 5an. opposed the petition. 1hortly therea$ter& 8amily 5an. fled in the same court a special ciil action a!ainst the C5 see.in! to en"oin and dismiss the li+uidation proceedin! on the !round o$ !rae abuse o$ discretion by the C5. )he court poised to* 2) restrain the C5 $rom closin! 8amily 5an.K and #) authori6e 8amily 5an. to %ithdra% money $rom its deposits durin! the pendency o$ the case. I$ you %ere the Cud!e& %ould you issue such orders? Why? SU44ESTE) ANSWER( Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 19 of 103 7o. )he 9)C has no authority to restrain the monetary board o$ the 51; $rom statutory authority to underta.e receiership and ultimate li+uidation o$ a ban.. Any opposition to such an action could be made to the court itsel$ %here assistance is sou!ht. )he action o$ the 9)C %here the proceedin! is pendin! appeal hae to be made in the Court o$ Appeals. 8e'al Ten6er (2000) A$ter many years o$ shoppin! in the Aetro Aanila area& house%i$e /W has deeloped the sound habit o$ ma.in! cash purchases only& none on credit. In one shoppin! trip to Ae!a Aall& she !ot the shoc. o$ her shoppin! li$e $or the frst time& a store3s smart sales!irl re$used to accept her coins in payment $or a purchase %orth not more than one hundred pesos. /W %as payin! seenty pesos in #@4 centao coins and t%enty fe pesos in 2? centao coins. 1tran!e as it may seem& the sales!irl told /W that her coins %ere not le!al tender. 'o you a!ree %ith the sales!irl in respect o$ her understandin! o$ le!al tender? <=plain (#%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 7o. )he sales!irl3s understandin! that coins are not le!al tender is not correct. Coins are le!al tender in amounts not e=ceedin! f$ty pesos $or denominations $rom t%enty fe centaos and aboe& and in amounts not e=ceedin! t%enty pesos $or denominations ten centaos and less. "D7C 8a; s! Secrec% o& ,an- De$osits Act ()**+) An employee o$ a lar!e manu$acturin! frm earns a salary %hich is "ust a bit more than %hat he needs $or a com$ortable liin!. /e is thus able to still maintain a ;2?&??? sain!s account& a ;#?&??? chec.in! account& a ;(?&??? money mar.et placement and a ;4?&??? trust $und in a medium4si6e commercial ban.. a$ 1tate %hich o$ the $our accounts are deemed insured by the ;'IC. b$ 1tate %hich o$ the aboe accounts are coered by the >a% on 1ecrecy o$ 5an. 'eposits. SU44ESTE) ANSWER( a$ )he ;2?th sain!s account and the ;#?th chec.in! account are deemed insured by the ;'IC. b$ )he ;2?th sain!s account and the ;#?th chec.in! account are coered by the >a% on 1ecrecy o$ 5an. 'eposits. Res$onsi.ilities 0 <.=ecties o& ,S" ()**:) What are the responsibilities and primary ob"ecties o$ the 51;? (@%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( )he 51; shall proide policy directions in the areas o$ money& ban.in! and credit. It shall hae superision oer the operations o$ ban.s and e=ercise such re!ulatory po%ers as proided in the Central 5an. Act and other pertinent la%s oer the operations o$ fnance companies and non4 ban. fnancial institutions per$ormin! +uasi4 ban.in! $unctions& such as +uasi4ban.s and institutions per$ormin! similar $unctions. )he primary ob"ectie o$ the 51; is to maintain price stability conducie to a balanced and sustainable !ro%th o$ the economy. It shall promote and maintain monetary stability and conertibility o$ the ;eso. Trut# in 8en6in' Act ()**)) 'ana Fianina purchased on a (: month installment basis the latest model o$ the 7issan 1entra 1edan car $rom the Cobel Cars Inc. In addition to the adertised sellin! price& the latter imposed fnance char!es consistin! o$ interests& $ees and serice char!es. It did not& ho%eer& submit to 'ana a %ritten statement settin! $orth therein the in$ormation re+uired by the )ruth in >endin! Act (9A (I:@). 7eertheless& the conditional deed o$ sale %hich the parties e=ecuted mentioned that the total amount indicated therein included such fnance char!es. a* /as there been substantial compliance o$ the a$oresaid Act? b* I$ your ans%er to the $ore!oin! +uestion is in the ne!atie& %hat is the e-ect o$ the iolation on the contract? c* In the eent o$ a iolation o$ the Act& %hat remedies may be aailed o$ by 'ana? SU44ESTE) ANSWER( a$ )here %as no substantial compliance %ith the )ruth in >endin! Act. )he la% proides that the creditor must ma.e a $ull disclosure o$ the credit lost. )he statement that the total amount due includes the principal and the fnancial char!es& %ithout speci$yin! the amounts due on each portion thereo$ %ould be insu-icient and unacceptable. b$ A iolation o$ the )ruth in >endin! Act %ill not adersely a-ect the alidity o$ the contract itsel$. c$ It %ould allo% 'ana to re$use payment o$ fnancial char!es or& i$ already paid& to recoer the same. 'ana may also initiate criminal char!es a!ainst the creditor. ALTERNATI7E ANSWER( c) (;er Atty Comby ;aras i$ u read the proisions closely) ,nder the )ruth in >endin! Act& said fnancial char!es are alid& and 'ana may not re$use payment thereo$. Bnly criminal char!es may be initiated a!ainst the creditor. Trut# in 8en6in' Act (2000) <mbassy Appliances sells home theater components that are desi!ned and customi6ed as entertainment centers $or consumers %ithin the medium4to4hi!h price brac.et. Aost& i$ not all& o$ these pac.a!es are sold on installment basis& usually by means o$ credit cards allo%in! a ma=imum o$ (: e+ual monthly payments. ;re$erred credit cards o$ this type are those issued by ban.s& %hich re!ularly hold mall %ide sales blit6es participated in by appliance retailers li.e <mbassy Appliances. 0ou are a buyer o$ a home theater center at <mbassy Appliances. )he salescler. %ho is attendin! to you simply s%ipes your credit card on the electronic approal machine (%hich momentarily prints out your char!e slip since you hae unlimited credit)& tears the slip $rom the machine& hands the same oer to you $or your si!nature& and Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 20 of 103 %ithout more& proceeds to arran!e the deliery and installation o$ your ne% home theater system. 0ou .no% you %ill receie a statement on your credit card purchases $rom the ban. containin! an option to pay only a minimum amount& %hich is usually 2O(: o$ the total price you %ere char!ed $or your purchase. 'id <mbassy Appliances comply %ith the proisions o$ the )ruth in >endin! Act (9A (I:@)? SU44ESTE) ANSWER( )here is no need $or <mbassy Appliances to comply %ith the )ruth in >endin! Act. )he transaction is not a sale on installment basis. <mbassy Appliances is a seller on cash basis. It is the credit card company %hich allo%s the buyer to en"oy the priile!e o$ payin! the price on installment basis. "0l, Sales La! ,ul- Sales 8a;2 Coere6 Transactions ()**3) 1tanrus Inc a department store %ith outlets in Aa.ati& Aandaluyon!& and Tue6on City& is contemplatin! to re$urbish and renoate its Aa.ati store in order to introduce the most modern and state o$ the art e+uipment in merchandise display. )o carry out its plan& it intends to sell A>> o$ the e=istin! f=tures and e+uipment (display cases& %all decorations& $urniture& counters& etc.) to Crossroads 'epartment 1tore. )herea$ter& it %ill buy and install ne% f=tures and e+uipment and continue operations. Crossroads %ants to .no% $rom you as counsel* /$ Whether the intended sale is bul. sale. !$ /o% can it protect itsel$ $rom $uture claims o$ creditors o$ 1tanrus. SU44ESTE) ANSWER( /$ 0es. )he sale inoles all f=tures and e+uipment& not in the ordinary course o$ trade and the re!ular prosecution o$ business o$ 1tanrus& Inc. (1ec # Act (H@#& as amended) !$ Crossroads should re+uire $rom 1tanrus Inc. submission o$ a %ritten %aier o$ the 5ul. 1ales >a% by the creditors as sho%n by erifed statements or to comply %ith the re+uirements o$ the 5ul. 1ales >a%& that is& the seller must noti$y his creditors o$ the terms and conditions o$ the sale& and also& be$ore receiin! $rom the endee any part o$ the purchase price& delier to such endee a %ritten s%orn statement o$ the names and addresses o$ all his creditors to!ether %ith the amount o$ indebtedness due to each (1ec # Act (H@#& amended) ,ul- Sales 8a;2 Coere6 Transactions (2000) Company L& en!a!ed in the business o$ manu$acturin! car parts and accessories& operates a $actory %ith e+uipment& machinery and tools $or this purpose. )he manu$actured !oods are sold %holesale to distributors and dealers throu!hout the ;hilippines. Company L %as amon! the business entities adersely hit by the 2HHI Asian business crisis. Its sales dropped %ith the decline in car sales and its operatin! costs escalated& %hile its creditor ban.s and other fnancial institutions ti!htened Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 their loan port$olios. Company L %as $aced %ith the dismal choice o$ either suspendin! its operations or sellin! its business. It chose the latter. /ain! struc. a deal %ith Company S& a more iable entity en!a!ed in the same business& Company L sold its entire business to the $ormer %ithout much $an$are or any $orm o$ publicity. In $act& eidence e=ists that the transaction %as $urtiely entered into to aoid the pryin! eyes o$ Company L3s creditors. )he creditor ban.s and other fnancial institutions sued Company L $or iolation o$ the 5ul. 1ales >a%. 'ecide. (@%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( Company L iolated the 5ul. 1ales >a% %hen it sold its entire business to Company S $urtiely to aoid the pryin! eyes o$ its creditors. Its manu$actured !oods are sold %holesale to distributors and dealers. )he sale o$ all or substantially all o$ its stoc.s& not in the ordinary course o$ business& constitutes bul. sale. )he transaction bein! a bul. sale& enterin! into such transaction %ithout complyin! %ith the re+uirements o$ the 5ul. 1ales >a%& Company L iolated said la%. ,ul- Sales 8a;2 Coere6 Transactions (2004) ;ursuant to a %rit o$ e=ecution issued by the 9e!ional )rial Court in N<=press 5an. . 'on 9ubio&N the sheri- leied and sold at public auction J photocopyin! machines o$ 'on 9ubio. Is the sheri-Ds sale coered by the 5ul. 1ales >a%? (@%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 7o. )he sale by sheri- at public sale is not a sale by a merchant. 1ection J o$ the 5ul. 1ales >a% itsel$ proides that it has no application to e=ecutors& administrators& receiers& assi!nees in insolency& or public o-icers& actin! under process. )he 5ul. 1ales >a% only applies to the sale or encumbrance o$ a merchant o$ !oods& merchandise or commodity done Nin bul.N as defned by the >a% itsel$. ,ul- Sales 8a;2 E9clusions ()**3) In the annual meetin! o$ L0S Corporation& the stoc.holders unanimously adopted a resolution proposed by the 5B' to sell substantially all the f=tures and e+uipment used in and about its business. )he ;resident o$ the Corporation approached you and as.ed $or le!al assistance to e-ect the sale. /$ What steps should you ta.e so that the sale may be alid? !$ What are the t%o instances %hen the sale& trans$er& mort!a!e or assi!nment o$ stoc. o$ !oods& %ares& merchandise& proision& or materials other%ise than in the ordinary course o$ trade and the re!ular prosecution o$ the business o$ the endor are not deemed to be a sale or trans$er in bul.? SU44ESTE) ANSWER( /$ )he re+uirements o$ the 5ul. 1ales >a% must be complied %ith. )he seller deliers to the purchaser a list o$ his creditors and the purchaser in turn notifes such creditors o$ the proposed sale at a stipulated time in adance. Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 21 of 103 !$ I$ the sale and trans$er is made a) by the endor& mort!a!or& trans$eror or assi!nor %ho produces and deliers a %ritten %aier o$ the proisions o$ the 5ul. 1ales >a% $rom his creditors as sho%n by erifed statementK and b) by a endor& mort!a!or& trans$eror or assi!nor %ho is an e=ecutor& administrator& receier& assi!nee in insolency& or public o-icer actin! under "udicial process& the sale or trans$er is not coered by the 5ul. 1ales >a%. ,ul- Sales 8a;2 <.li'ation o& t#e >en6or ()**1) /ouse o$ ;i66a (;i66a) is the o%ner and operator o$ a nation%ide chain o$ pi66a outlets. /ouse o$ >i+uor (>i+uor) is a retailer o$ all .inds o$ li+uor. /ouse o$ 8oods (8oods) has o-ered to purchase all o$ the outlets& e+uipment& f=tures and $urniture o$ ;i66a. 8oods also o-ered to purchase $rom >i+uor all o$ its moderately priced stoc. constitutin! @?% o$ its total inentory. 5oth ;i66a and >i+uor hae creditors. What le!al re+uirements must ;i66a and >i+uor comply %ith in order $or 8oods to consummate the transactions? 'iscuss $ully. SU44ESTE) ANSWER( ;i66a and >i+uor must prepare an a-idait statin! the names o$ all their creditors& their addresses& the amounts o$ their credits and their respectie maturities. ;i66a and >i+uor must submit said a-idait to 8oods %hich& in turn& should noti$y the creditors about the transaction %hich is about to be concluded %ith ;i66a and >i+uor. ALTERNATI7E ANSWER( As $ar as >i+uor is concerned& it must prepare an a-idait statin! the names o$ all its creditors& their addresses& the amounts o$ their credits and their respectie maturities. It must submit said a-idait to its buyer& %ho in turn& should noti$y the creditors about the transaction %hich is about to be concluded %ith his seller. 5ut as $ar as ;i66a is concerned& it is not coered by the 5ul. 1ales >a%. 1o 8oods can consummate the transaction %ithout doin! anythin!. ,ul- Sales 8a;2 <.li'ation o& t#e >en6or ()**+) )he sole proprietor o$ a medium4si6e !rocery shop& en!a!ed in both %holesale and retail transactions& sells the entire business loc.& stoc. and barrel because o$ his plan to emi!rate abroad %ith his $amily. Is he coered by the proisions o$ the 5ul. 1ales >a%? In the a-irmatie& %hat must be done by the parties so as to comply %ith the la%? SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 0es. )his is a sale o$ the stoc. o$ !oods& f=tures and entire business& not in the ordinary course o$ business or trade o$ the endor. 5e$ore receiin! $rom the endee any part o$ the purchase price& the endor must delier to such endee a %ritten statement& duly s%orn& o$ the names and addresses o$ all creditors to %hom said endor may be indebted& to!ether %ith the amount o$ indebtedness due or o%in!& on account o$ the !oods& f=tures or business sub"ect matter o$ the bul. sale. ,ul- Sales 8a;2 <.li'ation o& t#e >en6or (200)) A is a merchant en!a!ed in the sale o$ a ariety o$ !oods and merchandise. 5ecause o$ the economic crisis& he incurred indebtedness to L& 0 and S. )herea$ter& A sold to 5 all the stoc. o$ !oods and merchandise. a$ What steps should A underta.e to e-ect a alid sale in bul. o$ his !oods to 5. (#%). SU44ESTE) ANSWER( A must prepare an a-idait statin! the names o$ all his creditors& in this case& L& 0& and S& their addresses& the amount o$ their credits and their maturity. A should !ie the a-idait to 5 %ho& in turn& should $urnish a copy to each creditor and noti$y the creditors that there is a proposed bul. sale in order to enable the latter to protect their interests. b$ 1uppose A submitted a $alse statement on the schedule o$ his creditors. What is the e-ect o$ such $alse statement as to Qendee 5. (#%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( I$ the endee does not hae .no%led!e o$ the $alsity o$ the schedule& the sale is alid. /o%eer& i$ the endee has .no%led!e o$ such $alsity& the sale is oid because he is in bad $aith. c$ What is the ri!ht o$ creditors L& 0& and S i$ A $ailed to comply %ith the procedureOsteps re+uired by la% under +uestion letter (a) hereo$? (2%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( )he recourse o$ L& 0& and S is to +uestion the alidity o$ the sale $rom A to 5 so as to recoer the !oods and merchandise to satis$y their credits. Cons0mer 1rote#tion La! (etric S%stem 8a; ()**3) An!elene is a customer o$ Aeralco <lectric Company (A<CB). 5ecause o$ the abrupt rise in electricity rates& An!elene complained %ith A<CB insistin! that she should be char!ed the $ormer rates. /o%eer& An!elene did not tender any payment. When A<CB3s employees sered the frst 4J4hour notice o$ disconnection& An!elene protested. A<CB& ho%eer& did not implement the 4J4hour notice o$ disconnection. Instead& its employees e=amined An!elene3s electric meter& chan!ed the same& and installed another. 1till& An!elene& made no tender o$ payment. A<CB sered a second 4J4hour notice o$ disconnection on Cune ##& 2HJ4. It !ae An!elene until @ pm o$ Cune #@& 2HJ4 %ithin %hich to pay. As no payment had been made& A<CB cut An!elene3s electric serice on Cune #J& 2HJ4. An!elene contends that the 4J4hour %ritten notice o$ disconnection rule cannot be ino.ed by A<CB Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 22 of 103 %hen there is a bona fde and "ust dispute as to the amount due as her electric consumption rate. Is An!elene3s contention alid? SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 7o. An!elene3s only le!al recourse in this case %as to pay the electric bill under protest. /er $ailure to do so "ustifed A<CB to cut the electric serice .Ceni8a " C$ 21+ S 26,7 Cor%oration La! ,<D: Election o& Aliens as mem.ers (2001) A Morean national "oined a corporation %hich is en!a!ed in the $urniture manu$acturin! business. /e %as elected to the 5oard o$ 'irectors. )o complement its $urniture manu$acturin! business& the corporation also en!a!ed in the lo!!in! business. With the additional lo!!in! actiity& can the Morean national still be a member o$ the 5oard o$ 'irectors? <=plain. ((%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 0es& "ust as lon! as si=ty percent (:?%) o$ the 5oard o$ 'irectors are 8ilipinos. Corporations that are si=ty percent (:?%) o%ned by 8ilipinos can en!a!e in the business o$ e=ploration& deelopment and utili6ation o$ natural resources. (Art. LII& 1ec. #& 2HJI Constitution) )he election o$ aliens as members o$ the 5oard B$ 'irectors en!a!in! in partially4nationali6ed actiities is allo%ed in proportion to their allo%able participation or share in the capital o$ such entities. (1ec. #4A& Anti4 'ummy >a%) 7othin! in the $acts sho%s that more than $orty percent (4?%) o$ the 5oard o$ 'irectors are $orei!ners. ,<D2 Ca$acit% o& Directors ()**4) 9odman& the ;resident o$ )8 Co& %rote a letter to Fre!orio& o-erin! to sell to the latter @&??? ba!s o$ $ertili6er at ;2?? per ba!. Fre!orio si!ned his con$ormity to the letter4o-er& and paid a do%n4payment o$ ;@?th. A $e% days later& the Corporate 1ecretary o$ )8 in$ormed Fre!orio o$ the decision o$ their 5B' not to rati$y the letter o-er. /o%eer& since Fre!orio had already paid the do%n4payment& )8 deliered @?? ba!s o$ $ertili6er %hich Fre!orio accepted. )8 made it clear that the deliery should be considered an entirely ne% transaction. )herea$ter& Fre!orio sou!ht en$orcement o$ the letter4 o-er. Is there a bindin! contract $or the @&??? ba!s o$ $ertili6er? <=plain. SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 7o& there is no bindin! contract $or the @&??? ba!s o$ $ertili6er. 8irst& the $acts do not indicate that 9odman& the ;resident o$ )8 Co& %as authori6ed by the 5B' to enter into the said contract or that he %as empo%ered to do so under some proision o$ the by4la%s o$ )8 Co. )he $acts do not also indicate that 9odman has been clothed %ith the apparent po%er to e=ecute the contract or a!reements similar to it. 1econd& )8 Co has specifcally in$ormed Fre!orio that it has not ratifed the contract $or the sale o$ @&??? ba!s o$ $ertili6er and that the deliery to Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 Gregorio of #"" bagsB w&ic& Gregorio accepte.B is an entirely new transaction* (9ao :a Sin 2rading v "# 4+ 5.8(; <une )5, )**( (;*s7-.! ,<D2 Com$ensation ()**)) A$ter many di-icult years& %hich called $or sacrifces on the part o$ the company3s directors& A5C Aanu$acturin! Inc %as fnally earnin! substantial profts. )hus& the ;resident proposed to the 5B' that the directors be paid a bonus e+uialent to 2@% o$ the company3s net income be$ore ta= durin! the precedin! year. )he ;resident3s proposal %as unanimously approed by the 5B'. A stoc.holder o$ A5C +uestioned the bonus. 'oes he hae !rounds to ob"ect? SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 0es& the stoc.holder as a alid and le!al !round to ob"ect to the payment to the directors o$ a bonus e+uialent to 2@% o$ the company3s net income. )he la% proides that the total annual compensation o$ the directors& in the precedin! year& cannot e=ceed 2?% o$ the company3s net income be$ore income ta= (1ec (? Corp Code). ,<D2 Con&lict o& 7nterest ()**3) A5C ;i!!er Inc is en!a!ed in raisin! and sellin! ho!s in the local mar.et. Ar. 'e 'ios& one o$ its directors %hile traelin! abroad& met a leather !oods manu$acturer %ho %as interested in buyin! pi! s.ins $rom the ;hilippines. Ar 'e 'ios set up a separate company and started e=portin! pi! s.ins to his $orei!n contact but the pi! s.ins e=ported %ere not sourced $rom A5C. /is $ello% directors in A5C complained that he should hae !ien this business to A5C. /o% %ould you decide on this matter? SU44ESTE) ANSWER( I %ould decide in $aor o$ Ar 'e 'ios. A5C is en!a!ed in raisin! and sellin! ho!s in the local mar.et. )he company that Ar 'e 'ios had set up %as to en!a!e& as it did& in the e=port o$ pi!s s.ins. )here is thus no conEict o$ interest bet%een Ar. 'e 'ios and A5C ;i!!er Inc so as to ma.e the case $all %ithin the conEict o$ interest situation under the la% (1ec (4 Corp Code) 1bservation 2he term =conflict of interest> is susceptible to varied views and interpretations' ,<D2 7nterloc-in' Directors ()**1) Chito 1antos is a director o$ both ;latinum Corporation and M%i. 1iler Corporation. /e o%ns 2% o$ the outstandin! capital stoc. o$ ;latinum and 4?) o$ M%i.. ;latinum plans to enter into a contract %ith M%i. that %ill ma.e both companies earn ery substantial profts. )he contract is presented at the respectie board meetin!s o$ ;latinum and M%i.. /* In order that the contract %ill not be oidable& %hat conditions %ill hae to be complied %ith? <=plain. !* I$ these conditions are not met& ho% may this contract be ratifed? <=plain. SU44ESTE) ANSWER( /* At the meetin! o$ the 5B' o$ ;latinum to approe the contract& Chito %ould hae to ma.e sure that Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 23 of 103 a$ his presence as director at the meetin! is not necessary to constitute a +uorum $or such meetin!K b$ his ote is not necessary $or the approal o$ the contractK and c$ the contract is $air and reasonable under the circumstances. At the meetin! o$ the 5B' o$ M%i. to approe the contract& Chito %ould hae to ma.e sure that 4 a$ there is no $raud inoledK and b$ the contract is $air and reasonable under the circumstances. SU44ESTE) ANSWER( !* I$ the conditions relatin! to the +uorum and re+uired number o$ otes are not met& the contract must be ratifed by the ote o$ stoc.holders representin! at least #O( o$ the outstandin! capital stoc. in a meetin! called $or the purpose. 8urthermore& the aderse interest o$ Chito in the contract must be disclosed and the contract is $air and reasonable. (1ecs. (# and ((& 5; :J) ,<D2 7nterloc-in' Directors ()**4) >eonardo is the Chairman and ;resident& %hile 9aphael is a 'irector o$ 7) Corporation. Bn one occasion& 7) Co& represented by >eonardo and A <nt& a sin!le proprietorship o%ned by 9aphael& entered into a dealership a!reement %hereby 7) Co appointed A <nt as e=clusie distributor o$ its products in 7orthern >u6on. Is the dealership a!reement alid? <=plain. SU44ESTE) ANSWER( )he dealership a!reement is oidable at the option o$ 7) Co inasmuch as the $acts do not indicate that the same %as approed by the 5B' o$ 7) Co be$ore it %as si!ned or& assumin! such approal& that it %as approed under the $ollo%in! conditions* /$ )hat the presence o$ 9aphael& the o%ner o$ A <nt& in the meetin! o$ the 5B' at %hich the a!reement %as approed %as not necessary to constitute a +uorum $or such meetin!K !$ )hat the ote o$ 9aphael %as not necessary $or the approal o$ the a!reementK :$ )hat the a!reement is $air and reasonable under the circumstances (1ec (# Corp Code) ALTERNATI7E ANSWER( )he dealership a!reement is alid upon the assumption that the same %as approed by the 5B' o$ 7) Co be$ore it %as si!ned and that such approal %as made under the $ollo%in! conditions* /$ )hat the presence o$ 9aphael& the o%ner o$ A <nt& in the meetin! o$ the 5B' at %hich the a!reement %as approed %as not necessary to constitute a +uorum $or such meetin!K !$ )hat the ote o$ 9aphael %as not necessary $or the approal o$ the a!reementK :$ )hat the a!reement is $air and reasonable under the circumstances (1ec (# Corp Code) ,%?8a;s2 >ali6it%2 limitin' 5uali&ications o& ,<D mem.ers ()**:) )he 5B' o$ L Co& actin! on a standin! authority o$ the stoc.holders to amend the by4la%s& amended its by4la%s so as to dis+uali$y any o$ its stoc.holders %ho is also a stoc.holder and director o$ a competitor $rom bein! elected to its 5B'. 0& a stoc.holder holdin! su-icient assets to assure him o$ a seat in the 5B'& fled a petition %ith the 1<C $or a declaration o$ nullity o$ the amended by4la%s. /e alle!ed amon! other thin!s that as a stoc.holder& he had ac+uired ri!hts inherent in stoc. o%nership such as the ri!ht to ote and be oted upon in the election o$ directors. Is the stoc.holder3s petition tenable? (@%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 7o. )here is no ested ri!ht o$ a stoc.holder to be elected as director. When a person buys stoc. in a corporation he does so %ith the .no%led!e that its a-airs are dominated by a ma"ority o$ the stoc.holders. )o this e=tent& the stoc.holder parted %ith his personal ri!ht to re!ulate the disposition o$ his property %hich he inested in the capital stoc. o$ the corporation and surrendered it to the %ill o$ the ma"ority o$ his $ello% incorporators or stoc.holders. Corporations hae the po%er to ma.e by4 la%s declarin! a person employed in the serice o$ a rial company to be ineli!ible $or the Corporation3s 5B'. An amendment %hich renders a director ineli!ible& or i$ elected& sub"ects him to remoal& i$ he is also a director in a corporation %hose business is in competition %ith or is anta!onistic to the other corporation is alid. ,%?8a;s2 >ali6it%2 limitin' 5uali&ications o& ,<D mem.ers (2000) At the annual stoc.holders3 meetin! o$ A1 Corporation& the stoc.holders unanimously passed a resolution authori6in! the 5oard o$ 'irectors to amend the corporate by4la%s so as to dis+uali$y any stoc.holder %ho is also a director or stoc.holder o$ a competin! business $rom bein! elected to the 5oard o$ 'irectors o$ A1 Corporation. )he by4 la%s %ere accordin!ly amended. FM& a stoc.holder o$ A1 Corporation and a ma"ority stoc.holder o$ a competitor& sou!ht election to the 5oard o$ 'irectors o$ A1 Corporation. /is nomination %as denied on the !round that he %as ineli!ible to run $or the position. 1ee.in! a nullifcation o$ the o-endin! dis+ualifcation proision& FM consults you about its alidity under the Corporation Code o$ the ;hils. What %ould your le!al adice be? ((%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( )he proision in the amended by4la%s dis+uali$yin! any stoc.holder %ho is also a director or stoc.holder o$ a competin! business $rom bein! elected to the 5oard o$ 'irectors o$ A1 Corp is alid. )he corporation is empo%ered to adopt a code o$ by4la%s $or its !oernment not inconsistent %ith the Corp Code. 1uch dis+uali$yin! proision is not inconsistent %ith the Corp Code. ,%?8a;s2 >ali6it%2 limitin' 5uali&ications o& ,<D mem.ers (200)) 7ersion 1990+2006 U %&ate& 'y Dondee 7ersion 1990+2003 Arrange& 'y SULAW Cass 200! Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 2" of 103 Is a by4la% proision o$ L Corporation renderin! ineli!ible or i$ elected& sub"ect to remoal& a director i$ he is also a director in a corporation %hose business is in competition %ith or is anta!onistic to said corporation alid and le!al? 1tate your reasons. (@%). SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 0es& the by4la% proision is alid. It is the ri!ht o$ a corporation to protect itsel$ a!ainst possible harm and pre"udice that may be caused by its competitors. )he position o$ director is hi!hly sensitie and confdential. )o say the least& to allo% a person& %ho is a director in a corporation %hose business is in competition %ith or is anta!onistic to L Corporation& to become also a director in L Corporation %ould be harborin! a conEict o$ interest %hich is harm$ul to the latter .%okong4ei 9r " S:C +6 S 336 .16'671 6' S '+ .16+,77# ,%?8a;s2 >ali6it%2 limitin' 5uali&ications o& ,<D mem.ers (2003) )o preent the entry o$ Aarlo <nri+ue6& %hom it considered as one anta!onistic to its interests& into its 5oard o$ 'irectors& 5ayan Corporation amended its articles o$ incorporation and by4la%s to add certain +ualifcations o$ stoc.holders to be elected as members o$ its 5oard o$ 'irectors. When presented $or approal at a meetin! o$ its stoc.holders duly called $or the purpose& the amendments %ere oer%helmin!ly ratifed. Aarlo <nri+ue6 brou!ht suits a!ainst 5ayan Corporation to +uestion the amendments. Would the action prosper? Why? (4%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( .-er )ondee7 )he 1C reiterated in the case o$ SMC "s# S:C decided in $-ril 11, 16'6, that it is reco!ni6ed by all authorities that Deery corporation has the inherent po%er to adopt by4la%s D$or its internal !oernment& and to re!ulate the conduct and prescribe the ri!hts and duties o$ its members to%ards itsel$ and amon! themseles in re$erence to the mana!ement o$ its a-airs.DN At common la%& the rule %as Nthat the po%er to ma.e and adopt by4 la%s %as inherent in eery corporation as one o$ its necessary and inseparable le!al incidents. And it is settled throu!hout the ,nited 1tates that in the absence o$ positie le!islatie proisions limitin! it& eery priate corporation has this inherent po%er as one o$ its necessary and inseparable le!al incidents& independent o$ any specifc enablin! proision in its charter or in !eneral la%& such po%er o$ sel$4!oernment bein! essential to enable the corporation to accomplish the purposes o$ its creation.N Close Cor$orations2 Dea6loc-s ()**1) 9obert& 9ey and 5en e=ecuted a "oint enture a!reement to $orm a close corporation under the Corp Code the outstandin! capital stoc. o$ %hich the three o$ them %ould e+ually o%n. )hey also proided therein that any corporate act %ould need the ote o$ I?% o$ the outstandin! capital stoc.. )he terms o$ the a!reement %ere accordin!ly implemented and the correspondin! close corporation %as incorporated. A$ter ( years& 9obert& 9ey and 5en could not a!ree on the business in 7ersion 1990+2006 U %&ate& 'y Dondee 7ersion 1990+2003 Arrange& 'y SULAW Cass 200! %hich to inest the $unds o$ the corporation. 9obert %ants the deadloc. bro.en. /* What are the remedies aailable to 9obert under the Corp code to brea. the deadloc.? <=plain. !* Are there any remedies to preent the paraly6ation o$ the business aailable to 9obert under ;' H?#4A %hile the petition to brea. the deadloc. is pendin! liti!ation? <=plain. SU44ESTE) ANSWER( /* 9obert can petition the 1<C to arbitrate the dispute& %ith such po%ers as proided in 1ec 2?4 o$ the Corp Code. !* )he 1<C can appoint a rehabilitation receier or a mana!ement committee. Close6 Cor$oration2 Restriction2 Trans&er o& s#ares ()**3) 9a$ael inherited $rom his uncle 2?&??? shares o$ 1ta. Ana Corporation& a close corporation. )he shares hae a par alue o$ ;2?.?? per share. 9a$ael notifed 1ta. Ana that he %as sellin! his shares at ;I?.?? per share. )here bein! no ta.ers amon! the stoc.holders& 9a$ael sold the same to his cousin Qicente (%ho is not a stoc.holder) $or ;I??&???. )he Corporate 1ecretary re$used to trans$er the shares in Qicente3s name in the corporate boo.s because Alberto& one o$ the stoc.holders& opposed the trans$er on the !round that the same iolated the by4la%s. Alberto o-ered to buy the shares at ;2#.@? per share& as f=ed by the by4la%s or a total price o$ ;2#@&??? only. While the by4la%s o$ 1ta. Ana proides that the ri!ht o$ frst re$usal can be e=ercised at a price not e=ceedin! #@% more than the par alue o$ such shares& the Articles o$ Incorporation simply proides that the stoc.holders o$ record shall hae pre$erential ri!ht to purchase said shares. It is silent as to pricin!. Is 9a$ael bound by the pricin! proiso under the by4la%s o$ 1ta. Ana Corporation? SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 0es. In a close corporation& the restriction as to the trans$er o$ shares has to be statedO annotated in the Articles o$ Incorporation& the 5y4>a%s and the certifcate o$ stoc.. )his seres as notice to the person dealin! %ith such shares li.e 9a$ael in this case. With such notice& he is bound by the pricin! stated in the 5y4la%s. ALTERNATI7E ANSWER( 7o& 9a$ael is not bound by the pricin! proiso under the 5y4la%s o$ 1ta Ana Corporation. ,nder the corporation la%& the restrictions on the ri!ht to trans$er shares must appear in the articles o$ incorporation and in the by4la%s as %ell as in the certifcate o$ stoc.& other%ise& the same shall not be bindin! on any purchaser thereo$ in !ood $aith. Aoreoer the restriction shall not be more onerous than !rantin! the e=istin! stoc.holders or the corporation the option to purchase the shares o$ the trans$errin! stoc.holder %ith such reasonable term or period stated therein. Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 25 of 103 /ere& limitin! the price to be paid& %hen the ri!ht o$ frst re$usal is e=ercised& to not more than #@% par alue& %ithout any +ualifcation %hatsoeer& is not in the articles. It is merely stated in the 5y4la%s. )here$ore such limitation shall not be bindin! on the purchaser. .%oSock ? Sons ? Sy 4ui @uat %nc v %#" )* 5eb 87 6in +es! Controers%2 7ntra?Cor$orate ()**3) 5ecause o$ disa!reement %ith the 5B' and a threat by the 5B' to e=pel her $or misconduct and ine-iciency& Carissa o-ered in %ritin! to resi!n as ;resident and member o$ the 5B'& and to sell to the company all her shares therein $or ;(??&???.?? /er o-er to resi!n %as e-ectie as soon as my shares are $ully paid. At its meetin!& the 5B' accepted Carissa3s resi!nation& approed her o-er to sell bac. her shares o$ stoc. to the company& and promised to buy the stoc.s on a sta!!ered basis. Carissa %as in$ormed o$ the 5B' 9esolution in a letter4 a!reement to %hich she a-i=ed her consent. )he Company3s ne% ;resident sin!ed the promissory note. A$ter payment ;2??&??? the company de$aulted in payin! the balance o$ ;#??&???. Carissa %ants to sue the Company to collect the balance. I$ you %ere retained by Carissa as her la%yer& %here %ill you fle the suit? A) >abor ArbiterK b) 9)CK or c) 1<C? SU44ESTE) ANSWER( )he 9)C has "urisdiction oer this case %hich inoles intra4corporate controersy. As o$ #??:& the applicable rule is that there is a )9A718<99<' C,9I1'IC)IB7 under 1ec. @.# o$ the 19C& the Commission3s "urisdiction oer all cases enumerated under ;' H?#4A sec. @ has been trans$erred to the Courts o$ !eneral "urisdiction or the appropriate 9e!ional )rial Court. Controers%2 7ntra?Cor$orate ()**4) In 2HI?& Aa!no "oined AA' Co as a Cunior Accountant. /e steadily rose $rom the ran.s until he became AA'3s <=ecutie Q;. 1ubse+uently& ho%eer because o$ his inolement in certain anomalies& the AA' 5B' considered him resi!ned $rom the company due to loss o$ confdence. A!!rieed& Aa!no fled a complaint in the 1<C +uestionin! the alidity o$ his termination& and see.in! reinstatement to his $ormer position& %ith bac.%a!es& acation and sic. leae benefts& 2(th month pay and Christmas bonus& plus moral and e=emplary dama!es& attorney3s $ees and costs. AA' fled a motion to dismiss& ar!uin! that the 1<C has no "urisdiction oer cases o$ ille!al dismissal& and has no po%er to a%ard dama!es. 1hould the motion to dismiss be !ranted? <=plain. SU44ESTE) ANSWER( As o$ #??:& the applicable rule is that there is a )9A718<99<' C,9I1'IC)IB7 under 1ec. @.# o$ the 19C& the Commission3s "urisdiction oer all cases enumerated under ;' H?#4A sec. @ has been trans$erred to the Courts o$ !eneral "urisdiction or the appropriate 9<FIB7A> )9IA> CB,9). Controers%2 7ntra?Cor$orate ()**4) Cenni$er and Fabriel o%ned the controllin! stoc.s in A88 Co and C>B Inc& both $amily corporations. 'ue to serious disa!reements& Cenni$er assi!ned all her shares in A88 to Fabriel& %hile Fabriel assi!ned all his shares in C>B to Cenni$er. 1ubse+uently& Cenni$er and C>B fled a complaint a!ainst Fabriel and A88 in the 1<C see.in! to recoer the corporate records and $unds o$ C>B %hich Fabriel alle!edly re$used to turn oer& and %hich remained in the o-ices o$ A88. Is there an intra4corporate controersy in this case? SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 0es& there is an intra4corporate controersy in this case. )he $act that& %hen the complaint a!ainst Fabriel and A88 %as fled %ith the 1<C (per #??:& 9)C3s Curisdiction)& Cenni$er and C>B %ere no lon!er stoc.holders o$ A88 did not diest the 1<C (per #??:& 9)C3s Curisdiction) o$ its "urisdiction oer the case inasmuch as Cenni$er %as a $ormer stoc.holder o$ A88 and the controersy arose out o$ this relation. .S:C " C$ %R 63+32 $ug 23 611 2,1s12(7 Controers%2 7ntra?Cor$orate (2004) ;hat is an intra2cor-orate contro"ers5< .+=7 SU##ES$E% A&SWE': An intra4corporate controersy is a conEict bet%een stoc.holders& members or partners and the corporation& association or partnership re!ardin! the re!ulation o$ the corporation. )he controersy must arise out o$ intra4 corporate or partnership relations o$ the partiesK or bet%een such corporation& partnership or association and the 1tate inso$ar as it concerns their indiidual $ranchises. It is $urther re+uired that the dispute be intrinsically connected %ith the re!ulation o$ the corporation .S-eed )istri*uting Cor-#, et al# "# Court of $--eals, et al, %#R# &o# 1(6301, March 1', 2,,(1 ntestate :state of $le>ander ?#?5"# Court of $--eals, %#R# &o# 112+'2, $-ril 16, 2,,17# s the Securities and :>change Co!!ission the "enue for actions in"ol"ing intra2cor-orate contro"ersies< .2=7 SU##ES$E% A&SWE': 7o& pursuant to 1ubsection @.# o$ the 1ecurities 9e!u4 lation Code& the +uasi4 "udicial "urisdiction o$ the 1ecurities and <=chan!e Commission to hear corporate cases& includin! intra4corporate controersies& under 1ection @ o$ ;res. 'ecree 7o. H?#4A& has been e=pressly trans$erred to the desi!nated 9e!ional )rial Court. ;ursuant to a memorandum circular issued by the 1upreme Court& only particularly desi!nated 9)C special commercial courts in each "udicial re!ion hae ori!inal and e=clusie "urisdiction oer such cases .See ntestate :state of $le>ander ?# ?5 "# Court of $--eals, %#R# &o# 112+'2, $-ril 16, 2,,17# Controers%2 7ntra?cor$orate2 Juris6iction ()**+) Cuan %as a stoc.holder o$ L Co. /e o%ned a total o$ @?? shares eidenced by Cert o$ 1toc. 7o 2??2. /e sold the shares to ;edro. A$ter !ettin! paid& Cuan indorsed and deliered said Certifcate o$ 1toc. 7o 2??2 to ;edro. )he $ollo%in! day& Cuan %ent to the o-ices o$ the corporation and claimed that his Certifcate o$ 1toc. 7o 2??2 %as lost and that& despite dili!ent e-orts& the certifcate could Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 26 of 103 not be located. )he $ormalities prescribed by la% $or the replacement o$ the lost certifcate %ere complied %ith. <entually L Co issued in substitution o$ the lost certifcate& Cert o$ 1toc. 7o #??#. Cuan $orth%ith trans$erred $or aluable consideration the ne% certifcate to Cose %ho .ne% nothin! o$ the preious sale to ;edro. In time& the corporation %as con$ronted %ith the conEictin! claims o$ Cose and ;edro. )he 5B' o$ L Co inited you to enli!hten them on these +uestionsK i6* a$ I$ a suit %ere to be initiated in order to resole the controersy bet%een ;edro and Cose& should the matter be submitted to the 1<C or to the re!ular courts? b$ 5et%een Cose and ;edro& %hom should the corporation so reco!ni6e as the ri!ht$ul stoc.holder? /o% %ould you respond to the aboe +ueries? SU44ESTE) ANSWER( a$ )he matter should be submitted to the re!ular courts G specifcally in the 9e!ional )rial Court %here the principal o-ice o$ the corporation is located. )he controersy bet%een ;edro and Cose is not an intra4 corporate controersy. b$ I$ there is no oer4issuance o$ shares resultin! $rom the t%o4transactions o$ Cuan& the corporation should reco!ni6e both ;edro and Cose as ri!ht$ul stoc.holders. )his is %ithout pre"udice to the ri!ht o$ the corporation to claim a!ainst Cuan $or the alue o$ the shares %hich Cuan sold to Cose. Cor$oration Sole2 De&inition (2003) What is a corporation sole? SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 1ection 22? o$ the Corporation Code defnes a Ncorporation soleN as one $ormed $or the purpose o$ administerin! and mana!in!& as trustee& the a-airs& property and temporalities o$ any reli!ious denomination& sect or church. It is $ormed by the chie$ archbishop& bishop& priest& minister& rabbi or other presidin! elder o$ such reli!ious denomination& sect or church. Cor$oration: 7ssuance o& s#ares o& stoc- to $a% &or t#e serices (2001) Canice rendered some consultancy %or. $or L0S Corporation. /er compensation included shares o$ stoc. therein. Can L0S Corporation issue shares o$ stoc. to pay $or the serices o$ Canice as its consultant? 'iscuss your ans%er. (#%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 0es& proided the approal o$ stoc.holders representin! t%o4thirds (#O() o$ the outstandin! capital stoc. is obtained. Althou!h the $acts indicate that the consultancy %or. has already been NrenderedN constitutin! Npreiously contracted debt&N under 1ection (H o$ the Corporation Code& the pre4emptie ri!hts o$ e=istin! stoc.holders need not be respected Nin payment o$ a preiously contracted debt&N but only %ith the indicated stoc.holdersD approal. ,nder 1ection :# o$ the Corporation Code& consideration $or the issuance o$ Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 stoc. may include labor per$ormed $or or serices actually rendered to the corporation. Cor$oration: Ri'#t o& Re$urc#ase o& S#ares2 Trust /un6 Doctrine (2001) ,nder %hat conditions may a stoc. corporation ac+uire its o%n shares? (#%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 1n line wit& t&e trust fun. .octrine t&at generally ren.ers it unlawful for t&e corporation to return assets to t&e stock&ol.ers representing capitalB a corporation 'ay ac-uire its own s&ares only when there exists in the boo/s unrestricted retained earnings to cover the repurchase of shares' 2&e purpose of t&e repurc&ase of s&ares 'ust be a legiti'ate business purpose of t&e corporationB suc& as to: /* <>IAI7A)< $ractional shares arisin! out o$ stoc. diidendsK !* CB>><C) or CBA;9BAI1< an indebtedness to the corporation arisin! out o$ unpaid subscription in a delin+uency saleK :* to ;,9C/A1< delin+uent shares sold durin! the saleK and (* to ;A0 dissentin! or %ithdra%in! stoc.holders entitled to such payment under the Corporation Code. (1ees. 42 and J#& Corporation Code) Cor$oration: Sole "ro$rietors#i$ (2003) 0M1 )radin! fled a complaint $or specifc per$ormance %ith dama!es a!ainst ;WC Corporation $or $ailure to delier cement ordered by plainti-. In its ans%er& ;WC denied liability on the !round& inter alia& that 0M1 has no personality to sue& not bein! incorporated& and that the ;resident o$ ;WC %as not authori6ed to enter into a contract %ith plainti- by the ;WC 5oard o$ 'irectors& hence the contract is ultra ires. 0M1 )radin! replied that it is a sole proprietorship o%ned by 0M1& and that the ;resident o$ ;WC had made it appear in seeral letters presented in eidence that he had authority to si!n contracts on behal$ o$ the 5oard o$ 'irectors o$ ;WC. Will the suit prosper or not? 9eason brieEy. (@%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 0es the suit %ill prosper. As a sole proprietorship& the proprietor o$ 0M1 )radin! has the capacity to act and the personality to sue ;WC. It is not necessary $or 0M1 )radin! to be incorporated be$ore it can sue. Bn the other hand& ;WC is estopped $rom assertin! that its ;resident had no authority to enter into the contract& considerin! that& in seeral o$ ;WCDs letters& it had clothed its ;resident %ith apparent authority to deal %ith 0M1 )radin!. Cor$oration2 Articles o& 7ncor$oration ()**0) )he articles o$ incorporation to be re!istered in the 1<C contained the $ollo%in! proisions 44 a$ 8irst Article. )he name o$ the corporation shall be )oho Aar.etin! Company. b$ )hird Article. )he principal o-ice o$ such corporation shall be located in 9e!ion III& in such municipality therein as its 5oard o$ 'irectors may desi!nate. Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 2- of 103 stoc.holders representin! at least t%o4 thirds (#O() o$ the c$ 1eenth Article. )he capital stoc. o$ the corporation is Bne Aillion ;esos (;2&???&???) ;hilippine Currency. What are your comments and su!!ested chan!es to the proposed articles? SU44ESTE) ANSWER( a$ Bn the 8irst Article& I %ould su!!est that the corporate name indicate the $act o$ incorporation by usin! either )oho Aar.etin! Corporation or )oh Aar.etin! Company& Incorporated. b$ )he )hird Article should indicate the City or the Aunicipality and the ;roince in the ;hilippines& and not merely the re!ion or as its 5B' may later desi!nate& to be its place o$ principal o-ice. c$ )he 1eenth Article must additionally point out the number o$ shares into %hich the capital stoc. is diided& as %ell as the par alue thereo$ or a statement that said stoc. or a portion thereo$ are %ithout par alue. (1ec 24 P 2@ Corp Code) Cor$oration2 ,ul- Sales 8a; (2001) 'iine Corporation is en!a!ed in the manu$acture o$ !arments $or e=port. In the course o$ its business& it %as able to obtain loans $rom indiiduals and fnancin! institutions. /o%eer& due to the drop in the demand $or !arments in the international mar.et& 'iine Corporation could not meet its obli!ations. It decided to sell all its e+uipment such as se%in! machines& perma4press machines& hi!h speed se%ers& cuttin! tables& ironin! tables& etc.& as %ell as its supplies and materials to )op Frade 8ashion Corporation& its competitor. (@%) /$ /o% %ould you classi$y the transaction? SU44ESTE) ANSWER( )he transactions %ould constitute a sale o$ Nsubstantially all o$ the assets o$ 'iine Corporation complyin! %ith the test under 1ec. 4? o$ the Corporation Code& the transactions not bein! Nin the ordinary course o$ business&N and one Nthereby the corporation %ould be rendered incapable o$ continuin! the business or accomplishin! the purpose $or %hich it %as incorporated.N ALTERNATI7E ANSWER( It is a sale and trans$er in bul. in contemplation o$ the 5ul. 1ales >a%. ,nder 1ec. # o$ the 5ul. 1ales >a%& a bul. sale includes any sale& trans$er& mort!a!e& or assi!nment o$ all& or substantially all& o$ the business or trade thereto$ore conducted by the endor& mort!a!or& trans$eror& or assi!nor. )his is e=actly %hat happened in the case at bar. !$ Can 'iine Corporation sell the a$oresaid items to its competitor& )op Frade 8ashion Corporation? What are the re+uirements to alidly sell the items? <=plain. SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 8or such a transaction to be alid& it re+uires not only the $aorable resolution o$ the 5oard o$ 'irectors o$ 'iine Corporation& but also the ratifcatory ote o$ outstan.ing capital stockB as 'an.ate. un.er Sec* (" of t&e Corporation Co.e* 2&e sale woul. be )oi. in case of failure to 'eet t&e twin appro)als* (%slamic &irectorate of the 3hilippines v' "ourt of #ppeals, 4'+' 0o' ))78*7, 6ay ),, )**7! ALTERNATI7E ANSWER( 'iine Corporation can sell the items to its competitor& )op Frade 8ashion Corporation. /o%eer& 'iine Corporation must comply %ith 1ections (& 4 and @ o$ the 5ul. 1ales >a%& namely* (2) delier s%orn statement o$ the names and addresses o$ all the creditors to %hom the endor or mort!a!or may be indebted to!ether %ith the amount o$ indebtedness due or o%in! to each o$ the said creditorsK (#) apply the purchase or mort!a!e money to the pro4rata payment o$ bona fde claims o$ the creditorsK and (() ma.e a $ull detailed inentory o$ the stoc. o$ !oods& %ares& merchandise& proisions or materials& in bul.& and noti$y eery creditor at least ten (2?) days be$ore trans$errin! possession. :$ /o% %ould you protect the interests o$ the creditors o$ 'iine Corporation? SU44ESTE) ANSWER( Considerin! that 'iine Corporation has entered a de $acto sta!e o$ dissolution %ith the ceasin! o$ its operations& I %ould ino.e on behal$ o$ the creditors the protection under 1ec. 2## o$ the Corporation Code& that the proceeds o$ the sale should frst be applied to%ards the settlement o$ the obli!ations o$ the corporation& be$ore any amount can be paid to the stoc.holders. ALTERNATI7E ANSWER( ,nder the 5ul. 1ales >a%& i$ the proceeds are notK applied proportionately to%ards the settlement o$ the accounts o$ the corporate debts& to hae the sale o$ the sub"ect matters to )op Frade 8ashion Corp.& as bein! N$raudulent and oidN and obtain satis$action $rom the properties %hich are deemed to still be o%ned by 'iine Corporation in spite o$ deliery to the buyer. )he creditors can collect on the credit a!ainst 'iine Corporation& and i$ it cannot pay& the creditors can apply $or attachment on the property $raudulently sold. (See 'eope v. ,apo/, 0.R. (o. 4**3., Septe!1er +1, 194+) ($ In case 'iine Corporation iolated the la%& %hat remedies are aailable to )op Frade 8ashion Corporation a!ainst 'iine Corporation? SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 1f t&e sale by Di)ine Corporation .i. not obtain t&e re-uire. two<t&ir.s !F:$ )ote of t&e outstan.ing capital stockB t&en t&e transaction is )oi.' (%slamic &irectorate of the 3hilippines v' "ourt of #ppeals, 4'+' 0o, ))78*7, 6ay ),, )**7! 2op Gra.e Fas&ion Corporation can &a)e t&e purc&ase .eclare. )oi. an. reco)er t&e purc&ase price pai.B as well as .a'ages against t&e .irectors an. officers w&o un.ertook t&e transaction in )iolation of t&e law* ALTERNATI7E ANSWER( 8or iolation o$ the 5ul. 1ales >a%& the principal o-icers o$ the 'iine Corporation can be held criminally liable. In addition& )op Frade can sue 'iine Corporation $or dama!es. Qiolation o$ the 5ul. 1ales >a% %ould render such a sale $raudulent and oid. 1ince )op Frade %ould be compelled to return the !oods to 'iine Corporation& Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 28 of 103 )op Frade can compel 'iine Corporation to return the purchase price and pay dama!es. Cor$oration2 ,%?la;s (200)) 1uppose that the by4la%s o$ L Corp& a minin! frm proides that )he directors shall be relieed $rom all liability $or any contract entered into by the corporation %ith any frm in %hich the directors may be interested. )hus& director A ac+uired claims %hich oerlapped %ith L3s claims and %ere necessary $or the deelopment and operation o$ L3s minin! properties. a$ Is the by4la% proision alid? Why? ((%) b$ What happens i$ director A is able to consummate his minin! claims oer and aboe that o$ the corporation3s claims? (#%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( a$ 7o. It is in iolation o$ 1ection (# o$ the Corp Code. b$ A should account to the corporation $or the profts %hich he reali6ed $rom the transaction. /e !rabbed the business opportunity $rom the corporation. (1ection (4& Corp Code) Cor$oration2 Commencement2 Cor$orate E9istence (2003) /* When does a corporation ac+uire corporate e=istence? SU44ESTE) ANSWER( !* C50 P Co.& Inc.& re!istered %ith the 1ecurities and <=chan!e Commission its articles o$ incorporation. It $ailed& ho%eer& $or one reason or another& to hae its by4la%s fled %ith& and re!istered by& the Commission. It neertheless transacted and did business as a corporation $or sometime. A suit %as commenced by its minority stoc.holders assailin! the continued e=istence o$ C50 P Co.& Inc.& because o$ the non4adoption and re!istration o$ its by4la%s. Would the action prosper? Why? (:%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( Cor$oration2 Conersion o& Stoc- Cor$oration (200)) L company is a stoc. corporation composed o$ the 9eyes $amily en!a!ed in the real estate business. 5ecause o$ the re!ional crisis& the stoc.holders decided to conert their stoc. corporation into a charitable non4stoc. and non4proft association by amendin! the articles o$ incorporation. a$ Could this be le!ally done? Why? ((%) b$ Would your ans%er be the same i$ at the inception& L Company is a non4stoc. corporation? Why? (#%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( a$ 0es& it can be le!ally done. In conertin! the stoc. corporation to a non4 stoc. corporation by a mere amendment o$ the articles o$ incorporation& the stoc. corporation is not distributin! any o$ its assets to the stoc.holders. Bn the contrary& the stoc.holders are deemed to hae %aied their ri!ht to share in the profts o$ the corporation %hich is a !ain not a loss to the corporation. Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 b$ 7o& my ans%er %ill not be the same. In a non4stoc. corporation& the members are not entitled to share in the profts o$ the corporation because all present and $uture profts belon! to the corporation. In conertin! the non4 stoc. corporation to a stoc. corporation by a mere amendment o$ the Articles o$ Incorporation& the non4 stoc. corporation is deemed to hae distributed an asset o$ the corporation G i.e. its profts& amon! its members& %ithout a prior dissolution o$ the corporation. ,nder 1ec 2##& the non4stoc. corporation must be dissoled frst. (1bservation 2he question is rather vague more particularly question )b' 2he question does not specify that the conversion is from a non$ stoc/ corporation to a stoc/ corporation' 2he candidate is li/ely to be confused because of the words =if at the inception, A "o is a nonstoc/ corporation'> @ence, any answer along the same line should be treated with liberality! Cor$oration2 De /acto Cor$oration ()**3) A corporation %as created by a special la%. >ater& the la% creatin! it %as declared inalid. Aay such corporation claim to be a de $acto corporation? SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 7o. A priate corporation may be created only under the Corporation Code. Bnly public corporations may be created under special la%. Where a priate corporation is created under a special la%& there is no attempt at a alid incorporation. 1uch corporation cannot claim a de $acto status. Cor$oration2 Dissolution2 (et#o6s o& 8i5ui6ation (200)) L Corporation shortened its corporate li$e by amendin! its Articles o$ Incorporation. It has no debts but o%ns a prime property located in Tue6on City. /o% %ould the said property be li+uidated amon! the fe stoc.holders o$ said corporation? 'iscuss t%o methods o$ li+uidation. (@%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( )he prime property o$ L Corporation can be li+uidated amon! the fe stoc.holders a$ter the property has been coneyed by the corporation to the fe stoc.holders& by diidin! or partitionin! it amon! themseles in any t%o o$ the $ollo%in! %ays* /$ by ;/01ICA> 'IQI1IB7 or ;A9)I)IB7 based on the proportion o$ the alues o$ their stoc.holdin!sK or !$ 1<>>I7F )/< ;9B;<9)0 to a third person and diidin! the proceeds amon! the fe stoc.holders in proportion to their stoc.holdin!sK or :$ a$ter the determination o$ the alue o$ the property& by A11IF7I7F or )9A718<99I7F )/< ;9B;<9)0 to one stoc.holder %ith the obli!ation on the part o$ said stoc.holder to pay the other $our stoc.holders the amountOs in proportion to the alue o$ the stoc.holdin! o$ each. Cor$oration2 7ncor$oration2 Re5uirements (2004) What is the minimum and ma=imum number o$ in4 corporators re+uired to incorporate a stoc. corporation? Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 29 of 103 Is this also the same minimum and ma=imum number o$ directors re+uired in a stoc. corporation? (#.@%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( ,nder 1ection 2? o$ the Corporation Code& any number o$ natural persons not less than fe (@) but not more than f$teen (2@)& all o$ le!al a!e and a ma"ority o$ %hom are residents o$ the ;hilippines& may $orm a priate corporation $or any la%$ul purpose. )his is the same minimum and ma=imum number o$ directors re+uired in a stoc. corporation under 1ection 24(:) o$ the Corporation Code. Cor$oration2 7ncor$oration2 Resi6enc% Re5uirements (2004) Aust all incorporators and directors be residents o$ the ;hilippines? (#.@%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 7ot all directors and incorporators need to be residents o$ the ;hilippines. ,nder 1ection 2? o$ the Corporation Code& only a ma"ority o$ the incorporators need to be residents o$ the ;hilippines. As proided in 1ection #( o$ the same Code& only a ma"ority o$ the members o$ the 5oard o$ 'irectors need to be residents o$ the ;hilippines. Cor$oration2 7ncor$oration2 Re5uisites (2002) 0ou hae been as.ed to incorporate a ne% company to be called 815 1ain!s P Aort!a!e 5an.& Inc. >ist the documents that you must submit to the 1ecurities and <=chan!e Commission (1<C) to obtain a certifcate o$ incorporation $or 815 1ain!s P Aort!a!e 5an.& Inc. (@%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( )he documents to be submitted to the 1ecurities and <=chan!e Commission (1<C) to incorporate a ne% company to be called 815 1ain!s P Aort!a!e 5an.& Inc.& to obtain the certifcate o$ incorporation $or said company& are* /$ Articles o$ Incorporation !$ )reasurer3s A-idaitK :$ Certifcate o$ Authority $rom the Aonetary 5oard o$ the 51;K ($ Qerifcation slip $rom the records o$ the 1<C %hether or not the proposed name has already been adopted by another corporation& partnership or associationK #$ >etter underta.in! to chan!e the proposed name i$ already adopted by another corporation& partnership or associationK ,$ 5an. certifcate o$ deposit concernin! the paid4up capitalK 3$ >etter authori6in! the 1<C or Aonetary 5oard or its duly authori6ed representatie to e=amine the ban. records re!ardin! the deposit o$ the paid4up capitalK 6$ 9e!istration 1heetK Cor$oration2 (eetin's2 ,<D 0 Stoc-#ol6ers ()**3) >n.er t&e Articles of 1ncorporation of Manila 1n.ustrial CorpB its principal place of business s&all be in PasigB MM* 2&e principal corporate offices are at t&e 8rtigas Center& ;asi!& AA %hile its $actory processin! leather products& is in Aanila. )he corporation holds its annual stoc.holders3 meetin! at the Aanila /otel in Aanila and its 5B' meetin! at a hotel in Aa.ati AA. )he by4la%s are silent as to the place o$ meetin!s o$ the stoc.holders and directors. /$ Who shall preside at the meetin! o$ the directors? !$ Can )in!& a stoc.holder& %ho did not attend the stoc.holders3 annual meetin! in Aanila& +uestion the alidity o$ the corporate resolutions passed at such meetin!? :$ Can the same stoc.holder +uestion the alidity o$ the resolutions adopted by the 5B' at the meetin! held in Aa.ati? SU44ESTE) ANSWER( /$ )he ;resident presides oer the meetin! o$ the directors& i$ there is no position o$ Chairman proided in the 5y4 >a%s. I$ there is the position o$ Chairman proided in the 5y4>a%s& the Chairman presides oer the meetin! o$ the 'irectors (1ec @4 Corp Code) !$ 7o. )he la% proides that the annual stoc.holders3 meetin! shall be held in the city or municipality %here the principal o-ice o$ the Corporation is located. 8or this purpose& the la% also proides that Aetro Aanila is considered a city or municipality. 1ince the principal place o$ business o$ AIC is ;asi!& AA& the holdin! o$ the annual stoc.holders meetin! in Aanila is proper. (1ec @2 Corp) :$ 7o. )he la% allo%s the 5B' to hold its meetin! any%here in the ;hilippines. )he holdin! o$ the 5B' meetin! in Aa.ati %as proper and the alidity o$ the resolutions adopted by the 5oard in that meetin! cannot be +uestioned. (1ec @( Corp code) Cor$oration2 Nationalit% o& Cor$oration ()**:) What is the nationality o$ a corporation or!ani6ed and incorporated under the la%s o$ a $orei!n country& but o%ned 2??% by 8ilipinos? (#%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( ,nder the control test o$ corporate nationality& this $orei!n corporation is o$ 8ilipino 7ationality. Where there are !rounds $or piercin! the eil o$ corporate entity& that is& disre!ardin! the fction& the corporation %ill $ollo% the nationality o$ the controllin! members or stoc.holders& since the corporation %ill then be considered as one and the same. Cor$oration2 Non?Stoc- Cor$oration ()**3) )he A5 Aemorial 8oundation %as incorporated as a non4proft& non4stoc. corporation in order to establish and maintain a library and museum in honor o$ the deceased parents o$ the incorporators. Its Articles o$ Incorporation proided $or a board o$ trustees composed o$ @ incorporators& %hich authori6ed to admit ne% members. )he Articles o$ Incorporation also allo% the $oundation to receie donations $rom members. As o$ Can (?& 2HH(& :? members had been admitted by the 5B). Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 30 of 103 /$ Can the 8oundation use the $unds donated to it by its members $or purchase o$ $ood and medicine $or distribution to the ictims o$ the ;inatubo eruption? !$ Can the 8oundation operate a specialty restaurant that caters to the !eneral public in order to au!ment its $unds? :$ Bne o$ the ori!inal trustees died and the other t%o resi!ned because they immi!rated to the ,1. /o% %ill the acancies in the 5B) be flled? SU44ESTE) ANSWER( /$ 0es& (1ec (:(H) o$ the Corp Code) as lon! as the amount o$ donation is reasonable. !$ I$ the purposes o$ the corporation are limited to the establishment and maintenance o$ the library and museum as stated in the problem& the $oundation cannot operate a specialty restaurant that caters to the !eneral public. In such case& the action o$ the $oundation %ill be ultra ires. ALTERNATI7E ANSWER( !$ I$ the act o$ the corporation is "ustifed by the secondary purpose o$ the corporation %hich includes the act o$ operatin! a restaurant& the $oundation %ill be %ithin its po%er to do so. :$ 1ince there are only # o$ the members o$ the 5B) remainin! and there is no +uorum& the acancies %ill hae to be flled up in a special meetin! o$ the members (sec #H Corp) Cor$oration2 "o;er to 7nest Cor$orate /un6s &or ot#er "ur$ose ()**1) 1ti..i Cement Co %as or!ani6ed primarily $or cement manu$acturin!. Anticipatin! substantial profts& its ;resident proposed that 1ti..i inest in a) a po%er plant pro"ect& b) a concrete road pro"ect& and c) +uarry operations $or limestone in the manu$acture o$ cement. /$ What corporate approals or otes are needed $or the proposed inestments? <=plain. !$ 'escribe the procedure in securin! these approals. SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 2. ,nless the po%er plant and the concrete road pro"ect are reasonable necessary to the manu$acture o$ cement by 1ti..i (and they do not appear to be so)& then the approal o$ said pro"ects by a ma"ority o$ the 5B' and the ratifcation o$ such approal by the stoc.holders representin! at least #O( o$ the outstandin! capital stoc. %ould be necessary. As $or the +uarry operations $or limestone& the same is an indispensable in!redient in the manu$acture o$ cement and may& there$ore& be considered reasonably necessary to accomplish the primary purpose o$ 1ti..i. In such case& only the approal o$ the 5B' %ould be necessary (1ec 4# 5; :J) ALTERNATI7E ANSWER( 2. )he ma"ority ote o$ the 5B' is necessary. )he inestment in a) a po%er plant pro"ect& b) a concrete road pro"ect& and c) +uarry operations o$ limestone used in the manu$acture o$ cement& is %ithin the e=press or implied po%er o$ the corporation& or at least the same is Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 incidental to& or necessary $or the e=istence o$ the corporation. SU44ESTE) ANSWER( #.a) )he procedure in securin! the approal o$ the 5B' is as $ollo%s* a* a notice o$ the 5B' should be sent to all the directors. )he notice should state the purpose o$ the meetin!. b* At the meetin!& each o$ the pro"ect should be approed by a ma"ority o$ the 5B' (not merely a ma"ority o$ those present at the meetin!) #.b) )he procedure in securin! the approal o$ the stoc.holders is as $ollo%s* a* Written notice o$ the proposed inestment and the time and place o$ the stoc.holders3 meetin! should be sent to each stoc.holder at his place o$ residence as sho%n on the boo.s o$ the corporation and deposited to the addressee in the post o-ice %ith posta!e prepaid& or sered personally. b* At the meetin!& each o$ the pro"ects should be approed by the stoc.holders representin! at least #O( o$ the outstandin! capital stoc.. (1ec 4# 5; :J) Cor$oration2 "o;er to 7nest Cor$orate /un6s in anot#er Cor$oration ()**4) When may a corporation inest its $unds in another corporation or business or $or any other purposes? SU44ESTE) ANSWER( A corporation may inest its $unds in another corporation or business or $or any other purpose other than the primary purpose $or %hich it %as or!ani6ed %hen the said inestment is approed by a ma"ority o$ the 5B' and such approal is ratifed by the stoc.holders representin! at least #O( o$ the outstandin! capital stoc.. Written notice o$ the proposed inestment and the date& time and place o$ the stoc.holders3 meetin! at %hich such proposal %ill be ta.en up must be sent to each stoc.holder. (1ec 4# Corp Code) Cor$oration2 Recoer% o& (oral Dama'es ()**:) In a complaint fled a!ainst L0S Corporation& >u6on )radin! Corporation alle!ed that its ;resident P Feneral Aana!er& %ho is also a stoc.holder& su-ered mental an!uish& $ri!ht& social humiliation and serious an=iety as a result o$ the tortuous acts o$ L0S Corporation. In its counterclaim& L0S Co claimed to hae su-ered moral dama!es due to besmirched reputation or !ood%ill as a result o$ >u6on )radin! Co3s complaint. /$ Aay >u6on )radin! Co recoer dama!es based on the alle!ations o$ the complaint? (#%) !$ Aay L0S Co recoer moral dama!es? ((%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 7o. A corporation& bein! an artifcial person %hich has no $eelin!s& emotions or senses& and %hich cannot e=perience physical su-erin! or mental an!uish& is not entitled to moral dama!es. ALTERNATI7E ANSWER( Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 31 of 103 0es. When a "uridical person has a !ood reputation that is debased& resultin! in social humiliation& moral dama!es may be a%arded. Aoreoer& !ood%ill can be considered an asset o$ the corporation. !A"# N$!#% 1n t&e case of F&N In'. vs A(#C, )anuary 1*, 25B t&e SC rule. t&at% 857I contends that AA<C is not entitled to moral dama!es because it is a corporation. A "uridical person is !enerally not entitled to moral dama!es because& unli.e a natural person& it cannot e=perience physical su-erin! or such sentiments as %ounded $eelin!s& serious an=iety& mental an!uish or moral shoc.. )he Court o$ Appeals cites Aambulao >umber Co. . ;75& et al. to "usti$y the a%ard o$ moral dama!es. /o%eer& the CourtDs statement in Aambulao that Na corporation may hae a !ood reputation %hich& i$ besmirched& may also be a !round $or the a%ard o$ moral dama!esN is an obiter dictum. 7eertheless& AA<CDs claim $or moral dama!es $alls under item I o$ Article ##2H o$ the Ciil Code. )his proision e=pressly authori6es the recoery o$ moral dama!es in cases o$ libel& slander or any other $orm o$ de$amation. Article ##2H(I) does not +uali$y %hether the plainti- is a natural or "uridical person. )here$ore& a "uridical person such as a corporation can alidly complain $or libel or any other $orm o$ de$amation and claim $or moral dama!es. Aoreoer& %here the broadcast is libelous per se& the la% implies dama!es. In such a case& eidence o$ an honest mista.e or the %ant o$ character or reputation o$ the party libeled !oes only in miti!ation o$ dama!es. 7either in such a case is the plainti- re+uired to introduce eidence o$ actual dama!es as a condition precedent to the recoery o$ some dama!es. In this case& the broadcasts are libelous per se. )hus& AA<C is entitled to moral dama!es. Cor$oration2 Se$arate Juri6ical "ersonalit% ()**1) 9onald 1ham doin! business under the name o$ 1/AA9B7 Aachineries (1hamron) sold to )urtle Aercantile ()urtle) a diesel $arm tractor. In payment& )urtle3s ;resident and Aana!er 'ic. 1eldon issued a chec. $or ;@?th in $aor o$ 1hamron. A %ee. later& )urtle sold the tractor to 5riccio Industries (5riccio) $or ;:?th. 5riccio discoered that the en!ine o$ the tractor %as reconditioned so he re$used to pay )urtle. As a result& 'ic. 1eldon ordered 1top ;ayment o$ the chec. issued to 1hamron. 1hamron sued )urtle and 'ic. 1eldon. 1hamron obtained a $aorable "ud!ment holdin! co4de$endants )urtle and 'ic. 1eldon "ointly and seerally liable. Comment on the decision o$ the trial court. 'iscuss $ully. SU44ESTE) ANSWER( )he trial court erred in holdin! 'ic. 1eldon& ;resident and FA o$ )urtle& "ointly and seerally liable %ith )urtle. In issuin! the chec. issued to 1hamron and& therea$ter& stoppin! payment thereo$& 1eldon %as actin! in his capacity as an o-icer o$ )urtle. /e %as not actin! in his personal capacity. 8urthermore& no $acts hae been proided %hich %ould indicate that the action o$ 1eldon %as dictated by an intent to de$raud 1hamron by himsel$ or in collusion %ith )urtle. /ain! acted in %hat he considered as his duty as an o-icer o$ the corporation& 1eldon should not be held personally liable. Cor$oration2 Se$arate Juri6ical "ersonalit% ()**4) ;9 Co o%ns a beach resort %ith seeral cotta!es. Caime& the ;resident o$ ;9& occupied one o$ the cotta!es $or residential purposes. A$ter Caime3s term e=pired& ;9 %anted to recoer possession o$ the cotta!e. Caime re$used to surrender the cotta!e& contendin! that as a stoc.holder and $ormer ;resident& he has a ri!ht to possess and en"oy the properties o$ the corporation. Is Caime3s contention correct? <=plain. SU44ESTE) ANSWER( Caime3s contention is not correct. Caime may o%n shares o$ stoc. in ;9 Corp but such o%nership does not entitle him to the possession o$ any specifc property o$ the corporation or a defnite portion thereo$. 7either is he a co4o%ner o$ corporate property. ;roperties re!istered in the name o$ the corporation are o%ned by it as an entity separate and distinct $rom its stoc.holders. Stock&ol.ers like 7ai'e only own s&ares of stock in t&e corporation* Suc& s&ares of stock .o not represent specific corporate property* (+ebecca Boyer$+oxas v "# 4+ );;8-- <ul ),, *( ())s,7;! Cor$oration2 Se$arate Juri6ical "ersonalit% ()**4) 9ichard o%ns H?% o$ the shares o$ the capital stoc. o$ FBA Co. Bn one occasion& FBA represented by 9ichard as ;resident and Feneral Aana!er e=ecuted a contract to sell a subdiision lot in $aor o$ )omas. 8or $ailure o$ FBA to deelop the subdiision& )omas fled an action $or rescission and dama!es a!ainst FBA and 9ichard. Will the action prosper? <=plain. SU44ESTE) ANSWER( )he action may prosper a!ainst FBA but defnitely not a!ainst 9ichard. 9ichard has a le!al personality separate and distinct $rom that o$ FBA. I$ he sin!ed the contract to sell& he did so as the ;resident and Feneral Aana!er o$ FBA and not in his personal capacity. Aere o%nership by 9ichard o$ H?% o$ the capital stoc. o$ FBA is not o$ itsel$ su-icient !round to disre!ard his separate le!al personality absent a sho%in!& $or e=ample that he acted maliciously or in bad $aith .:/% Const Co " C$ %R 1,33'2 9n 22,62 21,s23,7 Cor$oration2 Se$arate Juri6ical "ersonalit% ()***) As a result o$ perennial business losses& a corporation3s net %orth has been %iped out. In $act& it is no% in ne!atie territory. 7onetheless& the stoc.holders did not li.e to !ie up. Creditor4ban.s& ho%eer& do not share the confdence o$ the stoc.holders and re$use to !rant more loans. a$ What tools are aailable to the stoc.holders to replenish capital? ((%) Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 32 of 103 b$ Assumin! that the corporation continues to operate een %ith depleted capital& %ould the stoc.holders or the mana!ers be solidarily liable $or the obli!ations incurred by the corporation? <=plain. ((%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( a$ In the $ace o$ the re$usal o$ the creditor4 ban.s to !rant more loans& the $ollo%in! are tools aailable to the stoc.holders to replenish capital& to %it* /$ additional subscription to shares o$ stoc. o$ the corporation by stoc.holders or by inestorsK !$ adancesby the stoc.holders to the corporationK :$ payment o$ unpaid subscription by the stoc.holders. SU44ESTE) ANSWER( b$ 7o. As a !eneral rule& the stoc.holders or the mana!ers cannot be held solidarily liable $or the obli!ations incurred by the corporation. )he corporation has a separate and distinct personality $rom that o$ the stoc.holders or mana!ers. )he latter are presumed to be actin! in !ood $aith in continuin! the operation o$ the corporation. )he obli!ations incurred by the corporation are those o$ the corporation %hich alone is liable there$or. /o%eer& %hen the corporation is already insolent& the directors and o-icers become trustees o$ the business and assets o$ the corporation $or the beneft o$ the creditors and are liable $or ne!li!ence or mismana!ement. Cor$oration2 Se$arate Juri6ical "ersonalit% (2000) Aarulas Creatie )echnolo!y Inc.& an e4business enterprise en!a!ed in the manu$acture o$ computer media accessoriesK rents an o-ice and store space at a commercial buildin! o%ned by L. 5ein! a start4up company& Aarulas en"oyed some leniency in its rent paymentsK but a$ter three years& L put a stop to it and as.ed Aarulas president and !eneral mana!er& 0& %ho is a stoc.holder& to pay the bac. rentals amountin! to a hundred thousand pesos or to acate the premises at the end o$ the month. Aarulas neither paid its debt nor acated the premises. L sued Aarulas and 0 $or collection o$ the unpaid rentals& plus interest and costs o$ liti!ation. Will the suit prosper a!ainst L? A!ainst 0? (@%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 0es& the suit %ill prosper a!ainst Aarulas. It is the one rentin! the o-ice and store space& as lessee& $rom the o%ner o$ the buildin!& L& as lessor. 5ut the suit a!ainst 0 %ill not prosper. 0& as president and !eneral mana!er& and also stoc.holder o$ Aarulas Creatie )echnolo!y& Inc.& has a le!al personality separate and distinct $rom that o$ the corporation. )he liability o$ the corporation is that o$ the corporation and not that o$ its o-icers and stoc.holders %ho are not liable $or corporate liabilities. Cor$oration2 Se$arate Juri6ical "ersonalit% (2000) 7ine indiiduals $ormed a priate corporation pursuant to the proisions o$ the Corporation Code o$ the Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 ;hilippines (5; :J). Incorporator 1 %as elected director and president G !eneral mana!er. ;art o$ his emolument is a 8ord <=pedition& %hich the corporation o%ns. A$ter a $e% years& 1 lost his corporate positions but he re$used to return the motor ehicle claimin! that as a stoc.holder %ith a substantial e+uity share& he o%ns that portion o$ the corporate assets no% in his possession. Is the contention o$ 1 alid? <=plain (@%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 7o. )he contention o$ 1 is not alid. )he 8ord <=pedition is o%ned by the corporation. )he corporation has a le!al personality separate and distinct $rom that o$ its stoc.holder. What the corporation o%ns is its o%n property and not the property o$ any stoc.holder een ho% substantial the e+uity share that stoc.holder o%ns. Cor$oration2 Set?<&&2 Un$ai6 Su.scri$tion ()**3) Qictor %as employed in AAIA Corporation. /e subscribed to 2&@?? shares o$ the corporation at ;2?? per share or a total o$ ;2@?&???. /e made an initial do%n payment o$ ;(I&@??.??. /e %as appointed ;resident and Feneral Aana!er. 5ecause o$ his disa!reement %ith the 5B'& he resi!ned and demanded payment o$ his unpaid salaries& his cost o$ liin! allo%ance& his bonus& and reimbursement o$ his !asoline and representation e=penses. AAIA Corporation admits that it o%ed Qictor ;4?&???. but told him that this %ill be applied to the unpaid balance o$ his subscription in the amount o$ ;2??&???.?? )here %as no call or notice $or the payment o$ the unpaid subscription. Qictor +uestioned the set4o-. /$ Aay AAIA set4o- the unpaid subscription %ith ictor3s claim $or salaries? !$ Would your ans%er be the same i$ indeed there had been a call $or the unpaid subscription? SU44ESTE) ANSWER( /$ 7o. AAIA cannot seto- the unpaid subscription %ith Qictor3s claim $or salaries. )he unpaid subscription is not yet due as there is no call. !$ 0es. )he reason is that Qictor is entitled to the payment o$ his salaries %hich AAIA has no ri!ht to %ithhold in payment o$ unpaid subscription. )o do so %ould iolate >abor >a%s .$-odaco " &3RC 1'2 S ((27 Cor$oration2 Stoc- Cor$oration (200)) L0 is a recreational club %hich %as or!ani6ed to operate a !ol$ course $or its members %ith an ori!inal authori6ed capital stoc. o$ ;2??A. )he articles o$ incorporation nor the by4la%s did not proide $or distribution o$ diidends althou!h there is a proision that a$ter its dissolution& the assets shall be !ien to a charitable corporation. Is L0 a stoc. corporation? Fie reasons $or your ans%er? (@%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( L0 is a stoc. corporation because it is or!ani6ed as a stoc. corporation and there is no prohibition in its Articles o$ Incorporation or its by4la%s $or it to declare diidends. When a corporation is or!ani6ed as a stoc. corporation and its articles o$ Incorporation or 5y4>a%s Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 33 of 103 are silent& the corporation is deemed to hae the po%er to declare diidends under 1ec 4(. 1ince it has the po%er to declare diidends& L0 is a stoc. corporation. )he proision o$ the Articles o$ Incorporation that at dissolution the assets o$ the corporation shall be !ien to a charitable corporation does not prohibit the corporation $rom declarin! diidends be$ore dissolution. Cor$oration2 >ali6it% o& Cor$orate Acts ()**:) )he stoc.holders o$ ;eople ;o%er Inc (;;I) approed t%o resolutions in a special stoc.holders3 meetin!* a$ 9esolution increasin! the authori6ed capital stoc. o$ ;;IK and b$ 9esolution authori6in! the 5B' to issue& $or cash payment& the ne% shares $rom the proposed capital stoc. increase in $aor o$ outside inestors %ho are non4stoc.holders. )he $ore!oin! resolutions %ere approed by stoc.holders representin! HH% o$ the total outstandin! capital stoc.. )he sole dissenter %as Cimmy Aorato %ho o%ned 2% o$ the stoc.. /* Are the resolutions bindin! on the corporation and its stoc.holders includin! Cimmy Aorato& the dissentin! stoc.holder? ((%) !* What remedies& i$ any& are aailable to Aorato? (#%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( /* 7o. )he resolutions are not bindin! on the corporation and its stoc.holders includin! Cimmy Aorato. While these resolutions %ere approed by the stoc.holders& the directors3 approal& %hich is re+uired by la% in such case& does not e=ist. !* Cimmy Aorato can petition the 1<C (7o% 9)C) to declare the # resolutions& as %ell as any and all actions ta.en by the 5B' thereunder& null and oid. Cor$oration2 >ali6it% o& Cor$orate Acts (2002) Which o$ the $ollo%in! corporate acts are alid& oid& or oidable? Indicate your ans%er by %ritin! the para!raph number o$ the +uery& $ollo%ed by your correspondin! ans%er as Qalid& Qoid& or Qoidable& as the case may be. I$ your ans%er is Qoid& e=plain your ans%er. In case o$ a Qoidable ans%er& speci$y %hat conditions must be present or complied %ith to ma.e the corporate act alid. (@%) /$ L> 8oods Corporation& %hich is en!a!ed in the $ast4 $ood business& entered into a contract %ith its ;resident Cose Cru6& %hereby the latter %ould supply the corporation %ith its meat and poultry re+uirements. SU44ESTE) ANSWER( Qoidable G A contract o$ the corporation %ith one or more o$ its directors or trustees or o-icers is oidable& at the option o$ such corporation (1ec (#& Corporation Code). !$ )he 5oard o$ 'irectors o$ L> 8oods Corporation declared and paid cash diidends %ithout approal o$ the stoc.holders. SU44ESTE) ANSWER( Qalid :$ L> 8oods Corporation !uaranteed the loan o$ its sister company L> Aeat ;roducts& Inc. SU44ESTE) ANSWER( Qoid G )his is an ultra ires act on part o$ L> 8oods Corporation& and is not one o$ the po%ers proided $or in 1ec. (: o$ the Corporation Code. Cor$oration2 >oluntar% Dissolution (2002) 7ame three (() methods by %hich a stoc. corporation may be oluntarily dissoled. <=plain each method. (@%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( )he three (() methods by %hich a stoc. corporation may be oluntarily dissoled are* /$ Qoluntary 'issolution %here no creditors are a-ected. )his is done by a ma"ority ote o$ the directors& and resolution o$ at least #O( ote o$ stoc.holders& submitted to the 1ecurities and <=chan!e Commission. !$ Qoluntary dissolution %here creditors are a-ected. )his is done by a petition $or dissolution %hich must be fled %ith the 1ecurities and <=chan!e Commission& si!ned by a ma"ority o$ the members o$ the board o$ directors& erifed by the president or secretary& and upon a-irmatie ote o$ stoc.holders representin! at least #O( o$ the outstandin! capital stoc.. :$ 'issolution by shortenin! o$ the corporate term. )his is done by amendment o$ the articles o$ incorporation. Cor$oration2 >otin' Trust A'reement ()**2) A distressed company e=ecuted a otin! trust a!reement $or a period o$ three years oer :?% o$ its outstandin! paid up shares in $aor o$ a ban. to %hom it %as indebted& %ith the 5an. named as trustee. Additionally& the Company mort!a!ed all its properties to the 5an.. 5ecause o$ the insolency o$ the Company& the 5an. $oreclosed the mort!a!ed properties& and as the hi!hest bidder& ac+uired said properties and assets o$ the Company. )he three4year period prescribed in the Qotin! )rust A!reement hain! e=pired& the company demanded the turn4oer and trans$er o$ all its assets and properties& includin! the mana!ement and operation o$ the Company& claimin! that under the Qotin! )rust A!reement& the 5an. %as constituted as trustee o$ the mana!ement and operations o$ the Company. 'oes the demand o$ the Company tally %ith the concept o$ a Qotin! )rust A!reement? <=plain brieEy. SU44ESTE) ANSWER( )he demand o$ the company does not tally %ith the concept o$ a Qotin! )rust A!reement. )he Qotin! )rust A!reement merely coneys to the trustee the ri!ht to ote the shares o$ !rantorOs. )he conse+uence o$ $oreclosure o$ the mort!a!ed properties %ould be alien to the Qotin! )rust A!reement and its e-ects. Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 35 of 103 committed the breach o$ trust a!ainst the interests o$ the N.TE( (per % ondee) $*e a+ si, py pro-ides t*at a -oting tr.st agree, ent is an agree, ent in +riting +*ereby one or , ore sto/0*oders o1 a /orporation /onsentto trans1er *is or t*eirs*ares to a tr.stee in orderto -estin t*e atter-oting or ot*er rig*ts pertaining to said s*ares 1or a period not e2/eeding 1i-e years .pon t*e 1.1i, ento1stat.tory /onditions and s./* ot*er ter,s and /onditions spe/i1ied in t*e agree, ent3 $*e 1i-e year-period , ay be e2tended in /ases +*ere t*e -oting tr.st is e2e/.ted p.rs.ant to a oan agree, ent +*ereby t*e period is , ade /ontingent .pon 1. pay, ento1t*e oan3 U nderse/tion !9 o1t*e C orporation C ode4 s.pra4 a -oting tr.st agree, ent , ay /on1er .pon a tr.stee not ony t*e sto/0*oder5s -oting rig*ts b.taso ot*errig*ts pertaining to *is s*ares as ong as t*e -oting tr.stagree, entis notentered 61or t*e p.rpose o1 /ir/., -enting t*e a+ against, onopoies and iega/o, binations in restrainto1 trade or .sed 1or p.rposes o11ra.d36 (se/tion !94 !t* paragrap* o1t*e C orporation C ode)3 $*.s4 t*e traditiona /on/ept o1 a -oting tr.st agree, ent pri, ariy intended to singe o.t a sto/0*oder5s rig*t to -ote 1ro, *is ot*er rig*ts as s./* and , ade irre-o/abe 1or a i, ited d.ration , ay in pra/ti/e be/o, e a ega de-i/e +*ereby a trans1er o1 t*e sto/0*oders s*ares is e11e/ted s.b7e/tto t*e spe/i1i/ pro-ision o1t*e -oting tr.stagree, ent3 $*e e2e/.tion o1 a -oting tr.st agree, ent4 t*ere1ore4 , ay /reate a di/*oto, y bet+een t*e e8.itabe or bene1i/ia o+ners*ip o1t*e /orporate s*ares o1a sto/0*oder4 on t*e one *and4 and t*e ega tite t*ereto on t*e ot*er *and3 (Lee vs !A" #e$ %" 1992) Deriatie Suit: Re5uisites (2003) AA& a minority stoc.holder& fled a suit a!ainst 55& CC& ''& and <<& the holders o$ ma"ority shares o$ AB; Corporation& $or alle!ed misappropriation o$ corporate $unds. )he complaint aerred& inter alia& that AB; Corporation is the corporation in %hose behal$ and $or %hose beneft the deriatie suit is brou!ht. In their capacity as members o$ the 5oard o$ 'irectors& the ma"ority stoc.holders adopted a resolution authori6in! AB; Corporation to %ithdra% the suit. ;ursuant to said resolution& the corporate counsel fled a Aotion to 'ismiss in the name o$ the AB; Corporation. 1hould the motion be !ranted or denied? 9eason brieEy. (@%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 7o. All the re+uisites $or a alid deriatie suit e=ist in this case. 8irst& AA %as e=empt $rom e=haustin! his remedies %ithin the corporation& and did not hae to ma.e a demand on the 5oard o$ 'irectors $or the latter to sue. /ere& such a demand %ould be $utile& since the directors %ho comprise the ma"ority (namely& 55& CC& '' and <<) are the ones !uilty o$ the %ron! complained o$. 1econd& AA appears to be stoc.holder at the time the alle!ed misappropriation o$ corporate $unds. 2&ir.B t&e suit is broug&t on be&alf an. for t&e benefit of M8P Corporation* 1n t&is connectionB it was &el. in "onmart (3hils'! %nc' v' Securities and Exchange "ommission, )*8 S"+# 7. ()**)! t&at to grant to t&e corporation concerne. t&e rig&t of wit&.rawing or .is'issing t&e suitB at t&e instance of t&e 'a9ority stock&ol.ers an. .irectors w&o t&e'sel)es are t&e persons allege. to &a)e Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 corporation %ould be to emasculate the ri!ht o$ minority stoc.holders to see. redress $or the corporation. 8ilin! such action as a deriatie suit een by a lone stoc.holder is one o$ the protections e=tended by la% to minority stoc.holders a!ainst abuses o$ the ma"ority. Deriatie Suit: Watere6 Stoc- ()**3) A became a stoc.holder o$ ;rime 9eal <state Corporation (;9<C) on Culy 2?& 2HH2& %hen he %as !ien one share by another stoc.holder to +uali$y him as a director. A %as not re4elected director in the Culy 2& 2HH# annual meetin! but he continued to be a re!istered shareholder o$ ;9<C. When he %as still a director& A discoered that on Can @& 2HH2& ;9<C issued $ree o$ char!e 2?&??? shares to L a la%yer %ho assisted in a court case inolin! ;9<C. /$ Can A no% brin! an action in the name o$ the corporation to +uestion the issuance o$ the shares to L %ithout receiin! any payment? !$ Can L +uestion the ri!ht o$ A to sue him in behal$ o$ the corporation on the !round that A has only one share in his name? :$ Cannot the shares issued to L be considered as %atered stoc.? SU44ESTE) ANSWER( /$ As a !eneral rule& A cannot brin! a deriatie suit in the name o$ the corporation concernin! an act that too. place be$ore he became a stoc.holder. /o%eer& i$ the act complained o$ is a continuin! one& A may do so. !$ 7o. In a deriatie suit& the action is institutedO brou!ht in the name o$ a corporation and relie$s are prayed $or therein $or the corporation& by a minority stoc.holder. )he la% does not +uali$y the term minority in terms o$ the number o$ shares o%ned by a stoc.holder brin!in! the action in behal$ o$ the corporation. .SMC " @han 1'6 SCR$ ((+7 :$ 7o. WA)<9<' 1/A9<1 are those sold by the corporation $or less than the parOboo. alue. In the instant case& it %ill depend upon the alue o$ serices rendered in relation to the total par alue o$ the shares. Deriatie Suit2 Close Cor$oration2 Cor$orate <$$ortunit% (2001) Aalyn& 1chiera and Ca6 are the directors o$ ;atio Inestments& a close corporation $ormed to run the ;atio Ca$e& an al $resco co-ee shop in Aa.ati City. In #???& ;atio Ca$e be!an e=periencin! fnancial reerses& conse+uently& some o$ the chec.s it issued to its beera!e distributors and employees bounced. In Bctober #??(& 1chiera in$ormed Aalyn that she $ound a location $or a second ca$e in )a!ui! City. Aalyn ob"ected because o$ the dire fnancial condition o$ the corporation. Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 35 of 103 nulli$y the +uestioned inestments. Would her action 1ometime in April #??4& Aalyn learned about 8ort ;atio Ca$e located in )a!ui! City and that its deelopment %as underta.en by a ne% corporation .no%n as 8ort ;atio& Inc.& %here both 1chiera and Ca6 are directors. Aalyn also $ound that 1chiera and Ca6& on behal$ o$ ;atio Inestments& had obtained a loan o$ ;@??&???.?? $rom ;5Com 5an.& $or the purpose o$ openin! 8ort ;atio Ca$e. )his loan %as secured by the assets o$ ;atio Inestments and personally !uaranteed by 1chiera and Ca6. Aalyn then fled a corporate deriatie action be$ore the 9e!ional )rial Court o$ Aa.ati City a!ainst 1chiera and Ca6& alle!in! that the t%o directors had breached their fduciary duties by misappropriatin! money and assets o$ ;atio Inestments in the operation o$ 8ort ;atio Ca$e. (@%) /$ 'id 1chiera and Ca6 iolate the principle o$ corporate opportunity? <=plain. SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 0es. Althou!h Aalyn re$used the business be$ore& neertheless& usin! the resources and credit standin! o$ the company& 1chiera and Ca6 clearly demonstrated that the business could hae been success$ully pursued in the name o$ the close corporation. Aore importantly& 1chiera and Ca6 are !uilty o$ diertin! the resources o$ the close corporation to another entity& e+uialent to $raud and bad $aith. !$ Was it proper $or Aalyn to fle a deriatie suit %ith a prayer $or in"unctie relie$? <=plain. SU44ESTE) ANSWER( Althou!h it is a close corporation& neertheless the principles o$ separate "uridical personality still apply. )he business o$ the corporation is still separate and distinct $rom the proprietary interests o$ its stoc.holders and directors. Conse+uently& since the business opportunity and the resourceDs used pertain to the close corporation& the standin! to sue and to recoer remains %ith the close corporation and not %ith Aalyn. )here$ore& it is still necessary to fle a deriatie suit on behal$ o$ the close corporation& althou!h the proceedin!s %ould be !oerned under the Interim 9ules o$ ;rocedure $or Intra4 Corporate 'isputes. :$ Assumin! that a deriatie suit is properK may the action continue i$ the corporation is dissoled durin! the pendency o$ the suit? <=plain. SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 0es& $or in spite o$ the dissolution o$ any corporation& it remains a "uridical person $or purpose o$ dissolution $or three years $rom the date o$ dissolution& precisely one o$ the purposes is to allo% the %indin!4up o$ its a-airs& includin! the termination o$ pendin! suits. Deriatie Suit2 (inorit% Stoc-#ol6er (2003) Fina 1eilla& a minority stoc.holder o$ 5ayan Corporation& $elt that arious inestments o$ the company3s capital %ere ultra "ires i$ not& indeed& made in iolation o$ la%. 1he fled a deriatie suit see.in! to prosper? Why? SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 0es& she is already a stoc.holder at the time the alle!ed misappropriation o$ corporate $unds. And that flin! such action as a deriatie suit een by a lone stoc.holder is one o$ the protections e=tended by la% to minority stoc.holders a!ainst abuses o$ the ma"ority. 7eertheless& Fina must frst e=haust any administratie remedies be$ore her suit be consider in court. Distinction: De &acto Cor$oration s! Cor$oration .% Esto$$el (2003) Is there a di-erence bet%een a de $acto corporation and a corporation by estoppel? <=plain brieEy. (#%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( A '< 8AC)B CB9;B9A)IB7 is one %hich actually e=ists $or all practical purposes as a corporation but %hich has no le!al ri!ht to corporate e=istence as a!ainst the 1tate. It is essential to the e=istence o$ a de $acto corporation that there be (2) a alid la% under %hich a corporation mi!ht be incorporated& (#) a bona fde attempt to or!ani6e as a corporation under such la%& and (() actual use or e=ercise in !ood $aith o$ corporate po%ers con$erred upon it by la%. A CB9;B9A)IB7 50 <1)B;;<> e=ists %hen persons assume to act as a corporation .no%in! it to be %ithout authority to do so. In this case& those persons %ill be liable as !eneral partners $or all debts& liabilities and dama!es incurred or arisin! as a result o$ their actions. Distinction: Dii6en6s s! "ro&it: Cas# Dii6en6 s! Stoc- Dii6en6 (2001) 'istin!uish diidend $rom proftK cash diidend $rom stoc. diidend. (#%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( ;9B8I)1 are residual amounts representin! return o$ capital a$ter deductin! all corporate costs and e=penses $rom reenues. )he accumulated profts& $rom year to year& represent the corporate retained earnin!s $rom %hich the diidends can be declared. CA1/ 'IQI'<7'1 represent an actual distribution o$ accumulated profts to the stoc.holders as a return on their inestments. 'eclaration o$ cash diidends re+uires only the approal o$ the ma"ority o$ the 5oard o$ 'irectors in a proper resolution. 1)BCM 'IQI'<7'1 are simply trans$ers o$ retained earnin!s to capital stoc.& thereby increasin! the number o$ shares o$ stoc.s o$ each stoc.holder %ith no re+uired cash contribution. A t%o4thirds ote o$ the stoc.holders& coupled %ith a ma"ority ote o$ the 5oard o$ 'irectors& is needed to declare stoc. diidends. Distinction2 "riate s! "u.lic Cor$oration (2003) Distinguis& clearly a pri)ate corporation fro' a public corporation SU44ESTE) ANSWER( Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 36 of 103 A ;9IQA)< CB9;B9A)IB7 is one $ormed $or some priate purpose& beneft or end& %hile a ;,5>IC CB9;B9A)IB7 is $ormed $or the !oernment o$ a portion o$ the 1tate $or the !eneral !ood or %el$are. )he true test is the purpose o$ the corporation. I$ the corporation is created $or political or public purpose connected %ith the administration o$ !oernment& then it is a public corporation. I$ not& it is a priate corporation althou!h the %hole or substantially the %hole interest in the corporation belon!s to the 1tate. A public corporation is created by special le!islation or act o$ Con!ress. A priate corporation must be or!ani6ed under the Corporation Code. Distinction2 Stoc- s! Non?Stoc- Cor$oration (2003) Distinguis& clearly a stock corporation fro' a non<stock corporation* SU44ESTE) ANSWER( A stoc. corporation is one that has capital stoc. diided into shares and is authori6ed to distribute to the holders o$ such shares diidends or allotments o$ the surplus profts on the basis o$ the shares held. All other corporations are non4stoc. corporations. Dii6en6s: Declaration o& Dii6en6s (2001) ,nder %hat circumstances may a corporation declare diidends? (#%)D SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 7o $orm o$ diidends can be declared and paid by the corporation e=cept $rom unrestricted retained earnin!s appearin! on its boo.s. 'iidends must be paid in amounts proportional to all stoc.holders on the basis o$ outstandin! stoc. held by them. Cash or property diidends& can be declared $rom such unrestricted retained earnin!s by a proper resolution o$ the 5oard o$ 'irectors. 1toc. diidends& ho%eer& must be declared by a proper resolution o$ the 5oard o$ 'irectors $rom e=istin! unrestricted retained earnin!s and ratifed by stoc.holders representin! at least t%o4thirds (#OJ) o$ the outstandin! capital stoc. o$ the corporation& obtained in a meetin! duly called $or the purpose. (1ec. 4(& Corporation Code) Dii6en6s: Sources o& Dii6en6s2 Trust /un6 Doctrine (2001) 8rom %hat $unds are cash and stoc. diidends sourced? <=plain %hy. (#%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( All cas& an. stock .i)i.en.s are always pai. out of t&e unrestricte. retaine. earnings also calle. surplus profit$ of t&e corporation* 1f t&e corporation &as no unrestricte. retaine. earningsB t&e .i)i.en.s woul. &a)e to be source. fro' t&e capital stock* 2&is is illegal* 1t )iolates t&e J2+>S2 F>=D D8C2+1=5J t&at pro)i.es t&at t&e capital stock of t&e corporation is a trust fun. to be kept intact .uring t&e life of t&e corporation for t&e benefit of t&e cre.itors of t&e corporation* ("ommissioner of %nternal$ +evenue v' "ourt of #ppealB, 4'+' 0o' );857-, <anuary (;, )***C Boman Environmental &evelopment "orp' v' "ourt of #ppeals, 4'+' 0o' 778-;, 0ovember ((, )*88C and Steinberg v' Delasco, 4'+' 0o' .;,-;, 6arch )(,)*(*! Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 Dii6en6s2 Declaration o& Dii6en6s ()**0) At least #O( o$ the stoc.holders o$ 1olar Corporation& meetin! upon the recommendation o$ the 5B'& declared a @?% stoc. diidend durin! their annual meetin!. )he notice o$ the annual stoc.holders3 meetin! did not mention anythin! about a stoc. diidend declaration. )he matter %as ta.en up only under the item other business in the a!enda o$ the meetin!. C.M. 1en%a& a stoc.holder& %ho receied his copy o$ the notice but did not attend the meetin!& subse+uently learned about the @?% stoc. diidend declaration. /e desires to hae the stoc. diidend declaration cancelled and set aside& and %ishes to retain your serices as a la%yer $or the purpose. Will you accept the case? 'iscuss %ith reasons. SU44ESTE) ANSWER( I %ill not accept the case. 1ec 4( o$ the Corp Code states that no stoc. diidend shall be issued %ithout the approal o$ the stoc.holders representin! not less than #O( o$ the outstandin! capital stoc. at a re!ular or special meetin! duly called $or that purpose. Con$ormably %ith 1ec @? o$ the Corp Code& a %ritten notice o$ the holdin! o$ the re!ular meetin! sent to the shareholders %ill su-ice. )he notice itsel$ specifed the said sub"ect matter. ALTERNATI7E ANSWER( 0es& I %ill accept the case. )he problem does not indicate that there is action by the 5B' %hich is also necessary $or the declaration o$ @?% stoc. diidend. Dii6en6s2 Declaration o& Dii6en6s ()**)) 'urin! the annual stoc.holders meetin!& 9i6a& a stoc.holder proposed to the body that a part o$ the corporation3s unresered earned surplus be capitali6ed and stoc. diidends be distributed to the stoc.holders& ar!uin! that as o%ners o$ the company& the stoc.holders& by a ma"ority ote& can do anythin!. As chairman o$ the meetin!& ho% %ould you rule on the motion to declare stoc. diidends? SU44ESTE) ANSWER( As the chairman o$ the meetin!& I %ould rule a!ainst the motion considerin! that a declaration o$ stoc. diidends should initially be ta.en by the 5B' and therea$ter to be concurred in by a #O( ote o$ the stoc.holders (1ec 4( Corp Code). )here is no prohibition& ho%eer& a!ainst the stoc.holders3 resolin! to recommend to the 5B' that it consider a declaration o$ stoc. diidends $or concurrence therea$ter by the stoc.holders. Dii6en6s2 Declaration o& Dii6en6s (200)) 8or the past three years o$ its commercial operation& L& an oil company& has been earnin! tremendously in e=cess o$ 2??% o$ the corporation3s paid4in capital. All o$ the stoc.holders hae been claimin! that they share in the profts o$ the corporation by %ay o$ diidends but the 5oard o$ 'irectors $ailed to li$t its fn!er. a$ Is Corporation L !uilty o$ iolatin! a la%? I$ in the a-irmatie& state the basis (#%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( Corporation L is !uilty o$ iolatin! 1ection 4( o$ the Corp Code. )his proision prohibits stoc. corporations Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 3- of 103 $rom retainin! surplus profts in e=cess o$ 2??% o$ their paid4in capital. b$ Are there instances %hen a corporation shall not be held liable $or not declarin! diidends? ((%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( )he instances %hen a corporation shall not be held liable $or not declarin! diidends are* /$ %hen "ustifed by defnite corporate e=pansion pro"ects or pro!rams approed by the 5B'K or !$ %hen the corporation is prohibited under any loan a!reement %ith any fnancial institution or creditor& %hether local or $orei!n& $rom declarin! diidends %ithout its or his consent& and such consent has not yet been securedK or :$ %hen it can be clearly sho%n that such retention is necessary under special circumstances obtainin! in the corporation& such as %hen there is need $or special resere $or probable contin!encies. Dii6en6s2 Ri'#t2 (ana'in' Cor$oration ()**)) A5C Aana!ement Inc. presented to the '<8 Ainin! Co& the dra$t o$ its proposed Aana!ement Contract. As an incentie& A5C included in the terms o$ compensation that A5C %ould be entitled to 2?% o$ any stoc. diidend %hich '<8 may declare durin! the li$etime o$ the Aana!ement Contract. Would you approe o$ such proision? I$ not& %hat %ould you su!!est as an alternatie? SU44ESTE) ANSWER( I %ould not approe a proposed stipulation in the mana!ement contract that the mana!in! corporation& as an additional compensation to it& should be entitled to 2?% o$ any stoc. diidend that may be declared. 1toc.holders are the only ones entitled to receie stoc. diidends .&ielsen A Co " 3e-anto Mining 26 s 0667 I %ould add that the unsubscribed capital stoc. o$ a corporation may only be issued $or cash or property or $or serices already rendered constitutin! a demandable debt (1ec :# Corp Code). As an alternatie& I %ould su!!est that the mana!in! corporation should instead be !ien a net proft participation and& i$ it later so desires& to then conert the amount that may be due thereby to e+uity or shares o$ stoc. at no less than the par alue thereo$. Doctrine o& Cor$orate <$$ortunit% (2001) 5rieEy discuss the doctrine o$ corporate opportunity. (#%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( In brie$& the doctrine dis+ualifes a director& trustee or o-icer $rom appropriatin! $or his personal beneft a transaction or opportunity that pertains to the corporation& and %hich under the duty o$ loyalty he should frst brin! to the corporation $or its use or e=ploitation. )he doctrine o$ corporate opportunity is an en$orcement o$ the duty o$ loyalty o$ corporate directors and o-icers. When a director& trustee or o-icer attempts to ac+uire or ac+uires& in iolation o$ his duty& an interest aderse to the corporation in respect o$ any matter %hich has been reposed in him in confdence& he shall be liable as a trustee $or the corporation and must account $or the profts %hich other%ise %ould hae accrued to the corporation. <+uity imposes liability upon him not to deal $or his o%n beneft. (1ec. (2& Corporation Code) ,nder 1ec. (4 o$ the Corporation Code %here a director& by irtue o$ his o-ice& ac+uires $or himsel$ a business opportunity %hich should belon! to the corporation& thereby obtainin! profts to the pre"udice o$ such corporation& he must account to the latter $or all such profts by re$undin! the same& unless his act has been ratifed by a ote o$ the stoc.holders o%nin! or representin! at least t%o4thirds (#OJ) o$ the outstandin! capital stoc.. E&&ect: E9$iration o& Cor$orate Term (2003) L0S Corporation entered into a contract o$ lease %ith A5C& Inc.& oer a piece o$ real estate $or a term o$ #? years& rene%able $or another #? years& proided that L0SDs corporate term is e=tended in accordance %ith la%. 8our years a$ter the term o$ L0S Corporation e=pired& but still %ithin the period allo%ed by the lease contract $or the e=tension o$ the lease period& L0S Corp. notifed A5C& Inc.& that it is e=ercisin! the option to e=tend the lease. A5C& Inc.& ob"ected to the proposed e=tension& ar!uin! that since the corporate li$e o$ L0S Corp. had e=pired& it could no lon!er opt to rene% the lease. L0S Corp. countered that %ithstandin! the lapse o$ its corporate term it still has the ri!ht to rene% the lease because no +uo %arranto proceedin!s $or inoluntary dissolution o$ L0S Corp. has been instituted by the B-ice o$ the 1olicitor Feneral. Is the contention o$ L0S Corp. meritorious? <=plain brieEy. (@%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( L0S CorporationDs contention is not meritorious. 5ased on the rulin! o$ the 1upreme Court in /hili--ine &ational Bank "s# CF of Ri8al, 2,6 SCR$ .16627# L0S Corp. %as dissoled ipso $acto upon the e=piration o$ its ori!inal term. It ceased to be a body corporate $or the purpose o$ continuin! the business $or %hich it %as or!ani6ed& e=cept only $or purposes connected %ith its %indin! up or li+uidation. <=tendin! the lease is not an act to %ind up or li+uidate L0S Corp.Ds a-airs. It is contrary to the idea o$ %indin! up the a-airs o$ the corporation. E&&ects2 (er'er o& Cor$orations ()***) )%o corporations a!reed to mer!e. )hey then e=ecuted an a!reement speci$yin! the suriin! corporation and the absorbed corporation. ,nder the a!reement o$ mer!er dated 7oember @& 2HHJ& the suriin! corporation ac+uired all the ri!hts& properties and liabilities o$ the absorbed corporation. /$ What %ould happen to the absorbed corporation? Aust the absorbed corporation underta.e dissolution and the %indin! up procedures? <=plain your ans%er. ((%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 38 of 103 7o. )here is no need $or the absorbed corporation to underta.e dissolution and %indin! up procedure. As a result o$ the mer!er& the absorbed corporation is automatically dissoled and its assets and liabilities are ac+uired and assumed by the suriin! corporation. !$ ;endin! approal o$ the mer!er by the 1<C& may the suriin! corporation already institute suits to collect all receiables due to the absorbed corporation $rom its customers? <=plain your ans%er. ((%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 7o. )he mer!er does not become e-ectie until and unless approed by the 1<C. 5e$ore approal by the 1<C o$ the mer!er& the suriin! corporation has no le!al personality %ith respect to receiables due to the absorbed corporation. :$ A case %as fled a!ainst a customer to collect on the promissory note issued by him a$ter the date o$ the mer!er a!reement. )he customer raised the de$ense that %hile the receiables as o$ the date o$ the mer!er a!reement %as trans$erred to the suriin! corporation& those receiables %hich %ere created a$ter the mer!er a!reement remained to be o%ned by the absorbed corporation. )hese receiables %ould be distributed to the stoc.holders con$ormably %ith the dissolution and li+uidation procedures under the 7e% Corporation Code? 'iscuss the merits o$ this ar!ument. ((%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( Whether the receiable %as incurred by the absorbed corporation be$ore or a$ter the mer!er a!reement& or be$ore or a$ter the approal thereo$ by the 1<C& the said receiable %ould still belon! to the suriin! corporation under 1ec J? o$ the Corp. Code %hich does not ma.e any distinction as to the assets and liabilities o$ the absorbed corporation that the suriin! corporation %ould inherit. E&&ects2 Win6in' U$ "erio6 o& a Cor$oration ()**+) )he corporation& once dissoled& therea$ter continues to be a body corporate $or three years $or purposes o$ prosecutin! and de$endin! suits by and a!ainst it and o$ enablin! it to settle and close its a-airs& culminatin! in the fnal disposition and distribution o$ its remainin! assets. I$ the ( year e=tended li$e e=pires %ithout a trustee or receier bein! desi!nated by the corporation %ithin that period and by that time (e=piry o$ the ( year e=tended term)& the corporate li+uidation is not yet oer& ho%& i$ at all& can a fnal settlement o$ the corporate a-airs be made? SU44ESTE) ANSWER( )he li+uidation can continue %ith the %indin! up. )he members o$ the 5B' can continue %ith the %indin! o$ the corporate a-airs until fnal li+uidation. )hey can act as trustees or receiers $or this purpose. E&&ects2 Win6in' U$ "erio6 o& a Cor$oration (2000) )he 1<C approed the amendment o$ the Articles o$ Incorporation o$ F/T Corp shortenin! its corporate li$e to only #@ years in accordance %ith 1ec 2#? o$ the Corp Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 Code. As shortened& the corporation continued its business operations until Aay (?& 2HHI& the last day o$ its corporate e=istence. ;rior to said date& there %ere a number o$ pendin! ciil actions& o$ aryin! nature but mostly money claims fled by creditors& none o$ %hich %as e=pected to be completed or resoled %ithin fe years $rom Aay (?& 2HHI. I$ the creditors had sou!ht your pro$essional help at that time about %hether or not their cases could be pursued beyond Aay (?& 2HHI& %hat %ould hae been your adice? (#%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( )he cases can be pursued een beyond Aay (?& 2HHI& the last day o$ the corporate e=istence o$ F/T Corp. )he Corporation is not actually dissoled upon the e=piration o$ its corporate term. )here is still the period $or li+uidation or %indin! up. N.TE( U nder Se/tion 122 o1 t*e C orporation C ode4 a /orporation +*ose /orporate e2isten/e is ter, inated in any , anner /ontin.es to be a body /orporate 1or t*ree (3) years a1terits disso.tion 1orp.rposes o1 prose/.ting and de1ending s.its by and againstitand to enabe itto sette and /ose its a11airs4 /., inating in t*e disposition and distrib.tion o1 its re, aining assets3 9t, ay4 d.ring t*e t*ree-yearter, 4 appointa tr.stee ora re/ei-er+*o , ay a/tbeyond t*atperiod3 $*e ter, ination o1 t*e i1e o1 a /orporate entity does notby itse1 /a.se t*e e2tin/tion or di, in.tion o1 t*e rig*ts and iabiities o1 s./* entity3 2: 91 t*e t*ree-yeare2tended i1e *as e2pired +it*o.t a tr.stee or re/ei-er *a-ing been e2pressy designated by t*e /orporation4 +it*in t*atperiod4 t*e board o1 dire/tors (or tr.stees) itse14 , ay be per, itted to so /ontin.e as 6tr.stees6 by ega i, pi/ation to /o, pete t*e /orporate i8.idation3 (&E&'(-!)LA &*(L(&&(+E'" (+!" vs ,*E !)-., )# A&&EAL'" /0. +o 1%1211 +ovem$er 2%" 200%3) /orei'n Cor$oration2 @Doin' ,usinessA in t#e "#ili$$ines ()**:) When is a $orei!n corporation deemed to be doin! business in the ;hilippines? ((%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( A $orei!n corporation is deemed to be doin! business in the ;hilippines i$ it is continuin! the body or substance o$ the business or enterprise $or %hich it %as or!ani6ed. It is the intention o$ an entity to continue the body o$ its business in the country. )he !rant and e=tension o$ H?4 day credit terms o$ a $orei!n corporation to a domestic corporation $or eery purchase sho%s an intention to continue transactin! %ith the latter. /orei'n Cor$oration2 @Doin' ,usinessA in t#e "#ili$$ines2 Acts or Actiities (2002) Fie at least three (() e=amples o$ the acts or actiities that are specifcally identifed under our $orei!n inestment la%s as constitutin! doin! business in the ;hilippines ((%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( Any three (() o$ the $ollo%in! acts or actiities constitute doin! business in the ;hilippines under our $orei!n inestment la%s* /* 1olicitin! orders Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 39 of 103 !* Bpenin! o-ices by %hateer name :* ;articipatin! in the mana!ement& superision or control o$ any domestic entity (* <nterin! into serice contracts #* Appointin! representaties or distributors& operatin! under the control o$ the $orei!n entity& %ho is domiciled in the ;hilippines or %ho stays in the country $or a period or periods totalin! at least 2J? days in any calendar year. /orei'n Cor$oration2 @Doin' ,usinessA in t#e "#ili$$ines2 Test (2002) What is the le!al test $or determinin! i$ an unlicensed $orei!n corporation is doin! business in the ;hilippines? (#%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( )he test is %hether or not the unlicensed $orei!n corporation has per$ormed an act or acts that imply a continuity o$ commercial dealin!s or arran!ements& and contemplate to that e=tent the per$ormance o$ acts or %or.s& or the e=ercise o$ some o$ the $unctions normally incident to& and in pro!ressie prosecution o$& commercial !ain or o$ the purpose and ob"ect o$ the business corporation. Joint >enture2 Cor$oration ()**4) Aay a corporation enter into a "oint enture? SU44ESTE) ANSWER( A corporation may enter into a "oint enture. /o%eer& inasmuch as the term U"oint enture3 has no precise le!al defnition& it may ta.e arious $orms. It could ta.e the $orm o$ a simple poolin! o$ resources (not inolin! incorporation) bet%een t%o or more corporations $or a specifc pro"ect& purpose or underta.in!& or $or a limited time. It may inole the creation o$ a more $ormal structure and& hence& the $ormation o$ a corporation. I$ the "oint enture %ould inole the creation o$ a partnership& as the term is understood under the Ciil Code& then a corporation cannot be a party to it. 8ia.ilities2 ,<D2 Cor$orate Acts ()**4) When may a corporate director& trustee& or o-icer be held personally liable %ith the corporation? SU44ESTE) ANSWER( A corporate director& trustee or o-icer may be held personally liable %ith the corporation under the $ollo%in! circumstances* /$ When he assents to a patently unla%$ul act o$ the corporationK !$ When he acts in bad $aith or %ith !ross ne!li!ence in directin! the a-airs o$ the corporation& or in conEict %ith the interest o$ the corporation resultin! in dama!es to the corporation& its stoc.holders or other personsK :$ When he consents to the issuance o$ %atered stoc.s or %ho& hain! .no%led!e thereo$& does not $orth%ith fle %ith the corporate secretary his %ritten ob"ection theretoK ($ When he a!rees to hold himsel$ personally and solidarily liable %ith the corporationK or #$ ?&en &e is 'a.eB by a specific pro)ision of lawB to personally answer for t&e corporate action* (2ramat 6ercantile %nc v "# 4+ )));;8, 0ov 7, *, (.8s),! 8ia.ilities2 Stoc-#ol6ersB DirectorsB <&&icers ()**+) A& 5& and C are shareholders o$ L0S Co. A has an unpaid subscription o$ ;2??th& 53s shares are $ully paid up& %hile C o%ns only nominal but $ully paid up shares and is a director and o-icer. L0S becomes insolent& and it is established that the insolency is the result o$ $raudulent practices %ithin the company. I$ you %ere counsel $or a creditor o$ L0S& %ould you adise le!al action a!ainst A& 5& and C? SU44ESTE) ANSWER( a$ As to AVan action can be brou!ht a!ainst A $or ;2??th %hich is the amount o$ unpaid subscription. 1ince the corporation is insolent& the limit o$ the stoc.holder3s liability to the creditor is only up to the e=tent o$ his unpaid subscription. b$ As to 5Vthere is no cause o$ action a!ainst 5 because he has already $ully paid $or his subscription. As stated earlier& the limit o$ the stoc.holder3s liability to the creditor o$ the corporation& %hen the latter becomes insolent& is the e=tent o$ his subscription. c$ As to CVan action can be fled a!ainst C& not as stoc.holder because he has already paid up the shares& but in his capacity as director and o-icer because o$ the corporation3s insolency bein! the result o$ $raudulent practices %ithin the company. 'irectors are liable "ointly and seerally $or dama!es sustained by the corporation& stoc.holders or other persons resultin! $rom !ross ne!li!ence or bad $aith in directin! the a-airs o$ the corporation. (1ec (2 Corp Code) "iercin' t#e Cor$orate >eil ()**3) Ar. ;ablo& a rich merchant in his early $orties& %as a de$endant in a la%suit %hich could sub"ect him to substantial dama!es. A year be$ore the court rendered "ud!ment& ;ablo sou!ht his la%yer3s adice on ho% to plan his estate to aoid ta=es. /is la%yer su!!ested that he should $orm a corporation %ith himsel$& his %i$e and his children (all students and still unemployed) as stoc.holders and then trans$er all his assets and liabilities to this corporation. Ar ;ablo $ollo%ed the recommendation o$ his la%yer. 2 year later& the court rendered "ud!ment a!ainst ;ablo and the plainti- sou!ht to en$orce this "ud!ment. )he sheri-& ho%eer& could not locate any property in the name o$ ;ablo and there$ore returned the %rit o$ e=ecution unsatisfed. What remedy& i$ any& is aailable to the plainti-? SU44ESTE) ANSWER( )he plainti- can aail himsel$ o$ the doctrine o$ piercin! the eil o$ corporate fction %hich can be ino.ed %hen a corporation is $ormed or used in aoidin! a "ust obli!ation. While it is true that a $amily corporation may be or!ani6ed to pursue an estate ta=K plannin!& %hich is not per se ille!al or unla%$ul .)el-her ?rades Cor- " $C 10' SCR$ 3(67 the $actual settin!s& ho%eer& indicate the e=istence o$ a la%suit that could sub"ect ;ablo to a Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 50 of 103 substantial amount o$ dama!es. It %ould thus be di-icult $or ;ablo to conincin!ly assert that the incorporation o$ the $amily corporation %as intended merely as a case o$ estate ta= plannin!. .?an Boon Bee " 9arencio (133' 3,9une++7 "iercin' t#e Cor$orate >eil ()**4) < Co sold its assets to A Inc a$ter complyin! %ith the re+uirements o$ the 5ul. 1ales >a%. 1ubse+uently& one o$ the creditors o$ < Co tried to collect the amount due it& but $ound out that < Co had no more assets le$t. )he creditor then sued A Inc on the theory that A Inc is a mere alter e!o o$ < Co. Will the suit prosper? <=plain. SU44ESTE) ANSWER( )he suit %ill not prosper. )he sale by < Co o$ its assets to A Inc does not result in the trans$er o$ the liabilities o$ the latter to& nor in the assumption thereo$ by& the $ormer. )he $acts !ien do not indicate that such trans$er or assumption too. place or %as stipulated upon by the parties in their a!reement. 8urthermore& the sale by < Co o$ its assets is a sale o$ its property. It does not inole the sale o$ the shares o$ stoc. o$ the corporation belon!in! to its stoc.holders. )here is there$ore no mer!er or consolidation that too. place. < Co continues to e=ist and remains liable to the creditor. "iercin' t#e Cor$orate >eil (200)) ;lainti-s fled a collection action a!ainst L Corporation. ,pon e=ecution o$ the court3s decision& L Corporation %as $ound to be %ithout assets. )herea$ter plainti-s fled an action a!ainst its present and past stoc.holder 0 Corporation %hich o%ned substantially all o$ the stoc.s o$ L Corporation. )he t%o corporations hae the same board o$ directors and 0 Corporation fnanced the operations o$ L Corporation. Aay 0 Corporation be held liable $or the debts o$ L Corporation? Why? (@%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 0es& 0 Corporation may be held liable $or the debts o$ L Corporation. )he doctrine o$ piercin! the eil o$ corporation fction applies to this case. )he t%o corporations hae the same board o$ directors and 0 Corporation o%ned substantially all o$ the stoc.s o$ L Corporation& %hich $acts "usti$y the conclusion that the latter is merely an e=tension o$ the personality o$ the $ormer& and that the $ormer controls the policies o$ the latter. Added to this is the $act that 0 Corporation controls the fnances o$ L Corporation %hich is merely an ad"unct& business conduit or alter e!o o$ 0 Corporation .CR " &orton A Barrison Co 11 S '1( .166(77 "iercin' t#e Cor$orate >eil (2003) /o% does one pierce the eil o$ corporate fction? SU44ESTE) ANSWER( )he eil o$ corporate fction may be pierced by proin! in court that the notion o$ le!al entity is bein! used to de$eat public conenience& "usti$y %ron!& protect $raud& or de$end crime or the entity is "ust an instrument or alter e!o or ad"unct o$ another entity or person. 407H407H"iercin' t#e Cor$orate >eil (2004) Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 What is the doctrine o$ Npiercin! the eil o$ corporate entity?N <=plain. SU44ESTE) ANSWER( )he doctrine o$ Npiercin! the eil o$ corporate entity&N is the doctrine that allo%s the courts to loo. behind the separate "uridical personality o$ a corporation and treat the corporation as an association o$ persons and thereby ma.e the indiidual actors personally liable $or corporate liabilities. )he fction o$ corporate identity is disre!arded and the indiiduals comprisin! it can be treated identically. )he stoc.holders can be held directly liable $or corporate obli!ations& een to the e=tent o$ their personal assets .Conce-t Builders "# &3RC, Mara*e, et al, %#R# &o# 1,+'3(, Ma5 26, 16667. #o 2hat "ir"%!stan"es 2i the 3o"trine app/4 (+.55) )he doctrine is applicable %hen the notion o$ le!al entity is used to V /$ 'e$eat public conenience. !$ Custi$y %ron!. :$ ;rotect $raud. ($ Defen. cri'e (30B v' #ndrada Electric, 4'+' 0o' ),(*.-, #pril )7, (;;(!* #$ S&iel. a )iolation of t&e proscription against foru' s&opping (5irst 3hilippine %nternational Ban/ v' "ourt of #ppeals, 4'+' 0o' ).75.7, <anuary (,, )**-!' ,$ ?ork ine-uities a'ong 'e'bers of t&e corporation internallyB in)ol)ing no rig&ts of t&e public or t&ir. persons (Secosa v' @eirs ofErwin SuareE 5rancisco, 4'+' 0o' )5-);,, <une (*, (;;,!' 3$ 5)a.e t&e lawful obligations of t&e corporation like a 9u.g'ent cre.it (Sibagat 2imber "orp' v' 4arcia, 4'+' 0o' ))(5,-, &ecember )), )**(!' 6$ 5scape liability arising fro' a .ebt (#rcilla v' "ourt of #ppeals, 4'+' 0o' 88))., 1ctober (., )**(!' 0$ A)oi. inclusion of corporate assets as part of t&e estate of t&e .ece.ent ("ease v' "ourt of #ppeals, 4'+' 0o' F$.58-), 1ctober )8, )*7*!' 2?) )o promote or to shield un$air ob"ecties (Dillanueva v' #dre, 4'+' 0o' 8;8-., #pril (7, )*8*!' "re?em$tie Ri'#t (200)) 1uppose that L Corporation has already issued the 2??? ori!inally authori6ed shares o$ the corporation so that its 5B' and stoc.holders %ish to increase L3s authori6ed capital stoc.. A$ter complyin! %ith the re+uirements o$ the la% on increase o$ capital stoc.& L issued an additional 2??? shares o$ the same alue. a$ Assume that the stoc.holder A presently holds #?? out o$ the 2??? ori!inal shares. Would A hae a pre4emptie ri!ht to #?? o$ the ne% issue o$ 2??? shares? Why? ((%) b$ When should stoc.holder A e=ercise the pre4emptie ri!ht? (#%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( a$ 0es& A %ould hae a pre4emptie ri!ht to #?? o$ the ne% issue o$ 2??? shares. A is a stoc.holder o$ record holdin! #?? shares in L Corpo. Accordin! to the Corp Code& each stoc.holder has the pre4 emptie ri!ht to all issues o$ shares made by the corporation in proportion to Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 51 of 103 the number o$ shares he holds on record in the corporation. b$ ;re4emptie ri!ht must be e=ercised in accordance %ith the Articles o$ Incorporation or the 5y4>a%s. When the Articles o$ Incorporation and the 5y4>a%s are silent& the 5B' may f= a reasonable time %ithin %hich the stoc.holders may e=ercise the ri!ht. "re?Em$tie Ri'#t s! A$$raisal Ri'#t ()***) A5C Corporation has an authori6ed capital stoc. o$ ;2A diided into @?&??? common shares and @?&??? pre$erred shares. At its inception& the Corporation o-ered $or subscription all the common shares. /o%eer& only 4?&??? shares %ere subscribed. 9ecently& the directors thou!ht o$ raisin! additional capital and decided to o-er to the public all the authori6ed shares o$ the Corporation at their mar.et alue. a$ Would Ar. L& a stoc.holder holdin! 4&??? shares& hae pre4emptie ri!hts to the remainin! 2?&??? shares? (#%) b$ Would Ar. L hae pre4emptie ri!hts to the @?&??? pre$erred shares? (#%) c$ Assumin! that the e=istin! stoc.holders are entitled to pre4 emptie ri!hts& at %hat price %ill the shares be o-ered? (#%) .$ Assumin! a stoc.holder disa!rees %ith the issuance o$ ne% shares and the pricin! $or the shares& may the stoc.holder ino.e his appraisal ri!hts and demand payment $or his shareholdin!s? (#%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( a. 0es. Ar. L& a stoc.holder holdin! 4&??? shares& has pre4emptie ri!ht to the remainin! 2?&??? shares. All stoc.holders o$ a stoc. corporation shall en"oy pre4 emptie ri!ht to subscribe to all issues or disposition o$ shares o$ any class& in proportion to their respectie shareholdin!s. ALTERNATI7E ANSWER: a* 7o& Ar L does not hae pre4emptie ri!ht oer the remainin! 2?&??? shares because these shares hae already been o-ered at incorporation and he chose not to subscribe to them. /e& there$ore& has %aied his ri!ht thereto and the corporation may o-er them to anyone. SU44ESTE) ANSWER( b* 0es. Ar. L %ould hae pre4emptie ri!hts to the @?&??? pre$erred shares. All stoc.holders o$ a stoc. corporation shall en"oy pre4emptie ri!ht to subscribe to all issues or disposition o$ shares o$ any class& in proportion to their respectie shareholdin!s. ALTERNATI7E ANSWER( b* 0es& Ar. L has preemptie ri!ht oer the @?&??? pre$erred shares because they %ere not o-ered be$ore by the corporation $or subscription. SU44ESTE) ANSWER( c* )he shares %ill be o-ered to e=istin! stoc.holders& %ho are entitled to preemptie ri!ht& at a price f=ed by the 5B'& %hich shall not be less than the par alue o$ such shares. SU44ESTE) ANSWER( .* 7o& the stoc.holder may not e=ercise appraisal ri!ht because the matter that he dissented $rom is not one o$ those %here ri!ht o$ appraisal is aailable under the corporation code. SEC2 Juris6iction2 Trans&erre6 Juris6iction ()**4) What is the ori!inal and e=clusie "urisdiction o$ the 1<C? SU44ESTE) ANSWER( )he 1<C has ori!inal and e=clusie "urisdiction oer cases inolin!* a$ 'eices or schemes amountin! to $raud and misrepresentationK b$ Controersies arisin! out o$ intra4 corporate or partnership relationsK c$ Controersies in the election or appointment o$ directors& o-icers& etcK .$ ;etitions to be declared in a state o$ suspension o$ payments (1ec @ ;' H?#4A) TA;E N.TE( )he RTC has "urisdiction oer the cases %hich inoles intra4corporate controersy. As o$ #??:& the applicable rule is that there is a )9A718<99<' C,9I1'IC)IB7 under 1ec. @.# o$ the 19C& the Commission3s "urisdiction oer all cases enumerated under ;' H?#4A sec. @ has been trans$erred to the Courts o$ !eneral "urisdiction or the appropriate 9e!ional )rial Court. Stoc-#ol6er2 Delin5uent2 Un$ai6 Su.scri$tion ()**+) )he 5B' o$ a corporation& by a ote o$ ten in $aor o$ one a!ainst& declared due and payable all unpaid subscription to the capital stoc.. )he lone dissentin! director $ailed to pay on due date& i.e.& 2H 1ept 2HHI& his unpaid subscription. Bther than the shares %herein he %as unable to complete payment& he did not o%n any share in the corporation. Bn #( 1ept 2HHI& he %as in$ormed by the 5B' that& unless due payment is mean%hile receied& he* a$ could no lon!er sere as a director o$ the corporation $orth%ith* b$ %ould not be entitled to the cash and stoc. diidends %hich %ere declared and payable on #4 1ep 2HHIK and c$ could not ote in the stoc.holders meetin! scheduled to ta.e place on #: 1ept 2HHI. Was the action o$ the 5B' on each o$ the $ore!oin! matters alid? SU44ESTE) ANSWER( a$ 7o. )he period o$ (? days %ithin %hich the stoc.holder can pay the unpaid subscription had not yet e=pired. b$ 7o. )he delin+uency did not deprie the stoc.holder o$ his ri!ht to receie diidends declared. /o%eer& the cash diidend declared may be applied by the corporation to the unpaid subscription. (1ec I2 Corp Code) Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 52 of 103 c$ 7o. )he period o$ (? days %ithin %hich the stoc.holder can pay the unpaid subscription had not yet e=pired. Stoc-#ol6ers: "reem$tie Ri'#t (2003) )he 5oard o$ 'irectors o$ A5C& Inc.& a domestic corporation& passed a resolution authori6in! additional issuance o$ shares o$ stoc.s %ithout notice nor approal o$ the stoc.holders. 'L& a stoc.holder& ob"ected to the issuance& contendin! that it iolated his ri!ht o$ pre4 emption to the unissued shares. Is his contention tenable? <=plain brieEy. (@%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 0es. 'LDs contention is tenable. ,nder 1ection (H o$ the Corporation Code& all stoc.holders o$ A5C& Inc. en"oy preemptie ri!ht to subscribe to all issues o$ shares o$ any class& includin! the reissuance o$ treasury shares in proportion to their respectie shareholdin!s. Stoc-#ol6ers2 A$$raisal Ri'#t (2003) In %hat instances may the ri!ht o$ appraisal be aailed o$ under the Corporation Code? SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 1<C)IB7 J2. Instances o$ Appraisal 9i!ht. V Any stoc.holder o$ a corporation shall hae the ri!ht to dissent and demand payment o$ the $air alue o$ his shares in the $ollo%in! instances* /* In case any amendment to the articles o$ incorporation has the e-ect o$ chan!in! or restrictin! the ri!hts o$ any stoc.holders or class o$ shares& or o$ authori6in! pre$erences in any respect superior to those o$ outstandin! shares o$ any class& or o$ e=tendin! or shortenin! the term o$ corporate e=istenceK !* In case o$ sale& lease& e=chan!e& trans$er& mort!a!e& pled!e or other disposition o$ all or substantially all o$ the corporate property and assets as proided in the CodeK and :* In case o$ mer!er or consolidation. (n) Stoc-#ol6ers2 Remoal o& <&&icers 0 ,<D (200)) In 2HHH& Corporation A passed a board resolution remoin! L $rom his position as mana!er o$ said corporation. )he by4la%s o$ A corporation proides that the o-icers are the president& ice4president& treasurer and secretary. ,pon complaint fled %ith the 1<C& it held that a mana!er could be remoed by mere resolution o$ the board o$ directors. Bn motion $or reconsideration& L alle!ed that he could only be remoed by the a-irmatie ote o$ the stoc.holders representin! #O( o$ the outstandin! capital stoc.. Is L3s contention le!ally tenable. Why? (@%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 7o. 1toc.holders3 approal is necessary only $or the remoal o$ the members o$ the 5B'. 8or the remoal o$ a corporate o-icer or employee& the ote o$ the 5B' is su-icient $or the purpose. Stoc-#ol6ers2 Remoal2 (inorit% Director ()**)) Assu'ing t&at t&e 'inority block of t&e KLM Corporation is able to elect only / .irector an. t&ereforeB Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 the ma"ority stoc.holders can al%ays muster a #O( ote& %ould you allo% the ma"ority stoc.holders to remoe the one director representin! the minority? SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 7o. I %ill not allo% the ma"ority stoc.holders to remoe the director. While the stoc.holders may& by a #O( ote& remoe a director& the la% also proides& ho%eer& that his ri!ht may not& %ithout "ust cause& be e=ercised so as to deprie the minority o$ representation in the 5B' .Sec 2+ Cor- code1 %o"Ct "s $goncillo 0,-3(+7 Stoc-#ol6ers2 Ri'#ts ()**4) What are the ri!hts o$ a stoc.holder? SU44ESTE) ANSWER( )he ri!hts o$ a stoc.holder are as $ollo%s* /$ )he ri!ht to ote& includin! the ri!ht to appoint a pro=yK !$ )he ri!ht to share in the profts o$ the corporation& includin! the ri!ht to declare stoc. diidendsK :$ )he ri!ht to a proportionate share o$ the assets o$ the corporation upon li+uidationK ($ )he ri!ht o$ appraisalK #$ )he pre4emptie ri!ht to sharesK ,$ )he ri!ht to inspect corporate boo.s and recordsK 3$ )he ri!ht to elect directorsK 6$ 1uch other ri!hts as may contractually be !ranted to the stoc.holders by the corporation or by special la%. Stoc-#ol6ers2 >otin' "o;er o& Stoc-#ol6ers ()**0) Mercy subscribe. to /B""" s&ares of stock of +osario Corporation* S&e pai. !#N of sai. subscription* During t&e stock&ol.ersG 'eetingB can Mercy )ote all &er subscribe. s&aresI 54plain* SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 0es& Aercy can ote all her subscribed shares. 1ection I# o$ the Corporation Code states that holders o$ subscribed shares not $ully paid %hich are not delin+uent shall hae all the ri!hts o$ a stoc.holder. Stoc-s2 7ncrease o& Ca$ital Stoc- (200)) 1uppose L Corporation has an authori6ed capital stoc. o$ ;2A diided into 2??&??? shares o$ stoc. %ith par alue o$ ;2? each. a$ Fie t%o %ays %hereby said authori6ed capital stoc. may be increased to about ;2.@A. ((%) b$ Fie three practical reasons $or a corporation to increase its capital stoc. (#%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( a$ )%o %ays o$ increasin! the Authori6ed Capital 1toc. o$ L corporation to ;2.@A are* /$ Increase the number o$ shares $rom 2??&??? to 2@?&??? shares %ith the same par alue o$ ;2?.?? each. !$ Increase par alue o$ 2??&??? shares to ;2@.?? each. b$ )hree practical reasons $or a corporation to increase its capital stoc. are* /$ to !enerate more %or.in! capitalK Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 53 of 103 !$ to hae more shares %ith %hich to pay $or the ac+uisition o$ more assets li.e ac+uisition o$ company car& stoc.s& house& machinery or businessK and :$ to hae e=tra share %ith %hich to coer or meet the re+uirement $or declaration o$ stoc. diidend. Stoc-s2 SaleB Trans&er o& Certi&icates o& Stoc- ()**4) Arnold has in his name 2&??? shares o$ the capital stoc. o$ A5C Co as eidenced by a stoc. certifcate. Arnold deliered the stoc. certifcate to 1teen %ho no% claims to be the real o%ner o$ the shares& hain! paid $or Arnold3s subscription. A5C re$used to reco!ni6e and re!ister 1teen3s o%nership. Is the re$usal "ustifed? <=plain. SU44ESTE) ANSWER( A5C3s re$usal to reco!ni6e and re!ister 1teen3s o%nership is "ustifed. )he $acts indicate that the stoc. certifcate $or the 2&??? shares in +uestion is in the name o$ Arnold. Althou!h the certifcate %as deliered by Arnold to 1teen& the $acts do not indicate that the certifcate %as duly endorsed by Arnold at the time it %as deliered to 1teen or that the procedure $or the e-ectie trans$er o$ shares o$ stoc. set out in the by4la%s o$ A5C Co& i$ any& %as obsered. 1ince the certifcate %as not endorsed in $aor o$ 1teen (or anybody else $or that matter)& the only conclusion could be no other than that the shares in +uestion still belon! to Arnold. .Ra8on " $C %R '(3,6 Mar 16,62 2,'s23(7 Stoc-s2 SaleB Trans&er o& Certi&icates o& Stoc- (200)) A is the re!istered o%ner o$ 1toc. Certifcate 7o. ????22. /e entrusted the possession o$ said certifcate to his best $riend 5 %ho borro%ed the said endorsed certifcate to support 53s application $or passport (or $or a purpose other than trans$er). 5ut 5 sold the certifcate to L& a bona fde purchaser %ho relied on the endorsed certifcates and belieed him to be the o%ner thereo$. a$ Can A claim the shares o$ stoc. $rom L? <=plain ((%) b$ Would your ans%er be the same i$ A lost the stoc. certifcate in +uestion or i$ it %as stolen $rom him? (#%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( a$ 7o. Assumin! that the shares %ere already trans$erred to 5& A cannot claim the shares o$ stoc. $rom L. )he certifcate o$ stoc. coerin! said shares hae been duly endorsed by A and entrusted by him to 5. 5y his said acts& A is no% estopped $rom claimin! said shares $rom L& a bona fde purchaser %ho relied on the endorsement by A o$ the certifcate o$ stoc.. b$ 0es. In the case %here the certifcate o$ stoc. %as lost or stole $rom A& A has a ri!ht to claim the certifcate o$ stoc. $rom the thie$ %ho has no ri!ht or title to the same. Bne %ho has lost any moable or has been unla%$ully depried thereo$& may recoer it $rom the person in possession o$ the same. (Art @@H 7CC) Stoc-s2 SaleB Trans&er o& Certi&icates o& Stoc- (2003) Four 'ont&s before &is .eat&B PK assigne. /"" s&ares of stock registere. in &is na'e in fa)or of &is wife an. &is children. )hey then brou!ht the deed o$ assi!nment to the proper corporate o-icers $or re!istration %ith the re+uest $or the trans$er in the corporationDs stoc. and trans$er boo.s o$ the assi!ned shares& the cancellation o$ the stoc. certifcates in ;LDs name& and the issuance o$ ne% stoc. certifcates in the names o$ his %i$e and his children as the ne% o%ners. )he o-icers o$ the Corporation denied the re+uest on the !round that another heir is contestin! the alidity o$ the deed o$ assi!nment. Aay the Corporation be compelled by mandamus to re!ister the shares o$ stoc. in the names o$ the assi!nees? <=plain brieEy. (@%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 0es. )he corporation may be compelled by mandamus to re!ister the shares o$ stoc. in the name o$ the assi!nee. )he only le!al limitation imposed by 1ection :( o$ the Corporation Code is %hen the Corporation holds any unpaid claim a!ainst the shares intended to be trans$erred. )he alle!ed claim o$ another heir o$ ;L is not su-icient to deny the issuance o$ ne% certifcates o$ stoc. to his %i$e and children. It %ould be other%ise i$ the trans$ereeDs title to the shares has no prima $acie alidity or is uncertain. Trust /un6 Doctrine ()**2) A Corporation e=ecuted a promissory note bindin! itsel$ to pay its ;residentO'irector& %ho had tendered his resi!nation& a certain sum in payment o$ the latter3s shares and interests in the company. )he corporation de$aulted in payin! the $ull amount so that said $ormer ;resident fled suit $or collection o$ the balance be$ore the 1<C. a$ ,nder %hat conditions is a stoc. corporation empo%ered to ac+uire its o%n shares? b$ Is the arran!ement bet%een the corporation and its ;resident coered by the trust $und doctrine? <=plain your ans%ers brieEy. SU44ESTE) ANSWER( a) A stoc. corporation may only ac+uire its o%n shares o$ stoc. i$ the trust $und doctrine is not impaired. )his is to say& $or instance& that it may purchase its o%n shares o$ stoc. by utili6in! merely its surplus profts oer and aboe the subscribed capital o$ the corporation. ALTERNATI7E ANSWER( a$ (an ans%er enumeratin! the instances or cases under the Corporation Code %here the Corp allo%s the ac+uisition o$ shares such as in the stoc.holder3s e=ercise o$ appraisal ri!ht& $ailure o$ bids in the sale o$ delin+uent shares& etc.) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( b$ )he arran!ement bet%een the corporation and its ;resident to the e=tent that it calls $or the payment o$ the latter3s shares is coered by the trust $und doctrine. )he only e=ceptions $rom the trust $und doctrine are the redemption o$ redeemable shares and& in the case o$ close corporation& %hen there should be a deadloc. and the 1<C orders the payment o$ the appraised alue o$ a stoc.holder3s share. Trust /un6 Doctrine2 7ntra?Cor$orate Controers% ()**)) 7ersion 1990+2006 U %&ate& 'y Dondee 7ersion 1990+2003 Arrange& 'y SULAW Cass 200! Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page "" of 103 Bn 'ecember :& 2HJJ& A& an incorporator and the Feneral Aana!er o$ the ;a"e Aulti 8arms Co& resi!ned as FA and sold to the corporation his shares o$ stoc.s in the corporation $or ;(??th& the boo. alue thereo$& payable as $ollo%s* a) ;2??th as do%n paymentK b) ;2??th on or be$ore (2 Culy2HJHK and c) the remainin! balance o$ ;2??th on or be$ore (? 1ep 2HJH. A promissory note& %ith an acceleration clause& %as e=ecuted by the corporation $or the unpaid balance. )he corporation $ailed to pay the frst installment on due date. A then sued ;a"e on the promissory note in the 9)C. a$ 'oes the court hae "urisdiction oer the case? b$ Would your ans%er be the same i$ A instead sold his shares to his $riend Aabel and the latter fled a case %ith the 9)C a!ainst the corporation to compel it to re!ister the sale and to issue ne% certifcates o$ stoc. in her name? SU44ESTE) ANSWER( a$ )he 9)C has "urisdiction oer the case. )he 1C said that a corporation may only buy its o%n shares o$ stoc. i$ it has enou!h surplus profts there$ore. b$ Ay ans%er %ould be the same. An action to compel a corporation to re!ister a sale and to issue ne% certifcates o$ stoc. is itsel$ an intra4corporate matter that e=clusiely lies %ith the 9)C. TA;E N.TE( )he 9)C has "urisdiction oer the cases %hich inoles intra4corporate controersy. As o$ #??:& the applicable rule is that there is a )9A718<99<' C,9I1'IC)IB7 under 1ec. @.# o$ the 19C& the Commission3s "urisdiction oer all cases enumerated under ;' H?#4A sec. @ has been trans$erred to the Courts o$ !eneral "urisdiction or the appropriate 9e!ional )rial Court. Cre&it Transa#tions Chattel Mortgage vs. After$2ncurre) +-ligations (!!) )o secure the payment o$ an earlier loan o$ ;#?&??? as %ell as subse+uent loans %hich her $riend 7oreen& %ould e=tend to her& Maren e=ecuted in $aor o$ 7oreen a chattel mort!a!e oer her (Maren) car. Is the mort!a!e alid? SU44ESTE) ANSWER( A chattel mort!a!e cannot e-ectiely secure a$ter4 incurred obli!ations. While a stipulation to include a$ter4 incurred obli!ations in a chattel mort!a!e is itsel$ not inalid& the obli!ation cannot& ho%eer& be deemed automatically secured by that mort!a!e until a$ter a ne% chattel mort!a!e or an addendum to the ori!inal chattel mort!a!e is e=ecuted to coer the obli!ation a$ter it has been actually incurred. Accordin!ly& unless such supplements are made& the chattel mort!a!e in the problem !ien %ould be deemed to secure only the loan o$ ;#?&??? .Sec 0 $ct 10,01 Belgian Catholic Missionaries " Magallanes /ress (6-6('7 7ersion 1990+2006 U %&ate& 'y Dondee 7ersion 1990+2003 Arrange& 'y SULAW Cass 200! C#attel (ort'a'e s! A&ter?7ncurre6 <.li'ations ()***) 8n Dece'ber /B /00,B Borrower e4ecute. a c&attel 'ortgage in fa)or of t&e Bank to secure a loan of P:M* 1n .ue ti'e t&e loan was pai.* Bn 'ecember 2& 2HHI& 5orro%er obtained another loan $or ;#A %hich the 5an. !ranted under the same security as that %hich secured the frst loan. 8or the second loan& 5orro%er merely deliered a promissory noteK no ne% chattel mort!a!e a!reement %as e=ecuted as the parties relied on a proision in the 2HH: chattel mort!a!e a!reement %hich included $uture debts as amon! the obli!ations secured by the mort!a!e. )he proision reads* In case the Aort!a!or e=ecutes subse+uent promissory note or notes either as a rene%al& as an e=tension& or as a ne% loan& this mort!a!e shall also stand as security $or the payment o$ said promissory note or notes %ithout necessity o$ e=ecutin! a ne% contract and this mort!a!e shall hae the same $orce and e-ect as i$ the said promissory note or notes %ere e=istin! on date hereo$. As 5orro%er $ailed to pay the second loan& the 5an. proceeded to $oreclose the Chattel Aort!a!e.5orro%er sued the 5an. claimin! that the mort!a!e %as no lon!er in $orce. 5orro%er claimed that a $resh chattel mort!a!e should hae been e=ecuted %hen the second loan %as !ranted. a$ 'ecide the case and ratiocinate. (4%) b$ 1uppose the chattel mort!a!e %as not re!istered& %ould its alidity and e-ectieness be impaired? <=plain. (4%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( a* )he $oreclosure o$ the chattel mort!a!e re!ardin! the second loan is not alid. A chattel mort!a!e cannot alidly secure a$ter incurred obli!ations. )he a-idait o$ !ood $aith re+uired under the chattel mort!a!e la% e=pressly proides that the $ore!oin! mort!a!e is made $or securin! the obli!ation specifed in the conditions hereo$& and $or no other purpose. )he a$ter4incurred obli!ation not bein! specifed in the a-idait& is not secured by mort!a!e. b* 0es. )he chattel mort!a!e is not alid as a!ainst any person& e=cept the mort!a!or& his e=ecutors and administrators. C#attel (ort'a'e2 /oreclosure ()**+) 9it6 bou!ht a ne% car on installments %hich proided $or an acceleration clause in the eent o$ de$ault. )o secure payment o$ the unpaid installments& as and %hen due& he constituted t%o chattel mort!a!es& i.e.& one oer his ery old car and the other coerin! the ne% car that he had "ust bou!ht as a$oresaid& on installments. A$ter 9it6 de$aulted on three installments& the seller4mort!a!ee $oreclosed on the old car. )he proceeds o$ the $oreclosure %ere not enou!h to satis$y the due obli!ationK hence& he similarly sou!ht to $oreclose on the ne% car. Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 55 of 103 Would the seller4mort!a!ee be le!ally "ustifed in $oreclosin! on this second chattel mort!a!e? SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 7o. )he t%o mort!a!es %ere e=ecuted to secure the payment o$ the unpaid installments $or the purchase o$ a ne% car. When the mort!a!e on the old car %as $oreclosed& the seller4mort!a!ee is deemed to hae renounced all other ri!hts. A $oreclosure o$ additional property& that is& the ne% car coered by the second mort!a!e %ould be a nullity. C#attel (ort'a'e2 <;ners#i$ o& T#in' (ort'a'e6 ()**0) Sonee& %ho lies in 5ulacan& bou!ht a 2HJJ model )oyota Corolla sedan on Culy 2& 2HJH $rom Anadelaida& %ho lies in Tue6on City& $or ;(??th& payin! ;2@?th as do%npayment and promisin! to pay the balance in ( e+ual +uarterly installments be!innin! Bctober 2& 2HJH. Anadelaida e=ecuted a deed o$ sale o$ the ehicle in $aor o$ Sonee and& to secure the unpaid balance o$ the purchase price& had Sonee e=ecute a deed o$ chattel mort!a!e on the ehicle in Anadelaida3s $aor. )en days a$ter the e=ecution o$ the aboementioned documents& Sonee had the car trans$erred and re!istered in her name. Contemporaneously& Anadelaida had the chattel mort!a!e on the car re!istered in the Chattel Aort!a!e 9e!istry o$ the B-ice o$ the 9e!ister o$ 'eeds o$ Tue6on City. In 1ep 2HJH& Sonee sold the sedan to Cimbo %ithout tellin! the latter that the car %as mort!a!ed to Anadelaida. When Sonee $ailed to pay the frst installment on Bctober 2& 2HJH& Anadelaida %ent to see Sonee and discoered that the latter had sold the car to Cimbo. a$ Cimbo re$used to !ie up the car on the !round that the chattel mort!a!e e=ecuted by Sonee in $aor o$ Anadelaida is not alid because it %as e=ecuted be$ore the car %as re!istered in Sonee3s name& i.e.& be$ore Sonee became the re!istered o%ner o$ the car. Is the said ar!ument meritorious? <=plain your ans%er. b$ Cimbo also ar!ued that een i$ the chattel mort!a!e is alid& it cannot a-ect him because it %as not properly re!istered %ith the !oernment o-ices %here it should be re!istered. What !oernment o-ice is Cimbo re$errin! to? SU44ESTE) ANSWER( a$ Cimbo3s ar!ument is not meritorious. Sonee became the o%ner o$ the property upon delieryK re!istration is not essential to est that o%nership in the buyer. )he e=ecution o$ the chattel mort!a!e by the buyer in $aor o$ the seller& in $act& can demonstrate the estin! o$ such o%nership to the mort!a!or. b$ Cimbo %as re$errin! to the 9e!ister o$ 'eeds o$ 5ulacan %here Sonee %as a resident. )he Chattel Aort!a!e >a% re+uires the re!istration to be made in the B-ice o$ the 9e!ister o$ 'eeds o$ the proince %here the mort!a!or resides and also in %hich the property is situated as %ell as the >)B %here the ehicle is re!istered. (1ec 4 Chattel Aort!a!e >a%) Cre6it Transactions ()***) Qarious buyers o$ lots in a subdiision brou!ht actions to compel either or both the deeloper and the ban. to lease and delier $ree and clear the titles to their respectie lots. )he problem arose because not%ithstandin! prior sales mostly on installments G made by the deeloper to buyers& deeloper had mort!a!ed the %hole subdiision to a commercial ban.. )he mort!a!e %as duly e=ecuted and re!istered %ith the appropriate !oernmental a!encies. /o%eer& as the lot buyers %ere completely una%are o$ the mort!a!e lien o$ the ban.& they reli!iously paid the installments due under their sale contracts. As the deeloper $ailed to pay its loan& the mort!a!e %as $oreclosed and the %hole subdiision %as ac+uired by the ban. as the hi!hest bidder. a$ Aay the ban. dispossess prior purchasers o$ indiidual lots or& alternatiely& re+uire them to pay a!ain $or the paid lots? 'iscuss ((%) b$ What are the ri!hts o$ the ban. is4W4 is those buyers %ith remainin! unpaid installments? 'iscuss. ((%) 9ecommendation* 1ince the sub"ect matter o$ these t%o (#) +uestions is not included %ithin the scope o$ the 5ar Tuestions in Aercantile >a%& as it is %ithin Ciil >a%& it is su!!ested that %hateer ans%er is !ien by the e=aminee& or the lac. o$ ans%er should be !ien $ull credit. I$ the e=aminee !ies a !ood ans%er& he should be !ien additional credit. SU44ESTE) ANSWER( a* 7o. )he ban. may not dispossess the prior purchasers o$ the indiidual lots& much less re+uire them to pay $or the said lots. )he ban. has to respect the ri!hts o$ the prior purchasers o$ the indiidual lots. )he purchasers hae the option to pay the installments o$ the mort!a!ee. b* )he ban. has to respect the ri!hts o$ the buyers %ith remainin! unpaid installments. )he purchaser has the option to pay the installments to the mort!a!ee %ho should apply the payments to the mort!a!e indebtedness. (ort'a'e ()***) 'ebtor purchased a parcel o$ land $rom a realty company payable in fe yearly installments. ,nder the contract o$ sale& title to the lot %ould be trans$erred upon $ull payment o$ the purchase price. 5ut een be$ore $ull payment& debtor constructed a house on the lot. 1ometime therea$ter& debtor mort!a!ed the house to secure his obli!ation arisin! $rom the issuance o$ a bond needed in the conduct o$ his business. )he mort!a!e %as duly re!istered %ith the proper chattel mort!a!e re!istry. Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 56 of 103 8ie years later a$ter completin! payment o$ the purchase price& debtor obtained title to the lot. And een as the chattel mort!a!e on the house %as still subsistin!& debtor mort!a!ed to a ban. the lot and improement thereon to secure a loan. )his real estate mort!a!e %as duly re!istered and annotated at the bac. o$ the title. 'ue to business reerses& debtor $ailed to pay his creditors. )he chattel mort!a!e %as $oreclosed %hen the debtor $ailed to reimburse the surety company $or payments made on the bond. In the $oreclosure sale& the surety company %as a%arded the house as the hi!hest bidder. Bnly a$ter the $oreclosure sale did the surety company learn o$ the real estate mort!a!e in $aor o$ the lendin! inestor on the lot and the improement thereon. Immediately& it fled a complaint prayin! $or the e=clusion o$ the house $rom the real estate mort!a!e. It %as submitted that as the chattel mort!a!e %as e=ecuted and re!istered ahead& it %as superior to the real estate mort!a!e. Bn the su!!estion that a chattel mort!a!e on a house4 a real property4 %as a nullity& the surety company countered that %hen the chattel mort!a!e %as e=ecuted& debtor %as not yet the o%ner o$ the lot on %hich the house %as built. Accordin!ly& the house %as a personal property and a proper sub"ect o$ a chattel mort!a!e. a* 'iscuss the alidity o$ the position ta.en by the surety company. ((%) b* Who has a better claim to the house& the surety company or the lendin! inestor? <=plain ((%) c* Would the position o$ the surety company be bolstered by the $act that it ac+uired title in a $oreclosure sale conducted by the ;roincial 1heri-. <=plain ((%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( a$ )he house is al%ays a real property een thou!h it %as constructed on a land not belon!in! to the builder. /o%eer& the parties may treat it as a personal property and constitute a chattel mort!a!e thereon. 1uch mort!a!e shall be alid and bindin! but only on the parties. It %ill not bind or a-ect third parties. b$ )he lendin! inestor has a better claim to the house. )he real estate mort!a!e coerin! the house and lot %as duly re!istered and binds the parties and third persons. Bn the other hand& the chattel mort!a!e on the house securin! the credit o$ the surety company did not a-ect the ri!hts o$ third parties such as the lendin! inestor despite re!istration o$ the chattel mort!a!e. c$ 7o. )he chattel mort!a!e oer the house %hich %as $oreclosed did not a-ect the ri!hts o$ third parties li.e the lendin! inestor. 1ince the third parties are not bound by the chattel mort!a!e& they are not also bound by any en$orcement o$ its proisions. )he $oreclosure o$ such chattel mort!a!e did not bolster or add anythin! to the position o$ the surety company. (ort'a'e s! 8e% (2003) Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 )o pay $or her loan obtained $rom 1tela& >i6a constituted in 1tela3s $aor a chattel mort!a!e oer an electric !enerator. Cecil& a creditor o$ >i6a& leied on attachment the !enerator. 1tela fled a third party claim. Cecil opposed the claim. 9ule on their conEictin! claims. SU44ESTE) ANSWER( (ort'a'e2 E9tra=u6icial /oreclose (2004) A real estate mort!a!e may be $oreclosed "udicially or e=tra"udicially. In %hat instance may a mort!a!ee e=tra"udicially $oreclose a real estate mort!a!e? (@%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( When a sale is made under a special po%er inserted or attached to any real4 estate mort!a!e& therea$ter !ien as security $or the payment o$ money or the $ulfllment o$ any other obli!ation& then the mort!a!ee may e=tra"udicially $oreclose the real estate mort!a!e (1ec. 2& Act 7o. (2(@& as amended). (ort'a'e2 /oreclosure (2003) Aay the sale at public auction by a ban. o$ a property mort!a!ed to it be nullifed because the price %as e=tremely lo%? Why? SU44ESTE) ANSWER( (ort'a'e2 /oreclosure (2003) 5ecause o$ $ailure o$ Canette and Ceanne to pay their loan to L 5an.& the latter $oreclosed on the mort!a!e constituted on their property %hich %as put up by them as security $or the payment o$ the loan. )he price paid $or the property at the $oreclosure sale %as not enou!h to li+uidate the obli!ation. )he ban. sued $or defciency. In their ans%er& Canette and Ceanne did not deny the e=istence o$ the loan nor the $act o$ their de$ault. )hey& ho%eer& interposed the de$enses that the price at the auction %as e=tremely lo% and that their loan& despite the loan documents& %as a lon!4term loan %hich had not yet matured. I$ you %ere the "ud!e& ho% %ould you rule on the case? Why? (:%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( (ort'a'e2 /oreclosure o& 7m$roements ()***) 5orro%er obtained a loan a!ainst the security o$ a mort!a!e on a parcel o$ land. While the mort!a!e %as subsistin!& borro%er leased $or f$ty years the mort!a!ed property to >and 'eelopment Company (>'C). )he mort!a!ee %as duly adised o$ the lease. )herea$ter& >'C constructed on the mort!a!ed property an o-ice condominium. 5orro%er de$aulted on his loan and mort!a!ee $oreclosed the mort!a!e. At the $oreclosure sale& the mort!a!ee %as a%arded the property as the hi!hest bidder. )he correspondin! Certifcate o$ 1ale %as e=ecuted and a$ter the lapse o$ one year& title %as consolidated in the name o$ mort!a!ee. Aort!a!ee then applied %ith the 9)C $or the issuance o$ a %rit o$ possession not only oer the land but also the condominium buildin!. )he mort!a!ee contended that the mort!a!e included all accessions& improements and accessories $ound on the mort!a!ed property. Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 5- of 103 b. )he lease rentals belon! to the mort!a!or. /o%eer& >'C countered that it had built on the mort!a!ed property %ith the prior .no%led!e o$ mort!a!ee %hich had receied $ormal notice o$ the lease. a$ /o% %ould you resole the dispute bet%een the mort!a!ee and >'C? ((%) b$ Is the mort!a!ee entitled to the lease rentals due $rom >'C under the lease a!reement? ((%) Re'o++en,at-on% Since the subGect matter of these two ((! questions is not included within the scope of the Bar Huestions in 6ercantile Faw, as it is within "ivil Faw, it is suggested that whatever answer is given by the examinee, or the lac/ of answer should be given full credit' %f the examinee gives a good answer, he should be given additional credit' SU44ESTE) ANSWER( a. )he mort!a!ee has a better ri!ht than >'C. )he mort!a!e e=tends to the improements introduced on the land& %ith the declarations& amplifcations& and limitations established by la%& %hether the estate remains in the possession o$ the mort!a!or or passes into the hands o$ a third person (Art #2#I 7CC). )he notice !ien by >'C to the mort!a!ee %as not enou!h to remoe the buildin! $rom coera!e o$ the mort!a!e considerin! that the buildin! %as built a$ter the mort!a!e %as constituted and the notice %as only as re!ards the lease and not as to the construction o$ the buildin!. 1ince the mort!a!ee %as in$ormed o$ the lease and did not ob"ect to it& the mort!a!ee became bound by the terms o$ the lease %hen it ac+uired the property as the hi!hest bidder. /ence& the mort!a!ee steps into the shoes o$ the mort!a!or and ac+uires the ri!hts o$ the lessor under Art 2I:J o$ the 7CC. )his proision !ies the lessor the ri!ht to appropriate the condominium buildin! but a$ter payin! the lessee hal$ o$ the alue o$ the buildin! at that time. 1hould the lessor re$use to reimburse said amount& the lessee may remoe the improement een thou!h the land %ill su-er dama!e thereby. 1st Alternative Ans!er( a. )he mort!a!ee has a better ri!ht to the buildin!. ,nder Art #2#I o$ the 7CC& the mort!a!e e=tends to all improements on the mort!a!ed property re!ardless o$ %ho and %hen the improements %ere introduced. >'C cannot complain other%ise& because it .ne% that the property it %as leasin! %as mort!a!ed %hen it built the condominium. 2n& alternative Ans!er( a. Assumin! that the o-ice condominium %as duly constituted under the Condominium >a%& be$ore >'C could alidly constitute the same as a condominium& it should cause to be recorded in the re!ister o$ deeds o$ the proince or city %here the land is situated an enablin! or master deed sho%in!& amon! others& a certifcate o$ the re!istered o%ner and o$ all re!istered holders o$ any lien or encumbrance on the property that they consent to the re!istration o$ the deed. (1ec 4. 9A 4I#:). I$ the mort!a!ee !ae its consent thereto& then >'C should preail. I$ no consent %as !ien& the condominium %as included in the mort!a!e. SU44ESTE) ANSWER( the mort!a!e e=tends to rentals not yet receied %hen the obli!ation becomes due and the mort!a!ee may ran a$ter the said rentals $or the payment o$ the mort!a!e debt. (ort'a'e2 /oreclosure2 E&&ect o& mere ta-in' .% cre6itor? mort'a'or o& $ro$ert% ()**2) L P Co obtained a loan $rom a local ban. in the amount o$ ;@??th& mort!a!in! as security there$ore its real property. 1ubse+uently& the company applied %ith the same ban. $or a >etter o$ Credit (>C) $or R#??th in $aor o$ a $orei!n ban. to coer the importation o$ machinery. )o !uarantee payment o$ the obli!ation under the >C& the company and its ;resident and )reasurer e=ecuted a surety a!reement in the local ban.3s $aor. )he machinery arried and %as released to the company under a trust receipt a!reement. As the company de$aulted in the payment o$ its obli!ations& the ban. too. possession o$ the imported machinery. At the same time& it sou!ht to $oreclose the mort!a!ed property and to hold the company as %ell as its ;resident and )reasurer& liable under the 1urety A!reement. 'id the ta.in! o$ possession o$ the machinery by the ban. result in the 2) $ull payment o$ the obli!ations o$ the company and its o-icers& and #) $oreclosure o$ the mort!a!e? SU44ESTE) ANSWER( /$ )he ta.in! o$ possession o$ the machinery by the ban. did not result in $ull payment o$ the obli!ations o%in! $rom the company and its o-icers. )he ta.in! o$ such possession must be considered merely as a measure in order to protect or $urther sa$e!uard the ban.3s security interest. )acion en -ago can only be considered as hain! ta.en place %hen a creditor accepts and appropriates the o%nership o$ the !oods in payment o$ a due obli!ation. ./&B " /ineda 16' s 17 !$ )he mere ta.in! o$ possession o$ mort!a!ed assets does not amount to $oreclosure. 8oreclosure re+uires a sale at public auction. )he $oreclosure& there$ore& has not as yet been e-ected. (ort'a'e2 Re6em$tion "erio62 /oreclose6 "ro$ert% (2002) ;rimetime Corporation (the 5orro%er) obtained a ;2? Aillion& fe4year term loan $rom ,niersal 5an. (the 5an.) in 2HH:. As security $or the loan and as re+uired by the 5an.& the 5orro%er !ae the $ollo%in! collateral security in $aor o$ the 5an.* /$ a real estate mort!a!e oer the land and buildin! o%ned by the 5orro%er and located in Tue6on CityK !$ the "oint and seeral promissory note o$ ;r. ;rimo )imbol& the ;resident o$ the 5orro%erK and :$ a real estate mort!a!e oer the residential house and lot o%ned by Ar. )imbol& also located in Tue6on City. Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 58 of 103 5ecause o$ business reerses& neither the 5orro%er nor Ar. )imbol %as able to pay the loan. In Cune #??2& the 5an. e=tra"udicially $oreclosed the t%o real estate mort!a!es& %ith the 5an. as the only bidder in the $oreclosure sale. Bn 1eptember 2:& #??2& the certifcates o$ sale o$ the t%o properties in $aor o$ the 5an. %ere re!istered %ith the 9e!ister o$ 'eeds o$ Tue6on City. )en months later& both the 5orro%er and Ar. )imbol %ere able to raise su-icient $unds to redeem their respectie properties $rom the 5an.& but the 5an. re$used to permit redemption on the !round that the period $or redemption had already e=pired& so that the 5an. no% has absolute o%nership o$ both properties. )he 5orro%er and Ar. )imbol came to you today& 1eptember 2@& #??#& to fnd out i$ the position o$ the 5an. is correct. What %ould be your ans%er? 1tate your reasons (@%). SU44ESTE) ANSWER( /* With respect to the real estate mort!a!e oer the land and buildin! o%ned by the 5orro%er& ;rimetime Corporation& a "uridical body& the period o$ redemption is only three (() months& %hich period already e=pired. !* As to the real estate mort!a!e oer the residential house and lot o%ned by Ar. )imbol& the period o$ redemption is one (2) year $rom the date o$ re!istration o$ the certifcate o$ sale& %hich period has not yet e=pired in this case. (ort'a'e2 Reme6ies (2003) Carma.ers& Inc.& sold a motor ehicle on installment basis to Chari ;aredes. )he transaction %as reEected on a promissory note e=ecuted by Chari in $aor o$ Carma.ers. )he note %as secured by a mort!a!e oer the car. Contemporaneous %ith the e=ecution o$ the note and the mort!a!e deed& Carma.ers& Inc.& assi!ned the instruments sans recourse to Adelantado 8inance Corporation. Chari de$aulted in her obli!ations. Could Adelantado 8inance corporation ta.e action a!ainst both Carma.ers Inc.& and Chari? Why? (:%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( "re&erence o& Cre6its (2002) As o$ Cune 2& #??#& <d6o 1ystems Corporation (<d6o) %as indebted to the $ollo%in! creditors* /$ Ace <+uipment 1upplies G $or arious personal computers and accessories sold to <d6o on credit amountin! to ;(??&???. !$ /andyman Fara!e G $or mechanical repairs (parts and serice) per$ormed on <d6o3s company car amountin! to ;2?&???. :$ Coselyn 9eyes G $ormer employee o$ <d6o %ho sued <d6o $or unla%$ul termination o$ employment and %as able to obtain a fnal "ud!ment a!ainst <d6o $or ;2??&???. ($ 5ureau o$ Internal 9eenue G $or unpaid alue4 added ta=es amountin! to ;(?&???. Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 #$ Inte!rity 5an. G %hich !ranted <d6o a loan in #??2 in the amount o$ ;@??&???. )he loan %as not secured by any asset o$ <d6o& but it %as !uaranteed unconditionally and solidarily by <d6o3s ;resident and controllin! stoc.holder& <duardo S. Bn!& as accommodation surety. )he loan due to Inte!rity 5an. $ell due on Cune 2@& #??#. 'espite pleas $or e=tension o$ payment by <d6o& the ban. demanded immediate payment. 5ecause the ban. threatened to proceed a!ainst the surety& <duardo S. Bn!& <d6o decided to pay up all its obli!ations to Inte!rity 5an.. Bn Cune #?& #??#& <d6o paid to Inte!rity 5an. the $ull principal amount o$ ;@??&???& plus accrued interests amountin! to ;@@&???. As a result& <d6o had hardly any cash le$t $or operations and decided to close its business. A$ter payin! the unpaid salaries o$ its employees& <d6o fled a petition $or insolency on Culy 2& #??#. /o% %ould you& as "ud!e in the insolency proceedin!s& ran. the respectie credits or claims o$ the fe (@) creditors mentioned aboe in terms o$ pre$erence or priority a!ainst each other? (@%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( )he claim o$ /andyman Fara!e $or ;2?&??? has a specifc lien on the car repaired. )he remainin! $our (4) claims hae pre$erence or priority a!ainst each other in the $ollo%in! order* /$ 7o. 4 G claim o$ the 5I9 $or unpaid alue added ta=es !$ 7o. ( G claim o$ Coselyn 9eyes $or ,nla%$ul termination :$ 7o. 2 G claim o$ Ace e+uipment 1upplies as an unpaid sellerK and ($ 7o. @ G claim o$ Inte!rity 5an.. "romissor% Note: 8ia.ilit% (200)) L& 0 and S si!ned a promissory note in $aor o$ A statin!* We promise to pay A on 'ecember (2& #??2 the sum o$ ;@&???.?? When the note $ell due& A sued L and 0 %ho put up the de$ense that A should hae impleaded S. Is the de$ense alid? Why? (@%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( )he de$ense is not alid. )he liability o$ L& 0& and S under the promissory note is "oint. 1uch bein! the case& S is not an indispensable party. )he $act that A did not implead S %ill not preent A $rom collectin! the proportionate share o$ L and 0 in the payment o$ the loan. (1bservation Even if the liability of A, 9, and I is solidary, the defense would still not be valid! Reme6ies2 Aaila.le to (ort'a'ee?Cre6itor ()**4) 8indin! a #44month payment plan attractie& An"o purchased a )amara% 8L $rom )oyota TC. /e paid a do%n4payment o$ ;2??th and obtained fnancin! $or the balance $rom IB, Co. /e e=ecuted a chattel mort!a!e Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 59 of 103 oer the ehicle in $aor o$ IB,. When An"o de$aulted& IB, $oreclosed the chattel mort!a!e& and sou!ht to recoer the defciency. Aay IB, still recoer the defciency? <=plain. SU44ESTE) ANSWER( IB, may no lon!er recoer the defciency. ,nder Art 24J4 o$ the 7CC& in a contract o$ sale o$ personal property the price o$ %hich is payable in installments& the endor may& amon! seeral options& $oreclose the chattel mort!a!e on the thin! sold& i$ one has been constituted& should the endee3s $ailure to pay coer t%o or more installments. In such case& ho%eer& the endor shall hae no $urther action a!ainst the purchaser to recoer any unpaid balance o$ the price and any a!reement to the contrary is oid. While the !ien $acts did not e=plicitly state that An"o3s $ailure to pay coered # or more installments& this may sa$ely be presumed because the ri!ht o$ IB, Co to $oreclose the chattel mort!a!e under the circumstances is premised on An"o3s $ailure to pay # or more installments. )he $oreclosure %ould not hae been alid i$ it %ere not so. ()he !ien $acts did not also state e=plicitly %hether An"o3s de$ault %as a payment de$ault or a de$ault arisin! $rom a breach o$ a ne!atie pled!e or breach o$ a %arranty. In such case& ho%eer& IB, Company %ould not hae been able to $oreclose the chattel mort!a!e alidly as such $oreclosure& under the circumstances contemplated by the la%& could only be e-ected $or a payment de$ault coerin! t%o or more installments) .3uis Ridad " Fili-inas n"est!ent and Finance Co %R 3236+,6 9an2',+3 12,s2(67 Reme6ies2 Aaila.le to (ort'a'ee?Cre6itor (200)) 'ebtor A issued a promissory note in the amount o$ ;2?A in $aor o$ commercial ban. 0 secured by mort!a!e o$ his properties %orth ;(?A. When A $ailed to pay his indebtedness& despite demands made by ban. 0& the latter instituted a collection suit to en$orce payment o$ the ;2?A account. 1ubse+uently& ban. 0 also fled $oreclosure proceedin!s a!ainst A $or security !ien $or the account. I$ you %ere the "ud!e& ho% %ould you resole the t%o cases? (@%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( )he case $or collection %ill be allo%ed to proceed. 5ut the $oreclosure proceedin!s hae to be dismissed. In institutin! $oreclosure proceedin!s& a$ter flin! a collection case inolin! the same account or transaction& ban. 0 is !uilty o$ splittin! a cause o$ action. )he loan o$ ;2?A is the principal obli!ation %hile the mort!a!e securin! the same is merely an accessory to said loan obli!ation. )he collection o$ the loan and the $oreclosure o$ the mort!a!e securin! said loan constitute one and the same cause o$ action. )he flin! o$ the collection case bars the subse+uent flin! o$ the $oreclosure proceedin!s. Reme6ies2 Secure6 De.t ()**)) )o secure the payment o$ his loan o$ ;#??th& A e=ecuted in $aor o$ the An!eles 5an.in! Co in 2 document& a real estate mort!a!e oer ( lots re!istered in his name and a chattel mort!a!e oer his ( cars and 2 Isu6u car!o truc.. ,pon his $ailure to pay the loan on due date& the ban. $oreclosed the mort!a!e on the ( lots& %hich %ere subse+uently sold $or only ;HHth at the $oreclosure sale. )herea$ter& the ban. fled an ordinary action $or the collection o$ the defciency. A contended that the mort!a!e contract he e=ecuted %as indiisible and conse+uently& the ban. had no le!al ri!ht to $oreclose only the real estate mort!a!e and leae out the chattel mort!a!e& and then sue him $or a supposed defciency "ud!ment. I$ you %ere the Cud!e& %ould you sustain the contention o$ A? SU44ESTE) ANSWER( I$ I %ere the Cud!e& I %ould dismiss the action as bein! premature since the proper remedy %ould be to complete the $oreclosure o$ the mort!a!es and only therea$ter can there by an action $or collection o$ any defciency. In Calte> " $C .%R '('3,, 20 $ug +67& the remedies on a secured debt& said the court& are either an action to collect or to $oreclose a contract o$ real security. )hese remedies are alternatie remedies& althou!h an action $or any defciency is not precluded& sub"ect to certain e=ceptions such as those stated in Art 24J4 o$ the Ciil Code& by a $oreclosure on the mort!a!es. While the $actual settin!s in the case o$ Suria " $C .3, 9une +'7 are not similar to the $acts !ien in the problem& the 1C implied that $oreclosure as a remedy in secured obli!ations must frst be aailed o$ by a creditor in pre$erence to other remedies that mi!ht also be ino.ed by him. ALTERNATI7E ANSWER( )he indiisibility o$ a contract o$ real security& such as a real estate mort!a!e or a chattel mort!a!e& only means that a diision or a partial payment o$ a secured obli!ation does not %arrant a correspondin! diision or proportionate reduction o$ the security !ien. A creditor in such secured debts may pursue the remedy o$ $oreclosure& in part or in $ull& or fle an ordinary action $or collection on any amount due. A $aorable "ud!ment can %arrant an issuance o$ a %rit o$ e=ecution on any property& not e=empt $rom e=ecution& belon!in! to the "ud!ment debtor. )here should be no le!al obstacle $or a creditor to %aie& in $ull or in part& his ri!ht to $oreclosure on contracts o$ real security. Ins0ran#e La! ,ene&iciar%: E&&ects: 7rreoca.le ,ene&iciar% (2001) What are the e-ects o$ an irreocable desi!nation o$ a benefciary under the Insurance Code? <=plain. (#%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: )he irreocable desi!nation !ies the benefciary a ested ri!ht oer >i$e Insurance. )he Insured cannot act to diest the irreocable benefciary& in %hole or in part& %ithout the benefciaryDs consent. )o be specifc* /$ 2&e beneficiary .esignate. in a life insurance contract cannot be c&ange. wit&out t&e consent of t&e beneficiary because &e &as a )este. interest in t&e policy (3hilamlife v' 3ineda, 4'+' 0o' 5,()-, <uly )*, Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 50 of 103 )*8*, citing 4crcio v' Sun Fife, 4'+' 0o' (.7;., September (8, )*(5C and 4o v' +edfern, 4'+' 0o' ,77;5, #pril (5, )8,)!C !$ =eit&er can t&e 1nsure. take t&e cas& surren.er )alueB assign or e)en borrow on sai. policy wit&out t&e beneficiaryOs consent (0ario v' 3hilamlife, 4'+' 0o' ((7*-, <une (-, )*-7!C :$ 2&e 1nsure. cannot a.. anot&er beneficiary because t&at woul. re.uce t&e a'ount w&ic& t&e first beneficiary 'ay reco)er an. t&erefore a.)ersely affect &is )este. rig&t (4o v' +edfem, 4'+' 0o' ,77;5, #pril (5, )*,)!C ($ ,nless the policy allo%s& the Insured cannot een desi!nate another benefciary should the ori!inal benefciary predecease him. /is estate ac+uires the benefciaryDs ested ri!ht upon his deathK and #$ 2&e 1nsure. cannot allow &is cre.itors to attac& or e4ecute on t&e policy* (3hilamlife v' 3ineda, 4'+' 0o' 5,()-, <uly )*, )*8*! ,ene&iciar%: Ri'#ts2 7rreoca.le ,ene&iciar% (2001) Cacob obtained a li$e insurance policy $or ;2 Aillion desi!natin! irreocably 'i%ata& a $riend& as his benefciary. Cacob& ho%eer& chan!ed his mind and %ants 0ob and Co"o& his other $riends& to be included as benefciaries considerin! that the proceeds o$ the policy are su-icient $or the three $riends. Can Cacob still add 0ob and Co"o as his benefciaries? <=plain. (#%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: 7o& Cacob can no lon!er add 0ob and Co"o as his benefciaries in addition to 'i%ata. As the irreocable benefciary& 'i%ata has ac+uired a4ested ri!ht oer CacobDs li$e insurance policy. Any additional benefciaries %ill reduce the amount %hich 'i%ata& as the frst benefciary& may recoer& %hich %ill adersely a-ect her ested ri!ht. .%o "# Redfern, %#R# &o# ('',0, $-ril 20, 16(17 ,ene&iciar%2 8i&e 7nsurance2 "ro#i.ite6 ,ene&iciaries ()**:) Cuan de la Cru6 %as issued ;olicy 7o. JJJJ o$ the Aidland >i$e Insurance Co on a %hole li$e plan $or ;#?&??? on Au!ust 2H& 2HJH. Cuan is married to Cynthia %ith %hom he has three le!itimate children. /e& ho%eer& desi!nated ;urita& his common4la% %i$e& as the reocable benefciary. Cuan re$erred to ;urita in his application and policy as the le!al %i$e. ( years later& Cuan died. ;urita fled her claim $or the proceeds o$ the policy as the desi!nated benefciary therein. )he %ido%& Cynthia& also fled a claim as the le!al %i$e. )o %hom should the proceeds o$ the insurance policy be a%arded? (@%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: )he proceeds o$ the insurance policy shall be a%arded to the <1)A)< o$ Cuan de la Cru6. ;urita& the common4 la%4%i$e& is dis+ualifed as the benefciary o$ the deceased because o$ illicit relation bet%een the deceased and ;urita& the desi!nated benefciary. 'ue to such illicit Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 relation& ;urita cannot be a donee o$ the deceased. /ence& she cannot also be his benefciary. Concealment2 (aterial Concealment (200)) A applied $or a non4medical li$e insurance. )he insured did not in$orm the insurer that one %ee. prior to his application $or insurance& he %as e=amined and confned at 1t. >u.e3s /ospital %here he %as dia!nosed $or lun! cancer. )he insured soon therea$ter died in a plane crash. Is the insurer liable considerin! that the $act concealed had no bearin! %ith the cause o$ death o$ the insured? Why? (@%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: 7o. )he concealed $act is material to the approal and issuance o$ the insurance policy. It is %ell settled that the insured need not die o$ the disease he $ailed to disclose to the insurer. It is su-icient that his nondisclosure misled the insurer in $ormin! his estimate o$ the ris.s o$ the proposed insurance policy or in ma.in! in+uiries. Concealment2 (aterial Concealment: 7ncontesta.ilit% Clause ()**3) Bn 1eptember #(& 2HH?& )an too. a li$e insurance policy $rom ;hilam. )he policy %as issued on 7oember :& 2HH?. /e died on April #:& 2HH# o$ hepatoma. )he insurance company denied the benefciaries3 claim and rescinded the policy by reason o$ alle!ed misrepresentation and concealment o$ material $acts made by )an in his application. It returned the premiums paid. )he benefciaries contend that the company had no ri!ht to rescind the contract as rescission must be done durin! the li$etime o$ the insured %ithin t%o years and prior to the commencement o$ the action. Is the contention o$ the benefciaries tenable? SUGGESTED ANSWER: 7o. )he incontestability clause does not apply. )he insured dies %ithin less than t%o years $rom the issuance o$ the policy on 1eptember #(& 2HH?. )he insured died on April #:& 2HH#& or less than # years $rom 1eptember #(& 2HH?. )he ri!ht o$ the insurer to rescind is only lost i$ the benefciary has commenced an action on the policy. )here is no such action in this case. .?an " C$ 1'( s 1(37 Concealment2 (aterial Concealment: 7ncontesta.ilit% Clause ()**4) Cuan procured a non4medical li$e insurance $rom Food >i$e Insurance. /e desi!nated his %i$e& ;etra& as the benefciary. <arlier& in his application in response to the +uestion as to %hether or not he had eer been hospitali6ed& he ans%ered in the ne!atie. /e $or!ot to mention his confnement at the Midney /ospital. A$ter Cuan died in a plane crash& ;etra fled a claim %ith Food >i$e. 'iscoerin! Cuan3s preious hospitali6ation& Food >i$e re"ected ;etra3s claim on the !round o$ concealment and misrepresentation. ;etra sued Food >i$e& ino.in! !ood $aith on part o$ Cuan. Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 51 of 103 Will ;etra3s suit prosper? <=plain. SUGGESTED ANSWER: 7o& ;etra3s suit %ill not prosper (assumin! that the policy o$ li$e insurance has been in $orce $or a period o$ less than # years $rom the date o$ its issue). )he matters %hich Cuan $ailed to disclose %as material and releant to the approal and issuance o$ the insurance policy. )hey %ould hae a-ected Food >i$e3s action on his application& either by approin! it %ith the correspondin! ad"ustment $or a hi!her premium or re"ectin! the same. Aoreoer& a disclosure may hae %arranted a medical e=amination o$ Cuan by Food >i$e in order $or it to reasonably assess the ris. inoled in acceptin! the application. In any case& !ood $aith is no de$ense in concealment. )he %aier o$ a medical e=amination in the Unon4medical3 li$e insurance $rom Food >i$e ma.es it een more necessary that Cuan supply complete in$ormation about his preious hospitali6ation $or such in$ormation constitutes an important $actor %hich Food >i$e ta.es into consideration in decidin! %hether to issue the policy or not. .See Sunlife $ssurance Co of Canada " C$ %R 1,0130, 9une 22, 1660 2(0 s 26+7 I$ the policy o$ li$e insurance has been in $orce $or a period o$ # years or more $rom the date o$ its issue (on %hich point the !ien $acts are a!ue) then Food >i$e can no lon!er proe that the policy is oid ab initio or is rescindible by reason o$ the $raudulent concealment or misrepresentation o$ Cuan ( 1ec 4J Ins Code) Concealment2 (aterial Concealment: 7ncontesta.ilit% Clause ()**+) )he assured ans%ers 7o to the +uestion in the application $or a li$e policy* Are you su-erin! $rom any $orm o$ heart illness? In $act& the assured has been a heart patient $or many years. Bn I 1ep 2HH2& the assured is .illed in a plane crash. )he insurance company denies the claim $or insurance proceeds and returns the premiums paid. Is the decision o$ the insurance company "ustifed? SUGGESTED ANSWER: Assumin! that the incontestability clause does not apply because the policy has not been in $orce $or # years& $rom the date o$ issue& durin! the li$etime o$ the insured& the decision o$ the insurance company not to pay is "ustifed. )here %as $raudulent concealment. It is not material that the insured died o$ a di-erent cause than the $act concealed. )he $act concealed& that is heart ailment& is material to the determination by the insurance company %hether or not to accept the application $or insurance and to re+uire the medical e=amination o$ the insured. /o%eer& i$ the incontestability clause %hich applies to the insurance policy coerin! the li$e o$ the insured had been in $orce $or # years $rom issuance thereo$& the insurance company %ould not be "ustifed in denyin! the claim $or proceeds o$ the insurance and in returnin! the premium paid. In that case& the insurer cannot proe the policy oid ab initio or rescindible by reason o$ $raudulent concealment or misrepresentation o$ the insured. Concealment2 (aterial Concealment2 7ncontesta.ilit% Clause ()**)) Atty 9oberto too. out a li$e insurance policy $rom the 'ana Ins Co ('IC) on 2 1ep 2HJH. Bn (2 Au! 2HH?& 9oberto died. 'IC re$used to pay his benefciaries because it discoered that 9obert had misrepresented certain material $acts in his application. )he benefciaries sued on the basis that 'IC can contest the alidity o$ the insurance policy only %ithin # years $rom the date o$ issue and durin! the li$etime o$ the insured. 'ecide the case. SUGGESTED ANSWER: I %ould rule in $aor o$ the insurance company. )he incontestability clause& applies only i$ the policy had been in e-ect $or at least # years. )he # year period is counted $rom the time the insurance becomes e-ectie until the death o$ the insured and not therea$ter .?an " C$ %R (+,(( 269un16+67 A8TERNAT7>E ANSWER: I %ould rule in $aor o$ the insurance company. Althou!h an insurer may not rescind the contract on !round o$ misrepresentation a$ter an action is commenced $or recoery under the policy& the insurer is not precluded $rom ino.in! the !round o$ misrepresentation as a de$ense in the action $or recoery. )his is alri!ht since the bar problem is not coered yet by the incontestability clause. Concealment2 (aterial Concealment2 7ncontesta.ilit% Clause ()**:) 9enato %as issued a li$e insurance policy on Canuary #& 2HH?. /e concealed the $act that ( years prior to the issuance o$ his li$e insurance policy& he had been seein! a doctor about his heart ailment. Bn Aarch 2& 2HH#& 9enato died o$ heart $ailure. Aay the heirs fle a claim on the proceeds o$ the li$e insurance policy o$ 9enato? (@%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: 0es. )he li$e insurance policy in +uestion %as issued on Canuary H& 2HH?. Aore than # years had elapsed %hen 9enato& the insured& died on Aarch 2& 2HH#. )he incontestability clause applies. INC$N!#.!A&I/I!0 C/A1.# )he insurer has t%o years $rom the date o$ issuance o$ the insurance contract or o$ its last reinstatement %ithin %hich to contest the policy& %hether or not& the insured still lies %ithin such period. A$ter t%o years& the de$enses o$ concealment or misrepresentation& no matter ho% patent or %ell $ounded& no lon!er lie. 7nsura.le 7nterest: ,an- De$osit (2000) 5' has a ban. deposit o$ hal$ a million pesos. 1ince the limit o$ the insurance coera!e o$ the ;hilippine 'eposit Insurance Corp (;'IC) (9A (@H2) is only one tenth o$ 5'3s deposit& he %ould li.e some protection $or the e=cess by ta.in! out an insurance a!ainst all ris.s or contin!encies o$ loss arisin! $rom any unsound or unsa$e ban.in! practices includin! un$oreseen aderse e-ects o$ Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 52 of 103 the continuin! crisis inolin! the ban.in! and fnancial sector in the Asian re!ion. 'oes 5' hae an insurable interest %ithin the meanin! o$ the Insurance Code o$ the ;hilippines (;'24:?)? (#%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: 0es. 5' has insurable interest in his ban. deposit. In case o$ loss o$ said deposit& more particularly to the e=tent o$ the amount in e=cess o$ the limit coered by the ;'IC Act& ;5' %ill be damnifed. /e %ill su-er pecuniary loss o$ ;(??&???.??& that is& his ban. deposit o$ hal$ a million pesos minus ;#??&???.?? %hich is the ma=imum amount recoerable $rom the ;'IC. 7nsura.le 7nterest: "u.lic Enem% (2000) Aay a member o$ the AI>8 or its brea.a%ay !roup& the Abu 1ayya$& be insured %ith a company licensed to do business under the Insurance Code o$ the ;hils (;' 24:?)? <=plain. ((%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: A member o$ the AI>8 or the Abu 1ayya$ may be insured %ith a company licensed to do business under the Insurance Code o$ the ;hils. What is prohibited to be insured is a public enemy. A public enemy is a citi6en or national o$ a country %ith %hich the ;hilippines is at %ar. 1uch member o$ the AI>8 or the Abu 1ayya$ is not a citi6en or national o$ another country& but o$ the ;hilippines. 7nsura.le 7nterest: Se$arate 7nsura.le 7nterest ()***) A businessman in the !rocery business obtained $rom 8irst Insurance an insurance policy $or ;@A to $ully coer his stoc.s4in4trade $rom the ris. o$ fre. )hree months therea$ter& a fre o$ accidental ori!in bro.e out and completely destroyed the !rocery includin! his stoc.s4in4trade. )his prompted the businessman to fle %ith 8irst Insurance a claim $or fe million pesos representin! the $ull alue o$ his !oods. 8irst Insurance denied the claim because it discoered that at the time o$ the loss& the stoc.s4in4trade %ere mort!a!ed to a creditor %ho li.e%ise obtained $rom 1econd Insurance Company fre insurance coera!e $or the stoc.s at their $ull alue o$ ;@A. a$ Aay the businessman and the creditor obtain separate insurance coera!es oer the same stoc.s4 in4trade? <=plain ((%) b$ 8irst Insurance re$used to pay claimin! that double insurance is contrary to la%. Is this contention tenable? ((%) c$ 1uppose you are the Cud!e& ho% much %ould you allo% the businessman and the creditor to recoer $rom their respectie insurers. <=plain ((%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: a$ 0es. )he businessman& as o%ner& and the creditor& as mort!a!ee& hae separate insurable interests in the same stoc.s4in4 trade. <ach may insure such interest to protect his o%n separate interest. b$ )he contention o$ 8irst Insurance that double insurance is contrary to la% is untenable. )here is no la% proidin! that double insurance is ille!al per se. Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 Aoreoer& in the problem at hand& there is no double insurance because the insured %ith the 8irst Insurance is di-erent $rom the insured %ith the 1econd Insurance Company. )he same is true %ith respect to the interests insured in the t%o policies. c$ As Cud!e& I %ould allo% the businessman to recoer his total loss o$ ;@A representin! the $ull alue o$ his !oods %hich %ere lost throu!h fre. As to the creditor& I %ould allo% him to recoer the amount to the e=tent o$ or e+uialent to the alue o$ the credit he e=tended to the businessman $or the stoc.s4in4trade %hich %ere mort!a!ed by the businessman. 7nsura.le 7nterest2 E5uita.le 7nterest ()**)) A piece o$ machinery %as shipped to Ar ;ablo on the basis o$ CP8 Aanila. ;ablo insured said machinery %ith the )ala!a Aerchants Ins Co ()amic) $or loss or dama!e durin! the oya!e. )he essel san. en route to Aanila. ;ablo then fled a claim %ith )amic %hich %as denied $or the reason that prior to delier& ;ablo had no insurable interest. 'ecide the case. SUGGESTED ANSWER: ;ablo had an e=istin! insurable interest on the piece o$ machinery he bou!ht. )he purchase o$ !oods under a per$ected contract o$ sale already ests e+uitable interest on the property in $aor o$ the buyer een %hile it is pendin! deliery .Fili-ino Merchants ns Co " C$ %R +01(( 2+&o"16+67 7nsura.le 7nterest2 8i&e s! "ro$ert% 7nsurance ()**+) a$ A obtains a fre insurance on his house and as a !enerous !esture names his nei!hbor as the benefciary. I$ A3s house is destroyed by fre& can 5 success$ully claim a!ainst the policy? b$ A obtains insurance oer his li$e and names his nei!hbor 5 the benefciary because o$ A3s secret loe $or 5. I$ A dies& can 5 success$ully claim a!ainst the policy? SUGGESTED ANSWER: a$ 7o. In property insurance& the benefciary must hae insurable interest in the property insured. (1ec 2J Ins Code). 5 does not hae insurable interest in the house insured. b$ 0es. In li$e insurance& it is not re+uired that the benefciary must hae insurable interest in the li$e o$ the insured. It %as the insured himsel$ %ho too. the policy on his o%n li$e. 7nsura.le 7nterest2 8i&e s! "ro$ert% 7nsurance (2000) I1& an elderly bachelor %ith no .no%n relaties& obtained li$e insurance coera!e $or ;#@?&???.?? $rom 1tarbrite Insurance Corporation& an entity licensed to en!a!e in the insurable business under the Insurance Code o$ the ;hilippines (;'24:?). /e also insured his residential house $or t%ice that amount %ithin the same corporation. /e immediately assi!ned all his ri!hts to the insurance proceeds to 5L& a $riend4companion liin! %ith him. )hree years later& I1 died in a fre that !utted his insured house t%o days a$ter he had sold it. )here is Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 53 of 103 no eidence o$ suicide or arson or inolement o$ 5L in these eents. 5L demanded payment o$ the insurance proceeds $rom the t%o policies& the premiums $or %hich I1 had been $aith$ully payin! durin! all the time he %as alie. 1tarbrite re$used payment& contendin! that 5L had no insurable interest and there$ore %as not entitled to receie the proceeds $rom I13s insurance coera!e on his li$e and also on his property. Is 1tarbrite3s contention alid? <=plain? (@%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: 1tarbrite is correct %ith respect to the insurance coera!e on the property o$ I1. )he benefciary in the property insurance policy or the assi!nee thereo$ must hae insurable interest in the property insured. 5L& a mere $riend4companion o$ I1& has no insurable interest in the residential house o$ I1. 5L is not entitled to receie the proceeds $rom I13s insurance on his property. As to the insurance coera!e on the li$e o$ I1& 5L is entitled to receie the proceeds. )here is no re+uirement that 5L should hae insurable interest in the li$e o$ I1. It %as I1 himsel$ %ho too. the insurance on his o%n li$e. 7nsura.le 7nterest2 8i&e s! "ro$ert% 7nsurance (2002) Distinguis& insurable interest in property insurance fro' insurable interest in life insurance* #N$ SUGGESTED ANSWER: a$ In property insurance& the e=pectation o$ beneft must hae a le!al basis. In li$e insurance& the e=pectation o$ beneft to be deried $rom the continued e=istence o$ a li$e need not hae any le!al basis. b$ In property insurance& the actual alue o$ the interest therein is the limit o$ the insurance that can alidly be placed thereon. In li$e insurance& there is no limit to the amount o$ insurance that may be ta.en upon li$e. c$ In property insurance& an interest insured must e=ist %hen the insurance ta.es e-ect and %hen the loss occurs but need not e=ist in the meantime. In li$e insurance& it is enou!h that insurable interest e=ists at the time %hen the contract is made but it need not e=ist at the time o$ loss. 7nsura.le 7nterest2 "ro$ert% 7nsurance ()**3) In a ciil suit& the Court ordered 5en"ie to pay 7at ;@??&???.??. )o e=ecute the "ud!ment& the sheri- leied upon 5en"ie3s re!istered property (a parcel o$ land and the buildin! thereon)&and sold the same at public auction to 7at& the hi!hest bidder. )he latter& on Aarch 2J& 2HH#& re!istered %ith the 9e!ister o$ 'eeds the certifcate o$ sale issued to him by the sheri-. Aean%hile& on Canuary #I& 2HH(& 5en"ie insured %ith Farapal Insurance $or ;2&???&???.?? the same buildin! that %as sold at public auction to 7at. 5en"ie $ailed to redeem the property by Aarch 2J& 2HH(. Bn Aarch 2H& 2HH(& a fre ra6ed the buildin! to the !round. Farapal Insurance re$used to ma.e !ood its obli!ation to 5en"ie under the insurance contract. /$ Is Farapal Insurance le!ally "ustifed in re$usin! payment to 5en"ie? !$ Is 7at entitled to collect on the insurance policy? SUGGESTED ANSWER: /$ 0es. At the time o$ the loss& 5en"ie %as no lon!er the o%ner o$ the property insured as he $ailed to redeem the property. )he la% re+uires in property insurance that a person can recoer the proceeds o$ the policy i$ he has insurable interest at the time o$ the issuance o$ the policy and also at the time %hen the loss occurs. At the time o$ fre& 5en"ie no lon!er had insurable interest in the property insured. !$ 7o. While at the time o$ the loss he had insurable interest in the buildin!& as he %as the o%ner thereo$& 7at did not hae any interest in the policy. )here %as no automatic trans$er clause in the policy that %ould !ie him such interest in the policy. 7nsura.le 7nterest2 "ro$ert% 7nsurance (200)) CT& o%ner o$ a condominium unit& insured the same a!ainst fre %ith the L0S Insurance Co.& and made the loss payable to his brother& A>T. In case o$ loss by fre o$ the said condominium unit& %ho may recoer on the fre insurance policy? 1tate the reason(s) $or your ans%er. (@%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: CT can recoer on the fre insurance policy $or the loss o$ said condominium unit. /e has the insurable interest as o%ner4 insured. As benefciary in the fre insurance policy& A>T cannot recoer on the fre insurance policy. 8or the benefciary to recoer on the fre or property insurance policy& it is re+uired that he must hae insurable interest in the property insured. In this case& A>T does not hae insurable interest in the condominium unit. 7nsurance2 Cas# 0 Carr% ,asis (2003) What is meant by cash and carry in the business o$ insurance? SUGGESTED ANSWER: 7nsurance2 Co?7nsurance s! Re?7nsurance ()**3) 'istin!uish co4insurance $rom re4insurance. SUGGESTED ANSWER: CB4I71,9A7C< is the percenta!e in the alue o$ the insured property %hich the insured himsel$ assumes or underta.es to act as insurer to the e=tent o$ the defciency in the insurance o$ the insured property. In case o$ loss or dama!e& the insurer %ill be liable only $or such proportion o$ the loss or dama!e as the amount o$ insurance bears to the desi!nated percenta!e o$ the $ull alue o$ the property insured. 9<I71,9A7C< is %here the insurer procures a third party& called the reinsurer& to insure him a!ainst liability by reason o$ such ori!inal insurance. 5asically& a Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 55 of 103 reinsurance is an insurance a!ainst liability %hich the ori!inal insurer may incur in $aor o$ the ori!inal insured. 7nsurance2 Dou.le 7nsurance (2001) When does double insurance e=ist? (#%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: ,nder 1ection H( o$ the Insurance Code& there is double insurance %hen there is oer4insurance %ith t%o or more companies& coerin! the same property& the same insurable interest and the same ris.. 'ouble insurance e=ists %here the same person is insured by seeral insurers separately in respect o$ the same sub"ect matter and interests. .%eagonia "# Court of $--eals, %#R# &o# 11((2', Fe*ruar5 6, 16607 7nsurance2 Dou.le 7nsurance2 e&&ect ()**3) Culie and Alma $ormed a business partnership. ,nder the business name ;ino 1hop& the partnership en!a!ed in a sale o$ construction materials. Culie insured the stoc.s in trade o$ ;ino 1hop %ith WFC Insurance Co $or ;(@?th. 1ubse+uently& she a!ain !ot an insurance contract %ith 91I $or ;2m and then $rom <IC $or ;#??th. A fre o$ un.no%n ori!in !utted the store o$ the partnership. Culie fled her claims %ith the three insurance companies. /o%eer& her claims %ere denied separately $or breach o$ policy condition %hich re+uired the insured to !ie notice o$ any insurance e-ected coerin! the stoc.s in trade. Culie %ent to court and contended that she should not be blamed $or the omission& alle!in! that the insurance a!ents $or WFC& 91I and <IC .ne% o$ the e=istence o$ the additional insurance coera!es and that she %as not in$ormed about the re+uirement that such other or additional insurance should be stated in the policy. Is the contention o$ Culie tenable? <=plain. Aay she recoer on her fre insurance policies? <=plain. SUGGESTED ANSWER: /$ 7o. An insured is re+uired to disclose the other insurances coerin! the sub"ect matter o$ the insurance bein! applied $or. .&e4 3ife :nt " C$ 2,' s 6667 !$ 7o& because she is !uilty o$ iolation o$ a %arrantyO condition. 7nsurance2 E&&ects2 "a%ment o& "remiums .% 7nstallment (2004) )he ;eninsula Insurance Company o-ered to insure 8rancisD brand ne% car a!ainst all ris.s in the sum o$ ;I Aillion $or 2 year. )he policy %as issued %ith the premium f=ed at 2:?&???.?? payable in : months. 8rancis only paid the frst t%o months installments. 'espite demands& he $ailed to pay the subse+uent installments. 8ie months a$ter the issuance o$ the policy& the ehicle %as carnapped. 8rancis fled %ith the insurance company a claim $or its alue. /o%eer& the company denied his claim on the !round that he $ailed to pay the premium resultin! in the cancellation o$ the policy. Can 8rancis recoer $rom the ;eninsula Insurance Company? (@%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 0es& %hen insured and insurer hae a!reed to the payment o$ premium by installments and partial payment has been made at the time o$ loss& then the insurer becomes liable. When the car loss happened on the @th month& the si= months a!reed period o$ payment had not yet elapsed .DC/B %eneral nsurance "# Masagana ?ela!art, %#R# &o# 13'1'2, $-ril (, 2,,17. 8rancis can recoer $rom ;eninsula Insurance Company& but the latter has the ri!ht to deduct the amount o$ unpaid premium $rom the insurance proceeds. 7nsurance2 8i&e 7nsurance2 Assi'nment o& "olic% ()**)) )he policy o$ insurance upon his li$e& %ith a $ace alue o$ ;2??th %as assi!ned by Cose& a married man %ith # le!itimate children& to his nephe% 0 as security $or a loan o$ ;@?th. /e did not !ie the insurer any %ritten notice o$ such assi!nment despite the e=plicit proision to that e-ect in the policy. Cose died. ,pon the claim on the policy by the assi!nee& the insurer re$used to pay on the !round that it %as not notifed o$ the assi!nment. ,pon the other hand& the heirs o$ Cose contended that 0 is not entitled to any amount under the policy because the assi!nment %ithout due notice to the insurer %as oid. 9esole the issues. SUGGESTED ANSWER: A li$e insurance is assi!nable. A proision& ho%eer& in the policy statin! that %ritten notice o$ such an assi!nment should be !ien to the insurer is alid (1ecs 2J242J# Ins Code). )he $ailure o$ the notice o$ assi!nment %ould thus preclude the assi!nee $rom claimin! ri!hts under the policy. )he $ailure o$ notice did not& ho%eer& aoid the policyK hence& upon the death o$ Cose& the proceeds %ould& in the absence o$ a desi!nated benefciary& !o to the estate o$ the insured. )he estate& in turn& %ould be liable $or the loan o$ ;@?&??? o%in! in $aor o$ 0. 7nsurance2 "er&ection o& 7nsurance Contracts (2003) Cosie Fatbonton obtained $rom Warranty Insurance Corporation a comprehensie motor ehicle insurance to coer her brand ne% automobile. 1he paid& and the insurer accepted payment in chec.. 5e$ore the chec. could be encashed& Cosie %as inoled in a motor ehicle accident %here her car became a total %rec.. 1he sou!ht payment $rom the insurer. Could the insurer be made liable under the insurance coera!e? (:%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: (per 'ondee) 0es& because there %as a per$ected contract o$ insurance the moment there is a meetin! o$ the minds %ith respect to the ob"ect and the cause o$ payment. )he payment o$ chec. is a alid payment unless upon encashment the chec. bounced. 7nsurance2 "ro$ert% 7nsurance2 "rescri$tion o& Claims ()**4) 9obin insured his buildin! a!ainst fre %ith <8F Assurance. )he insurance policy contained the usual stipulation that any action or suit must be fled %ithin one year a$ter the re"ection o$ the claim. Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 55 of 103 A$ter his buildin! burned do%n& 9obin fled his claim $or fre loss %ith <8F. Bn 8eb #J& 2HH4& <8F denied 9obin3s claim. Bn April (& 2HH4& 9obin sou!ht reconsideration o$ the denial& but <8F reiterated its position. Bn Aarch #?& 2HH@& 9obin commenced "udicial action a!ainst <8F. 1hould 9obin3s action be !ien due course? <=plain. SUGGESTED ANSWER: 7o& 9obin3s action should not be !ien due course. Is flin! o$ the re+uest $or reconsideration did not suspend the runnin! o$ the prescriptie period o$ one year stipulated in the insurance policy. )hus& %hen robin commenced "udicial action a!ainst <8F Assurance on Aarch #?& 2HH@& his ability to do so had already prescribed. )he one4year period is counted $rom 8eb #J& 2HH4 %hen <8F denied 9obin3s claim& not $rom the date (presumably a$ter April (& 2HH4) %hen <8F reiterated its position denyin! 9obin3s claim. )he reason $or this rule is to insure that claims a!ainst insurance companies are promptly settled and that insurance suits are brou!ht by the insured %hile the eidence as to the ori!in and cause o$ the destruction has not yet disappeared. .See Sun ns OEice 3td " C$ gr +6'(1, Mar 13 61 160s1637 7nsurance2 Return o& "remiums (2000) 7ame at least three instances %hen an insured is entitled to a return o$ the premium paid. SUGGESTED ANSWER: )hree instances %hen an insured is entitled to a return o$ premium paid are* /* )o the W/B>< ;9<AI,A& i$ no part o$ his interest in the thin! insured be e=posed to any o$ the perils insured a!ainst. !* Where the insurance is made $or a defnite period o$ time and the insured surrenders his policy& to such portion o$ the premium as corresponds %ith the une=pired time at a pro rata rate& unless a short period rate has been a!reed upon and appears on the $ace o$ the policy& a$ter deductin! $rom the %hole premium any claim $or loss or dama!e under the policy %hich has preiously accrued. :* When the contract is oidable on account o$ the $raud or misrepresentation o$ the insurer or o$ his a!ent or on account o$ $acts the e=istence o$ %hich the insured %as i!norant %ithout his $aultK or %hen& by any de$ault o$ the insured other than actual $raud& the insurer neer incurred any liability under the policy. A8TERNAT7>E 7NSTANCE: In case o$ an oer insurance by seeral insurers& the insured is entitled to a ratable return o$ the premium& proportioned to the amount by %hich the a!!re!ate sum insured in all the policies e=ceeds the insurable alue o$ the thin! at ris.. 7nsure62 Acci6ent "olic% (2003) C7I insure 1AA under a homeo%nerDs policy a!ainst claims $or accidental in"uries by nei!hbors. 1AADs minor son& 5B0& in"ured ( children o$ ;B1& a nei!hbor& %ho sued 1AA $or dama!es. 1AADs la%yer %as A))& %ho %as paid $or his serices by the insurer $or reportin! periodically on the case to C7I. In one report& A)) disclosed to C7I that a$ter his inesti!ations& he $ound the in"uries to the ( children not accidental but intentional. 1AA lost the case in court& and ;B1 %as a%arded one million pesos in dama!es %hich he sou!ht to collect $rom the insurer. 5ut C7I used A))s report to deny the claim on the !round that the in"uries to ;B1Ds ( children %ere intentional& hence e=cluded $rom the policyDs coera!e. ;B1 countered that C7I %as estopped $rom usin! A))s report because it %as unethical $or A)) to proide pre"udicial in$ormation a!ainst his client to the insurer& C7I. Who should preail* the claimant& ;B1K or the insurer& C7I? 'ecide %ith reasons brieEy. (@%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: C7I is not estopped $rom usin! A))Ds report& because C7I& in the frst place& commissioned it and paid A)) $or it. Bn the other hand& A)) has no conEict o$ interest because 1AA and C7I are on the same side V their interests bein! con!ruent %ith each other& namely& to oppose ;B1Ds claim. It cannot be said that A)) has used the in$ormation to the disadanta!e or pre"udice o$ 1AA. /o%eer& in Fin!an %eneral $ssurance Cor-# "# Court of $--eals, 213 SCR$ (63 .16627, it %as e=plained that there is no NaccidentN in the conte=t o$ an accident policy& i$ it is the natural result o$ the insuredDs oluntary act& unaccompanied by anythin! un$oreseen e=cept the in"ury. )here is no accident %hen a deliberate act is per$ormed& unless some additional and un$oreseen happenin! occurs that brin!s about the in"ury. )his element o$ deliberateness is not clearly sho%n $rom the $acts o$ the case& especially considerin! the $act that 5B0 is a minor& and the in"ured parties are also children. Accordin!ly& it is possible that C7I may not prosper. A))Ds report is not conclusie on ;B1 or the court. 7nsure62 Acci6ent s! Suici6e ()**0) >uis %as the holder o$ an accident insurance policy e-ectie 7o 2& 2HJJ to Bct (2& 2HJH. At a bo=in! contest held on Can 2& 2HJH and sponsored by his employer& he slipped and %as hit on the $act by his opponent so he $ell and his head hit one o$ the posts o$ the bo=in! rin!. /e %as rendered unconscious and %as dead on arrial at the hospital due to intra4cranial hemorrha!e. Can his $ather %ho is a benefciary under said insurance policy success$ully claim indemnity $rom the insurance company? <=plain. SUGGESTED ANSWER: 0es& the $ather %ho is a benefciary under the accidental insurance can success$ully claim indemnity $or the death o$ the insured. Clearly& the pro=imate cause o$ death %as the bo=in! contest. 'eath sustained in a bo=in! contest is an accident# .)e la Cru8 " Ca-ital ns A Suret5 Co 1's0067 Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 56 of 103 or %ill$ul e=posure to needless peril %hich are e=cepted 7nsure62 Acci6ent s! Suici6e ()**3) 1 Insurance Co issued a personal accident policy to 5ob )an %ith a $ace alue o$ ;@??th. In the eenin! o$ 1ep @& 2HH#& a$ter his birthday party& )an %as in a happy mood but not drun.. /e %as playin! %ith his hand !un& $rom %hich he preiously remoed the ma!a6ine. As his secretary %as %atchin! teleision& he stood in $ront o$ her and pointed the !un at her. 1he pushed it aside and said that it may be loaded. /e assured her that it %as not and then pointed it at his temple. )he ne=t moment& there %as an e=plosion and )an slumped to the Eoor li$eless. )he %i$e o$ the deceased sou!ht payment on the policy but her claim %as re"ected. )he insurance company a!reed that there %as no suicide. /o%eer& it %as the submission o$ the insurance company that there %as no accident. In support thereo$& it contended a) that there %as no accident %hen a deliberate act %as per$ormed unless some additional& une=pected& independent and un$oreseen happenin! occur %hich produces or brin!s about the in"ury or deathK and b) that the insured %ill$ully e=posed himsel$ to needless peril and thus remoed himsel$ $rom the coera!e o$ the insurance policy. Are the t%o contentions o$ the insurance company tenable? <=plain. SUGGESTED ANSWER: 7o. )hese t%o contentions are not tenable. )he insurer is liable $or in"ury or death een due to the insured3s !ross ne!li!ence. )he $act that the insured remoed the ma!a6ine $rom the hand !un means that the insured did not %ill$ully e=pose himsel$ to needless peril. At most& the insured is only !uilty o$ ne!li!ence .Sun ns " C$ 211 s 00(7 7nsure62 Acci6ent s! Suici6e ()**1) 1un4Aoon Insurance issued a ;ersonal Accident ;olicy to /enry 'y %ith a $ace alue o$ ;@??th. A proision in the policy states that the company shall not be liable in respect o$ bodily in"ury3 conse+uent upon the insured person attemptin! to commit suicide or %ill$ully e=posin! himsel$ to needless peril e=cept in an attempt to sae human li$e. 1i= months later /enry 'y died o$ a bullet %ound in his head. Inesti!ation sho%ed that one eenin! /enry %as in a happy mood althou!h he %as not drun.. /e %as playin! %ith his hand!un $rom %hich he had preiously remoed its ma!a6ine. /e pointed the !un at his sister %ho !ot scared. /e assured her it %as not loaded. /e then pointed the !un at his temple and pulled the tri!!er. )he !un fred and /enry slumped on the Eoor. /enry3s %i$e 5eerly& as the desi!nated benefciary& sou!ht to collect under the policy. 1un4Aoon Insurance re"ected her claim on the !round that the death o$ /enry %as not accidental. 5eerly sued the insurer. 'ecide and 'iscuss $ully. SUGGESTED ANSWER: 5eerly can recoer the proceeds o$ the policy $rom the insurer. )he death o$ the insured %as not due to suicide Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 ris.s. )he insured3s act %as purely an act o$ ne!li!ence %hich is coered by the policy and $or %hich the insured !ot the insurance $or his protection. In $act& he remoed the ma!a6ine $rom the !un and %hen he pointed the !un to his temple he did so because he thou!ht that it %as sa$e $or him to do so. /e did so to assure his sister that the !un %as harmless. )here is none in the policy that %ould reliee the insurer o$ liability $or the death o$ the insured since the death %as an accident. 7nsurer: E&&ects: Seeral 7nsurers (2001) What is the nature o$ the liability o$ the seeral insurers in double insurance? <=plain. (#%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: )he nature o$ the liability o$ the seeral insurers in double insurance is that each insurer is bound to the contribute ratably to the loss in proportion to the amount $or %hich he is liable under his contract as proided $or by 1ec H4 o$ IC; par. )he ratable contribution o$ each o$ each insurer %ill be determined based on the $ollo%in! $ormula* AAB,7) B8 ;B>IC0 diided by )B)A> I71,9A7C< )AM<7 multiplied by >B11 X >IA5I>I)0 B8 )/< I71,9<9. A8TERNAT7>E ANSWER: <ach insurer is bound& as bet%een himsel$ and other insurers& to contribute ratably to the loss in proportion to the amount $or %hich he is liable under his contract. (1ec. H4& Insurance Code) 7nsurer2 3r6 "art% 8ia.ilit% ()**4) While driin! his car alon! <'1A& Cesar sides%iped 9oberto& causin! in"uries to the latter& 9oberto sued Cesar and the third party liability insurer $or dama!es andOor insurance proceeds. )he insurance company moed to dismiss the complaint& contendin! that the liability o$ Cesar has not yet been determined %ith fnality. a$ Is the contention o$ the insurer correct? <=plain. b$ Aay the insurer be held liable %ith Cesar? SUGGESTED ANSWER: 7o& the contention o$ the insurer is not correct. )here is no need to %ait $or the decision o$ the court determinin! Cesar3s liability %ith fnality be$ore the third party liability insurer could be sued. )he occurrence o$ the in"ury to 9oberto immediately !ae rise to the liability o$ the insurer under its policy. In other %ords& %here an insurance policy insures directly a!ainst liability& the insurer3s liability accrues immediately upon the occurrence o$ the in"ury or eent upon %hich the liability depends .Sher!an Shafer " 9udge R?C Olonga-o Cit5 Branch '0 %R l2'++(+, &o" 1( ++ 16's3+67 )he insurer cannot be held solidarily liable %ith Cesar. )he liability o$ the insurer is based on contract %hile that o$ Cesar is based on tort. I$ the insurer %ere solidarily liable %ith Cesar& it could be made to pay more than the amount stated in the policy. )his %ould& ho%eer& be contrary to the principles underlyin! insurance contracts. Bn the other hand& i$ the insurer %ere solidarily liable %ith Cesar and it is made to pay only up to the amount Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 5- of 103 state. in t&e insurance policyB t&e principles un.erlying soli.ary obligations woul. be )iolate.' (6alayan %ns "o v "# 4+ F$.-,). Sep (-, 88 )-5s5.-C 5iguracion vda de 6aglana v "onsolacion 4+ -;5;- #ug -, *( ()(s(-8! 7nsurer2 3r6 "art% 8ia.ilit% (2000) L %as ridin! a suburban utility ehicle (1,Q) coered by a comprehensie motor ehicle liability insurance (CAQ>I) under%ritten by 8ast;ay Insurance Company %hen it collided %ith a speedin! bus o%ned by 9A )rael Inc. )he collision resulted in serious in"uries to LK 0& a passen!er o$ the busK and S& a pedestrian %aitin! $or a ride at the scene o$ the collision. )he police report established that the bus %as the o-endin! ehicle. )he bus had CAQ>I policy issued by 'ra!on Ins Co. L& 0& and S "ointly sued 9A )rael and 'ra!on Ins $or indemnity under the Insurance Code o$ the ;hils (;'24:?). )he lo%er court applied the no $ault indemnity policy o$ the statute& dismissed the suit a!ainst 9A )rael& and ordered 'ra!on Ins to pay indemnity to all three plainti-s. 'o you a!ree %ith the court3s "ud!ment? <=plain (#%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: 7o. )he cause o$ action o$ 0 is based on the contract o$ carria!e& %hile that o$ L and S is based on torts. )he court should not hae dismissed the suit a!ainst 9A )rael. )he court should hae ordered 'ra!on Ins to pay each o$ L& 0 & and S to the e=tent o$ the insurance coera!e& but %hateer amount is a!reed upon in the policy should be ans%ered frst by 9A )rael and the succeedin! amount should be paid by 'ra!on Insurance up to the amount o$ the insurance coera!e. )he e=cess o$ the claims o$ L& 0& and S& oer and aboe such insurance coera!e& i$ any& should be ans%ered or paid by 9A )rael. 7nsurer2 3r6 "art% 8ia.ilit%2 No /ault 7n6emnit% ()**3) ?&at is your un.erstan.ing of a @no fault in.e'nityA clause foun. in an insurance policyI SUGGESTED ANSWER: ,nder the 7B 8A,>) I7'<A7I)0 clause& any claim $or death or in"ury o$ any passen!er or third party shall be paid %ithout the necessity o$ proin! $ault or ne!li!ence o$ any .ind. )he indemnity in respect o$ any one person shall not e=ceed ;@&???.??& proided they are under oath& the $ollo%in! proo$s shall be su-icient* /* police report o$ the accidentK and !* death certifcate and eidence su-icient to establish the proper payeeK or :* medical report and eidence o$ medical or hospital disbursement in respect o$ %hich re$und is claimed. (* Claim may be made a!ainst one motor ehicle only. 7nsurer2 3r6 "art% 8ia.ilit%2 Cuitclaim ()**3) 9aul3s truc. bumped the car o%ned by >u6. )he car %as insured by Cala Insurance. 8or the dama!e caused& Cala paid >u6 ;@&???.?? in amicable settlement. >u6 e=ecuted a release o$ claim& subro!atin! Cala to all her ri!hts a!ainst 9aul. When Cala demanded reimbursement $rom 9aul& the latter re$used sayin! that he had already paid >u6 ;4&@?? $or the dama!e to the car as eidenced by a release o$ claim e=ecuted by >u6 dischar!in! 9aul. 1o Cala demanded reimbursement $rom >u6& %ho re$used to pay& sayin! that the total dama!e to the car %as ;H&@??.?? 1ince Cala paid ;@&??? only& >u6 contends that she %as entitled to !o a$ter 9aul to claim the additional ;4&@??.?? /$ Is Cala& as subro!ee o$ >u6& entitled to reimbursement $rom 9aul? !$ Aay Cala recoer %hat it has paid >u6? SUGGESTED ANSWER: /$ =o* LuD e4ecute. a release in fa)or of +aul (6anila 6ahogany 6fg "orp v "# 4+ 5(75-, )( 1ct )*87! !$ Les* Cala lost its rig&t against +aul because of t&e release e4ecute. by LuD* Since t&e release was 'a.e wit&out t&e consent of CalaB Cala 'ay reco)er t&e a'ount of P#B""" for' LuD (6anila 6ahogany 6fg "orp v "# 4+ 5(75-, )( 1ct )*87!' 7nsurer2 Aut#oriDe6 Drier Clause ()**)) 1heryl insured her ne%ly ac+uired car& a 7issan Aa=ima a!ainst any loss or dama!e $or ;@?th and a!ainst (rd party liability $or ;#?th %ith the L0S Ins Co. ,nder the policy& the car must be drien only by an authori6ed drier %ho is either* 2) the insured& or #) any person driin! on the insured3s order or %ith his permission* proided that the person driin! is permitted in accordance %ith the licensin! or other la%s or re!ulations to drie the motor ehicle and is not dis+ualifed $rom driin! such motor ehicle by order o$ a court. 'urin! the e-ectiity o$ the policy& the car& then drien by 1heryl hersel$& %ho had no drier3s license& met an accident and %as e=tensiely dama!ed. )he estimated cost o$ repair %as ;4?th. 1heryl immediately notifed L0S& but the latter re$used to pay on the policy alle!in! that 1heryl iolated the terms thereo$ %hen she droe it %ithout a drier3s license. Is the insurer correct? SUGGESTED ANSWER: )he insurer %as not correct in denyin! the claim since the proiso that the person driin! is permitted in accordance %ith the licensin!& etc. +ualifed only a person driin! the ehicle other than the insured at the time o$ the accident ./aler!o " /5ra!id ns Co %R 36(+, 31 Ma5 ++7 A8TERNAT7>E ANSWER: )he insurer is correct. )he clause authori6ed drier in the policy eidently applies to both the insured and any other person driin! the ehicle at the time o$ the accident. )he term authori6ed drier should be construed as a person %ho is authori6ed by la% to drier the ehicle ./e8a " $lik-ala 16,s317 7nsurer2 Aut#oriDe6 Drier Clause (2003) 9ic. de la Cru6 insured his passen!er "eepney %ith Asiatic Insurers& Inc. )he policy proided that the authori6ed drier o$ the ehicle should hae a alid and e=istin! drier3s license. )he passen!er "eepney o$ 9ic. de la Cru6 %hich %as at the time drien by Cay Cru6& Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 58 of 103 f!ured in an accident resultin! in the death o$ a passen!er. At the time o$ the accident& Cay Cru6 %as licensed to drie but it %as confscated by an >)B a!ent %ho issued him a )ra-ic Qiolation 9eport ()Q9) "ust minutes be$ore the accident. Could Asiatic Insurers& Inc.& be made liable under its policy? Why? (:%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: Asiatic Insurers& Inc.& should be made liable under the policy. )he $act that the drier %as merely holdin! a )Q9 does not iolate the condition that the drier should hae a alid and e=istin! drier3s license. 5esides& such a condition should be disre!arded because %hat is inoled is a passen!er "eepney& and %hat is inoled here is not o%n dama!e insurance but third party liability %here the in"ured party is a third party not priy to the contract o$ insurance. 7nsurer2 Aut#oriDe6 Drier Clause2 e#icle is stolen ()**3) /> insured his brand ne% car %ith ; Ins Co $or comprehensie coera!e %herein the insurance company undertoo. to indemni$y him a!ainst loss or dama!e to the car a) by accidental collision ... b) by fre& e=ternal e=plosion& bur!lary& or the$t& and c) malicious act. A$ter a month& the car %as carnapped %hile par.ed in the par.in! space in $ront o$ the Intercontinental /otel in Aa.ati. />3s %i$e %ho %as driin! said car be$ore it %as carnapped reported immediately the incident to arious !oernment a!encies in compliance %ith the insurance re+uirements. 5ecause the car could not be recoered& /> fled a claim $or the loss o$ the car %ith the insurance company but it %as denied on the !round that his %i$e %ho %as driin! the car %hen it %as carnapped %as in the possession o$ an e=pired drier3s license& a iolation o$ the authori6ed drier clause o$ the insurance company. /$ Aay the insurance company be held liable to indemni$y /> $or the loss o$ the insured ehicle? <=plain. !$ 1upposin! that the car %as brou!ht by /> on installment basis and there %ere installments due and payable be$ore the loss o$ the car as %ell as installments not yet payable. 5ecause o$ the loss o$ the car& the endor demanded $rom /> the unpaid balance o$ the promissory note. /> resisted the demand and claimed that he %as only liable $or the installments due and payable be$ore the loss o$ the car but no lon!er liable $or other installments not yet due at the time o$ the loss o$ the car. 'ecide. SUGGESTED ANSWER: /$ 0es. )he car %as lost due to the$t. What applies in this case is the the$t clause& and not the authori6ed drier clause. It is immaterial that />3s %i$e %as driin! the car %ith an e=pired drier3s license at the time it %as carnapped# ./erla Co!-ania de Seguros " C$ 2,+ s (+'7 !$ )he promissory note is not a-ected by %hateer be$alls the sub"ect matter o$ the accessory contract. )he Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 unpaid balance on the promissory note should be paid and not only the installments due and payable be$ore the loss o$ the car. 7nsurer2 Grou$ 7nsurance2 Em$lo%er?"olic% Eol6er (2000) L company procured a !roup accident insurance policy $or its construction employees ariously assi!ned to its proincial in$rastructure pro"ects. 0 Insurance Company under%rote the coera!e& the premiums o$ %hich %ere paid $or entirely by L Company %ithout any employee contributions. While the policy %as in e-ect& fe o$ the coered employees perished at sea on their %ay to their proincial assi!nments. )heir %ies sued 0 Insurance Company $or payment o$ death benefts under the policy. While the suit %as pendin!& the %ies si!ned a po%er o$ attorney desi!natin! L Company e=ecutie& ;C& as their authori6ed representatie to enter into a settlement %ith the insurance company. When a settlement %as reached& ;C instructed the insurance company to issue the settlement chec. to the order o$ L Company& %hich %ill underta.e the payment to the indiidual claimants o$ their respectie shares. ;C misappropriated the settlement amount and the %ies pursued their case a!ainst 0 Insurance Co. Will the suit prosper? <=plain ((%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: 0es. )he suit %ill prosper. 0 Ins Co is liable. L Co& throu!h its e=ecutie& ;C& acted as a!ent o$ 0 Ins Co. )he latter is thus bound by the misconduct o$ its a!ent. It is the usual practice in the !roup insurance business that the employer4policy holder is the a!ent o$ the insurer. 7nsurer2 8ia.ilit% o& t#e 7nsurers ()**0) a$ 1uppose that 8ortune o%ns a house alued at ;:??th and insured the same a!ainst fre %ith ( insurance companies as $ollo%s* L G ;4??th 0 G ;#??th S G ;:??th In the absence o$ any stipulation in the policies $rom %hich insurance company or companies may 8ortune recoer in case fre should destroy his house completely? SUGGESTED ANSWER: 8ortune may recoer $rom the insurers in such order as he may select up to their concurrent liability (1ec H4 Ins Code) Valued Policy b$ I$ each o$ the fre insurance policies obtained by 8ortune in the problem (a) is a alued policy and the alue o$ his house %as f=ed in each o$ the policies at ;2m& ho% much %ould 8ortune recoer $rom L i$ he has already obtained $ull payment on the insurance policies issued by 0 and S? SUGGESTED ANSWER: 8ortune may still recoer only the balance o$ ;#??&??? $rom L insurance company since the insured may only recoer up to the e=tent o$ his loss. A8TERNAT7>E: Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 59 of 103 /ain! already obtained $ull payment on the insurance policies issued by 0 and S& 8ortune may no lon!er recoer $rom L insurance policy. Open Policy c$ I$ each o$ the policies obtained by 8ortune in the problem (a) aboe is an open policy and it %as immediately determined a$ter the fre that the alue o$ 8ortune3s house %as ;#.4m& ho% much may he collect $rom L&0 and S? SUGGESTED ANSWER: In an open policy& the insured may recoer his total loss up to the amount o$ the insurance coer. )hus& the e=tent o$ recoery %ould be ;4??th $rom L& ;#??th $rom 0& and ;:??th $rom S. .$ In problem (a)& %hat is the e=tent o$ the liability o$ the insurance companies amon! themseles? SUGGESTED ANSWER: In problem (a)& the insurance companies amon! themseles %ould be liable& i6* L G 4O2# o$ ;:??th X ;#??th 0 G #O2# o$ ;:??th X ;2??th S G :O2# o$ ;:??th X ;(??th e$ 1upposin! in problem (a) aboe& 8ortune %as able to collect $rom both 0 and S& may he .eep the entire amount he %as able to collect $rom the said # insurance companies? SUGGESTED ANSWER: 7o& he can only be indemnifed $or his loss& not proft therebyK hence he must return ;#??th o$ the ;J??th he %as able to collect. 8oss: Actual Total 8oss ()**4) 9C Corporation purchased rice $rom )hailand& %hich it intended to sell locally. 'ue to stormy %eather& the ship carryin! the rice became submer!ed in sea %ater& and %ith it the rice car!o. When the car!o arried in Aanila& 9C fled a claim $or total loss %ith the insurer& because the rice %as no lon!er ft $or human consumption. Admittedly& the rice could still be used as animal $eed. Is 9C3s claim $or total loss "ustifed? <=plain. SUGGESTED ANSWER: 0es& 9C3s claim $or total loss is "ustifed. )he rice& %hich %as imported $rom )hailand $or sale locally& is obiously intended $or consumption by the public. )he complete physical destruction o$ the rice is not essential to constitute an actual total loss. 1uch a loss e=ists in this case since the rice& hain! been soa.ed in sea %ater and thereby rendered unft $or human consumption& has become totally useless $or the purpose $or %hich it %as imported ./an Mala5an ns Co " C$ gr 60,', Se- 0, 16617 8oss: Constructie Total 8oss (2001) AOQ ;early 1hells& a passen!er and car!o essel& %as insured $or ;4?&???&???.?? a!ainst constructie total loss. 'ue to a typhoon& it san. near ;ala%an. >uc.ily& there %ere no casualties& only in"ured passen!ers. )he ship o%ner sent a notice o$ abandonment o$ his interest oer the essel to the insurance company %hich then hired pro$essionals to aEoat the essel $or ;H??&???.??. When re4Eoated& the essel needed repairs estimated at ;#&???&???.??. )he insurance company re$used to pay the claim o$ the ship o%ner& statin! that there %as no constructie total loss. a$ Was there constructie total loss to entitle the ship o%ner to recoer $rom the insurance company? <=plain. b$ Was it proper $or the ship o%ner to send a notice o$ abandonment to the insurance company? <=plain. (@%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: 7o& there %as no Nconstructie total lossN because the essel %as reEoated and the costs o$ reEoatin! plus the needed repairs (; #.H Aillion) %ill not be more than three4$ourths o$ the alue o$ the essel. A constructie total loss is one %hich !ies to a person insured a ri!ht to abandon. (1ec& 2(2& Insurance Code) )here %ould hae been a constructie total loss had the essel A7 ;early 1hells su-er loss or needed reEoatin! and repairs o$ more than the re+uired three4$ourths o$ its alue& i.e.& more than ;(?.? Aillion .Sec# 136, nsurance Code, cited in Oriental $ssurance "# Court of $--eals and /ana!a Sa4 Mill, %#R# &o# 6(,02, $ugust 6, 16617 /o%eer& the insurance company shall pay $or the total costs o$ reEoatin! and needed repairs (;#.H Aillion). c$ Was it proper $or the ship o%ner to send a notice o$ abandonment to the insurance company? <=plain. SUGGESTED ANSWER: 7o& it %as not proper $or the ship o%ner to send a notice o$ abandonment to the insurance company because abandonment can only be aailed o$ %hen& in a marine insurance contract& the amount to be e=pended to recoer the essel %ould hae been more than three4 $ourths o$ its alue. Qessel A7 ;early 1hells needed only ;#.H Aillion& %hich does not meet the re+uired three4 $ourths o$ its alue to merit abandonment. (1ection 2(H& Insurance Code& cited in Oriental $ssurance "# Court of $--eals and /ana!a Sai" Mill, %#R# &o# 6(,02, $ugust 6, 16617 8oss: Total 8oss <nl% ()**2) An insurance company issued a marine insurance policy coerin! a shipment by sea $rom Aindoro to 5atan!as o$ 2&??? pieces o$ Aindoro !arden stones a!ainst total loss only. )he stones %ere loaded in t%o li!hters& the frst %ith :?? pieces and the second %ith 4?? pieces. 5ecause o$ rou!h seas& dama!e %as caused the second li!hter resultin! in the loss o$ (#@ out o$ the 4?? pieces. )he o%ner o$ the shipment fled claims a!ainst the insurance company on the !round o$ constructie total loss inasmuch as more than Y o$ the alue o$ the stones had been lost in one o$ the li!hters. Is the insurance company liable under its policy? Why? SUGGESTED ANSWER: )he insurance company is not liable under its policy coerin! a!ainst total loss only the shipment o$ 2&??? pieces o$ Aindoro !arden stones. )here is no constructie total loss that can claimed since the Y rule is to be computed on the total 2&??? pieces o$ Aindoro Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 60 of 103 gar.en stones co)ere. by t&e single policy co)erage (see 1riental #ssurance "o v "# (;; s ,5*! (arine 7nsurance2 7m$lie6 Warranties (2000) What %arranties are implied in marine insurance? SUGGESTED ANSWER: )he $ollo%in! %arranties are implied in marine insurance* /$ )hat the ship is sea%orthy to ma.e the oya!e andOor to ta.e in certain car!oes !$ )hat the ship shall not deiate $rom the oya!e insuredK :$ )hat the ship shall carry the necessary documents to sho% nationality or neutrality and that it %ill not carry any document %hich %ill cast reasonable suspicion thereonK ($ )hat the ship shall not carry contraband& especially i$ it is ma.in! a oya!e throu!h belli!erent %aters. (arine 7nsurance2 "eril o& t#e S#i$ s! "eril o& t#e Sea ()**:) A marine insurance policy on a car!o states that the insurer shall be liable $or losses incident to perils o$ the sea. 'urin! the oya!e& sea%ater entered the compartment %here the car!o %as stored due to the de$ectie drainpipe o$ the ship. )he insured fled an action on the policy $or recoery o$ the dama!es caused to the car!o. Aay the insured recoer dama!es? (@%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: 7o. )he pro=imate cause o$ the dama!e to the car!o insured %as the de$ectie drainpipe o$ the ship. )his is peril o$ the ship& and not peril o$ the sea. )he de$ect in the drainpipe %as the result o$ the ordinary use o$ the ship. )o recoer under a marine insurance policy& the pro=imate cause o$ the loss or dama!e must be peril o$ the sea. (utual 7nsurance Com$an%2 Nature 0 De&inition (2004) What is a mutual insurance company or association? SU44ESTE) ANSWER( A mutual li$e insurance corporation is a cooperatie that promotes the %el$are o$ its o%n members& %ith the money collected $rom amon! themseles and solely $or their o%n protection and not $or proft. Aembers are both the insurer and insured. A mutual li$e insurance company has no capital stoc. and relies solely upon its contributions or premiums to meet une=pected losses& contin!encies and e=penses .Re-u*lic "# Sunlife, %#R# &o 10+,+0, Octo*er 1(, 2,,07# Intelle#t0al 1ro%erty Co$%ri'#t ()**1) What intellectual property ri!hts are protected by copyri!ht? SUGGESTED ANSWER: 1ec @ o$ ;' 4H proides that Copyri!ht shall consist in the e=clusie ri!ht* Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 a* to print& reprint& publish& copy& distribute& multiply& sell and ma.e photo!raphs& photo en!rain!s& and pictorial illustrations o$ the %or.sK b* to ma.e any translation or other ersion or e=tracts or arran!ements or adaptation thereo$K to dramati6e i$ it be a non4dramatic %or.K to conert it into a non4dramatic %or. i$ it be a dramaK to complete or e=ecute it i$ it be a model or desi!nK c* to e=hibit& per$orm& represent& produce or reproduce the %or. in any manner or by any method %hateer $or proft or other%iseK i$ not reproduced in copies $or sale& to sell any manuscripts or any record %hatsoeer thereo$K .* to ma.e any other use or disposition o$ the %or. consistent %ith the la%s o$ the land Co$%ri'#t2 Commissione6 Artist ()**1) 1olid Inestment /ouse commissioned Aon 5lanco and his son 1tee& both noted artists& to paint a mural $or the Aain >obby o$ the ne% buildin! o$ 1olid $or a contract price o$ ;#m. a$ %ho o%ns the mural? <=plain b$ Who o%ns the copyri!ht o$ the mural? <=plain. SUGGESTED ANSWER: a$ 1olid o%ns the mural. 1olid %as the one %ho commissioned the artists to do the %or. and paid $or the %or. in the sum o$ ;#m b$ ,nless there is a stipulation to the contrary in the contract& the copyri!ht shall belon! in "oint o%nership to 1olid and Aon and 1tee. Co$%ri'#t2 Commissione6 Artist (2003) 59 and C) are noted artists %hose paintin!s are hi!hly pri6ed by collectors. 'r. '> commissioned them to paint a mural at the main lobby o$ his ne% hospital $or children. 5oth a!reed to collaborate on the pro"ect $or a total $ee o$ t%o million pesos to be e+ually diided bet%een them. It %as also a!reed that 'r. '> had to proide all the materials $or the paintin! and pay $or the %a!es o$ technicians and laborers needed $or the %or. on the pro"ect. Assume that the pro"ect is completed and both 59 and C) are $ully paid the amount o$ ;#A as artistsD $ee by '>. ,nder the la% on intellectual property& %ho %ill o%n the mural? Who %ill o%n the copyri!ht in the mural? Why? <=plain. (@%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: ,nder 1ection 2IJ.4 o$ the Intellectual ;roperty Code& in case o$ commissioned %or.& the creator (in the absence o$ a %ritten stipulation to the contrary) o%ns the copyri!ht& but the %or. itsel$ belon!s to the person %ho commissioned its creation. Accordin!ly& the mural belon!s to '>. /o%eer& 59 and C) o%n the copyri!ht& since there is no stipulation to the contrary. Co$%ri'#t2 7n&rin'ement ()**3) Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 61 of 103 )he Qictoria /otel chain reproduces ideotapes& distributes the copies thereo$ to its hotels and ma.es them aailable to hotel !uests $or ie%in! in the hotel !uest rooms. It char!es a separate nominal $ee $or the use o$ the ideotape player. /$ Can the Qictoria /otel be en"oined $or in$rin!in! copyri!hts and held liable $or dama!es? !$ Would it ma.e any di-erence i$ Qictoria /otel does not char!e any $ee $or the use o$ the ideotape? SUGGESTED ANSWER: /$ 0es. Qictoria /otel has no ri!ht to use such ideo tapes in its hotel business %ithout the consent o$ the creatorO o%ner o$ the copyri!ht. !$=o* 2&e use of t&e )i.eotapes is for business an. not 'erely for &o'e consu'ption* (5ilipino Society of "omposers, #uthors 3ublishers v 2an ),8 s ,-)C pd )*88! Co$%ri'#t2 7n&rin'ement ()**+) In an action $or dama!es on account o$ an in$rin!ement o$ a copyri!ht& the de$endant (the alle!ed pirate) raised the de$ense that he %as una%are that %hat he had copied %as a copyri!ht material. Would this de$ense be alid? SUGGESTED ANSWER: 7o. An intention to pirate is not an element o$ in$rin!ement. /ence& an honest intention is no de$ense to an action $or in$rin!ement. A8TERNAT7>E ANSWER: 0es. )he o%ner o$ the copyri!ht must ma.e others a%are that the material in +uestion is under or coered by a copyri!ht. )his is done by the !iin! o$ such notice at a prominent portion o$ the copyri!ht material. When the alle!ed pirate is thus made a%are thereo$& his act o$ piratin! the copy material %ill constitute in$rin!ement. Co$%ri'#t2 7n&rin'ement ()**:) Cuan Laier %rote and published a story similar to an unpublished copyri!hted story o$ Aanolin! 1antia!o. It %as& ho%eer& conclusiely proen that Cuan Laier %as not a%are that the story o$ Aanolin! 1antia!o %as protected by copyri!ht. Aanolin! 1antia!o sued Cuan Laier $or in$rin!ement o$ copyri!ht. Is Cuan Laier liable? (#%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: 0es. Cuan Laier is liable $or in$rin!ement o$ copyri!ht. It is not necessary that Cuan Laier is a%are that the story o$ Aanolin! 1antia!o %as protected by copyri!ht. )he %or. o$ Aanolin! 1antia!o is protected at the time o$ its creation. Co$%ri'#t2 7n&rin'ement (2004) In a %ritten le!al opinion $or a client on the di-erence bet%een apprenticeship and learnership& >i6a +uoted %ithout permission a labor la% e=pertDs comment appearin! in his boo. entitled NAnnotations on the >abor Code.N Can the labor la% e=pert hold >i6a liable $or in$rin!ement o$ copyri!ht $or +uotin! a portion o$ his boo. %ithout his permission? (@%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( >i6a cannot be held liable $or in$rin!ement o$ copyri!ht since under the Intellectual ;roperty Code& one o$ the limitations to the copyri!ht is the ma.in! o$ +uotations $rom a published %or. $or purpose o$ any "udicial proceedin!s or $or !iin! o$ pro$essorial adice by le!al practitioner& proided that the source and name o$ the author are identifed (1ee 1ection 2J4.2Z.[ o$ the Intellectual ;roperty Code o$ the ;hilippines). Co$%ri'#t2 "#otoco$%2 ;#en allo;e6 ()**:) Aay a person hae photocopies o$ some pa!es o$ the boo. o$ ;ro$essor 9osario made %ithout iolatin! the copyri!ht la%? ((%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: 0es. )he priate reproduction o$ a published %or. in a sin!le copy& %here the reproduction is made by a natural person e=clusiely $or research and priate study& is permitted& %ithout the authori6ation o$ the o%ner o$ the copyri!ht in the %or.. 7n&rin'ement s! Un&air Com$etition ()**4) What is the distinction bet%een in$rin!ement and un$air competition? SUGGESTED ANSWER: )he distinction bet%een in$rin!ement (presumably trademar.) and un$air competition are as $ollo%s* /$ In$rin!ement o$ trademar. is the unauthori6ed use o$ a trademar.& %hereas un$air competition is the passin! o- o$ one3s !oods as those o$ anotherK !$ 8raudulent intent is unnecessary in in$rin!ement o$ trademar.& %hereas $raudulent intent is essential in un$air competitionK .! 2&e prior registration of t&e tra.e'ark is a prere-uisite to an action for infringe'ent of tra.e'arkB w&ereas registration of t&e tra.e'ark is not necessary in unfair co'petition* (&el 6onte "orp v "# 78.(5 <an (5,*; )8)s,);! 7n&rin'ement s! Un&air Com$etition (2003) In %hat %ay is an in$rin!ement o$ a trademar. similar to that %hich pertains to un$air competition? SUGGESTED ANSWER: 7n&rin'ement2 Juris6iction (2003) M4H Corporation& a $orei!n corporation alle!in! itsel$ to be the re!istered o%ner o$ trademar. M4H and lo!o M& fled an Inter ;artes case %ith the Intellectual ;roperty B-ice a!ainst Manin Corporation $or the cancellation o$ the latter3s mar. M4H and lo!o M. 'urin! the pendency o$ the case be$ore the I;B& Manin Corporation brou!ht suit a!ainst M4H Corporation be$ore the 9)C $or in$rin!ement and dama!es. Could the action be$ore the 9)C prosper? Why? SUGGESTED ANSWER: "atent2 Non?"atenta.le 7nentions (2004) 1upposin! Albert <instein %ere alie today and he fled %ith the Intellectual ;roperty B-ice (I;B) an application $or patent $or his theory o$ relatiity e=pressed in the Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 62 of 103 $ormula <Xmc#. )he I;B disapproed <insteinDs application on the !round that his theory o$ relatiity is not patentable. Is the I;BDs action correct? (@%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 0es& the I;B is correct because under the Intellectual ;roperty Code& discoeries& scientifc theories and mathematical methods& are classifed to be as Nnon4 patentable inentions.N <inteinDs theory o$ relatiity $alls %ithin the cate!ory o$ bein! a non4patentable Nscientifc theory.N "atents: Gas?Sain' Deice: &irst to &ile rule (2001) Ce6ar %or.s in a car manu$acturin! company o%ned by Coab. Ce6ar is +uite innoatie and loes to tin.er %ith thin!s. With the materials and parts o$ the car& he %as able to inent a !as4sain! deice that %ill enable cars to consume less !as. 8rancis& a co4%or.er& sa% ho% Ce6ar created the deice and li.e%ise& came up %ith a similar !ad!et& also usin! scrap materials and spare parts o$ the company. )herea$ter& 8rancis fled an application $or re!istration o$ his deice %ith the 5ureau o$ ;atents. <i!hteen months later& Ce6ar fled his application $or the re!istration o$ his deice %ith the 5ureau o$ ;atents. /$ Is the !as4sain! deice patentable? <=plain. SUGGESTED ANSWER: 0es& the !as4sain! deice is patentable because it proides a technical solution to a problem in a feld o$ human actiity. It is ne% and inoles an inentie step& and certainly industrially applicable. It there$ore $ulflls the re+uisites mandated by the intellectual ;roperty Code $or %hat is patentable. !$ Assumin! that it is patentable& %ho is entitled to the patent? What& i$ any& is the remedy o$ the losin! party? SUGGESTED ANSWER: Ce6ar is entitled to the patent because he %as the real inentor. 8rancis& copyin! $rom the %or. o$ Ce6ar& cannot claim the essential criteria o$ an inentor& %ho must possess essential elements o$ noelty& ori!inality and precedence to be entitled to protection. 7eertheless& under the Nfrst to fle rule&N 8rancis application %ould hae to be !ien priority. Ce6ar& ho%eer& has %ithin three months $rom the decision& to hae it cancelled as the ri!ht$ul inentorK or %ithin one year $rom publication& to fle an action to proe his priority to the inention& %hich has been ta.en $rom him and $raudulently re!istered by 8rancis. :$ 1upposin! Coab !ot %ind o$ the inentions o$ his employees and also laid claim to the patents& assertin! that Ce6ar and 8rancis %ere usin! his materials and company time in ma.in! the deices& %ill his claim preail oer those o$ his employees? <=plain. SUGGESTED ANSWER: 7o& CoabDs claim cannot preail oer those o$ his employees. In the frst place& Coab did not commission any o$ the t%o employees to inent the deice& and its Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 inention did not $all %ithin their re!ular duties. What preails is the proision o$ the Intellectual ;roperty Code that holds that the inention belon!s to the employee& i$ the inentie actiity is not a part o$ his re!ular duties& een i$ he uses the time& $acilities and materials o$ the employer. "atents: 7n&rin'ement2 Reme6ies 0 De&enses ()**3) Fer.ie is a patent owner of a certain in)ention* Ee .isco)ere. t&at &is in)ention is being infringe. by 7o&ann* /$ What are the remedies aailable to 8erdie a!ainst Cohann? !$ I$ you %ere the la%yer o$ Cohann in the in$rin!ement suit& %hat are the de$enses that your client can assert? SUGGESTED ANSWER: /$ )he $ollo%in! remedies are aailable to 8erdie a!ainst Cohann. a* sei6e and destroy b* in"unction c* dama!es in such amount may hae been obtained $rom the use o$ the inention i$ properly transacted %hich can be more than %hat the in$rin!er (Cohann ) receied. .* Attorney3s $ees and cost !$ )hese are the de$enses that can be asserted in an in$rin!ement suit* a* ;atent is inalid (1ec 4@ 9A 2:@& as amended) b* ;atent is not ne% or patentable c* 1pecifcation o$ the inention does not comply %ith 1ec 24 .* ;atent %as issued not to the true and actual inentor& desi!ner or author o$ the utility model or the plainti- did not derie his ri!hts $rom the true and actual inentor& desi!ner or author o$ the utility model (1ec #J 9A 2:@ as amended) "atents2 7n&rin'ement ()**2) In an action $or in$rin!ement o$ patent& the alle!ed in$rin!er de$ended himsel$ by statin! 2) that the patent issued by the ;atent B-ice %as not really an inention %hich %as patentableK #) that he had no intent to in$rin!e so that there %as no actionable case $or in$rin!ementK and () that there %as no e=act duplication o$ the patentee3s e=istin! patent but only a minor improement. With those de$enses& %ould you e=empt the alle!ed iolator $rom liability? Why? SUGGESTED ANSWER: I %ould not e=empt the alle!ed iolator $rom liability $or the $ollo%in! reasons* /$ A patent once issued by the ;atent B-ice raises a presumption that the article is patentableK it can& ho%eer be sho%n other%ise (1ec 4@ 9A 2:@). A mere statement or alle!ation is not enou!h to destroy that presumption. ($Fuas " de 3eon 3, 9an +2 32 3216,) !$ An intention to in$rin!e is not necessary nor an element in a case $or in$rin!ement o$ a patent. Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 63 of 103 :$ )here is no need o$ e=act duplication o$ the patentee3s e=istin! patent such as %hen the improement made by another is merely minor .Frank " Benito, 01-'137. )o be independently patentable& an improement o$ an e=istin! patented inention must be a ma"or improement .$Fuas " de 3eon 32 3216, 3,9an+27 "atents2 Ri'#ts oer t#e 7nention ()**0) Cheche inented a deice that can conert rain%ater into automobile $uel. 1he as.ed Aacon& a la%yer& to assist in !ettin! her inention patented. Aacon su!!ested that they $orm a corporation %ith other $riends and hae the corporation apply $or the patent& J?% o$ the shares o$ stoc. thereo$ to be subscribed by Cheche and @% by Aacon. )he corporation %as $ormed and the patent application %as fled. /o%eer& Cheche died ( months later o$ a heart attac.. 8ranco& the estran!ed husband o$ Cheche& contested the application o$ the corporation and fled his o%n patent application as the sole suriin! heir o$ Cheche. 'ecide the issue %ith reasons. SUGGESTED ANSWER: )he estran!ed husband o$ Chec.e cannot success$ully contest the application. )he ri!ht oer inentions accrue $rom the moment o$ creation and as a ri!ht it can la%$ully be assi!ned. Bnce the title thereto is ested in the trans$eree& the latter has the ri!ht to apply $or its re!istration. )he estran!ed husband o$ Cheche& i$ not dis+ualifed to inherit& merely %ould succeed to the interest o$ Cheche. 0ote #n examinee who answers on the basis of the issue of validity of the transfer of patent as a valid consideration for subscription of the shares of stoc/s should be given due credit' Tra6emar- ()**0) In 2HJJ& the 8ood and 'ru! Administration approed the labels submitted by )urbo Corporation $or its ne% dru! brand name& A=ilon. )urbo is no% applyin! %ith the 5ureau o$ ;atents& )rademar.s and )echnolo!y )rans$er $or the re!istration o$ said brand name. It %as subse+uently confrmed that Accilonne is a !eneric term $or a class o$ anti4$un!al dru!s and is used as such by the medical pro$ession and the pharmaceutical industry& and that it is used as a !eneric chemical name in arious scientifc and pro$essional publications. A competin! dru! manu$acturer as.s you to contest the re!istration o$ the brand name A=ilon by )urbo. What %ill you adice be? SUGGESTED ANSWER: )he application $or re!istration by )urbo Corporation may be contested. )he )rademar. >a% %ould not allo% the re!istration o$ a trademar. %hich& %hen applied to or used in connection %ith his products& is merely descriptie or deceptiely misdescriptie o$ them. Con$usion can result $rom the use o$ A=ilon as the !eneric product itsel$. A8TERNAT7>E ANSWER: Aedical dru!s may be procured only upon prescription made by a duly licensed physician. )he possibility o$ deception could be rather remote. 1ince it cannot really be said that physicians can be so easily deceied by such trademar. as A=ilon& it may be hard to e=pect an opposition thereto to succeed. AN<TEER ANSWER: )he application $or re!istration o$ )urbo Corporation may be contested. )he $actual settin!s do not indicate that there had been prior use $or at least # months o$ the trademar. A=ilon. Tra6emar- ()**3) >aber!e& Inc.& manu$actures and mar.ets a$ter4shae lotion& shain! cream& deodorant& talcum po%der and toilet soap& usin! the trademar. ;9,)& %hich is re!istered %ith the ;hil ;atent B-ice. >aber!e does not manu$acture brie$s and under%ear and these items are not specifed in the certifcate o$ re!istration. CF %ho manu$actures brie$s and under%ear& %ants to .no% %hether& under our la%s& he can use and re!ister the trademar. ;9,)< $or his merchandise. What is your adice? SUGGESTED ANSWER: 0es. )he trademar. re!istered in the name o$ >aber!e Inc coers only a$ter4 shae lotion& shain! cream& deodorant& talcum po%der and toilet soap. It does not coer brie$s and under%ear. )he limit o$ the trademar. is stated in the certifcate issued to >aber!e Inc. It does not include brie$s and under%ear %hich are di-erent products protected by >arber!e3s trademar.. 7G can register t&e tra.e'ark @P+>25A to co)er its briefs an. un.erwear (5aberge %nc v %#" ()5 s .)-! Tra6emar-B Test o& Dominanc% ()**4) What is the test o$ dominancy? SUGGESTED ANSWER: )he test o$ dominancy re+uires that i$ the competin! trademar. contains the main or essential $eatures o$ another and con$usion and deception is li.ely to result& in$rin!ement ta.es place. 'uplication or imitation is not necessaryK not is it necessary that the in$rin!in! label should su!!est an e-ort to imitate. 1imilarity in si6e& $orm and color& %hile releant& is not conclusie. .$sia Bre4er5 " C$ %R 1,30(3 9ul0,63 22(s(3'7 Tra6emar-2 7n&rin'ement ()**)) 1ony is a re!istered trademar. $or )Q& stereo& radio& cameras& betama= and other electronic products. A local company& 5est Aanu$acturin! Inc produced electric $ans %hich it sold under the trademar. 1ony %ithout the consent o$ 1ony. 1ony sued 5est Aanu$acturin! $or in$rin!ement. 'ecide the case. SUGGESTED ANSWER: )here is no in$rin!ement. In order that a case $or in$rin!ement o$ trademar. can prosper& the products on %hich the trademar. is used must be o$ the same .ind. )he electric $ans produced by 5est Aanu$acturin! cannot Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 65 of 103 be said to be similar to such products as )Q& stereo and radio sets or cameras or betama= products o$ 1ony. A8TERNAT7>E ANSWER: )here is in$rin!ement. I$ the o%ner o$ a trademar. %hich manu$actures certain types o$ !oods could reasonably be e=pected to en!a!e in the manu$acture o$ another product usin! the same trademar.& another party %ho uses the trademar. $or that product can be held liable $or usin! that trademar.. ,sin! this standard& in$rin!ement e=ists because 1ony can be reasonably e=pected to use such trademar. on electric $ans. Tra6emar-2 Test o& Dominanc% ()**4) 7 Corporation manu$actures rubber shoes under the trademar. Cordann %hich hit the ;hil mar.et in 2HJ@& and re!istered its trademar. %ith the 5ureau o$ ;atents& )rademar.s and )echnolo!y (5;)))) in 2HH?. ;M Company also manu$actures rubber shoes %ith the trademar. Caors.i %hich it re!istered %ith 5;))) in 2HIJ. In 2HH#& ;M Co adopted and copied the desi!n o$ 7 Corporation3s Cordann rubber shoes& both as to shape and color& but retained the trademar. Caors.i on its products. Aay ;M Company be held liable to 7 Co? <=plain. SUGGESTED ANSWER: ;M Co may be liable $or un$airly competin! a!ainst 7 Co. 5y copyin! the desi!n& shape and color o$ 7 Corporation3s Cordann rubber shoes and usin! the same in its rubber shoes trademar.ed Caors.i& ;M is obiously tryin! to pass o- its shoes $or those o$ 7. It is o$ no moment that he trademar. Caors.i %as re!istered ahead o$ the trademar. Cordann. ;riority in re!istration is not material in an action $or un$air competition as distin!uished $rom an action $or in$rin!ement o$ trademar.. )he basis o$ an action $or un$air competition is con$usin! and misleadin! similarity in !eneral appearance& not similarity o$ trademar.s .Con"erse Ru**er Co " 9acinto Ru**er A /lastics Co %R 2'(20 and 3,0,0, $-r2+,+, 6's10+7 Tra6ename: 7nternational A&&iliation (2001) 1 'eelopment Corporation sued 1han!rila Corporation $or usin! the 1 lo!o and the tradename 1han!rila. )he $ormer claims that it %as the frst to re!ister the lo!o and the tradename in the ;hilippines and that it had been usin! the same in its restaurant business. 1han!rila Corporation counters that it is an a-iliate o$ an international or!ani6ation %hich has been usin! such lo!o and tradename 1han!rila $or oer #? years. /o%eer& 1han!rila Corporation re!istered the tradename and lo!o in the ;hilippines only a$ter the suit %as fled. Which o$ the t%o corporations has a better ri!ht to use the lo!o and the tradename? <=plain. SUGGESTED ANSWER: 1 'eelopment Corporation has a better ri!ht to use the lo!o and the tradename& since the protectie benefts o$ Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 the la% are con$erred by the $act o$ re!istration and not by use. Althou!h 1han!rila CorporationDs parent had used the tradename and lo!o lon! be$ore& the protection o$ the la%s %ill be $or 1 'eelopment Corporation because it %as the frst entity to re!ister the intellectual properties. 2o3 ,oes t4e -nternat-onal aff-l-at-on of .4angr-la Corporat-on affe't t4e out'o+e of t4e ,-spute5 #6pla-n. 7589 SUGGESTED ANSWER: )he international a-iliation o$ 1han!rila Corporation may be critical in the eent that its a-iliates or parent company abroad had re!istered in a $orei!n "urisdiction the tradename and the lo!o. A %ell4.no%n mar. and tradename is sub"ect to protection under )reaty o$ ;aris $or the ;rotection o$ Intellectual ;roperty to %hich the ;hilippines is a member. Insolven#y 2 Cor%orate Re#overy 2nsolvency vs. 8uspension of Payment (!!.) 'istin!uish insolency $rom suspension o$ payments. ((%) 8?==58T5, A<8@5/1 a$ In insolency& the liabilities o$ the debtor are more than his assets& %hile in suspension o$ payments& assets o$ the debtor are more than his liabilities. b$ In insolency& the assets o$ the debtor are to be conerted into cash $or distribution amon! his creditors& %hile in suspension o$ payments& the debtor is only as.in! $or time %ithin %hich to conert his $ro6en assets into li+uid cash %ith %hich to pay his obli!ations %hen the latter $all due. 7nsolenc%: >oluntar% 7nsolenc% (2001) Aaron& a %ell4.no%n architect& is su-erin! $rom fnancial reerses. /e has $our creditors %ith a total claim o$ ;#: Aillion. 'espite his intention to pay these obli!ations& his current assets are insu-icient to coer all o$ them. /is creditors are about to sue him. Conse+uently& he %as constrained to fle a petition $or insolency. (@%) a$ 1ince Aaron %as merely $orced by circumstances to petition the court to declare him insolent& can the "ud!e properly treat the petition as one $or inoluntary insolency? <=plain. SUGGESTED ANSWER: 7o. )his is a case $or oluntary insolency because this %as fled by an insolent debtor o%in! debts e=ceedin! the amount o$ ;2&???.?? under 1ection 24 o$ the Insolency >a%. ,nder 1ection #? o$ the Insolency >a%& the petition must be fled by three or more creditors. In the case at bar& it is Aaron& the debtor& %ho fled the insolency proceedin!s. Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 65 of 103 b$ I$ Aaron is declared an insolent by the court& %hat %ould be the e-ect& i$ any& o$ such declaration on his creditors? <=plain. SUGGESTED ANSWER: A declaration by the court that the petitioner is insolent %ill hae the $ollo%in! e-ects* /$ )he sheri- shall ta.e possession o$ all assets o$ the debtor until the appointment o$ a receier or assi!neeK !$ ;ayment to the debtor o$ any debts due to him and the deliery to the debtor o$ any property belon!in! to him& and the trans$er o$ any property by him are $orbiddenK :$ All ciil proceedin!s pendin! a!ainst the insolent shall be stayedK and ($ Aort!a!es and pled!es are not a-ected by the order declarin! a person insolent. (1ec. @H& Insolency >a%) c$ Assumin! that& Aaron has !uarantors $or his debts& are the !uarantors released $rom their obli!ations once Aaron is dischar!ed $rom his debts? <=plain. SUGGESTED ANSWER: 7o& precisely under the principle o$ e=cussion& the liability o$ the !uarantors arises only a$ter the e=haustion o$ the assets o$ the principal obli!or. )he e-ect o$ dischar!e merely confrms e=haustion o$ the assets o$ the obli!or aailable to his creditors. A8TERNAT7>E ANSWER: 0es. Article #?I: o$ the Ciil Code proides* )he obli!ation o$ the !uarantor is e=tin!uished at the same time as that o$ the debtor& and $or the same causes as all other obli!ations. .$ What remedies are aailable to the !uarantors in case they are made to pay the creditors? <=plain. SUGGESTED ANSWER: ,nder Article #?J2& the !uarantor may set up a!ainst the creditor all the de$enses that pertain to the principal debtor. )he dischar!e obtained by Aaron on the principal obli!ation can no% be used as a de$ense by the !uarantors a!ainst the creditors. )he !uarantors are also entitled to indemnity under Article #?:: o$ the Ciil Code. 7nsolenc%2 Assets s! 8ia.ilities ()**:) /oracio opened a co-ee shop usin! money borro%ed $rom fnancial institutions. A$ter ( months& /oracio le$t $or the ,1 %ith the intent o$ de$raudin! his creditors. While his liabilities are %orth ;2.#m& his assets& ho%eer are %orth ;2.@m. Aay /oracio be declared insolent? (#%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: 7o. /oracio may not be declared insolent. /is assets %orth ;2.@m are more than his liabilities %orth ;2.#m. 7nsolenc%2 Assi'nees ()**4) Bn Cune 2:& 2HH@& Qicente obtained a %rit o$ preliminary attachment a!ainst Carlito. )he ley on Carlito3s property occurred on Cune #@& 2HH@. Bn Culy #H& 2HH@& another creditor fled a petition $or inoluntary insolency a!ainst Carlito. )he insolency court !ae due course to the petition. In the meantime& the case fled by Qicente proceeded and resulted in a "ud!ment a%ard in $aor o$ Qicente. Aay the "ud!ment obtained by Qicente be en$orced independently o$ the insolency proceedin!s? <=plain. SUGGESTED ANSWER: )he "ud!ment obtained by Qicente can be en$orced independently o$ the insolency proceedin!s. ,nder 1ec (# o$ the Insolency >a%& the assi!nment to the assi!nee o$ all the real and personal property& estate and e-ects o$ the debtor made by the cler. o$ the court shall acate and set aside any "ud!ment entered in any action commenced %ith (? days immediately prior to the commencement o$ insolency proceedin!s. In this case& ho%eer& the action fled by Qicente a!ainst Carlito %as commenced by Qicente not later than Cune 2:& 2HH@ (the $acts on this point are not clear) %hen Qicente obtained a %rit o$ preliminary attachment a!ainst Carlito or more than (? days be$ore the petition $or inoluntary insolency %as fled a!ainst Carlito by his other creditors. (i.e. on Culy #H& 2HH@) .Radiola2?oshi*a /hil " $C %R '0222 9ul51+,61 166s3'37 7nsolenc%2 E&&ect2 Declaration o& 7nsolenc% ()**)) ?&at are t&e effects of a 9u.g'ent in insol)ency in ;oluntary 1nsol)ency casesI SUGGESTED ANSWER: )he ad"udication or declaration o$ insolency by the court& a$ter hearin! or de$ault& shall hae the $ollo%in! e-ects* a$ 8orbid the payment to the debtor o$ any debt due to him and the deliery to him o$ any property belon!in! to himK b$ 8orbid the trans$er o$ any property by himK and c$ 1tay o$ all ciil proceedin!s a!ainst the insolent but $oreclosure may be allo%ed (1ecs 2J P #4 Insolency >a%) 7nsolenc%2 /rau6ulent "a%ment (2002) As o$ Cune 2& #??#& <d6o 1ystems Corporation (<d6o) %as indebted to the $ollo%in! creditors* a$ Ace <+uipment 1upplies G $or arious personal computers and accessories sold to <d6o on credit amountin! to ;(??&???. b$ /andyman Fara!e G $or mechanical repairs (parts and serice) per$ormed on <d6o3s company car amountin! to ;2?&???. c$ Coselyn 9eyes G $ormer employee o$ <d6o %ho sued <d6o $or unla%$ul termination o$ employment and %as able to obtain a fnal "ud!ment a!ainst <d6o $or ;2??&???. .$ 5ureau o$ Internal 9eenue G $or unpaid alue4 added ta=es amountin! to ;(?&???. e$ Inte!rity 5an. G %hich !ranted <d6o a loan in #??2 in the amount o$ ;@??&???. )he loan %as not secured by any asset o$ <d6o& but it %as !uaranteed unconditionally and solidarily by <d6o3s ;resident and controllin! stoc.holder& <duardo S. Bn!& as accommodation surety. )he loan due to Inte!rity 5an. $ell due on Cune 2@& #??#. 'espite pleas $or e=tension o$ payment by <d6o& the Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 66 of 103 ban. demanded immediate payment. 5ecause the ban. threatened to proceed a!ainst the surety& <duardo S. Bn!& <d6o decided to pay up all its obli!ations to Inte!rity 5an.. Bn Cune #?& #??#& <d6o paid to Inte!rity 5an. the $ull principal amount o$ ;@??&???& plus accrued interests amountin! to ;@@&???. As a result& <d6o had hardly any cash le$t $or operations and decided to close its business. A$ter payin! the unpaid salaries o$ its employees& <d6o fled a petition $or insolency on Culy 2& #??#. In the insolency proceedin!s in court& the assi!nee in insolency sou!ht to inalidate the payment made by <d6o to Inte!rity 5an. $or bein! a $raudulent trans$er because it %as made %ithin (? days be$ore the flin! o$ the insolency petition. In de$ense& Inte!rity 5an. asserted that the payment to it %as $or a le!itimate debt that %as not coered by the prohibition because it %as a aluable pecuniary consideration made in !ood $aith& thus $allin! %ithin the e=ception specifed in the Insolency >a%. As "ud!e in the pendin! insolency case& ho% %ould you decide the respectie contentions o$ the assi!nee in insolency and o$ Inte!rity 5an.? <=plain (@%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: )he contention o$ the assi!nee in insolency is correct. )he payment made by <d6o to Inte!rity 5an. %as a $raudulent pre$erence or payment& bein! made %ithin thirty ((?) days be$ore the flin! o$ the insolency petition. 7nsolenc%2 Juris6iction2 Sole "ro$rietors#i$ ()**0) Bne day Cerry /a%& doin! business under the name 1tarli!ht <nterprise& a sole proprietorship& fnds himsel$ short on cash and unable to pay his debts as they $all due althou!h he has su-icient property to coer such debts. /e as.s you& as his retained counsel& $or adice on the $ollo%in! +ueries* a$ 1hould he fle a petition %ith the 1<C to be declared in a state o$ suspension o$ payments in ie% o$ the said fnancial condition he $aces? <=plain your ans%er. b$ 1hould he sell proft participation certifcates to his 2? brothers and sisters in order to raise cash $or his business? <=plain. SUGGESTED ANSWER: a$ I %ould counsel Cerry to fle the ;etition $or 1uspension o$ ;ayment %ith the ordinary courts& rather than the 1<C. 1<C3s "urisdiction oer such cases is confned only to petitions fled by corporations and partnerships under its re!ulatory po%ers. b$ Instead o$ sellin! proft participation certifcates& I %ould ur!e Cerry to enter into a partnership or to incorporate in order to raise cash $or his business. A8TERNAT7>E ANSWER: b) Cerry may sell proft participation certifcates to his brothers and sisters %ithout re!isterin! the same %ith the 1<C because his sale is an e=empted transaction bein! isolated and not a sale to the public. 7nsolenc%2 o.li'ations t#at surie ()**+) Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 An insolent debtor& a$ter la%$ul dischar!e $ollo%in! an ad"udication o$ insolency& is released $rom& !enerally& all debts& claims& liabilities and demands %hich are or hae been proed a!ainst his estate. Fie @ obli!ations o$ the insolent debtor to surie. SUGGESTED ANSWER: )he @ obli!ations o$ the insolent debtor that surie are as $ollo%s* /* )a=es and assessments due the !oernment& national or localK !* Bbli!ations arisin! $rom embe66lement or $raudK :* Bbli!ation o$ any person liable %ith the insolent debtor $or the same debt& either as a solidary co4 debtor& surety& !uarantor& partner& indorser or other%ise. (* Alimony or claim $or supportK and #* 'ebts not proable a!ainst the estate (such as a$ter4 incurred obli!ations) o$& or not included in the schedule submitted by& the insolent debtor. 7nsolenc%2 >oluntar% 7nsolenc% "rocee6in' ()**)) Is the issuance o$ an order& declarin! a petition in a Qoluntary Insolency proceedin! insolent& mandatory upon the court? SUGGESTED ANSWER: Assumin! that the petition %as in due $orm and substance and that the assets o$ the petitioner are less than his liabilities& the court must ad"udicate the insolency (1ec 2J Insolency >a%) 7nsolenc%2 >oluntar% s! 7noluntar% Solenc% ()**1) Distinguis& between )oluntary insol)ency an. in)oluntary insol)ency* SUGGESTED ANSWER: In oluntary insolency& it is the debtor himsel$ %ho fles the petition $or insolency& %hile in inoluntary insolency& at least ( creditors are the ones %ho fle the petition $or insolency a!ainst the insolent debtor. A8TERNAT7>E ANSWER: )he $ollo%in! are the distinctions* /* In inoluntary insolency& ( or more creditors are re+uired& %hereas in oluntary insolency& one creditor may be su-icientK !* In inoluntary insolency& the creditors must be residents o$ the ;hilippines& %hose credits or demand accrued in the ;hilippines& and none o$ the creditors has become a creditor by assi!nment %ithin (? days prior to the flin! o$ the petition& %hereas in oluntary insolency& these are not re+uired. :* In inoluntary insolency& the debtor must hae done any o$ the acts o$ insolency as enumerated by 1ec #?& %hereas in oluntary insolency& the debtor must not hae done any o$ said acts. (* In inoluntary insolency& the amount o$ indebtedness must not be less than ;2&??? %hereas in oluntary insolency& it must e=ceed ;2&???. #* In inoluntary insolency& the petition must be accompanied by a bond& %hereas such is not re+uired in oluntary insolency. Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 6- of 103 8a; on Cor$orate Recoer% (2003) L Corporation applied $or its rehabilitation and submitted a rehabilitation plan %hich called $or the entry by it into a "oint enture a!reement %ith 0 Corporation. ,nder the a!reement& 0 Corporation %as to lend to L Corporation its credit $acilities %ith certain ban.s to obtain $unds not only to operate L Corporation but also $or a part thereo$ in the amount o$ ;2 million as initial deposit in a sin.in! $und to be au!mented annually in amounts e+uialent to 2?% o$ the yearly income $rom its operation o$ the business o$ L Corporation. 8rom this $und the creditors o$ L Corporation %ere to be paid annually& startin! $rom the second year o$ operations& %ith the entire indebtedness to be li+uidated in 2@ years. )he creditors o$ L Corporation ob"ected to the plan because 0 Corporation %ould be ta.in! oer the business and assets o$ L Corporation. Could the court approe the plan despite the ob"ections o$ the creditors o$ L Corporation and could the creditors be compelled to $ollo% the plan? Could 0 Corporation& in mana!in! the business o$ L Corporation in the meantime& be deemed to hae ta.en4oer L Corporation itsel$? (:%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: Re#a.ilitation2 Sta% <r6er (2004) )he 5lue 1tar Corporation fled %ith the 9e!ional )rial Court a petition $or rehabilitation on the !round that it $oresa% the impossibility o$ payin! its obli!ations as they $all due. 8indin! the petition su-icient in $orm and substance& the court issued an Brder appointin! a rehabilitation receier and stayin! the en$orcement o$ all claims a!ainst the corporation. :4at -s t4e rat-onale for t4e .tay $r,er5 7589 SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 2&e purpose of t&e stay or.er is inten.e. to gi)e t&e 'anage'ent co''ittee or re&abilitation recei)er t&e leeway to 'ake t&e business )iable againB wit&out &a)ing to .i)ert attention an. resources to litigation in )arious fora (3hilippine #irlines v' Spouses :urang/ing, et al, 4'+' 0o' ),--*8, September (,, (;;(C B5 @omes, %nc' v' "ourt of #ppeals, 4'+' 0os' 7-87* ? 77),., 1ctober ., )**;C +ubberworld J3hils'K %nc' v' 0F+", 4'+' 0o' )(-77., #pril ),, )***C SobreGuanite v' #SB &ev' "orp', 4'+' 0o' )-5-75, September .;, (;;5!' 1t also pre)ents a cre.itor fro' obtaining an a.)antage or preference o)er anot&er wit& respect to actions against t&e corporation (5inasia %nvestments and 5inance "orp v' "ourt of #ppeals, 4' +' 0o' );7;;(, 1ctober 7,)**,!* Sus$ension o& "a%ment s! 7nsolenc% ()**1) Distinguis& between suspension of pay'ents an. insol)ency* SUGGESTED ANSWER: In suspension o$ payments& the debtor is not insolent. /e only needs time %ithin %hich to conert his assetOs into cash %ith %hich to pay his obli!ations %hen they $all due. In the case o$ insolency& the debtor is insolent& that is& his assets are less than his liabilities. A8TERNAT7>E ANSWER: )he $ollo%in! are the distinctions* /* In suspension o$ payments& the debtor has su-icient property to coer all his debts but $oresees the impossibility o$ meetin! them %hen they respectiely $all due& %hereas& in insolency& the debtor does not hae su-icient property to pay all his debts in $ullK !* In suspension o$ payments& the purpose is to suspend or delay payment o$ debts %hich remain una-ected althou!h a postponement o$ payment is declared& %hereas& in insolency& the ob"ect is to obtain dischar!e $rom all debts and liabilityK :* In suspension o$ payments& no limit $or the amount o$ indebtedness is re+uired& %hereas& in insolency& the debts must e=ceed ;2&??? in case o$ oluntary insolency& or must not be less than ;2&??? in case o$ inoluntary insolency. Sus$ension o& "a%ments s! Sta% <r6er (2003) Distinguis& t&e stay or.er in corporate re&abilitation fro' a .eclaration in a state of suspension of pay'entsI (N$ SUGGESTED ANSWER: Sus$ension o& "a%ments2 Re#a.ilitation Receier ()***) 'ebtor Corporation and its principal stoc.holders fled %ith the 1ecurities and <=chan!e Commission (1<C) a petition $or rehabilitation and declaration o$ a state o$ suspension o$ payments under ;' H?#4A. )he ob"ectie %as $or 1<C to ta.e control o$ the corporation and all its assets and liabilities& earnin!s and operations& and to determine the $easibility o$ continuin! operations and rehabilitatin! the company $or the beneft o$ inestors and creditors. Fenerally& the unsecured creditors had mani$ested %illin!ness to cooperate %ith 'ebtor Corporation. )he secured creditors& ho%eer& e=pressed serious ob"ections and reserations. 8irst 5an. had already initiated "udicial $oreclosure proceedin!s on the mort!a!e constituted on the $actory o$ 'ebtor Corporation. 1econd 5an. had already initiated $oreclosure proceedin!s on a third4party mort!a!e constituted on certain assets o$ the principal stoc.holders. )hird 5an. had already fled a suit a!ainst the principal stoc.holders %ho had held themseles liable "ointly and seerally $or the loans o$ 'ebtor Corporation %ith said 5an.. A$ter hearin!& the 1<C directed the appointment o$ a rehabilitation receier and ordered the suspension o$ all actions and claims a!ainst the 'ebtor corporation as %ell as a!ainst the principal stoc.holders. a$ 'iscuss the alidity o$ the 1<C order or suspension? (#%) Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 68 of 103 b$ 'iscuss the e-ects o$ the 1<C order o$ suspension on the "udicial $oreclosure proceedin!s initiated by 8irst 5an.. (#%) c$ Would the order o$ suspension hae any e-ect on the $oreclosure proceedin!s initiated by 1econd 5an.? <=plain (#%) .$ Would the order o$ suspension hae any e-ect on the suit fled by )hird 5an.? <=plain. (#%) e$ What are the le!al conse+uences o$ a rehabilitation receiership? (#%) f$ What measures may the receier ta.e to presere the assets o$ 'ebtor Corporation? (#%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: a* )he 1<C order o$ suspension o$ payment is alid %ith respect to the debtor corporation& but not %ith respect to the principal stoc.holders. )he 1<C has "urisdiction to declare suspension o$ payments %ith respect to corporations& partnership or associations& but not %ith respect to indiiduals. SUGGESTED ANSWER: b* )he 1<C order o$ suspension o$ payment suspended the "udicial proceedin!s initiated by the 8irst 5an.. Accordin! to the 1upreme Court in a line o$ cases& the suspension order applies to secured creditors and to the action to en$orce the security a!ainst the corporation re!ardless o$ the sta!e thereo$. SUGGESTED ANSWER: c* )he order o$ suspension o$ payments suspended the $oreclosure proceedin!s initiated by the 1econd 5an.. While the $oreclosure is a!ainst the property o$ a third party& it is in reality an action to collect the principal obli!ation o%ned by the corporation. 'urin! the time that the payment o$ the principal obli!ation is suspended& the debtor corporation is considered to be not in de$ault and& there$ore& een the ri!ht to en$orce the security& %hether o%ned by the debtor4 corporation or o$ a third party& has not yet arisen. A8TERNAT7>E ANSWER: c* )he suspension order does not apply to a third party mort!a!e because in such a case& the credit is not yet bein! en$orced a!ainst the corporation but a!ainst the third party mort!a!or3s property. SUGGESTED ANSWER: .* 8or the same reason as in (c)& the order o$ suspension o$ payments suspended the suit fled by )hird 5an. a!ainst the principal stoc.holders. A8TERNAT7>E ANSWER: .* )he action a!ainst the principal stoc.holders3 surety in $aor o$ the corporation is not suspended as it is not an action a!ainst the corporation but a!ainst the stoc.holders %hose personality is separate $rom that o$ the corporation. SUGGESTED ANSWER: e* ,nder ;' H?#A& the appointment o$ a rehabilitation receier %ill suspend all actions $or claims a!ainst the corporation and the corporation %ill be placed under Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 rehabilitation in accordance %ith a rehabilitation plan approed by the 1<C. SUGGESTED ANSWER: f* )o presere the assets o$ the 'ebtor Corporation& the receier may ta.e custody o$& and control oer& all the e=istin! assets and property o$ the corporationK ealuate e=istin! assets and liabilities& earnin!s and operations o$ the corporationK and determine the best %ay to sala!e and protect the interest o$ the inestors and creditors. Sus$ension o& "a%ments2 Reme6ies (2003) When is the remedy o$ declaration in a state o$ suspension o$ payments aailable to a corporation? SUGGESTED ANSWER: (per dondee) )his remedy is aailable to a corporation %hen it e=periences inability to pay oneDs debts and liabilities& and %here the petitionin! corporation either* /* has su-icient property to coer all its debts but $oresees the impossibility o$ meetin! them %hen they $all due (solent but illi+uid) or !* has no su-icient property (insolent) but is under the mana!ement o$ a rehabilitation receier or a mana!ement committee& the applicable la% is ;.'. 7o. H?#4A pursuant to 1ec. @ par. Letters o Cre&it 8etter o& Cre6it: (ort'a'e (2001) 9icardo mort!a!ed his fshpond to AC 5an. to secure a ;2 Aillion loan. In a separate transaction& he opened a letter o$ credit %ith the same ban. $or R@??&???.?? in $aor o$ /1 5an.& a $orei!n ban.& to purchase outboard motors. >i.e%ise& 9icardo e=ecuted a 1urety A!reement in $aor o$ AC 5an.. )he outboard motors arried and %ere deliered to 9icardo& but he %as not able to pay the purchase price thereo$. a$ Can AC 5an. ta.e possession o$ the outboard motors? Why? b$ Can AC 5an. also $oreclose the mort!a!e oer the fshpond? <=plain. (@%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: a$ 7o& $or AC 5an. has no le!al standin!& much less a lien& on the outboard motors. Inso$ar as AC 5an. is concerned& it has priity %ith the person o$ 9icardo under the 1urety A!reement& and a lien on the fshpond based on the real estate mort!a!e constituted therein. b$ 0es& but only to en$orce payment o$ the principal loan o$ ;2million secured by the real estate mort!a!e on the fshpond 8etter o& Cre6it2 Certi&ication &rom Consi'nee ()**3) Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 69 of 103 5Q a!reed to sell to AC& a 1hip and Aerchandise 5ro.er& #&@?? cubic meters o$ lo!s at R#I per cubic meter 8B5. A$ter inspectin! the lo!s& C' issued a purchase order. Bn the arran!ements made upon instruction o$ the consi!nee& /P) Corporation o$ >A& Cali$ornia& the 1; 5an. o$ >A issued an irreocable letter o$ credit aailable at si!ht in $aor o$ 5Q $or the total purchase price o$ the lo!s. )he letter o$ credit %as mailed to 8< 5an. %ith the instruction to $or%ard it to the benefciary. )he letter o$ credit proided that the dra$t to be dra%n is on 1; 5an. and that it be accompanied by& amon! other thin!s& a certifcation $rom AC& statin! that the lo!s hae been approed prior shipment in accordance %ith the terms and conditions o$ the purchase order. 5e$ore loadin! on the essel chartered by AC& the lo!s %ere inspected by custom inspectors and representaties o$ the 5ureau o$ 8orestry& %ho certifed to the !ood condition and e=portability o$ the lo!s. A$ter the loadin! %as completed& the Chie$ Aate o$ the essel issued a mate receipt o$ the car!o %hich stated that the lo!s are in !ood condition. /o%eer& AC re$used to issue the re+uired certifcation in the letter o$ credit. 5ecause o$ the absence o$ certifcation& 8< 5an. re$used to adance payment on the letter o$ credit. /$ Aay 8e 5an. be held liable under the letter o$ credit? <=plain. !$ ,nder the $acts aboe& the seller& 5Q& ar!ued that 8< 5an.& by acceptin! the obli!ation to noti$y him that the irreocable letter o$ credit has been transmitted to it on his behal$& has confrmed the letter o$ credit. Conse+uently& 8< 5an. is liable under the letter o$ credit. Is the ar!ument tenable? <=plain. SUGGESTED ANSWER: /$ 7o. )he letter o$ credit proides as a condition a certifcation o$ AC. Without such certifcation& there is no obli!ation on the part o$ 8< 5an. to adance payment o$ the letter o$ credit. .Feati Bank " C$ 166 S 0'67 !$ 7o. 8< 5an. may hae confrmed the letter o$ credit %hen it notifed 5Q& that an irreocable letter o$ credit has been transmitted to it on its behal$. 5ut the conditions in the letter o$ credit must frst be complied %ith& namely that the dra$t be accompanied by a certifcation $rom AC. 8urther& confrmation o$ a letter o$ credit must be e=pressed. .Feati Bank " C$ 166 s 0'67 8etters o& Cre6it2 8ia.ilit% o& a con&irmin' an6 noti&%in' .an- ()**3) In letters o$ credit in ban.in! transactions& distin!uish the liability o$ a confrmin! ban. $rom a noti$yin! ban.. SUGGESTED ANSWER: In case anythin! %ron! happens to the letter o$ credit& a confrmin! ban. incurs liability $or the amount o$ the letter o$ credit& %hile a noti$yin! ban. does not incur any liability. 8etters o& Cre6it2 8ia.ilit% o& a Noti&%in' ,an- (2003) a$ What liability& i$ any is incurred by an adisin! or noti$yin! ban. in a letter o$ credit transaction? SUGGESTED ANSWER: It incurs no liability unless it is also the ne!otiatin! ban. b$ 5rao 5an. receied $rom Cisco 5an. by re!istered mail an irreocable letter o$ credit issued by 'elta 5an. $or the account o$ 0 Company in the amount o$ ,1R2?&???&??? to coer the sale o$ canned $ruit "uices. )he benefciary o$ the letter o$ credit %as L Corporation %hich later on partially aailed itsel$ o$ the letter o$ credit by submittin! to 5rao 5an. all documents relatie to the shipment o$ the cans o$ $ruit "uices. 5rao 5an. paid L Corporation $or its partial aailment. >ater& ho%eer& it re$used $urther aailment because o$ suspicions o$ $raud bein! practiced upon it and& instead & sued L Corporation to recoer %hat it had paid the latter. /o% %ould you rule i$ you %ere the "ud!e to decide the controersy? (:%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: 8etters o& Cre6it2 T#ree Distinct Contract Relations#i$s (2002) <=plain the three (() distinct but intert%ined contract relationships that are indispensable in a letter o$ credit transaction. SUGGESTED ANSWER: )he three (() distinct but intert%ined contract relationships that are indispensable in a letter o$ credit transaction are* /$ 5et%een the applicantObuyerOimporter and the benefciaryOsellerOe=porter G )he applicantObuyerOimporter is the one %ho procures the letter o$ credit and obli!es himsel$ to reimburse the issuin! ban. upon receipt o$ the documents o$ title& %hile the benefciaryOsellerOe=porter is the one %ho in compliance %ith the contract o$ sale ships the !oods to the buyer and deliers the documents o$ title and dra$t to the issuin! ban. to recoer payment $or the !oods. )heir relationship is !oerned by the contract o$ sale. !$ 5et%een the issuin! ban. and the benefciaryOsellerOe=porter G )he issuin! ban. is the one that issues the letter o$ credit and underta.es to pay the seller upon receipt o$ the dra$t and proper documents o$ title and to surrender the documents to the buyer upon reimbursement. )heir relationship is !oerned by the terms o$ the letter o$ credit issued by the ban.. :$ 5et%een the issuin! ban. and the applicantObuyerOimporter G )heir relationship is !oerned by the terms o$ the application and a!reement $or the issuance o$ the letter o$ credit by the ban.. Maritime Commer#e Aera'e2 "articular Aera'e s! General Aera'e (2003) 7ersion 1990+2006 U %&ate& 'y Dondee 7ersion 1990+2003 Arrange& 'y SULAW Cass 200! Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page :0 of 103 AOQ Ilo! de Aanila %ith a car!o o$ @?? tons o$ iron ore le$t the ;ort o$ Samboan!a City bound $or Aanila. 8or one reason or another& AOQ Ilo! de Aanila hit a submer!ed obstacle causin! it to sin. alon! %ith its car!o. A salor& 1alador& Inc.& %as contracted to reEoat the essel $or ;2 Aillion. What .ind o$ aera!e %as the reEoatin! $ee o$ ;2 million& and $or %hose account should it be? Why? (4%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: ;articular Aera!e. )he o%ner o$ the essel shall shoulder the aera!e. Fenerally spea.in!& simple or particular aera!es include all e=penses and dama!es caused to the essel or car!o %hich hae not inured to the common beneft (Art. J?H& and are& there$ore& to be borne only by the o%ner o$ the property %hich !ae rise to the same (Art. J2?) %hile !eneral or !ross aera!es include Nall the dama!es and e=penses %hich are deliberately caused in order to sae the essel& its car!o& or both at the same time& $rom a real and .no%n ris.N (Art. J22). 5ein! $or the common beneft& !ross aera!es are to be borne by the o%ners o$ the articles saed (Art. J2#). In the present case there is no proo$ that the essel had to be put aEoat to sae it $rom an imminent dan!er. ,ottomr% ()**3) Fi!i obtained a loan $rom Co"o Corporation& payable in installments. Fi!i e=ecuted a chattel mort!a!e in $aor o$ Co"o %hereby she trans$erred in $aor o$ Co"o& its successors and assi!ns& all her title& ri!hts ... to a essel o$ %hich Fi!i is the absolute o%ner. )he chattel mort!a!e %as re!istered %ith the ;hilippine Coast Fuard pursuant to ;' 2@#2. Fi!i de$aulted and had a total accountability o$ ;(A. 5ut Co"o could not $oreclose the mort!a!e on the essel because it san. durin! a typhoon. Aean%hile& >utan! Corporation %hich rendered sala!e serices $or reEoatin! the essel sued Fi!i. Whose lien should be !ien pre$erence& that o$ Co"o or >utan!? SUGGESTED ANSWER: >utan! Corporation3s lien should be !ien pre$erence. )he lien o$ Co"o by irtue o$ a loan o$ bottomry %as e=tin!uished %hen the essel san.. ,nder such loan on bottomry Co"o acted not only as creditor but also as insurer. Co"o3s ri!ht to recoer the amount o$ the loan is predicated on the sa$e arrial o$ the essel at the port o$ destination. )he ri!ht %as lost %hen the essel san. (1ec 2I ;' 2@#2) Carria'e o& Goo6s: Deiation: 8ia.ilit% (2001) Bn a clear %eather& AOQ 1undo& carryin! insured car!o& le$t the port o$ Aanila bound $or Cebu. While at sea& the essel encountered a stron! typhoon $orcin! the captain to steer the essel to the nearest island %here it stayed $or seen days. )he essel ran out o$ proisions $or its passen!ers. Conse+uently& the essel proceeded to >eyte to replenish its supplies. Assumin! that the car!o %as dama!ed because o$ such deiation& %ho bet%een the insurance company and the o%ner o$ the car!o bears the loss? <=plain. SUGGESTED ANSWER: 7ersion 1990+2006 U %&ate& 'y Dondee 7ersion 1990+2003 Arrange& 'y SULAW Cass 200! )he insurance company should bear the loss to the car!o because the deiation o$ the essel %as proper in order to aoid a peril& %hich %as the stron! typhoon. )he runnin! out o$ proisions %as a direct conse+uence o$ the proper deiation in order to aoid the peril o$ the typhoon. A8TERNAT7>E ANSWER: )he o%ner o$ the car!o bears the loss because in the case at bar& they stayed too lon! at the island& ma.in! it an improper deiation. <ery deiation not specifed in 1ec. 2#4 is improper. (1ec. 2#@& Insurance Code) Carria'e o& Goo6s2 Deiation2 W#en "ro$er (2001) ,nder %hat circumstances can a essel properly proceed to a port other than its port o$ destination? <=plain. (4%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: 'eiation is proper* a$ %hen caused by circumstances oer %hich neither the master nor the o%ner o$ the ship has any controlK b$ %hen necessary to comply %ith a %arranty or aoid a peril& %hether or not the peril is insured a!ainstK c$ %hen made in !ood $aith& and upon reasonable !rounds o$ belie$ in its necessity to aoid a perilK or .$ %hen in !ood $aith& $or the purpose o$ sain! human li$e& or reliein! another essel in distress. (1ec. 2#4& Insurance Code) Carria'e o& Goo6s2 E9ercise E9traor6inar% Dili'ence (2001) 1tar 1hippin! >ines accepted 2?? cartons o$ sardines $rom Aaster to be deliered to @@@ Company in Aanila. Bnly JJ cartons %ere deliered& ho%eer& these %ere in bad condition. @@@ Company claimed $rom 1tar 1hippin! >ines the alue o$ the missin! !oods& as %ell as the dama!ed !oods. 1tar 1hippin! >ines re$used because the $ormer $ailed to present a bill o$ ladin!. 9esole %ith reasons the claim o$ @@@ Company. (4%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: )he claim o$ @@@ Company is meritorious& een i$ it $ails to present a bill o$ ladin!. Althou!h a bill o$ ladin! is the best eidence o$ the contract o$ carria!e $or car!o& neertheless such contract can e=ist een %ithout a bill o$ ladin!. >i.e any other contract& a contract o$ carria!e is a meetin! o$ minds that !ies rise to an obli!ation on the part o$ the carrier to transport the !oods. Curisprudence has held that the moment the carrier receies the car!o $or transport& then its duty to e=ercise e=traordinary dili!ence arises# .Cia# Mariti!a "# nsurance Co# of &orth $!erica, 4'+' 0o' F$)8*-5, 1ctober .;, )*-,C 0egre v' "abahug Shipping ? "o', 4'+' 0o' F$)*-;*, #pril (*, )*--! A8TERNAT7>E ANSWER: Star S&ipping Lines can refuse to &onor ### Co'panyOs clai' for t&e 'issing an. .a'age. goo.s* 2&e Bill of La.ing is t&e .ocu'ent of title t&at legally establis&es t&e owners&ip of ### Co'pany o)er sai. goo.s* ### nee.s to present t&e Bill of La.ing to legally clai' sai. goo.s* (0ational Lnion 5ire %nsurance of 3ittsburg v' Stolt$0ielaen, 4'+' 0o' 87*58, #pril (-, )**;! C#arter "art% ()**)) Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page :1 of 103 )he 1aad 'e Co enters into a oya!e charter %ith L0S oer the latter3s essel& the AQ >ady>oe. 5e$ore the 1aad could load it& L0S sold >ady >oe to Bslob Aaritime Co %hich decided to load it $or its o%n account. a$ Aay L0S 1hippin! Co alidly as. $or the rescission o$ the charter party? I$ so& can 1aad recoer dama!es? )o %hat e=tent? b$ I$ Bslob did not load it $or its o%n account& is it bound by the charter party? c$ <=plain the meanin! o$ o%ner pro hac ice o$ the essel. In %hat .ind o$ charter party does this obtain? SUGGESTED ANSWER: a$ L0S may as. $or the rescission o$ the charter party i$& as in this case& it sold the essel be$ore the charterer has be!un to load the essel and the purchaser loads it $or his o%n account. 1aad may recoer dama!es to the e=tent o$ its losses (Art :JH Code o$ Commerce) b$ I$ Bslob did not load >ady >oe $or its o%n account& it %ould be bound by the charter party& but L0S %ould hae to indemni$y Bslob i$ it %as not in$ormed o$ the Charter ;arty at the time o$ sale. (Art :JH Code o$ Commerce) c$ 2&e ter' @8wner Pro Eac ;ice of t&e ;esselBA is generally un.erstoo. to be t&e c&arterer of t&e )essel in t&e case of bareboat or .e'ise c&arter (FitonGua Shipping "o v 0ational SeamenMs Board 4+ 5)*); );#ug)*8*! C#arter "art% (2003) ,nder a charter party& LLB )radin! Company shipped su!ar to Coca4Cola Company throu!h 11 7e!ros 1hippin! Corp.& insured by Capitol Insurance Company. )he car!o arried but %ith shorta!es. Coca4Cola demanded $rom Capitol Insurance Co. ;@??.??? in settlement $or LLB )radin!. )he AA 9e!ional )rial Court& %here the ciil suit %as fled& Nabsoled the insurance company& declarin! that under the Code o$ Commerce& the shippin! a!ent is ciilly liable $or dama!es in $aor o$ third persons due to the conduct o$ the carrierDs captain& and the stipulation in the charter party e=emptin! the o%ner $rom liability is not a!ainst public policy. Coca4Cola appealed. Will its appeal prosper? 9eason brieEy. (@%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: 7o. )he appeal o$ Coca4Cola %ill not prosper. ,nder Article @JI o$ the Code o$ Commerce& the shippin! a!ent is ciilly liable $or dama!es in $aor o$ third persons due to the conduct o$ the carrierDs captain& and the shippin! a!ent can e=empt himsel$ there$rom only by abandonin! the essel %ith all his e+uipment and the $rei!ht he may hae earned durin! the oya!e. Bn the other hand& assumin! there is bareboat charter& the stipulation in the charter party e=emptin! the o%ner $rom liability is not a!ainst public policy because the public at lar!e is not inoled .Bo!e nsurance Co# "# $!erican Stea!shi- $gencies, nc#, 23 SCR$20 .166+7# C<GSA: "rescri$tion o& ClaimsFActions (2003) AA entered into a contract %ith 55 thru CC to transport ladiesD %ear $rom Aanila to 8rance %ith transhipment at )ai%an. 1omeho% the !oods %ere not loaded at )ai%an on time. /ence& %hen the !oods arried in 8rance& they arried No-4 seasonN and AA %as paid only $or one4 hal$ the alue by the buyer. AA claimed dama!es $rom the shippin! company and its a!ent. )he de$ense o$ the respondents %as prescription. Considerin! that the ladiesD %ear su-ered Nloss o$ alue&N as claimed by AA& should the prescriptie period be one year under the Carria!e o$ Foods by 1ea Act& or ten years under the Ciil Code? <=plain brieEy. (@%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: )he applicable prescriptie period is ten years under the Ciil Code. )he one4year prescriptie period under the Carria!e o$ Foods by 1ea Act applies in cases o$ loss or dama!es to the car!o. )he term NlossN as interpreted by the 1upreme Court in Mitsui O#S#@# 3ines 3td# "# Court of $--eals, 2+' SCR$ 366 .166+7& contemplates a situation %here no deliery at all %as made by the carrier o$ the !oods because the same had perished or !one out o$ commerce deteriorated or decayed %hile in transit. In the present case& the shipment o$ ladiesD %ear %as actually deliered. )he Nloss o$ alueN is not the total loss contemplated by the Carria!e o$ Foods by 1ea Act. C<GSA2 "rescri$tion o& Claims ()**2) A local consi!nee sou!ht to en$orce "udicially a claim a!ainst the carrier $or loss o$ a shipment o$ drums o$ lubricatin! oil $rom Capan under the Carria!e o$ Foods by 1ea Act (CBF1A) a$ter the carrier had re"ected its demand. )he carrier pleaded in its Ans%er the a-irmatie de$ense o$ prescription under the proisions o$ said Act inasmuch as the suit %as brou!ht by the consi!nee a$ter one (2) year $rom the deliery o$ the !oods. In turn& the consi!nee contended that the period o$ prescription %as suspended by the %ritten e=tra"udicial demand it had made a!ainst the carrier %ithin the one4 year period& pursuant to Article 22@@ o$ the Ciil Code proidin! that the prescription o$ actions is interrupted %hen there is a %ritten e=tra"udicial demand by the creditors. a$ /as the action in $act prescribed? Why? b$ I$ the consi!nee3s action %ere predicated on misdeliery or conersion o$ the !oods& %ould your ans%er be the same? <=plain brieEy. SUGGESTED ANSWER: a$ )he action ta.en by the local consi!nee has& in $act& prescribed. )he period o$ one year under the Carria!e o$ Foods by 1ea Act (CBF1A) is not interrupted by a %ritten e=tra"udicial demand. )he proisions o$ Art 22@@ o$ the 7CC merely apply to prescriptie periods proided $or in said Code and not to special la%s such as CBF1A e=cept %hen other%ise proided. .)ole " Mariti!e Co 1(+ s 11+7# b$ I$ the consi!nee3s action %ere predicated on misdeliery or conersion o$ !oods& the proisions o$ the CBF1A %ould be inapplicable. In these cases& the 7CC prescriptie periods& includin! Art 22@@ o$ the 7CC %ill apply .$ng " Co!-ania Marita!a 133 s 6,,7 Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page -2 of 103 SUGGESTED ANSWER: C<GSA2 "rescri$tion o& Claims (2000) 9C imported computer motherboards $rom the ,nited 1tates and had them shipped to Aanila aboard an ocean4 !oin! car!o ship o%ned by 5C 1hippin! Company. When the car!o arried at Aanila seaport and deliered to 9C& the crate appeared intactK but upon inspection o$ the contents& 9C discoered that the items inside had all been badly dama!ed. /e did not fle any notice o$ dama!e or anythin! %ith anyone& least o$ all %ith 5C 1hippin! Company. What he did %as to proceed directly to your o-ice to consult you about %hether he should hae !ien a notice o$ dama!e and ho% lon! a time he had to initiate a suit under the proisions o$ the Carria!e o$ Foods by 1ea Act (CA :@). What %ould your adice be? (#%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: Ay adice %ould be that 9C should !ie notice o$ the dama!e sustained by the car!o %ithin ( days and that he has to fle the suit to recoer the dama!e sustained by the car!o %ithin one year $rom the date o$ the deliery o$ the car!o to him. C<GSA2 "rescri$tie "erio6 ()**1) What is the prescriptie period $or actions inolin! lost or dama!ed car!o under the Carria!e o$ Foods by 1ea Act? SUGGESTED ANSWER: B7< 0<A9 a$ter the deliery o$ the !oods or the date %hen the !oods should hae been deliered (1ec ((:)& CBF1A) Doctrine o& 7nscruta.le /ault ()**1) /* # essels comin! $rom the opposite directions collided %ith each other due to $ault imputable to both. What are the liabilities o$ the t%o essels %ith respect to the dama!e caused to them and their car!oes? <=plain. !* I$ it cannot be determined %hich o$ the t%o essels %as at $ault resultin! in the collision& %hich party should bear the dama!e caused to the essels and the car!oes? <=plain. :* Which party should bear the dama!e to the essels and the car!oes i$ the cause o$ the collision %as a $ortuitous eent? <=plain. SUGGESTED ANSWER: /* <ach essel must bear its o%n dama!e. 5oth o$ them %ere at $ault. (Art J#I& Code o$ Commerce) !* <ach o$ them should bear their respectie dama!es. 1ince it cannot be determined as to %hich essel is at $ault. )his is the doctrine o$ inscrutable $ault. :* 7o party shall be held liable since the cause o$ the collision is $ortuitous eent. )he carrier is not an insurer. Doctrine o& 7nscruta.le /ault ()**+) <=plain the doctrine in Aaritime accidents G 'octrine o$ Inscrutable 8ault Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 ,nder the doctrine o$ inscrutable $ault& %here $ault is established but it cannot be determined %hich o$ the t%o essels %ere at $ault& both shall be deemed to hae been at $ault. Doctrine o& 7nscruta.le /ault ()**:) A seere typhoon %as ra!in! %hen the essel 11 Aasdaam collided %ith AQ ;rinces. It is conceded that the typhoon %as the ma"or cause o$ the collision& althou!h there %as a ery stron! possibility that it could hae been aoided i$ the captain o$ 11 Aasdaam %as not drun. and the captain o$ the AQ ;rinces %as not asleep at the time o$ collisions. Who should bear the dama!es to the essels and their car!oes? (@%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: )he shipo%ners o$ 11 Aasdaam and AQ ;rincess shall each bear their respectie loss o$ essels. 8or the losses and dama!es su-ered by their car!oes both shipo%ners are solidarily liable. 8imite6 8ia.ilit% Rule ()**3) )oni& a copra dealer& loaded 2??? sac.s o$ copra on board the essel AQ )onichi (a common carrier en!a!ed in coast%ise trade o%ned by Ichi) $or shipment $rom ;uerto Falera to Aanila. )he car!o did not reach Aanila because the essel capsi6ed and san. %ith all its car!o. When )oni sued Ichi $or dama!es based on breach o$ contract& the latter ino.ed the limited liability rule. /$ What do you understand o$ the rule ino.ed by Ichi? !$ Are there e=ceptions to the limited liability rule? SUGGESTED ANSWER: /$ 5y limited liability rule is meant that the liability o$ a shipo%ner $or dama!es in case o$ loss is limited to the alue o$ the essel inoled. /is other properties cannot be reached by the parties entitled to dama!es. !$ 0es. When the ship o%ner o$ the essel inoled is !uilty o$ ne!li!ence& the limited liability rule does not apply. In such case& the ship o%ner is liable to the $ull e=tent o$ the dama!es sustained by the a!!rieed parties .Mecenas " C$ 1+, s +37 8imite6 8ia.ilit% Rule ()**+) <=plain the doctrine in Aaritime accidents G )he 'octrine o$ >imited >iability SUGGESTED ANSWER: ,nder the doctrine o$ limited liability the e=clusiely real and hypothecary nature o$ maritime la% operates to limit the liability o$ the shipo%ner to the alue o$ the essel& earned $rei!hta!e and proceeds o$ the insurance. /o%eer& such doctrine does not apply i$ the shipo%ner and the captain are !uilty o$ ne!li!ence. 8imite6 8ia.ilit% Rule ()***) )hin.in! that the impendin! typhoon %as still #4 hours a%ay& AQ ;ioneer le$t port to sail $or >eyte. )hat %as a miscalculation o$ the typhoon si!nals by both the ship4 Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page -3 of 103 o%ner and the captain as the typhoon came earlier and oertoo. the essel. )he essel san. and a number o$ passen!ers disappeared %ith it. 9elaties o$ the missin! passen!ers claimed dama!es a!ainst the shipo%ner. )he shipo%ner set up the de$ense that under the doctrine o$ limited liability& his liability %as co4e=tensie %ith his interest in the essel. As the essel %as totally lost& his liability had also been e=tin!uished. a* /o% %ill you adice the claimants? 'iscuss the doctrine o$ limited liability in maritime la%. ((%) b* Assumin! that the essel %as insured& may the claimants !o a$ter the insurance proceeds? ((%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: a* ,nder the doctrine o$ limited liability in maritime la%& the liability o$ the shipo%ner arisin! $rom the operation o$ a ship is confned to the essel& e+uipment& and $rei!ht& or insurance& i$ any& so that i$ the shipo%ner abandoned the ship& e+uipment& and $rei!ht& his liability is e=tin!uished. /o%eer& the doctrine o$ limited liability does not apply %hen the shipo%ner or captain is !uilty o$ ne!li!ence. b* 0es. In case o$ a lost essel& the claimants may !o a$ter the proceeds o$ the insurance coerin! the essel. 8imite6 8ia.ilit% Rule (2000) AQ Aariposa& one o$ fe passen!er ships o%ned by Aarina 7ai!ation Co& san. o- the coast o$ Aindoro %hile en route to Iloilo City. Aore than #?? passen!ers perished in the disaster. <idence sho%ed that the ship captain i!nored typhoon bulletins issued by ;a!4asa durin! the #44 hour period immediately prior to the essel3s departure $rom Aanila. )he bulletins %arned all types o$ sea cra$ts to aoid the typhoon3s e=pected path near Aindoro. )o ma.e matters %orse& he too. more load than %as allo%ed $or the ship3s rated capacity. 1ued $or dama!es by the ictim3s suriin! relaties& Aarina 7a Co contended 2) that its liability& i$ any& had been e=tin!uished %ith the sin.in! o$ AQ AariposaK and #) that assumin! it had not been so e=tin!uished& such liability should be limited to the loss o$ the car!o. Are these contentions meritorious in the conte=t o$ applicable proisions o$ the Code o$ Commerce? ((%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: 0es. )he contentions o$ Aarina 7a Co are meritorious. )he captain o$ AQ Aariposa is !uilty o$ ne!li!ence in i!norin! the typhoon bulletins issued by ;AFA1A and in oerloadin! the essel. 5ut only the captain o$ the essel AQ Aariposa is !uilty o$ ne!li!ence. )he ship o%ner is not. )here$ore& the ship o%ner can ino.e the doctrine o$ limited liability. 8imite6 8ia.ilit% Rule2 Doctrine o& 7nscruta.le /ault ()**)) In a collision bet%een AO) Aanila& a tan.er& and AOQ 'on Claro& an inter4island essel& 'on Claro san. and many o$ its passen!ers dro%ned and died. All its car!oes %ere lost. )he collision occurred at ni!httime but the sea %as calm& the %eather $air and isibility %as !ood. ;rior to the collision and %hile still 4 nautical miles apart& 'on Claro already si!hted Aanila on its radar screen. Aanila had no radar e+uipment. As $or speed& 'on Claro %as t%ice as $ast as Aanila. At the time o$ the collision& Aanila $ailed to $ollo% 9ule 2H o$ the International 9ules o$ the 9oad %hich re+uires # essels meetin! head on to chan!e their course by each essel steerin! to starboard (ri!ht) so that each essel may pass on the port side (le$t) o$ the other. Aanila si!naled that it %ould turn to the port side and steered accordin!ly& thus resultin! in the collision. 'on Claro3s captain %as o-4duty and %as hain! a drin. at the ship3s bar at the time o$ the collision. a$ Who %ould you hold liable $or the collision? b$ I$ 'on Claro %as at $ault& may the heirs o$ the passen!ers %ho died and the o%ners o$ the car!oes recoer dama!es $rom the o%ner o$ said essel? SUGGESTED ANSWER: I can hold the # essels liable. In the problem !ien& %hether on the basis o$ the $actual settin!s or under the doctrine o$ inscrutable $ault& both essels can be said to hae been !uilty o$ ne!li!ence. )he liability o$ the # carriers $or the death or in"ury o$ passen!ers and $or the loss o$ or dama!e to the !oods arisin! $rom the collision is solidary. 7either carrier may ino.e the doctrine o$ last clear chance %hich can only be releant& i$ at all& bet%een the t%o essels but not on the claims made by passen!ers or shippers .3itonGua Shi--ing " &ational Sea!en Board %R 0161, 1,$ug16+67 SUGGESTED ANSWER: 0es& but sub"ect to the doctrine o$ limited liability. )he doctrine is to the e-ect that the liability o$ the shipo%ners %ould only be to the e=tent o$ any remainin! alue o$ the essel& proceeds o$ insurance& i$ any& and earned $rei!hta!e. Fien the $actual settin!s& the shipo%ner himsel$ %as not !uilty o$ ne!li!ence and& there$ore& the doctrine can %ell apply .$!-aro de los Santos " C$ 1+6 s 667 8imite6 8ia.ilit% Rule2 General Aera'e 8oss (2000) L 1hippin! Company spent almost a $ortune in refttin! and repairin! its lu=ury passen!er essel& the AQ Aarina& %hich plied the inter4island routes o$ the company $rom >a ,nion in the north to 'aao City in the south. )he AQ Aarina met an untimely $ate durin! its post4 repair oya!e. It san. o- the coast o$ Sambales %hile en route to >a ,nion $rom Aanila. )he inesti!ation sho%ed that the captain alone %as ne!li!ent. )here %ere no casualties in that disaster. 8aced %ith a claim $or the payment o$ the refttin! and repair& L 1hippin! company asserted e=emption $rom liability on the basis o$ the hypothecary or limited liability rule under Article @JI o$ the Code o$ Commerce. Is L 1hippin! Company3s assertion alid? <=plain ((%). SUGGESTED ANSWER: 7o. )he assertion o$ L 1hippin! Company is not alid. )he total destruction o$ the essel does not a-ect the liability o$ the ship o%ner $or repairs on the essel completed be$ore its loss. 8imite6 8ia.ilit% Rule2 General Aera'e 8oss (2000) 7ersion 1990+2006 U %&ate& 'y Dondee 7ersion 1990+2003 Arrange& 'y SULAW Cass 200! Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page :" of 103 AQ 1uper8ast& a passen!er4car!o essel o%ned by 18 1hippin! Company plyin! the inter4island routes& %as on its %ay to Samboan!a City $rom the Aanila port %hen it accidentally& and %ithout $ault or ne!li!ence o$ anyone on the ship& hit a hu!e Eoatin! ob"ect. )he accident caused dama!e to the essel and loss o$ an accompanyin! crated car!o o$ passen!er ;9. In order to li!hten the essel and sae it $rom sin.in! and in order to aoid ris. o$ dama!e to or loss o$ the rest o$ the shipped items (none o$ %hich %as located on the dec.)& some had to be "ettisoned. 18 1hippin! had the essel repaired at its port o$ destination. 18 1hippin! therea$ter fled a complaint demandin! all the other car!o o%ners to share in the total repair costs incurred by the company and in the alue o$ the lost and "ettisoned car!oes. In ans%er to the complaint& the shippers3 sole contention %as that& under the Code o$ Commerce& each dama!ed party should bear its or his o%n dama!e and those that did not su-er any loss or dama!e %ere not obli!ated to ma.e any contribution in $aor o$ those %ho did. Is the shippers3 contention alid? <=plain (#%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: 7o. )he shippers3 contention is not alid. )he o%ners o$ the car!o "ettisoned& to sae the essel $rom sin.in! and to sae the rest o$ the car!oes& are entitled to contribution. )he "ettisonin! o$ said car!oes constitute !eneral aera!e loss %hich entitles the o%ners thereo$ to contribution $rom the o%ner o$ the essel and also $rom the o%ners o$ the car!oes saed. 18 1hippin! is not entitled to contributionO reimbursement $or the costs o$ repairs on the essel $rom the shippers. Nationali3e& A#tivities or Un&erta,ings NationaliDe6 Actiities or Un6erta-in's ()**3) /$ A inested ;@??th in a security a!ency on Bctober (?& 2HH?. /e %as char!ed %ith bein! a dummy o$ his $riend& a $orei!ner. I$ you %ere the prosecutor& %hat eidence can you present to proe iolation o$ the Anti4'ummy >a%? !$ Cuana de la Cru6& a common la% %i$e o$ a $orei!ner %rested the control o$ a teleision frm. At the instance o$ the minority !roup o$ the frm& she %as char!ed %ith iolation o$ the Anti4'ummy >a%. Aay she be conicted by the mere $act that she is a common la% %i$e o$ a $orei!ner? <=plain. SUGGESTED ANSWER: 2) A allo%s or permits the use or e=ploitation or en"oyment o$ a ri!ht& priile!e or business& the e=ercise or en"oyment o$ %hich is e=pressly resered by the Constitution or the la%s to citi6ens o$ the ;hilippines& by the $orei!ner not possessin! the re+uisites prescribed by the Constitution or the la%s o$ the ;hilippines. )he prosecutor should proe the aboe elements o$ the crime 7ersion 1990+2006 U %&ate& 'y Dondee 7ersion 1990+2003 Arrange& 'y SULAW Cass 200! and also the $act that A does not hae the means and resources to inest ;@??th in the security a!ency. A8TERNAT7>E ANSWER: /$ )he prosecutor may establish the $act that the ;@??th %ould constitute a ma"or inestment and yet A is not een elected member o$ the 5B' or one o$ the o-icers. 8urthermore& it may also be sho%n that A does not een hae the means to raise the amount o$ ;@??th and that the o-icers or ma"ority o$ the directors are $orei!ners. SUGGESTED ANSWER: !$ 7o. )he mere $act o$ bein! a common la% %i$e o$ a $orei!ner does not brin! her %ithin the ambit o$ the Anti4'ummy >a%. A8TERNAT7>E ANSWER: #) 0es. 5ein! a common la% %i$e& it can be presumed that she is the one runnin! the business& %hich raises a prima $acie presumption o$ iolation o$ the Anti4 dummy >a%& (9A :?J4). NationaliDe6 Actiities or Un6erta-in's ()**3) Celeste& a domestic corporation %holly o%ned by 8ilipino citi6ens& is en!a!ed in tradin! and operates as !eneral contractor. It buys and resells the products o$ Aatilde& a domestic corporation& H?% o$ %hose capital stoc. is o%ned by aliens. All o$ Aatilde3s !oods are made in the ;hilippines $rom materials $ound or produced in the ;hilippines. Bn the other hand& <CT Inte!rated is a 2??% 8ilipino o%ned corporation and manu$acturer o$ asbestos products. Celeste and <CT too. part in a public biddin! conducted by AW11 $or its asbestos pipe re+uirements. Celeste %on the bid& hain! o-ered 2(% lo%er than that o-ered by <CTK and AW11 a%arded the contract to supply its asbestos pipes to Celeste. <CT sou!ht to nulli$y the a%ard in $aor o$ Celeste. /$ Is Celeste barred under the 8la! >a% $rom ta.in! part in biddin!s to supply the !oernment? !$ 'id Celeste and Aatilde iolate the Anti4 'ummy >a%? :$ 'id Celeste and Aatilde iolate the 9etail )rade 7ationali6ation >a%? <=plain. SUGGESTED ANSWER: /$ 7o. )he materials o-ered in the bids submitted are made in the ;hilippines $rom articles produced or !ro%n in the ;hilippines& and the bidder& Celeste& is a domestic entity. )he 8la! >a% does not apply. It can be ino.ed only a!ainst a bidder %ho is not a domestic entity& or a!ainst a domestic entity %ho o-ers imported materials. !$ 7o& since Celeste is merely a dealer o$ Aatilde and not an alter e!o o$ the latter. Celeste buys and sells on its o%n account the products o$ Aatilde. :$ Aatilde did not iolate the 9etail )rade >a% since it does not sell its products to consumers& but to dealers %ho resell them. 7either did Celeste iolate the 9etail )rade >a% since& in the frst place& it is not prohibited to Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page -5 of 103 engage in retail tra.e* Besi.esB Matil.eGs sale of t&e asbestos pro.ucts to CelesteB being w&olesaleB t&e transaction is not co)ere. by t&e +etail 2ra.e Law (#sbestos %ntegrated v 3eralta )55 S ().! NationaliDe6 Actiities or Un6erta-in's ()**1) Flobal M> Aalaysia& a 2??% Aalaysian o%ned corporation& desires to build a hotel beach resort in 1amal Island& 'aao City& to ta.e adanta!e o$ the increased tra-ic o$ tourists and boost the tourism industry o$ the ;hilippines. /* Assumin! that Flobal has ,1R2??A to inest in a hotel beach resort in the ;hilippines& may it be allo%ed to ac+uire the land on %hich to build the resort? I$ so& under %hat terms and conditions may Flobal ac+uire the land? 'iscuss $ully. !* Aay Flobal be allo%ed to mana!e the hotel beach resort? <=plain. :* Aay Flobal be allo%ed to operate restaurants %ithin the hotel beach resort? <=plain. SUGGESTED ANSWER: /* Flobal can secure a lease on the land. As a corporation %ith a Aalaysian nationality& Flobal cannot o%n the land. !* 0es& Flobal can mana!e the hotel beach resort. )here is no la% prohibitin! it $rom mana!in! the resort. :* Flobal may be allo%ed to operate restaurants %ithin the beach resort. )his is part o$ the operation o$ the resort. Retail Tra6e 8a; ()**0) Acme )radin! Co Inc& a tradin! company %holly o%ned by $orei!n stoc.holders& %as persuaded by ;aulo Ala& a 8ilipino& to inest in #?% o$ the outstandin! shares o$ stoc. o$ a corporation he is $ormin! %hich %ill en!a!e in the department store business (the department store corporation). ;aulo also ur!ed Acme to inest in 4?% o$ the outstandin! shares o$ stoc. o$ the realty corporation he is puttin! up to o%n the land on %hich the department store %ill be built (the realty corporation). a$ Aay Acme inest in the said department store corporation? <=plain your ans%er. b$ Aay Acme inest in the realty corporation? 'iscuss. c$ Aay the ;resident o$ Acme& a $orei!ner& sit in the 5B' o$ the said department store corporation? Aay he be a director o$ the realty corporation? 'iscuss. .$ Aay the )reasurer o$ Acme& another $orei!ner& occupy the same position in the said department store corporation? Aay he be the treasurer o$ the said realty corporation? <=plain. SUGGESTED ANSWER: a$ Acme may not inest in the department store corporation since the 9etail )rade Act allo%s& in the case o$ corporations& only 2??% 8ilipino o%ned companies to en!a!e in retail trade. b$ Acme may inest in the realty corporation& on the assumption that the balance o$ :?% o$ o%nership o$ the latter corporation& is 8ilipino o%ned since the la% merely re+uires :?% 8ilipino holdin! in land corporate o%nership. c$ )he Anti4dummy >a% allo%s board representation to the e=tent o$ actual and permissible $orei!n inestments in corporations. Accordin!ly& the ;resident o$ Acme may no sit in the 5B' o$ the department store corporation but can do so in the realty corporation. .$ )he )reasurer o$ Acme may not hold that position either in the department store corporation or in the realty corporation since the Anti4'ummy >a% prohibits the employment o$ aliens in such nationali6ed areas o$ business e=cept those that call $or hi!hly technical +ualifcations. Retail Tra6e 8a; ()**)) Is the 8ilipino common4la% %i$e o$ a $orei!ner barred $rom en!a!in! in the retail business? SUGGESTED ANSWER: A 8ilipino common4la% %i$e o$ a $orei!ner is not barred $rom en!a!in! in retail business. Bn the assumption that she acts $or and in her o%n behal$& and absent a iolation o$ the Anti4'ummy >a% %hich prohibits a $orei!ner $rom bein! either the real proprietor or an employee o$ a person en!a!ed in the retail trade& she %ould be iolatin! the 9etail )rade Act. A8TERNAT7>E ANSWER: An en!a!ement by a %i$e (includin! common4la% relationships) o$ a $orei!ner in the retail trade business& raises the presumption that she has iolated the Anti4 'ummy >a%. /ence& the %i$e is barred $rom en!a!in! in the retail trade business. Retail Tra6e 8a; ()**2) A Cooperatie purchased $rom 0 Co on installments a rice mill and made a do%n payment there$ore. As security $or the payment o$ the balance& the Cooperatie e=ecuted a chattel mort!a!e in $aor o$ 0 Corporation. 0 Co in turn assi!ned its ri!hts to the chattel mort!a!e to S Co a @% $orei!n o%ned company doin! business in the ;hilippines. )he cooperatie therea$ter made installment payments to S Co. 5ecause the Cooperatie %as unable to meet its obli!ations in $ull& S Co fled a!ainst it a court suit $or collection. )he Coop resisted contendin! that S Co %as ille!ally en!a!ed in the retail trade business $or hain! sold a consumer !ood as opposed to a producer item. )he Coop also alle!ed that S had iolated the Anti4 'ummy >a%. Is S !uilty o$ iolatin! the 9etail )rade >a% and the Anti4'ummy >a%? Why? SUGGESTED ANSWER: S Co is not !uilty o$ iolatin! the 9etail )rade >a% and the Anti4'ummy >a%. )he term 9<)AI> under the 9etail )rade Act re+uires that the seller must be habitually en!a!ed in sellin! to the !eneral public consumption !oods. 5y consumption !oods are meant personal& $amily and household purposes. A 9ice Aill Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page -6 of 103 does not $all under the cate!ory. 7either does it appear that S is habitually en!a!ed in sellin! to the !eneral public that commodity. 1ince there is no iolation o$ the 9etail )rade >a%& there %ould li.e%ise by no iolation o$ the Anti4'ummy >a%. Retail Tra6e 8a; ()**3) A $orei!n frm is en!a!ed in the business o$ manu$acturin! and sellin! rubber products to dealers %ho in turn sell them to others. It also sells directly to a!ricultural enterprises& automotie assembly plants& public utilities %hich buy them in lar!e bul.& and to its o-icers and employees. /$ Is there iolation o$ the 9etail )rade >a%? <=plain. !$ Aay said frm operate a canteen inside the premises o$ its plant e=clusiely $or its o-icials and employees %ithout iolatin! the 9etail )rade Act? <=plain. SUGGESTED ANSWER: /$ Bn the assumption that the $orei!n frm is doin! business in the ;hilippines& the sale to the dealers o$ a!ricultural enterprises& automotie assembly plants& and public utilities is %holesale and& there$ore& not in iolation o$ the 9etail )rade Act .BF %oodrich " Re5es 121 s 3637 !$ 0es. )he operation o$ the canteen inside the premises e=clusiely $or its o-icers and employees& %ould amount to an input in the manu$acturin! process and& there$ore& does not iolate the 9etail )rade Act. Retail Tra6e 8a; ()**4) With a capital o$ ;#th Aaria operates a stall at a public mar.et. 1he manu$actures soap that she sells to the !eneral public. /er common la% husband& Aa>ee& %ho has a pendin! petition $or naturali6ation& occasionally fnances the purchase o$ !oods $or resale& and assists in the mana!ement o$ the business. Is there a iolation o$ the 9etail )rade >a%? <=plain. SUGGESTED ANSWER: 7o& there is no iolation o$ the 9etail )rade >a%. Aaria is a manu$acturer %ho sells to the !eneral public& throu!h her stall in the public mar.et& the soap %hich she manu$actures. Inasmuch as her capital does not e=ceed ;@th (it is only ;#th) then she is considered under 1ec 4a o$ the 9etail )rade >a% as not en!a!ed in the retail business. Inasmuch as Aaria3s business is not a retail business& then the re+uirement in 1ec 2 o$ the 9etail )rade >a% that only ;hilippine nationals shall en!a!e& directly& or indirectly& in the retail business is inapplicable. 8or this reason& the participation o$ Aa >ee& Aaria3s common >a% husband& in the mana!ement o$ the business %ould not be a iolation o$ the 9etail )rade >a% in relation to the Anti4 'ummy >a%. Retail Tra6e 8a; ()**4) <> Inc& a domestic corporation %ith $orei!n e+uity& manu$actures electric !enerators& and sells them to the $ollo%in! customers* a) !oernment o-ices %hich use the !enerators durin! bro%nouts to render public serice& b) a!ricultural enterprises %hich utili6e the !enerators as Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 bac.up in the processin! o$ !oods& c) $actories& and d) its o%n employees. Is <> en!a!ed in retail trade? <=plain. SUGGESTED ANSWER: )he sale by <> o$ !enerators to !oernment o-ices& a!ricultural enterprises and $actories are outside the scope o$ the term retail business and may& there$ore& be made by the said corporation. /o%eer& sales o$ !enerators by <> to its o%n employees constitute retail sales and are proscribed. ,nder the amendment to the 9etail )rade >a% introduced by ;' I24& the term retail business shall not include a manu$acturer (such as <>) sellin! to industrial and commercial users or consumers %ho use the products bou!ht by them to render serice to the !eneral public (e! !oernment o-ices) andOor to produce or manu$acture !oods %hich are in turn sold by them (e! a!ricultural enterprises and $actories). .%ood5ear ?ires " Re5es Sr %r 3,,63, 9l5 2, +3 123s2'37# Retail Tra6e 8a;2 Consi'nment ()**)) A5C Aanu$acturin! Inc& a company %holly o%ned by $orei!n nationals& manu$actures type%riters %hich A5C distributes to the !eneral public in # %ays* /* A5C consi!ns its type%riters to independent dealers %ho in turn sell them to the publicK and& !* )hrou!h indiiduals& %ho are not employees o$ A5C& and %ho are paid strictly on a commission basis $or each sale. 'o these arran!ements iolate the 9etail )rade >a%? SUGGESTED ANSWER: a) )he frst arran!ement %ould not be in iolation o$ the 9etail )rade >a%. )he la% applies only %hen the sale is direct to the !eneral public. A dealer buys and sells $or and in his o%n behal$ and& there$ore& the sale to the !eneral public is made by the dealer and not by the manu$acturer .Mars!an A Co " First Coconut Control Co %R36+(1 2,9une16++7 A8TERNAT7>E ANSWER: a$ )he frst arran!ement iolates the 9etail )rade >a% because %hen A5C consi!ned the type%riters& the transaction %as one o$ consi!nment sale. In consi!nment sale& an a!ency relationship is created so it is as i$ A5C sells directly to the public throu!h its a!ents. SUGGESTED ANSWER: b$ )he second arran!ement %ould be iolatie o$ the 9etail )rade >a%& since the sale is done throu!h indiiduals bein! paid strictly on a commission basis. )he said indiiduals %ould then be actin! merely as a!ents o$ the manu$acturer. 1ales& there$ore& made by such a!ents are deemed direct sales by the manu$acturer. A8TERNAT7>E ANSWER: b) )he #nd arran!ement is not iolatie o$ the 9etail )rade >a% because type%riters are not consumption !oods or !oods $or personal& household and $amily use. Negotia'le Instr0ments La! ,on6: Cas# ,on6 s! Suret% ,on6 (2003) 'istin!uish clearly cash bond $rom surety bond. Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page -- of 103 SUGGESTED ANSWER: A 1,9<)0 5B7' is issued by a surety or insurance company in $aor o$ a desi!nated benefciary& pursuant to %hich such company acts as a surety to the debtor or obli!or o$ such benefciary. A CA1/ 5B7' is a security in the $orm o$ cash established by a !uarantor or surety to secure the obli!ation o$ another. C#ec-s: Crosse6 C#ec-s (2001) What is a crossed chec.? What are the e-ects o$ crossin! a chec.? <=plain. SUGGESTED ANSWER: A Crossed Chec. under accepted ban.in! practice& crossin! a chec. is done by %ritin! t%o parallel lines dia!onally on the le$t top portion o$ the chec.s. )he crossin! is special %here the name o$ the ban. or a business institution is %ritten bet%een the t%o parallel lines& %hich means that the dra%ee should pay only %ith the interention o$ that company. #ffe'ts of Crosse, C4e';s /$ )he chec. may not be encashed but only deposited in the ban.. !$ )he chec. may be ne!otiated only onceVto one %ho has an account %ith a ban.. :$ )he act o$ crossin! the chec. seres as a %arnin! to the holder that the chec. has been issued $or a defnite purpose& so that he must in+uire i$ he has receied the chec. pursuant to that purposeK other%ise& he is not a holder in due course. C#ec-s: Crosse6 C#ec-s s! Cancelle6 C#ec-s (2003) Distinguis& clearly /$ crosse. c&ecks fro' cancelle. c&ecks% SUGGESTED ANSWER: A crossed chec. is one %ith t%o parallel lines dra%n dia!onally across its $ace or across a corner thereo$. Bn the other hand& a cancelled chec. is one mar.ed or stamped NpaidN andOor NcancelledN by or on behal$ o$ a dra%ee ban. to indicate payment thereo$. C#ec-s2 Crosse6 C#ec- ()**)) Ar ;ablo sou!ht to borro% ;#??th $rom Ar Carlos. Carlos a!reed to loan the amount in the $orm o$ a post4 dated chec. %hich %as crossed (i.e. # parallel lines dia!onally dra%n on the top le$t portion o$ the chec.). 5e$ore the due date o$ the chec.& ;ablo discounted it %ith 7oble Bn due date& 7oble deposited the chec. %ith his ban.. )he chec. %as dishonored. 7oble sued ;ablo. )he court dismissed 7oble3s complaint. Was the court3s decision correct? SUGGESTED ANSWER: )he court3s decision %as incorrect. ;ablo and Carlos& bein! immediate parties to the instrument& are !oerned by the rules o$ priity. Fien the $actual circumstances o$ the problem& ;ablo has no alid e=cuse $rom denyin! liability& .State in"est!ent Bouse " $C %R '2'6( 139ul516+67# ;ablo undoubtedly had benefted in the transaction. )o hold other%ise %ould also contraene the basic rules o$ un"ust enrichment. <en in ne!otiable instruments& the Ciil Code and other la%s o$ !eneral application can still apply suppletorily. A8TERNAT7>E ANSWER: )he dismissal by the court %as correct. A chec. %hether or not post4dated or crossed& is still a ne!otiable instrument and unless ;ablo is a !eneral indorser& %hich is not e=pressed in the $actual settin!s& he cannot be held liable $or the dishonor o$ the instrument. In State n"est!ent Bouse " $C .%R '2'6( 139ul16+67& the court did not !o so $ar as to hold that the $act o$ crossin! %ould render the instrument non4ne!otiable. A8TERNAT7>E ANSWER: In State n"est!ent Bouse " $C .%R '2'6( 139ul16+67, the 1C considered a crossed chec. as sub"ectin! a subse+uent holder thereo$ to the contractual coenants o$ the payor and the payee. I$ such %ere the case& then the instrument is not one %hich can still be said to contain an unconditional promise to pay or order a sum certain in money. In the trans$er o$ non4ne!otiable credits by assi!nment& the trans$eror does not assume liability $or the $ault o$ the debtor or obli!or. Accordin!ly the court3s decision %as correct. A8TERNAT7>E ANSWER: 0es. )he chec. is crossed. It should hae $ore%arned Ar. 7oble that it %as issued $or a specifc purpose. /ence& Ar 7oble could not be a holder in due course. /e is sub"ect to the personal de$ense o$ breach o$ trustO a!reement by Ar. ;ablo. 1uch de$ense is aailable in $aor o$ Ar Carlos a!ainst Ar 7oble. C#ec-s2 Crosse6 C#ec- ()**3) ;o ;ress issued in $aor o$ Cose a postdated crossed chec.& in payment o$ ne%sprint %hich Cose promised to delier. Cose sold and ne!otiated the chec. to <=cel Inc. at a discount. <=cel did not as. Cose the purpose o$ crossin! the chec.. 1ince Cose $ailed to delier the ne%sprint& ;o ordered the dra%ee ban. to stop payment on the chec.. <-orts o$ <=cel to collect $rom ;o $ailed. <=cel %ants to .no% $rom you as counsel* /$ What are the e-ects o$ crossin! a chec.? !$ Whether as second indorser and holder o$ the crossed chec.& is it a holder in due course? :$ Whether ;o3s de$ense o$ lac. o$ consideration as a!ainst Cose is also aailable as a!ainst <=cel? SUGGESTED ANSWER: /$ )he e-ects o$ crossin! a chec. are* a* )he chec. is $or deposit only in the account o$ the payee b* )he chec. may be indorsed only once in $aor o$ a person %ho has an account %ith a ban. c* )he chec. is issued $or a specifc purpose and the person %ho ta.es it not in accordance %ith said purpose does not become a holder in due course and is not entitled to payment thereunder. !$ 7o. It is a crossed chec. and <=cel did not ta.e it in accordance %ith the purpose $or %hich the chec. %as issued. 8ailure on its part to in+uire as to said purpose& Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page -8 of 103 preented <=cel $rom becomin! a holder in due course& as such $ailure or re$usal constituted bad $aith. :$ Les* =ot being a &ol.er in .ue courseB 54cel is sub9ect to t&e personal .efense w&ic& Po Press can set up against 7ose (State %nvestment @ouse v %#" )75 S .);! C#ec-s2 Crosse6 C#ec- ()**1) Bn Bct 2#& 2HH(& Chelsea 1trai!hts& a corp en!a!ed in the manu$acture o$ ci!arettes& ordered $rom Aoises #&??? bales o$ tobacco. Chelsea issued to Aoises t%o crossed chec.s postdated 2@ Aar H4 and 2@ Apr H4 in $ull payment there$or. Bn 2H Can H4 Aoises sold to 'ra!on Inestment /ouse at a discount the t%o chec.s dra%n by Chelsea in his $aor. Aoises $ailed to delier the bales o$ tobacco as a!reed despite Chelsea3s demand. Conse+uently& on 2 Aar H4 Chelsea issued a stop payment order on the # chec.s issued to Aoises. 'ra!on& claimin! to be a holder in due course& fled a complaint $or collection a!ainst Chelsea $or the alue o$ the chec.s. 9ule on the complaint o$ 'ra!on. Fie your le!al basis. SUGGESTED ANSWER: 'ra!on cannot collect $rom Chelsea. )he instruments are crossed chec.s %hich %ere intended to pay $or the #&??? bales o$ tobacco to be deliered to Aoises. It %as there$ore the obli!ation o$ 'ra!on to in+uire as to the purpose o$ the issuance o$ the # crossed chec.s be$ore causin! them to be discounted. 8ailure on its part to ma.e such in+uiry& %hich resulted in its bad $aith& 'ra!on cannot claim to be a holder in due course. Aoreoer& the chec.s %ere sold& not endorsed& by him to 'ra!on %hich did not become a holder in due course. 7ot bein! a holder in due course& 'ra!on is sub"ect to the personal de$ense on the part o$ Chelsea concernin! the breach o$ trust on the part o$ Aoises >im in not complyin! %ith his obli!ation to delier the #??? bales o$ tobacco. C#ec-s2 Crosse6 C#ec- ()**4) What are the e-ects o$ crossin! a chec.? SUGGESTED ANSWER: )he e-ects o$ crossin! a chec. are as $ollo%s* a* )he chec. may not be encashed but only deposited in a ban.K b* )he chec. may be ne!otiated only once to one %ho has an account %ith a ban.K c' 2&e act of crossing a c&eck ser)es as a warning to t&e &ol.er t&ereof t&at t&e c&eck &as been issue. for a .efinite purpose so t&at t&e &ol.er 'ust in-uire if &e &as recei)e. t&e c&eck pursuant to t&at purposeB ot&erwise &e is not a &ol.er in .ue course (See Bataan "igar and "igarette 5actory, %nc' v "# 4+ *.;,8, 6ar ., )**,C (.; s -,.! C#ec-s2 Crosse6 C#ec- ()**4) Bn Aarch 2& 2HH:& ;entium Company ordered a computer $rom C' 5ytes& and issued a crossed chec. in the amount o$ ;(?&??? post4dated Aar (2& 2HH:. ,pon receipt o$ the chec.& C' 5ytes discounted the chec. %ith 8und /ouse. Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 Bn April 2& 2HH:& ;entium stopped payment o$ the chec. $or $ailure o$ C' 5ytes to delier the computer. )hus& %hen 8und /ouse deposited the chec.& the dra%ee ban. dishonored it. I$ 8und /ouse fles a complaint a!ainst ;entium and C' 5ytes $or the payment o$ the dishonored chec.& %ill the complaint prosper? <=plain. SUGGESTED ANSWER:: )he complaint fled by 8und /ouse a!ainst ;entium %ill not prosper but the one a!ainst C' 5ytes %ill. 8und /ouse is not a holder in due course and& there$ore& ;entium can raise the de$ense o$ $ailure o$ consideration a!ainst it. )he chec. in +uestion %as issued by ;entium to pay $or a computer that it ordered $rom C' 5ytes. )he computer not hain! been deliered& there %as a $ailure o$ consideration. )he chec. discounted %ith 8und /ouse by C' 5ytes is a crossed chec. and this should hae put 8und /ouse on in+uiry. It should hae ascertained the title o$ C' 5ytes to the chec. or the nature o$ the latter3s possession. 8ailin! in this respect& 8und /ouse is deemed !uilty o$ !ross ne!li!ence amountin! to le!al absence o$ !ood $aith and& thus& not a holder in due course. 8und /ouse can collect $rom C' 5ytes as the latter %as the immediate indorser o$ the chec.. .See Bataan Cigar and Cigarette Factor5 " C$ et al 23, s 6(3 %R 63,(+ Mar 3, 6(7 C#ec-s2 E&&ect2 Acce$tance .% t#e 6ra;ee .an- ()**:) L dra%s a chec. a!ainst his current account %ith the Brti!as branch o$ 5oni$acio 5an. in $aor o$ 5. Althou!h L does not hae su-icient $unds& the ban. honors the chec. %hen it is presented $or payment. Apparently& L has conspired %ith the ban.3s boo..eeper so that his led!er card %ould sho% that he still has su-icient $unds. )he ban. fles an action $or recoery o$ the amount paid to 5 because the chec. presented has no su-icient $unds. 'ecide the case (@%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: )he ban. cannot recoer the amount paid to 5 $or the chec.. When the ban. honored the chec.& it became an acceptor. As acceptor& the ban. became primarily and directly liable to the payeeOholder 5. )he recourse o$ the ban. should be a!ainst L and its boo..eeper %ho conspired to ma.e L3s led!er sho% that he has su-icient $unds. A8TERNAT7>E ANSWER: )he ban. can recoer $rom 5. )his is solutio inde*iti because there is payment by the ban. to 5 %hen such payment is not due. )he chec. issued by L to 5 as payee had no su-icient $unds. C#ec-s2 E&&ects2 Alterations2 "rescri$tie "erio6 ()**4) ?illia' issue. to Albert a c&eck for P/"B""" .rawn on KM Bank* Albert altere. t&e a'ount of t&e c&eck to P!/"B""" an. .eposite. t&e c&eck to &is account wit& =D Bank* ?&en =D Bank presente. t&e c&eck for Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page -9 of 103 payment throu!h the Clearin! /ouse& LA 5an. honored it. )herea$ter& Albert %ithdre% the ;#2?&??? and closed his account. When the chec. %as returned to him a$ter a month& William discoered the alteration. LA 5an. recredited ;#2?&??? to William3s current account& and sou!ht reimbursement $rom 7' 5an.. 7' 5an. re$used& claimin! that LA 5an. $ailed to return the altered chec. to it %ithin #4 hour clearin! period. Who& as bet%een& LA 5an. and 7' 5an.& should bear the loss? <=plain. SUGGESTED ANSWER: 7' 5an. should bear the loss i$ LA 5an. returned the altered chec. to 7' 5an. %ithin t%enty $our hours a$ter its discoery o$ the alteration. ,nder the !ien $acts& William discoered the alteration %hen the altered chec. %as returned to him a$ter a month. It may sa$ely be assumed that William immediately adised LA 5an. o$ such $act and that the latter promptly notifed 7' 5an. therea$ter. Central 5an. Circular 7o. H& as amended& on %hich the decisions o$ the 1upreme Court in Bongkong A Shanghai Banking Cor- " /eo-leCs Bank A ?rust Co and Re-u*lic Bank "s C$ %ere based %as e=pressly cancelled and superseded by C5 7o (2I dated 'ec #( 2HI?. )he latter %as in turn amended by C5 Circular 7o @J?& dated 1ept 2H& 2HII. As to altered chec.s& the ne% rules proide that the dra%ee ban. can still return them een a$ter 4*?? pm o$ the ne=t day proided it does so %ithin #4 hours $rom discoery o$ the alteration but in no eent beyond the period f=ed or proided by la% $or flin! o$ a le!al action by the returnin! ban. a!ainst the ban. sendin! the same. Assumin! that the relationship bet%een the dra%ee ban. and the collectin! ban. is eidenced by some %ritten document& the prescriptie period %ould be 2? years. .Ca!-os, &3 0th ed (0(2(007 A8TERNAT7>E ANSWER: KM Bank s&oul. bear t&e loss* ?&en t&e .rawee bank KM Bank$ faile. to return t&e altere. c&eck to t&e collecting bank =D Bank$ wit&in t&e !( &our clearing perio. pro)i.e. in Sec (c of CB Circular 0B .ate. Feb /3B /0(0B t&e latter is absol)e. fro' liability* (See @SB" v 3B?2 "o 4+ F$(8((- Sep .; )*7;C .5 s ),;C also +ep Ban/ v "# 4+ ,(7(5 #pr ((, )**) )*- s );;! C#ec-s2 /or'e6 C#ec-2 E&&ects (2004) 'iscuss the le!al conse+uences %hen a ban. honors a $or!ed chec.. (@%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( )he le!al conse+uences %hen a ban. honors a $or!ed chec. are as $ollo%s* a$ When Drawer's Signature is Forged: Drawee<bank by accepting t&e c&eck cannot set up t&e .efense of forgeryB because by accepting t&e instru'entB t&e .rawee bank a.'its t&e genuineness of signature of .rawer (B3% 5amily Ban/ vs' Buenaventura 4'+' 0o' ),8)*-, September .;, (;;5C Section (., 0egotiable %nstruments Faw!' ,nless a $or!ery is attributable to the $ault or ne!li!ence o$ the dra%er himsel$& the remedy o$ the dra%ee4ban. is a!ainst the party responsible $or the $or!ery. Bther%ise& .rawee<bank bears t&e loss (B3% 5amily Ban/ v' Buenaventura, 4'+' 0o' ),8)*-, September .;, (;;5!' A .rawee<bank paying on a forge. c&eck 'ust be consi.ere. as paying out of its fun.s an. cannot c&arge t&e a'ount to t&e .rawer (Samsung "onstruction "o' 3hils, v' 5ar East Ban/, 4'+' 0o' )(*;)5, #ugust )., (;;,!' 1f t&e .rawee<bank &as c&arge. .rawerOs accountB t&e latter can reco)er suc& a'ount fro' t&e .rawee<bank (#ssociated Ban/ v' "ourt of #ppeals, 4'+' 0o' );7.8(, <anuary .), )**-C Ban/ of 3' %' v' "ase 6ontessori %nternationale, 4'+' 0o' ),*,5,, 6ay (8, (;;,!' Eowe)erB t&e .rawer 'ay be preclu.e. or estoppe. fro' setting up t&e .efense of forgery as against t&e .rawee< bankB w&en it is s&own t&at t&e .rawer &i'self &a. been guilty of gross negligence as to &a)e facilitate. t&e forgery 6etropolitan Naterwor/s v' "ourt of #ppeals, 4'+' 0o' F$ -(*,., ),. S"+# (;, <uly ),, )*8-$* (012# BE0E 2he question does not qualify the term Oforged chec/O' #n answer addressing the liabilities of a drawer should be deemed sufficient' #nswers addressing liabilities of parties should li/ewise be given full credit! Drawee Bank versus Collecting Bank P ?&en t&e signature of t&e .rawer is forge.B as between t&e .rawee< bank an. collecting bankB t&e .rawee<bank sustains t&e lossB since t&e collecting bank .oes not guarantee t&e signature of t&e .rawer* 2&e pay'ent of t&e c&eck by t&e .rawee bank constitutes t&e pro4i'ate negligence since it &as t&e .uty to know t&e signature of its client<.rawer* (3hilippine 0ational Ban/ v' "ourt of #ppeals, 4'+' 0o' F$ (-;;), 1ctober (*, )*-8!' b$ Forged Payee's Signature: ?&en .rawee<bank pays t&e forge. c&eckB it 'ust be consi.ere. as paying out of its fun.s an. cannot c&arge t&e a'ount so pai. to t&e account of t&e .epositor* 1n suc& caseB t&e bank beco'es liable since its pri'ary .uty is to )erify t&e aut&enticity of t&e payeeOs signature (2raders +oyal Ban/ v' +adio 3hilippines 0etwor/, 4'+' 0o' ).85);, 1ctober );, (;;(C Nestmont Ban/ v' 1ng, 4'+' 0o' ).(5-;, <anuary .;, (;;(!' A Forged Indorsement* 'ra%erDs account cannot be char!ed& and i$ char!ed& he can recoer $rom the dra%ee4 ban. .$ssociated Bank "# Court of $--eals, %#R# &o# 1,'3+2 9anuar5 31,16667# 'ra%er has no cause o$ action a!ainst collectin! ban.& since the duty o$ collectin! ban. is only to the payee. A collectin! ban. is not !uilty o$ ne!li!ence oer a $or!ed indorsement on chec.s $or it has no %ay o$ ascertainin! the authority o$ the endorsement and %hen it caused the chec.s to pass throu!h the clearin! house be$ore allo%in! %ithdra%al o$ the proceeds thereo$ .Manila 3ighter ?rans-ortation, nc# "# Court of $--eals, %#R# &o# 0,3'3, Fe*ruar5 10, 166,7# Bn the other hand& a collectin! ban. %hich endorses a chec. bearin! a $or!ed endorsement and presents it to the dra%ee ban. !uarantees all prior endorsements includin! the $or!ed endorsement itsel$ and should be held liable Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 80 of 103 t&erefor (2raders +oyal Ban/ v' +30, 4'+' 0o' ).85);, 1ctober );, (;;(!' Drawee<bank can reco)er fro' t&e collecting bank (4reat Eastern Fife %ns' "o' v' @ong/ong ? Shanghai Ban/, 4'+' 0o' )8-57, #ugust (.,)*((! because e)en if t&e in.orse'ent on t&e c&eck .eposite. by t&e bankOs client is forge.B collecting bank is boun. by its warranties as an in.orser an. cannot set up .efense of forgery as against .rawee bank (#ssociated Ban/ v' "ourt of #ppeals, 4'+' 0o' );7.8(, <anuary .), )**-!' C#ec-s2 8ia.ilit%2 Dra;ee ,an- ()**1) Aario Fu6man issued to /onesto 1antos a chec. $or ;@?th as payment $or a #nd hand car. Without the .no%led!e o$ Aario& /onesto chan!ed the amount to ;2@?th %hich alteration could not be detected by the na.ed eye. /onesto deposited the altered chec. %ith 1hure 5an. %hich $or%arded the same to ;ro!ressie 5an. $or payment. ;ro!ressie 5an. %ithout noticin! the alteration paid the chec.& debitin! ;2@?th $rom the account o$ Aario. /onesto %ithdre% the amount o$ ;2@th $rom 1hure 5an. and disappeared. A$ter receiin! his ban. statement& Aario discoered the alteration and demanded restitution $rom ;ro!ressie 5an.. 'iscuss $ully the ri!hts and the liabilities o$ the parties concerned. SUGGESTED ANSWER: )he demand o$ Aario $or restitution o$ the amount o$ ;2@?&??? to his account is tenable. ;ro!ressie 5an. has no ri!ht to deduct said amount $rom Aario3s account since the order o$ Aario is di-erent. Aoreoer& ;ro!ressie 5an. is liable $or the ne!li!ence o$ its employees in not noticin! the alteration %hich& thou!h it cannot be detected by the na.ed eye& could be detected by a ma!ni$yin! instrument used by tellers. As bet%een ;ro!ressie 5an. and 1hure 5an.& it is the $ormer that should bear the loss. ;ro!ressie 5an. $ailed to noti$y 1hure 5an. that there %as somethin! %ron! %ith the chec. %ithin the clearin! hour rule o$ #4 hours. C#ec-s2 (aterial Alterations2 8ia.ilit% ()***) A chec. $or ;@?&???.?? %as dra%n a!ainst dra%ee ban. and made payable to L0S Aar.etin! or order. )he chec. %as deposited %ith payee3s account at A5C 5an. %hich then sent the chec. $or clearin! to dra%ee ban.. 'ra%ee ban. re$used to honor the chec. on !round that the serial number thereo$ had been altered. L0S mar.etin! sued dra%ee ban.. a* Is it proper $or the dra%ee ban. to dishonor the chec. $or the reason that it had been altered? <=plain (#%) b* In instant suit& dra%ee ban. contended that L0S Aar.etin! as payee could not sue the dra%ee ban. as there %as no priity bet%een then. 'ra%ee theori6ed that there %as no basis to ma.e it liable $or the chec.. Is this contention correct? <=plain. ((%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: a* 7o. )he serial number is not a material particular o$ the chec.. Its alteration does not constitute material Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 alteration o$ the instrument. )he serial number is not material to the ne!otiability o$ the instrument. b* 0es. As a !eneral rule& the dra%ee is not liable under the chec. because there is no priity o$ contract bet%een L0S Aar.etin!& as payee& and A5C 5an. as the dra%ee ban.. /o%eer& i$ the action ta.en by the ban. is an abuse o$ ri!ht %hich caused dama!e not only to the issuer o$ the chec. but also to the payee& the payee has a cause o$ action under +uasi4delict. C#ec-s2 "resentment ()**3) Femma dre% a chec. on 1eptember 2(& 2HH?. )he holder presented the chec. to the dra%ee ban. only on Aarch @& 2HH4. )he ban. dishonored the chec. on the same date. A$ter dishonor by the dra%ee ban.& the holder !ae a $ormal notice o$ dishonor to Femma throu!h a letter dated April #I& 2HH4. /$ What is meant by unreasonable time as applied to presentment? !$ Is Femma liable to the holder? SUGGESTED ANSWER: /$ As applied to presentment $or payment& reasonable time* is meant not more than : months $rom the date o$ issue. 5eyond said period& it is unreasonable time and the chec. becomes stale. !$ 7o. Aside $orm the chec. bein! already stale& Femma is also dischar!ed $orm liability under the chec.& bein! a dra%er and a person %hose liability is secondary& this is due to the !iin! o$ the notice o$ dishonor beyond the period allo%ed by la%. )he !iin! o$ notice o$ dishonor on April #I& 2HH4 is more than one (2) month $rom Aarch @& 2HH4 %hen the chec. %as dishonored. 1ince it is not sho%n that Femma and the holder resided in the same place& the period %ithin %hich to !ie notice o$ dishonor must be the same time that the notice %ould reach Femma i$ sent by mail. (7I> 1ec 2?( P 2?4K 8ar <ast 9ealty Inestment Inc CA 2:: 1 #@:) A8TERNAT7>E ANSWER: !$ Femma can still be liable under the ori!inal contract $or the consideration o$ %hich the chec. %as issued. C#ec-s2 "resentment (2003) A ban. issues its o%n chec.. Aay the holder hold the ban. liable thereunder i$ he $ails to G proe presentment $or payment& or present the bill to the dra%ee $or acceptance? <=plain your ans%ers. (4%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: C#ec-s2 >ali6it%2 Waier o& ,an-Gs lia.ilit% &or ne'li'ence ()**)) Ar. >im issued a chec. dra%n a!ainst 5;I 5an. in $aor o$ Ar 0u as payment o$ certain shares o$ stoc. %hich he purchased. Bn the same day that he issued the chec. to 0u& >im ordered 5;I to stop payment. ;er standard ban.in! practice& >im %as made to si!n a %aier o$ 5;I3s Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 81 of 103 liability in the eent that it should pay 0u throu!h oersi!ht or inadertence. 'espite the stop order by >im& 5;I neertheless paid 0u upon presentation o$ the chec.. >im sued 5;I $or payin! a!ainst his order. 'ecide the case. SUGGESTED ANSWER: In the eent that Ar. >im& in $act& had su-icient le!al reasons to issue the stop payment order& he may sue 5;I $or payin! a!ainst his order. )he %aier e=ecuted by Ar >im did not mean that it need not e=ercise due dili!ence to protect the interest o$ its account holder. It is not amiss to state that the dra%ee& unless the instrument has earlier been accepted by it& is not bound to honor payment to the holder o$ the chec. that thereby e=cludes it $rom any liability i$ it %ere to comply %ith its stop payment order (1ec :2 7I>) A8TERNAT7>E ANSWER: 2HH2 :b) 5;I %ould not be liable to Ar >im. Ar >im and 5;I are !oerned by their o%n a!reement. )he %aier e=ecuted by Ar >im& neither bein! one o$ $uture $raud or !ross ne!li!ence& %ould be alid. )he problem does not indicate the e=istence o$ $raud or !ross ne!li!ence on the part o$ 5;I so as to %arrant liability on its part. De&enses2 /or'er% (2003) CL maintained a chec.in! account %ith ,5A7M& Aa.ati 5ranch. Bne o$ his chec.s in a stub o$ f$ty %as missin!. >ater& he discoered that As. '0 $or!ed his si!nature and succeeded to encash ;2@&??? $rom another branch o$ the ban.. '0 %as able to encash the chec. %hen <)& a $riend& !uaranteed due e=ecution& sayin! that she %as a holder in due course. Can CL recoer the money $rom the ban.? 9eason brieEy. (@%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: 0es& CL can recoer $rom the ban.. ,nder 1ection #( o$ the 7e!otiable Instruments >a%& $or!ery is a real de$ense. )he $or!ed chec. is %holly inoperatie in relation to CL. CL cannot be held liable thereon by anyone& not een by a holder in due course. ,nder a $or!ed si!nature o$ the dra%er& there is no alid instrument that %ould !ie rise to a contract %hich can be the basis or source o$ liability on the part o$ the dra%er. )he dra%ee ban. has no ri!ht or authority to touch the dra%erDs $unds deposited %ith the dra%ee ban.. /or'er%2 8ia.ilities2 "rior 0 Su.se5uent "arties ()**0) 7ose loane. Mario so'e 'oney an.B to e)i.ence &is in.ebte.nessB Mario e4ecute. an. .eli)ere. to 7ose a pro'issory note payable to &is or.er* Cose endorsed the note to ;ablo. 5ert $raudulently obtained the note $rom ;ablo and endorsed it to Culian by $or!in! ;ablo3s si!nature. Culian endorsed the note to Camilo. a$ Aay Camilo en$orce the said promissory note a!ainst Aario and Cose? b$ Aay Camilo !o a!ainst ;ablo? c$ Aay Camilo en$orce said note a!ainst Culian? .$ A!ainst %hom can Culian hae the ri!ht o$ recourse? e$ Aay ;ablo recoer $rom either Aario or Cose? SUGGESTED ANSWER: a$ Camilo may not en$orce said promissory note a!ainst Aario and Cose. )he promissory note at the time o$ $or!ery bein! payable to order& the si!nature o$ ;ablo %as essential $or the instrument to pass title to subse+uent parties. A $or!ed si!nature %as inoperatie (1ec #( 7I>). Accordin!ly& the parties be$ore the $or!ery are not "uridically related to parties a$ter the $or!ery to allo% such en$orcement. b$ Camilo may not !o a!ainst ;ablo& the latter not hain! indorsed the instrument. c$ Camilo may en$orce the instrument a!ainst Culian because o$ his special indorsement to Camilo& thereby ma.in! him secondarily liable& both bein! parties a$ter the $or!ery. .$ Culian& in turn& may en$orce the instrument a!ainst 5ert %ho& by his $or!ery& has rendered himsel$ primarily liable. e$ ;ablo preseres his ri!ht to recoer $rom either Aario or Cose %ho remain parties "uridically related to him. Aario is still considered primarily liable to ;ablo. ;ablo may& in case o$ dishonor& !o a$ter Cose %ho& by his special indorsement& is secondarily liable. 0ote %t is possible that an answer might distinguish between blan/ and special indorsements of prior parties which can thereby materially alter the above suggested answers' 2he problem did not clearly indicate the /ind of indorsements made' /or'er%2 8ia.ilities2 "rior 0 Su.se5uent "arties ()**1) Ale= issued a ne!otiable ;7 (promissory note) payable to 5enito or order in payment o$ certain !oods. 5enito indorsed the ;7 to Celso in payment o$ an e=istin! obli!ation. >ater Ale= $ound the !oods to be de$ectie. While in Celso3s possession the ;7 %as stolen by 'ennis %ho $or!ed Celso3s si!nature and discounted it %ith <d!ar& a money lender %ho did not ma.e in+uiries about the ;7. <d!ar indorsed the ;7 to 8eli=& a holder in due course. When 8eli= demanded payment o$ the ;7 $rom Ale= the latter re$used to pay. 'ennis could no lon!er be located. /* What are the ri!hts o$ 8eli=& i$ any& a!ainst Ale=& 5enito& Celso and <d!ar? <=plain !* 'oes Celso hae any ri!ht a!ainst Ale=& 5enito and 8eli=? <=plain. SUGGESTED ANSWER: /* 8eli= has no ri!ht to claim a!ainst Ale=& 5enito and Celso %ho are parties prior to the $or!ery o$ Celso3s si!nature by 'ennis. ;arties to an instrument %ho are such prior to the $or!ery cannot be held liable by any party %ho became such at or subse+uent to the $or!ery. /o%eer& <d!ar& %ho became a party to the instrument subse+uent to the $or!ery and %ho indorsed the same to 8eli=& can be held liable by the latter. Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 82 of 103 !* Celso has the ri!ht to collect $rom Ale= and 5enito. Celso is a party subse+uent to the t%o. /o%eer& Celso has no ri!ht to claim a!ainst 8eli= %ho is a party subse+uent to Celso (1ec :? and :: 7I>) 7ncom$lete 0 Deliere6 (2003) AL& a businessman& %as preparin! $or a business trip abroad. As he usually did in the past& he si!ned seeral chec.s in blan. and entrusted them to his secretary %ith instruction to sa$e!uard them and fll them out only %hen re+uired to pay accounts durin! his absence. B5& his secretary& flled out one o$ the chec.s by placin! her name as the payee. 1he flled out the amount& endorsed and deliered the chec. to MC& %ho accepted it in !ood $aith $or payment o$ !ems that MC sold to B5. >ater& B5 told AL o$ %hat she did %ith re!rets. AL timely directed the ban. to dishonor the chec.. Could AL be held liable to MC? Ans%er and reason brieEy. (@%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: 0es. AL could be held liable to MC. )his is a case o$ an incomplete chec.& %hich has been deliered. ,nder 1ection 24 o$ the 7e!otiable Instruments >a%& MC& as a holder in due course& can en$orce payment o$ the chec. as i$ it had been flled up strictly in accordance %ith the authority !ien by AL to B5 and %ithin a reasonable time. 7ncom$lete an6 Deliere6 (2001) 5rad %as in desperate need o$ money to pay his debt to ;ete& a loan shar.. ;ete threatened to ta.e 5rad3s li$e i$ he $ailed to pay. 5rad and ;ete %ent to see 1e\orita Isobel& 5rad3s rich cousin& and as.ed her i$ she could si!n a promissory note in his $aor in the amount o$ ;2?&???.?? to pay ;ete. 8earin! that ;ete %ould .ill 5rad& 1e\orita Isobel acceded to the re+uest. 1he a-i=ed her si!nature on a piece o$ paper %ith the assurance o$ 5rad that he %ill "ust fll it up later. 5rad then flled up the blan. paper& ma.in! a promissory note $or the amount o$ ;2??&???.??. /e then indorsed and deliered the same to ;ete& %ho accepted the note as payment o$ the debt. What de$ense or de$enses can 1e\orita Isobel set up a!ainst ;ete? <=plain. ((%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: )he de$ense (personal de$ense) %hich 1e\orita Isobel can set up a!ainst ;ete is that the amount o$ ;2??&???.?? is not in accordance %ith the authority !ien to her to 5rad (in the presence o$ ;ete) and that ;ete %as not a holder in due course $or actin! in bad $aith %hen accepted the note as payment despite his .no%led!e that it %as only 2?&???.?? that %as allo%ed by 1e\orita Isobel durin! their meetin! %ith 5rad. 7ncom$lete 7nstruments2 7ncom$lete Deliere6 7nstruments s! 7ncom$lete Un6eliere6 7nstrument (2004) Cun %as about to leae $or a business trip. As his usual practice& he si!ned seeral blan. chec.s. /e instructed 9uth& his secretary& to fll them as payment $or his obli!ations. 9uth flled one chec. %ith her name as payee& placed ;(?&???.?? thereon& endorsed and Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 deliered it to Aarie. 1he accepted the chec. in !ood $aith as payment $or !oods she deliered to 9uth. <entually& 9uth re!retted %hat she did and apolo!i6ed to Cun. Immediately he directed the dra%ee ban. to dishonor the chec.. When Aarie encashed the chec.& it %as dishonored. /* Is Cun liable to Aarie? (@%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 0es. )his coers the deliery o$ an incomplete instru4 ment& under 1ection 24 o$ the 7e!otiable Instruments >a%& %hich proides that there %as prima $acie authority on the part o$ 9uth to fll4up any o$ the material particulars thereo$. /ain! done so& and %hen it is frst completed be$ore it is ne!otiated to a holder in due course li.e Aarie& it is alid $or all purposes& and Aarie may en$orce it %ithin a reasonable time& as i$ it had been flled up strictly in accordance %ith the authority !ien. !* 1upposin! the chec. %as stolen %hile in 9uthDs pos4 session and a thie$ flled the blan. chec.& endorsed and deliered it to Aarie in payment $or the !oods he purchased $rom her& is Cun liable to Aarie i$ the chec. is dishonored? (@%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( 7o. <en thou!h Aarie is a holder in due course& this is an incomplete and undeliered instrument& coered by 1ection 2@ o$ the 7e!otiable Instruments >a%. Where an incomplete instrument has not been deliered& it %ill not& i$ completed and ne!otiated %ithout authority& be a alid contract in the hands o$ any holder& as a!ainst any person& includin! Cun& %hose si!nature %as placed thereon be$ore deliery. 1uch de$ense is a real de$ense een a!ainst a holder in due course& aailable to a party li.e Cun %hose si!nature appeared prior to deliery. 7n6orser: 7rre'ular 7n6orser s! General 7n6orser (2001) Distinguis& an irregular in.orser fro' a general in.orser* :N$ SUGGESTED ANSWER: Irre!ular Indorser is not a party to the instrument but he places his si!nature in blan. be$ore deliery. /e is not a party but he becomes one because o$ his si!nature in the instrument. 5ecause his si!nature he is considered an indorser and he is liable to the parties in the instrument. While& a Feneral Indorser %arrants that the instrument is !enuine& that he has a !ood title to it& that all prior parties had capacity to contractK that the instrument at the time o$ the indorsement is alid and subsistin!K and that on due presentment& the instrument %ill be accepted or paid or both accepted and paid accordin! to its tenor& and that i$ it is dishonored& he %ill pay i$ the necessary proceedin!s $or dishonor are made. Ne'otia.ilit% ()**3) 'iscuss the ne!otiability or non4 ne!otiability o$ the $ollo%in! notes /$ Aanila& 1eptember 2& 2HH( Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 83 of 103 ;#&@??.?? I promise to pay ;edro 1an Cuan or order the sum o$ ;#&@??. (1!d.) 7oel Castro !$ Aanila& Cune (& 2HH( ;2?&???.?? 8or alue receied& I promise to pay 1er!io 'ee or order the sum o$ ;2?&???.?? in fe (@) installments& %ith the frst installment payable on Bctober @& 2HH( and the other installments on or be$ore the f$th day o$ the succeedin! month or therea$ter. (1!d.) >ito Qilla SUGGESTED ANSWER: )he promissory note is ne!otiable as it complies %ith 1ec 2& 7I>. 8irstly& it is in %ritin! and si!ned by the ma.er& 7oel Castro. 1econdly& the promise is unconditional to pay a sum certain in money& that is& ;#&@??.?? )hirdly& it is payable on demand as no date o$ maturity is specifed. 8ourth& it is payable to order. )he promissory note is ne!otiable. All the re+uirements o$ 1ec 2 7I> are complied %ith. )he sum to be paid is still certain despite that the sum is to be paid by installments (1ec #b 7I>) Ne'otia.ilit% (2002) Which o$ the $ollo%in! stipulations or $eatures o$ a promissory note (;7) a-ect or do not a-ect its ne!otiability& assumin! that the ;7 is other%ise ne!otiable? Indicate your ans%er by %ritin! the para!raph number o$ the stipulation or $eature o$ the ;7 as sho%n belo% and your correspondin! ans%er& either A-ected or 7ot a-ected. <=plain (@%). a$ )he date o$ the ;7 is 8ebruary (?& #??#. b$ )he ;7 bears interest payable on the last day o$ each calendar +uarter at a rate e+ual to fe percent (@%) aboe the then preailin! H24day )reasury 5ill rate as published at the be!innin! o$ such calendar +uarter. c$ )he ;7 !ies the ma.er the option to ma.e payment either in money or in +uantity o$ palay or e+uialent alue. .$ )he ;7 !ies the holder the option either to re+uire payment in money or to re+uire the ma.er to sere as the body!uard or escort o$ the holder $or (? days. SUGGESTED ANSWER: a$ ;ara!raph 2 G ne!otiability is 7B) A88<C)<'. )he date is not one o$ the re+uirements $or ne!otiability. b$ ;ara!raph # G ne!otiability is 7B) A88<C)<' )he interest is to be computed at a particular time and is determinable. It does not ma.e the sum uncertain or the promise conditional. c$ ;ara!raph ( G ne!otiability is A88<C)<'. Fiin! the ma.er the option renders the promise conditional .$ ;ara!raph 4 G ne!otiability is 7B) A88<C)<'. Fiin! the option to the holder does not ma.e the promise conditional. Ne'otia.ilit%2 Eol6er in Due Course ()**2) ;erla brou!ht a motor car payable on installments $rom Automotie Company $or ;#@?th. 1he made a do%n payment o$ ;@?th and e=ecuted a promissory note $or the balance. )he company subse+uently indorsed the note to 9eliable 8inance Corporation %hich fnanced the purchase. )he promissory note read* 8or alue receied& I promised to pay Automotie Company or order at its o-ice in >e!aspi City& the sum o$ ;#??&???.?? %ith interest at t%ele (2#%) percent per annum& payable in e+ual installments o$ ;#?&???.?? monthly $or ten (2?) months startin! Bctober #2& 2HH2. Aanila 1eptember #2& 2HH2. (s!d) ;erla ;ay to the order o$ 9eliable 8inance Corporation. Automotie Company 5y* (1!d) Aana!er 5ecause ;erla de$aulted in the payment o$ her installments& 9eliable 8inance Corporation initiated a case a!ainst her $or a sum o$ money. ;erla ar!ued that the promissory note is merely an assi!nment o$ credit& a non4ne!otiable instrument open to all de$enses aailable to the assi!nor and& there$ore& 9eliable 8inance Corporation is not a holder in due course. a$ Is the promissory note a mere assi!nment o$ credit or a ne!otiable instrument? Why? b$ Is 9eliable 8inance Corp a holder in due course? <=plain brieEy. SUGGESTED ANSWER: a$ )he promissory note in the problem is a ne!otiable instrument& bein! in compliance %ith the proisions o$ 1ec 2 7I>. 7either the $act that the payable sum is to be paid %ith interest nor that the maturities are in stated installments renders uncertain the amount payable (1ec # 7I>) b$ 0es& 9eliable 8inance Corporation is a holder in due course !ien the $actual settin!s. 1aid corporation apparently too. the promissory note $or alue& and there are no indications that it ac+uired it in bad $aith .Sec 02 &3 see Salas " C$ 1+1 s 2667 Ne'otia.ilit%2 Re5uisites (2000) 7ersion 1990+2006 U %&ate& 'y Dondee 7ersion 1990+2003 Arrange& 'y SULAW Cass 200! Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page ;" of 103 a$ A; bou!ht a used cell phone $rom C9. C9 pre$erred cash but A; is a $riend so C9 accepted A93s promissory note $or ;2?&???. C9 thou!ht o$ conertin! the note into cash by endorsin! it to his brother M9. )he promissory note is a piece o$ paper %ith the $ollo%in! hand4printed notation* A; WI>> ;A0 C9 )<7 )/B,1A7' ;<1B1 I7 ;A0A<7) 8B9 /I1 C<>>;/B7< 2 W<<M 89BA )B'A0. 5elo% this notation A;3s si!nature %ith JO2O?? ne=t to it& indicatin! the date o$ the promissory note. When C9 presented A;3s note to M9& the latter said it %as not a ne!otiable instrument under the la% and so could not be a alid substitute $or cash. C9 too. the opposite ie%& insistin! on the note3s ne!otiability. 0ou are as.ed to re$eree. Which o$ the opposin! ie%s is correct? b$ )/ is an indorsee o$ a promissory note that simply states* ;A0 )B C,A7 )A7 B9 B9'<9 4?? ;<1B1. )he note has no date& no place o$ payment and no consideration mentioned. It %as si!ned by AM and %ritten under his letterhead speci$yin! the address& %hich happens to be his residence. )/ accepted the promissory note as payment $or serices rendered to 1/& %ho in turn receied the note $rom Cuan )an as payment $or a prepaid cell phone card %orth 4@? pesos. )he payee ac.no%led!ed hain! receied the note on Au!ust 2& #???. A 5ar reie%ee had told )/& %ho happens to be your $riend& that )/ is not a holder in due course under Article @# o$ the 7e!otiable Instruments >a% (Act #?(2) and there$ore does not en"oy the ri!hts and protection under the statute. )/ as.s $or our adice specifcally in connection %ith the note bein! undated and not mentionin! a place o$ payment and any consideration. What %ould your adice be? (#%). SUGGESTED ANSWER: a$ M9 is ri!ht. )he promissory note is not ne!otiable. It is not issued to order or bearer. )here is no %ord o$ ne!otiability containin! therein. It is not issued in accordance %ith 1ection 2 o$ the 7e!otiable Instruments >a% b$ )he $act that the instrument is undated and does not mention the place o$ payment does not militate a!ainst its bein! ne!otiable. )he date and place o$ payment are not material particulars re+uired to ma.e an instrument ne!otiable. )he $act that no mention is made o$ any consideration is not material. Consideration is presumed. Ne'otia.le 7nstrument: Am.i'uous 7nstruments ()**:) Eow .o you treat a negotiable instru'ent t&at is so a'biguous t&at t&ere is .oubt w&et&er it is a bill or a noteI #N$ SUGGESTED ANSWER: 2. Where a ne!otiable instrument is so ambi!uous that there is doubt %hether it is a bill or a note& the holder may treat it either as a bill o$ e=chan!e or a promissory note at his election. 7ersion 1990+2006 U %&ate& 'y Dondee 7ersion 1990+2003 Arrange& 'y SULAW Cass 200! Ne'otia.le 7nstrument: De&inition 0 C#aracteristics (2001) What is a ne!otiable instrument? Fie the characteristics o$ a ne!otiable instrument. (#%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: 7e!otiable Instrument is a %ritten contract $or the payment o$ money %hich is intended as a substitute $or money and passes $rom one person to another as money& in such a manner as to !ie a holder in due course the ri!ht to hold the instrument $ree $rom de$enses aailable to prior parties. 1uch instrument must comply %ith 1ec. 2 o$ the 7e!otiable Instrument >a% to be considered ne!otiable. )he characteristics o$ a ne!otiable instrument areK /$ 7e!otiability 4 )hat +uality or attribute %hereby a bill& note or chec. passes or may pass $rom hand to hand& similar to money& so as to !ie the holder in due course the ri!ht to hold the instrument and collect the sum payable $or himsel$ $ree $rom de$enses. !$ Accumulation o$ 1econdary Contracts as they are trans$erred $rom one person to another. Ne'otia.le 7nstrument: 76enti&ication (2001) 1tate and e=plain %hether the $ollo%in! are ne!otiable instruments under the 7e!otiable Instruments >a%* (@%) /$ ;ostal Aoney BrderK !$ A certifcate o$ time deposit %hich states )his is to certi$y that bearer has deposited in this ban. the sum o$ 8B,9 )/B,1A7' ;<1B1 (;4&???.??) only& repayable to the depositor #?? days a$ter date. :$ >etters o$ creditK ($ Warehouse receiptsK #$ )reasury %arrants payable $rom a specifc $und. SUGGESTED ANSWER: /$ ;ostal Aoney Brder G 7on47e!otiable as it is !oerned by postal rules and re!ulation %hich may be inconsistent %ith the 7I> and it can only be ne!otiated once. !$ A certifcate o$ time deposit %hich states )his is to certi$y that bearer has deposited in this ban. the sum o$ 8B,9 )/B,1A7' ;<1B1 (;4&???.??) only& repayable to the depositor #?? days a$ter date. G 7on47e!otiable as it does not comply %ith the re+uisites o$ 1ec. 2 o$ 7I> :$ >etters o$ credit 4 7on47e!otiable ($ Warehouse receipts 4 7on47e!otiable $or the same as 5ill o$ >adin! it merely represents !ood& not money. #$ )reasury %arrants payable $rom a specifc $und 4 7on47e!otiable bein! payable out o$ a particular $und. Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 85 of 103 Ne'otia.le 7nstrument: Ne'otia.le Document s! Ne'otia.le 7nstrument (2001) 'istin!uish a ne!otiable document $rom a ne!otiable instrument. (#%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: 7e!otiable Instrument hae re+uisites o$ 1ec. 2 o$ the 7I>& a holder o$ this instrument hae ri!ht o$ recourse a!ainst intermediate parties %ho are secondarily liable& /older in due course may hae ri!hts better than trans$eror& its sub"ect is money and the Instrument itsel$ is property o$ alue. Bn the other hand& ne!otiable document does not contain re+uisites o$ 1ec. 2 o$ 7I>& it has no secondary liability o$ intermediate parties& trans$eree merely steps into the shoes o$ the trans$eror& its sub"ect are !oods and the instrument is merely eidence o$ titleK thin! o$ alue are the !oods mentioned in the document. Ne'otia.le 7nstrument2 Ne'otia.ilit% ()**+) Can a bill o$ e=chan!e or a promissory note +uali$y as a ne!otiable instrument i$ G a* it is not datedK or b* the day and the month& but not the year o$ its maturity& is !ienK or c* it is payable to cash3 or .* it names t%o alternatie dra%ees SUGGESTED ANSWER: a$ 0es. 'ate is not a material particular re+uired by 1ec 2 7I> $or the ne!otiability o$ an instrument. b$ 7o. )he time $or payment is not determinable in this case. )he year is not stated. c$ 0es. 1ec Hd 7I> ma.es the instrument payable to bearer because the name o$ the payee does not purport to be the name o$ any person. .$ A bill may not be addressed to t%o or more dra%ees in the alternatie or in succession& to be ne!otiable (1ec 2#J 7I>). )o do so ma.es the order conditional. Ne'otia.le 7nstruments2 ,earer 7nstrument ()**:) +ic&ar. Clinton 'akes a pro'issory note payable to bearer an. .eli)ers t&e sa'e to Aurora Page* Aurora PageB &owe)erB en.orses it to K in t&is 'anner: ;ayable to L. 1i!ned* Aurora ;a!e. >ater& L& %ithout endorsin! the promissory note& trans$ers and deliers the same to 7apoleon. )he note is subse+uently dishonored by 9ichard Clinton. Aay 7apoleon proceed a!ainst 9ichard Clinton $or the note? (@%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: 0es. 9ichard Clinton is liable to 7apoleon under the promissory note. )he note made by 9ichard Clinton is a bearer instrument. 'espite special indorsement made by Aurora ;a!e thereon& the note remained a bearer instrument and can be ne!otiated by mere deliery. When L deliered and trans$erred the note to 7apoleon& the latter became a holder thereo$. As such holder& 7apoleon can proceed a!ainst 9ichard Clinton. Ne'otia.le 7nstruments2 ,earer 7nstruments ()**+) A deliers a bearer instrument to 5. 5 then specially indorses it to C and C later indorses it in blan. to '. < steals the instrument $rom ' and& $or!in! the si!nature o$ '& succeeds in ne!otiatin! it to 8 %ho ac+uires the instrument in !ood $aith and $or alue. a$ I$& $or any reason& the dra%ee ban. re$uses to honor the chec.& can 8 en$orce the instrument a!ainst the dra%er? b$ In case o$ the dishonor o$ the chec. by both the dra%ee and the dra%er& can 8 hold any o$ 5& C and ' liable secondarily on the instrument? SUGGESTED ANSWER: a$ 0es. )he instrument %as payable to bearer as it %as a bearer instrument. It could be ne!otiated by mere deliery despite the presence o$ special indorsements. )he $or!ed si!nature is unnecessary to presume the "uridical relation bet%een or amon! the parties prior to the $or!ery and the parties a$ter the $or!ery. )he only party %ho can raise the de$ense o$ $or!ery a!ainst a holder in due course is the person %hose si!nature is $or!ed. b$ Bnly 5 and C can be held liable by 8. )he instrument at the time o$ the $or!ery %as payable to bearer& bein! a bearer instrument. Aoreoer& the instrument %as indorsed in blan. by C to '. '& %hose si!nature %as $or!ed by < cannot be held liable by 8. Ne'otia.le 7nstruments2 .earer instruments2 lia.ilities o& ma-er an6 in6orsers (200)) A issued a promissory note payable to 5 or bearer. A deliered the note to 5. 5 indorsed the note to C. C placed the note in his dra%er& %hich %as stolen by the "anitor L. L indorsed the note to ' by $or!in! C3s si!nature. ' indorsed the note to < %ho in turn deliered the note to 8& a holder in due course& %ithout indorsement. 'iscuss the indiidual liabilities to 8 o$ A& 5 and C. (@%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: A is liable to 8. As the ma.er o$ the promissory note& A is directly or primarily liable to 8& %ho is a holder in due course. 'espite the presence o$ the special indorsements on the note& these do not detract $rom the $act that a bearer instrument& li.e the promissory note in +uestion& is al%ays ne!otiable by mere deliery& until it is indorsed restrictiely 8or 'eposit Bnly. 5& as a !eneral indorser& is liable to 8 secondarily& and %arrants that the instrument is !enuine and in all respects %hat it purports to beK that he has !ood title to itK that all prior parties had capacity to contractK that he has no .no%led!e o$ any $act %hich %ould impair the alidity o$ the instrument or render it aluelessK that at the time o$ his indorsement& the instrument is alid and subsistin!K and that on due presentment& it shall be accepted or paid& or both& accordin! to its tenor& and that i$ it be dishonored and the necessary proceedin!s on dishonor Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 86 of 103 be duly ta.en& he %ill pay the amount thereo$ to the holder& or to any subse+uent indorser %ho may be compelled to pay. C is not liable to 8 since the latter cannot trace his title to the $ormer. )he si!nature o$ C in the supposed indorsement by him to ' %as $or!ed by L. C can raise the de$ense o$ $or!ery since it %as his si!nature that %as $or!ed. A8TERNAT7>E ANSWER: As a !eneral endorser& 5 is secondarily liable to 8. C is liable to 8 since it is due to the ne!li!ence o$ C in placin! the note in his dra%er that enabled L to steal the same and $or!e the si!nature o$ C relatie to the indorsement in $aor o$ '. As bet%een C and 8 %ho are both innocent parties& it is C %hose ne!li!ence is the pro=imate cause o$ the loss. /ence C should su-er the loss. Ne'otia.le 7nstruments2 incom$lete an6 un6eliere6 instruments2 #ol6er in 6ue course (2000) ;7 ma.es a promissory note $or ;@&???.??& but leaes the name o$ the payee in blan. because he %anted to eri$y its correct spellin! frst. /e mindlessly le$t the note on top o$ his des. at the end o$ the %or.day. When he returned the $ollo%in! mornin!& the note %as missin!. It turned up later %hen L presented it to ;7 $or payment. 5e$ore L& )& %ho turned out to hae flched the note $rom ;73s o-ice& had endorsed the note a$ter insertin! his o%n name in the blan. space as the payee. ;7 dishonored the note& contendin! that he did not authori6e its completion and deliery. 5ut L said he had no participation in& or .no%led!e about& the pil$era!e and alteration o$ the note and there$ore he en"oys the ri!hts o$ a holder in due course under the 7e!otiable Instruments >a%. Who is correct and %hy? ((%) b) Can the payee in a promissory note be a holder in due course %ithin the meanin! o$ the 7e!otiable Instruments >a% (Act #?(2)? <=plain your ans%er. (#%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: a$ ;7 is ri!ht. )he instrument is incomplete and undeliered. It did not create any contract that %ould bind ;7 to an obli!ation to pay the amount thereo$. b$ A payee in a promissory note cannot be a holder in due course %ithin the meanin! o$ the 7e!otiable Instruments >a%& because a payee is an immediate party in relation to the ma.er. )he payee is sub"ect to %hateer de$enses& real o$ personal& aailable to the ma.er o$ the promissory note. A8TERNAT7>E ANSWER: b) A payee can be a holder in due course. A holder is defned as the payee or indorsee o$ the instrument %ho is in possession o$ it. <ery holder is deemed prima $acie to be a holder in due course. Ne'otia.le 7nstruments2 7ncom$lete Deliere6 7nstruments2 Com$aratie Ne'li'ence ()**+) Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 A& sin!le proprietor o$ a business concern& is about to leae $or a business trip and& as he so o$ten does on these occasions& si!ns seeral chec.s in blan.. /e instructs 5& his secretary& to sa$e.eep the chec.s and fll them out %hen and as re+uired to pay accounts durin! his absence. 5 flls out one o$ the chec.s by placin! her name as payee& flls in the amount& endorses and deliers the chec. to C %ho accepts it in !ood $aith as payment $or !oods sold to 5. 5 re!rets her action and tells A %hat she did. A directs the 5an. in time to dishonor the chec.. When C encashes the chec.& it is dishonored. Can A be held liable to C? SUGGESTED ANSWER: 0es& A can be held liable to C& assumin! that the latter !ae notice o$ dishonor to A. )his is a case o$ an incomplete instrument but deliered as it %as entrusted to 5& the secretary o$ A. Aoreoer& under the doctrine o$ comparatie ne!li!ence& as bet%een A and C& both innocent parties& it %as the ne!li!ence o$ A in entrustin! the chec. to 5 %hich is the pro=imate cause o$ the loss. Ne'otia.le 7nstruments2 -in6s o& ne'otia.le instrument2 ;or6s o& ne'otia.ilit% (2002) A* 'efne the $ollo%in!* (2) a ne!otiable promissory note& (#) a bill o$ e=chan!e and (() a chec.. ((%) B* 0ou are ;edro Cru6. 'ra$t the appropriate contract lan!ua!e $or (2) your ne!otiable promissory note and (#) your chec.& each containin! the essential elements o$ a ne!otiable instrument (#%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: A* (2) A ne!otiable promissory note is an unconditional promise in %ritin! made by one person to another& si!ned by the ma.er& en!a!in! to pay on demand or at a f=ed or determinable $uture time& a sum certain in money to order or bearer. !$ A bill o$ e=chan!e is an unconditional order in %ritin! addressed by one person to another& si!ned by the person !iin! it& re+uirin! the person to %hom it is addressed to pay on demand or at a f=ed or determinable $uture time a sum certain in money to order or to bearer. :$ A chec. is a bill o$ e=chan!e dra%n on a ban. payable on demand. B* (2) 7e!otiable promissory note 4 1eptember 2@& #??# 8or alue receied& I hereby promise to pay Cuan 1antos or order the sum o$ )<7 )/B,1A7' ;<1B1 (;2?&???) thirty ((?) days $rom date hereo$. (1i!ned) ;edro Cru6 to* ;hilippine 7ational 5an. <scolta& Aanila 5ranch Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 8- of 103 Commercial 5an.in! Co. )he 5y4la%s o$ 1aad re+uires Ne'otia.le 7nstruments2 Re5uisites ()**4) What are the re+uisites o$ a ne!otiable instrument? SUGGESTED ANSWER: )he re+uisites o$ a ne!otiable instrument are as $ollo%s* a$ It must be in %ritin! and si!ned by the ma.er or dra%erK b$ It must contain an unconditional promise or order to pay a sum certain in moneyK c$ It must be payable to order or to bearerK and .$ Where the instrument is addressed to a dra%ee& he must be named or other%ise indicated therein %ith reasonable certainty. (1ec 2 7I>) Notice Dis#onor ()**4) When is notice o$ dishonor not re+uired to be !ien to the dra%er? SUGGESTED ANSWER: 7otice o$ dishonor is not re+uired to be !ien to the dra%er in any o$ the $ollo%in! cases* a$ Where the dra%er and dra%ee are the same personK b$ When the dra%ee is a fctitious person or a person not hain! capacity to contractK c$ When the dra%er is the person to %hom the instrument is presented $or paymentK .$ Where the dra%er has no ri!ht to e=pect or re+uire that the dra%ee or acceptor %ill honor the instrumentK e$ Where the dra%er has countermanded payment (1ec 224 7I>) "arties2 Accommo6ation "art% ()**0) )o accommodate Carmen& ma.er o$ a promissory note& Cor!e si!ned as indorser thereon& and the instrument %as ne!otiated to 9a-y& a holder $or alue. At the time 9a-y too. the instrument& he .ne% Cor!e to be an accomodation party only. When the promissory note %as not paid& and 9a-y discoered that Carmen had no $unds& he sued Cor!e. Cor!e pleads in de$ense the $act that he had endorsed the instrument %ithout receiin! alue there$or& and the $urther $act that 9a-y .ne% that at the time he too. the instrument Cor!e had not receied any alue or consideration o$ any .ind $or his indorsement. Is Cor!e liable? 'iscuss. SUGGESTED ANSWER: 0es. Cor!e is liable. 1ec #H o$ the 7I> proides that an accommodation party is liable on the instrument to a holder $or alue& not%ithstandin! the holder at the time o$ ta.in! said instrument .ne% him to be only an accommodation party. )his is the nature or the essence o$ accommodation. "arties2 Accommo6ation "art% ()**)) Bn Cune 2& 2HH?& A obtained a loan o$ ;2??th $rom 5& payable not later than #?'ec2HH?. 5 re+uired A to issue him a chec. $or that amount to be dated #?'ec2HH?. 1ince he does not hae any chec.in! account& A& %ith the .no%led!e o$ 5& re+uested his $riend& C& ;resident o$ 1aad 5an.in! Corp (1aad) to accommodate him. C a!reed& he si!ned a chec. $or the a$oresaid amount dated #?'ec 2HH?& dra%n a!ainst 1aad3s account %ith the A5C that chec.s issued by it must be si!ned by the ;resident and the )reasurer or the Qice4;resident. 1ince the )reasurer %as absent& C re+uested the Qice4;resident to co4si!n the chec.& %hich the latter reluctantly did. )he chec. %as deliered to 5. )he chec. %as dishonored upon presentment on due date $or insu-iciency o$ $unds. a$ Is 1aad liable on the chec. as an accommodation party? b$ I$ it is not& %ho then& under the aboe $acts& isOare the accommodation party? SUGGESTED ANSWER: a.) 1aad is not liable on the chec. as an accommodation party. )he act o$ the corporation in accommodatin! a $riend o$ the ;resident& is ultra ires .Crisologo29ose " C$ %R +,066, 10Se-16+67# While it may be le!ally possible $or the corporation& %hose business is to proide fnancial accommodations in the ordinary course o$ business& such as one !ien by a fnancin! company to be an accommodation party& this situation& ho%eer& is not the case in the bar problem. b) Considerin! that both the ;resident and Qice4 ;resident %ere si!natories to the accommodation& they themseles can be sub"ect to the liabilities o$ accommodation parties to the instrument in their personal capacity .Crisologo29ose " C$ 10Se-16+67 "arties2 Accommo6ation "art% ()**4) 7ora applied $or a loan o$ ;2??th %ith 5,9 5an.. 5y %ay o$ accommodation& 7ora3s sister& Qilma& e=ecuted a promissory note in $aor o$ 5,9 5an.. When 7ora de$aulted& 5,9 5an. sued Qilma& despite its .no%led!e that Qilma receied no part o$ the loan. Aay Qilma be held liable? <=plain. SUGGESTED ANSWER: 0es& Qilma may be held liable. Qilma is an accommodation party. As such& she is liable on the instrument to a holder $or alue such as 5,9 5an.. )his is true een i$ 5,9 5an. %as a%are at the time it too. the instrument that Qilma is merely an accommodation party and receied no part o$ the loan .See Sec 26, &31 :ulalio /rudencio " C$ %R 323(036, 9ul 1(, +6 1(3 s '7 "arties2 Accommo6ation "art% ()**:) 8or the purpose o$ lendin! his name %ithout receiin! alue there$ore& ;edro ma.es a note $or ;#?&??? payable to the order o$ L %ho in turn ne!otiates it to 0& the latter .no%in! that ;edro is not a party $or alue. /* Aay 0 recoer $rom ;edro i$ the latter interposes the absence o$ consideration? ((%) !* 1upposin! under the same $acts& ;edro pays the said ;#?&??? may he recoer the same amount $rom L? (#%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: /* 0es. 0 can recoer $rom ;edro. ;edro is an accommodation party. Absence o$ consideration is in the nature o$ an accommodation. 'e$ense o$ absence o$ consideration cannot be alidly interposed by accommodation party a!ainst a holder in due course. Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 88 of 103 !* I$ ;edro pays the said ;#?&??? to 0& ;edro can recoer the amount $rom L. L is the accommodated party or the party ultimately liable $or the instrument. ;edro is only an accommodation party. Bther%ise& it %ould be un"ust enrichment on the part o$ L i$ he is not to pay ;edro. "arties2 Accommo6ation "art% (2003) 1usan Ma%ada borro%ed ;@??&??? $rom L0S 5an. %hich re+uired her& to!ether %ith 9ose 9eyes %ho did not receie any amount $rom the ban.& to e=ecute a promissory note payable to the ban.& or its order on stated maturities. )he note %as e=ecuted as so a!reed. What .ind o$ liability %as incurred by 9ose& that o$ an accommodation party or that o$ a solidary debtor? <=plain. (4%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: (per 'ondee) 9ose may be held liable. 9ose is an accommodation party. Absence o$ consideration is in the nature o$ an accommodation. 'e$ense o$ absence o$ consideration cannot be alidly interposed by accommodation party a!ainst a holder in due course. "arties2 Accommo6ation "art% (2003) Cuan 1y purchased $rom A Appliance Center one !enerator set on installment %ith chattel mort!a!e in $aor o$ the endor. A$ter !ettin! hold o$ the !enerator set& Cuan 1y immediately sold it %ithout consent o$ the endor. Cuan 1y %as criminally char!ed %ith esta$a. )o settle the case e=tra "udicially& Cuan 1y paid the sum o$ ;#?&??? and $or the balance o$ ;@&???.?? he e=ecuted a promissory note $or said amount %ith 5en >ope6 as an accommodation party. Cuan 1y $ailed to pay the balance. /$ What is the liability o$ 5en >ope6 as an accommodation party? <=plain. !$ What is the liability o$ Cuan 1y? SUGGESTED ANSWER: /$ 5en >ope6& as an accommodation party& is liable as ma.er to the holder up to the sum o$ ;@&??? een i$ he did not receie any consideration $or the promissory note. )his is the nature o$ accommodation. 5ut 5en >ope6 can as. $or reimbursement $rom Cuan 1y& the accommodation party. !$ Cuan 1y is liable to the e=tent o$ ;@&??? in the hands o$ a holder in due course (1ec 24 7I>). I$ 5en >ope6 paid the promissory note& Cuan 1y has the obli!ation to reimburse 5en >ope6 $or the amount paid. I$ Cuan 1y pays directly to the holder o$ the promissory note& or he pays 5en >ope6 $or the reimbursement o$ the payment by the latter to the holder& the instrument is dischar!ed. "arties2 Accommo6ation "art% (2001) 'a!ul has a business arran!ement %ith 8acundo. )he latter %ould lend money to another& throu!h 'a!ul& %hose name %ould appear in the promissory note as the lender. 'a!ul %ould then immediately indorse the note to 8acundo. Is 'a!ul an accommodation party? <=plain. (#%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 0<1] 'a!ul is an accommodation party because in the case at bar& he is essentially& a person %ho si!ns as ma.er %ithout receiin! any consideration& si!ns as an accommodation party merely $or the purpose o$ lendin! the credit o$ his name. And as an accommodation party he cannot set up lac. o$ consideration a!ainst any holder& een as to one %ho is not a holder in due course. "arties2 Eol6er in Due Course ()**3) >arry issued a ne!otiable promissory note to <elyn and authori6ed the latter to fll up the amount in blan. %ith his loan account in the sum o$ ;2&???. /o%eer& <elyn inserted ;@&??? in iolation o$ the instruction. 1he ne!otiated the note to Culie %ho had .no%led!e o$ the infrmity. Culie in turn ne!otiated said note to 'ei $or alue and %ho had no .no%led!e o$ the infrmity. /$ Can 'ei en$orce the note a!ainst >arry and i$ she can& $or ho% much? <=plain. !$ 1upposin! 'ei endorses the note to 5aby $or alue but %ho has .no%led!e o$ the infrmity& can the latter en$orce the note a!ainst >arry? SUGGESTED ANSWER: /$ 0es& 'ei can en$orce the ne!otiable promissory note a!ainst >arry in the amount o$ ;@&???. 'ei is a holder in due course and the breach o$ trust committed by <elyn cannot be set up by >arry a!ainst 'ei because it is a personal de$ense. As a holder in due course& 'ei is not sub"ect to such personal de$ense. !$ 0es. 5aby is not a holder in due course because she has .no%led!e o$ the breach o$ trust committed by <elyn a!ainst >arry %hich is "ust a personal de$ense. 5ut hain! ta.en the instrument $rom 'ei& a holder in due course& 5aby has all the ri!hts o$ a holder in due course. 5aby did not participate in the breach o$ trust committed by <elyn %ho flled the blan. but flled up the instrument %ith ;@&??? instead o$ ;2&??? as instructed by >arry (1ec @J 7I>) "arties2 Eol6er in Due Course ()**4) What constitutes a holder in due course? SUGGESTED ANSWER: A holder in due course is one %ho has ta.en the instrument under the $ollo%in! conditions* /* )hat it is complete and re!ular upon its $aceK !* )hat he became holder o$ it be$ore it %as oerdue and %ithout notice that it had been preiously dishonored& i$ such %as the $actK :* )hat he too. it in !ood $aith and $or alueK (* )hat at the time it %as ne!otiated to him& he had no notice o$ any infrmity in the instrument or de$ect in the title o$ the person ne!otiatin! it. (1ec @#& 7I>) "arties2 Eol6er in Due Course ()**4) 2HH: #.#) <a issued to Imelda a chec. in the amount o$ ;@?th post4dated 1ep (?& 2HH@& as security $or a diamond rin! to be sold on commission. Bn 1ep 2@& 2HH@& Imelda ne!otiated the chec. to A) inestment %hich paid the amount o$ ;4?th to her. <a $ailed to sell the rin!& so she returned it to Imelda on 1ep 2H& 2HH@. ,nable to retriee her chec.& <a %ithdre% Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 89 of 103 her $unds $rom the dra%ee ban.. )hus& %hen A) Inestment presented the chec. $or payment& the dra%ee ban. dishonored it. >ater on& %hen A) Inestment sued her& <a raised the de$ense o$ absence o$ consideration& the chec. hain! been issued merely as security $or the rin! that she could not sell. 'oes <a hae a alid de$ense? <=plain. SUGGESTED ANSWER: 7o. <a does not hae a alid de$ense. 8irst& A) Inestment is a holder in due course and& as such& holds the postdated chec. $ree $rom any de$ect o$ title o$ prior parties and $rom de$enses aailable to prior parties amon! themseles. <a can ino.e the de$ense o$ absence o$ consideration a!ainst A) Inestment only i$ the latter %as priy to the purpose $or %hich the chec.s %ere issued and& there$ore& not a holder in due course. 1econd& it is not a !round $or the dischar!e o$ the post4 dated chec. as a!ainst a holder in due course that it %as issued merely as security. )he only !rounds $or the dischar!e o$ ne!otiable instruments are those set $orth in 1ec 22H o$ the 7I> and none o$ those !rounds are aailable to <a. )he latter may not unilaterally dischar!e hersel$ $rom her liability by the mere e=pediency o$ %ithdra%in! her $unds $rom the dra%ee ban.. .State n"est!ents " C$ %R 1,1163, 9an 11, 63 21's327# "arties2 Eol6er in Due Course ()**:) L ma.es a promissory note $or ;2?&??? payable to A& a minor& to help him buy school boo.s. A endorses the note to 5 $or alue& %ho in turn endorses the note to C. C .no%s A is a minor. I$ C sues L on the note& can L set up the de$enses o$ minority and lac. o$ consideration? ((%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: 0es. C is not a holder in due course. )he promissory note is not a ne!otiable instrument as it does not contain any %ord o$ ne!otiability& that is& order or bear& or %ords o$ similar meanin! or import. 7ot bein! a holder in due course& C is to sub"ect such personal de$enses o$ minority and lac. o$ consideration. C is a mere assi!nee %ho is sub"ect to all de$enses. A8TERNAT7>E ANSWER: L cannot set up the de$ense o$ the minority o$ A. 'e$ense o$ minority is aailable to the minor only. 1uch de$ense is not aailable to L. L cannot set up the de$ense a!ainst C. >ac. o$ consideration is a personal de$ense %hich is only aailable bet%een immediate parties or a!ainst parties %ho are not holders in due course. C3s .no%led!e that A is a minor does not preent C $rom bein! a holder in due course. C too. the promissory note $rom a holder $or alue& 5. "arties2 Eol6er in Due Course2 7n6orsement in .lan- (2002) A* A5 issued a promissory note $or ;2&??? payable to C' or his order on 1eptember 2@& #??#. C' indorsed the note in blan. and deliered the same to <8. F/ stole the note $rom <8 and on 1eptember 24& #??# presented it to A5 $or payment. When as.ed by A5& F/ said C' !ae him the note in payment $or t%o caans o$ rice. A5 there$ore paid F/ ;2&?? on the same date. Bn 1eptember 2@& #??#& <8 discoered that the note o$ A5 %as not in his possession and he %ent to A5. It %as then that <8 $ound out that A5 had already made payment on the note. Can <8 still claim payment $rom A5? Why? ((%) B* As a se+uel to the same $acts narrated aboe& <8& out o$ pity $or A5 %ho had already paid ;2&???.?? to F/& decided to $or!ie A5 and instead !o a$ter C' %ho indorsed the note in blan. to him. Is C' still liable to <8 by irtue o$ the indorsement in blan.? Why? (#%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: A* 7o. <8 cannot claim payment $rom A5. <8 is not a holder o$ the promissory note. )o ma.e the presentment $or payment& it is necessary to e=hibit the instrument& %hich <8 cannot do because he is not in possession thereo$. B* 7o& because C' ne!otiated the instrument by deliery. "lace o& "a%ment (2000) ;7 is the holder o$ a ne!otiable promissory note %ithin the meanin! o$ the 7e!otiable Instruments >a% (Act #?(2). )he note %as ori!inally issued by 9; to L> as payee. L> indorsed the note to ;7 $or !oods bou!ht by L>. )he note mentions the place o$ payment on the specifed maturity date as the o-ice o$ the corporate secretary o$ ;L 5an. durin! ban.in! hours. B7 maturity date& 9; %as at the a$oresaid o-ice ready to pay the note but ;7 did not sho% up. What ;7 later did %as to sue L> $or the $ace alue o$ the note& plus interest and costs. Will the suit prosper? <=plain. (@%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: 0es. )he suit %ill prosper as $ar as the $ace alue o$ the note is concerned& but not %ith respect to the interest due subse+uent to the maturity o$ the note and the costs o$ collection. 9; %as ready and %illin! to pay the note at the specifed place o$ payment on the specifed maturity date& but ;7 did not sho% up. ;7 lost his ri!ht to recoer the interest due subse+uent to the maturity o$ the note and the costs o$ collection. 10'li# Servi#e La! Certi&icate o& $u.lic Conenience ()**:) )he 5aton! 5a.al Corporation fled %ith the 5oard o$ <ner!y an application $or a Certifcate o$ ;ublic Conenience $or the purpose o$ supplyin! electric po%er and li!hts to the $actory and its employees liin! %ithin the compound. )he application %as opposed by the 5ulacan <lectric Corporation contendin! that the 5aton! 5a.al Corporation has not secured a $ranchise to operate and maintain an electric plant. Is the opposition3s contention correct? (@%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: 7o. A certifcate o$ public conenience may be !ranted to 5aton! 5a.al Corporation& thou!h not possessin! a Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 90 of 103 le!islatie $ranchise& i$ it meets all the other re+uirements. )here is nothin! in the la% nor the Constitution& %hich indicates that a le!islatie $ranchise is necessary or re+uired $or an entity to operate as supplier o$ electric po%er and li!ht to its $actory and its employees liin! %ithin the compound. Certi&icate o& "u.lic Conenience2 inse$ara.ilit% o& certi&icate an6 essel ()**2) Antonio %as !ranted a Certifcate o$ ;ublic Conenience (C;C) in 2HJ: to operate a $erry bet%een Aindoro and 5atan!as usin! the motor essel AQ >otus. /e stopped operations in 2HJJ due to unsericeability o$ the essel. In 2HJH& 5asilio %as !ranted a C;C $or the same route. A$ter a $e% months& he discoered that Carlos %as operatin! on his route under Antonio3s C;C. 5ecause 5asilio fled a complaint $or ille!al operations %ith the Aaritime Industry Authority& Antonio and Carlos "ointly fled an application $or sale and trans$er o$ Antonio3s C;C and substitution o$ the essel AQ >otus %ith another o%ned by Carlos. 1hould Antonio3s and Carlos3 "oint application be approed? Fier your reasons. SUGGESTED ANSWER: )he "oint application o$ Antonio and Carlos $or the sale and trans$er o$ Antonio3s C;C and substitution o$ the essel AQ >otus %ith another essel o%ned by the trans$eree should not be approed. )he certifcate o$ public conenience and AQ >otus are inseparable. )he unsericeability o$ the essel coered by the certifcate had li.e%ise rendered ine-ectie the certifcate itsel$& and the holder thereo$ may not le!ally trans$er the same to another. .Cohon " C$ 1++ s '167# Certi&icate o& "u.lic Conenience2 Re5uirements ()**1) ?&at re-uire'ents 'ust be 'et before a certificate of public con)enience 'ay be grante. un.er t&e Public Ser)ice ActI SUGGESTED ANSWER: )he $ollo%in! are the re+uirements $or the !rantin! o$ a certifcate o$ public conenience& to %it* a$ )he applicant must be a citi6en o$ the ;hilippines& or acorporation& co4 partnership or association or!ani6ed under the la%s o$ the ;hilippines and at least :?% o$ the stoc. o$ paid4up capital o$ %hich must belon! to citi6ens o$ the ;hilippines. (1ec 2:a& CA 24:& as amended) b$ )he applicant must proe public necessity. c$ )he applicant must proe that the operation o$ the public serice proposed and the authori6ation to do business %ill promote the public interest in a proper and suitable manner. (1ec 2:a CA 24: as amended) .$ )he applicant must be fnancially capable o$ underta.in! the proposed serice and meetin! the responsibilities incident to its operation. "o;ers o& t#e "u.lic Serice Commission ()**3) )he City o$ Aanila passed an ordinance bannin! proincial buses $rom the city. )he ordinance %as challen!ed as inalid under the ;ublic 1erice Act by L Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 %ho had a certifcate o$ public conenience to operate auto4truc.s %ith f=ed routes $rom certain to%ns in 5ulacan and 9i6al to Aanila and %ithin Aanila. 8irstly& he claimed that the ordinance %as null and oid because& amon! other thin!s& it in e-ect amends his certifcate o$ public conenience& a thin! %hich only the ;ublic 1erice Commission can do under 1ec 2: (m) o$ the ;ublic 1erice Act. ,nder said section& the Commission is empo%ered to amend& modi$y& or reo.e a certifcate o$ public conenience a$ter notice and hearin!. 1econdly& he contended that een i$ the ordinance %as alid& it is only the Commission %hich can re+uire compliance %ith its proisions under 1ec 2I (") o$ said Act and since the implementation o$ the ordinance %as %ithout sanction or approal o$ the Commission& its en$orcement %as unauthori6ed and ille!al. /$ Aay the reliance o$ L on 1ection 2: (m) o$ the ;ublic 1erice Act be sustained? <=plain. !$ Was L correct in his contention that under 1ection 2I (") o$ the ;ublic 1erice Act it is only the Commissioner %hich can re+uire compliance %ith the proisions o$ the ordinance? <=plain. SUGGESTED ANSWER: /$ 7o. )he po%er ested in the ;ublic 1erice Commission under 1ec 2:m is subordinate to the authority o$ the City o$ Aanila under 1ec 2J (hh) o$ its reised charter to superintend& re!ulate or control the streets o$ the city o$ Aanila. (>a!man City o$ Aanila 2I s @IH) !$ 7o. )he po%ers con$erred by la% upon the ;ublic 1erice Commission %ere not desi!ned to deny or supersede the re!ulatory po%er o$ local !oernments oer motor tra-ic in the streets sub"ect to their control. .3ag!an " Cit5 of Manila 1' s 0'67 "u.lic utilities (2000) WWW Communications Inc. is an e4 commerce company %hose present business actiity is limited to proidin! its clients %ith all types o$ in$ormation technolo!y hard%are. It plans to re4$ocus its corporate direction o$ !radually conertin! itsel$ into a $ull coner!ence or!ani6ation. )o%ards this ob"ectie& the company has been a!!ressiely ac+uirin! telecommunications businesses and broadcast media enterprises& and consolidatin! their corporate structures. )he ultimate plan is to hae only t%o or!ani6ations* one to o%n the $acilities o$ the combined businesses and to deelop and produce content materials& and another to operate the $acilities and proide mass media and commercial telecommunications serices. WWW Communications %ill be the Ea!ship entity %hich %ill o%n the $acilities o$ the con!lomerate and proide content to the other ne% corporation %hich& in turn& %ill operate those $acilities and proide the serices. WWW Communications see.s your pro$essional adice on %hether or not its reor!ani6ed business actiity %ould be considered a public utility re+uirin! a $ranchise or certifcate or any other $orm o$ authori6ation $rom the !oernment. What %ill be your adice? <=plain (@%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 91 of 103 )he reor!ani6ed business actiity o$ WWW Communications Inc. %ould not be considered a public utility re+uirin! a $ranchise or certifcate or any other $orm o$ authori6ation $rom the !oernment. It o%ns the $acilities& but does not operate them. Reocation o& Certi&icate ()**3) /$ 9obert is a holder o$ a certifcate o$ public conenience to operate a ta=icab serice in Aanila and suburbs. Bne eenin!& one o$ his ta=icab units %as boarded by three robbers as they escaped a$ter sta!in! a hold4up. 5ecause o$ said incident& the >)895 reo.ed the certifcate o$ public conenience o$ 9obert on the !round that said operator $ailed to render sa$e& proper and ade+uate serice as re+uired under 1ec 2Ha o$ the ;ublic 1erice Act. a$ Was the reocation o$ the certifcate o$ public conenience o$ 9obert "ustifed? <=plain. b$ When can the Commission (5oard) e=ercise its po%er to suspend or reo.e certifcate o$ public conenience? SUGGESTED ANSWER: 2a) 7o. A sin!le hold4up incident %hich does not lin. 9obert3s ta=icab cannot be construed that he rendered a serice that is unsa$e& inade+uate and improper .Man8anal " $useGo 16( s 367 2b) ,nder 1ec 2Ha o$ the ;ublic 1erice Act& the Commission (5oard) can suspend or reo.e a certifcate o$ public conenience %hen the operator $ails to proide a serice that is sa$e& proper or ade+uate& and re$uses to render any serice %hich can be reasonably demanded and $urnished. Reocation o& Certi&icate ()**3) ;epay& a holder o$ a certifcate o$ public conenience& $ailed to re!ister to the complete number o$ units re+uired by her certifcate. /o%eer& she tried to "usti$y such $ailure by the accidents that alle!edly be$ell her& claimin! that she %as so shoc.ed and burdened by the successie accidents and mis$ortunes that she did not .no% %hat she %as doin!& she %as con$used and thro%n o- tan!ent momentarily& althou!h she al%ays had the money and fnancial ability to buy ne% truc.s and repair the destroyed one. Are the reasons !ien by ;epay su-icient !rounds to e=cuse her $rom completin! units? <=plain. SUGGESTED ANSWER: 7o. )he reasons !ien by ;epay are not su-icient !rounds to e=cuse her $rom completin! her units. )he same could be underta.en by her children or by other authori6ed representaties (1ec 2:n ;ub 1er ActK /alili /erras 2? s I:H) Se#0rities Reg0lation 7nsi6er (2003) As. B5 %as employed in AA1 Inestment 5an.. WIC& a medical dru! company& retained the 5an. to assess %hether it is desirable to ma.e a tender o-er $or 'B; company& a dru! manu$acturer. B5 oerheard in the course o$ her %or. the plans o$ WIC. 5y hersel$ and thru associates& she purchased 'B; stoc.s aailable at the stoc. e=chan!e priced at ;#? per share. When WICDs tender o-er %as announced& 'B; stoc.s "umped to ;(? per share. )hus B5 earned a si6able proft. Is B5 liable $or breach and misuse o$ confdential or insider in$ormation !ained $rom her employment? Is she also liable $or dama!es to sellers or buyers %ith %hom she traded? I$ so& %hat is the measure o$ such dama!es? <=plain brieEy. (@%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: B5 is an insider (as defned in 1ubsection (.J(() o$ the 1ecurities 9e!ulation Code) since she is an employee o$ the 5an.& the fnancial adiser o$ 'B;& and this relationship !ies her access to material in$ormation about the issuer ('B;) and the latterDs securities (shares)& %hich in$ormation is not !enerally aailable to the public. Accordin!ly& B5 is !uilty o$ insider tradin! under 1ection #I o$ the 1ecurities 9e!ulation Code& %hich re+uires disclosure %hen tradin! in securities. B5 is also liable $or dama!es to sellers or buyers %ith %hom she traded. ,nder 1ubsection :(.2 o$ the 1ecurities 9e!ulation Code& the dama!es a%arded could be an amount not e=ceedin! triple the amount o$ the transaction plus actual dama!es. <=emplary dama!es may also be a%arded in case o$ bad $aith& $raud& maleolence or %antonness in the iolation o$ the 1ecurities 9e!ulation Code or its implementin! rules. )he court is also authori6ed to a%ard attorneyDs $ees not e=ceedin! (?% o$ the a%ard. 7nsi6er Tra6in' ()**1) ,nder the 9eised 1ecurities Act& it is unla%$ul $or an insider to sell or buy a security o$ the issuer i$ he .no%s a $act o$ special si!nifcance %ith respect to the issuer or the security that is not !enerally aailable& %ithout disclosin! such $act to the other party. :*a$ What does the term insider mean as used in the 9eised 1ecurities act? :*b$ When is a $act considered to be o$ special si!nifcance under the same Act? :*c$ What are the liabilities o$ a person %ho iolates the pertinent proisions o$ the 9eised 1ecurities Act re!ardin! the un$air use o$ inside in$ormation? SUGGESTED ANSWER: (a. Insider means 2) the issuer& #) a director or o-icer o$& or a person controllin!& controlled by& or under common control %ith& the issuer& () a person %hose relationship or $ormer relationship to the issuer !ies or !ae him access to a $act o$ special si!nifcance about the issuer or the security that is not !enerally aailable& or 4) a person %ho learns such a $act $rom any o$ the $ore!oin! insiders %ith .no%led!e that the person $rom %hom he learns the $act is such an insider (1ec (?b& 91A) (b. It is one %hich& in addition to bein! material& %ould be li.ely to a-ect the mar.et price o$ a security to a si!nifcant e=tent on bein! made !enerally aailable& or one %hich a reasonable person %ould consider especially Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 92 of 103 important under the circumstances in determinin! his course o$ action in the li!ht o$ such $actors as the de!ree o$ its specifcity& the e=tent o$ its di-erence $rom in$ormation !enerally aailable preiously& and its nature and reliability. (1ec. (?c& 91A) (c. )he person may be liable to 2) a fne o$ not less than ;@th nor more than ;@??th or #) imprisonment o$ not less than I years nor more than #2 years& () or both such fne and imprisonment in the discretion o$ the court. I$ the person is a corporation& partnership& association or other "uridical entity& the penalty shall be imposed upon the o-icers o$ the corporation& etc. responsible $or the iolation. And i$ such an o-icer is an alien& he shall& in addition to the penalties prescribed& be deported %ithout $urther proceedin!s a$ter serice o$ sentence. (1ec @: 91A) 7nsi6er Tra6in'2 (ani$ulatie "ractices ()**3) /$ Fie a case %here a person %ho is not an issuin! corporation& director or o-icer thereo$& or a person controllin!& controlled by or under common control %ith the issuin! corporation& is also considered an insider. !$ In 1ecurities >a%& %hat is a shorts%in! transaction. :$ In insider tradin!& %hat is a $act o$ special si!nifcance? SUGGESTED ANSWER: /$ It may be a case %here a person& %hose relationship or $ormer relationship to the issuer !ies or !ae him access to a $act o$ special si!nifcance about the issuer or the security that is not !enerally aailable& or a person& %ho learns such a $act $rom any o$ the insiders& %ith .no%led!e that the person $rom %hom he learns the $act& is such an insider (1ec (?& par (b) 9e 1ecurities Act) !$ A shorts%in! is a transaction %here a person buys securities and sells or disposes o$ the same %ithin a period o$ si= (:) months. A8TERNAT7>E ANSWER: !$ It is a purchase by any person $or the issuer or any person controllin!& controlled by& or under common control %ith the issuer& or a purchase sub"ect to the control o$ the issuer or any such person& resultin! in benefcial o%nership o$ more than 2?% o$ any class o$ shares (1ec (# 9 1ec Act) :$ In insider tradin!& a $act o$ special si!nifcance is& in addition to bein! material& such $act as %ould li.ely& on bein! made !enerally aailable& to a-ect the mar.et price o$ a security to a si!nifcant e=tent& or %hich a reasonable person %ould consider as especially important under the circumstances in determinin! his course o$ action in the li!ht o$ such $actors as the de!ree o$ its specifcity& the e=tent o$ its di-erence $rom in$ormation !enerally aailable preiously& and its nature and reliability (1ec (? par c 91ecAct) (ani$ulatie "ractices (200)) 1uppose A is the o%ner o$ seeral inactie securities. )o create an appearance o$ actie tradin! $or such securities& Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 A connies %ith 5 by %hich A %ill o-er $or sale some o$ his securities and 5 %ill buy them at a certain f=ed price& %ith the understandin! that althou!h there %ould be an apparent sale& A %ill retain the benefcial o%nership thereo$. a$ Is the arran!ement la%$ul? ((%) b$ I$ the sale materiali6es& %hat is it called? (#%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: a$ 7o. )he arran!ement is not la%$ul. It is an artifcial manipulation o$ the price o$ securities. )his is prohibited by the 1ecurities 9e!ulation Code. b$ I$ the sale materiali6es& it is called a %ash sale or simulated sale. Securities Re'ulation Co6e2 "ur$ose ()**:) What is the principal purpose o$ la%s and re!ulations !oernin! securities in the ;hilippines? (#%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: )he principal purpose o$ la%s and re!ulations !oernin! securities in the ;hilippines is to protect the public a!ainst the ne$arious practices o$ unscrupulous bro.ers and salesmen in sellin! securities. Securities2 De&inition ()**4) 'efne securities SUGGESTED ANSWER: 1toc.s& bonds notes& conertible debentures& %arrants or other documents that represent a share in a company or a debt o%ned by a company or !oernment entity. <idences o$ obli!ations to pay money or o$ ri!hts to participate in earnin!s and distribution o$ corporate assets. Instruments !iin! to their le!al holders ri!hts to money or other propertyK they are there$ore instruments %hich hae intrinsic alue and are reco!ni6ed and used as such in the re!ular channels o$ commerce. (0ote Sec (a of the +evised Securities #ct does not really define the term Psecurities'M! Securities2 Sellin' o& Securities2 (eanin' (2002) #??# (2J) <+uity Bnline Corporation (<B>)& a 7e% 0or. corporation& has a securities bro.era!e serice on the Internet a$ter obtainin! all re+uisite ,.1. licenses and permits to do so. <B>3s %ebsite (%%%.eonline..com)& %hich is hosted by a serer in 8lorida& enables Internet users to trade on4line in securities listed in the arious stoc. e=chan!es in the ,.1. <B> buys and sells ,.1. listed securities $or the accounts o$ its clients all oer the %orld& %ho coney their buy and sell instructions to <B> throu!h the Internet. <B> has no o-ices& employees or representaties outside the ,.1. )he %ebsite has icons $or many countries& includin! an icon 8or 8ilipino )raders containin! the day3s prices o$ ,.1. listed securities e=pressed in ,.1. dollars and their ;hilippine peso e+uialent. Frace Fon6ales& a resident o$ Aa.ati& is a re!ular customer o$ the %ebsite and has been purchasin! and sellin! securities throu!h <B> %ith the use o$ her American <=press credit card. Frace has neer traeled outside the ;hilippines. A$ter a series o$ erroneous stoc. pic.s& she had incurred a net indebtedness o$ ,1R(?&???. %ith <B>& at %hich time she cancelled her American <=press credit card. A$ter a Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 93 of 103 number o$ demand letters sent to Frace& all o$ them unans%ered& <B>& throu!h a Aa.ati la% frm& fled a complaint $or collection a!ainst Frace %ith the 9e!ional )rial Court o$ Aa.ati. Frace& throu!h her la%yer& fled a motion to dismiss on the !round that <B> (a) %as doin! business in the ;hilippines %ithout a license and %as there$ore barred $rom brin!in! suit and (b) iolated the 1ecurities 9e!ulation Code by sellin! or o-erin! to sell securities %ithin the ;hilippines %ithout re!isterin! the securities %ith the ;hilippine 1<C and thus came to court %ith unclean hands. <B> opposed the motion to dismiss& contendin! that it had neer established a physical presence in the ;hilippines& and that all o$ the actiities related to plainti-s tradin! in ,.1. securities all transpired outside the ;hilippines. I$ you are the "ud!e& decide the motion to dismiss by rulin! on the respectie contentions o$ the parties on the basis o$ the $acts presented aboe. (2?%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: )he !rounds o$ the motion to dismiss are both untenable. <B> is not doin! business in the ;hilippines& and it did not iolate the 1ecurites Act& because it %as not sellin! securities in the country. )he contention o$ <B> is correct& because it neer did any business in the ;hilippines. All its transactions in +uestion %ere consummated outside the ;hilippines. Ten6er <&&er (2002) #??# (:) A* What is a tender o-er? B* In %hat instances is a tender o-er re+uired to be made? SUGGESTED ANSWER: A* )ender o-er is a publicly announced intention o$ a person actin! alone or in concert %ith other persons to ac+uire e+uity securities o$ a public company. It may also be defned as a method o$ ta.in! oer a company by as.in! stoc.holders to sell their shares at a price hi!her than the current mar.et price and on a particular date. B* Instances %here tender o-er is re+uired to be made* a$ )he person intends to ac+uire 2@% or more o$ the e+uity share o$ a public company pursuant to an a!reement made bet%een or amon! the person and one or more sellers. b$ )he person intends to ac+uire (?% or more o$ the e+uity shares o$ a public company %ithin a period o$ 2# months. c$ )he person intends to ac+uire e+uity shares o$ a public company that %ould result in o%nership o$ more than @?% o$ the said shares. Trans%ortation La! ,oun6ar% S%stem (2001) 5aldo is a drier o$ 0ello% Cab Company under the boundary system. While cruisin! alon! the 1outh <=press%ay& 5aldo3s cab f!ured in a collision& .illin! his passen!er& ;ietro. )he heirs o$ ;ietro sued 0ello% Cab Company $or dama!es& but the latter re$used to pay the heirs& insistin! that it is not liable because 5aldo is not its employee. 9esole %ith reasons. (#%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: 0ello% Cab Company shall be liable %ith 5aldo& on a solidary basis& $or the death o$ passen!er ;ietro. 5aldo is an employee o$ 0ello% Cab under the boundary system. As such& the death o$ passen!er ;ietro is breach o$ contract o$ carria!e& ma.in! both the common carrier 0ello% Cab and its employee& 5aldo& solidarily liable. .Bernande8 "# )olor, %#R, &o# 16,2+6, 9ul5 3,, 2,,(7 Carria'e2 ,reac# o& Contract2 "resum$tion o& Ne'li'ence ()**0) ;eter so hailed a ta=icab o%ned and operated by Cimmy Chen! and drien by /ermie Corte6. ;eter as.ed Corte6 to ta.e him to his o-ice in Aalate. Bn the %ay to Aalate& the ta=icab collided %ith a passen!er "eepney& as a result o$ %hich ;eter %as in"ured& i.e.& he $ractured his le$t le!. ;eter sued Cimmy $or dama!es& based upon a contract o$ carria!e& and ;eter %on. Cimmy %anted to challen!e the decision be$ore the 1C on the !round that the trial court erred in not ma.in! an e=press fndin! as to %hether or not Cimmy %as responsible $or the collision and& hence& ciilly liable to ;eter. /e %ent to see you $or adice. What %ill you tell him? <=plain. SUGGESTED ANSWER: I %ill counsel Cimmy to desist $rom challen!in! the decision. )he action o$ ;eter bein! based on culpa contractual& the carrier3s ne!li!ence is presumed upon the breach o$ contract. )he burden o$ proo$ instead %ould lie on Cimmy to establish that despite an e=ercise o$ utmost dili!ence the collision could not hae been aoided. Carria'e2 ,reac# o& Contract2 "resum$tion o& Ne'li'ence ()**+) In a court case inolin! claims $or dama!es arisin! $rom death and in"ury o$ bus passen!ers& counsel $or the bus operator fles a demurrer to eidence ar!uin! that the complaint should be dismissed because the plainti-s did not submit any eidence that the operator or its employees %ere ne!li!ent. I$ you %ere the "ud!e& %ould you dismiss the complaint? SUGGESTED ANSWER: 7o. In the carria!e o$ passen!ers& the $ailure o$ the common carrier to brin! the passen!ers sa$ely to their destination immediately raises the presumption that such $ailure is attributable to the carrier3s $ault or ne!li!ence. In the case at bar& the $act o$ death and in"ury o$ the bus passen!ers raises the presumption o$ $ault or ne!li!ence on the part o$ the carrier. )he carrier must rebut such presumption. Bther%ise& the conclusion can be properly made that the carrier $ailed to e=ercise e=traordinary dili!ence as re+uired by la%. Carria'e2 /ortuitous Eent ()**1) A. 'i6on )ruc.in! entered into a haulin! contract %ith 8air!oods Co %hereby the $ormer bound itsel$ to haul the latter3s #??? sac.s o$ 1oya bean meal $rom Aanila Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 95 of 103 ;ort Area to Calamba& >a!una. )o carry out $aith$ully its obli!ation 'i6on subcontracted %ith <nrico 9eyes the deliery o$ 4?? sac.s o$ the 1oya bean meal. Aside $rom the drier& three male employees o$ 9eyes rode on the truc. %ith the car!o. While the truc. %as on its %ay to >a!una t%o stran!ers suddenly stopped the truc. and hi"ac.ed the car!o. Inesti!ation by the police disclosed that one o$ the hi"ac.ers %as armed %ith a bladed %eapon %hile the other %as unarmed. 8or $ailure to delier the 4?? sac.s& 8air!oods sued 'i6on $or dama!es. 'i6on in turn set up a (rd party complaint a!ainst 9eyes %hich the latter re!istered on the !round that the loss %as due to $orce ma"eure. 'id the hi"ac.in! constitute $orce ma"eure to e=culpate 9eyes $rom any liability to 'i6on? 'iscuss $ully. SUGGESTED ANSWER: 7o. )he hi"ac.in! in this case cannot be considered $orce ma"eure. Bnly one o$ the t%o hi"ac.ers %as armed %ith a bladed %eapon. As a!ainst the 4 male employees o$ 9eyes& # hi"ac.ers& %ith only one o$ them bein! armed %ith a bladed %eapon& cannot be considered $orce ma"eure. )he hi"ac.ers did not act %ith !rae or irresistible threat& iolence or $orce. Carria'e2 8ia.ilit%2 8ost ,a''a'e or Acts o& "assen'ers ()**+) 2HHI (2@) Antonio& a payin! passen!er& boarded a bus bound $or 5atan!as City. /e chose a seat at the $ront ro%& near the bus drier& and told the bus drier that he had aluable items in his hand carried ba! %hich he then placed beside the drier3s seat. 7ot hain! slept $or #4 hours& he re+uested the drier to .eep an eye on the ba! should he do6e o- durin! the trip. While Antonio %as asleep& another passen!er too. the ba! a%ay and ali!hted at Calamba& >a!una. Could the common carrier be held liable by Antonio $or the loss? SUGGESTED ANSWER: 0es. Brdinarily& the common carrier is not liable $or acts o$ other passen!ers. 5ut the common carrier cannot reliee itsel$ $rom liability i$ the common carrier3s employees could hae preented the act or omission by e=ercisin! due dili!ence. In this case& the passen!er as.ed the drier to .eep an eye on the ba! %hich %as placed beside the drier3s seat. I$ the drier e=ercised due dili!ence& he could hae preented the loss o$ the ba!. Carria'e2 "ro#i.ite6 0 >ali6 Sti$ulations (2002) 'iscuss %hether or not the $ollo%in! stipulations in a contract o$ carria!e o$ a common carrier are alid* /* a stipulation limitin! the sum that may be recoered by the shipper or o%ner to H?% o$ the alue o$ the !oods in case o$ loss due to the$t. !* a stipulation that in the eent o$ loss& destruction or deterioration o$ !oods on account o$ the de$ectie condition o$ the ehicle used in the contract o$ carria!e& the carrier3s liability is limited to the alue o$ the !oods appearin! in the bill o$ ladin! unless the shipper or o%ner declares a hi!her alue (@%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 /* )he stipulation is considered unreasonable& un"ust and contrary to public policy under Article 2I4@ o$ the Ciil Code. !* )he stipulation limitin! the carrier3s liability to the alue o$ the !oods appearin! in the bill o$ ladin! unless the shipper or o%ner declares a hi!her alue& is e=pressly reco!ni6ed in Article 2I4H o$ the Ciil Code. Carria'e2 >aluation o& Dama'e6 Car'o ()**3) A shipped thirteen pieces o$ lu!!a!e throu!h >F Airlines $rom )eheran to Aanila as eidenced by >F Air Waybill %hich disclosed that the actual !ross %ei!ht o$ the lu!!a!e %as 2J? .!. S did not declare an inentory o$ the contents or the alue o$ the 2( pieces o$ lu!!a!e. A$ter the said pieces o$ lu!!a!e arried in Aanila& the consi!nee %as able to claim $rom the car!o bro.er only 2# pieces& %ith a total %ei!ht o$ 2I4 .!. L adised the airline o$ the loss o$ one o$ the 2( pieces o$ lu!!a!e and o$ the contents thereo$. <-orts o$ the airline to trace the missin! lu!!a!e %ere $ruitless. 1ince the airline $ailed to comply %ith the demand o$ L to produce the missin! lu!!a!e& L fled an action $or breach o$ contract %ith dama!es a!ainst >F Airlines. In its ans%er& >F Airlines alle!ed that the Warsa% Conention %hich limits the liability o$ the carrier& i$ any& %ith respect to car!o to a sum o$ R#? per .ilo or RH.?I per pound& unless a hi!her alue is declared in adance and additional char!es are paid by the passen!er and the conditions o$ the contract as set $orth in the air %aybill& e=pressly sub"ect the contract o$ the carria!e o$ car!o to the Warsa% Conention. Aay the alle!ation o$ >F Airlines be sustained? <=plain. SUGGESTED ANSWER: 0es. ,nless the contents o$ a car!o are declared or the contents o$ a lost lu!!a!e are proed by the satis$actory eidence other than the sel$4serin! declaration o$ one party& the contract should be en$orced as it is the only reasonable basis to arrie at a "ust a%ard. )he passen!er or shipper is bound by the terms o$ the passen!er tic.et or the %aybill. ./ana!a " Ra-adas 2,6 s 6'7 Common Carrier ()**4) 'efne a common carrier? SUGGESTED ANSWER: A common carrier is a person& corporation& frm or association en!a!ed in the business o$ carryin! or transportin! passen!ers or !oods or both& by land& %ater or air $or compensation& o-erin! its serices to the public (Art 2I(#& Ciil Code) Common Carrier2 ,reac# o& Contract2 Dama'es (2003) Qiian Aartin %as boo.ed by ;A>& %hich acted as a tic.etin! a!ent o$ 8ar <ast Airlines& $or a round trip Ei!ht on the latter3s aircra$t& $rom Aanila4/on!.on!4 Aanila. )he tic.et %as cut by an employee o$ ;A>. )he tic.et sho%ed that Qiian %as scheduled to leae Aanila at @*(? p.m. on ?@ Canuary #??# aboard 8ar <ast3s 8li!ht 8??I. Qiian arried at the 7inoy A+uino International Airport an hour be$ore the time scheduled in her tic.et& but %as told that 8ar <ast3s 8li!ht 8??I had le$t at 2#*2? p.m. It Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 95 of 103 turned out that the tic.et %as inadertently cut and %ron!ly %orded. ;A> employees mannin! the airport3s !round serices neertheless scheduled her to Ey t%o hours later aboard their plane. 1he a!reed and arried in /on!.on! sa$ely. )he aircra$t used by 8ar <ast Airlines deeloped en!ine trouble& and did not ma.e it to /on!.on! but returned to Aanila. Qiian sued both airlines& ;A> and 8ar <ast& $or dama!es because o$ her hain! unable to ta.e the 8ar <ast Ei!ht. Could either or both airlines be held liable to Qiian? Why? (:%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: (per dondee) 7o& there %as breach o$ contract and that she %as accommodated %ell %ith the assistance o$ ;A> employees to ta.e the Ei!ht %ithout undue delay. Common Carrier2 De&enses (2002) Why is the de$ense o$ due dili!ence in the selection and superision o$ an employee not aailable to a common carrier? (#%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: )he de$ense o$ due dili!ence in the selection and superision o$ an employee is not aailable to a common carrier because the de!ree o$ dili!ence re+uired o$ a common carrier is not the dili!ence o$ a !ood $ather o$ a $amily but e=traordinary dili!ence& i.e.& dili!ence o$ the !reatest s.ill and utmost $oresi!ht. Common Carrier2 De&enses2 /ortuitous Eents ()**3) Aarites& a payin! bus passen!er& %as hit aboe her le$t eye by a stone hurled at the bus by an unidentifed bystander as the bus %as speedin! throu!h the 7ational /i!h%ay. )he bus o%ner3s personnel lost no time in brin!in! Aarites to the proincial hospital %here she %as confned and treated. Aarites %ants to sue the bus company $or dama!es and see.s your adice %hether she can le!ally hold the bus company liable. What %ill you adise her? SUGGESTED ANSWER: Aarites can not le!ally hold the bus company liable. )here is no sho%in! that any such incident preiously happened so as to impose an obli!ation on part o$ the personnel o$ the bus company to %arn the passen!ers and to ta.e the necessary precaution. 1uch hurlin! o$ a stone constitutes $ortuitous eent in this case. )he bus company is not an insurer. ./ila-il " C$ 1+, s 3(67 Common Carrier2 De&enses2 8imitation o& 8ia.ilit% ()**:) L too. a plane $rom Aanila bound $or 'aao ia Cebu %here there %as a chan!e o$ planes. L arried in 'aao sa$ely but to his dismay& his t%o suitcases %ere le$t behind in Cebu. )he airline company assured L that the suitcases %ould come in the ne=t Ei!ht but they neer did. L claimed ;#&??? $or the loss o$ both suitcases& but the airline %as %illin! to pay only ;@?? because the airline tic.et stipulated that unless a hi!her alue %as declared& any claim $or loss cannot e=ceed ;#@? $or each piece o$ lu!!a!e. L reasoned out that he did not si!n the stipulation and in $act had not een read it. L did not declare a !reater alue despite the $act that the cler. had called his attention to the stipulation in the tic.et. 'ecide the case (@%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: <en i$ he did not si!n the tic.et& L is bound by the stipulation that any claim $or loss cannot e=ceed ;#@? $or each lu!!a!e. /e did not declare a hi!her alue. L is entitled to ;@?? $or the t%o lu!!a!es lost. Common Carrier2 De&enses2 8imitation o& 8ia.ilit% (200)) Suppose A was ri.ing on an airplane of a co''on carrier w&en t&e acci.ent &appene. an. A suffere. serious in9uries* 1n an action by A against t&e co''on carrierB t&e latter clai'e. t&at /$ there %as a stipulation in the tic.et issued to A absolutely e=emptin! the carrier $rom liability $rom the passen!er3s death or in"uries ad notices %ere posted by the common carrier dispensin! %ith the e=traordinary dili!ence o$ the carrier& and !$ A %as !ien a discount on his plane $are thereby reducin! the liability o$ the common carrier %ith respect to A in particular. a$ Are those alid de$enses? (2%) b$ What are the de$enses aailable to any common carrier to limit or e=empt it $rom liability? (4%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: a$ 7o. )hese are not alid de$enses because they are contrary to la% as they are in iolation o$ the e=traordinary dili!ence re+uired o$ common carriers. (Article 2I@I& 2I@J 7e% Ciil Code) b$ )he de$enses aailable to any common carrier to limit or e=empt it $rom liability are* /* obserance o$ e=traordinary dili!ence& !* or the pro=imate cause o$ the incident is a $ortuitous eent or $orce ma"eure& :* act or omission o$ the shipper or o%ner o$ the !oods& (* the character o$ the !oods or de$ects in the pac.in! or in the containers& and #* order or act o$ competent public authority& %ithout the common carrier bein! !uilty o$ een simple ne!li!ence (Article 2I(4& 7CC). Common Carrier2 Duration o& 8ia.ilit% ()**4) A bus o$ F> )ransit on its %ay to 'aao stopped to enable a passen!er to ali!ht. At that moment& 1antia!o& %ho had been %aitin! $or a ride& boarded the bus. /o%eer& the bus drier $ailed to notice 1antia!o %ho %as still standin! on the bus plat$orm& and stepped on the accelerator. 5ecause o$ the sudden motion& 1antia!o slipped and $ell do%n su-erin! serious in"uries. Aay 1antia!o hold F> )ransit liable $or breach o$ contract o$ carria!e? <=plain. SUGGESTED ANSWER: 1antia!o may hold F> )ransit liable $or breach o$ contract o$ carria!e. It %as the duty o$ the drier& %hen he stopped the bus& to do no act that %ould hae the e-ect o$ increasin! the peril to a passen!er such as 1antia!o %hile he %as attemptin! to board the same. When a bus is not in motion there is no necessity $or a Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 96 of 103 person %ho %ants to ride the same to si!nal his intention to board. A public utility bus& once it stops& is in e-ect ma.in! a continuous o-er to bus riders. It is the duty o$ common carriers o$ passen!ers to stop their coneyances $or a reasonable len!th o$ time in order to a-ord passen!ers an opportunity to board and enter& and they are liable $or in"uries su-ered by boardin! passen!ers resultin! $rom the sudden startin! up or "er.in! o$ their coneyances %hile they are doin! so. 1antia!o& by steppin! and standin! on the plat$orm o$ the bus& is already considered a passen!er and is entitled to all the ri!hts and protection pertainin! to a contract o$ carria!e. .)ang4a ?rans Co " C$ 600+2 Oct ',61 2,2s0'(7 Common Carrier2 Dut% to E9amine ,a''a'es2 Rail;a% an6 Airline ()**2) Aarino %as a passen!er on a train. Another passen!er& Cuancho& had ta.en a !allon o$ !asoline placed in a plastic ba! into the same coach %here Aarino %as ridin!. )he !asoline i!nited and e=ploded causin! in"ury to Aarino %ho fled a ciil suit $or dama!es a!ainst the rail%ay company claimin! that Cuancho should hae been sub"ected to inspection by its conductor. )he rail%ay company disclaimed liability resultin! $rom the e=plosion contendin! that it %as una%are o$ the contents o$ the plastic ba! and ino.in! the ri!ht o$ Cuancho to priacy. a$ 1hould the rail%ay company be held liable $or dama!es? b$ I$ it %ere an airline company inoled& %ould your ans%er be the same? <=plain brieEy. SUGGESTED ANSWER: a$ 7o. )he rail%ay company is not liable $or dama!es. In oerland transportation& the common carrier is not bound nor empo%ered to ma.e an e=amination on the contents o$ pac.a!es or ba!s& particularly those handcarried by passen!ers. b$ I$ it %ere an airline company& the common carrier should be made liable. In case o$ air carriers& it is not la%$ul to carry Eammable materials in passen!er aircra$ts& and airline companies may open and inesti!ate suspicious pac.a!es and car!oes (9A :#(@) Common Carrier2 Test ()**4) What is the test $or determinin! %hether or not one is a common carrier? SUGGESTED ANSWER: )he test $or determinin! %hether or not one is a common carrier is %hether the person or entity& $or some business purpose and %ith !eneral or limited clientele& o-ers the serice o$ carryin! or transportin! passen!ers or !oods or both $or compensation. Common Carriers2 De&enses ()**4) /$ AA )ruc.in!& a small company& operates t%o truc.s $or hire on selectie basis. It caters only to a $e% customers& and its truc.s do not ma.e re!ular or scheduled trips. It does not een hae a certifcate o$ public conenience. Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 Bn one occasion& 9eynaldo contracted AA to transport $or a $ee& 2?? sac.s o$ rice $rom Aanila to )arlac. /o%eer& AA $ailed to delier the car!o& because its truc. %as hi"ac.ed %hen the drier stopped in 5ulacan to isit his !irl$riend. a$ Aay 9eynaldo hold AA liable as a common carrier? b$ Aay AA set up the hi"ac.in! as a de$ense to de$eat 9eynaldo3s claim? SUGGESTED ANSWER: a$ 9eynaldo may hold AA )ruc.in! liable as a common carrier. )he $acts that AA )ruc.in! operates only t%o truc.s $or hire on a selectie basis& caters only to a $e% customers& does not ma.e re!ular or scheduled trips& and does not hae a certifcate o$ public conenience are o$ no moment as the la% does not distin!uish bet%een one %hose principal business actiity is the carryin! o$ persons or !oods or both and anyone %ho does such carryin! only as an ancillary actiity& the la% aoids ma.in! any distinction bet%een a person or enterprise o-erin! transportation serice on a re!ular or scheduled basis and one o-erin! such serice on an occasional& episodic or unscheduled basis& and the la% re$rains $rom ma.in! a distinction bet%een a carrier o-erin! its serices to the !eneral public and one %ho o-ers serices or solicits business only $rom a narro% se!ment o$ the !eneral population ./edro de %u8!an " C$ 32('+22 )ec 22,++ 16+s6127 SUGGESTED ANSWER: b$ AA )ruc.in! may not set up the hi"ac.in! as a de$ense to de$eat 9eynaldo3s claim as the $acts !ien do not indicate that the same %as attended by the use o$ !rae or irresistible threat& iolence& or $orce. It %ould appear that the truc. %as le$t unattended by its drier and %as ta.en %hile he %as isitin! his !irl$riend. (/edro de %u8!an " C$ 32('+22 )ec 22,++ 16+ scra 612). Common Carriers2 8ia.ilit% &or 8oss ()**)) Ale"andor Camalin! o$ Ale!ria& Cebu& is en!a!ed in buyin! copra& charcoal& fre%ood& and used bottles and in resellin! them in Cebu City. /e uses # bi! Isu6u truc.s $or the purposeK ho%eer& he has no certifcate o$ public conenience or $ranchise to do business as a common carrier. Bn the return trips to Ale!ria& he loads his truc.s %ith arious merchandise o$ other merchants in Ale!ria and the nei!hborin! municipalities o$ 5adian and Finatilan. /e char!es them $rei!ht rates much lo%er than the re!ular rates. In one o$ the return trips& %hich le$t Cebu City at J*(? p.m. 2 car!o truc. %as loaded %ith seeral bo=es o$ sardines& alued at ;2??th& belon!in! to one o$ his customers& ;edro 9abor. While passin! the 6i!6a! road bet%een Carcar and 5arili& Cebu& %hich is mid%ay bet%een Cebu City and Ale!ria& the truc. %as hi"ac.ed by ( armed men %ho too. all the bo=es o$ Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 9- of 103 sardines and .idnapped the drier and his helper& releasin! them in Cebu City only # days later. ;edro 9abor sou!ht to recoer $rom Ale"andro the alue o$ the sardines. )he latter contends that he is not liable there$ore because he is not a common carrier under the Ciil Code and& een !rantin! $or the sa.e o$ ar!ument that he is& he is not liable $or the occurrence o$ the loss as it %as due to a cause beyond his control. I$ you %ere the "ud!e& %ould you sustain the contention o$ Ale"andro? SUGGESTED ANSWER: I$ I %ere the Cud!e& I %ould hold Ale"andro as hain! en!a!ed as a common carrier. A person %ho o-ers his serices to carry passen!ers or !oods $or a $ee is a common carrier re!ardless o$ %hether he has a certifcate o$ public conenience or not& %hether it is his main business or incidental to such business& %hether it is scheduled or unscheduled serice& and %hether he o-ers his serices to the !eneral public or to a limited $e% .)e %u8!an " C$ %R ('+22 2')ec16++7 I %ill ho%eer& sustain the contention o$ Ale"andro that he is not liable $or the loss o$ the !oods. A common carrier is not an insurer o$ the car!o. I$ it can be established that the loss& despite the e=ercise o$ e=traordinary dili!ence& could not hae been aoided& liability does not ensue a!ainst the carrier. )he hi"ac.in! by ( armed men o$ the truc. used by Ale"andro is one o$ such cases .)e %u8!an " C$ %R ('+22 2')ec16++7# Common s! "riate Carrier2 De&enses (2002) 7ame t%o (#) characteristics %hich di-erentiate a common carrier $rom a priate carrier. ((%). SUGGESTED ANSWER: )%o (#) characteristics that di-erentiate a common carrier $rom a priate carrier are* /* A common carrier o-ers its serice to the publicK a priate carrier does not. !* A common carrier is re+uired to obsere e=traordinary dili!enceK a priate carrier is not so re+uired. Ha.it S%stem (2001) 'iscuss the .abit system in land transportation and its le!al conse+uences. (#%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: 2&e kabit syste' is an arrange'ent w&ere a person grante. a certificate of public con)enience allows ot&er persons to operate t&eir 'otor )e&icles un.er &is licenseB for a fee or percentage of t&eir earnings (Fim v' "ourt of #ppeals and 4onEaleE, 4'+, 0o' )(58)7, <anuary )-, (;;(, citing Baliwag 2rannit v' "ourt of #ppeals, 4'+' 0o' 57,*., <anuary 7, )*87! 2&e law en9oining t&e kabit syste' ai's to i.entify t&e person responsible for an acci.ent in or.er to protect t&e ri.ing public* 2&e policy &as no force w&en t&e public at large is neit&er .ecei)e. nor in)ol)e.* )he la% does not penali6e the parties to a .abit a!reement. 5ut the .abit system is contrary to public policy and there$ore oid and ine=istent. (Art. 24?HZ2[& Ciil Code) Ha.it S%stem2 A'ent o& t#e Re'istere6 <;ner (2001) ;rocopio purchased an Isu6u passen!er "eepney $rom <nten!& a holder o$ a certifcate o$ public conenience $or the operation o$ public utility ehicle plyin! the Calamba4>os 5a\os route. While ;rocopio continued o-erin! the "eepney $or public transport serices& he did not hae the re!istration o$ the ehicle trans$erred in his name. 7either did he secure $or himsel$ a certifcate o$ public conenience $or its operation. )hus& per the records o$ the >and )ransportation 8ranchisin! and 9e!ulatory 5oard& <nten! remained its re!istered o%ner and operator. Bne day& %hile the "eepney %as traelin! southbound& it collided %ith a ten4 %heeler truc. o%ned by <mmanuel. )he drier o$ the truc. admitted responsibility $or the accident& e=plainin! that the truc. lost its bra.es. ;rocopio sued <mmanuel $or dama!es& but the latter moed to dismiss the case on the !round that ;rocopio is not the real party in interest since he is not the re!istered o%ner o$ the "eepney. 9esole the motion %ith reasons. ((%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: 2&e 'otion to .is'iss s&oul. be .enie. because ProcopioB as t&e real owner of t&e 9eepneyB is t&e real party in interest* Procopio falls un.er t&e Habit syste'* Eowe)erB t&e legal restriction as regar.s t&e Habit syste' .oes not apply in t&is case because t&e public at large is not .ecei)e. nor in)ol)e.* (Fim v' "ourt of #ppeals, 4'+' 0o' )(58)7, <anuary )-, (;;(, citing Baliwag 2ransit v' "ourt of #ppeals, 4'+' 0o' 57,*., <anuary 7, )*87! 1n any e)entB Procoprio is .ee'e. to be Jt&e agentJ of t&e registere. owner* (5irst 6alayan Feasing v' "ourt of #ppeals, 4'+' 0o' *).78, <une *,)**(C and O5O 2ransit "o', %nc' v' 0F+", 4'+' 0os, 88)*5$*-, <anuary (7, )**,! (aritime Commerce2 ,are.oat (2003) 8or the transportation o$ its car!o $rom the ;ort o$ Aanila to the ;ort o$ Mobe& Capan& Bsa%a P Co.& chartered bareboat AOQ Ilo! o$ Mara!atan Corporation. AOQ Ilo! met a sea accident resultin! in the loss o$ the car!o and the death o$ some o$ the seamen mannin! the essel. Who should bear the loss o$ the car!o and the death o$ the seamen? Why? (4%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: (per 'ondee) Bsa%a and Co. shall bear the loss because under a demise or bareboat charter& the charterer (Bsa%a P Co.) mans the essel %ith his o%n people and becomes& in e-ect& the o%ner $or the oya!e or serice stipulated& sub"ect to liability $or dama!es caused by ne!li!ence. "rior <$erator Rule (2003) 5ayan 5us >ines had been operatin! satis$actorily a bus serice oer the route Aanila to )arlac and ice ersa ia the AcArthur /i!h%ay. With the up!radin! o$ the ne% 7orth <=press%ay& 5ayan 5us >ines serice became Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 98 of 103 seemin!ly inade+uate despite its e-orts o$ improin! the same. ;aso. )ransportation& Inc.& no% applies $or the issuance to it by the >and )ransportation 8ranchisin! and 9e!ulatory 5oard o$ a certifcate o$ public conenience $or the same Aanila4)arlac4Aanila route. Could 5ayan 5us >ines& Inc.& ino.e the prior operator rules a!ainst ;aso. )ransportation& Inc.? Why? (:%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: (per 'ondee) 7o& 5ayan 5us >ines& Inc.& cannot ino.e the prior operator rules a!ainst ;aso. )ransportation& Inc. because such ;rior or Bld Bperator 9ule under the ;ublic 1erice Act only applies as a policy o$ the la% o$ the ;ublic 1erice Commission to issue a certifcate o$ public conenience to a second operator %hen prior operator is renderin! su-icient& ade+uate and satis$actory serice& and %ho in all thin!s and respects is complyin! %ith the rule and re!ulation o$ the Commission. In the $acts o$ the case at bar& 5ayan 5us >ines serice became seemin!ly inade+uate despite its e-orts o$ improin! the same. /ence& in the interest o$ proidin! e-icient public transport serices& the use o$ the Dprior operatorD and the Dpriority o$ flin!D rules shall is untenable n this case. Re'istere6 <;ner2 Conclusie "resum$tion ()**0) Cohnny o%ns a 1arao "eepney. /e as.ed his nei!hbor Qan i$ he could operate the said "eepney under Qan3s certifcate o$ public conenience. Qan a!reed and& accordin!ly& Cohnny re!istered his "eepney under Qan name. Bn Cune 2?& 2HH?& one o$ the passen!er "eepneys operated by Qan bumped )omas. )omas %as in"ured and in due time& he fled a complaint $or dama!es a!ainst Qan and his drier $or the in"uries he su-ered. )he court rendered "ud!ment in $aor o$ )omas and ordered Qan and his drier& "ointly and seerally& to pay )omas actual and moral dama!es& attorney3s $ees& and costs. )he 1heri- leied on the "eepney belon!in! to Cohnny but re!istered in the name o$ Qan. Cohnny fled a (rd party claim %ith the 1heri- alle!in! o%nership o$ the "eepney leied upon and statin! that the "eepney %as re!istered in the name o$ Qan merely to enable Cohnny to ma.e use o$ Qan3s certifcate o$ public conenience. Aay the 1heri- proceed %ith the public auction o$ Cohnny3s "eepney. 'iscuss %ith reasons. SUGGESTED ANSWER: 0es& the 1heri- may proceed %ith the auction sale o$ Cohnny3s "eepney. In contemplation o$ la% as re!ards the public and third persons& the ehicle is considered the property o$ the re!istered operator .Santos " Si*ug 1,( S 02,7 Trans?S#i$ment2 ,ill o& 8a6in'2 .in6in' contract ()**3) C9) Inc entered into a contract %ith C Co o$ Capan to e=port anaha% $ans alued at R#(&???. As payment thereo$& a letter o$ credit %as issued to C9) by the buyer. )he letter o$ credit re+uired the issuance o$ an on4board bill o$ ladin! and prohibited the transshipment. )he ;resident o$ C9) then contracted a shippin! a!ent to ship the anaha% $ans throu!h B Containers >ines& speci$yin! the re+uirements o$ the letter o$ credit. /o%eer& the bill o$ ladin! issued by the shippin! lines bore the notation Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 receied $or shipment and contained an entry indicatin! transshipment in /on!.on!. )he ;resident o$ C9) personally receied and si!ned the bill o$ ladin! and despite the entries& he deliered the correspondin! chec. in payment o$ the $rei!ht. )he shipment %as deliered at the port o$ dischar!e but the buyer re$used to accept the anaha% $ans because there %as no on4board bill o$ ladin!& and there %as transshipment since the !oods %ere trans$erred in /on!.on! $rom AQ ;acifc& the $eeder essel& to AQ Briental& a mother essel. C9) ar!ued that the same cannot be considered transshipment because both essels belon! to the same shippin! company. /$ Was there transshipment? <=plain !$ C9) $urther ar!ued that assumin! that there %as transshipment& it cannot be deemed to hae a!reed thereto een i$ it si!ned the bill o$ ladin! containin! such entry because it %as made .no%n to the shippin! lines $rom the start that transshipment %as prohibited under the letter o$ credit and that& there$ore& it had no intention to allo% transshipment o$ the sub"ect car!o. Is the ar!ument tenable? 9eason. SUGGESTED ANSWER: /$ 0es. )ransshipment is the act o$ ta.in! car!o out o$ one ship and loadin! it in another. It is immaterial %hether or not the same person& frm& or entity o%ns the t%o essels. (Aa!ellan CA #?2 s 2?#) !$ 7o. C9) is bound by the terms o$ the bill o$ ladin! %hen it accepted the bill o$ ladin! %ith $ull .no%led!e o$ its contents %hich included transshipment in /on!.on!. Acceptance under such circumstances ma.es the bill o$ ladin! a bindin! contract. (Aa!ellan Ca #?2 s 2?#) Tr0st Re#ei%ts La! Trust /eceipts %a&' Acts B +missions' Covere) (200;) ;hat acts or o!issions are -enali8ed under the ?rust Recei-ts 3a4< .2#0=7 S>GG5S25D A=S?5+: )he )rust 9eceipts >a% (;.'. 7o. 22@) declares the $ail4 ure to turn oer !oods or proceeds reali6ed $rom sale thereo$& as a criminal o-ense under Art. (2@(l)(b) o$ 9eised ;enal Code. )he la% is iolated %heneer the entrustee or person to %hom trust receipts %ere issued $ails to* (a) return the !oods coered by the trust receiptsK or (b) return the proceeds o$ the sale o$ said !oods .Metro-olitan Bank "# ?onda, %#R# &o# 13((36, $ugust 16, 2,,,7# &s a"k o$ intent to 3e$ra%3 a 1ar to the prose"%tion o$ these a"ts or o!issions4 (+.55) SU##ES$E% A&SWE': =o* 2&e 2rust +eceipts Law is )iolate. w&ene)er t&e entrustee fails to: /$ turn o)er t&e procee.s of t&e sale of t&e goo.sB or !$ return t&e goo.s co)ere. by t&e trust receipts if t&e goo.s are not sol.* 2&e 'ere failure to account or return gi)es rise to t&e cri'e w&ic& is 'alu' pro&ibitu'* 2&ere is no re-uire'ent to pro)e intent to .efrau. C&ing )* Secretary of 7usticeB G*+* =o* /,(:/3B February ,B !"",% Colinares )* Court of AppealsB G*+* =o* 0"6!6B Septe'ber #B !"""% 8ng )* Court of AppealsB G*+* =o* //06#6B April !0B !"":$* <er/antie La+ =ar E2a,ination > ? A (1990-2006) Page 99 o1 103 Trusts Recei$t 8a; (2003) 2rust +eceipts Law% Liability for estafa /00/$ Ar. 7oble& as the ;resident o$ A5C )radin! Inc e=ecuted a trust receipt in $aor o$ 5;I 5an. to secure the importation by his company o$ certain !oods. A$ter release and sale o$ the imported !oods& the proceeds $rom the sale %ere not turned oer to 5;I. Would 5;I be "ustifed in flin! a case $or esta$a a!ainst 7oble? SUGGESTED ANSWER: 5;I %ould be "ustifed in flin! a case $or esta$a under ;' 22@ a!ainst 7oble. )he $act that the trust receipt %as issued in $aor o$ a ban.& instead o$ a seller& to secure the importation o$ the !oods did not preclude the application o$ the )rust 9eceipt >a%. (;' 22@) ,nder the la%& any o-icer or employee o$ a corporation responsible $or the iolation o$ a trust receipt is sub"ect to the penal liability thereunder .Sia " /eo-le 166s6007 A8TERNAT7>E ANSWER: )he flin! o$ a case $or esta$a under the penal proisions o$ the 9;C %ould not be "ustifed. It has been held in Sia " /eo-le .161 s 6007 that corporate o-icers and directors are not criminally liable $or a iolation o$ said Code. # conditions are re+uired be$ore a corporate o-icer may be criminally liable $or an o-ense committed by the corporationK i6* /* )here must be a specifc proision o$ la% mandatin! a corporation to act or not to actK and !* )here must be an e=plicit statement in the la% itsel$ that& in case o$ such iolation by a corporation& the o-icers and directors thereo$ are to be personally and criminally liable there$ore. )hese conditions are not met in the penal proisions o$ the 9;C on trust receipts. Trust Recei$ts 8a;2 8ia.ilit% &or Esta&a ()**+) A buys !oods $rom a $orei!n supplier usin! his credit line %ith a ban. to pay $or the !oods. ,pon arrial o$ the !oods at the pier& the ban. re+uires A to si!n a trust receipt be$ore A is allo%ed to ta.e deliery o$ the !oods. )he trust receipt contains the usual lan!ua!e. A disposes o$ the !oods and receies payment but does not pay the ban.. )he ban. fles a criminal action a!ainst A $or iolation o$ the )rust 9eceipts >a%. A asserts that the trust receipt is only to secure his debt and that a criminal action cannot lie a!ainst him because that %ould be iolatie o$ his constitutional ri!ht a!ainst imprisonment $or nonpayment o$ a debt. Is he correct? SUGGESTED ANSWER: 7o. Qiolation o$ a trust receipt is criminal as it is punished as esta$a under Art (2@ o$ the 9;C. )here is a public policy inoled %hich is to assure the entruster the reimbursement o$ the amount adanced or the balance thereo$ $or the !oods sub"ect o$ the trust receipt. )he e=ecution o$ the trust receipt or the use thereo$ promotes the smooth Eo% o$ commerce as it helps the importer or buyer o$ the !oods coered thereby. ;5 P Co.& Inc.& a manu$acturer o$ steel and steel products& imported certain ra% materials $or use by it in the manu$acture o$ its products. )he importation %as e-ected throu!h a trust receipt arran!ement %ith A5 5an.in! corporation. When it applied $or the issuance by A5 5an.in! Corporation o$ a letter o$ credit& ;5 P Co.& Inc.& did not ma.e any representation to the ban. that it %ould be sellin! %hat it had imported. It $ailed to pay the ban.. When demand %as made upon it to account $or the importation& to return the articles& or to turn4oer the proceeds o$ the sale thereo$ to the ban.& ;5 P Co.& Inc.& also $ailed. )he ban. sued ;5 P Co.3s ;resident %ho %as the si!natory o$ the trust receipt $or esta$a. )he ;resident put up the de$ense that he could not be made liable because there %as no deceit resultin! in the iolation o$ the trust receipt. /e also submitted that there %as no iolation o$ the trust receipt because the ra% materials %ere not sold but used by the corporation in the manu$acture o$ its products. Would those de$enses be sustainable? Why? (:%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: 7o& the de$enses are not sustainable. )he lac. o$ deceit should not be sustained because the mere $ailure to account $or the importation& or return the articles constitutes the abuse o$ confdence in the crime o$ esta$a. )he $act that the !oods aren3t sold but are used in the manu$acture o$ its products is immaterial because a iolation o$ the trust receipts la% happened %hen it $ailed to account $or the !oods or return them to the 5an. upon demand. Us0ry La! Usur% 8a; ()**) 5orro%er obtained a loan $rom a money lendin! enterprise $or %hich he issued a promissory note underta.in! to pay at the end o$ a period o$ (? days the principal plus interest at the rate @.@% per month plus #% per annum as serice char!e. Bn maturity o$ the loan& borro%er $ailed to pay the principal debt as %ell as the stipulated interest and serice char!e. /ence& he %as sued. /* /o% %ould you dispose o$ the issues raised by the borro%er? !* )hat the stipulated interest rate is e=cessie and unconscionable? ((%) :* Is the interest rate usurious? ((%) +ecommendation Since the subGect matter of these two ((! questions is not included within the scope of the Bar Huestions in 6ercantile Faw, it is suggested that whatever answer is given by the examinee, or the lac/ of answer should be given full credit' %f the examinee gives a good answer, he should be given additional credit' SUGGESTED ANSWER: a* )he rate o$ interest o$ @.@% per month is e=cessie and unconscionable. Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 100 of 103 b* )he interest cannot be considered usurious. )he ,sury >a% has been suspended in its application& and the interest rates are made Eoatin!. Ware$o0se Re#ei%ts La! ,ill o& 8a6in' ()**:) /* What do you understand by a bill o$ ladin!? (#%) !* <=plain the t%o4$old character o$ a bill o$ ladin!. ((%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: /* A bill o$ ladin! may be defned as a %ritten ac.no%led!ement o$ the receipt o$ !oods and an a!reement to transport and to delier them at a specifed place to a person named therein or on his order. !* A bill o$ ladin! has a t%o4$old character& namely& a) it is a receipt o$ the !oods to be transportedK and b) it constitutes a contract o$ carria!e o$ the !oods. Delier% o& Goo6s2 Re5uisites ()**:) >u6on Warehousin! Co receied $rom ;edro #?? caans o$ rice $or deposit in its %arehouse $or %hich a ne!otiable receipt %as issued. While the !oods %ere stored in said %arehouse& Cicero obtained a "ud!ment a!ainst ;edro $or the recoer o$ a sum o$ money. )he sheri- proceeded to ley upon the !oods on a %rit o$ e=ecution and directed the %arehouseman to delier the !oods. Is the %arehouseman under obli!ation to comply %ith the sheri-s order? (@%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: 7o. )here %as a alid ne!otiable receipt as there %as a alid deliery o$ #?? caans o$ rice $or deposit. In such case& the %arehouseman (>WC) is not obli!ed to delier the #?? caans o$ rice deposited to any person& e=cept to the one %ho can comply %ith sec J o$ the Warehouse 9eceipts >a%& namely* /* surrender the receipt o$ %hich he is a holderK !* %illin! to si!n a receipt $or the deliery o$ the !oodsK and :* pays the %arehouseman3s liens that is& his $ees and adances& i$ any. )he sheri- cannot comply %ith these re+uisites especially the frst& as he is not the holder o$ the receipt. Delier% o& t#e Goo6s ()**)) When is a %arehouseman bound to delier the !oods& upon a demand made either by the holder o$ a receipt $or the !oods or by the depositor? SUGGESTED ANSWER: )he %arehouseman is bound to delier the !oods upon demand made either by the holder o$ the receipt $or the !oods or by the depositor i$ the demand is accompanied by /* an o-er to satis$y the %arehouseman3s lien& !* an o-er to surrender the receipt& i$ ne!otiable& %ith such indorsements as %ould be necessary $or the ne!otiation thereo$& Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 :* and readiness and %illin!ness to si!n %hen the !oods are deliered i$ so re+uested by the %arehouseman (1ec J Warehouse 9eceipts >a%). Garnis#ment or Attac#ment o& Goo6s ()***) A Warehouse Company receied $or sa$e.eepin! 2??? ba!s o$ rice $rom a merchant. )o eidence the transaction& the Warehouse Company issued a receipt e=pressly proidin! that the !oods be deliered to the order o$ said merchant. A month a$ter& a creditor obtained "ud!ment a!ainst the said merchant $or a sum o$ money. )he sheri- proceeded to ley on the rice and directed the Warehouse Company to delier to him the deposited rice. a* What adice %ill you !ie the Warehouse Company? <=plain (#%) b* Assumin! that a %ee. prior to the ley& the receipt %as sold to a rice mill on the basis o$ %hich it fled a claim %ith the sheri-. Would the rice mill hae better ri!hts to the rice than the creditor? <=plain your ans%er. (#%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: a* )he 2??? ba!s o$ rice %ere deliered to the Warehouse Company by a merchant& and a ne!otiable receipt %as issued there$or. )he rice cannot therea$ter& %hile in the possession o$ the Warehouse Company& be attached by !arnishment or other%ise& or be leied upon under an e=ecution unless the receipt be frst surrendered to the %arehouseman& or its ne!otiation en"oined. )he Warehouse Company cannot be compelled to delier the actual possession o$ the rice until the receipt is surrendered to it or impounded by the court. b* 0es. )he rice mill& as a holder $or alue o$ the receipt& has a better ri!ht to the rice than the creditor. It is the rice mill that can surrender the receipt %hich is in its possession and can comply %ith the other re+uirements %hich %ill obli!e the %arehouseman to delier the rice& namely& to si!n a receipt $or the deliery o$ the rice& and to pay the %arehouseman3s liens and $ees and other char!es. Ne'otia.le Documents o& Title ()**2) 8or a car!o o$ machinery shipped $rom abroad to a su!ar central in 'uma!uete& 7e!ros Briental& the 5ill o$ >adin! (5O>) stipulated to shipper3s order& %ith notice o$ arrial to be addressed to the Central. )he car!o arried at its destination and %as released to the Central %ithout surrender o$ the 5O> on the basis o$ the latter3s underta.in! to hold the carrier $ree and harmless $rom any liability. 1ubse+uently& a 5an. to %hom the central %as indebted& claimed the car!o and presented the ori!inal o$ the 5O> statin! that the Central had $ailed to settle its obli!ations %ith the 5an.. Was there misdeliery by the carrier to the su!ar central considerin! the non4 surrender o$ the 5O>? Why? SUGGESTED ANSWER: Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 101 of 103 )here %as no misdeliery by the carrier since the car!o %as considered consi!ned to the 1u!ar central per the 1hipper3s Brder (<astern 1hippin! >ines CA 2H? s @2#) A8TERNAT7>E ANSWER: )here %as misdeliery. )he 5O> %as a ne!otiable document o$ title because it %as to the 1hipper3s Brder. /ence& the common carrier should hae deliered the car!o to the Central only upon surrender o$ the 5O>. )he non4surrender o$ the 5O> %ill ma.e it liable to holders in due course. <;ners#i$ o& Goo6s Store6 ()**2) )o !uarantee the payment o$ a loan obtained $rom a ban.& 9aul pled!ed @?? bales o$ tobacco deposited in a %arehouse to said ban. and endorsed in blan. the %arehouse receipt. 5e$ore 9aul could pay $or the loan& the tobacco disappeared $rom the %arehouse. Who should bear the loss G the pled!or or the ban.? Why? SUGGESTED ANSWER: )he pled!or should bear the loss. In the pled!e o$ a %arehouse receipt the o%nership o$ the !oods remain %ith depositor or his trans$eree. Any contract or real security& amon! them a pled!e& does not amount to or result in an assumption o$ ris. o$ loss by the creditor. )he Warehouse 9eceipts >a% did not deiate $rom this rule. Ri'#t to t#e Goo6s (2001) Co"o deposited seeral cartons o$ !oods %ith 17 Warehouse Corporation. )he correspondin! %arehouse receipt %as issued to the order o$ Co"o. /e endorsed the %arehouse receipt to <C %ho paid the alue o$ the !oods deposited. 5e$ore <C could %ithdra% the !oods& Aelchor in$ormed 17 Warehouse Corporation that the !oods belon!ed to him and %ere ta.en by Co"o %ithout his consent. Aelchor %ants to !et the !oods& but <C also %ants to %ithdra% the same. (@%) Who has a better ri!ht to the !oods? Why? SUGGESTED ANSWER: <C has a better ri!ht to the !oods& bein! coered by a ne!otiable document o$ title& namely the %arehouse receipts issued to the Norder o$ Co"o.N ,nder the 1ales proisions o$ the Ciil Code on ne!otiable documents o$ title& and under the proisions o$ the Warehouse 9eceipts >a%& %hen !oods deposited %ith the bailee are coered by a ne!otiable document o$ title& the endorsement and deliery o$ the document trans$ers o%nership o$ the !oods to the trans$eree. 5y operation o$ la%& the trans$eree obtains the direct obli!ation o$ the bailee to hold the !oods in his name.N (Art. 2@2(& Ciil CodeK 1ection 42& Warehouse 9eceipts >a%) 1ince <C is the holder o$ the %arehouse receipt& he has the better ri!ht to the !oods. 17 Warehouse is obli!ed to hold the !oods in his name. I$ 17 Warehouse Corporation is uncertain as to %ho is entitled to the property& %hat is the proper recourse o$ the corporation? <=plain. SUGGESTED ANSWER: 17 Warehouse can fle an I7)<9;><A'<9 to compel <C and Aelchor to liti!ate a!ainst each other $or the o%nership o$ the !oods. 1ec. 2I o$ the Warehouse 9eceipts >a% states& NI$ more than one person claims the title or possession o$ the !oods& the %arehouse may& either as a de$ense to an action brou!ht a!ainst him $or non4deliery o$ the !oods or as an ori!inal suit& %hicheer is appropriate& re+uire all .no%n claimants to interplead.N Un$ai6 Seller2 Ne'otiation o& t#e Recei$t ()**3) A purchased $rom 1 2@? caans o$ palay on credit. A deposited the palay in W3s %arehouse. W issued to A a ne!otiable %arehouse receipt in the name o$ A. )herea$ter& A ne!otiated the receipt to 5 %ho purchased the said receipt $or alue and in !ood $aith. /$ Who has a better ri!ht to the deposit& 1& the unpaid endor or b& the purchaser o$ the receipt $or alue and in !ood $aith? Why? !$ When can the %arehouseman be obli!ed to delier the palay to A? SUGGESTED ANSWER: /$ 5 has a better ri!ht than 1. )he ri!ht o$ the unpaid seller& 1& to the !oods %as de$eated by the act o$ A in endorsin! the receipt to 5. !$ )he %arehouseman can be obli!ed to delier the palay to A i$ 5 ne!otiates bac. the receipt to A. In that case& A becomes a holder a!ain o$ the receipt& and A can comply %ith 1ec J o$ the Warehouse 9eceipts >a%. >ali6it% o& sti$ulations e9cusin' ;are#ouseman &rom ne'li'ence (2000) 1 stored hard%are materials in the bonded %arehouse o$ W& a licensed %arehouseman under the Feneral 5onded Warehouse >a% (Act (JH( as amended). W issued the correspondin! %arehouse receipt in the $orm he ordinarily uses $or such purpose in the course o$ his business. All the essential terms re+uired under 1ection # o$ the Warehouse 9eceipts >a% (Act #2(I as amended) are embodied in the $orm. In addition& the receipt issued to 1 contains a stipulation that W %ould not be responsible $or the loss o$ all or any portion o$ the hard%are materials coered by the receipt een i$ such loss is caused by the ne!li!ence o$ W or his representaties or employees. 1 endorsed and ne!otiated the %arehouse receipt to 5& %ho demanded deliery o$ the !oods. W could not delier because the !oods %ere no%here to be $ound in his %arehouse. /e claims he is not liable because o$ the $ree4$rom4liability clause stipulated in the receipt. 'o you a!ree %ith W3s contention? <=plain. (@%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: 7o. I do not a!ree %ith the contention o$ W. )he stipulation that W %ould not be responsible $or the loss o$ all or any portion o$ the hard%are materials coered by the receipt een i$ such loss is caused by the ne!li!ence o$ W or his representatie or employees is oid. )he la% re+uires that a %arehouseman should e=ercise due dili!ence in the care and custody o$ the thin!s deposited in his %arehouse. Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 102 of 103 #. )he Chie$ Custice also said that the "udiciary must Nsa$e!uard the libertyN and Nnurture the prosperityN o$ Mis#ellaneo0s Ener'% Re'ulator% Commission: Juris6iction 0 "o;er (2003) CF& acustomer& sued A<9A>CB in the AA 9e!ional )rial Court to disclose the basis o$ the computation o$ the purchased po%er ad"ustment (;;A). )he trial court ruled it had no "urisdiction oer the case because& as contended by the de$endant& the customer not only demanded a brea.do%n o$ A<9A>CBDs bill %ith respect to ;;A but +uestioned as %ell the imposition o$ the ;;A& a matter to be decided by the 5oard o$ <ner!y& the re!ulatory a!ency %hich should also hae "urisdiction oer the instant suit. Is the trial courtDs rulin! correct or not? 9eason brieEy. (@%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: )he trial courtDs rulin! is correct. As held in Aanila <lectric Company . Court o$ Appeals& #I21C9A 42I (2HHI)& the 5oard o$ <ner!y had the po%er to re!ulate and f= po%er rates to be char!ed by $ranchised electric utilities li.e A<9A>CB. In $act pursuant to <=ecutie Brder 7o. 4IJ (April 2I& 2HHJ)& this po%er has been trans$erred to the <ner!y 9e!ulatory 5oard (no% the <ner!y 9e!ulatory Commission). ,nder 1ection 4((u) o$ the <lectric ;o%er Industry 9e$orm Act o$ #??2& the <ner!y 9e!ulatory Commission has ori!inal and e=clusie "urisdiction oer all cases contestin! po%er rates. /our AC7D "ro.lems o& "#ili$$ine Ju6iciar% (2004) In seeral policy addresses e=tensiely coered by media since his appointment on 'ecember #2& #??@& Chie$ Custice Artemio Q. ;an!aniban o%ed to leae a "udiciary characteri6ed by N$our InsN and to $ocus in solin! the N$our ACI'N problems that corrode the administration o$ "ustice in our country. <=plain this N$our InsN and N$our ACI'N problems. SU44ESTE) ANSWER( ,pon assumin! his o-ice& Chie$ Custice ;an!aniban o%ed to lead a "udiciary characteri6ed by the N$our Ins*N Inte!rity& Independence& Industry and Intelli!enceK one that is morally coura!eous to resist inEuence& inter$erence& indi-erence and insolence. /e enisions a "udiciary that is imperious to the pla!ue o$ undue inEuence brou!ht about by .inship& relationship& $riendship and $ello%ship. /e calls on the "udiciary to battle the N8our ACI'N problems corrodin! our "ustice system* (2) limited access to "ustice by the poorK (#) corruptionK (() incompetenceK and (4) delay in the deliery o$ +uality "ud!ments. )he "udicial department should dischar!e its $unctions %ith transparency& accountability and di!nity. (012# BE0E %t is respectfully suggested that all Bar "andidates receive a ('5% bonus for the above question regardless of the answer! Version 1990-2006 U pdated by Dondee Version 1990-2003 Arranged by SULAW Class 2005 our people. <=plain this philosophy. Cite 'ecisions o$ the 1upreme Court implementin! each o$ these t%in beacons o$ the Chie$ Custice. (#.@%) SU44ESTE) ANSWER( )he Chie$ CusticeDs philosophy N1a$e!uardin! >iberty& 7urturin! ;rosperityN embodies the 1upreme CourtDs approach in decision4ma.in! in the e=ercise o$ its constitutional po%er o$ "udicial reie% %hich proides* In cases inolin! liberty& the scales o$ "ustice should %ei!ht heaily a!ainst !oernment and in $aor o$ the poor& the oppressed& the mar!inali6ed& the dispossessed and the %ea.K and that la%s and action that restrict $undamental ri!hts come to the court N%ith a heay presumption a!ainst their constitutional alidity. Bn the other hand& as a !eneral rule& the 1upreme Court must adopt a de$erential or respect$ul attitude to%ards actions ta.en by the !oernmental a!encies that hae primary responsibility $or the economic deelopment o$ the countryK and only %hen an act has been clearly made or e=ecuted %ith !rae abuse o$ discretion does the Court !et inoled in policy issues. Decisions i'ple'enting t&e Jsafeguar.ing of libertyJ in< clu.e t&ose in)ol)ing t&e constitutionality of Presi.ential Procla'ation =o* /"/3 (&avid v' #rroyo, 4'+' 0o' )7).*;, 6ay ., (;;-!C the validity of "alibrated 3re$emptive +esponse ("3+! and B'3' Big' 88; or the 3ublic #ssembly #ct (Bayan v' Ermita, 4'+' 0o' )-*8,8, #pril (5, (;;-!C and the legality of Executive 1rder 0o' ,-, and the 3residentQs exercise of Execu$ tive 3rivilege (Senate of the 3hilippines v' Ermita, 4'+' 0o' )-*777, #pril (;, (;;-!' 8n t&e ot&er &an.B cases t&at relate to Jnurturing t&e prosperityJ of t&e people inclu.e t&e -uestion t&e constitutionality of t&e Mining Law (Fa Bugal$BQFaan v' +amos, 4'+' 0o' )(788(, &ec' ), (;;,$ an. t&e ?28 Agree'ent 2anada v' #ngara, 4'+' ))8(*5, 6ay (,)**7$* Goernment Dere'ulation s! "riatiDation o& an 7n6ustr% (2003) What is the di-erence bet%een !oernment dere!ulation and the priati6ation o$ an industry? <=plain brieEy. (#%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: Foernment dere!ulation is the rela=ation or remoal o$ re!ulatory constraints on frms or indiiduals& %ith a ie% to promotin! competition and mar.et4oriented approaches to%ard pricin!& output& entry& and other related economic decisions. ;riati6ation o$ an industry re$ers to the trans$er o$ o%nership and control by the !oernment o$ assets& frms and operations in an industry to priate inestors. "olitical 8a;2 WT< ()***) Foernment plans to impose an additional duty on imported su!ar on top o$ the current tari- rate. )he intent is to ensure that the landed cost o$ su!ar shall not be lo%er than ;J?? per ba!. )his is the price at %hich locally produced su!ar %ould be sold in order to enable su!ar producers to reali6e reasonable profts. Without Mercantile Law Bar Examination Q & A (1990-2006) Page 103 of 103 this additional duty& the current lo% price o$ su!ar in the %orld mar.et %ill surely pull the domestic price to leels lo%er than the cost to producer domestic su!ar G a situation that could spell the demise o$ the ;hil su!ar industry. a$ 'iscuss the alidity o$ this proposal to impose an additional ley on imported su!ar ((%) b$ Would the proposal be consistent %ith the tenets o$ the World )rade Br!ani6ation (W)B)? ((%) +eco''en.ation: Since t&e sub9ect 'atter of t&ese two !$ -uestions is not inclu.e. wit&in t&e scope of t&e Bar Cuestions in Mercantile LawB it is suggeste. t&at w&ate)er answer is gi)en by t&e e4a'ineeB or t&e lack of answer s&oul. be gi)en full cre.it* 1f t&e e4a'inee gi)es a goo. answerB &e s&oul. be gi)en a..itional cre.it* SUGGESTED ANSWER: a$ )he proposal to impose an additional duty on imported su!ar on top o$ the current tari- rate is alid& not bein! prohibited by the Constitution. It %ould enable producers to reali6e reasonable profts& and %ould allo% the su!ar industry o$ the country to surie. b$ 7o. )he proposal %ould not be consistent %ith the tenets o$ the W)B %hich call $or the liberali6ation o$ trade. /o%eer& such proposal may be acceptable %ithin the allo%able period under the W)B $or ad"ustment o$ the local industry "o;er o& t#e State: Re'ulatin' o& Domestic Tra6e (2003) In its e=ercise o$ police po%er and business re!ulation& the le!islature o$ >QA 1tate passed a la% prohibitin! aliens $rom en!a!in! in domestic timber trade. Qiolators includin! dummies %ould& a$ter proper trial& be fned and imprisoned or deported. Ars. 5C& a citi6en o$ >QA but married to SC& an alien merchant o$ ;7F& fled suit to inalidate the la% or e=empt $rom its coera!e their timber business. 1he contended that the la% is& inter alia& !raely oppressie and discriminatory. It iolated the ,niersal 'eclaration o$ /uman 9i!hts (,'/9) passed in 2H4J by the ,nited 7ations& o$ %hich >QA is a member& she said& as %ell as the reciprocity proisions o$ the World )rade Br!ani6ation (W)B) A!reement o$ 2HH4& o$ %hich ;7F and >QA are parties. Aside $rom denyin! them e+ual protection& accordin! to 5C& the la% %ill also deprie her $amily their lielihood %ithout due process nor "ust compensation. Assumin! that the le!al system o$ >QA is similar to ours& %ould Ars. 5CDs contention be tenable or not? 9eason brieEy. (@%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: Ars. 5CDs contention is not tenable. 8irst& the ,'/9 does not purport to limit the ri!ht o$ states (li.e >QA) to re!ulate domestic trade. 1econd& the W)B A!reement inoles international trade bet%een states or !oernments& not domestic trade in timber or other commodities. )hird& nationality is an accepted norm $or ma.in! classifcations that do not run counter to the e+ual protection o$ la% clause o$ the Constitution. 8ourth& there is no impairment o$ due process here because iolators o$ the la% %ill be punished only a$ter Nproper trial.N 8i$th& the issue o$ N"ust compensationN does not arise& because the property o$ Ars. 5C is not bein! e=propriated. Bn the contrary& as a citi6en o$ >QA& Ars. 5C is $reely allo%ed to en!a!e in domestic timber trade in >QA. Tari&& an6 Customs Co6e: >iolation o& Customs 8a;s (2003) )he Collector o$ Customs ordered the sei6ure and $or$eiture o$ ne% electronic appliances shipped by )B7 Corp. $rom /on!.on! $or iolation o$ customs la%s because they %ere $alsely declared as used o-ice e+uipment and then underalued $or purposes o$ customs duties. )B7 fled a complaint be$ore the AA 9e!ional )rial Court $or replein& alle!in! that the Customs o-icials erred in the classifcation and aluation o$ its shipment& as %ell as in the issuance o$ the %arrant o$ sei6ure. )he Collector moed to dismiss the suit $or lac. o$ "urisdiction on the part o$ the trial court. 1hould the CollectorDs motion be !ranted or denied? 9eason brieEy. (@%) SUGGESTED ANSWER: )he CollectorDs motion should be !ranted. ,nder 1ection :?#(!) o$ the )ari- and Customs Code& the 5ureau o$ Customs has e=clusie ori!inal "urisdiction oer sei6ure and $or$eiture cases under the tari- and customs la%s. =825: 2&is -uestion is outsi.e t&e co)erage of t&e Bar 54a'inations* 1t is t&erefore reco''en.e. t&at w&ate)er answer 'a.e by t&e can.i.ate s&oul. be gi)en full cre.it*$
2014-09-13 Human Right Alert (NGO) : Appendix To UPR Submission - United States - 22nd Session - "Large-Scale Fraud in IT Systems of The US Courts - Unannounced Regime Change?"