PRIVATE CORPORATIONS (Reviewer)

The Corporation Code of the Philippines (B.P. Blg. 68)

4)

Sec. 1. Title of the code This code shall be

known as The Corporation Code of the Philippines

5)

Historical Background
Batas Pambansa Blg. 68 law governing private
corporations in the Philippines (May 1, 1980)
-

Act. No. 1459, Corporation Law (enacted on

March 1, 1906, took effect on April 1, 1906)

6)

7)

Scope of the Code

1) Provides for the incorporation, organization, and
regulation of private corporations, both stock and
non-stock, including educational and religious
corporations;
2) Defines their powers and provides for their
dissolution;
3) Fixes the duties and liabilities of directors or
trustees and other officers thereof;
4) Declares the rights and liabilities of stockholders
or members;
5) Prescribes
the
conditions
under
which
corporations including foreign corporations may
transact business;
6) Provides penalties for violations of the Code;
7) Repeals all laws and parts of laws in conflict and
inconsistent with the Code.

Sec. 2. Corporation defined A corporation is an

artificial being created by operation of law, having the

right of succession and the powers, attributes and
properties expressly authorized by law or incident to its
existence.
The above statutory definition refers only to
private corporations or to corporations organized under
the corporation law.
Attributes of a corporation
1)
2)
3)
4)

It is an artificial being;
It is created by operation of law;
It has the right of succession;
It has only the powers, attributes and properties
expressly authorized by law or incident to its
existence.

Corporation a legal or juridical person with a

personality separate and apart from its individual
members or stockholders who, as natural persons, are
merged in the corporate body. The stockholders or
members compose the corporation but they are not the
corporation.
1) Not liable for the debts of its stockholders, and the
latter are not individually liable for corporations
debts.
2) May acquire or possess property as well as incur
obligations and bring civil and criminal actions in
its own name like a natural person
3) Property conveyed or acquired is in law the
property of the corporation itself as a distinct legal

entity and not that of the members or

stockholders.
All contracts entered by agents are the contracts
of the corporation and not those of the members.
A corporation cannot be held liable for the
personal indebtedness or obligation of a
stockholder.
Tax exemption granted to a corporation cannot be
extended to include the dividends paid by such
corporation to its stockholders if such dividends
are not exempted from tax.
Has no personality to bring an action for and in
behalf of its stockholders or members for the
purpose of recovering personal property of
stockholders.
Remains unchanged and unaffected in its identity
by changes in its individual membership. It has
continuous existence.

Disregarding fiction of corporate entity

The doctrine of piercing the veil of corporate entity or
disregarding the fiction of corporate entity or the
doctrine of alter ego if being used as a cloak or cover
for fraud or illegality, the law will not recognize
separate corporate existence.
Instances where fiction (corporation
separate entity) disregarded

as

1) Where a corporation functions for the benefit of a

single person who has complete control over the
funds and the said person is the sole owner
thereof. (the corporate entity is an alter ego or the
business conduit of the owner and the property)
2) Where the corporation is a mere instrumentality of
the individual stockholders, the latter must
individually answers for corporate obligations.
3) Where a domestic or Philippine corporation is
controlled by aliens,
4) Where a corporation is organized by an insolvent
debtor to defraud his creditors and transfers his
properties to it in furtherance of such fraudulent
purpose
5) Where a subsidiary company is created by a
parent company merely as an agency of the latter
6) Where a corporation is formed by a person for the
purpose of evading his individual contract
7) Where a corporation is dissolved and its assets
are transferred to another corporation to avoid
financial liability of the first corporation
Corporations cannot come into existence by mere
agreement of the parties as in the case of business
partnerships.
-

The life of the corporation is limited to the period

of time stated in the articles of incorporation not
exceeding 50 years from the date of incorporation
unless sooner dissolved or unless said period
extended.
Corporations created by laws have the right of
succession for the term provided in the laws
creating them

Distinctions bet a partnership and a corporation

1) Manner of
creation

Partnership
by
mere
agreements
of

Corporation
by law or by
operation of law

2) Number of
incorporators
3)
Commencement
of juridical
personality

4) Powers

5) Management

6) Effect of
mismanagement

7) Right of
succession
8)
Extent
of
liability to third
persons

9)Transferability
of interest

the parties
May
be
organized
by
only (2) persons
from
the
moment of the
execution of the
contract

Requires at least
(5) incorporators
Only from the
date
of
the
issuance of the
certificate
of
incorporations
by SEC under
official seal

May
exercise
any
power
provided it is not
contrary to law,
morals,
good
customs, public
order, or public
policy
When
not
agreed
upon,
every partner is
an agent
Partners can sue
a
co-partner
who
mismanages
No right

Exercise
only
the
powers
expressly
granted by law
or implied form
those granted of
incident to its
existence.
Vested upon the
board
of
directors
or
trustees
The suit must be
in the name of
the corporation

Partners a liable
personally and
subsidiarily for
partnerhip debts
to third persons

Stockholders are
liable only to the
extent of their
investments as
represented by
the
shares
subscribed
by
them
Has the right to
transfer
his
shares without
prior consent

10) Term of
existence

Cannot transfer,
or
make
transferee
a
partner without
consent
Any period of
stipulated time

11) Firm name

Ltd

12) Dissolution

Anytime by will

13) Laws which

govern

Civil code

Has such right

May
not
be
formed
in
excess of 50 yrs
May adopt any
name provided
it is unique
Only
by
the
consent of the
state
Corporation
Code

Similarities
1) Has juridical personality separate and distinct
2) Can act only through agents

3) (except corporation sole) composed of an

aggregate of individuals
4) Distributes profits to those who contribute capital
5) Can be organized only where there is a law
authorizing
6) Taxable as a corporation, subject to income tax
Advantages
1) Has a legal capacity to act as a legal unit
2) Continuity of existence
3) Credit is strengthened by such continuity of
existence
4) Management is centralized in the BOD
5) Creation,
organization,
management
and
dissolution are standardized
6) Makes feasible gigantic financial enterprises
7) Shareholders have limited liability
8) Not general agents of the business
9) Shares of stocks can be transferred without
consent
Disadvantages
1) Relatively
complicated
in
formation
and
management
2) Entails relatively high cost of formation and
operation
3) Credit is weakened by the limited liability of
stockholders
4) There is ordinarily lack of personal element in
view of the transferability of shares
5) There is a greater degree of govtal control and
supervision than in any other forms of business
6) Stockholders
voting
rights
have
become
theoretical particularly in larger corporations
because of the use of proxies
7) Stockholders have little voice in the conduct of
the business
8) Management and control are separate from
ownership

Sec. 3. Classes of corporations Corporations

formed or organized under this code may be stock or
non-stock corporations. Corporations which have
capital stock dividend into shares and are authorized to
distribute to the holders of such shares dividends or
allotments of the surplus profits on the basis of the
shares held are stock corporations. All other
corporations are Non-stock Corporation.
Classification of corporations
1) Stock corporations for the purpose of making a
profit which may be distributed in the form of
dividends to stockholders on the basis of their
invested capital.
2) Non-stock corporations do not issue stock, not
for profit but for the public good and welfare.
Other classifications
1) Corporation aggregate
sole
2) Ecclesiastical
3) Eleemosynary
4) Domestic
5) De jure
6) Close
7) Parent or holding

Corporation
Lay Corporation
Civil corporation
Foreign
De facto
Open
Subsidiary

8) True
estoppels)
9) Public

Quasi

(by

prescription/by

Private

Sec. 4. Corporations created by special laws or

charters Corporations created by special laws or
charters shall be governed primarily by the provisions
of the special law or charter creating them or
applicable to them, supplemented by the provisions of
this Code, insofar as they are applicable.
Sec.
5.
Corporators
and
incorporators,
stockholders and members Corporators are those
who compose a corporation, whether as stockholders
or as members. Incorporators are those stockholders or
members mentioned in the articles of incorporation as
originally forming and composing the corporation and
who are signatories thereof.
Components of a corporation
1) Corporators compose the corporation, whether
stockholders or members.
2) Incorporators corporators originally forming and
composing the corporation and who executed and
signed the articles of incorporation.
3) Stockholders owners of shares of stock in a stock
corporation. Shareholders.
4) Members corporators which has no capital stock.
Others
1) Promoters bring about or cause to bring about
the formation and organization of a corporation
2) Subscribers agreed to take and pay for original,
unissued shares of a corporation formed or to be
formed.
3) Underwriter usually an investment banker
Sec. 6. Classification of shares The shares of
stock corporations may be divided into classes or
series of shares, or both, any of which classes or series
of shares may have such rights, privileges or
restrictions as may be stated in the articles of
incorporation: Provided, That no share may be
deprived of voting rights except those classified and
issued as "preferred" or "redeemable" shares, unless
otherwise provided in this Code: Provided, further, That
there shall always be a class or series of shares which
have complete voting rights. Any or all of the shares or
series of shares may have a par value or have no par
value as may be provided for in the articles of
incorporation: Provided, however, That banks, trust
companies, insurance companies, public utilities, and
building and loan associations shall not be permitted to
issue no-par value shares of stock.
Preferred shares of stock issued by any corporation
may be given preference in the distribution of the
assets of the corporation in case of liquidation and in
the distribution of dividends, or such other preferences
as may be stated in the articles of incorporation which
are not violative of the provisions of this Code:
Provided, That preferred shares of stock may be issued
only with a stated par value. The board of directors,
where authorized in the articles of incorporation, may
fix the terms and conditions of preferred shares of
stock or any series thereof: Provided, That such terms
and conditions shall be effective upon the filing of a

certificate thereof with the Securities and Exchange

Commission.
Shares of capital stock issued without par value shall
be deemed fully paid and non-assessable and the
holder of such shares shall not be liable to the
corporation or to its creditors in respect thereto:
Provided; That shares without par value may not be
issued for a consideration less than the value of five
(P5.00) pesos per share: Provided, further, That the
entire consideration received by the corporation for its
no-par value shares shall be treated as capital and
shall not be available for distribution as dividends.
A corporation may, furthermore, classify its shares for
the purpose of insuring compliance with constitutional
or legal requirements.
Except as otherwise provided in the articles of
incorporation and stated in the certificate of stock,
each share shall be equal in all respects to every other
share.
Where the articles of incorporation provide for nonvoting shares in the cases allowed by this Code, the
holders of such shares shall nevertheless be entitled to
vote on the following matters:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Amendment of the articles of incorporation;

Adoption and amendment of by-laws;
Sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge or other
disposition of all or substantially all of the
corporate property;
Incurring,
creating
or
increasing
bonded
indebtedness;
Increase or decrease of capital stock;
Merger or consolidation of the corporation with
another corporation or other corporations;
Investment of corporate funds in another
corporation or business in accordance with this
Code; and
Dissolution of the corporation.

Except as provided in the immediately preceding

paragraph, the vote necessary to approve a particular
corporate act as provided in this Code shall be deemed
to refer only to stocks with voting rights.
When classification of shares may be made
1) By incorporators
2) By the board of directors and the stockholders
Capital stock and capital
1) Capital stock amount fixed in the articles of
incorporation, to be subscribed and paid in by the
shareholders of a corporation, either in money or
property, labor or services, at the organization of
the corporation or afterwards and upon which it is
to conduct its operation.
a.
b.
c.

Authorized capital stock synonymous with

capital stock where the shares of the
corporation have par value
Subscribed capital stock amount of capital
stock subscribed whether fully paid or not.
Outstanding capital stock portion of the
capital stock which is issued and held by
persons other than the corporation itself.

d.
e.
f.

Paid-up capital stock portion of the

subscribed or outstanding capital stock that
is paid.
Unissued capital stock portion of the
capital stock that is not issued or
subscribed.
Legal capital amount equal to the
aggregate par value and/or issued value of
the outstanding capital stock.

2) Capital the entire property or assets of the

corporation. Includes amount invested by the
stockholders plus the undistributed earnings less
losses and expenses.
Capital
-

Capital Stock

Actual corporate property - an amount

Concrete thing
- abstract
Fluctuates
- amount fixed
Affected by profits and losses
- unaffected by
P&L
Belongs to the corp
to
stockholders
Either real or personal property
always
property

Stock or share of stock one of the units into which

the capital stock is divided. It represents the interest or
right which the owner has in the management of the
corporation, in a portion of the corporate earnings, and
upon its dissolution and winding up.
-

Represents a distinct undivided share

interest in the common property of
corporation
Constitutes property distinction from
capital
Do not constitute an indebtedness of
corporation to the shareholder
Represents
an
undivided
part
of
corporations property

or
the
the
the
the

Certificate of stock written acknowledgement by

the corporation of the interest, right, and participation
of a person in the management, profits and assets of a
corporation. It is a formal written evidence of
ownership.
Par value amount of money or property contributed
by the shareholder to the capital stock of the
corporation.
Book value true value
Market value price a willing seller would sell and a
willing buyer would buy.
Sec. 9. Treasury shares Treasury shares are shares
of stock which have been issued and fully paid for, but
subsequently reacquired by the issuing corporation by
purchase, redemption, donation or through some other
lawful means. Such shares may again be disposed of
for a reasonable price fixed by the board of directors.
Sec.
10.
Number
and
qualifications
of
incorporators Any number of natural persons not
less than five (5) but not more than fifteen (15), all of
legal age and a majority of whom are residents of the
Philippines, may form a private corporation for any

lawful purpose or purposes. Each of the incorporators

of a stock corporation must own or be a subscriber to
at least one (1) share of the capital stock of the
corporation.
Steps in the creation of a corporation
1) Promotion
2) Incorporation
3) Formal organization
business operations.

and

commencement

of

Steps in incorporation
1) Drafting and execution of the articles of
incorporation
a. Affidavit regarding the capital subscribed and
paid up
2) Filing with SEC of the articles of incorporation
together with:
a. Treasurers affidavit (25%)
b. Favourable recommendation
3) Payment of filing and publication fees
4) Issuance by the SEC of certificate of incorporation
Qualifications (incorporators)
1) Natural persons 5 or more persons
2) Incorporators must have the capacity to enter in
to a valid contract,
3) Residents of the Philippines majority of
incorporators
4) Citizens of the Philippines
5) Owners of or subscribers to at least one share
Sec. 11. Corporate term A corporation shall exist
for a period not exceeding fifty (50) years from the
date of incorporation unless sooner dissolved or unless
said period is extended. The corporate term as
originally stated in the articles of incorporation may be
extended for periods not exceeding fifty (50) years in
any single instance by an amendment of the articles of
incorporation, in accordance with this Code; Provided,
That no extension can be made earlier than five (5)
years prior to the original or subsequent expiry date(s)
unless there are justifiable reasons for an earlier
extension as may be determined by the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
Extensions of corporate term
1) Limitations shall not exceed 50 years in any one
instance. Amendment is effected before expiration
of the corporate term for after dissolution,
extension cannot be made earlier than (5) years
prior to the expiration date unless justifiable
reasons
2) Effects if extension/expiration of term
continuation of the old, and not the creation of a
new, corporation.
3) Automatic extension by amendment of the
articles of incorporation within (5) yrs period
before expiration date of existing term
Sec. 12. Minimum capital stock required of stock
corporations Stock corporations incorporated under
this Code shall not be required to have any minimum
authorized capital stock except as otherwise
specifically provided for by special law, and subject to
the provisions of the following section.

Paid up capital is not less than P5,000.00.

Filipino Percentage ownership

1) Corporations for exploration, development and
utilization of natural resources 60% capital
2) Public service corporations 60% by citizens
3) Educational corporations 60%
4) Banking corporations 60%
5) Corporations engaged in retail trade wholly
6) Rural banks 60%
7) Corporations engaged in coastwise shipping
60%
8) Corporations engaged in the pawnshop business
70%
9) Under the Flag Law 75%
Sec. 13. Amount of capital stock to be
subscribed and paid for purpose of incorporation
Amount of capital stock to be subscribed and paid for
the purposes of incorporation. - At least twenty-five
percent (25%) of the authorized capital stock as stated
in the articles of incorporation must be subscribed at
the time of incorporation, and at least twenty-five
(25%) percent of the total subscription must be paid
upon subscription, the balance to be payable on a date
or dates fixed in the contract of subscription without
need of call, or in the absence of a fixed date or dates,
upon call for payment by the board of directors:
Provided, however, That in no case shall the paid-up
capital be less than five Thousand (P5,000.00) pesos.
Minimum subscription and paid-up capital
1) Pre-incorporation 25% of capital stock has been
actually subscribed and 25% paid.
2) Post-incorporation 25% subscription and 25%
paid-up capital is required not only during
incorporation period but also in case of increase of
the authorized capital stock.
Sec. 14. Contents of Articles of Incorporation All
corporations organized under this code shall file with
the SEC articles of incorporation in any of the official
languages duly signed and acknowledged by all of the
incorporators, containing substantially the following
matters, except as otherwise prescribed by this Code
or by special law:
1.
2.

3.
4.
5.
6.

The name of the corporation;

The specific purpose or purposes for which the
corporation is being incorporated. Where a
corporation has more than one stated purpose,
the articles of incorporation shall state which is
the primary purpose and which is/are the
secondary purpose or purposes: Provided, That a
non-stock corporation may not include a purpose
which would change or contradict its nature as
such;
The place where the principal office of the
corporation is to be located, which must be within
the Philippines;
The term for which the corporation is to exist;
The names, nationalities and residences of the
incorporators;
The number of directors or trustees, which shall
not be less than five (5) nor more than fifteen
(15);

7.

The names, nationalities and residences of

persons who shall act as directors or trustees until
the first regular directors or trustees are duly
elected and qualified in accordance with this
Code;
8. If it be a stock corporation, the amount of its
authorized capital stock in lawful money of the
Philippines, the number of shares into which it is
divided, and in case the share are par value
shares, the par value of each, the names,
nationalities and residences of the original
subscribers, and the amount subscribed and paid
by each on his subscription, and if some or all of
the shares are without par value, such fact must
be stated;
9. If it be a non-stock corporation, the amount of its
capital, the names, nationalities and residences of
the contributors and the amount contributed by
each; and
10. Such other matters as are not inconsistent with
law and which the incorporators may deem
necessary and convenient.
The SEC shall not accept the articles of incorporation of
any stock corporation unless accompanied by a sworn
statement of the Treasurer elected by the subscribers
showing that at least twenty-five (25%) percent of the
authorized capital stock of the corporation has been
subscribed, and at least twenty-five (25%) of the total
subscription has been fully paid to him in actual cash
and/or in property the fair valuation of which is equal
to at least twenty-five (25%) percent of the said
subscription, such paid-up capital being not less than
five thousand (P5,000.00) pesos.
Sec. 15. Forms of Articles of Incorporation
Unless otherwise prescribed by special law, articles of
incorporation of all domestic corporations shall comply
substantially with the form.
Articles of incorporation document prepared by the
persons establishing a corporation and filed with SEC
containing the matters required by the Code.
(corporate charter)
Name of corporation
1) Importance identifies and distinguishes it from
other corporations.
2) Nature right to use its corporate and trade name
is a property right, a right in rem.
3) Part of name corporation or Incorporated or
an abbreviation
Purpose
1)
2)
3)
4)

Must
Must
Must
Must

be lawful
not be indefinitely stated
be stated
be capable of being lawfully combined

Reasons for statement of purpose

1) Investors must know where and what kind of
business or activity his money will be invested.
2) Know within what scope of business they are
authorized to act
3) Third person may know whether the transaction or
dealing he has is within authority of the
corporation or not.

4) If actions or transactions are authorized or beyond

its powers
Sec. 16. Amendment of Articles of Incorporation
Unless otherwise prescribed by this Code or by
special law, and for legitimate purposes, any provision
or matter stated in the articles of incorporation may be
amended by a majority vote of the board of directors or
trustees and the vote or written assent of the
stockholders representing at least two-thirds (2/3) of
the outstanding capital stock, without prejudice to the
appraisal right of dissenting stockholders in accordance
with the provisions of this Code, or the vote or written
assent of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the members if it
be a non-stock corporation.
The original and amended articles together shall
contain all provisions required by law to be set out in
the articles of incorporation. Such articles, as amended
shall be indicated by underscoring the change or
changes made, and a copy thereof duly certified under
oath by the corporate secretary and a majority of the
directors or trustees stating the fact that said
amendment or amendments have been duly approved
by the required vote of the stockholders or members,
shall be submitted to the SEC.
The amendments shall take effect upon their approval
by the SEC or from the date of filing with the said
Commission if not acted upon within six (6) months
from the date of filing for a cause not attributable to
the corporation.
Limitations on power of corporation to amend
1) Not allowed when it will be contrary to any
provision or requirement prescribed by the code
or by special law
2) Must be for legitimate purposes
3) Must be approved by required vote of BOD and
stockholders
4) Shall contain all provisions required by law to be
set out in the articles of incorporation
5) Shall be indicated by underscoring the change/s
made; copy of duly certified oath by corporate
secretary and a majority of BOD or trustees
stating that the amendment have been duly
approved by required vote shall be submitted to
SEC
6) Shall take effect only upon their approval by SEC
(6 months from said date)
7) If governed by special law, amendments must be
accompanied by a favourable recommendation of
appropriate govt agency
Sec. 17. Grounds when articles of incorporation
or amendment may be rejected or disapproved
The SEC may reject the articles of incorporation or
disapprove any amendment thereto if the same is not
in compliance with the requirements of this Code:
Provided, That the Commission shall give the
incorporators a reasonable time within which to correct
or modify the objectionable portions of the articles or
amendment. The following are grounds for such
rejection or disapproval:
1) That the articles of incorporation or any
amendment thereto is not substantially in
accordance with the form prescribed herein;

2) That the purpose or purposes of the corporation

are patently unconstitutional, illegal, immoral, or
contrary to government rules and regulations;
3) That the Treasurer's Affidavit concerning the
amount of capital stock subscribed and/or paid is
false;
4) That the percentage of ownership of the capital
stock to be owned by citizens of the Philippines
has not been complied with as required by
existing laws or the Constitution.
No articles of incorporation or amendment to articles of
incorporation of banks, banking and quasi-banking
institutions, building and loan associations, trust
companies
and
other
financial
intermediaries,
insurance companies, public utilities, educational
institutions, and other corporations governed by
special laws shall be accepted or approved by the
Commission unless accompanied by a favorable
recommendation of the appropriate government
agency to the effect that such articles or amendment is
in accordance with law.
Rejections of articles
amendment thereto

of

incorporation

or

1) Non-compliance with the requirements

2) If governed by special laws, amendment shall not
be accepted by SEC unless accompanied by a
favorabe recommendation of appropriate govt
agency that such amendments is in accordance to
law
3) Unless accompanied by sword statement of the
treasurer elected

Suspension or revocation of the certificate of

registration of corporations
1) Fraud in procuring its certificate of incorporation
2) Serious misrepresentation as to what the
corporation can do or is doing to the great
prejudice of, or damage to, the general public;
3) Refusal to comply with
4) Continuous inoperation for a period of at leat (5)
yrs
5) Failure to file by-laws within required time period
6) Failure to file required reports in appropriate forms
Sec. 18. Corporate name No corporate name may
be allowed by the SEC if the proposed name is identical
or deceptively or confusingly similar to that of any
existing corporation or to any other name already
protected by law or is patently deceptive, confusing or
contrary to existing laws. When a change in the
corporate name is approved, the Commission shall
issue an amended certificate of incorporation under
the amended name.
Sec. 19. Commencement of corporate existence
A private corporation formed or organized under this
Code commences to have corporate existence and
juridical personality and is deemed incorporated from
the date the Securities and Exchange Commission
issues a certificate of incorporation under its official
seal;
and
thereupon
the
incorporators,
stockholders/members and their successors shall
constitute a body politic and corporate under the name
stated in the articles of incorporation for the period of

time mentioned therein, unless said period is extended

or the corporation is sooner dissolved in accordance
with law.
Acquisition of juridical personality
1) Issuance of certificate of incorporation under its
official seal.
Final determination of the corporations right to
do business
Certificate becomes charter or corporate
franchise
Issuance calls the corporation into being but is
not ready to do business until organized.
2) Filing of articles of incorporation
3) Registration cooperative requires juridical
personality
upon
registration
with
the
Cooperatives Development Authority and SEC
Sec. 20. De facto corporations The due
incorporation of any corporation claiming in good faith
to be a corporation under this Code, and its right to
exercise corporate powers, shall not be inquired into
collaterally in any private suit to which such
corporation may be a party. Such inquiry may be made
by the Solicitor General in a quo warranto proceeding.
De jure corporation created in strict or substantial
conformity with the mandatory statutory requirements
for incorporation and whose right to exist as a
corporation cannot be successfully questioned by any
party even in a direct proceeding for that purpose by
the State.
De facto corporation actually exists for all practical
purposes as a corporation but which has no legal right
to corporate existence as against the State.
Requisites of a de facto corporation
1) Valid law under which a corporation with powers
assumed might be incorporated
2) A bona fide attempt to organize a corporation
under such law
3) Actual user or exercise in good faith of corporate
powers conferred upon it by law.
Sec. 23. The board of directors or trustees
Unless otherwise provided in this Code, the corporate
powers of all corporations formed under this Code shall
be exercised, all business conducted and all property of
such corporations controlled and held by the board of
directors or trustees to be elected from among the
holders of stocks, or where there is no stock, from
among the members of the corporation, who shall hold
office for one (1) year until their successors are elected
and qualified.
Every director must own at least one (1) share of the
capital stock of the corporation of which he is a
director, which share shall stand in his name on the
books of the corporation. Any director who ceases to
be the owner of at least one (1) share of the capital
stock of the corporation of which he is a director shall
thereby cease to be a director. Trustees of non-stock
corporations must be members thereof. A majority of
the directors or trustees of all corporations organized
under this Code must be residents of the Philippines.
Corporate powers exercised by BOD or trustees

1) Governing body of the corporation

2) Binding effect of stockholders action directors
have sole authority to determine policy and
conduct the ordinary business of the corporation
3) Extent of juridical review
Limitations on powers of BOD
1) It must be observe that limitations or restrictions
imposed by the Constitution, statutes, rules and
regulations having the force of law on the
corporation including its articles of incorporation
and by-laws
2) Cannot perform constituent acts, that is, acts
involving fundamental or major changes in the
corporation
3) Cannot exercise powers not possessed by the
corporation
BOD or trustees must not be less than 5 nor more than
15, except provided by special law
Sec. 24. Election of directors or trustees At all
elections of directors or trustees, there must be
present, either in person or by representative
authorized to act by written proxy, the owners of a
majority of the outstanding capital stock, or if there be
no capital stock, a majority of the members entitled to
vote. The election must be by ballot if requested by
any voting stockholder or member. In stock
corporations, every stockholder entitled to vote shall
have the right to vote in person or by proxy the
number of shares of stock standing, at the time fixed in
the by-laws, in his own name on the stock books of the
corporation, or where the by-laws are silent, at the
time of the election; and said stockholder may vote
such number of shares for as many persons as there
are directors to be elected or he may cumulate said
shares and give one candidate as many votes as the
number of directors to be elected multiplied by the
number of his shares shall equal, or he may distribute
them on the same principle among as many candidates
as he shall see fit: Provided, That the total number of
votes cast by him shall not exceed the number of
shares owned by him as shown in the books of the
corporation multiplied by the whole number of
directors to be elected: Provided, however, That no
delinquent stock shall be voted. Unless otherwise
provided in the articles of incorporation or in the bylaws, members of corporations which have no capital
stock may cast as many votes as there are trustees to
be elected but may not cast more than one vote for
one candidate. Candidates receiving the highest
number of votes shall be declared elected. Any
meeting of the stockholders or members called for an
election may adjourn from day to day or from time to
time but not sine die or indefinitely if, for any reason,
no election is held, or if there not present or
represented by proxy, at the meeting, the owners of a
majority of the outstanding capital stock, or if there be
no capital stock, a majority of the member entitled to
vote.
Election
1) There must be present in person or by
representative authorized to act by written proxy,
a majority of the members entitled to vote
2) Must be by ballot if requested. Hence, viva voces
or roll call is valid

3) A stockholder may be deprived of his statutory

right to use any methods of voting
4) No delinquent stock shall be voted
5) If quorum is present, candidates receiving the
highest number of votes shall be elected.
6) Failure to hold election, meeting may be
adjourned from day to day from time to but
cannot be adjourned sine die or indefinitely
7) Requisite notice mus be given
Methods

4) Meeting at the place, time and in the manner

provided in the by-laws
Quorum such number of the membership of a
collective body as is competent to transact its business
or do any other corporate act.
Directors or trustees cannot validly act by proxy
because they are required to exercise his personal
judgment and cannot delegate his duties or assign
powers to another.

1) Straight voting every stockholder may vote such

number of shares for as many persons as there
are directors
2) Cumulative voting for one candidate a
stockholder is allowed to concentrate his votes
3) Cumulative voting by distribution may cumulate
his shares and distribute

Sec. 27. Disqualification of directors, trustees or

officers No person convicted by final judgment of an
offense punishable by imprisonment for a period
exceeding six (6) years, or a violation of this Code
committed within five (5) years prior to the date of his
election or appointment, shall qualify as a director,
trustee or officer of any corporation.

Sec. 25. Corporate officers, quorum Immediately

after their election, the directors of a corporation must
formally organize by the election of a president, who
shall be a director, a treasurer who may or may not be
a director, a secretary who shall be a resident and
citizen of the Philippines, and such other officers as
may be provided for in the by-laws. Any two (2) or
more positions may be held concurrently by the same
person, except that no one shall act as president and
secretary or as president and treasurer at the same
time.

Sec. 28. Removal of directors or trustees Any

director or trustee of a corporation may be removed
from office by a vote of the stockholders holding or
representing at least two-thirds (2/3) of the
outstanding capital stock, or if the corporation be a
non-stock corporation, by a vote of at least two-thirds
(2/3) of the members entitled to vote: Provided, That
such removal shall take place either at a regular
meeting of the corporation or at a special meeting
called for the purpose, and in either case, after
previous notice to stockholders or members of the
corporation of the intention to propose such removal at
the meeting. A special meeting of the stockholders or
members of a corporation for the purpose of removal
of directors or trustees, or any of them, must be called
by the secretary on order of the president or on the
written demand of the stockholders representing or
holding at least a majority of the outstanding capital
stock, or, if it be a non-stock corporation, on the
written demand of a majority of the members entitled
to vote. Should the secretary fail or refuse to call the
special meeting upon such demand or fail or refuse to
give the notice, or if there is no secretary, the call for
the meeting may be addressed directly to the
stockholders or members by any stockholder or
member of the corporation signing the demand. Notice
of the time and place of such meeting, as well as of the
intention to propose such removal, must be given by
publication or by written notice prescribed in this Code.
Removal may be with or without cause: Provided, That
removal without cause may not be used to deprive
minority stockholders or members of the right of
representation to which they may be entitled under
Section 24 of this Code.

The directors or trustees and officers to be elected

shall perform the duties enjoined on them by law and
the by-laws of the corporation. Unless the articles of
incorporation or the by-laws provide for a greater
majority, a majority of the number of directors or
trustees as fixed in the articles of incorporation shall
constitute a quorum for the transaction of corporate
business, and every decision of at least a majority of
the directors or trustees present at a meeting at which
there is a quorum shall be valid as a corporate act,
except for the election of officers which shall require
the vote of a majority of all the members of the board.
Directors or trustees cannot attend or vote by proxy at
board meetings.
1) President only officer required by law to be a
member of the BOD
2) Vice-President to act in the absence of, or in
case of vacancy in the office of the president.
3) Secretary must be resident and citizen. Need not
be a director unless required by the by-laws
4) Treasurer proper officer entrusted with the
authority to receive and keep the money of the
corporation and to disburse them as he may be
authorized.
5) General manager has the power to bind the
corporation by acts within the scope of his
apparent authority.

Requisites for board meeting

1) Duly assembled as a board, as a body in a lawful
meeting
2) Presence of a quorum
3) A majority of the entire board

Requisites for removal of BOD

1) The removal must take place either at a regular
meeting of the corporation or at a special meeting
called for the purpose
2) There must be previous notice to the stockholders
or members of the corporation of the intention to
propose such removal at the meeting
3) The removal must be by a vote of the
stockholders holding or representing (2/3) of the
outstanding capital stock
Sec. 29. Vacancies in the office of director or
trustee Any vacancy occurring in the board of
directors or trustees other than by removal by the

stockholders or members or by expiration of term, may

be filled by the vote of at least a majority of the
remaining directors or trustees, if still constituting a
quorum; otherwise, said vacancies must be filled by
the stockholders in a regular or special meeting called
for that purpose. A director or trustee so elected to fill
a vacancy shall be elected only or the unexpired term
of his predecessor in office.
Any directorship or trusteeship to be filled by reason of
an increase in the number of directors or trustees shall
be filled only by an election at a regular or at a special
meeting of stockholders or members duly called for the
purpose, or in the same meeting authorizing the
increase of directors or trustees if so stated in the
notice of the meeting.
Sec. 30. Compensation of directors In the
absence of any provision in the by-laws fixing their
compensation, the directors shall not receive any
compensation, as such directors, except for reasonable
per diems: Provided, however, That any such
compensation other than per diems may be granted to
directors by the vote of the stockholders representing
at least a majority of the outstanding capital stock at a
regular or special stockholders' meeting. In no case
shall the total yearly compensation of directors, as
such directors, exceed ten (10%) percent of the net
income before income tax of the corporation during the
preceding year.
Directors have no authority to grant compensation to
themselves.
Sec. 31. Liability of directors, trustees or officers
Directors or trustees who wilfully and knowingly vote
for or assent to patently unlawful acts of the
corporation or who are guilty of gross negligence or
bad faith in directing the affairs of the corporation or
acquire any personal or pecuniary interest in conflict
with their duty as such directors or trustees shall be
liable jointly and severally for all damages resulting
there from suffered by the corporation, its stockholders
or members and other persons.
When a director, trustee or officer attempts to acquire
or acquires, in violation of his duty, any interest
adverse to the corporation in respect of any matter
which has been reposed in him in confidence, as to
which equity imposes a disability upon him to deal in
his own behalf, he shall be liable as a trustee for the
corporation and must account for the profits which
otherwise would have accrued to the corporation.
Liabilities of directors for damages
1) Willfully and knowingly votes or assents to
patently unlawful acts of the corporation
2) Guilty of gross negligence or bad faith in directing
the affairs of the corporation
3) Acquires any personal or pecuniary interest in a
conflict with his duty as such director or trustee
Sec. 32. Dealings of directors, trustees or
officers with the corporation A contract of the
corporation with one or more of its directors or trustees
or officers is voidable, at the option of such
corporation, unless all the following conditions are
present:

1.

2.
3.
4.

That the presence of such director or trustee in

the board meeting in which the contract was
approved was not necessary to constitute a
quorum for such meeting;
That the vote of such director or trustee was nor
necessary for the approval of the contract;
That the contract is fair and reasonable under the
circumstances; and
That in case of an officer, the contract has been
previously authorized by the board of directors.

Where any of the first two conditions set forth in the

preceding paragraph is absent, in the case of a
contract with a director or trustee, such contract may
be ratified by the vote of the stockholders representing
at least two-thirds (2/3) of the outstanding capital
stock or of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the members in a
meeting called for the purpose: Provided, That full
disclosure of the adverse interest of the directors or
trustees involved is made at such meeting: Provided,
however, That the contract is fair and reasonable under
the circumstances.
Sec. 33. Contracts between corporations with
interlocking directors Except in cases of fraud, and
provided the contract is fair and reasonable under the
circumstances, a contract between two or more
corporations having interlocking directors shall not be
invalidated on that ground alone: Provided, That if the
interest of the interlocking director in one corporation
is substantial and his interest in the other corporation
or corporations is merely nominal, he shall be subject
to the provisions of the preceding section insofar as the
latter corporation or corporations are concerned.
Stockholdings exceeding twenty (20%) percent of the
outstanding capital stock shall be considered
substantial for purposes of interlocking directors.
Sec. 34. Disloyalty of a director Where a director,
by virtue of his office, acquires for himself a business
opportunity which should belong to the corporation,
thereby obtaining profits to the prejudice of such
corporation, he must account to the latter for all such
profits by refunding the same, unless his act has been
ratified by a vote of the stockholders owning or
representing at least two-thirds (2/3) of the
outstanding capital stock. This provision shall be
applicable, notwithstanding the fact that the director
risked his own funds in the venture.
Corporate Opportunity doctrine a director who,
by virtue if his office, acquires for himself a business
opportunity which should belong to the corporation,
thereby obtaining profits to the prejudice of such
corporation, is guilty of disloyalty and should,
therefore, account to the latter for all such profits by
refunding the same notwithstanding that he risked his
funds in the venture.
Sec. 35. Executive committee The by-laws of a
corporation may create an executive committee,
composed of not less than three members of the
board, to be appointed by the board. Said committee
may act, by majority vote of all its members, on such
specific matters within the competence of the board,
as may be delegated to it in the by-laws or on a
majority vote of the board, except with respect to: (1)
approval of any action for which shareholders' approval
is also required; (2) the filing of vacancies in the board;

(3) the amendment or repeal of by-laws or the

adoption of new by-laws; (4) the amendment or repeal
of any resolution of the board which by its express
terms is not so amendable or repealable; and (5) a
distribution of cash dividends to the shareholders.
Sec. 36. Corporate powers and capacity Every
corporation incorporated under this Code has the
power and capacity:
1) To sue and be sued in its corporate name;
2) Of succession by its corporate name for the period
of time stated in the articles of incorporation and
the certificate of incorporation;
3) To adopt and use a corporate seal;
4) To amend its articles of incorporation in
accordance with the provisions of this Code;
5) To adopt by-laws, not contrary to law, morals, or
public policy, and to amend or repeal the same in
accordance with this Code;
6) In case of stock corporations, to issue or sell
stocks to subscribers and to sell stocks to
subscribers and to sell treasury stocks in
accordance with the provisions of this Code; and
to admit members to the corporation if it be a
non-stock corporation;
7) To purchase, receive, take or grant, hold, convey,
sell, lease, pledge, mortgage and otherwise deal
with such real and personal property, including
securities and bonds of other corporations, as the
transaction of the lawful business of the
corporation may reasonably and necessarily
require, subject to the limitations prescribed by
law and the Constitution;
8) To enter into merger or consolidation with other
corporations as provided in this Code;
9) To make reasonable donations, including those for
the public welfare or for hospital, charitable,
cultural, scientific, civic, or similar purposes:
Provided, That no corporation, domestic or
foreign, shall give donations in aid of any political
party or candidate or for purposes of partisan
political activity;
10) To establish pension, retirement, and other plans
for the benefit of its directors, trustees, officers
and employees; and
11) To exercise such other powers as may be essential
or necessary to carry out its purpose or purposes
as stated in the articles of incorporation
Powers of a corporation right or capacity of a
corporation to perform all acts or things, except only
those forbidden by law and its articles of incorporation
in furtherance of its purpose or purposes.
Classification of corporate powers
1) Those expressly granted or authorized by law
2) Those that are necessary to the exercise of the
express or incidental powers
3) Those incidental to existence
Express powers powers expressly conferred upon
the corporation by law.
Implied powers powers which are reasonably
necessary to exercise the express powers and to
accomplish or carry out the purposes for which the
corporation was formed.

1)
2)
3)
4)
5)

Acts in the usual course of business

Acts to protect debts owing to a corporation
Embarking in different business
Acts in part or wholly to protect or aid employees
Acts to increase business

Incidental or inherent powers corporations can

exercise by the mere fact of its being a corporation.
Powers which are necessary to corporate existence and
are therefore, impliedly granted.
1) Corporations de facto may sue or be sued
2) Corporations dissolved after the expiration of the
3 year winding up period ceases to exist de jure or
de facto, therefore cannot sue or be sued.
3) Corporation not duly registered in accordance with
law has no legal capacity to sue as such
4) Neither can a foreign corporation which transacts
in the Philippines without the necessary license
form SEC can sue in Philippine courts
5) Corporation may have a good reputation or
business standing
Seal a device used to identify or replace the
signature of an individual or organization and to
authenticate written matter purportedly emanating
from such individual or organization.
Sec. 37. Power to extend or shorten corporate
term A private corporation may extend or shorten its
term as stated in the articles of incorporation when
approved by a majority vote of the board of directors or
trustees and ratified at a meeting by the stockholders
representing at least two-thirds (2/3) of the
outstanding capital stock or by at least two-thirds (2/3)
of the members in case of non-stock corporations.
Written notice of the proposed action and of the time
and place of the meeting shall be addressed to each
stockholder or member at his place of residence as
shown on the books of the corporation and deposited
to the addressee in the post office with postage
prepaid, or served personally: Provided, That in case of
extension
of
corporate
term,
any
dissenting
stockholder may exercise his appraisal right under the
conditions provided in this code.
Sec. 40. Sale or other disposition of assets.
Subject to the provisions of existing laws on illegal
combinations and monopolies, a corporation may, by a
majority vote of its board of directors or trustees, sell,
lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge or otherwise
dispose of all or substantially all of its property and
assets, including its goodwill, upon such terms and
conditions and for such consideration, which may be
money, stocks, bonds or other instruments for the
payment of money or other property or consideration,
as its board of directors or trustees may deem
expedient, when authorized by the vote of the
stockholders representing at least two-thirds (2/3) of
the outstanding capital stock, or in case of non-stock
corporation, by the vote of at least to two-thirds (2/3)
of the members, in a stockholder's or member's
meeting duly called for the purpose. Written notice of
the proposed action and of the time and place of the
meeting shall be addressed to each stockholder or
member at his place of residence as shown on the
books of the corporation and deposited to the
addressee in the post office with postage prepaid, or
served personally: Provided, That any dissenting

stockholder may exercise his appraisal right under the

conditions provided in this Code.
A sale or other disposition shall be deemed to cover
substantially all the corporate property and assets if
thereby the corporation would be rendered incapable
of continuing the business or accomplishing the
purpose for which it was incorporated.
After such authorization or approval by the
stockholders or members, the board of directors or
trustees may, nevertheless, in its discretion, abandon
such sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge or other
disposition of property and assets, subject to the rights
of third parties under any contract relating thereto,
without further action or approval by the stockholders
or members.

Nothing in this section is intended to restrict the power

of any corporation, without the authorization by the
stockholders or members, to sell, lease, exchange,
mortgage, pledge or otherwise dispose of any of its
property and assets if the same is necessary in the
usual and regular course of business of said
corporation or if the proceeds of the sale or other
disposition of such property and assets be appropriated
for the conduct of its remaining business.
In non-stock corporations where there are no members
with voting rights, the vote of at least a majority of the
trustees in office will be sufficient authorization for the
corporation to enter into any transaction authorized by
this section.