Code of Commerce
Code of Commerce
Code of Commerce
CODE OF COMMERCE WHAT IS COMMERCE? Commerce is a branch of human activity the purpose of which is to bring products to the consumer by means of exchanges or operations which tend to supply and extend to him, habitually, with intent to gain at proper time and place and in good quality and quantity. What are ACTS of Commerce? Those acts contained in the Code of Commerce and all other of analogous character. What is COMMERCIAL LAW? It is the branch of private law dealing with Juridical Relations arising from Commercial Acts. Under the CODE OF COMMERCE, the following provisions are still IN FORCE: 1. Merchants, Book of Merchants. 2. Commercial Contracts. 3. Joint Account 4. Transfer of Non-negotiable Credits 5. Commercial Contracts of Overland Transportation 6. Letter of Credit The following SPECIAL COMMERCIAL LAWS repealed certain portions of the Code of Commerce: 1. Corporation Code 2. Negotiable Instruments Law 3. Insurance Law 4. Securities Regulations Code 5. New Civil Code provisions on Partnership, Agency, Sales, Loan, Deposit and Guarantee. Who are Merchants? Merchants are individuals having capacity to engage in commerce and habitually devote themselves to it; Duly organized commercial or industrial companies. When does PRESUMPTION OF HABITUALITY exist? The presumption exists the moment a person who intends to engage in commerce announces through circular, newspapers, handbills, posters exhibited to the public, or in any other manner whatsoever, an establishment which has for its object some commercial operation. QUALIFICATIONS to become a Merchant: 1. Legal age. 2. Must have free disposition of his property. DISQUALIFICATIONS: Absolute Disqualifications 1. Those serving the penalty of civil interdiction. 2. Those judicially declared insolvent. 3. Those who are absolutely disqualified under special laws. Relative Disqualifications
What are COMMERCIAL CONTRACTS? These are contracts entered into by merchants in the pursuit of their activities as merchants, involving articles of commerce, or those defined as such contract by certain special commercial laws. What are the GOVERNING Laws? Primarily, the Code of Commerce and in a suppletory manner, the New Civil Code. RULE IN CASE OF INCONSISTENCY BETWEEN THE LAWS: The NCC prevails over the Code of Commerce. EXCEPTION: If the contract (such as loans on bottomry and respondentia) is explicitly governed by the Code of Commerce, the same shall be applied. How are Commercial Contracts perfected? General Rule: Commercial Contracts are consensual as to perfection. Exception: When the Code of Commerce require specific forms, such as charter parties and loans on bottomry and respondentia. When shall contracts by correspondence be deemed PERFECTED? Contracts shall be perfected the moment an answer is made accepting the offer or the conditions by which the latter may be modified. This kind of perfection is called the MANIFESTATION THEORY under Art. 54 if the Code of Commerce. On the other hand, the New Civil Code follows the COGNITION THEORY which provides for acceptance to effectively bind the offeror only from the time it came to his knowledge. As regards to which theory governs, there are two conflicting views. One view calls for the Civil Code to supercede Art. 54. The other view provides for the applicability Art. 54 since implied repeals are not favored. What is a JOINT ACCOUNT? A Joint Account is a transaction between or among merchants where said merchants agree to contribute an agreed amount of capital, and participate in the favorable or unfavorable results thereof in the proportion they may undermine.
6) Liquidation done by ostensible Liquidation entrusted to any partner/s partner What are LETTERS OF CREDIT? Those issued by one merchant to another for the purpose of attending to a commercial transaction. Kinds: Common Letter of Creditan instrument by which a bank, for the account of a buyer of merchandise, gives formal evidence to a seller, of its willingness to permit the seller to draw bills against it, and stipulates in legal form that all such bills will be honored. Travelers Letter of Credita letter from a bank addressed to its correspondents stating that drafts up to a certain sum drawn by the beneficiary will be honored by the bank. Essential Conditions: 1.) Issued in favor of a definite person and not to order; and 2.) Amount is fixed and specified. Duration: 1.) Upon a period fixed by the parties; 2.) If none is fixed, 6 months from its date if used in the Philippines or 1 year if used abroad. LETTER OF CREDIT (Art. 567-572 Code of Commerce) LETTER OF CREDIT Letter of credit an arrangement by a bank or other person made at the request of a customer that the issuer will honor drafts or other demands for payment upon compliance w/ the conditions specified in the credit. Internationally accepted definition of a LC as provided in the Uniform Customs and Practices for Documentary Credit (UCPDC): Letter of Credit any arrangement, however named or described, whereby a bank also known as the issuing bank, acting upon the request or instruction of another(applicant or customer) or on its own behalf, binds itself to: 1. Pay to the order of a 3rd person known as beneficiary OR 2. Accepts and pay any draft that may be drawn by the beneficiary, OR 3. Authorize another bank to: Pay to the order of a 3rd person known as the beneficiary. Accept and pay any draft by the beneficiary, OR
How about the buyer, is he still bound to reimburse the IB despite the defective goods received by him? YES. The buyer has no course of action against the IB. The buyer has a COA against the seller. If the documents submitted by the seller are incomplete and the IB still pays the seller, is the buyer still bound to pay the IB? NO. Because the IB should not have paid the seller knowing the documents to be incomplete. The IB deals only w/ documents.
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Is the concept of a holder in due course applicable in WR? NO. Since it is not a negotiable instrument. Who may issue a WR? 1. By a warehouseman, whether public or private, bonded or not. 2. A person authorized by a warehouseman. What are the CONTENTS the receipt? Essential Termsthe following stipulations MUST BE PRESENT in the Warehouse Receipt: a 1.) Location of the Warehouse; b 2.) Date the Receipt was issued; c 3.) Number of the receipt; d 4.) Statement whether instrument is deliverable to bearer to a specified person or his order; e 5.) Storage charges; f 6.) Description of the stored goods; g 7.) Signature of the warehouseman or his agent; h 8.) Fact of the warehousemans ownership over the goods if any; and i 9.) Statements of advances made and liabilities incurred by the depositor for which the lien was constituted. Effect of failure to include any of the above terms? It will not affect the validity of the WR but the warehouseman shall be liable to any person injured by such omission. What are the terms that cannot be included:
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ADVANTAGES OF NEGOTIABLE WR OVER NON-NEGOTIANLE WR NEGOTIABLE WR 1. The goods covered under this cannot be garnished/attached or levied on execution UNLESS: 1. Receipt is surrender 2. Its negotiation is enjoined by the court or 3. The goods are impounded by the court. NON-NEGOTIABLE WR The rights if the transferee can be defeated by a judgment creditor pending notification to the warehouseman of the fact of transfer (Assignee still need to notify the warehouseman).
Note: The sheriff cannot compel the warehouseman to attach the property deposited even if armed with a court order. 2.If properly negotiated, the holder 2. Acquires the direct obligation in his acquires the direct obligation of the favor only after notifying the warehouseman to hold possession, w/o warehouseman. need of giving notice to the warehouseman, of the goods for him 3. The goods covered by the receipt 3. Acquires the title as that of his cannot be defeated by: transferor. a) creditors/sellers lien or b) The right to stop the goods in transitu.
What are the OBLIGATIONS, DUTIES, AND RIGHTS of the Warehouseman? A) OBLIGATIONS AND DUTIES To deliver the goods.
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Negotiable Instrument 1. If originally payable to bearer, it will always remain so regardless of manner of indorsement 2. A HIDC may obtain title better than the one who negotiated the instrument to him Assignment 1. All instruments can be assigned
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Bill of Exchange Check 1. Not necessarily drawn on a 1. Necessary that the check is drawn on a deposit bank deposit. Hence, the drawee is always a bank 2. May or may not be payable on 2. Always payable on demand demand 3. Death of drawer of BOE with 3. Death of drawer of check with knowledge knowledge of the bank does not of the bank revokes authority of bank to revoke authority of bank to pay pay OTHER FORMS OF PROMISSORY NOTE 1. Due bill , An instrument whereby one person acknowledges his indebtedness to another and promises to pay a sum certain in money . 2. Bonds, which are in the nature of PN. 3. Certificate of Deposit issued by banks payable to depositor or his order, or to bearer FORMS OF BILL OF EXCHANGE 1. Trade Acceptance , A BOE drawn by seller on the buyer for the purchase price of goods. 2. Clean Bill of Exchange , A BOE wherein no document is attached upon presentment for acceptance or payment. 3. Documentary Bill of Exchange, A BOE wherein documents are attached upon presentment for acceptance or payment . 4. Bank Acceptance , A draft drawn and accepted by a bank. 5. Drafts, which are BOE drawn by one bank upon another. FORMS OF CHECK 1.Ordinary Check 2.Cashiers Check, A Check payable to third person which is drawn by the bank upon itself. 3.Certified check , A personal check with guaranteed funds to cover the payment of the check.
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Those that attach to the instrument Those which are available only against the and are available against all holders holder not in due course who stands in whether in due course or not. privity with the party who is entitled to set it up or those who are not or do not have the rights of a HIDC. Examples of REAL DEFENSES: 1. Alteration; 2. Want of delivery of incomplete instrument; 3. Fraud in factum of fraud in esse contractus;
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What are the RIGHTS of ACCOMMODATION PARTIES against EACH OTHER? Other than demand reimbursement from the principal debtor of the amount which he had paid on the promissory note an AP may demand contribution from his co-accommodation parties without first directing his action against the principal debtor provided: a) He made the payment by virtue of judicial demand; or b) The principal debtor is insolvent What is the LIABILITY of a person SIGNING AS AGENT? An agent is exempt from personal liability, provided he: 1. Acts within the scope of his authority; 2. Discloses the name of his principal; and 3. Discloses that he is acting in a representative capacity (Sec. 20) A SIGNATURE BY PROCURATION operates as notice that the agent has but a limited authority to sign, and the principal is bound only in case the agent in so signing acted within the actual limits of his authority (Sec. 21) Rule: Indorsement or assignment of the negotiable instrument by a corporation or an infant passes the property therein, notwithstanding that from want of capacity, the corporation or infant may incur no liability thereon (Sec. 22) WHAT ARE THE LIABILITIES OF THE PARTIES? PRIMARILY LIABLE: 1. Maker a) Engages to pay according to the tenor of the instrument; and b) Admits the existence of the payee and his capacity to indorse. 2. Acceptor a) Engages to pay according to the tenor of his acceptance; b) Admits the existence of the drawer, the genuiness of his signature and his capacity and authority to draw the instrument; and c) Admits the existence of the payee and his capacity to indorse. SECONDARILY LIABLE: 1. Drawer a) Admits the existence of the payee and his capacity to indorse;
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Who are the parties with LIMITED LIABILITY? 1) Qualified Indorser Warrants that: a) Instrument is genuine and in all respects what it purports to be; b) He has good title to it; c) All prior parties had capacity to contract; d) He has no knowledge of any fact which would impair the validity of the instrument or render it valueless. 2) Persons negotiating by DELIVERY a) Warranties same as those of qualified indorsers; b) Warranties extend to immediate transferee only. Negotiating by Qualified General Indorser Indorsements or by Mere Delivery 1. As regard liability: No secondary Has secondary liability liability 2. As regards warranty: Has no Warrants that the instrument is at the time knowledge of any fact which would of his indorsement, valid and subsisting. impair the validity of the instruments or render it valueless. What is NEGOTIATION? It is the transfer of a NI from one person to another as to constitute the transferee the holder thereof. If the NI is payable to bearer, it can be negotiated by delivery; if it is payable to order, it is negotiated by the indorsement of the holder completed by delivery. Indorsement is a legal transaction effected by the writing of ones own name at the:
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What are the RIGHTS of a Holder in due course? Holder 1. May enforce the instrument and sue thereon in his own name; 2. Holds the instrument free from any defect of title of prior parties; 3. Holds the instrument free from defenses of prior parties; 4. May enforce payment of the instrument for full amount against all parties liable thereon. Who is a Holder NOT IN DUE COURSE? A holder not in due course is holder having some or not all the requisites which constitute a Holder in Due Course. RIGHTS of a Holder not in due course:
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WHERE PRESENTMENT IS EXCUSED. (Sec. 148.) Presentment for acceptance is excused , and a bill may be treated as dishonored by non acceptance , in either of the following cases: 1.Where the drawee is dead , or has absconded , or is a fictitious person or a person not having capacity to contract.
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Principle of Risk Distribution. The device of Insurance serves to distribute the risk of economic loss among as many as possible of those who are subject to the same kind of risk. By contributing a pre-determined amount to a general fund, each member contributes to a small degree towards compensating for losses suffered by any member of the group. The Right of Subrogation has its roots in equity. It is designed to promote and accomplish justice and is the mode equity adopts to compel the ultimate payment of a debt by one who in justice and good conscience ought to pay. It does not depend upon any privity of contract or assignment of claim. It accrues simply upon payment by the insurance company of the insurance claim . Consequently, payment made by the insurer to the insured operates as an equitable assignment to the insurer of all the remedies the insured may have against the obligor. (PHILAMGEN vs. CA, 273 SCRA 262)
EXCEPTIONS TO THE RIGHT OF SUBROGATION 1. Where the insured releases wrongdoer from liability; 2. Where insurer pays without notifying the carrier, which in good faith, has already paid the insured; 3. Where the insurer pays for a loss not among the risks insured against by the policy 3 TYPES OF INSURANCE CONTRACTS 1. LIFE a. Individual Life (Secs. 179-183, 227) b. Group Life (Sec. 50, and the last par. of Sec. 228) c. Industrial Life (Secs. 229-231) 2. NON-LIFE a. Marine (Secs, 99-166)
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Insurable Interest in Life Insurable Interest in Property 1. Must exist at the time the policy is taken. 1. Must exist at the time the policy is taken and at the time loss occurs.
2. Taken on insureds life, his 2. Beneficiary must have an beneficiaries need not have insurable interest in property insurable interest on his life. insured. 3. No limit on the amount of insurable interest. 3. Insurable interest is limited to the value of interest in property insured.
In life insurance, the general rule is no limit on the amount of insurable interest. The exception is an insurance taken by the creditor on the life of his debtor . In which case, the insurable interest is limited only to the extent of the debt. (Sec. 10) INSURABLE INTEREST OF MORTGAGOR AND MORTGAGEE OVER MORTGAGED PROPERTY Both the mortgagor and mortgagee each have an insurable interest in the property mortgaged and this interest is separate and distinct from the other, such that each of them may insure the same property for his own benefit. While the mortgagor, as owner, has an insurable interest equivalent to the value of the property, the mortgagees interest is only up to the extent of his debt. WHEN IS CONSENT OF INSURER NECESSARY? Consent of insurer is necessary only when the seller assigns the policy in connection with the transfer of ownership of the property such that the seller wants to assign his rights as an insured, to the buyer.
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In DELIMITING the risks, the following devices are used: 1. Warranties, whereby parties stipulate that certain circumstances did or did not exist; 2. Exceptions, which is an expressed enumeration of excluded risks which otherwise would have been included; and 3. Conditions, whereby parties stipulate that the contract would be voidable if certain circumstances were found to exist. GROUNDS FOR RECISSION OF AN INSURANCE CONTRACT
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1. Refer to the same subject matter and both take place before the contract is entered. 2. Concealment or Misrepresentation prior loss or death
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gives rise to the same remedy: Cancellation by the insurer of the policy. (Secs. 27 and 45) 3. The test of materiality is the same. (Secs. 31 and 46) 4. The rules of concealment and representation is the same with life and non-life insurance.
APPLICATION OF CONCEALMENT AND MISREPRESENTATION GENERAL RULE: If the concealment or misrepresentation is discovered before loss or death, the insurer can cancel the policy. If the discovery is after loss or death, the insurer can refuse to pay. EXCEPTION: The Incontestability Clause under par. 2 of Sec. 48. EXCEPTIONS to the EXCEPTION (Incontestability Clause) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Non-payment of premiums; Violation of conditionre: military/naval service in time of war; No insurable interest; Cause of death was excepted or not covered; Fraud of a vicious type; Proof of death was not given.
LIMITATIONS ON THE RIGHT OF INSURER TO RESCIND 1. He must not have accepted premiums despite knowledge of rescission; (Sec. 45) 2. He cannot rescind if he has already commenced any action on the contract; (Sec. 48, par. 1) 3. In life insurance, defenses which may be raised as grounds for rescission are available during the first two years of the life insurance policy. (Sec. 48, par. 2) WARRANTY is a statement or promise set forth in the policy or by reference incorporated therein, the untruth or non-fulfillment of which in any respect, and without reference to whether insurer was in fact prejudiced by such untruth or non-fulfillment, renders the policy voidable. PURPOSE OF WARRANTY It eliminates the potentially increasing hazards which may either be due to the acts of the insured or to the change to the condition of the property. TYPES OF WARRANTY 1. Express
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May a Policy be unilaterally cancelled? The Insurer may, upon notice to the insured, stating grounds for cancellation, and stating further that it can prove the ground should the insured require it, unilaterally cancel the policy. Only Grounds for Cancellation 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Non-payment of premium; Physical changes in property making it uninsurable or increasing hazard; Conviction of crime increasing hazard; Discovery of Fraud or misrepresentation; Discovery of willful or reckless acts increasing the hazard; Determination by the Insurance Commission that continuation of policy would violate the Code. (Sec. 64)
Prescriptive Period The Insurer may provide in the policy that unless the insured brings an action within one (1) year from time cause of action accrues, the action shall be barred. (Sec. 63) The one (1) year period is computed from the date the cause of action accrues, which is the denial of the claim and not upon the happening of the loss.
CONDITIONAL or BINDING RECEIPT It is an acknowledgment on behalf of the company that their branch office had
COVER NOTE or BINDING SLIP A written contract issued by the insurer through its authorized agent. It is intended to give the
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received from applicant the insurance premium and had accepted the application subject to processing by the head office. (Great Pacific Life vs. CA, 89 SCRA 543) Apply this term to life insurance
insured temporary protection (good only for 60 days) pending the investigation of the risk by the insurer or until the issuance of a regular policy.
Apply this term to non-life insurance (such as in marine insurance, pending investigation of the vessel which is still at sea)
There are two types of Conditional or Binding Receipt: 1. One that affords immediate protectionInsured is covered so long as he files his application and pays the premium. The prevailing trend now is the use of this type, which is entirely fair to both parties to the contract. 2. One that does not afford immediate protectionThere is no coverage if anything happens to the insured prior to favorable action on his application at the home office. When does the policy become binding? 1. When all the conditions precedent stated in the offer have been satisfied; and 2. When delivered.
Requisites for a valid delivery: 1. Intention of the insurer to give legal effect as a completed instrument; 2. Word or act by insurer putting the instrument beyond his legal, though not necessarily, physical control; 3. Insured must acquiesce in this intention. 2 Types of Delivery 1. Actualdelivery to the person of the insured 2. Constructive a. By mail: If policy was mailed already and premium was paid and nothing is left to be done by the insured, the policy is considered constructively delivered if insured died before receiving the policy. b. By agent: If delivered to the agent of the insurer, whose duty is ministerial, or delivered to the agent of the insured, the policy is considered constructively delivered.
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GENERAL RULE: Cash and Carry Rule.No policy or contract of insurance issued by an insurance company is valid and binding unless and until the premium thereof has been paid (Sec. 77) EXCEPTIONS:
Statutory 1. In life or industrial life policy whenever grace period is applicable (Sec. 77)
Jurisprudential 1. When the insured and the insurer have agreed to the payment of premium by installments and partial payment has been made at the time of loss. (Makati Tuscany Condominium Corp. vs. CA, 1992) 2. When public interest so requires, as determined by the Insurance Commissioner.
2. Written acknowledgment by the insurer of receipt of premium, which the law (Example: In Compulsory Motor declares to be conclusive Vehicle insurance, if the policy evidence of payment so as was issued without payment of to make the policy binding premium by the vehicle owner, and the insurer liable, the insurer will still be held without prejudice to the right liable. To rule otherwise would of the insurer to collect prejudice the 3rd party victim. corresponding premium. (Sec. 78)
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Loss is the injury or damage sustained by insured from perils insured against. PROXIMATE CAUSE is the active efficient cause which sets to motion a train of events which in turn brings about a result without intervention of any force operating and working actively from a new and independent force.
Loss for which Insurer is Loss for which Insurer is NOT LIABLE LIABLE 1. Loss the proximate cause of which is a peril insured against (Sec. 84) 2. Loss the immediate cause of which is a peril insured against, except where proximate cause is an excepted peril 3. Loss through simple negligence of insured 4. loss caused by efforts to rescue the thing from peril insured against 5. during the course of the rescue, the thing is exposed to a peril not insured against, which permanently deprives the insured of possession, in whole or in part 1. Loss due to insureds willful act 2. Loss due to connivance of the insured (Sec. 87) 3. Loss where an excepted peril is the proximate cause
Simple negligence as a defense will not exonerate the insurer from liability as most loss or damage arises from negligence. However, defense of gross or willful negligence (amounting to bad faith) is a valid defense. EFFECT OF FAILURE TO GIVE NOTICE OF LOSS In fire insurance, such failure defeats the right of insured to recover In other types of insurance, unless a stipulation in the policy requires the insured to give notice, such failure will not exonerate insurer from liability. Double Insurance exists where the same person is insured by several insurers separately in respect to the same subject and interest. (Sec. 93) REQUISITES OF DOUBLE INSURANCE 1. Person insured is the same
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Double insurance is not prohibited by law. A person may therefore procure two or more insurances to cover his property. However, the insurer may insert an Other Insurance Clause which will prohibit double insurance. The rationale is to prevent the danger that the insured will over insure his property.
Over Insurance 1. At least one insurer, with whom the insured takes an insurance beyond the value of his insurable interest 2. Prohibited by law because it is a wagering contract, and no longer a contract of indemnity
Reinsurance is one by which an insurer procures a third person to insure him against loss or liability by reason of such original insurance (Sec. 95) PURPOSE: To distribute the risk, when the insurer finds a single risk so great that the happening of the peril insured against would render him insolvent, it is customary to reinsure such risk with one or more insurers.
2. insurer remains in such 2. insurer becomes an insured in capacity relation to the reinsurer 3. subject of insurance is 3. subject of insurance is the property original insurers risk 4. insured has to give his 4. consent of original insured, not consent necessary
TWO KINDS OF REINSURANCE TREATIES 1. Automatic Reinsurance TreatyA mandatory requirement by the Insurance Commission to all insurance companies. The Commission specifies that the maximum retention of value the insurer can cover per policy should not exceed 20% of the companys net worth. Any excess is
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Is a loss which in the ordinary course Includes only those of events, results: losses due to unusual violence or 1. From the natural and extraordinary action inevitable action of the of wind and wave or sea; to other 2. From wear and tear of extraordinary the ship; causes connected with navigation. 3. From the negligent failure of the ships owner to provide the vessel with proper equipment to convey the cargo under ordinary conditions
RULE: Marine insurance covers only perils of the sea and not perils of the ship.
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INCHAMAREE CLAUSE covers loss or damage to the hull or machinery through: 1. Negligence of captain, engineers, etc. 2. Explosions, breaking of shafts, etc. 3. Latent defect of machinery or hull. WHAT MATTERS ALTHOUGH CONCEALED, WILL NOT VITIATE THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT WHEN THEY CAUSED THE LOSS? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. National character of insured; Use of false or simulated papers; Liability of insured thing to capture or detention; Liability to seizure from breach of foreign laws; Want of necessary documents (Sec. 110)
SEAWORTHINESS is a relative term depending upon the nature of the ship, nature of the voyage, nature of the service. In general, a vessel is seaworthy if it is fit to perform the service and to encounter the ordinary perils of the voyage contemplated by the parties to the policy. (Sec. 114) INSURED CARGO OWNERS IMPLIEDLY WARRANT TO THE INSURER THE SEAWORTHINESS OF THE CARRIER It becomes the obligation of a cargo owner to look for a reliable common carrier which keeps its vessels in seaworthy conditions. The shipper may have no control over the vessel but he has control in the choice of the common carrier that will transport his goods. (PHILAMGEN vs. CA, 273 SCRA 262) DEVIATION is a departure from the course of the voyage insured, or an unreasonable delay in pursuing the voyage or the commencement of an entirely different voyage. (Sec. 123) RULE: Improper or unjustified deviation bars recovery and releases the insurer from liability. Deviation is proper only in the following cases: 1. 2. 3. 4. To comply with a warranty; In good faith to avoid a peril; In good faith to save a human life; Caused by circumstances beyond the control of the vessel. (Sec. 124)
Deviation to save goods belonging to a ship in distress is proper only if incidental to the prime purpose of saving human life.
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ACTUAL total loss, involving: 1. total destruction; 2. total deprivation of owner of possession of thing insured; 3. loss by sinking; 4. damage rendering thing valueless (Sec. 130)
CONSTRUCTIVE total loss, involving: 1. actual loss of more than of the value of the object; 2. damage reducing value by more than of the value of the vessel and of cargo; and 3. Expense of transshipment exceeds of the value of the cargo (Sec. 131)
II. PARTIAL loss, which is not a total loss. (Sec. 128) ABANDONMENT in marine insurance is the act of the insured by which, after a constructive total loss, he declares the relinquishment to the insurer of his interest in the thing insured. (Sec. 138) REQUISITES OF A VALID ABANDONMENT 1. Actual relinquishment by the insured of his interest in thing insured (Sec. 138) 2. Constructive total loss (Sec. 139) 3. Abandonment must not be partial or conditional (Sec. 140) 4. Must be made within reasonable time after receipt of reliable information of the loss (Sec. 141) 5. Must be made by giving notice to the insurer either orally or in writing (Sec. 143) and 6. Notice of abandonment must be explicit and specify the particular cause of the abandonment (Sec. 144)
General Average Loss It is an expense on damage suffered deliberately in order to save the vessel, its cargo, or both, from a real and known risk
Particular Average Loss It is an expense on damage suffered which did not inure to the benefit of all persons interested in the vessel and cargo.
Effect: The insurers of both Effect: Only the insurer of the the ship and cargo bear particular cargo benefiting from the loss equally. the loss shall be liable
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C0-INSURANCE is a relative division of the risk between the insurer and the insured dependent upon the relative amount of the policy and the actual value of the property insured, taking effect only if the actual loss is partial and less than the amount in the policy. ILLUSTRATION Mr. X owns a vessel worth P300,000. He insures it for only P200,000. Mr. X is considered a co-insurer of the vessel to the extent of P100,000 or 1/3 of the vessels value. Hence, if there is a loss of P90,000, the insurer is liable for only P60,000. If Mr. X was not a co-insurer, the insurer would be liable for P90,000. Of course, if a total loss occurred, the insurer would be liable for the entire amount of P300,000, because co-insurance takes place only in case of a partial loss. Rationale: To encourage the insured to insure the full value of the vessel considering that maritime ventures are full of many risks. Co-insurance is implied in a marine insurance. In other forms of insurance, co-insurance must be expressed. FIRE INSURANCE is a contract by which the insurer for a consideration agrees to indemnify the insured against loss of or damage by fire, lightning, windstorm, tornado or earthquake and other allied risks (FLEW-AT), when such risks are covered by extension to fire insurance policies or under separate policies. (Sec. 167) TO DETERMINE LIABILITY OF INSURER, DISTINGUISH BETWEEN:
FRIENDLY FIRE 1. One that burns in a place where it is intended to burn and ought to be (i.e. stove or furnace)
HOSTILE FIRE 1. One that escapes from the place where it was intended to burn and ought to be (i.e. fire escaping from stove or furnace damaging property of the insured)
2. Insurer is not liable. Friendly 2. Insurer is liable. fire is deemed an agency for the accomplishment of some purpose, and not a hostile peril.
FALL OF BUILDING CLAUSE is a clause in fire insurance policy that if the building or any part thereof falls, except as a result of fire, all insurance by the policy shall immediately cease. What is the effect of ALTERATION?
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Alteration not resulting in rescission ifthe alteration violates the contract but does not increase the risk (Sec. 169) the alteration does not violate the contract but increases the risk (Sec. 170); OPTION TO REBUILD CLAUSE gives the insurer the option to rebuild the destroyed property instead of paying the indemnity. This clause serves to protect the insurer against unfair appraisals friendly to the insured. This clause is sanctioned and recognized under the last sentence of Sec. 172. CASUALTY OR ACCIDENT INSURANCE is insurance covering loss or liability arising from accident or mishap, excluding those falling under other types of insurance as fire or marine. (Sec. 174) Accident or accidental have been taken to mean that which happens by chance or fortuitously, without intention or design, which is unexpected, unusual or unforeseen. (Pan Malayan Insurance Corp. vs. CA, 184 SCRA 54) Insured was a boxer. During a bout, he was hit in the face and fell backwards, hitting a post. HELD: Accident (De la Cruz vs. Capital Insurance, 64 O.G. 760) Insured was murdered. In case of murder or homicide, there is intent to kill. HELD: No accident. (Kanapi vs. Insular Life, 94 Phil. 397) Accused charged with robbery with homicide. The intent was to rob. Insured was killed by accident. HELD: Accident (Calanoc vs. CA, 98 Phil. 79) INTENTIONAL as used in Accident Insurance Intentional as used in an accident policy excepting intentional injuries inflicted by the insured or any other person implies the exercise of the reasoning faculties, consciousness and volition . Where a provision of the policy excludes intentional injury, it is the intention if the person inflicting the injury that is controlling. If the injuries suffered by the insured clearly resulted from the intentional act of the third person, the insurer is relieved from liability as stipulated. (Biagtan vs., Insular Life, 44 SCRA 58) SURETYSHIP is an agreement whereby a surety guarantees the performance by another of an undertaking or an obligation in favor of a 3 rd party. (Sec.175) Nature of the LIABILITY of the Surety 1. Solidary;
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BAR Q: What is the liability of the insurer in case of SUICIDE? After the policy has been in force for a period of two years from its date of issue or last reinstatement, the insurer is liable for suicide committed by the insured. If suicide was committed before the lapse of the two year period, the insurer is not liable. If suicide was committed in the state of insanity, date of commission is immaterial. The insurer is always liable. (Sec. 180-A)
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If the offended party is a 1. Passenger, file claim against insurer of the vehicle he was a passenger of. (Sec. 378 (iii)) 2. Pedestrian, file claim against insurer of the directly offending vehicle. The claimant is not free to choose from which insurer he will claim the no fault indemnity as the law makes it mandatory that the claim shall lie against the insurer of the vehicle in which the occupant is riding, mounting, or dismounting from. The said vehicle might not be the one that caused the accident is of no moment since the law itself provides that the party paying may recover against
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TRANSPORTATION LAWS COMMON CARRIERS (Arts. 1732-1766, New Civil Code) Common Carriers are persons, corporations, firms or associations engaged in the business of carrying or transporting passengers or goods or both, by land, water, or air, for compensation, offering their services to the public. Common Carrier Private Carrier such
1. Required to observe extraordinary Not required to observe diligence diligence. 2. Transport people and goods for Private carriers do not. compensation 3. In case of damages, the basis of the action is the contract entered into between the carrier and the passengers and/or consignees 4. The law applicable in case of damages The Laws on Torts shall apply. with respect to common carriers Transportation Law
What is the DILIGENCE required by common carriers? Common carriers, from the nature of their business and for reasons of public policy, are bound to observe extraordinary diligence in the vigilance over the goods and for the safety of the passengers transported by them, according to all the circumstances of each case. PURPOSE of the Code Commission in incorporating ART. 1733-1756 of the New Civil code which requires the 1. highest degree of diligence from common carriers in the safe transport of their passenger and in creating a 2. presumption of negligence against them, is that the recklessness of drivers which is a common sight even in crowded areas and particularly , on highways throughout the country may , somehow , in large measure be curbed. I. VIGILANCE OVER THE GOODS
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Even if the loss, destruction, or deterioration of the goods should be caused by the character of the goods, or the faulty nature of the packing or of the containers, the common carrier must exercise due diligence to forestall or lessen the loss. EXEMPTING CAUSE REQUISITES for natural disaster or calamity 1. The natural disaster must have been the proximate cause of the loss 2. It must have been the only cause of the loss 3. The common carrier must have exercised due diligence to prevent or minimize before , during and after the natural disaster
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MARITIME COMMERCE A merchant vessel is a vessel engaged in maritime commerce whether coastal or foreign. It is considered personal property. Hence, laws concerning transfer of personal property governs over merchant vessels. CHARACTERISTICS OF MARITIME TRANSACTIONS: RealMaritime transactions bind third persons. Creditor liens over the vessel thus bind third persons. However, creditor liens over the vessel are restricted to the actual value of the vessel, the freight money, and the right to retain cargo, embargo, and detention of the vessel. Hypothecaryowners liability over the vessel is limited to the vessel itself. PREFERENCE OF CREDITS A properly registered mortgage lien over the vessel becomes a preferred credit over said vessel. This lien has priority over all claims against the vessel in an extrajudicial foreclosure for: a) Credit in favor of the public treasury; b) Judicial costs of the proceedings; c.) Pilotage, sea, port and tonnage charges; c) Salaries of depositaries and keepers of the vessel; d) Captains and Crews wages; e) General Average; f) Salvage including contract salvage;
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Abandonment in Maritime Insurance REQUISITES 1. There must be actual relinquishment of claim of ownership 2. There must be constructive total loss (Loss, injury or expenses suffered be more than of the value of the thing abandoned 3. The abandonment must neither be partial nor conditional 1. Abandonment must be done within reasonable time after receipt of reliable information of constructive total loss
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Ship owner has possession, management, control over the vessel, and the right to direct her navigation. While in their possession, the ship owners also receive freight earned and paid. Agent is understood as the person entrusted with provisioning or representing the vessel in the port in which it may be found. The ship agent is not the same as an agent in an ordinary contract of agency, because the ship agent is SOLIDARILY LIABLE with the ship owner (even though he acted within the scope of his authority). In an ordinary agency, the agent is not liable if he acted within the scope of his authority. REASON: The law allows the ship agent to be sued for liabilities appertaining to the principal because it is physically impossible for the owner to be in the place where the vessel is found. The position of ship agent is very lucrative because of the monetary benefits. He has the same rights as an owner of the vessel; he can exercise the right of abandonment, and is considered the ALTER EGO of the SHIPOWNER. The Ship Owners and Agents are CIVILLY LIABLE FOR: 1. Acts of the captain; (Art. 587)
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Three-fold character of the CAPTAIN 1. General agent and ship owner. 2. Vessels technical director. 3. Government representative of the flag he navigates under. A.) INHERENT powers of the ship captain: 1. To appoint or make contracts with the crew in the ship agents absence, and to propose said crew, should said agent be present; but the ship agent may not employ any member against the captain's express refusal; 2. To command the crew and direct the vessel to the port of its destination, in accordance with the instructions he may have received from the ship agent; 3. To impose while on board correctional punishment: a.) Upon those who fail to comply with orders or b.) Those wanting in discipline; 4. To make contracts for the charter of the vessel in the absence of the ship agent or of its consignee; 5. To adopt all proper measures to keep the vessel well supplied and equipped, purchasing all that may be necessary for the purpose, provided there is no time to request instruction from the ship agent; 6. To order, in similar urgent cases while on a voyage, the repairs on the hull and engines of the vessel and in its rigging and equipment, which are absolutely necessary to enable it to continue and finish its voyage. B.) SOURCES OF FUNDS to comply with the inherent powers of the captain (in the order of succession): 1. From the consignee of the vessel; 2. From the consignee of the cargo; 3. By drawing on the ship agent; 4. By a loan on bottomry; 5. By sale of the cargo. C.) OBLIGATIONS of the Captain: 1. To have on board before starting on a voyage a detailed inventory of the hull, engines, rigging, spare-masts, tackle, and other equipment of the vessel; 2. To have the Code of Commerce and all necessary documents on board; 3. To have a log book, accounting book, and freight book; 4. Before receiving cargo, to make with the officers of the crew and two experts, if required by the shippers and passengers, an examination of the vessel; 5. To remain constantly on board the vessel with the crew while the cargo is being taken on board and to carefully watch the stowage thereof; 6. To demand a pilot at the expense of the vessel whenever required by the navigation, and principally when he has to enter a port, canal, or river, or has to take a roadstead or anchoring place with which neither he nor the officers and crew are acquainted;
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B) TIME CHARTERVessel is chartered for a particular time or duration. While the ship owner still retains possession and control of the vessel, the charterer has the right to use all vessels facilities . Charterer may likewise designate vessels destination.
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Common Elements of Bottomry and Respondentia: 1. Exposure of security to marine peril. 2. Obligation of the debtor conditioned only upon safe arrival of the security at port of destination. In Bottomry Loan, the risk begins once the vessel leaves the port. In Loan on Respondentia, the risk begins from the time the goods are loaded on board the vessel unto the port of destination. Forms of a loan on Bottomry/Respondentia: May be executed by means of: 1. Public Instrument; 2. Policy signed by the contracting parties and broker taking part therein; or 3. Private Instrument. Contents of the Loan Contract: 1. Kind, name, registry of the vessel. 2. Name, surname. And domicile of the captain. 3. Name, surname, and domicile of the borrower or lender; 4. Amount of the loan and premium stipulate; 5. Time of repayment; and 6. Goods pledged to secure payment Who may CONTRACT? In a Bottomry loan, Rule: owner; Exception: when owner is absent, the captain. In a Respondentia loan, ONLY the owner of the cargo. Bottomry/Respondentia 1. Not subject to the usury law. Ordinary Loan Subject to the Usury Law*
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It is the IMPACT of two moving It is the IMPACT between a moving vessels. vessel and a stationary one. ZONES OF COLLISIONS: 1st ZONEperiod of the time when all is clear and safe up to the moment when risk of collision begins. 2nd ZONEperiod of time between moment when risk of collision begins till the moment collision becomes a practical certainty. 3rd ZONE time when collision is certain till time of impact.
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CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY SEA ACT (Com. Act 65) APPLICATION: COGSA is suppletory to the Civil Code and the Code of Commerce in the carriage of GOODS from a foreign port to the Philippines. Civil Code and Code of Commerce apply to Domestic Trade whereas the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act applies to Foreign Trade. RULE: It is a peculiar contract because the evidence of the contract of carriage is the Bill of Lading. The Bill of Lading is the contract of carriage. EXCEPTION: With respect to CHARTER PARTIES, the contract of carriage is the Charter Party Contract. The bill of lading merely becomes a document of title. It specifically becomes a receipt over the goods. EXCEPTION TO THE EXCEPTION: When the bill of lading is subsequently negotiated to a third party, follow the general rule. It now becomes the contract of carriage and not the charter-party contract. FUNCTIONS OF BILL OF LADING: 1.evidence of contract of carriage between consignee and carrier 2.evidence of title of goods 3.receipt of goods by carrier Bill of Lading proves two things: 1. receipt of goods by carrier 2. condition of goods when delivered to the carrier The above-mentioned are two pieces of evidence for the presumption of negligence on the part of carrier to arise. Such presumption of negligence compels carriers to exercise extraordinary diligence in the vigilance over the goods. If the carrier merely acts as depositary, extraordinary diligence is not required and no presumption of negligence arises. What are GOODS? Goods subject of a commercial contract. This however does not include animals or other objects categorized as deck cargo. REASON: Animals are not contemplated as commercial goods because animals have a mind of there own. There is a strong possibility that they might do acts prejudicial to themselves, such as throwing themselves overboard. The parties to a bill of lading may agree to consider animals as goods in the commercial sense and not merely deck cargo.
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WARSAW CONVENTION OF 1929 WHEN APPLICABLE: It is applicable to all INTERNATIONAL transportation of persons, baggage, or goods BY AIRCRAFT operating as COMMON CARRIERS. What is INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORTATION? International Transportation is any transportation where place of departure and place of destination is situated either: a) Within territories of High Contracting Parties regardless of a break in transportation or transshipment;
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CORPORATION CODE (B.P. Blg. 68) CHARACTERISTICS OF A CORPORATION: 1. Artificial being. 2. Created by operation of law. 3. Enjoys the right of succession. 4. Having powers, attributes and properties expressly authorized by law or incident to its existence. (Sec. 2) CORPORATION PARTNERSHIP 1. Should be formed by not less than 5 1. Can be formed by two or more incorporators persons. 2. Created by operation of Law 2.Can be formed by mere agreement of the parties . 3.Can be organized only for 50 years , 3.Can be organized for an indefinite renewable for a periods not exceeding period of time. 50 years for each renewal 4.Stockholders in a corporation are 4. General partners are liability for liable only to the extent of their unpaid payment of partnership debts extents to subscription for the payment of their properties. corporate debts. 5.Death , insolvency , insanity or civil 5.Death , insolvency , insanity , civil interdiction of a stockholder does not interdiction of general partner dissolves affect the existence of the corporation. the partnership. 6.Corporation cannot be dissolved 6. A partnership can be dissolved by a without the approval of the BOD and partner by his own act of withdrawal. the stockholders , and consent of the state 7.A stockholder can transfer his 7.A partner need to get the consent of shareholding without the consent of the the other partners to be able to transfer other stockholders. his interest in the partnership. 8. Corporation can exercise only such 8. A partnership can do anything by powers as may be granted by law and agreement among the partners. its AOI , or those that are implied or incidental thereto.
THEORIES ON THE FORMATION OF A CORPORATION: There are two theories: The Concession Theory asserts that a corporation is an artificial creature without any existence until it has received the approval of the state acting in accordance with law through the SEC. On the other hand, the Theory of Corporate Enterprise or Economic Unit maintains that the corporation is not merely an artificial being, but more of an aggregation of persons doing business, or an underlying business unit. TWO TYPES OF FRANCHISE: 1. Primary or Corporate Franchise is the right or privilege granted by the State to individuals to exist and act as a corporation after its incorporation. 2. Secondary or Special Franchise is the special right or privilege conferred upon an existing corporation to the business for which it was created. PRIMARY FRANCHISE 1. Refers to the franchise of existing as a corporation 2. Vested in the individuals who compose the corporation SECONDARY FRANCHISE 1. Refers to the exercise of rights. 2. Deemed vested in the corporation
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Corporations are classified according to: 1. ORGANIZERSPublic, by the State only; and Private, by private persons alone or with the State 2. FUNCTIONSPublic, the governance of a portion of the territory; and Private, usually for profit-making purposes 3. GOVERNING LAWPublic, by special laws; and Private, by the law on Private Corporations 4. LEGAL STATUS A) De Jure Corporationorganized in accordance with the requirements of law. B) De Facto Corporationorganized with a colorable compliance with the requirements of a valid law. Its existence cannot be inquired collaterally. Such inquiry may be inquired only by direct attack by the State through the Solicitor General in a quo warranto proceeding. (Sec. 20) REQUISITES OF DE FACTO CORPORATION: 1. Existence of a valid law under which it may be incorporated; 2. Attempt in good faith to incorporate; 3. Actual use or exercise in good faith of corporate powers; and 4. Issuance of a Certificate of Incorporation by the SEC despite defect in its incorporation Difference between a De Facto corporation and a De Jure corporation: De Jure corporation can, successfully resist a suit by a state brought to challenge its existence; a de facto corporation cannot sustain its right to exist. C) Corporation by Estoppela group of persons which assumes to act as a corporation knowing it to be without authority to do so, and enters into a transaction with a third person on the strength of such appearance. It cannot be permitted to deny its existence in an action under said transaction. It is neither de jure nor de facto. D) Corporation by Prescriptionone which has exercised corporate powers for an indefinite period without interference on the part of the sovereign power, e.g. Roman Catholic Church. 5. EXISTENCE OF SHARES OF STOCK a) Stock corporation has capital stock which is divided into shares, and which is authorized to distribute to shareholders dividends or allotments of the surplus profits on the basis of the shares held. (Sec. 3) b) Non-stock corporation does not issue stocks nor distribute dividends to their members. 6. RELATIONSHIP OF MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL a) Holding corporation is one which, by the power to elect management, controls another as a subsidiary. It is a corporation that holds stocks in other companies for purposes of control rather than for mere investment. b) Subsidiary corporation Majority-owned subsidiarywhere one corporation owns 51% to 94% of the capital stock of another corporation. Wholly-owned subsidiarywhere one corporation holds 95% to 100% of the capital stock of another corporation. c) Affiliates are companies subject to common control of a mother holding company and operated as
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3 tests to determine NATIONALITY of Corporations INCORPORATION TEST is determined by the state of incorporation, regardless of the nationality of the stockholders. DOMICILE TEST is determined by the state where it is domiciled. CONTROL TEST is determined by the nationality of the controlling stockholders or members. This test is applied in times of war and is also known as the WARTIME TEST. The control test is applied both with respect to the ownership of shares entitled to vote and the membership in the board of directors. Who is a PHILIPPINE NATIONAL? 1. A corporation organized under the laws of the Philippines of which at least 60% of the outstanding capital stock entitled to vote is owned by Filipino citizens; 2. A foreign corporation licensed as doing business in the Philippines of which 100% of the outstanding capital stock entitled to vote is wholly owned by Filipinos; Double 60% RuleWhere a corporation and its non-Filipino stockholders own stocks in a SEC-registered enterprise, at least 60% of the capital stock outstanding and entitled to vote of both corporations and at least 60% of the members of the board of directors of both corporations must be Filipino citizens (FOREIGN INVESTMENT ACT OF 1991, R.A. No. 7042) The GRANDFATHER RULE is the method by which the percentage of Filipino equity in a corporation engaged in nationalized and/or partly nationalized areas of activities, provided for under the Constitution and other nationalization laws, is computed, in cases where there are corporate shareholders. The present application of the rule embodies the control test: Thus, if the shares belonging to corporations or partnerships at least 60% of the capital is owned by Filipino citizens, such corporation or partnership shall be considered of Philippine nationality. But if the percentage of Filipino ownership in the corporation or partnership is less than 60%, only the number of shares corresponding to such percentage shall be counted as pertaining to Philippine nationality. What is the DOMICILE of a corporation? The domicile of a corporation is the place fixed by the law creating or recognizing it; in the absence thereof, it shall be understood to be the place where its legal representation is established or where it exercises its principal functions (Art. 51, NCC) NATIONALIZED CORPORATIONS: 100% Filipino Owned a) Mass Media which includes radio, television and printed media (Sec. 11(1), Art. XVI, 87 Constitution) b) Rural Banks -100% of its capital stock (RA No. 720, as amended) c) Rice and Corn Industry (RA No. 3018, as amended) d) Security, watchman & Detective Agency (RA No. 5487) 75% Filipino Owned a) Advertising Industry (Sec. 11(2), Art. XVI, 87 Consti) 70% Filipino Owned
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1) It is a condition precedent in the 1) It is a condition subsequent; its acquisition of corporate existence; absence mere furnishes a ground for the revocation of the franchise; 2) It is essentially a contract between the corporation and the stockholders/ members; between the stockholders/ member inter se, and between the corporation and the State; 3) It is incorporation; executed 2) It is for the internal government of the corporation but has the force of contract between the corporation and the stockholders/ members, and between the stockholders and members;
3) It may be executed after incorporation. Sec. 46 allows the filing of the by-laws before simultaneously with the Articles of Incorporation; 4) It may be amended by a majority vote of the BOD and majority vote of outstanding capital stock or a majority of the members in a non-stock corporation; and 5) Power to amend or repeal by-laws or adopt new by-laws may be delegated by the 2/3 of the OCS or 2/3 of members in case of non-stock corporation.
4) It is amended by a majority of the directors/ trustees and stockholders representing 2/3 of the outstanding capital stock, or 2/3 of the members in case of non-stock corporations; and 5) Power to amend/repeal articles cannot be delegated by the stockholders/ members to the board of directors/ trustees.
FORMAL ORGANIZATION AND COMMENCEMENT OF THE TRANSACTION OF BUSINESS are conditions subsequent to the issuance of the Articles in order that a corporation may legally continue as such. The law requires only substantial compliance of formal organization, which means: 1. Adoption of By-Laws and filing of the same with the SEC; 2. Election of board of directors/trustees, and officers; 3. Establishment of principal office; and 4. Providing for subscription and payment of capital stock. PERSONALITIES INVOLVED IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF A CORPORATION 1. PROMOTER is a person who, acting alone or with others, takes initiative in founding and organizing the business or enterprise of the issuer and receives consideration therefor. 2. INCORPORATORS are those mentioned in the Articles of Incorporation as originally forming and composing the corporation, having sign id the Articles and acknowledged the same before a notary public. They have no powers beyond those vested in them by the statute. QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Natural person;
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GOVERNING BODY (absolute control and direction) a) Board of Directors (stock); or b) Board of Trustees (non-stock) QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Ownership of at least (1) share of capital stock of the corporation in his own name, and if he ceases to own at least one share in his own name, he automatically ceases to be a director. (Sec. 23) For a non-stock corporation, only members of the corporation can be elected to seat in the Board of Trustees; 2. Majority of the directors/trustees must be residents of the Philippines; (Sec. 23) 3. Not have been convicted by final judgment of an offense punishable by imprisonment for a period exceeding 6 years or a violation of the Corporation Code, committed within five years from the date of his election; (Sec. 27) 4. Only natural persons can be elected directors/trustees; and 5. Other qualifications as may be prescribed in the by-laws of the corporation RULE: The Board of Directors/Trustees is the repository of corporate powers. Hence, all powers of the corporation shall be exercised, all business conducted and all property of such corporation controlled and held by the Board of Directors or Trustees. (Sec. 23) EXCEPTIONS: 1. Executive Committee duly authorized in the by-laws; 2. Contracted manager which may be an individual, a partnership, or another corporation. 3. Close corporations, the stockholders may manage the business of the corporation instead of a board of directors, if the articles of incorporation so provide. Directors are not entitled to compensation as such directors except that they are allowed reasonable per diems. However , directors may be given compensation when 1. There is a provision in the by-laws authorizing payment of compensation ; or 2. By a vote of the Stockholders representing at least majority outstanding capital stock at a regular or special meeting. of the
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In either case , the total yearly compensation of the directors shall not exceed 10% of the net income before income tax of the corporation during the preceding year.
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REMEDIES IN CASE OF MISMANAGEMENT: receivership; injunction, if the act has not yet been done; : 3. dissolution if the abuse amounts to a ground for quo warranto but the Solicitor General refuses to act; and 4. derivative suit or complaint filed with SEC 1. 2. DOCTRINE OF SPECIAL FACT Director takes advantage of information obtained by reason of his office to the disadvantage of the corporation. INHERENT POWER OF "AMOTION" It is the inherent power to remove directors, officers or trustees prior to the expiration of their term RULES GOVERNING CONTRACTS DIRECTORS/TRUSTEES OR OFFICERS: Doctrine of Corporate Opportunity The doctrine wherein a director , by virtue of his office, cannot acquire property or business opportunity in which the corporation has interest. When a director violates this doctrine , Unless his act is ratified by a vote of the stockholders representing 2/3 of the outstanding capital stock, the director shall refund to the corporation all the profits he realizes on a business opportunity which the corporation: 1. Is financially able to undertake; 2. Is in line with corporations business and is of practical advantage to it; and 3. Has an interest or a reasonable expectancy. ENTERED INTO BY
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ESCROW STOCK is deposited with a third person to be delivered to a stockholder or his assign, after complying with certain conditions, usually payment of full subscription price. OVER-ISSUED STOCK is stock issued in excess of the authorized capital stock. It is also known as spurious stock. Its issuance is considered null and void. WATERED STOCK is stock issued not in exchange for its equivalent either in cash, property, share, stock dividends, or services. The "water" in the stock represents the difference between the fair market value at the time of the issuance of the stock and the par or issued value of said stock. Both par and no par stocks can thus be watered stocks. PAR VALUE SHARES are shares with a value fixed in the certificates of stock and the articles of incorporation. NO PAR VALUE SHARES are shares having no par value but have an issued value stated in the certificate or articles of incorporation. LIMITATIONS: a) No par value shares can have an issued price of less than P5.00; b) The entire consideration for its issuance constitutes capital so that no part of it should be distributed as dividends; c) They cannot be issued as preferred stocks; d) They cannot be issued by banks, trust companies, insurance companies, public utilities and building and loan association; e) The articles of incorporation must state the fact that it issued no par value shares as well as the number of said shares; f) Once issued, they are deemed fully paid and non-assessable. (Sec. 6) STREET CERTIFICATE is a stock certificate endorsed by the registered holder in blank and the transferee can command its transfer to his name from the issuing corporation. CONVERTIBLE SHARE is a share a share that is changeable by the stockholder from one class to another at a certain price and within a certain period. FRACTIONAL SHARE is a share with a value of less than one full share. What is the TRUST FUND DOCTRINE? The subscribed capital stock of the corporation is a trust fund for the payment of debts of the corporation which the creditors have the right to look up to satisfy their credits, and which the corporation may not dissipate. The creditors may sue the stockholders directly for the latter's unpaid subscription. Instances where the Doctrine was applied: 1) Where the corporation has distributed its capital among the stockholders without providing for the payment of creditors; 2) Where it had released the subscribers to the capital stock from their subscriptions; 3) Where it has transferred corporate property in fraud of its creditors; and 4) Where the corporation is insolvent. If the corporation is solvent , the TFD extends to the capital stock represented by the corporation's legal capital. If the corporation is insolvent, the TFD extends to the capital stock of the corporation and all of its property and assets. Exceptions to the Trust Fund Doctrine 1) Redemption of redeemable shares (Sec. 8)
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VALID CONSIDERATIONS IN SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT: [COP2AL] 1) Cash actually received; 2) Property, tangible or intangible, actually received AND necessary or convenient for its use and lawful purposes; 3) Labor or services actually rendered to the corporation; 4) Previously incurred corporate indebtedness; 5) Amounts transferred from unrestricted retained earning to stated capital; 6) Outstanding shares in exchange for stocks in the event of reclassification or conversion. (Sec. 62) Shares of stock shall not be issued in exchange for promissory notes or future services. (Sec. 62) STOCK OPTION is a privilege granted to a party to subscribe to a certain portion of the unissued capital stock of a corporation within a certain period and under the terms and conditions of the grant exercisable by the grantee at any time within the period granted. WARRANT is a type of security which entitles the holder the right to subscribe to the unissued capital stock of a corporation or to purchase issued shares in the future, evidenced by a Warrant Certificate, whether detachable or not, which may be sold or offered for sale to the public.
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2) It is incorporeal or intangible property 3) It may be issued by the corporation even if the subscription even if the subscription is not fully paid 4) Situs is the state where the corporation has its domicile
4) Situs may be the place where corporation is located or at the domicile of the owner
ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATE OF STOCK Under the Doctrine of Individuality of Subscription , subscription is one, entire, indivisible, and whole contract which cannot be divided into portions. Thus, no certificate of stock shall be issued until the full amount of the subscription is paid. What is the Supreme Court ruling on the application of partial payment of subscription? When not prohibited by the corporations by-laws, the board of directors at its option, may apply a partial payment of the subscription to such shares as it may cover and issue the corresponding certificates of stock, OR apply said partial payment to all the shares in which case all the shares are partially paid and therefore, no certificate of stock can be issued therefor.
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1) The signers obligate themselves 1) The obligation of the, signer to the to take the shares of stock which purchasers and to the public is absolute. cannot be sold. 2) Underwriters commission. are given 2) There is no commission. 3) He becomes a stockholder of the company and is liable to pay the amount due on the stock.
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ULTRA VIRES ACTS AND ILLEGAL ACTS An ultra vires act is not necessarily an illegal act. It is so called ultra vires because it is an act outside or beyond corporate powers. Hence, the act may not be prohibited by law but if it is not among the authorized corporate powers, the act is ultra vires. The TEST in determining whether a corporation may perform an act is to consider the logical and necessary relation between the act questioned
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WHAT ARE THE RIGHTS OF STOCKHOLDERS? 1) MANAGERIAL RIGHTS a) Voting rights; and b) Right to remove directors What are the LIMITATIONS on the stockholders RIGHT TO VOTE? 1) Where the articles of incorporation provides for classification of shares pursuant to Sec. 6, non-voting shares are not entitled to vote except as provided for in the last paragraph of Sec. 6; 2) Preferred or redeemable shares may be deprived of the right to vote unless otherwise provided in the Code; 3) Fractional shares of stock cannot be voted; 1) Treasury shares have no voting rights as long as they remain in the treasury; 2) Holders of stock declared delinquent by the board of directors for unpaid subscription are not entitled to vote or to a representation at any stockholder's meeting; and 3) A transferee of stock cannot vote if his transfer is not registered in the stock and transfer book of the corporation. METHODS OF VOTING ON THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS 1. STRAIGHT VOTING- Every stockholder through this method , may vote such number of shares for as many persons as there are directors. 2.CUMULATIVE VOTINGEvery stockholder is entitled to such number of votes that his number of shares multiplied by the total number of directors to be elected will bring. He may give all such votes to one candidate (CUMULATIVE VOTING FOR ONE CANDIDATE) or he may distribute them among as many candidates as he sees fit (CUMULATIVE VOTING BY DISTRIBUTION). (Sec. 24) A minority director elected through cumulative voting cannot be removed without cause. (Sec. 28) A PROXY is a written instrument, signed by the stockholder or member (as principal) and filed before the scheduled meeting with the corporate secretary, and given to another person (as agent) authorizing such person to exercise the voting rights of the former. What is the period of validity of proxy? Unless otherwise provided in the proxy, it should be valid only for the meeting for which it is intended. No proxy shall be valid and effective for a longer period than five years at any one time. (Sec. 58) Instances whereby Right to vote by proxy may be exercised: 1) Election of the board of directors or trustees; 2) Voting in case of joint ownership of stock; 3) Voting by trustee under voting trust agreement; 4) Pledge or mortgage of shares; 5) As provided for in its by-laws. Stockholders or members may attend and vote in their meetings by proxy (Sec. 58); But directors cannot do so. Directors must always act in person (Sec. 25). A VOTING TRUST is an agreement whereby one or more stockholders transfer their shares of stocks to a trustee, who thereby acquires for a period of time the voting rights (and/or any other rights) over such shares; and in return, trust certificates are given to the stockholder/s, which are transferable like stock certificates, subject, however, to the trust agreement.
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Voting Trust 1) The trustee votes as owner rather than as mere agent 2) The trust may vote in person or by proxy unless the agreement provides otherwise 3) Trustee acquires legal title to the shares of the transferring stockholder 4) The agreement must be notarized 5) The agreement is irrevocable 6) Trustee is not limited to act at any particular meeting 7) A trustee can vote and exercise all the rights of the stockholder even when the latter is present 8) An agreement must not exceed 5 years at any one time except when the same is made a condition of a loan. 9) The voting right is divorced from the ownership of stocks
Proxy The proxy holder votes as agent The proxy must vote in person
Proxy has no title to the shares of the principal Proxy need not be notarized Revocable anytime except one with interest Proxy can only act at a specific stockholder's meeting (if not continuing) A proxy can only vote in the absence of the owners of the stock A proxy is usually of shorter duration although under Sec. 58 it cannot exceed 5 years at any one time The right to vote is inherent in or inseparable from the right to ownership of stock
2) PROPRIETARY RIGHTS a) Right to dividends; b) Right to issuance of stock certificate for fully paid shares; c) Proportionate participation in the distribution of assets in liquidation; d) Right to transfer of stocks in corporate books; e) Preemptive right; f) Right to inspect books and records; g) Right to be furnished of the most recent financial statement/financial report; h) Right to recover stocks unlawfully sold for delinquent payment of subscription. WHAT ARE DIVIDENDS? Dividends are corporate profits set aside, declared, and ordered to be paid by the directors for distribution among shareholders at a fixed time. They may be in the form of cash, property or stock. While cash dividends due on delinquent shares can be applied to the payment of the unpaid balance, stock dividends cannot be applied as payment for unpaid subscription. The right to dividends is based on duly recorded stockholdings; accordingly, the corporation is prohibited from entitling thereto anyone else. The declaration of dividends is discretionary, covered by the business judgment rule, provided that the corporation does not have surplus profits in excess of 100% of its paid-in capital. However, even when surplus profits exceed 100%, the board of directors may not be compelled to declare dividends when justifiable reasons exist (Sec. 43).
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3.A declaration of Cash dividends creates a debt from the corporation in favor of the stockholders. 4. No resulting increase in the corporate capital after cash dividend declaration.
PREEMPTIVE RIGHT OF STOCKHOLDER is the shareholders' preferential right to subscribe to all issues or dispositions of shares of any class in proportion to their present stockholdings. Purpose: To protect from impairment and dilution the basic rights of the stockholders in the corporation. i.e., the right to vote ,dividend payment. This right extends to treasury shares in case of their re-issuance. In case additional issues of originally authorized shares:
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Members cannot transfer their membership unless allowed by the articles or by-laws Cumulative voting not available unless otherwise provided in the articles or bylaws Trustees may exceed 15 in number The term of a trustee is 3 years; 1/3 of the Board shall be elected annually Members may be deprived of the right to vote by proxy in the articles or bylaws Officers may be directly elected by the members Members may be allowed by the bylaws to vote by mail or other similar
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How are the assets of a Non-stock corporation DISTRIBUTED UPON DISSOLUTION? 1) All its creditors shall be paid; 2)Assets held subject to return upon dissolution shall be delivered back to their respective transferors; 3)Assets held for charitable, religious, etc., without a condition for their return on dissolution, shall be conveyed to one or more organizations engaged in similar activities as the dissolved corporation; 4)Other assets shall be distributed to members, as provided for in the articles or by-laws; and 5)|n any other case, assets may be distributed as specified in a plan of distribution. (Sec. 94) WHAT IS A CLOSE CORPORATION? It is a special kind of stock corporation in which its 1) Articles of Incorporation provides that: a) All the corporations issued stock of all classes , exclusive of treasury shares , shall be held of record by not more than a specified number of persons, not exceeding 20; b) All of the issued stocks are subject to transfer restrictions, with a right of preemption in favor of the stockholders or the corporation; and c) Corporation shall not list in the stock exchange or its stocks should not be publicly offered; Notwithstanding the foregoing , it shall NOT be deemed a close corporation when 2) 2/3 of the voting stocks or voting rights is owned or controlled by another corporation which is not a close corporation within the meaning of the corporation code. (Sec. 96) The following cannot be a close corporation: a) mining companies; b) oil companies; c) stock exchanges; d) banks; e) insurance companies; f) public utilities; g) education institutions; h) other corporations declared to be vested with public interest. (Sec. 96) CHARACTERISTICS OF CLOSE CORPORATIONS: 1) Stockholders may act as directors without need of election and therefore are liable as directors; 2) Stockholders who are involved in the management of the corporation are liable in the same manner as directors are; 3) Quorum may be greater than mere majority; 4) Transfer of stocks to others, thus increasing the number of stockholders to more than the maximum is invalid; 5) Corporate actuations may be binding even without a formal board meeting, if the stockholder had knowledge or ratified the informal action of the others; 6) Preemptive right extends to all stock issues; 7) Deadlocks in board are settled by the SEC on the written petition by any stockholder; and 8) Stockholder may withdraw and avail of his right of appraisal. Ordinary stock corporation 1) Its articles of incorporation need only contain the general matters enumerated in Sec. 14 of the Code. Close corporation Its articles must contain the special matters prescribed by Sec. 97, aside from the general matters in Sec. 14.
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5) The corporate officers and employees are elected by a majority vote of all the members of the board of directors. 6) The pre-emptive right is subject to the exceptions found in Sec. 39. 7) The appraisal right may be exercised by a stockholder only in the cases provided in Secs. 81 and 42 of the Code 8) Except as regards redeemable shares, the purchase by the corporation of its own stock must always be made from the unrestricted retained earnings. 9) Arbitration of intra-corporate deadlock by the SEC is not a remedy in case the directors or stockholders are so divided respecting the management of the corporation.
What are the SPECIAL CORPORATIONS? 1) EDUCATIONAL CORPORATION is a stock or non-stock corporation organized to provide facilities for teaching or instruction. A favorable recommendation of the DECS is essential for the approval of its articles and by-laws. It is primarily governed by special laws and, suppletorily, by the provisions of the Code. 2) RELIGIOUS CORPORATION is a corporation composed entirely of spiritual persons and is organized for the furtherance of a religion or for perpetuating the rights of the church or for the administration of church or religious work or property. TWO KINDS OF RELIGIOUS CORPORATIONS: a) CORPORATION SOLE is a special form of corporation, usually associated with the clergy, consisting of one person only and his successors ,
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b) Appointing a representative or distributor domiciled in the Philippines which transacts business in its own name and for its own account; c) Publication of a general advertisement through any print or broadcast media; c) Maintaining a stock of goods in the Philippines solely for the purpose of having the same processed by another entity in the Philippines; d) Consignment by the foreign corporation of equipment with a local company to be used in the processing of products for export; e) Collecting information in the Philippines; and f) Performing services auxiliary to an existing isolated contract of sale which are not on a continuing basis. What are the effects of lack of license ON SUITS? Foreign corporation doing business in the Philippines: RULE: They may not sue or intervene any court or administrative agency of the Philippines. in any action in
EXCEPTION: They may be sued on any valid cause of action recognized in the Philippines under the doctrine of quasi-estoppel by acceptance of benefits . (Sec. 133) Foreign corporation NOT doing business in the Philippines: RULE: Generally, it may not sue and be sued in any court or administrative agency of the Philippines. EXCEPTION: However, it may sue and be sued for isolated transactions, as well as for those which are casual or incidental thereto. What is the DOCTRINE OF ISOLATED TRANSACTIONS?
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Who are obliged to make a TENDER OFFER? (Sec. 19) Any person, or group of persons acting in concert, who intends to: acquire at least 15% of; or acquire at least 35% of over a period of 12 months of; any class of equity security of a listed corporation; or any class of equity security of a corporation with assets of at least P50 million and having 200 or more stockholders with at least 100 shares each. How to make a tender offer: 1. Make a tender offer to stockholders by filing with the SEC a declaration to that effect; and furnish the Issuer a statement containing such of the
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B. Obtain money or property by means of any untrue statement of a material fact of any omission to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made not misleading; or C. Engage in any act, transaction, practice or course of business which operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit upon any person. Under Sec. 27 [Insider's Trading] INSIDER TRADING Buying / Selling of Securities by an Insider while in possession of a Material Non-Public information.
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BANKING LAWS GENERAL BANKING LAW OF 2000 RA 8791 BANKS are entities engaged in the lending of funds. These funds are obtained through deposits. Elements of a bank/banking institution: 1. entities authorized by law 2. to engage in the lending of funds 3. obtained from the public 4. through the form of deposits (Sec. 2). Public means 20 or more persons/lenders Deposit that w/c gives rise to creditor-debtor relationship. Does not refer to deposit under CC. Requirements/ Procedure in putting up a bank (Sec. 14, RA 8791) Organize a STOCK ( organized for profit) corporation and register the articles of incorporation (or any amendment) but must be accompanied by a certificate of authority issued by Monetary Board (MB) under its seal. As for the registration of its by-laws or any amendment thereto. It must be accompanied by a certificate of authority from the Bangko Sentral. The certificate shall not be issued by MB UNLESS a. All requirements of existing laws and regulations to engage in business is complied with.
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2. Can invest in allied and non-allied undertaking (ex. Cargo business, operation of airport terminal). 3. Can function as an investment house. Illus: Company goes IPO Investment house a corporation that underwrites sale of shares of stocks and other securities. 4. Can issue both import L/C and domestic L/C 5. Can issue checking accounts
3. Cant
3. Cant
4. Can issue both import L/C and domestic L/C 5. Can issue checking accounts
4. Cant issue import L/C but can issue domestic L/C 5. Cant issue checking accounts unless allowed by the MB and have a certain amount of assets
Rule regarding FOREIGN SHAREHOLDINGSForeign individuals may own up to 40% voting stock of a Domestic Bank. This rule shall apply to domestic bank and non-bank corporations. Rule on INVESTMENT in ALLIED ENTERPRISES 1.) Equity Investments of a Universal Bank in Financial Allied Enterprisesa universal bank can own up to one hundred percent (100%) of the equity in a thrift bank, a rural bank or a financial allied enterprise. A publicly-listed universal or commercial bank may own up to one hundred percent (100%) of the voting stock of only one other universal or commercial bank. 2.) Equity Investments of a Universal Bank in Non-Financial Allied Enterprises a universal bank may own up to one hundred percent (100%) of the equity in a non-financial allied enterprise. Rule on INVESTMENT in NON-ALLIED ENTERPRISES 1.) Equity Investments of a Universal Bank in Non-Allied Enterprisesthe equity investment of a universal bank, or of its wholly or majority-owned subsidiaries, in a single non-allied enterprise shall not exceed thirty-five percent (35%) of the total equity in that enterprise nor shall it exceed thirty-five percent (35%) of the voting stock in that enterprise.
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NEW CENTRAL BANK ACT (RA no. 7653) Declared Policy The Bangko Central ng Pilipinas is the States Central Monetary Authority (Sec 2) mandated in the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which shall function and operate as an independent and accountable body corporate in the discharge of its mandated responsibilities concerning money, banking and credit. What are the Powers / Duties of Bangko Sentral? (1) to provide policy directions in the areas of money, banking, and credit. (2) to have supervision over the operations of banks and with regulatory powers over the operations of finance companies and non-bank financial institutions performing quasi-banking functions. (3) to maintain price stability conducive to a balanced and sustainable growth of the economy.
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PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF BSP 1. To maintain the price stability conducive to a balanced and sustainable growth of the economy 2. To promote and maintain monetary stability and convertibility of peso. Banking institutions and quasi banks , including their subsidiaries and affiliates engaged in allied activities are subject the supervision and periodic or special examination of the BSP. Restraining or injunctions cannot be issued by the court as to enjoin BSP from examining banking institutions and quasi banks , including their subsidiaries and affiliates engaged in allied activities UNLESS; 1. There is convincing proof that the action of the BSP is plainly arbitrary and made in bad faith; and 2. The petitioner files with the clerk of court or the judge of the court in which the action is pending a bond executed in favor of BSP , in an amount to be fixed by the court. Prohibitions on Bank Officers, Directors, Lawyers, Agents BSP Personnel are prohibited from: (a) being an officer, director, lawyer or agent, employee, consultant or stockholder, directly or indirectly, of any institution subject to supervision or examination by the Bangko Sentral, EXCEPT: non-stock savings and loan associations and provident funds organized exclusively for employees of the Bangko Sentral, and except as otherwise provided in this Act;
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CONSERVATOR One appointed if the bank is in a state of illiquidity or a bank refuses or fails to maintain a state of illiquidity adequate to protect its depositors and creditors. The Bank in this case , still has more asset than its liabilities but the assets is not in cash or liquid thus it cannot pay it obligation as they fall due. IF MB finds that a bank or quasi bank is in a state of continuing inability or unwillingness to maintain a condition of liquidity deemed adequate to protect the interest of depositors and creditors , the MB may appoint a conservator who shall be competent and knowledgeable in bank operations and management) to ; a. Take charge of the assets , liabilities ,and management of the bank or quasi bank. b. Reorganize the management thereof c. Collect all monies and debts due it; and d. Exercise all powers necessary to restore its viability. The MB shall terminate the conservatorship a. It is satisfied that the institution can continue to operate on its own and the conservatorship is no longer necessary b. When it determines that the continuance in the business of the institution would involve probable loss to its creditors and depositors (In which case the institution may be closed) In any case , the Conservatorship shall not exceed 1 year. Conservator may only revoke contracts that are , under existing law , deemed defective. He does not have the power to repudiate perfected and valid contracts of the bank (First Philippine International Bank vs. CA) RECEIVER One appointed when the bank is already insolvent which means that its liabilities is greater than its assets. MB shall appoint a RECEIVER and PROHIBIT a bank or quasi bank from doing business on the Philippines on the ff grounds ; 1. If the bank or quasi bank is unable to pay its liabilities as they fall due in the ordinary course of its business.
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When may CB place a bank under liquidation? If the receiver determines that the institution cannot be rehabilitated or permitted to resume business in accordance with the next preceding paragraph, the Monetary Board shall notify in writing the board of directors of its findings and direct the receiver to proceed with the liquidation of the institution. The receiver shall: (1) file ex parte with the proper regional trial court, and without requirement of prior notice or any other action, a petition for assistance in the liquidation of the institution pursuant to a
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PURPOSE The exclusive rights granted to the owner of the patent for a certain period enables the inventor to recoup the cost of invention, development, production and marketing of the products and provide the incentive for further capital investment in current and future research that will result in more inventions.
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When is an invention not new? An invention is not new if it has been disclosed or used in public, or sold in the marked before the patent application for the invention has been filed. Oftentimes, written disclosures are found in earlier filed and published patent applications. Patent examiners check these past records to determine if the invention subject of the present application is new. the most common mistake is to be unaware that premature disclosure or use of an invention before the filing of any patent application would destroy the novelty of an invention and completely prejudices its chances of obtaining a valid protection. What disclosures do not prejudice the novelty of an invention? The following disclosures, made within 12 months prior to filing date of the application will not prejudice the novelty: 1. Disclosure or use by the inventor (i.e. demonstrating the use of the invention in a trade fair); or 2. Patent Office publishes the application by mistake; or 3. Application that was published was filed without the consent of the inventor What is meant by INVENTIVE STEP or non-obviousness? It should not be obvious to a person who is familiar with the technology taught by the application at the time the application is filed. a person who is familiar does not mean person with special knowledge of the technology to determine if invention involves an inventive step, patent examiners compare the invention with related inventions disclosed in earlier filed and published applications.
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When does a patent become effective? It becomes effective from the date of publication of the grant in the IPO Gazette.
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What is the reason for a compulsory license of patents? This is a remedy availed against foreign investors who do not make patented technology available at reasonable terms causing harmful economic dependencies to actually arise. 3 Grounds for the Grant of Compulsory License: 1. Public interest grounds (i.e. national emergency or other circumstances of extreme urgency) 2. Grounds to prevent abuse of exclusive rights of the patentee
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PURPOSE A mark is an indispensable instrument in communicating to the public the origin of the goods and services. It signifies the companys guarantee of consistent quality and carries with it the companys reputation which it puts at stake for every product it manufactures or service it performs. Is registration a requirement for the protection of a trade name? Unlike trademarks, trade names do not require registration because they are protected even prior to or without registration.
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The law grants the owner of a trade name the right to protected from the subsequent use by a third party, whether as a trade name, mark or collective mark, or any such use of similar trade name or mark, likely to mislead the public. The remedy for unlawful use of trade name is a civil action for damages and injunction.
REQUIREMENTS FOR A MARK TO BE REGISTRABLE: It must be: 1. A visible sign (not sounds or scents); and 2. capable of distinguishing ones goods and services from another The filing of an application for the registration of a mark follows the first-to-file system under the Law on Patents. Hence, the date of filing is likewise important as it serves to determine in case of dispute with another applicant for the same or similar mark, who has prior right, and therefore is entitled to registration of the mark. GROUNDS FOR REFUSAL 1. Absolute grounds: The examiner determines if the mark can distinguish the goods and services of one person from those of another. It must not: a) be a generic term for the goods or services; EXCEPTION: Under the Doctrine of Secondary Meaning, when a mark has become distinctive of the applicants goods in commerce and, in the mind of the public, indicates a single source to consumers, it may be registered. Requisites: i) This common term has been in use for many years; and ii) The public has associated the products of applicant with this common term. Thus the Tagalog term Ang Tibay, which means strong or strength, though a common term was allowed to be registered because it has long been in use for the shoe products of the applicant and the public have associated such term to the products of the applicant. (Ang vs. Teodoro, 74 Phil. 50) b) designate the quality, quantity, value or other characteristic of the goods; c) become a customary sign in everyday language or established trade practice; d) consist of shapes necessitated by technical factors; e) consist of color alone; f) be contrary to public order or morality 2. Relative grounds: The examiner also checks that the mark does not violate the rights of others. It must not: a) consist the flag or coat-of-arms or other insignia or of any other foreign nation; b) consist the name, portrait or signature identifying a living individual or the name, signature of a deceased Philippine president during the life of his widow (although written waivers are permitted to obtain registration); c) be identical with or nearly resemble a prior registered mark with an earlier filing date with respect to the same or closely related goods or services as to likely deceive or confuse the consumers regarding the source or origin of the goods or services;
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When is the term of the registration of a Mark? A certificate of registration shall remain in force for 10 years. It is incumbent however, that the owner of the mark shows that he is using the mark or that the non-use of the mark is due to circumstances beyond his control by executing an Affidavit of Use or Non-Use within one year from the 5th anniversary of the registration of the mark.
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RIGHTS OF LEGITIMATE USERS OF UNREGISTERED MARKS There are many unregistered marks used legitimately before the filing date of an identical or similar registered mark. What are the rights of other users once such mark is registered by a user? In other words, what are the rights of a (good faith) Prior User of a mark? Users in good faith before the filing date of a registered mark will not be liable for infringement of the mark but their rights are not assignable except together with the business in which the mark is used. A COPYRIGHT is that system of legal protection an author enjoys in the form of expression of ideas. RIGHTS ENJOYED EXCLUSIVELY BY THE HOLDER OF COPYRIGHT Rights to reproduce, distribute, display, perform, and to prepare derivative works based upon the copyrighted work; No formality is required by the author to acquire rights over the copyright. Such rights are conferred from the moment of creation. Works are protected by the sole fact of their creation, irrespective of their mode or form of expression, as well as of their content, quality and purpose. (Sec. 172.1) Registration and deposit with the National Library and the Supreme Court library of two copies of the work of the author is for the purpose of completing the records of these libraries. Failure to deposit after formal demand subjects author to a fine. (Sec. 191)
A copyrightable work is created when two elements are met: 1. ORIGINALITYdoes not mean novelty or ingenuity, neither uniqueness nor creativity, it simply means that the work owes its origin to the author. In other words, the work is an independent creation of the author. 2. EXPRESSIONthere must be a fixation. To be fixed, the work must be embodied in a medium sufficiently permanent or stable to permit it to be perceived, reproduced or communicated for a period more than a transitory duration. For copyright purposes, there is no work unless there is something tangible. What is the duration of a copyright? (Sec. 213) LITERARY ARTISTIC WORKS AND DERIVATIVE WORKS OF A SINGLE CREATORlifetime of the creator and for 50 years after his death; JOINT CREATIONlifetime of last surviving joint-creator and for 50 years after his death;
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Who is the OWNER of copyright? SINGLE CREATORcopyright belongs to the author of the work; JOINT CREATIONcopyright belongs to the authors jointly as co-owners. But if the work consists of identifiable parts, the author of each part owns the part he created;
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What constitutes FAIR USE? 1. Criticizing, commenting, and news reporting; 2. Using for instructional purposes, including multiple copies for classroom use, scholarship, research and similar purposes So long as there is FAIR USE, no infringement of copyright is committed. The concept of FAIR USE is applicable only to works which are copyrightable. FACTORS TO CONSIDER IN DETERMINING FAIR USE 1. Purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of a commercial nature or is for non-profit education purposes; 2. Amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole; 3. Nature of the copyrighted work; and
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What is PERSONAL USE? It is the making of a single reproduction, adaptation, arrangement or other transformation of anothers work exclusively for ones own individual use in such cases as personal research, learning or amusement. What is PRIVATE USE? It is the reproduction, adaptation or other transformation or it, in a single person, as in the case of personal use, but also for a common purpose by a specific circle of persons only. IS REPRODUCTION OF COMPUTER PROGRAMS PERMITTED? Yes, on the following conditions: 1. Only one copy is made; 2. Lawful owner made the copy; 3. Purpose of reproduction is legal, such as: a) use to which program is made and purchased demands reproduction; or b) reproduction is necessary to guarantee against loss or destruction IMPORTATION of a copy of a work by an individual for PERSONAL PURPOSES is allowed under the following circumstances : 1. Copies of the work is not available in the Philippines and a) One copy at a time is imported for strict individual use; b) Or the importation is by authority and for the use of the Philippine Government; or c) Not more than 3 copies (per title) may be imported by Religious, Charitable or Educational societies or institutions provided they are not for sale. 2. Copies form part of libraries and personal baggage belonging to persons or families arriving from foreign countries and are not intended for sale. Provided, such copies do not exceed 3. (Sec. 190) What are the REMEDIES of the owner of copyright against infringers? The infringers are exposed to both civil and criminal liabilities . In the civil action, an injunction may be prayed for to prevent infringement. Actual damages may be awarded by the court on the basis of proof presented by plaintiff of sales made of the infringed work minus costs which defendant can prove. Damages may also include the award of moral and exemplary damages in the discretion of the court. The court may also order the delivery under oath of the implements employed in the production of the infringing items as well as the products themselves, for impounding or destruction. (Sec. 216) In the criminal action, those liable for infringement include the infringer and those who aid, abet, participate, contribute, authorize or benefit from the infringing acts. (Sec. 217) No damages may be recovered after 4 years from the time the cause of action arose. (Sec. 226) There is no prescriptive period for petitions for injunctive relief nor the impounding and destruction of infringing goods.
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Extinguishment of an accessory obligation does not necessarily extinguish the principal obligation. Nullity of the principal contract necessarily extinguishes the accessory contract. The creditor has the option to foreclose the mortgage if the principal obligation is not paid.
Art. 2140 of the NCC: By chattel mortgage, a personal property is recorded in the Chattel Mortgage Register as a security for the performance of an obligation. If the movable instead of being recorded is delivered to the creditor or to a 3 rd person, the contract is a pledge and not a chattel mortgage. Requisites of a CM under Art. 2085 of the NCC: 1. constituted to secure fulfillment of a principal obligation 2. Mortgagor is the absolute owner of the property 3. mortgagor has free disposal of the property, in the absence thereof, that he be legally authorized for such purpose 4. The property mortgaged is a personal property. Chattel Mortgage is different from pledge because: 1. Delivery of the personal property to the mortgagee is not necessary. 2. The registration of the same in the Chattel Mortgage Register is necessary for its validity. 3. If the property is foreclosed, the excess over the amount due goes to the debtor. 4. If the property is foreclosed in CM and there is deficiency, the creditor is entitled to recover the deficiency from the debtor except if the CM is a security for the purchase of personal property in installments. The provisions of the NCC on pledge, insofar as they are not in conflict with the Chattel Mortgage Law, shall be applicable to Chattel mortgages. (Article 2141 NCC) SUBJECT MATTER OF CM 1. Shares of stock in a corporation but if the owner of the shares is not domiciled in the same province where the corporation is domiciled, the registration must be made in both provinces. 2. An interest in business, for it is considered as a personal property capable of appropriation. 3. Machinery treated by the parties as personal property subsequently installed on leased land.
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PERIOD WITHIN WHICH REGISTRATION SHOULD BE MADEThe law does not provide any specific time. In Ledesma vs Perez, the law is substantially and sufficiently complied with where the registration is made by the mortgagee before the mortgagor has complied with his principal obligation and no right of innocent third persons is prejudiced. EFFECT OF REGISTRATIONThe registration of the CM is an effective and binding notice to other creditors of its existence and creates a real right or a lien which, being recorded, follows the chattel whenever it goes. The registration gives the mortgagee symbolical possession. The lien of a chattel mortgagee over the mortgaged property is superior to the levy made on the same by the assignee of the unsecured judgment creditor of the chattel mortgagor. The theory that the breach by the mortgagor of the chattel mortgage should not affect the assignee because he is not a privy to such contract is untenable. A judgment-creditor can only attach the equity or right of redemption of the mortgagor. Although the rule that a mortgagee has the right to rely in good faith on the certificate of title of the mortgagor to the property given as a security and in the absence of any sign that might arouse suspicion, has no obligation to undertake further investigation, generally pertains to real property, particularly registered land, it may also be applied by analogy to personal property, specifically vessels or ships, since ship- owners are likewise required by law to register their vessels with the Philippine Coast Guard. (Cebu Intl finance Corp vs. Ca ) The act of recording a chattel mortgage consists in the fact that it operates as a constructive notice of the existence of the contract, and the legal effects of the contract must be discovered in the instrument itself in relation with the fact of notice. Registration adds nothing to the instrument, considered as a source of title and affects nobodys rights except as species of notice. (Standard oil co. of New York vs. Jaramillo)
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Note: these 2 requirements must strictly be complied with; otherwise the foreclosure is null and void. What if there was postponement? In Tambunting vs. CA (167 SCRA) and Lancaan Realty Development vs. CA, the SC held that foreclosure should STILL BE PRECEDED BY COMPLIANCE AGAIN W/ THE 2 JURISDICTIONAL REQUIREMENTS, not merely the difference as for instance schedule of the sale was reset after the 1 st week of publication. In such case, publication should not only be made twice but should still be for 3 consecutive weeks. Foreclosure sale whether originally scheduled or re-set must be preceded w/ publication for once a week for 3 consecutive weeks. Non-compliance therewith makes the sale void. 3.) Sale shall be made in public auction, between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM, under direction of any of the following persons: a) Sheriff; b) Municipal judge; or
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INSOLVENCY LAW (Act No. 1956) This law was enacted in 1919. The coverage is not limited to insolvency but also that of suspension of payments. TWO PRINCIPAL PURPOSES: 1) To effect equitable distribution of the property of the bankrupt debtor amongst the creditors; and 2) To permit discharge of debtor thus allowing debtor to start anew. Relief/Remedies available to distressed debtor: 1. He may file a petition for suspension of payments 2. He may file an action for insolvency SUSPENSION OF PAYMENTS 1. The debtors assets are sufficient to cover his debts 2. Purpose here is to delay or suspend payment of debts 3. . The number of creditors will not affect the proceeding. 4. The amount of the debts to be collected remains the same INSOLVENCY 1. The debtors assets are not sufficient to cover his liabilities 2. Purpose here is to discharge the debtor from his debts. 3. There MUST be 3 or more creditors 4. The creditor will collect an amount less than the original debt or may not even collect anything since the debtors assets are not sufficient to cover to cover his liabilities
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2) The creditors must be residents of the These are not required. Philippines, whose credits or demand accrued in the Philippines, and none of the creditors has become a creditor by assignment within 30 days prior to the filing of the petition 3) The debtor must behave done any acts The debtor must not have done any of insolvency as enumerated under of the said acts. Sec.20. 4) The amount must not be less than The amount P1,000.00 P1,000.00 MUST exceed
5) The petition must be accompanied by a Bond is not a requirement bond Equitable claims under Insolvency Law: Under Sec. 48, any property found among the property of the insolvent, the ownership of w/c has not been conveyed to him (the insolvent) by legal and irrevocable title shall not be considered as property of the insolvent and shall be placed at the disposal of its lawful owners on order of the court on petition of the assignee or any creditor whose right to the estate of the insolvent has been established. The following shall be considered: 1. Paraphernal property belonging to the wife of the insolvent 2. Property and effects deposited with the insolvent, or administered, leased, rented, or held in usufruct by him 3. Merchandise held by the debtor or commission 4. Negotiable instruments for collection or remittance 5. Money held by the debtor for remittance 6. Amounts due the insolvent for sales or merchandise on commission 7. Merchandise bought by the insolvent on credit where no delivery is made or where the right of ownership or possession has been retained by the seller; and 8. Goods or chattel wrongfully taken by the insolvent on the amount of the value thereof. What are considered ACTS of Involuntary Insolvency? 1) Debtor departing from the Philippines. 2) Debtor is absent and continued to be absent. 3) Debtor conceals himself from judicial processes. 4) Debtor removes or conceals his properties. 5) Debtor allowed his properties to be attached by others.
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PHILIPPINE DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION (R.A. 3591 as amended by P.D. 1937 and R.A. 7400) Objective: To insure the deposit liability of all banks up to P15,000 per depositor in consideration of a premium paid by the bank to the said corporation. By virtue of R.A. 7400, coverage or deposit liability of PDIC has been increased to P100,000 per depositor. Other AMENDMENTS: 1. The following are excluded from PDIC Coverage: a) Trust funds deposited with an insured bank. b) Bearer time deposit certificate with no registered payee are excluded from the insurance coverage; 2. Payment by PDIC or by a PDIC designated bank begins from the date the Central Bank declares Insured Bank as insolvent. Payment by PDIC subrogates it to the claims of the depositor of the Insured Bank. Claims by depositors of the Insured Bank should be made within 18 months from closure by the Central Bank. 3. PDIC can stop insurance coverage if the assessments against the insured bank are not paid in 30 days after notice. RULES: Coverage per account basis and not per depositor The OTHER account maintained by the SAME person in the SAME right and capacity are abrogated and hence constitute only as one account The insured bank may be examined by PDIC and if it deserves closure, the matter will be reported to CB. PDIC is a preferred creditor over all assets of the Insolvent Bank. Coverage under PDIC is not compulsory. TRUTH IN LENDING ACT (R.A. 3765)
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