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Powers of Corporations PDF
Powers of Corporations PDF
Powers of Corporations PDF
POWERS OF CORPORATIONS
NOTES
The reason is that a corporation owes its existence to the State and therefore, it has
only such powers as are expressly and impliedly granted by law.
Sale by Board of the only corporate property without compliance with Sec. 40 requiring
rati cation of members representing at least two-thirds of the membership, would make the
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sale null and void. Islamic Directorate v.CA,272 SCRA 454 (1997);Peña v. Court of Appeals,193
SCRA 717 (1991).
TheCorporation Code de nes a sale or disposition of substantially all assets and property of a
corporation as one by which the corporation “would be rendered incapable of continuing the
business or accomplishing the purpose for which it was incorporated”–any sale or disposition
short of this wil not need shareholder rati cationand may be pursued by the majority vote of
the Board of Directors.
Strategic Alliance Dev. Corp. v. Radstock Securities Ltd.,607 SCRA 413 (2009).
Note: In extreme cases, dissenting shareholders may exercise their appraisal right by
surrendering and demanding for payment the fair value of their shares. (APPRAISAL RIGHT
provided by Section 80 and for CLOSE CORPORATIONS this right is provided in Section 104)
What is the legal basis in saying that the AOI of a corporation is a source of
express power of a corporation? = ANS> First is Section 44 which states:
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And Section 35 (k) which states: “(k) To exercise such other powers as may be
essential or necessary to carry out its purpose or purposes as stated in the articles of
incorporation.”
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7. ASSIGNMENT: make a case digest on the matter of implied
corporate power, of University of Mindanao, Inc. v. Bangkok
Central ng Pilipinas, 778 SCRA 458 (2016)
SEC. 35. Corporate Powers and Capacity. – Every corporation incorporated under this
Code has the power and capacity:
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including securities and bonds of other corporations, as the transaction of
the lawful business of the corporation may reasonably and necessarily
require, subject to the limitations prescribed by law and the Constitution;
(h) To enter into a partnership, joint venture, merger, consolidation, or any
other commercial agreement with natural and juridical persons;(READ WITH SEC75-79,
ON CORPORATE COMBINATIONS)
(i) To make reasonable donations, including those for the public welfare or
for hospital, charitable, cultural, scienti c, civic, or similar purposes:
Provided, That no foreign corporation shall give donations in aid of any
political party or candidate or for purposes of partisan political activity;
(j) To establish pension, retirement, and other plans for the bene t of its
directors, trustees, o cers, and employees; and
(k) To exercise such other powers as may be essential or necessary to carry out
its purpose or purposes as stated in the articles of incorporation. (Note: this is the
IMPLIED POWERS OF THE CORPORATION)
NOTES:
• The power to sue and be sued commences upon the SEC’s issuance of the corporation’s
Certi cate of Incorporation.
• For FOREIGN CORPORATIONS read SEC150 for this matter.
POWER OF SUCCESSION
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Used to identify and authenticate (as under the common law) written matter purportedly
emanating from such organization (or an individual assigned with a seal or known to that seal)
Section 62. Certi cate of Stock and Transfer of Shares. - “………, countersigned
by the secretary or assistant secretary, and sealed with the seal of the
corporation shall be issued in accordance with the bylaws.”
SEAL IS NOT NECESSARY, it is desirable because the use of the seal establishes prima
facie, that the instrument to which it is a xed is the act of the corporation.
This power has always been regarded as an incidental power to every corporation. Again
because a corporation needs assets to carry on with its business.
The phrase “as the transaction of the lawful business of the corporation may reasonably and
necessarily require” QUALIFIES THIS POWER. For example, a property obtained which is
foreign to the purpose for which it is organized is an UNLAWFUL ACQUISITION. e.g. buying
bus units by a shipping corporation.
The only exception to this is the one provided in Section 41, but complying with the
requirements prescribed thereto.
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of the board of directors or trustees and rati ed by the stockholders representing at least
two-thirds (2/3) of the outstanding capital stock, or by at least two-thirds (2/3) of the
outstanding capital stock, or by at least two-thirds (2/3) of the members in the case of
nonstock corporations at a meeting duly called for the purpose. Notice of the proposed
investment and the time place of residence as shown in the books of the corporation and
deposited to the addressee in the post o ce with the postage prepaid. Served
personally, or sent electronically in accordance with the rules and regulations of the
Commission on the use of electronic data message, when allowed by the bylaws or done
with the consent of the stockholders: Provided, That any dissenting stockholder shall
have appraisal right as provided in this Code: Provided, however, That where the
investment by the corporation is reasonably necessary to accomplish its primary purpose
as stated in the articles of incorporation, the approval of the stockholders or members
shall not be necessary.
LIMITATIONS OR RESTRICTIONS
…………”
In the sale of its assets, there is a limitation provided in Section 39. That is when the assets to
be sold or conveyed is ALL or SUBSTANTIALLY ALL ASSETS. Thus section 39 provides:
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authorization for the corporation to enter into any transaction authorized
by this section.
The determination of whether or not the sale involves all or substantially all
of the corporation's properties and assets must be computed based on its
net asset value, as shown in its latest nancial statements. A sale or other
disposition shall be deemed to cover substantially all the corporate
property and assets if thereby the corporation would be rendered
incapable of continuing the business or accomplishing the purpose of
which it was incorporated.
Written notice of the proposed action and of the time and place for the
meeting shall be addressed to stockholders or members at their places of
residence as shown in the books of the corporation and deposited to the
addressee in the post o ce with postage prepaid, served personally, or
when allowed by the bylaws or done with the consent of the stockholder,
sent electronically: Provided, That any dissenting stockholder may
exercise the right of appraisal under the conditions provided in this Code.
After such authorization or approval by the stockholders or members, the
board of directors or trustees may, nevertheless, in its discretion, abandon
such sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, or other disposition of
property and assets, subject to the rights of third parties under any
contract relating thereto, without further action or approval by the
stockholders or members.
S
hares of other corporations - Again this act does not need the approval of the SHs if
done in pursuance of the purpose or purposes of the corporation AS STATED IN ITS AOI.
The corporation has no power to purchase or hold stock in another corporation unless it
is one activity permitted by its articles of incorporation.
O
wn shares or stocks acquisition. - Authorized by the RCC in Sections 40, 67 last
paragraph; Sections 76, and 104. A corporation acquiring its own stocks must have
“unrestricted retained earnings” says Section 40.
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- No private corporation or association may hold alienable lands of public domain
except by lease for a period not exceeding 25 years, renewable for not more than 25
years and not to exceed 1,000 hectares in area (Sec 3, Art II)
In Sections 51, 52 of RA 8791 or the General Banking Law, any real property acquired by a
bank by way of satisfaction of claims under the circumstances enumerated in the law shall be
disposed of by within a period of ve (5) years or as may be prescribed by the Monetary Board.
The bank may, after said period, continue to hold the property for its own use, subject to
limitations with respect to ceiling on investments in certain assets.
NOTE OF THE POWER TO PLEDGE AND MORTGAGE INCLUDED IN THIS POWER. DOES THIS
MEAN THAT A CORPORATION HAS THE POWER TO GUARANTY OR SECURE OBLIGATION OF
ANOTHER ENTITY?
The law does not expressly confer on a corporation the power to guaranty or secure the
obligation of another entity. The SEC acknowledges that a corporation may validly provide for
the same in its articles of incorporation, and in furtherance of its business purpose. This
actually complements its power and capacity "to…pledge, mortgage, and otherwise deal with
such real and personal property…as the transaction of the lawful business of the corporation
may reasonably and necessarily require."
[If there is nothing in its AOI which confers a corporation the power to enter into a
contract of guarantee or suretyship, it is deemed that the corporation is not authorized to
do so especially since such act could prove to be disadvantageous to the corporation.
Entering into such contracts would be ultra vires which, according to the strict
construction of the term, is an act not within the express, implied and incidental powers
of the corporation conferred by the Revised Corporation Code, or the AOI. It is an act
NOT POSITIVELY FORBIDDEN, BUT IMPLIEDLY FORBIDDEN FOR LACK OF
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED AUTHORITY.] - SEC-OGC Opinion No. 08-11 April 16, 2008,
SEC-OGC Opinion No. 16-14, July 7, 2014
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HW, The mere fact that the shareholders of two (2) corporations are practically the same
does not authorize one (1) corporation to guarantee the contracts of the other.
The common denominator among these cases is that the guarantee or mortgage is
entered into to obtain some bene t for the corporation.
There is no hard and fast rule in determining if a corporate guarantor or mortgage falls within a
corporation’s implied powers. Each case must be measured against its own peculiar facts and
circumstances.
Yes, because
the act of mortgaging
to secure the its properties to pay
obligation of another o its creditors is in
(concept of a third-party furtherance of the
corporate purposes
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Answer: No, because the same will not be in furtherance of the
purposes for which the corporation was organized. Properties of
the corporation must be used for its use or business, not for the
business of some other person.
FINAL NOTE ON THIS: The Board must secure shareholders’ or members’ approval if the
grant of guaranty or surety amounts to an indirect sale or disposition of all or
substantially all properties of the corporation. E.g. Kun isanla halos lahat ng assets.
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POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS NOW ALLOWED under the Revised Corporation Code.
Under the old Corporation Code, corporations, whether domestic or
foreign, were prohibited from making campaign or political contributions.
The Revised Corporation Code lifted the prohibition directed to domestic corporations,
save those mentioned in the Omnibus Election Code145 on account of their bene ts
and privileges derived from the government. Political contributions are not subject to
donor’s tax, provided they are duly reported to the Commission of Elections.
Foreign corporations remain forbidden from making political contributions. Such prohibition is
consistent with the State policy against foreign interference in the country’s domestic a airs.
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of the meeting shall be sent to the stockholders or members at their
respective place of residence as shown in the books of the corporation, and
must be deposited to the addressee in the post office with postage prepaid,
served personally, or when allowed in the bylaws or done with the consent
of the stockholder, sent electronically in accordance with the rules and
regulations of the Commission on the use of electronic data messages. In
case of extension of corporate term, a dissenting stockholder may exercise
the right of appraisal under the conditions provided in this Code.
Note:
- REMEMBER SECTION 11 ABOUT CORPORATE TERM.
SEC. 11. Corporate Term. A corporation shall have perpetual existence
unless its articles of incorporation provides otherwise. Corporations with
certi cates of incorporation issued prior to the e ectivity of this Code,
and which continue to exist, shall have perpetual existence, unless the
corporation, upon a vote of its stockholders representing a majority of its
outstanding capital stock, noti es the Commission that it elects to retain
its speci c corporate term pursuant to its articles of incorporation:
Provided, That any change in the corporate term under this section is
without prejudice to the appraisal right of dissenting stockholders in
accordance with the provisions of this Code.
A corporation whose term has expired may apply for a revival of its
corporate existence, together with all the rights and privileges under its
certi cate of incorporation and subject to all of its duties, debts and
liabilities existing prior to its revival. Upon approval by the Commission, the
corporation shall be deemed revived and a certi cate of revival of
corporate existence shall be issued, giving it perpetual existence, unless its
application for revival provides otherwise.
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Section 136. Dissolution by Shortening Corporation Term. - A
voluntary dissolution may be effected by amending the articles of
incorporation to shorten the corporate term pursuant to the
provisions of this Code. A copy of the amended articles of
incorporation shall be submitted to the Commission in accordance
with this Code.
ASSIGNMENT/QUIZ: Can the extension be done during the liquidation period or winding-
up period?
Section 15 Section 36
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Section 15. Amendment of Articles of Incorporation. - Section 36. Power to Extend or Shorten
Unless otherwise prescribed by this Code or by special Corporate Term. - A private corporation may
law, and for legitimate purposes, any provision or matter
stated in the articles of incorporation may be amended extend or shorten its term as stated in the
by a majority vote of the board of directors or trustees articles of incorporation when approved by a
and the vote or written assent of the stockholders majority vote of the board of directors or
representing at least two-thirds (2/3) of the outstanding trustees, and ratified at a meeting by the
capital stock, without prejudice to the appraisal right of stockholders or members representing at
dissenting stockholders in accordance with the
provisions of this Code. The articles of incorporation of a least two-thirds (2/3) of the outstanding capital
nonstock corporation may be amended by the vote or stock or of its members. Written notice of the
written assent of majority of the trustees and at least proposed action and the time and place of the
two-thirds (2/3) of the members. meeting shall be sent to the stockholders or
members at their respective place of
The original and amended articles together shall contain residence as shown in the books of the
all provisions required by law to be set out in the articles corporation, and must be deposited to the
of incorporation. Amendments to the articles shall be
indicated by underscoring the change or changes made, addressee in the post office with postage
and a copy thereof duly certified under oath by the prepaid, served personally, or when allowed in
corporate secretary and a majority of the directors or the bylaws or done with the consent of the
trustees, with a statement that the amendments have stockholder, sent electronically in accordance
been duly approved by the required vote of the with the rules and regulations of the
stockholders or members, shall be submitted to the
Commission. Commission on the use of electronic data
messages. In case of extension of corporate
The amendments shall take effect upon their approval term, a dissenting stockholder may exercise
by the Commission or from the date of filing with the the right of appraisal under the conditions
said Commission if not acted upon within six (6) months provided in this Code.
from the date of filing for a cause not attributable to the
corporation.
- NEXT, TAKE NOTE THAT IN SECTION 36, APPRAISAL RIGHT IS AVAILABLE ONLY TO
“EXTENSION OF CORPORATE TERM”, WHILE IN SECTION 80, WHICH IS SPECIFIC TO
APPRAISAL RIGHT, THE RIGHT IS APPLICABLE TO BOTH, EXTENSION AND
SHORTENING. Thus, it is settled now, that appraisal right is applicable TO BOTH. In fact,
Section 11 (Corporate Term) also made mention of Appraisal Right, and states:“….Provided,
That any change in the corporate term under this section is without prejudice to the
appraisal right of dissenting stockholders in accordance with the provisions of this
Code.” NOW DONT FORGET THAT APPRAISAL RIGHT is AVAILABLE ONLY TO
STOCKHOLDERS IN A STOCK CORPORATION. (NOT AVAILABLE TO NON-STOCK CORP)
-
Answer: No. The term cannot be extended since the same has
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already expired, even if due to a day of delay in inadvertence. The
remedy is to le a Petition for Revival of Corporate term with the
SEC.
(a) That the requirements of this section have been complied with;
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(e) The amount of stock represented at the meeting; and
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NOTES:
Despite the Board resolution approving increase in capital stock and the receipt of payment on
the future issues of the shares from the increased capital stock, such funds do not constitute
part of the capital stock of until approval of the increase by SEC.
Central Textile Millsv. NWPC,260 SCRA 368 (1996).
That is why the above generally requires the SEC’s approval as they involve amendment
of the articles of incorporation. Where shares or debt will be o ered to the public, the law
additionally requires prior registration with the SEC in accordance with the section 8 of the
Securities Regulation Code.
Note also that what is being increased or decreased is CAPITAL STOCK, and NOT CAPITAL.
Recall the di erence between the two.
C
APITAL is the actual entire assets of the corporation less its liabilities. Its the NET
ASSETS. That means it includes NOT ONLY THE AMOUNT INVESTED BY THE
STOCKHOLDERS (Capital Stock) BUT ALSO THE UNDISTRIBUTED EARNINGS
(Retained Earnings, a.k.a. the NET Pro t/Net Income), and PREMIUMS ON SUBSCRIPTION
(a.k.a. Additional Paid-in Capital)
C
APITAL STOCK on the other hand is an amount xed in the AOI to be subscribed by
the stockholders. It is the contribution, the amount invested by the stockholders. It is
made DIRECTLY through subscription, or INDIRECTLY if given as STOCK DIVIDENDs.
If it has Par value = the amount of capital stock is known as AUTHORIZED CAPITAL STOCK
If it has NO Par value = the amount of capital stock is known simply as the Stated Capital or
simply Capital Stock. Recall the format of AOI in Section 14 (seventh part). There is no
Authorized Capital Stock in no par value shares.
Further the term AUTHORIZED CAPITAL STOCK is the total stocks (number of shares with the
price of its share known as par value) that a corporation states in its AOI. Its telling the govt,
thru SEC that this is the amount of capital that we want to raise. Thus it is composed of the
ISSUED SHARES (shares which were subscribed), and the UNISSUED SHARES (or the shares
which are still available for “issue” or subscription).
Thus, the statement of ACS in the AOI actually serves as a limitation of the CS. So, a
corporation cannot issue stocks in excess of the amount stated in its AOI, such issue is ULTRA
VIRES, the stock issue IS VOID EVEN IN THE HANDS OF BONA FIDE PURCHASER FOR
VALUE.
In increasing or decreasing capital stock, the prior approval not only of the SEC, but also
of the Phil. Competition Commission may be required.
When is this approval required?
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In the Philippines, our anti-trust law is the
Philippine Competition Act (PCA) or RA 10667.
This law seeks to prohibit two (2) general anti-competition practices. One is anti-competitive
agreements (contracts which restrict competition) and the other one which is abuse of market
dominance.
This law also created the Philippine Competition Commission(PCC) which is the body
tasked to determine whether or not there is anti-competition agreement. So the law gives the
PCC the right to be noti ed of certain transactions which could be anti-competition practices.
One notable transaction involving corporations that could be anti-competition is when there is
merger or consolidation or corporate combinations. Sometimes it may be that the increase or
decrease in capital stock may amount to abuse of dominant position one of the prohibited
practices by the law, as it restricts, or prohibit competition. This is the reason of Section 37
requiring such prior approval of the PCC.
That is why the ways by which the corporation may increase or decrease its capital
stock are as follows:
a. By increasing the number of shares but maintaining the par value.
b. By increasing the par value but maintaining the number of shares.
c. By increasing the par value and likewise increasing the number of shares.
FURTHER, In case of increase in capital stock, the Revised Corporation Code requires that
twenty- ve percent (25%) of the increase must be subscribed, and that twenty- ve percent
(25%) of such subscription must be paid. With these it is very important to remember that IT IS
NOT REQUIRED THAT EVERY SUBSCRIBER SHALL PAY 25% OF HIS OR HER
SUBSCRIPTION. THE REQUIREMENT IS MET IS 25% OF THE AMOUNT SUBSCRIBED.
Meaning some may have paid less than 25% and others more than 25% of their subscription
but the total payment is at least 25% of the total subscription which also must be at least 25%
of the increase.
Next is that you must consider that AN INCREASE IN ACS CANNOT BE LAWFULLY
ACCOMPLISHED WITHOUT AN ACTUAL INCREASE IN THE ASSETS OF THE
CORPORATION, UNLESS SUCH INCREASE IS TO EFFECT A STOCK DIVIDEND.
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to all stockholders on the basis of outstanding stock held by
them: Provided, That any cash dividends due on delinquent stock
shall be first be applied to the unpaid balance on th subscription plus
costs and expenses, while stock holders until their unpaid
subscription is fully paid: Provided, further, That no stock dividend
shall be issued without the approval of stockholders
representing at least two-thirds (2/3)of the outstanding capital
stock at a regular or special meeting duly called for the purpose.
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The same in increasing it, opposite nag lang. that is by reducing the number of authorized
shares, par value, or both.
NOTE: These schemes are not STOCK SPLIT or REVERSE STOCK SPLIT which are also
RESTRUCTURING OF CAPITAL STOCK.
A corporation may restructure its capital through a stock split or a reverse
Split.
a. Stock Split
There is a stock split when the corporation increases the number of its issued shares, without
the corresponding increase in the amount of its capital stock. Consequently, there is a
decrease in the par value of each share. This facilitates the sale by a shareholder of a fraction
of his shareholdings. It makes the price of each share more a ordable to the public.
From the perspective of the corporation, it may x a lower issue price and expedite additional
share issuances. Existing shareholders may exercise their pre-emptive right to prevent dilution
of their equity interest.
b. Reverse Split
In contrast to Stock Split, a Reverse Split decreases the number of a corporation’s issued
shares, with the corresponding increase in the par value of each share to maintain the amount
of the corporation’s capital stock. This limits the sale by a shareholder of a fraction of his
shareholdings.
Reducing the authorized shares may include those already issued (subscribed). One good
example is the case of REDEEMABLE SHARES in Section 8, and TREASURY SHARES in
Section 9 in relation to Section 40. However Capital Stock is NOT yet reduced or
decreased after redeeming or acquiring own shares previously issued. Its because once
these shares are Redeemed or Acquired by the corporation, they continue to exist, as
Treasury Shares, nasa Capital Stock pa rin sila. Why? Because they represent actual
assets invested by shareholders. So to reduce Capital Stock, these shares redeemed or
acquired, MUST BE RETIRED OR CANCELLED.
Note, in case redeemable shares and treasury shares, there is no prejudice to creditors if
they are retired or cancelled because it is deemed that creditors have been informed of such
possible or planned return of capital at the time they extended credit to the
corporation such as when a corporation issues redeemable shares.They are
charged with knowledge that they cannot treat the same as "trust fund" and hence
there is also no prejudice if the creditors give consent to the proposed return of
capital.
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a corporation constitute a nd to which creditors have a right to
look for satisfaction of their claims and that the assignee in
insolvency can maintain an action upon any unpaid stock
subscription in order to realize assets for the payment of its debts.
(Velasco vs. Poizat, 37 Phil., 802.) A corporation has no power to
release an original subscriber to its capital stock from the obligation
of paying for his shares, without a valuable consideration for such
release; and as against creditors a reduction of the capital stock can
take place only in the manner an under the conditions prescribed
by the statute or the charter or the articles of incorporation.
Moreover, strict compliance with the statutory regulations is
necessary (14 C. J., 498, 620).”
In short if there is decrease in capital stock, unpaid subscription must still be paid before
retired or cancelled.
WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH THE SURPLUS OR ADDITIONAL PAID IN CAPITAL [APIC]
(subscription price in excess of par value) IF ANY, UPON CANCELLATION OF THESE
SHARES?
Ans: They can only be declared as STOCK DIVIDEND.
To explain further about the APIC. Additional Paid-in Capital (APIC) already forms part of equity
emanating from the original subscription agreement. APIC, as a premium, forms part of the
capital of the corporation and therefore, falls within the purview of the trust fund doctrine. Thus,
APIC is also governed by the TRUST FUND DOCTRINE.
Finally, on this matter, remember that Capital maintenance does not require a complete ban on
decrease of capital stock. A corporation may do so to return unwanted assets to its
shareholders, or to implement a scheme to replace equity with debt.
First and foremost, the power to incur bonded indebtedness is not just a special power as in
Section 37, IT IS ALSO A POWER IMPLIED FROM THE EXPRESS POWERS. A business
corporation, absent restrictions may borrow money whenever the necessity of its business so
requires and issue security or customary evidence of debt such as notes, bonds, or mortgages.
Even a Non-stock corporation is a authorized.
So, according to the SEC, the term “bonded indebtedness” refers to negotiable corporate
bonds which are secured by mortgage on corporate property. Accordingly, if the notes are not
secured by mortgage on corporate property, the same need not comply with the requirements
of section 37.
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Kumbaga bonded indebtedness is a fundamental matter a ecting the inchoate right or interest
of shareholders. Thus, to add, even NON-VOTING SHAREHOLDERS CAN VOTE ON THIS
MATTER. Remember your Section 6, its in paragraph 3(d).
xxxxx
NOTES
Only if the shareholder waives his preemptive right can these shares be o ered to third parties
and other non-stockholders.
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What is the purpose of a preemptive right?
A share subscription gives the subscriber certain proportionate economic
and political rights. An economic right refers to the right to receive dividends and
capital in case of liquidation. Political rights refer to the right to be nominated to
the Board and to approve certain corporation actions. Thus, the purpose is to
prevent the stockholder’s interests from being diluted without the stockholder’s
consent.
EXAMPLE:
Assume you are a SH and owns 500 shares. You have a preemptive right to buy 50% of the
new 1,000 shares (the increase/new shares) which is proportionate to your current holdings.
That is 500/1,000 shares = 50%.
E ects on:
A ected Rights How can your shares be diluted?
RIGHT TO VOTE If you will not be allowed to subscribe, your holdings will not anymore be
50% after the increase. New SHs will hold portion of your old 50% holdings.
RIGHT TO DIVIDENDS Your holdings after increase will just be 25% (500/2000 shares). The other
25% now belongs to new SHs.
RIGHT TO ASSETS
AFTER LIQUIDATION
Yes. Kari section 38 refers to ANY CLASS OF SHARES, and use of the term “DISPOSITION”.
Plus, treasury shares are not among the exceptions provided where the right is not available.
In an Opinion, the SEC has opined that the "pre-emptive right extends not only to issuance of
new shares resulting from an increase in capital stock, but also to issuance of previously
unsubscribed shares which formed part of the existing
capital stock.”
This is because the law does not distinguish between newly issued shares and previously
subscribed shares.
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FOR EXAM: ”Petitioner bewails the fact that in view of the lack of notice
to him of such subsequent issuance, he was not able to exercise his
right of pre-emption over the unissued shares. However, the
general rule is that pre-emptive right is recognized only with respect
to new issue of shares, and not with respect to additional issues of
originally authorized shares. This is on the theory that when a
corporation at its inception o ers its rst shares, it is presumed to
have o ered all of those which it is authorized to issue. An original
subscriber is deemed to have taken his shares knowing that they
form a de nite proportionate part of the whole number of
authorized shares. When the shares left unsubscribed are later re-
o ered, he cannot therefore claim a dilution of interest. (Campos
and Lopez-Campos Selected Notes and Cases on Corporation
Law, p. 855, citing Yasik V. Wachtel 25 Del. Ch. 247,17A. 2d 308
(1941)."
At present, the equitable approach is to o er unissued shares to those shareholders who have
not been previously o ered the same batch of shares that are about to be issued. The
corporation may rightfully deny such right to those who previously refused to take them. In
fact, the SEC has made it clear that under the Revised Corporation Code, preemptive right
applies and extends to all issuance of shares whether taken from the original authorized capital
stock or in the increase in capital stock.
USUAL PRACTICE: For practicality purposes, when new shares of stock are to be issued by a
corporation whose shares are listed in the stock exchange, the rst order of business is usually
to amend the articles of incorporation to deny stockholders pre-emptive right. Otherwise, a
corporation who has thousands of stockholders upon its issuances of new shares will have to
“knock" at the doors of each. HASSLE DIBA?!
FINAL NOTE. Do not confuse PRE-EMPTIVE RIGHT under this law, with the RIGHT OF FIRST
REFUSAL (ROFR). The latter (ROFR) is CONTRACTUAL in nature, while the former (PER) is
LEGAL (provided by law).
The latter is enforceable therefore against co-shareholder based on contractual stipulations;
while the former is enforceable against the corporation which is bound under the law.
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Section 39. Sale or Other Disposition of Assets. - Subject to the
provisions of Republic Act No. 10667, otherwise known as the "Philippine
Competition Act", and other related laws (New provision) a corporation
may, by a majority vote of its board of directors or trustees, sell, lease,
exchange, mortgage, pledge, or otherwise dispose of its property and
assets, upon such terms and conditions and for such consideration, which
may be money, stock, bonds, or other instruments for the payment of
money or other property or consideration, as its board of directors or
trustees may deem expedient.
The determination of whether or not the sale involves all or substantially all
of the corporation's properties and assets must be computed based on its
net asset value, as shown in its latest financial statements. (New provision)
A sale or other disposition shall be deemed to cover substantially all the
corporate property and assets if thereby the corporation would be rendered
incapable of continuing the business or accomplishing the purpose of which
it was incorporated.
Written notice of the proposed action and of the time and place for the
meeting shall be addressed to stockholders or members at their places of
residence as shown in the books of the corporation and deposited to the
addressee in the post office with postage prepaid, served personally, or
when allowed by the bylaws or done with the consent of the stockholder,
sent electronically: Provided, That any dissenting stockholder may exercise
the right of appraisal under the conditions provided in this Code.
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relating thereto, without further action or approval by the stockholders or
members.
Section 39 covers NOT ONLY SALES, but also lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge or
other disposition of its properties.
SEC Memorandum Circular No. 12, Series of 2020 provides the guidelines to publicly-listed
companies (PLC) on what constitutes a sale of all or substantially all of its property and assets
and the required stockholders’ approval of such sale. So we follow this.
It provides that a sale or disposal of corporate property and assets amounting to at least 51%
of the corporation’s total assets shall (NET ASSET VALUE) be considered a sale of all or
substantially all of the corporate property and assets, whether such sale accrued in a single
transaction or in several transactions taking place within one (1) year from the date of the rst
transaction. We refer it as the Aggregate Sale Transactions.
The determination whether a sale amounts to at least 51% of the corporation’s assets must be
computed based on its total assets as shown in its latest audited nancial statement (AFS).
The computation may also be based on the latest quarterly nancial statement or a special
purpose nancial statement prepared in connection with the sale transaction.
The vote of the stockholders representing at least two-thirds (2/3) of the outstanding capital
stock (OCS) in a stockholders’ meeting duly called for the purpose of approving such sale shall
be required prior to the execution of the sale transaction. In cases of Aggregate Sale
Transactions, shareholder approval shall be required for the sale transaction that breaches the
51% corporate asset threshold.
A PLC found, after due notice and hearing, to have violated SEC MC No. 12 may be held liable
for penalties/sanctions under Section 158 of the Revised Corporation Code.
NOTE HW, THAT THIS IS NOT ONLY THE GAUGE, (THE 51% ABOVE), Section 39 take note,
that a sale or disposition “SHALL BE DEEMED to cover substantially all the corporate property
and assets if thereby the corporation would be rendered incapable of continuing the business
or accomplishing the purpose of which it was incorporated”.
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Section 158. Administrative Sanctions. - If, after due notice and
hearing, the Commission finds that any provision of this Code, rules
or regulations, or any of the Commission's orders has been violated,
the Commission may impose any or all of the following sanctions,
taking into consideration the extent of participation, nature, effects,
frequency and seriousness of the violation:
Addt’l Notes:
Note that section 39 makes reference to Philippine Competition Act and other related laws.
Other related law aside from Philippine Competition Act, is the Bulk Sales Law.
AGAIN,
This law seeks to prohibit two (2) general anti-competition practices. One is
anti-competitive agreements (contracts which restrict competition) and the
other one which is abuse of market dominance.
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ACT 3952: BULK SALES LAW
Purpose of the Law
meant to protect creditors of businessmen against preferential or
fraudulent transfers
Coverage of the Law
The law covers all transactions, whether done in good faith or not,
or whether or not the seller is in a state of insolvency, that fall within the
description of what is a “bulk sale.”
Note: Only creditors at the time of the sale in violation of the law are
within the protection of the laws and creditors subsequent to the sale are
not covered.
Even if the transaction falls within the de nition of “bulk sale”, the
following are not deemed covered by the law:
1. If the vendor, mortgagor, transferor or assignor produces
and delivers a written waiver of the provisions of the law
from his creditors as shown by veri ed statements;
2. The law does not apply to executors, administrators,
receivers, assignees in insolvency, or public o cers, acting
under process.
Obligations when transaction is a bulk sale:
1. The vendor must deliver to such vendee a written statement
of:
a. names and addresses of all creditors to whom said vendor or
mortgagor may be indebted;
b. amount of indebtedness due or owing to each of said creditors
2. The vendor must apply the purchase money to the pro-rata payment
of bona de claims of the creditors as shown in the veri ed statement.
3. The seller, at least 10 days before the sale, shall:
a. make a full detailed inventory of the goods, merchandise, etc., cost
price of each article to be included in the sale
b. notify every creditor at least 10 days before transferring possession
of the goods, of the price, terms and conditions of the sale
Consequences of Violation of Requirements under #6 above stated:
1. When 6(a) above is not complied with, the sale itself is void;
the seller will be criminally liable.
2. When 6(b) above is not complied with, the sale itself is also
void; seller is also criminally liable.
3. When 6(c) is not complied with, the sale is not void; no
criminal liability on the seller.
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YOU MIGHT WONDER, IF THE CORPORATION IS ALLOWED UNDER SECTION 39 TO SELL
ALL OR SUBSTANTIALLY ALL OF ITS ASSETS, IS THIS NOT A VIOLATION OF THE TRUST
FUND DOCTRINE?
If the corporation is ordered dissolved by nal judgment pursuant to the grounds set
forth in subparagraph (e) hereof, its assets, after payment of its liabilities, shall upon
petition of the Commission with the appropriate court, be forfeited in favor of the
national government. Such forfeiture shall be without prejudice to the rights of
innocent stockholders and employees for services rendered, and to the application
for other penalty or sanction under this Code or other laws.
The Commission shall give reasonable notice to, and coordinate with, the
appropriate regulatory agency prior to the involuntary dissolution of companies
under their special regulatory jurisdiction.
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In Caltex Inc. v. PNOC Shipping Transport Corp., 498 SCRA 400, The SC said that the only way
the that transfer can proceed without prejudice to the Creditors is to make the assignee
ASSUME the liabilities of the Assignor, unless the creditors who did not consent to the transfer
choose to rescind the transfer on the ground of FRAUD.
Delegacion – one which takes place when the creditor accepts a third person to
take the place of the debtor at the instance of the later.
Art. 1293. Novation which consists in substituting a new debtor in the place of the
original one, may be made even without the knowledge or against the will of the latter,
but not without the consent of the creditor. Payment by the new debtor gives him rights
mentioned in articles 1236 and 1237.
NELL DOCTRINE
So, let us summarize. The rules is known as the Nell Doctrine which states that:
As a rule, a corporation that purchases the assets of another will not be liable for the
debts of the selling corporation, provided the former acted in good faith and paid
adequate consideration for such assets, except when any of the circumstances is
present:
d. The transaction is fraudulently entered into on order to escape liability for those
debts.
(Nell v. Paci c Farms, Inc. 15 SCRA 415, 1965) reiterated in Bank of Commerce v.
Radio Philippines Network, Inc. 722 SCRA 520 (2014).
If any of the cited exceptions is present, the transferee corporation shall assume the
liabilities of the transferor.
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BUSINESS-ENTERPRISE TRANSFER.
For the first and third type, the transferee shall not be
liable for the debts and liabilities of the transferor
except where the transferee expressly or impliedly
agrees to assume such debts. The second type, the
transfer of business enterprise, makes the
transferee iiable for the transferor's liabilities.
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In the case of Y-1 Leisure Philippines, Inc. v. Yu. 770 SCRA 56 (2015) the Court said
that Section 40( NOW SECTION 39 UNDER THE REVISED CORP CODE) re ects the
so called BUSINESS-ENTERPRISE TRANSFER
The SC said:
“Section 40 suitably re ects the business-enterprise transfer under the exception of the
Nell Doctrine because the purchasing or transferee corporation necessarily continued
the business of the selling or transferor corporation. Given that the transferee
corporation acquired not only the assets but also the business of the transferor
corporation, then the liabilities of the latter are inevitably assigned to the former.”
……..
“The Caltex case, thus, af rmed that the transfer of all or substantially all the proper
from one corporation to another under Section 40 necessarily entails the assumption of
the assignor's liabilities, notwithstanding the absence of any agreement on the
assumption of obligations. The transfer of all its business, properties and assets without
the consent of its creditors must certainly include the liabilities; or else, the assignment
will place the assignor's assets beyond the reach of its creditors. In order to protect the
creditors against unscrupulous conveyance of the entire corporate assets, Caltex
justi ably concluded that the transfer of assets of a corporation under Section 40 must
likewise carry with it the transfer of its liabilities.”
“The exception of the Nell doctrine,52 which finds its legal basis under
Section 40, provides that the transferee corporation assumes the debts and
liabilities of the transferor corporation because it is merely a continuation of
the latter's business. A cursory reading of the exception shows that it does
not require the existence of fraud against the creditors before it takes full
force and effect. Indeed, under the Nell Doctrine, the transferee corporation
may inherit the liabilities of the transferor despite the lack of fraud due to
the continuity of the latter's business.”
(Kaya lahit walang fraud, meron automatic assumption of liability kapag
meron Business-Enterprise Transfer)
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POWER TO ACQUIRE OWN SHARES
Section 40(c) refers to instances when a dissenting stockholder is given appraisal right.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THEREFORE THAT This power of the corporation to
acquire its own shares is not limited to the cases enumerated in Section 40.
Section 80. When the Right of Appraisal May Be Exercised. - Any stockholder of a
corporation shall have the right to dissent and demand payment of the fair value of the shares
in the following instances:
(a) In case an amendment to the articles of incorporation has the e ect of changing or
restricting the rights of any stockholder or class of shares, or of authorizing preferences in any
respect superior to those of outstanding shares of any class, or of extending or shortening the
term of corporate existence;
(b) In case of sale, lease, exchange, transfer, mortgage, pledge or other disposition of all or
substantially all of the corporate property and assets as provided in this Code;
(c) In case of merger or consolidation; and
(d) In case of investment of corporate funds for any purpose other than the primary purpose of
the corporation.
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THEN provided in Section 15 (Amendment of articles of incorporation);
ALSO IN Section 36 (Power to extend or shorten corporate term;
In Section 39 (Sale or other disposition of corporate assets);
In Section 41 (Power to invest corporate funds in another corporation or business or for
any other purpose);
In Section 67 (Delinquency sale);
In Section 76 (Stockholders' or members' approval [of plan of merger or consolidation]);
and in Section 104 (Withdrawal of stockholder or dissolution of [close] corporation)
Brie y, a corporation's right to purchase its shares according to the weight of authority is
subject to these limitations:
1. its capital is not thereby impaired;
2. it is for a legitimate and proper corporate purpose;
3. there shall be unrestricted retained earnings (see Sec. 42.) to purchase the same;$
4. the corporation acts in good faith and without prejudice to the rights of creditors and
stockholders; and
5. That the conditions of corporate affairs warrant it. (SEC-OGC Opinion No. 11-09,
May 8, 2009; SEC Opinions, Sept. 11, 1985, Oct. 12, 1992, and April 11, 1994.)
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POWER TO INVEST CORPORATE FUNDS IN ANOTHER
CORPORATION OR BUSINESS OR FOR ANY OTHER
PURPOSE.
NOTES:
The power to acquire and convey property is an incident to every corporation as
declared under Section 35(g). Meaning, it may be exercised by the corporation whether
or not such power is stated in its articles of incorporation or by-laws.
Thus, if the investment is made in any other corporation or business, or for any purpose
other than the primary purpose for which the investing corporation was organized, the
approval by the majority of the board of directors or trustees, etc. (see section 41 reqs)
is required.
This means that section 41 applies to secondary purpose or purposes. Because section
41 does not require AMENDMENT OF THE AOI.
Page 36
Recall that a corporation is not allowed to engage in a business distinct from those
enumerated in the AOI without amending the purpose clause of the articles to include
the desired business activity among its SECONDARY PURPOSES.
Basis = Section 15, in relation to Section 13 (b):
Section 13. Contents of the Articles of Incorporation. - All corporations shall
file with the Commission articles of incorporation in any of the official
languages, duly signed and acknowledged or authenticated, in such form
and manner as may be allowed by the Commission, containing
substantially the following matters, except as otherwise prescribed by this
Code or by special law:
Mere Ultra Vires acts (section 44) or those which are NOT ILLEGAL AND VOID AB
INITIO, and are without effect simply because they are not within the scope of AOI, are
merely VOIDABLE, thus, may become binding when rati ed by SHS (Pirovano v. De La
Rama Steamship Co., 96 Phil 335 (1954).
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(2/3)of the outstanding capital stock at a regular or special meeting duly
called for the purpose.
Page 38
These shall apply to any contract whereby a corporation undertakes to
manage or operate all or substantially all of the called services contracts,
operating agreements or otherwise: Provided, however, That such service
contracts or operating agreements which relate to the exploration,
development exploitation or utilization of natural resources may entered
into such periods as may be provided by the pertinent laws or regulations.
No management contracts shall be entered into for period longer that five
(5) years for any one term.
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