Corporation Law Notes - Dimaampao
Corporation Law Notes - Dimaampao
Corporation Law Notes - Dimaampao
Corporation Law
J. Dimaampao | SBCA 17-18 Notes
2. What is the general law referred to in Article XII, Section 16 of the Constitution?
The general law referred to is Batas Pambansa Blg. 68, also known as the Corporation Code of the Philippines.
4. Since it is about time to amend this law, can you think of jurisprudential or corporate rules which must be
incorporated in the Code? Just mention one. What are the rules you have learned that do not appear in any of these 149
sections of the law?
The doctrine of piercing the veil corporate personality is already a settled jurisprudence. No need to include it in
the Code.
The following can be added to the Code:
1) derivative suit
2) doctrine of apparent authority
3) others which we will discuss later on
5. Why does the Constitution require general law? Why not special law?
The Constitution requires a general law:
1) To prevent corruption or bribery
2) To promote equality
(Professor Valentin)
6. What are the two criteria in the creation of government-owned or controlled corporations?
The two criteria are economic viability and promotion of common good.
9. Can you think of provisions of the Civil Code that may be applied suppletorily to B.P. Blg. 68?
There are three:
1) Voidable contracts - when the contract entered into without the consent of the Board.
2) Unenforceable contracts - when the contract entered into by a person in the name of the corporation, acting
without or in excess of authority.
3) Void contracts - when the cause, object or purpose of the contract is contrary to law, morals, good customs,
public order or public policy.
12. Would you advise your client to form a partnership or a corporation? To answer this, you must know the
distinctions between the two.
1) As to creation, a corporation is created by law, while a partnership is created by contract. On this aspect, I
would advise my client to form a partnership because it is created merely by contract.
2) As to the number of persons required, there must be at least five persons to form a corporation, while two
persons shall suffice to create a partnership. On this aspect, I would advise my client to form a partnership
because it merely requires two persons.
3) As to commencement of existence, the corporation commences to exist upon the issuance of the certificate of
incorporation by the SEC. Partnership commences to exist upon the meeting of the minds of the parties. On this
aspect, I would advise my client to form a partnership because it commences to exist upon the meeting of the
minds of the partners.
Partnership is a consensual contract. There are four real contracts in the New Civil Code; the rest are consensual. What
are real contracts in the NCC?
Mutuum, Commodatum, Pledge, Deposit
4) As to term, a corporation has a term of 50 years, renewable by another 50 years. A partnership has no fixed
term. On this aspect, I would advise my client to form a partnership because it has no fixed term and the partners
can choose to dissolve the partnership anytime.
5) As to powers, a corporation is a person of special capacity because it can only exercise powers conferred
upon by the Corporation Code, Articles of Incorporation or By-Laws. A partnership is a person of general
capacity because it can embark/engage in any business or enterprise that is not contrary to law, morals, good
customs, public order or public policy. On this aspect, I would advise my client to form a partnership because
they can embark in any business or enterprise.
6) As to management, there is centralized management of the business and affairs of a corporation that is
generally vested in the Board of Directors or Trustees. In partnership, there is no centralized management
because every partner is an agent of the partnership. On this aspect, I would advise the client to form a
corporation because they can opt not to manage the business while their money is invested.
7) As to the admission of members, a person can join a corporation without the consent of the existing
stockholders or members. On the other hand, a person cannot join a partnership without the consent of the
partners under the principle of delectus personarum. On this aspect, I would advise the client to form a
partnership so that he can choose his own business partners.
8) As to the extent of liability, the creditors cannot go after the stockholders or members of a corporation, but
can go after any of the partners in a partnership for the satisfaction of debts and obligations. On this aspect, I
would advise the client to form a corporation so that he would not be personally liable for the debts or
obligations of the corporation.
9) As to transferability of interest, a stockholder has the right to transfer his interest without the consent of the
corporation. A partner cannot transfer his interest without the consent of his partners under the principle of
delectus personarum. On this aspect, I would advise the client to form a corporation so that he can freely transfer
his interest in the corporation.
10) As to dissolution, the corporation cannot be dissolved by the death, withdrawal or incapacity of its
stockholders or members. The partnership can be dissolved at any time by the death, withdrawal or incapacity of
any of its partners. On this aspect, I would advise the client to form a corporation because the corporation has
continued existence even after the death, incapacity or withdrawal of the other stockholders or members.
13. How do you classify corporations? There are nine. (J.D. gave only four. Check pp. 212-215 of the book for more
classifications.)
1) As to the number of incorporators, there may be at least 5 to 15 incorporators, except in a corporation sole
where there is only one incorporator.
14. What is the distinction between a public-quasi corporation and a quasi-public corporation? GSIS, SSS, PLDT,
NAWASA – Which of these is considered public-quasi or quasi-public?
Public-quasi corporations are government-owned and controlled corporations that perform proprietary functions,
such as GSIS and SSS. Quasi-public corporations are the so-called public utilities, such as PLDT and NAWASA.
16. What are the distinctions between open corporations and close corporations?
As to the number of stockholders, there is no limit in open corporations. The number of stockholders must not
be more than 20 in close corporations.
As to the shares of stocks, those shares of open corporations may be offered in a local stock exchange. The
shares of close corporations cannot be offered in a local stock exchange.
17. What is another term for close corporation, taking into consideration its characteristics? The authority is J.
Campos. His book is out of stock.
De facto partnership with corporate shell
Why is it called as such?
_______________________ *Sir did not answer this.*
21. What are the instances, according to the Supreme Court in a long line of cases, where the corporate veil of
personality may be pierced?
The veil of separate corporate personality may be lifted when such personality is used to defeat public
convenience, justify wrong, protect fraud or defend crime; or used as a shield to confuse the legitimate issues;
or when the corporation is merely an adjunct, a business conduit or an alter ego of another corporation.
Keywords: CDDPJAB
22. What are the three tests in determining the applicability of the doctrine of piercing the veil of corporate fiction?
The test in determining the applicability of the doctrine of piercing the veil of corporate fiction is as follows:
1. Control, not mere majority or complete stock control, but complete domination, not only of finances but of
policy and business practice in respect to the transaction attacked so that the corporate entity as to this
transaction had at the time no separate mind, will or existence of its own;
2. Such control must have been used by the defendant to commit fraud or wrong, to perpetuate the violation of a
statutory or other positive legal duty, or dishonest and unjust act in contravention of plaintiffs legal rights; and
3. The aforesaid control and breach of duty must proximately cause the injury or unjust loss complained of.
The absence of any one of these elements prevents piercing the corporate veil. in applying the instrumentality or
alter ego doctrine, the courts are concerned with reality and not form, with how the corporation operated and the
individual defendants relationship to that operation. (Concept Builders v. NLRC, 257 SCRA 149)
Keywords: CFI
How do you establish the link there?
“Control has been used to commit or perpetuate fraud, resulting in injury.”
This is the simplest way to understand this.
Keywords: DORM
Same directors, officers, or employees
Same owner
Same records
Same methods of conducting business
III. Others:
Shares of stocks, subscription
Winding up, dissolution
Foreign corporations
Corporate rehabilitation (Read the last chapter of your book at least two times.)
Read all the cases in the book under Corporation Law.
________________________________________________________ x x x
25. Is a government-owned and controlled corporation a stock or non-stock corporation? This can be answered by
Manila International Airport Authority v. Court of Appeals, 495 SCRA 591.
It can be either. Administrative Code of 1987 defines a government-owned or controlled corporation as “any
agency organized as a stock or non-stock corporation, vested with functions relating to public needs whether
governmental or proprietary in nature, and owned by the Government directly or through its instrumentalities…”
A government-owned or controlled corporation must therefore be "organized as a stock or non-stock
corporation."
27. The doctrine of corporate personality is based on which well-known theory? Explain this theory.
It is the theory of concession which states that a corporation cannot exist without the imprimatur of the State.
That is why it has to be organized in accordance with law.
31. There are contracts that may be executed by promoters. Before the incorporation of a corporation, are these
contracts binding upon such corporation, which has been subsequently incorporated?
Theory of Continuing Offer applies. As a corporation subsequently incorporated is concerned, that is just an
offer. A continuing offer.
33. What about the liabilities of the promoters? Can they be held liable for damages?
Yes. Promoters may enter into such contract, for and in behalf of the incorporators, as there is no corporation
organized at that stage. Jurisprudence tells us that such relationship is founded on trust and confidence which is
fiduciary in character. If there is a breach of trust and confidence, the promoter can be held liable for damages.
It’s possible that they obtain profits there to the prejudice of the corporation that will be formed or organized.
38. What are the corporation that must be 100% owned by Filipino citizens?
1. Media Corporation – the basis is Art. XVI, Sec. 11 of the Constitution
2. Rice and Corn - BP 194
3. Rural Bank - RA 7353
4. Security Corporation - RA 5487
Retail Trade Corporations used to be one of them but it was strike out because of the law on Trade Liberalization or RA
8763.
39. What are the two acknowledged tests with regard to the nationality of a corporation?
(Narra Nickel Mining & Development Corporation v. Redmont Consolidated Mines Corporation)
1. Control Test – the liberal test
2. Grandfather Rule – the strict or stringent test
40. When will you apply the Control Test? When will you apply the Grandfather Rule?
(Opinion No. 20, par. 7 of the DOJ Series of 2005, it has adopted the same opinion in 1967. So, it’s a revival of the
1967 decision of the SEC)
The control test applies if 60% of the capital of such corporation or partnership is owned by citizens of the
Philippines. It means that under the control test, the rule is a corporation or partnership shall be considered as of
Philippine nationality if 60% of its capital stock is owned by a Filipino citizen.
The strict rule (Grandfather Rule) applies if the Filipino ownership is less than 60% of the requisite capital.
Example:
Let’s have A corporation. It is owned by B and C corp. Let us say B owns 60 % and B is owned by 100% Filipinos, you
apply the control test. But if it’s less than that, B is owned by D and E, in which case you really have to check the
nationality of that. So, you must know the Grandfather and the grandson.
So A, B and C; B D and E. So, E is the son of B in effect, B of A. So in effect, A is the grandfather of E. That’s the
grandfather rule. If Less than 60%, E company is an investor of B company, investee B is an investor of A company. So,
literally, A is the father, B is the son, but at far as E is concerned, since E is the son of B company, E is the grandson and
A must be the grandfather. That is when you only apply corporate layering, with more reason, if F owned this and so forth.
42. What is the meaning of capital in Art. XII, Sec. 11 of the Constitution? Are over-all shares of stock covered?
46. What are the conditions sine qua non for the incorporation of corporation?
1. Five but not more than 15 incorporators are ready to sign the Article of Incorporation. Prepare the Article of
Incorporation (AOI).
2. File the AOI with Sec. Pay the filing fee, another legal fee.
3. Issuance of certificate of incorporation – Sec. 19
47. In sec. 15, what is that doctrine that may be a guide in drafting the AOI?
The Doctrine of Substantial Compliance. It need not strictly complied with Sec. 4. It has something to do with
compliance or observance of AOI.
48. Item #1, name of the corporation. What is the reason/purpose for it? Why is there a need to indicate in the AOI
the corporate name? In relation to Sec. 18. What is the problem that may come up, assuming that corporation has no
corporate name?
For business convenience
49. Sec. 18, you cannot just adopt a name. What are those name that may not be adopted?
1. Existing name
2. Contrary to law, protected by law
3. Name that is confusingly similar, deceptively identical
52. What do you mean by the Doctrine of Secondary Meaning? What does it require? What is the operative word
there?
53. Item #2, Purposes. It must specifically state the purpose or purposes. What must be the purpose/rationale behind
this?
It is a guide to the corporation. The corporation can only enter into such contract based on the purpose,
otherwise, it may become ultra vires act.
54. Item #3, Principal Office. What must be the importance of that?
In acquiring jurisdiction over the corporation, summons should be served on the principal office. Venue and
jurisdiction. That is the place where corporate books and records are kept. That is the place where stockholders
and members hold office, Sec. 46, the place where the by-laws and AOI may be kept.
55. In relation to Sec. 11. What is the legal significance of term? What does Art. 11 require? Is there a limit?
Yes. 50 years
Item #4, Incorporators, you comply with Sec. 10. There you can find the names, nationalities, residencies. Directors and
Trustees.
58. In a stock corporation, the authorized capital stock must be stated therein. What about in a non-stock
corporation? This has no capital stock. It lieu of that, what must be stated therein?
Amount of contribution
59. Explain this 25% percentage requirement which must be stated in the Treasurer’s Affidavit. Sections 12 and 13.
25% of the total stock of the corporation should be subscribed and 25% of such subscribed shares of stock
should be paid.
60. What is the limitation provided therein in Sec. 13? Does that comply with the Corporation Code?
No. The Corporation Code provides that it should not be less than 5, 000.
61. There are special laws that require more paid up capital, higher paid up capital. Under the new law in Insurance,
RA 10607, there is now a new provision on the paid up capital of insurance companies.
Sec. 193, is now 1 billion. In case of reinsurance companies, it is 1.5 billion pesos.
63. What is that issue that will address that? Issue that may be raised in court?
The corporation has no legal capacity to sue.
65. What is the difference between the Article of Incorporation and the Certificate of Incorporation? As to the
probative value, where lies the distinction?
69. What is the status of a contract entered into by a de facto corporation? Valid? Voidable? Unenforceable? Or Void
ab initio?
It is as valid as contract entered into by de jure corporation.
73. When will such by-law provision, having the same prohibition, amount to undue restraint of trade?
It will amount to undue restraint of trade when such director is engaged in different business.
74. Explain e
Let us have correlation here. What are the other matters that may be included in the by-laws? Refer to Sections 50 and
53.
Section 50 states that the by-laws may provide only the time and manner of holding the meeting of the
stockholders or members. The place cannot be provided in the by-laws because Section 51 already provides that
the stockholders’ or members’ meeting shall be held in the principal office of the corporation. On the other hand,
Section 53 states that the by-laws may provide for the place, time and manner of holding the meeting of the
board of directors or trustees.
75. What else may be included in the by-laws? Could there be a greater majority in the quorum?
77. Item 9 of Section 47 (stating that a private corporation may provide in its by-laws for the manner of issuing stock
certificates) has been the subject of three cases. Can this be a valid provision in the by-laws: Certificate of stock may be
issued for partially paid subscription? We said by-laws must not be inconsistent with the Corporation Code. What do you
think?
It is not a valid provision because it is in contravention of Section 64 of the Corporation Code which states that
no certificate of stock shall be issued to a subscriber until the full amount of his subscription together with
interest and expenses, if any is due, has been paid.
78. What is the Fua Cun v. Summers (1923) doctrine? What is the Baltazar v. Lingayen Gulf doctrine (1965)? What is
the Nava v. Peers Marketing doctrine (1976)?
The Fua Cun doctrine states that a subscriber for a certain number of shares of stock does not, upon payment of
one-half of the subscription price, become entitled to the issuance of certificates for one-half of the number of
shares subscribed for; the subscriber's right consists only in equity entitling him to a certificate for the total
number of shares subscribed for by him upon payment of the remaining portion of the subscription price.
The Baltazar doctrine states that a certificate of stock may be issued for partially paid subscription, provided that
there is no prohibition of the same in the by-laws and the same is a corporate practice.
The Nava doctrine states that certificate of stock may not be issued for partially paid subscription.
Please go over the other matters to be included in the by-laws. There are 24 sections. It will be included in the quiz. Try to
memorize them.
82. What are the qualifications of directors or trustees? Refer to Sections 23 and 27.
The qualifications are as follows:
(1) They must be of legal age.
(2) In case of directors, they must own at least one share of stock. In case of trustees, they must be members of
the corporation.
83. Subscriber has not fully paid his subscription. Can he vote or be voted as a director?
Yes, as long as he is not a delinquent stockholder. Section 72 states that holders of subscribed shares not fully
paid which are not delinquent shall have all the rights of a stockholder.
Who is a delinquent stockholder? Refer to Section 67.
A stockholder is considered delinquent if he fails to pay any unpaid subscription within 30 days from the due
date thereof.
Assuming there is a fixed payment and there was no payment made on such date, is the stockholder delinquent?
No. There is a 30-day grace period under Section 67 before he becomes delinquent. Section 68, moreover,
provides another 30-day grace period within which to pay before the delinquent stocks shall be sold at public
auction.
85. Let us go to election of corporate officers. Refer to Section 25 and other related sections. Who are the corporate
officers?
Corporate officers include the President, the Secretary, and the Treasurer.
Is Section 25 a complete provision?
No. It shall be supplemented by the by-laws. The by-laws may provide for additional corporate officers, the duties
of these corporate officers, their compensation and greater quorum.
87. What is a valid corporate act, as provided in the second paragraph of Section 25?
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.
There are 15 members of the Board. When will there be a valid corporate act?
There will be a valid corporate act when at least 8 members are present in the meeting, and at least a majority of
those present in the meeting vote for its validity.
If 8 members attend the meeting, what is the required number of votes?
At least 5 members must vote in favor of the corporate act.
Before the directors may be elected, how many must vote if there are 15 stockholders?
At least 8 stockholders must vote.
90. By-laws have been adopted; the directors or trustees are elected; the officers are likewise elected; the Board can
now exercise its powers under Section 36. Where lies the distinction between the powers of the Board and the powers of
the corporate officers?
These are the words you need: formulate, implement, enforce.
In case of the powers of the Board, Section 36 enumerates the so-called express powers. In case of the powers of
the corporate officers, the by-laws provide for them.
The Board formulates corporate policies and practices. The corporate officers implement or enforce such
corporate policies.
91. The Old Corporation Code made no mention about executive committees. B.P. 68 provides for that. Why is there
a need for such new provision?
The Board only meets once a month. There may be problems that arise within a month. The executive committee
may address these problems.
94. Can the executive committee exercise all the powers of the Board?
No, only those delegated.
95. Which of the corporate proposals cannot be delegated to the executive committee?
The following cannot be delegated to executive committees:
(1) approval of any action for which shareholders’ approval is also required;
Can you think of a corporate proposal that requires the approval of the shareholders, and therefore cannot be acted upon
by the executive committees? These are really the residual powers of the stockholders.
These include:
a) Extend or shorten the corporate term
b) Increase or decrease capital stock
c) Incur, create or increase bonded indebtedness
d) Sell, dispose, lease, encumber, or dispose all or substantially all corporate assets
e) Invest in another corporation, business other than the primary purpose
f) Declare stock dividends
g) Enter into merger or consolidation
h) Amend the articles of incorporation
i) Adopt by-laws
j) Election of directors or trustees
k) Enter into management contract
l) Fixing of compensation of directors
m) Fixing the issued price of no-par value shares
n) Dissolve the corporation
96. Which corporate proposals can be acted upon by the executive committees? Think of routinary work.
The following may be acted upon by the executive committee:
(1) to supply raw materials
(2) to hire employees
(3) to supervise employees
97. Why are the powers in Section 36 described as express powers of the corporation?
They are explicitly provided in the Corporation Code.
99. Corporate powers may be express, implied or incidental. What do you mean by implied powers? What about
incidental powers?
Implied powers are those that are reasonably necessary in carrying out the purpose of the corporation as stated
in its articles of incorporation. Incidental powers are those that are reasonably indispensable in carrying out the
purpose of the corporation as stated in its articles of incorporation.
102. How do you describe such a corporate act which is within the express/implied/incidental powers of the
corporation?
It is called an intra-corporate act or intra vires act.
How do you describe such a corporate act which is outside the express/implied/incidental powers of the corporation?
It is an ultra vires act.
103. How is an ultra vires act ratified? Apply what you have learned in Civil Law.
To ratify an ultra vires act:
1) The contract must not be illegal, immoral, unconstitutional or contrary to any of the express provision of the
articles of incorporation.
2) It must not prejudice the rights of corporate creditors or third persons.
3) It must be a fully executed contract.
4) It must have the approval of all the stockholders. This is an exception to the doctrine of corporate democracy.
5) It must not prejudice the rights of the State. (Vol. 7, Fletcher Cyclopedia, Section 3432, p. 585, as cited in
Pirovano v. De La Rama, 96 Phil. Reports 321)
106. Item No. 9 is a new provision. The corporation has the power 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. What is the doctrine upon which this provision is based?
It is the doctrine of corporate social responsibility. It promotes expanded social stewardship by businesses and
organizations. When one forms a corporation, he has to make an impression to investors that there will be a
return of their profits. This power shows that a corporation not only incurs profit but is also able to share a
portion of its profits to the social welfare, hospital, charitable, cultural, scientific, civic organizations.
*Improve this answer, according to Sir.*
MEMORIZE SECTION 36. Regarding item no. 6, read Sections 60 and the subsequent sections. Those are the set of
provisions that may discuss subscriptions or issuance of shares of stocks.
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Assignment:
J. Campos of the UP Law said that there is this term in legal parlance: residual powers of the stockholders or members.
Try to read these sections. You will find provisions relative to the approval of stockholders or members.
Read in the order as stated:
Section 16. Amendment of Articles of Incorporation.
Section 28. Removal of directors or trustees.
Section 29. Vacancies in the office of director or trustee.
Section 30. Compensation of directors.
Section 32. Dealings of directors, trustees or officers with the corporation. (Ratification of such voidable contract)
Section 33. Contracts between corporations with interlocking directors. (Ratification of such unenforceable contract)
Section 34. Disloyalty of a director.
Section 37. Power to extend or shorten corporate term. (There are two corporate proposals here.)
Section 38. Power to increase or decrease capital stock; incur, create or increase bonded indebtedness. (There are
three corporate proposals here.)
Section 39. Power to deny pre-emptive right. (There are two corporate proposals here. You mark this as favorite bar
question.)
Section 40. Sale or other disposition of assets. (This was asked in the last bar examination. Read this case: 15 SCRA
415 (1965) to answer what are the exceptions to the Nell doctrine.)
Section 42. Power to invest corporate funds in another corporation or business or for any other purpose.
Section 43. Power to declare dividends.
Section 44. Power to enter into management contract.
Section 46. Adoption of by-laws.
The majority vote of the stockholders or members may be required. There are seven of these. The 2/3 vote may also be
required for the rest. All you have to do is to memorize the seven. All the rest necessitate 2/3 vote.
Find out whether the right of appraisal under Section 81 may be exercised. Read every provision there. You should know
by now that in addition to Section 39 on pre-emptive right, another favorite bar question is Section 81. What may be the
distinctions between Sections 39 and Section 81?
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Sec. 36 - The enumeration is not exclusive. Such other powers as may be essential or necessary to carry on the
purpose/s as stated in the articles of incorporation. Mark Sec. 41, it’s not mentioned therein, that was asked already in the
bar, the corporation has the power to acquire its own shares of stocks.
Sec. 9 and 39 - Make a correlation. The power to acquire its own shares of stock is not mentioned in 36, and there is
such power, you mark section 41 as bar question. That shares of stocks referred to in section 41, are the subject of Sec.
9. Then you read in sec. 39, it’s also there.
107. It is clear that the corporation may acquire its own shares of stock, under what condition/s?
108. What are these instances? There are 3 in sec. 41, and 1 in sec. 8, assume that you are taking the bar.
Sec. 41. Power to acquire own shares. - A stock corporation shall have the power to
purchase or acquire its own shares for a legitimate corporate purpose or purposes, including
but not limited to the following cases: Provided, That the corporation has unrestricted
retained earnings in its books to cover the shares to be purchased or acquired:
1. To eliminate fractional shares arising out of stock dividends;
2. To collect or compromise an indebtedness to the corporation, arising out of unpaid
subscription, in a delinquency sale, and to purchase delinquent shares sold during said sale;
and
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.
113. One of the indispensable requirements is the presence is the unrestricted retained earnings. What do you
mean by unrestricted retained earnings? There are 2 features/characteristics.
(mentioned in 41, 82, and sec. 8 – these are the definition given by the SEC) Unrestricted retained earnings
are undistributed earnings/profit which are not allocated for managerial, legal, or contractual purposes
and are free for distribution as dividends to the stockholders.
114. What is the doctrine that requires that? That’s the oldest doctrine in corporation law.
Trust fund doctrine. Trust fund doctrine requires the presence of unrestricted retained earnings.
115. What do you mean by trust fund doctrine (asked several times in the bar exams)
Question no. 65 in the book. CPA - capital stock, property, and other assets are regarded as equity in
trust for the payment of the claims of the corporate creditors. Let’s have this definition in the black’s law
dictionary in 1892. You incorporate this - paid and unpaid subscription of the capital of the corporation held
in trust which the creditors of the corporation have the right to look for the payment of their obligations.
116. Justice Vitug asked this, “what is the exception to the trust fund doctrine?”
Trust fund does not allow disbursement of corporate funds if it will prejudice the rights of corporate creditors
precisely we have this unrestricted retained earnings. The Corporation Code, however, allows the disbursement
of corporate funds under the following instances:
117. Is pre-emptive right available? Can that be exercised when treasury shares of stock are subsequently
disposed of?
118. What are the 4 cases/ instances wherein trust fund doctrine may be invoked?
1. Distribution of capital, may include stock dividend, among the stockholders without providing
sufficient payment for claims of the corporate creditors. (Sec. 8, 41, 43, 82 you will find these unrestricted
retained earnings, the exception in sec. 8.)
2. Incorporate in pre-week review, release of the subscribers of this obligation to pay the subscription.
You cannot release the subscribers from this obligation to pay the unpaid subscription
Sections 41, 9, 8, 82 - Trust fund doctrine is always asked in the bar exam (definition of trust fund doctrine)
It’s a contract, civil law tells us that it must have consideration; Sec. 62 enumerates 6. There is that special
consideration, then, payment may either be full payment or instalment. If there is full payment, you will be entitled
to the certificate of stock, if the payment is in instalment, that’s when you need to discuss Sec. 64, 66, 67, 68. In
63 that’s one of the rights of the stockholders, transferability of shares of stock or interest, which is the opposite
rule that delectus personarum/personae (selection or choice of the person) in Art. 1804 of the Civil Code Art.
1804 (Every partner may associate another person with him in his share, but the associate shall not be admitted
into the partnership without the consent of all the other partners, even if the partner having an associate should be
a manager. (1696)).
Now, if the payment is in instalment, it may either fix the date there in Sec. 67 or no date that is all there be made,
and at that juncture, you should know when to declare shares of stock as delinquent, Sec.67, and when they are
delinquent, they may be sold at public auctions, Sec. 68. Interest may be imposed.
119. What are the effects of shares of stocks declared delinquent? 72, 71
Sec. 71. Effect of delinquency. - No delinquent stock shall be voted for be entitled to vote or to
representation at any stockholder's meeting, nor shall the holder thereof be entitled to any of the rights of
a stockholder except the right to dividends in accordance with the provisions of this Code, until and
unless he pays the amount due on his subscription with accrued interest, and the costs and expenses of
advertisement, if any. (50a)
Sec. 72. Rights of unpaid shares. - Holders of subscribed shares not fully paid which are not delinquent
shall have all the rights of a stockholder. (n)
120. It’s one of the powers of the corporation, considered as an express power in Sec. 36 (6) that a
corporation may issue shares of stock, inevitably it has to enter into a contract, how do you consider such a
contract?
Subscription contract
122. What about corporation that has yet to be incorporated, can that be the shares of stock of that corporation
yet to be incorporated, can that be the subject of such contract?
Yes
124. What is the exception to the exception? When can it no longer be revoked?
No pre-incorporation subscription may be revoked after the submission of the articles of incorporation to
the Securities and Exchange Commission.
125. Under Sec. 62, what may be the consideration of that subscription contract? ABBLES
A- Actual cash
P- Property previously contracted
L- labor performed for or services rendered
E- exchange, that may happen in case of merger or consolidation, change of shares of stock
S- stated capital, the amount, transfer, that may amount to stock dividend
126. Consider Section 65, trust fund doctrine does not allow the issuance of the shares of stock below its par
value, why?
The capital is held as trust fund that should not be diminished, that’s what the trust fund doctrine
requires. So that’s a diminution of the trust fund, that’s the reason why it’s not allowed. That would
become watered shares of stocks.
Stocks issued for no value at all or for a value less than its equivalent either in cash, property, shares,
stock dividends, or services (see Sec. 62) Read this in relation to Sec. 6.
128. There are limitations on issuance of no par value shares of stocks, what’s the limitation?
129. Who may be held liable for the issuance of watered shares of stock? Sec. 65 answers that.
Sec. 65. Liability of directors for watered stocks. - Any director or officer of a corporation consenting to
the issuance of stocks for a consideration less than its par or issued value or for a consideration in any
form other than cash, valued in excess of its fair value, or who, having knowledge thereof, does not
forthwith express his objection in writing and file the same with the corporate secretary, shall be
solidarily liable with the stockholder concerned to the corporation and its creditors for the difference
between the fair value received at the time of issuance of the stock and the par or issued value of the
same. (n)
Having known the subject, consideration, the term may either be in cash or instalment. If payment is in cash, or if full
payment is made, the stockholder has the right to be issued certificate of stock under Sec. 63, mark that. Problem may
arise when the payment is in instalment. Interest may be imposed.
That may only apply if the payment is in instalment. The by-laws may fix the interest otherwise, the legal rate of
interest applies.
6% under Central Bank Circular No. 799 dated July 1, 2013. So, if full payment has been made, Sec. 64 says one
is entitled to the issuance of certificate of stock. You can exercise the right under Sec. 63 (Certificate of stock
and transfer of shares). Once paid you are issued certificate, the one mentioned in sec. 64, you are entitled to
that, you can exercise this right and you can freely transfer the same to another.
132. What is the rule regarding the declaration of delinquent shares of stocks?
Recall in Sec. 24 that delinquent shares shall not be voted upon and Sec. 71. Correlate with Sec. 67 (Payment of
balance of subscription), once they are declared delinquent, public sale will follow, Sec. 68 (Delinquency sale).
Recall, always add 30days.
133. The subscription contract fixes the date of payment, or if it does not fix the date of payment. If payment has been
fixed in the subscription, when will shares of stocks become delinquent?
Not on the maturity date, always add 30 days.
135. These will eventually be sold at public sale. In the public sale, the unpaid subscription, ICE – interest, cost of
advertisement and expenses, who may be considered under Sec. 68 as the highest bidder?
The highest bidder is the person offering at the sale “to pay the full amount of the balance on the subscription
together with accrued interest, cost of advertisement and expenses of sale, for the smallest number of shares or
fraction of a share.” (Sec. 68, par.3) Correlate with Sec. 41.
As long as the shares of stocks the shares of stock are not declared delinquent, Sec. 72 may be applied.
136. Corporate proposals that require majority of the vote stockholders/members or the 2/3 votes of the stockholders
or members; there are 19 sections. Determine what are those which require majority votes or 2/3 votes of the
stockholders/ members as the case may be, exceptions to the voting requirements, meaning, it may be dispensed with,
and whether appraisal right may be exercised. These will capture 20-30 points of the questions in the bar.
a. Sec. 16 (I hold you responsible) speaks of the amendment of the Article of Incorporation;
d. Sec. 29 (bar question) Filling of vacancies in the board - stockholders may fill such vacancy;
h. Sec. 37 (there are 2 here) To extend corporate term and to shorten corporate term;
j. Sec. 39 (covers 2 cases or situations where the stockholder will ratify) Power to deny pre-emptive right;
k. Sec.40 The sale of all or substantially all the assets (this came out in the last bar exams, take note of the Nell vs.
Pacific Farms 15 scra 415 (1965), that’s the Nell doctrine;
p. Sec. 62 Stockholders may fix the par value, issued value of no-par value shares of stock;
Sec. 81. Instances of appraisal right.- Any stockholder of a corporation shall have the right to dissent and
demand payment of the fair value of his shares in the following instances:
1. In case any amendment to the articles of incorporation has the effect of changing or restricting the rights of
any stockholder or class of shares, or of authorizing preferences in any respect superior to those of outstanding
shares of any class, or of extending or shortening the term of corporate existence;
2. In case of sale, lease, exchange, transfer, mortgage, pledge or other disposition of all or substantially all of the
corporate property and assets as provided in the Code; and
What do you mean by the residual powers of the stockholders? Why residual?
Stockholders or members elect directors or trustees. This board of directors/trustees is taken to manage the corporation,
so the stockholders/members entrusted in effect the management of the corporation to the directors/trustees. However,
this does that mean that they have totally relinquished their right to participate in the management of the corporation. The
CCP allows them to participate in the management through their votes in certain corporate actions/proposals.
NOTE: Not all amendments can be the subject of appraisal rights. Only those amendments which restrict rights, limit the
rights, or grant preferences.
The director that may be removed may either be a majority director or a minority director. What is the limitation?
Majority directors may be removed with or without cause. However, minority directors may only be removed with cause
because it might deprive them of their right to representation.
What are instances wherein the vacancies may What are the instances wherein the
be filled by the remaining members of the stockholders may fill the vacancies in the
Board? (DIAL) Board? (REIN)
Death Removal
Incapacity Expiration of term
Abandonment Increase of the number of directors
Legal Disqualification Not constituting a quorum
When is the contract entered into by the corporation with its director, trustee, or officer voidable?
(1) The presence of the director/trustee was necessary to constitute a quorum
(2) The vote of such director was necessary for the approval of the contract
NOTE: The director takes advantage of his office. He must account for such profit and bring that to the corporation.
Does the appraisal right pertain to both the proposal to extend and to shorten corporate term?
Yes. Sec. 37 only mentioned the exercise of appraisal right in case of extension of corporate term. However, Sec. 81
provides for the exercise of appraisal right in case of extending and shortening of corporate term. Sec. 37 is a general
provision while Sec. 81 is a special provision. Special Provision must prevail over the general provision.
Sec. 38. Power to Increase or Decrease Capital Stock; Incur, Create, or Increase Bonded Indebtedness
To decrease capital stock, it requires amendment of the articles of incorporation. What does Sec. 38 require in
deference to the Trust Fund Doctrine?
It must not impair the rights of the creditors.
Explain impairment.
Decrease in capital stock corresponds to a decrease in corporate property or asset.
To incur, create, or increase indebtedness – does it require amendment to the Articles of Incorporation?
No. It’s not one of the matters mentioned in Sec. 14.
Pre-Emptive Right may be denied. There are Four Instances where pre-emptive right may be denied.
Will the sale of all or substantially all of the property or assets result to dissolution?
No. It is not one of the grounds of dissolution.
When will it result in de facto merger? Bank of Commerce vs. RPN. Explain de facto merger.
A de facto merger can be pursued by one corporation acquiring all or substantially all of the properties of another
corporation in exchange of shares of stock of the acquiring corporation.
In paragraph 2, there is that provision to the effect that stock corporations are prohibited from retaining surplus
profits in excess of 100% of the paid-up capital. What are the exceptions to the rule?
(1) When justified by definite corporate expansion projects or programs approved by board of directors
(2) When the corporation is prohibited under any loan of agreement with any financial institution or creditor, whether
local or foreign, from declaring dividends without its/his consent, and such consent has not yet been secured
(3) When it can be clearly shown that such retention is necessary under special circumstances obtaining in the
corporation, such as when there is need for special reserve for probable contingencies
139. What are those corporate proposals where the voting requirements may be dispensed with?
They are as follows:
1) Section 40 – sale or disposition of all or substantially all of corporate assets
2) Section 42 – invest corporate funds in another corporation or business or for any other purpose
3) Section 48 - amend or repeal by-laws, or adopt new by-laws
141. 2000 BAR QUESTION: What are the rights of the stockholders?
The rights of the stockholders are as follows:
1) voting rights
2) appraisal right
3) management right
4) pre-emptive right
5) right to inspect corporate books and records
6) right to dividends
7) right to assets upon liquidation, if there is any excess after paying the liabilities or obligations of the
corporation
8) right to be issued a certificate of stock
9) right to transfer interest
Keywords: VAMPIDACT
But Sir said you may add R for remedial rights
Alternative Keywords: VAMPIDRACT
Under the Old Corporation Code, pre-emptive right can only be exercised when there is an increase in capital stock. The
rule has been amended. Before, if unsubscribed shares of stocks issued at the time of incorporation are subsequently
reissued, you cannot exercise the pre-emptive right.
To understand what Sir said, read this: Pre-emptive right shall be exercised only with respect to the new issues
of shares, and not with respect to additional issues of originally authorized shares. This is on the theory that
when a corporation at its inception offers its first shares, it is presumed to have offered all of those which it is
authorized to issue. An original subscriber is deemed to have taken his shares knowing that they form a definite
proportionate part of the whole number of authorized shares. When the shares left unsubscribed are later re-
offered, he cannot claim a dilution of interest. (Benito vs. SEC, et al., 123 SCRA 722)
*Sir did not provide when pre-emptive right may be exercised under the New Corporation Code. I just construed what he
said.* Today, I think there is no longer a distinction between newly issued shares of stock and re-issued shares of stock. I
may be wrong. Check the following provisions for your own statutory construction:
SEC. 39. Power to Deny Pre-emptive Right.—All stockholders of a stock corporation shall enjoy preemptive right
to subscribe to all issues or disposition of shares of any class, in proportion to their respective shareholdings
x x x.
SEC. 102. Pre-emptive Right in Close Corporations.—The pre-emptive right of stockholders in close
corporations shall extend to all stock to be issued, including reissuance of treasury shares, whether for
money or for property or personal services, or in payment of corporate debts, unless the articles of incorporation
provide otherwise.
Keywords:
Denial of pre-emptive right – EPAL (add another ground provided by Fletcher)
● when the shares are issued in good faith in exchange for property needed for corporate purposes
● when the shares are issued in good faith in payment of a previously contracted debt
● when the articles of incorporation or an amendment thereto denies such right
● when the shares are issued in compliance with laws requiring stock offerings or minimum stock ownership by the public
Denial of appraisal right – WANU
● when the demand for payment is withdrawn with the consent of the corporation
● if the proposed corporate action is abandoned or rescinded by the corporation or disapproved by the Securities and
Exchange Commission where approval is necessary
● if the SEC determines that such stockholder is not entitled to the appraisal right
● in case of non-existence of unrestricted retained earnings.
144. What are the requisites of a derivative suit? Let us complete the requisites on p. 292 of your book. Read Pascual
v. Orozco, 19 Phil. Rep. 82 (1911) and Everett v. Asia Banking Corporation, 49 Phil. Rep. 512 (1926).
Keywords: CRIES
● Cause of action is mismanagement or commission of ultra vires acts
● Refusal to act on the part of the Board
● Injury or damage on the part of the corporation
● Exhaustion of intra-corporate remedies
● Suit filed by stockholder on record
145. What are the so-called ABC Principles in corporation law? Explain each in not more than three sentences.
The doctrines in corporation law are as follows:
1) Doctrine of Apparent Authority (Section 84)
2) Business Judgment Rule (Section 70)
3) Doctrine of Corporate Opportunity (Section 77)
Doctrine of apparent authority dictates that a corporation will be estopped from denying the agent’s authority if it
knowingly permits one of its officers or any other agent to act within the scope of an apparent authority, and it
holds him out to the public as possessing the power to do those acts. The corporation may still be held liable by
third persons, even if such officer has exceeded his authority. It is therefore designed to protect corporate
officers.
Business judgment rule holds that decisions when the Board and the officers render decisions, it must be in the
best interest of the corporation. Decisions arrived at in good faith with prudence based on consideration
independent of any personal interest, must be respected by the courts. Consequently, the Board and the officers
may not be held personally liable for acts or contracts done in the exercise of their business judgment.
Doctrine of Corporate Opportunity mandates that a self-dealing director, who takes advantage of his position to
procure business opportunity whereby secret profits are obtained, must, under the duty of loyalty, first bring to
the corporation such profits for its use or exploitation.
Read MAM Realty and Laborte cases, which can be found in the book.
146. Regarding the shares of stocks, (other than common/preferred, par value/no-par value shares) what are the other
shares of stocks issued by the corporation?
They are as follows:
1) convertible shares of stocks
2) redeemable shares of stocks under Section 8
3) shares of stocks held under escrow
4) founder’s shares of stocks under Section 7
5) treasury shares of stocks under Section 9
Dissolution of the corporation is Question No. 1 in 2000. Let us collate all these.
● Section 22 provides two grounds: Failure to organize within 2 years from the issuance of the certificate of incorporation,
and Inoperation for 5 years. What is the difference? The first ground is for automatic dissolution; the second requires
notice and hearing.
● Section 118 refers to voluntary dissolution where no creditors are affected
● Section 119 refers to voluntary dissolution where creditors are affected
● Section 120 refers to the shortest way to dissolve a corporation – by shortening the corporate term
● Section 121 refers to illegal acts.
● Include legislative dissolution.
● Include expiration of corporate term.
On foreign corporations, read Section 133. Recall the basic rules. You must know whether the corporation is resident or
non-resident. If it is a resident, license must be obtained. If no license is obtained as required, these are the legal
consequences:
● It can be sued.
● It cannot sue.
There lies the importance of doing business or engaging in a business.
Turn to pages 313-314 of your book. These are the potential bar questions. These are the jurisprudential tests whether a
corporation may be sued.
1) Substance test – continuity in commercial dealings and arrangements
Read Mentholatum v. Mangaliman, 72 Phil. Rep. 524 (1941)
2) Contract or perfection test – contract is perfected here
Read Pacific Vegetable Oil Co. v. Singson, 96 Phil. Rep. 986 (1955)
3) Intention test – intent to carry out a continuous business here
Prepare for this case because Mentholatum and Pacific Vegetable cases have already been asked in the Bar. Read Eriks
PTE Ltd. v. Court of Appeals, 267 SCRA 567 (1997)
4) Actual performance of commercial transactions test
Read this well-written decision of J. Carpio: B. Van Zuiden Bros., Ltd. v. GVTL Manufacturing Industries, Inc., 523 SCRA
233 (2007)
RE: MIDTERMS
Exclude corporate rehabilitation in the examination. Coverage is Nego and Corpo. There will be four problems on
Negotiable Instruments Law and six on Corporation Law. Nanganganak yan.