2014 Mercantile Law Quick Reviewer

Covers 81 Specific Topics

Corporation Law (BP 68)

6 questions
1. By-laws; validity; qualifications of BOD members

By-laws
are rules and ordinances made by a corporation for its own
government; to regulate the conduct and define the duties of the
stockholders or members towards the corporation and among
themselves. They are rules and regulations or private laws
enacted by the corporation to regulate, govern and control its
own actions, affairs and concerns and its stockholders or
member and directors and officers with relation thereto and
among themselves in their relation to it.

Validity;

If adopted subsequent to incorporation:

It must be adopted within one (1) month after receipt of official notice
of the issuance of its certificate of incorporation by the SEC; with an
affirmative vote of the stockholders representing at least a majority of the
outstanding capital stock, or of at least a majority of the members in case of
non-stock corporations.

A copy thereof, duly certified to by a majority of the directors or trustees

countersigned by the secretary of the corporation, must be filed with the SEC
which shall be attached to the original articles of incorporation.

Certification of the appropriate government agency concerned to the effect

that such by-laws or amendments are in accordance with law.

Directors & Trustees; qualifications

Directors must own at least one (1) share. Trustees must be

members majority of whom must be residents.
 Disqualifications:
Conviction by final judgment of an offense punishable period exceeding six
(6) years, or a violation of this Code committed within five (5) years prior to
the date of election or appointment.
Other disqualifications under applicable special laws.
Those which may be included in the by-laws

2. Separate juridical personality of Corporations

Corporate Entity
The corporation is possessed with a personality separate and distinct from the
individual stockholders or members.

3. Piercing the corporate veil

Control must have been used by the defendant to commit fraud or

wrong.

5 questions
1. Intra-corporate Controversy

INTRA-CORPORATE CONTROVERSIES (Sec. 5 [b] of PD 902-A)

Intra-corporate controversies include those of corporations, partnerships and associations.
Elements of intra-corporate controversies:
1. An intra-corporate relationship:
a. Between and among the stockholders, members, associates of a corporation,
partnership or association;
b. Between them and the corporation, partnership or association; or
c. Between the corporation, partnership or association and the State.
2. The controversy must arise out of said relationship.
The dispute among the parties must be intrinsically connected with the regulation of the
corporation. If the nature of the controversy involves matters that are purely civil in
character necessarily the case does not involve an intra-corporate controversy.
The factor which decides whether the action is within the jurisdiction of the Special
Commercial Courts is that the controversy arose out of an intra-corporate relation between
and among the parties.
The filing of the civil/intra-corporate case before the SEC does not preclude the
simultaneous and concomitant filing of a criminal action before the regular courts; such
that, a fraudulent act may give rise to liability for violation of the rules and regulations of
the SEC cognizable by the SEC itself, as well as criminal liability for violation of the Revised
Penal Code cognizable by the regular courts, both charges to be filed and proceeded
independently, and may be simultaneously, with the other.
 2. Declaration of Dividends

Dividends can only be declared out of unrestricted retained earnings.

General rule: Stock corporations are prohibited from retaining surplus profits in excess of
100% of their paid-in capital stock.
Exceptions:
1. When justified by definite corporate expansion projects or programs approved by
the board of directors; or
2. When the corporation is prohibited under any loan agreement with any financial
institution or creditor, whether local or foreign, from declaring dividends without
its/his consent, and such consent has not yet been secured; or
3. When it can be clearly shown that such retention is necessary under special
circumstances obtaining in the corporation, such as when there is need for special
reserve for probable contingencies.
The judgment of the board of directors in the matter of declaring dividends is conclusive
except when they act in bad faith, or for a dishonest purpose or act fraudulently,
oppressively, unreasonably or unjustly or abuse of discretion can be shown so as to impair
the rights of the complaining stockholders to their just proportion of corporate profits.
Directors are not liable for declaration of dividend contrary to law, unless attended with bad
faith, gross negligence or willful and knowing assent.

The essential test of bad faith is to determine if the policy of the directors is dictated by
their personal interest rather than the corporate welfare.

3. Sale and Transfer of Certificates of Stock

SALE AND TRANSFER OF CERTIFICATES OF STOCKS

Only Close Corporations are required to subject their shares to specified restrictions.
General rule: Restrictions or preferences must be contained in the articles of
incorporation and in all stock certificates to be issued by the corporation.
Exception: In close corporations, such restrictions and preferences must also be
embodied in the by-laws.

NO TRANSFER CLAUSE
No transfer of stock or interest which will reduce the ownership of Filipino citizens to less
than the required percentage of the capital stock as provided by existing laws shall be
allowed or permitted to be recorded in the books of the corporation and this restriction shall
be indicated in all of the stock certificates to be issued by the corporation.

GROUNDS FOR DISAPPROVAL

Only substantial (not strict) compliance is required for disapproval.
Grounds for disapproval: Not exclusive
1. The articles of incorporation or any amendment thereto is not substantially in
accordance with the form prescribed;
2. The purpose or purposes of the corporation are patently unconstitutional, illegal,
immoral, or contrary to government rules and regulations;
3. The Treasurers Affidavit concerning the amount of capital stock subscribed and/or
paid is false;
4. The percentage of ownership of the capital stock to be owned by citizens of the
Philippines has not been complied with as required by existing laws or the
Constitution,
5. The articles of incorporation of corporations subject to government supervision are
not accompanied by a favorable recommendation from the appropriate government
agency.

3 questions
1. Interlocking Directors

Sec. 33. Contracts between corporations with interlocking directors. - Except in cases of
fraud, and provided the contract is fair and reasonable under the circumstances, a contract
between two or more corporations having interlocking directors shall not be invalidated on
that ground alone: Provided, That if the interest of the interlocking director in one
corporation is substantial and his interest in the other corporation or corporations is merely
nominal, he shall be subject to the provisions of the preceding section insofar as the latter
corporation or corporations are concerned.
Stockholdings exceeding twenty (20%) percent of the outstanding capital stock shall be
considered substantial for purposes of interlocking directors.

A director who owns a substantial interest in one corporation dealing with another where he
has a nominal interest is a regarded as a self-dealing director in so far as the latter
corporation is concerned.

2. Incorporation requirements

Process of incorporation:
1. Drafting the articles of incorporation
2. Preparation and submission of additional and supporting documents
3. Filing with the SEC
4. Subsequent issuance of certificate of incorporation
Contents of the articles of incorporation
1. Name
2. Purpose
3. Principal office
4. Term
5. Incorporators
6. Number of directors/trustees
7. Names, nationalities and residences of directors/trustees
8. If a stock corporation, amount of authorized capital stock, number of shares, par value,
original subscribers
9. If a non-stock corporation, amount of capital, contributors
10. Such other matters not inconsistent with law and which the incorporator may deem
necessary and convenient
11. Treasurers certificate

CORPORATE NAME

A corporation has an exclusive right to the use of its name, which may be protected by
injunction upon a principle similar to that upon which persons are protected in the use of
trademarks and trade names.

In determining the existence of confusing similarity in corporate names, the test is whether
the similarity is such as to mislead a person using ordinary care and discrimination. Proof of
actual confusion need not be shown. It suffices that confusion is probably or likely to occur.

PURPOSE CLAUSE
General limitations on the purpose clause: must be:
1. lawful
2. specific or stated concisely although in broad or general terms.
3. If there is more than one purpose, the primary as well as the secondary ones
must be specified.
4. capable of being lawfully combined.

THE PRINCIPAL OFFICE

The residence of the corporation is the place of its principal office as may be indicated in its
articles of incorporation and may, therefore, be sued only at that place.

TERM OF EXISTENCE
A corporation shall exist for a period not exceeding fifty (50) years from the date of
incorporation unless sooner dissolved or unless said period is extended. The corporate term
as originally stated in the articles of incorporation may be extended for periods not
exceeding fifty (50) years in any single instance by an amendment of the articles of
incorporation, in accordance with this Code; Provided, That no extension can be made
earlier than five (5) years prior to the original or subsequent expiry date(s) unless there are
justifiable reasons for an earlier extension as may be determined by the Securities and
Exchange Commission.

INCORPORATORS
Any number of natural persons not less than five (5) but not more than fifteen (15), all of
legal age and a majority of whom are residents of the Philippines, may form a private
corporation for any lawful purpose or purposes. Each of the incorporators of a stock
corporation must own or be a subscriber to at least one (1) share of the capital stock of the
corporation.

General rule: Only natural persons can be incorporators.

Exception: Cooperatives and corporations primarily organized to hold
equities in rural banks.

THE DIRECTORS/TRUSTEES
General rule: There must be at least 5 but not more than 15 directors or
trustees in a private corporation.
Exceptions:
1. Educational corporations registered as a non-stock corporation
whose number of trustees, though not less than 5 and not more than
15 should be divisible by 5;
2. In close corporations where all the stockholders are considered as
members of the board of directors thereby effectively allowing 20
members in the board; and
3. Corporation sole.
The by-laws may provide for additional qualifications and disqualifications.
However, it may not do away with the minimum disqualifications laid down
by the Code.

Qualifications:

1. Directors must own at least one (1) share of the capital stock of the
corporation. Trustees must be members.

2. A majority of the directors or trustees must be residents of the

Philippines.

Disqualifications:
1. Conviction by final judgment of an offense punishable by
imprisonment for a period exceeding six (6) years, or a violation of
this Code committed within five (5) years prior to the date of election
or appointment.
 2. Other disqualifications under applicable special laws.
A by-laws may validly provide that no person may be elected as director
unless he owns a specified number of shares required for the directorate
qualification.
It may likewise disqualify a stockholder from being elected into office if he
has a substantial interest in a competitor corporation to avoid any possible
adverse effects of conflicting interest of a director.
In order to be eligible as a director, what is material is the legal title to, not
beneficial ownership, of the stock as appearing on the books of the
corporation.
If no election is conducted or no qualified candidate is elected, the
incumbent director shall continue to act as such in a hold over capacity until
the election is held and a qualified candidate is so elected.

CAPITALIZATION

Authorized capital the maximum amount fixed in the articles to be

subscribed and paid-in or secured to be paid by the subscribers.

Subscribed capital stock the total number of shares and its total value for
which there are contracts for their acquisition or subscription.

Stocks shall not be issued for a consideration less than the par or issued
price thereof.

Stocks shall not be issued in exchange of promissory notes or future

services.

Shares of stock and their classification

Shares of stock designate the interest or right which the stockholder has in
the management of the corporation, and in the surplus profits and, in case of
distribution, in all assets remaining after the payment of its debts.
Stock certificate is a document or instrument evidencing the interest of a
stockholder in the corporation.
Except as otherwise provided in the articles of incorporation and stated in
the certificate of stock, each share shall be equal in all respects to every
other share.

Purpose of classification:
1. To specify and define the rights and privileges of the stockholders.

2. For regulation and control of the issuance of sale of corporate

securities for the protection of purchasers and stockholders.

3. As a management control device.

4. To comply with statutory requirements.

5. To better insure return on investment.

6. For flexibility in price.

Common and preferred shares

Common stock a stock which entitles its owner to an equal pro-rata

division of profits, if there be any, but without any preference or advantage
in that respect over any other stockholder or class of stockholders.

Preferred stock a stock that gives the holder a preference over the holder
of common stocks with respect to the payment of dividends and/or with
respect to distribution of capital upon liquidation.
Preferred shares are presumed to be non-participating.
Limitations on preferred stock:
1. Must be issued with a stated par value; and
2. The preferences must be stated in the articles of incorporation and
in the certificate of stock, otherwise, each share shall be, in all respect,
equal to every other share.

Participating preferred shares the holders thereof are still given the right to
participate with the common stockholders in dividends beyond their stated
preference.

Cumulative preferred share those that entitle the owner thereof to

payment not only of current dividends but also back dividends not previously
paid whether or not, during the past years, dividends were declared or paid.
In absence of express stipulation, preferred shares are presumed to be non-
cumulative.

Non-cumulative preferred shares those which grant the holders of such

shares only to the payment of current dividends but not back dividends,
when and if dividends are paid, to the extent agreed upon before any other
stockholders are paid the same.

Types:
1. Discretionary dividend type gives the holder of such shares the
right to have dividends paid thereon in a particular year depending
on the judgment or discretion of the board of directors.

2. Mandatory if earned type impose a positive duty on directors to

declare dividends every year when profits are earned.

3. Earned cumulative or dividend credit gives the holder thereof the

right to arrears in dividends if there were profits earned during the
previous years but dividends were not declared.

Par and no par value shares - those whose values are fixed in the articles of
incorporation which cannot be issued nor sold by the corporation at less than
par.
No par value shares those whose issued price are not stated in the
certificate of stock but which may be fixed in the articles of incorporation, or
by the board of directors when so authorized by the said articles or by the
by-laws, or in the absence thereof, by the stockholders themselves.

Limitations of no par value shares:

1. Such shares, once issued, are deemed fully paid and thus, non
assessable;
2. The consideration for its issuance should not be less than P5.00;
3. The entire consideration for its issuance constitutes capital, hence,
not available for dividend declaration;
4. They cannot be issued as preferred stock; and
5. They cannot be issued by banks, trust companies, insurance
companies, public utilities and building and loan associations.

Voting and non-voting shares

Voting shares gives the holder thereof the right to vote and participate in
the management of the corporation through the exercise of such right, either
at the election of the board of directors, or in any manner requiring the
stockholders approval.

Non-voting shares do not grant the holder thereof the right to vote except
under the penultimate paragraph of Sec. 6.

Non-voting shares shall nevertheless be entitled to vote on the

following matters:
1. Amendment of the articles of incorporation;
2. Adoption and amendment of by-laws;
3. Sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge or other disposition
of all or substantially all of the corporate property;
4. Incurring, creating or increasing bonded indebtedness;
5. Increase or decrease of capital stock;
6. Merger or consolidation of the corporation with another
corporation or other corporations;
 7. Investment of corporate funds in another corporation or
business in accordance with this Code; and
8. Dissolution of the corporation.

Only preferred and redeemable shares may be denied the right to vote.
There must always be a class or series of shares which have complete voting
rights.

Founders shares - Sec. 7. - classified as such in the articles of incorporation

may be given certain rights and privileges not enjoyed by the owners of
other stocks, provided that where the exclusive right to vote and be voted
for in the election of directors is granted, it must be for a limited period not
to exceed five (5) years subject to the approval of the Securities and
Exchange Commission. The five-year period shall commence from the date
of the aforesaid approval by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Redeemable shares - may be issued by the corporation when expressly so

provided in the articles of incorporation.

They may be purchased or taken up by the corporation upon the expiration

of a fixed period, regardless of the existence of unrestricted retained
earnings in the books of the corporation, and upon such other terms and
conditions as may be stated in the articles of incorporation, which terms and
conditions must also be stated in the certificate of stock representing said
shares.

Treasury shares - are shares of stock which have been issued and fully paid
for, but subsequently reacquired by the issuing corporation by purchase,
redemption, donation or through some other lawful means. Such shares may
again be disposed of for a reasonable price fixed by the board of directors.

Treasury shares may again be issued for a price less than par.

Treasury shares have no voting and dividend rights. Such rights are only
granted to outstanding shares of stock.

CAPITAL REQUIREMENT
Sec. 12. Minimum capital stock required of stock corporations. - Stock
corporations incorporated under this Code shall not be required to have any
minimum authorized capital stock except as otherwise specifically provided
for by special law, and subject to the provisions of the following section.

Sec. 13. Amount of capital stock to be subscribed and paid for the purposes
of incorporation. - At least twenty-five percent (25%) of the authorized
capital stock as stated in the articles of incorporation must be subscribed at
the time of incorporation, and at least twenty-five (25%) per cent of the
total subscription must be paid upon subscription, the balance to be payable
on a date or dates fixed in the contract of subscription without need of call,
or in the absence of a fixed date or dates, upon call for payment by the
board of directors: Provided, however, That in no case shall the paid-up
capital be less than five Thousand (P5,000.00) pesos.

3. Derivative Suits, requisites

Suits that stockholders may bring against erring directors or officers:

1. Individual or personal suit one brought by the shareholders for direct injury
to his rights, such as denial of his right to inspect corporate books and records or
pre-emptive right;
2. Representative of class suit - ; and
3. Derivative suit an action based on injury to the corporation to enforce a
corporate right wherein the corporation is joined as a necessary party, and
recovery is in favor of the corporation.
In a derivative suit, the injury complained of is primarily to the corporation, so that the suit
for the damages claimed should be by the corporation rather than by the stockholders. The
stockholders may not directly claim those damages for themselves for that would result in
the appropriation by, and the distribution among them of part of the corporate assets before
the dissolution of the corporation and the liquidation of its debts and liabilities.

Rules, requirements and procedure so that a derivative suit may proceed or prosper:

1. The party bringing the action should be a stockholder as of the time the act or
transaction complained of took place, or whose shares have evolved upon him since
by operation of law. This rule, however, does not apply if such act or transaction
continues and is injurious to the stockholder or affects him specifically in some other
way. The number of shares is immaterial.

2. He has tried to exhaust intra-corporate remedies, i.e. he has made a demand on

the board of directors for the appropriate relief but the latter had failed or refused to
heed his plea. Demand, however, is not required if the company is under the
 complete control of the directors who are the very ones to be sued (or where it
becomes obvious that a demand upon them would have been futile and useless)
since the law does not require a litigant to perform useless acts.

3. The stockholder bringing the suit must allege in his complaint that he is suing on a
derivative cause of action on behalf of the corporation and all other stockholders
similarly situated, otherwise, the case is dismissible.

4. The corporation should be made a party, either as party-plaintiff or defendant, in

order to make the courts judgment binding upon it.

5. Any benefit or damages recovered shall pertain to the corporation.

4. Doing business in the Philippines of Foreign Corporation

General rule: Any foreign corporation lawfully doing business in the Philippines shall be
bound by all laws, rules and regulations applicable to domestic corporations of the same
class.

Exceptions:
1. Laws which provide for the creation, formation, organization or dissolution of
corporations; or
2. Laws which fix the relations, liabilities, responsibilities, or duties of stockholders,
members or officers of a corporation to each other or to the corporation.

Intra-corporate or internal matters not affecting creditors or the public in general are
governed not by Philippine laws but the law under which the foreign corporation was formed
or organized.

Requirements and procedure for the withdrawal of foreign corporations:

1. Filing of a petition for withdrawal of license;

2. All claims which have accrued in the Philippines have been paid, compromised or
settled;

3. All taxes, imposts, assessments and penalties, if any, lawfully due to the Philippine
Government or any of its agencies or political subdivisions have been paid;
 4. Publication of the petition for withdrawal once a week for 3 consecutive weeks in a
newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines; and

5. Issuance of the certificate of withdrawal by the SEC.

2 questions
1. Sole Proprietorship - Where the business enterprise is not endowed
with a separate juridical personality, is less saddled with the many
requirements and regulations to which corporations are often
subjected to by law, rules and regulations.

2. Bulk Sales Sale, transfer, mortgage or assignment of All, or

substantially all goods, business , or fixtures and equipment used in
the business of the vendor, mortgage, transferor, or assignor otherwise
than in the ordinary course of trade.

Exempted transaction
o When accompanied with written waiver by all the
seller/mortgagors creditors
o The law does not apply to executors, administrators, receivers,
assignees in insolvency, or public officers, acting under legal
process.
o Sale or mortgage is made in the ordinary course of business.
o Sale by assignee in insolvency or those beyond the right of
creditors
o Sale of properties exempt from the attachment or execution.

1. De Facto Corporation - those which exist by virtue of an irregularity

or defect in the organization or constitution or from some other
omission to comply with the conditions precedent by which
corporations de jure are created, but there was colorable compliance
with the requirements of the law under which they might be lawfully
incorporated for the purposes and powers assumed, and user of the
rights claimed to be conferred by law.
3. Power to invest corporate funds for other purpose

A corporation may invest its fund in any other corporation or business

or for any purpose other than the primary purpose for which it was
organized when approved by a majority of the Board and ratified by
the 2/3 of the outstanding stockholders at a stockholders or members
meeting duly called for the purpose.

Written notice of the purposed investment and the time and place of
the meeting shall be addressed to each stockholder or member at his
place or residence as shown on the books of the corporation and
deposited to the addressee in the post office with postage prepaid, or
served personally.

4. Validity of Corporate Acts

a. General rule: To have a valid corporate act, the decision of at least a

majority of the directors or trustees present at a meeting at which there is a
quorum is required.

b. Exception: The election of corporate officers requires the vote of a majority

of all the members.

c. General rule: Individual directors cannot bind the corporation by their

individual acts.
Exceptions:
i. By delegation of authority;
ii. Where expressly conferred; or
iii. Where the officer or agent is clothed with actual or apparent authority.

5. Voluntary Dissolution

Dissolution signifies the extinguishment of a corporations franchise

and the termination of its corporate existence for business purpose.
Types of voluntary dissolutions:

Voluntary Dissolution Where No Creditors Affected when no

creditors are involved or would not be prejudiced by the dissolution
of a corporation, and thereby the tenets of the trust fund doctrine
 would not be adversely affected, only a SEC application for
dissolution is required.

Voluntary Dissolution Where Creditors Affected If there are

creditors involved or who may be prejudiced, there is a need to file
a formal petition for dissolution with the SEC. The proceedings are
quasi-judicial in nature and conducted to ensure that the rights of
the creditors are fully protected. In such proceedings, the SEC is
not mandated to dissolve the corporation, especially when it would
be detrimental to the interests of the creditors, who may wish to
rehabilitate the operations of the corporation to ensure that it would
be able to pay-off all of its debts.

Dissolution by Shortening Corporate Term - A voluntary dissolution

may be effected by amending the articles of incorporation to
shorten the corporate term. Therefor, the procedure outlined under
the law for the amendment of the articles of incorporation should
also be complied with, and the application filed with SEC.

Dissolution by Expiration of Corporate Term When the corporate

life of the corporation as stated in its articles of incorporation is
allowed to expire, without extension. The corporation is deemed
dissolved by such expiration without need of further action on the
part of the corporation or the State.

6. Winding up period of a Corporation

d. General rule: When a corporation is dissolved, it ceases to be a juridical

entity and can no longer pursue the business for which it is incorporated.
e. Exception: The corporation will continue as a body corporate for another
period of 3 years from the time it is dissolved for the purpose of winding up
its affairs and the liquidation of its assets.

7. BOD liabilities and corporate acts

To the extent that the stockholders are actively engaged in the

management or operation of the business and affairs of a close
corporation, the stockholders shall be held to strict fiduciary
duties to each other and among themselves. Said stockholders
shall be personally liable for corporate torts unless the
corporation has obtained reasonably adequate liability insurance.
8. Liabilities of Stockholders, Directors, Officers

To pay the corporation the balance of his unpaid subscriptions;

To pay interest on his unpaid subscription if required by the by-laws or by the
contract of subscription;
To answer to creditors for the unpaid portion of their subscription;
To answer the water in their stocks;
To be liable, as general partners, for all debts, liabilities and damages of ostensible
corporations; and
In case of a close corporation, to be personally liable for corporate torts when they
actively participate in the management of the corporation.

9. Delinquent Stockholder

General rule: No delinquent stock shall not be entitled to:

1. Be voted for or to vote;
2. Representation at any stockholder's meeting; or
3. Any of the rights of a stockholder.
Exception: Delinquent stocks are entitled to the right to dividends (any cash
dividends due on delinquent stockholders shall first be applied to the unpaid
balance on his subscription plus cost and expenses, while stock dividends shall
be withheld until his unpaid subscription is paid in full).

10. Unpaid subscription - are not due and payable until a call is made
by the corporation for payment.

11. Appraisal Right of Stockholders

Appraisal right the method of paying a shareholder for the taking of his
property; the statutory means whereby a stockholder can avoid the conversion
of his property into another property not of his own choosing. The purpose of
the right is to protect the property rights of dissenting stockholders from
actions by the majority shareholders which alters the nature and character of
their investment. It is a right granted to dissenting stockholders on certain
corporate or business decisions to demand payment of the fair market value of
their shares.
 12. Trust Fund Doctrine - Is the rule that the capital stock of a
corporation constitutes a trust fund for the benefit of its creditors as its
capital is the basis of its credit, but the trust does not arise until the
corporation becomes insolvent.

Securities Regulation Code (RA 8799)

1. Securities required to be registered

a. Exempt Securities
(Sec. 9):
1. Any security issued or guaranteed by the Government of the
Philippines, or by any political subdivision or agency thereof,
or by any person controlled or supervised by, and acting as an
instrumentality of said Government.

2. Any security issued or guaranteed by the government of any

country with which the Philippines maintains diplomatic relations,
or by any state, province or political subdivision thereof on the
basis of reciprocity: Provided, That the Commission may require
compliance with the form and content of disclosures the
Commission may prescribe.

3. Certificates issued by a receiver or by a trustee in bankruptcy

duly approved by the proper adjudicatory body.

4. Any security or its derivatives the sale or transfer of which, by

law, is under the supervision and regulation of the Office of the
Insurance Commission, HLURB, or BIR.
5. Any security issued by a bank except its own shares of stock.

b. Exempt Transactions
1. Any judicial sale, or sale by an executor, administrator,
guardian or receiver or trustee in insolvency or bankruptcy.

2. By or for the account of a pledge holder, or mortgagee or any

other similar lien holder selling or offering for sale or delivery in
the ordinary course of business and not for the purpose of
avoiding the provisions the SRC, to liquidate a bona fide debt, a
security pledged in good faith as security for such debt.
3. An isolated transaction in which any security is sold, offered
for sale, subscription or delivery by the owner thereof, or by his
representative for the owners account, such sale or offer for
sale, subscription or delivery not being made in the course of
repeated and successive transactions of a like character by such
owner, or on his account by such representative and such owner
or representative not being the underwriter of such security.

4. The distribution by a corporation, actively engaged in the

business authorized by its articles of incorporation, of securities
to its stockholders or other security holders as a stock dividend
or other distribution out of surplus.

5. The sale of capital stock of a corporation to its own

stockholders exclusively, where no commission or other
remuneration is paid or given directly or indirectly in connection
with the sale of such capital stock.

6. The issuance of bonds or notes secured by mortgage upon

real estate or tangible personal property, where the entire
mortgage together with all the bonds or notes secured thereby
are sold to a single purchaser at a single sale.

7. The issue and delivery of any security in exchange for any

other security of the same issuer pursuant to a right of
conversion entitling the holder of the security surrendered in
exchange to make such conversion: Provided, That the security
so surrendered has been registered under the SRC or was, when
sold, exempt from the provisions of the SRC, and that the
security issued and delivered in exchange, if sold at the
conversion price, would at the time of such conversion fall within
the class of securities entitled to registration under the SRC.
Upon such conversion the par value of the security surrendered
in such exchange shall be deemed the price at which the
securities issued and delivered in such exchange are sold.
 8. Brokers transactions, executed upon customers orders, on
any registered Exchange or other trading market.

9. Subscriptions for shares of the capital stock of a corporation

prior to the incorporation thereof or in pursuance of an increase
in its authorized capital stock under the Corporation Code, when
no expense is incurred, or no commission, compensation or
remuneration is paid or given in connection with the sale or
disposition of such securities, and only when the purpose for
soliciting, giving or taking of such subscriptions is to comply with
the requirements of such law as to the percentage of the capital
stock of a corporation which should be subscribed before it can
be registered and duly incorporated, or its authorized capital
increased.

10. The exchange of securities by the issuer with its existing

security holders exclusively, where no commission or other
remuneration is paid or given directly or indirectly for soliciting
such exchange.

11. The sale of securities by an issuer to fewer than 20 persons

in the Philippines during any twelve-month period.

12. The sale of securities to any number of the following

qualified buyers:
a. Bank;
b. Registered investment house;
c. Insurance company;
d. Pension fund or retirement plan maintained by the
Government of the Philippines or any political subdivision
thereof or managed by a bank or other persons authorized
by the Bangko Sentral to engage in trust functions;
e. Investment company; or
f. Such other person as the Commission may by rule
determine as qualified buyers, on the basis of such factors
as financial sophistication, net worth, knowledge, and
experience in financial and business matters, or amount of
assets under management.

2. Prohibitions on Fraud, Manipulation and Insider Trading

a. Manipulation of Security Prices
 b. Short Sales - sale of securities which the vendor does not own
(illegal unless done in accordance with the rules and regulations
of the SEC) (T3 rule).

c. Insider Trading - The act of an insider of buying or selling

securities of the issuer while in possession of material
information with respect thereto that is not generally available to
the public (illegal unless exempted).

3. Protection of Investors
4. Tender Offer Rule

Tender Offers a publicly announced intention by the purchaser to

acquire a certain block of equities of a company through open market
purchases or private negotiations.

A tender offer is required of any person or group of persons acting in

concert who intend to acquire:

1. At least 15% of any class of any equity security of a listed

corporation or of any class of any equity security of a corporation
with assets of at least P50M and having 200 or more stockholders
with at least 100 shares each; or

2. At least 30% of such equity over a period of 12 months.

Negotiable Instruments Law (Act 2031)

7 questions
1. Accommodation Party

An accommodation party is one who has signed the instrument

as maker, drawer, acceptor, or indorser, without receiving value therefor,
and for the purpose of lending his name to some other person.

2. Holder in Due Course

 A holder in due course is a holder who has taken the instrument
under the following conditions:

1. That the instrument is complete and regular upon its face.

2. That he has become a holder of it before it was overdue and
without notice that it had been previously dishonored, if such
were the case.
3. That he has taken it in good faith and for value.
4. That at the time of its negotiation to him, he had no notice of
any infirmity in the instrument or defect in the title of the person
negotiating it.

6 questions
1. Crossed Check

A check which in addition to the usual contents of an ordinary check

contains also the name of a certain banker or business entity through
whom it must be presented for payment.

3 questions
1. Liabilities of Prior and Subsequent Parties in Forgery

Primary Liable maker, drawee, acceptor, and certifier of checks.

Secondary Liable drawer, indorsers, and acceptors for honor.

Not liable drawee (until he accepts it).

2. Incomplete and Delivered Instruments

Where an incomplete instrument has not been delivered, it will not,

if completed and negotiated without authority, be a valid contract in
the hands of any holder, as against any person whose signature was
placed thereon before delivery.

3. Negotiable Instruments, Requisites

 It is a written contract for the payment of money which by its form
and and on its face, is intended as a substitute for money and passes
from hand to hand as money, so as to give the holder in due course the
right to hold the instrument free from personal defenses available to prior
parties.

Requisites:

1. It must be in writing and signed by the maker or drawer.

2. Must contain an unconditional promise or order to pay a sum
certain in money.
3. Must be payable on demand, or at a fixed or determinable future
time.
4. Must be payable to order or to bearer.
5. When the instrument is addressed to a drawee, he must be
named or otherwise indicated therein with reasonable certainty.

2 questions
1. Liability of Drawee Bank in Checks

A drawee does not become liable until he accepts the bill or unless
he certifies the check. It is only from the moment the drawee accepts the
bill or certifies the check that the drawee becomes primarily liable. He
becomes liable to the holder by his unconditional acceptance.

2. Bearer Instrument

A negotiable instrument payable to bearer or to cash, rather

than to an identifiable payee.

3. Liabilities of maker and indorsers

Irregular Indorser: He is liable as a general indorser because he

indorses without qualification.

General Indorser:

1. The matters and things mentioned in Sec. 65.

 2. That the instrument is, at the time of his indorsement, valid and
subsisting.

Insurance Law

5 questions
1. Concealment

Concealment is a neglect to communicate that which a party knows and

ought to communicate. (Sec. 26)

Requisites:

1. A party knows a fact (a material fact) which he neglects to

communicate or disclose to the other party;
2. Such party concealing is duty bound to disclose such fact to the
other;
3. Such party concealing makes no warranty as to the fact concealed
and;
4. The other party has no means of ascertaining the fact concealed.
5. The fact must be material

2. Material Concealment

Matters that must be disclosed even in the absence of inquiry:

1. Those material to the contract

2. Those which the other has no means of ascertaining
3. Those as to which the party with the duty to
communicate makes no warranty
 "It is well settled that the insured need not die of the disease he failed
to disclose to the insurer. It is sufficient that his nondisclosure misled
the insurer in forming his estimate of the risks of the proposed
insurance policy or in making inquiries.

3. Incontestability Clause

The insurer has two years from the date of issuance of the insurance
contract or of its last reinstatement within which to contest the policy,
whether or not, the insured still lives within such period. After two years,
the defenses of concealment or misrepresentation, no matter how patent
or well founded, no longer lie.

Requisites:

1. It must be a Life insurance policy'

2. It must be Payable on the death of the insured; and
3. It must be in force during the life time of the insured for at least
2 years from its date of issue or of its last reinstatement.
The period of two years may be shortened but it cannot be
extended by stipulation.

3 questions
1. Insurable Interest : Life vs Property Insurance

Life Insurance:

1. It is a contract of investment.
2. Always regarded as valued policy
3. May be transferred or assigned to any person even if he has no insurable
interest.
 4. The consent of the insurer is not essential to the validity of the assignment of
a life policy unless expressly required.
5. Insurable interest in the life or health of the person insured need not exist
after the insurance takes effect or when loss occurs.
6. Insurable interest need not have any legal basis.
7. Contingency that is contemplated is a certain event, the only uncertainty
being the time when it will take place.
8. The liability of the insurer to make payment is certain, the only uncertain
element being when such payment must be made.
9. May be terminated by the insured but cannot be cancelled by the insurer and
is usually a long term contract.
10. The loss to the beneficiary caused by the death of the insured can seldom
be measured accurately in terms of cash value.
11. The beneficiary is under no obligation to prove actual financial loss as a
result of the death of the insured in order to collect the insurance.

Property Insurance

1. It is a contract of indemnity.
2. May be open or valued.
3. The transferee or assignee must have an insurable interest in the thing
insured.
4. Consent, in the absence of waiver by the insurer, is essential in the
assignment of the policy
5. Insurable interest in the property insured must exist not only when the
insurance takes effect but also when the loss occurs.
6. Insurable interest must have a legal basis
7. The contingency insured against may or may not occur.
8. Liability is uncertain because the happening of the peril insured against is
uncertain
9. May be cancelled by either party and is usually for a term of one year
10. The reverse is generally true of the loss of property, i.e., it is capable of
pecuniary estimation
11. The insured is required to submit proof of his actual pecuniary loss as a
condition precedent to collecting the insurance.

2. Double Insurance

Double insurance exists where the same person is insured by several

insurers separately, in respect to the same subject and interest. (Sec. 93)

Requisites:

1. Person insured is the same

2. Two or more insurers insuring separately
3. Subject matter is the same
4. Interest insured is the same
5. Risk or peril insured against is the same
 3. Accident vs Suicide

Accident vs. Suicide

Accident

That which happens by chance or fortuitously, without intention or

design which is unexpected, unusual and unforeseen.

Suicide

Willful exposure to needless peril which are excepted risk. It is

intentional and implies the exercise of reasoning faculties, consciousness and
volition.

Insurer liable in case of suicide:

1. The suicide is committed after the policy has been in force for a
period of 2 years from the date of its issue or of its last
reinstatement.

2. The suicide is committed after a shorter period provided in the

policy although within the 2 year period

3. The suicide is committed in the state of insanity regardless of

the date of commission, unless suicide is an excepted risk. (Sec.
180A)

The insurer is not liable if it can show that the policy was obtained with the
intention to commit suicide even in the absence of any suicide exclusion in
the policy.

2 questions
1. Irrevocable Beneficiary

A person who insures his own life may designate his beneficiary
revocable or irrevocably. For the designation to be irrevocable, the insured
should expressly state the irrevocable designation in the policy itself (Sec.
11, Insurance Code).
 If the designation of the beneficiary is irrevocable, Insured cannot:

1. Assign the policy

2. Take the cash surrender value of the policy

3. Allow his creditors to attach or execute on the policy;

4. Add new beneficiary; or

5. Change the irrevocable designation to revocable, even though

the change is just and reasonable.

2. Public Enemy

A public enemy cannot be insured. By public enemy is meant any citizen or

juridical entity of the country with which the Philippines may be at war.

3. Payment of Premium

General Rule: NO insurance policy issued or renewal is valid and

binding until actual payment of the premium. Any agreement to the
contrary is void [Sec. 77].

Exceptions:

1. In case of life and industrial life whenever the grace period provision
applies.

2. Where there is an acknowledgment in the contract or policy of

insurance that the premium has already been paid.

3. Where there is an agreement to grant the insured credit extension

for the payment of the premium despite full awareness of Sec. 77

4. Where there is an agreement allowing the insured to pay premium

in installment and partial payment has been made at the time of the
loss.

5. Where the parties are barred by estoppels.

 4. Assignment of Policy in Life Insurance

In those instances where the insured can assign his policy, his assignee may
be any person, whether or not he (the assignee) has an insurable interest in
the life of the insured. A life insurance is a property right within the capacity
of its owner to dispose of, like his other properties.

5. 3rd Party Liability

Claimants/ victims may be a passenger or a 3 rd party. The insured

may be the party at fault as against claims of third parties or the victim of
the contingent event.

Third Party- any person other than a passenger as defined in this

sections and shall also exclude a member of the household, or a member of
the family within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity, of a motor
vehicle owner or land transportation operator, as likewise defined herein, or
his employee in respect of death, bodily injury, or damage to property
arising out of and in the course of employment. (Sec. 373, [c], Insurance
Code)

6. Authorized Driver Clause

It indemnifies the insured owner against loss or damage to the car but limits
the use of the insured vehicle to:

1. The insured himself; or

2. Any person who drives on his order or with his permission.

7. Marine Insurance : Peril of the Sea vs Peril of the Ship

includes only those casualties due to the:

1. Unusual violence; or
 2. Extraordinary action of wind and wave; or

3. Other extraordinary causes connected with navigation.

Perils of the Ship, a loss which in the ordinary course of events,

results from the:

1. Natural and inevitable action of the sea;

2. Ordinary wear and tear of the ship; or

3. Negligent failure of the ships owner to provide the vessel with

proper equipment to convey the cargo under ordinary conditions.

Banking Laws

7 questions
1. Secrecy of Bank Deposit: exceptions, garnishment

Peso Deposits

The following are the deposits covered by RA 1405:

1. All deposits of whatever nature with banks or banking

institutions found in the Philippines; or
2. Investments in bonds issued by the Philippine government, its
branches, and institutions. (Sec. 2, R.A. 1405)
3. Trust accounts are included in the scope of the law.

GR: They are considered absolutely confidential and may not be

examined, inquired or looked into by any person, government official,
bureau or office (Ibid.).

Exceptions:

1. Upon written consent of the depositor. (Sec. 2, RA

1405)
2. In cases of impeachment. (ibid.)
3. Upon order of competent court in cases of bribery or
dereliction of duty of public officials. (ibid.)
4. Upon order of competent court in cases where the
money deposited or invested is the subject matter of
the litigation. (ibid.)
5. Upon order of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue in
respect of the bank deposits of a decedent for the
purpose of determining such decedents gross estate.
(Sec. 6[F][1], NIRC)
6. Upon the order of the Commissioner of Internal
Revenue in respect of bank deposits of a taxpayer who
has filed an application for compromise of his tax
liability by reason of financial incapacity to pay his tax
liability. (ibid.)
7. The Commissioner of Internal Revenue is authorized to
inquire into bank deposits of a specific taxpayer upon
request for tax information from a foreign tax authority
pursuant to an international convention or agreement
on tax matters to which the Philippines is a party.
(ibid.)
8. In case of dormant accounts/deposits for at least 10
years under the Unclaimed Balances Act. (Sec. 2, Act
No. 3936).
9. Presidential Commission on Good Government may
require the production of bank records material to its
investigation. (Opinion of the Secretary of Justice, Feb.
27, 1987.)
10. Report of banks to Anti-Money Laundering Council
(AMLC) of covered and/or suspicious transactions (Sec.
9, R.A. No. 9160 as amended).
11. Upon order of the Court of Appeals, examination by
law enforcement officers in terrorism cases under the
Human Security Act of 2007 (Secs. 27 and 28, R.A.
8372).
12. With court order:
a. In cases of unexplained wealth under Sec. 8 of the
Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (PNB v.
Gancayco, L-18343, Sept. 30, 1965)
b. In cases filed by the Ombudsman and upon the
latters authority to examine and have access to
bank accounts and records (Marquez v. Desierto, GR
138569, Sept. 11, 2003)

13. Without court order: If the AMLC determines that

a particular deposit or investment with any banking
institution is related to the following: HK-MADS
a. Hijacking,
b. Kidnapping,
c. Murder,
 d. Destructive Arson, and
e. Violation of the Dangerous Drugs Act.
f. Acts of Terrorism or in violation of Human Security
Act.
Foreign Currency Deposits (RA 6426)

GR: All foreign currency deposits are absolutely confidential. (Sec. 8,

RA 6426.)

Exceptions:
1. The depositor has given his written permission (ibid.)
2. Under Section 11 of the Anti-Money Laundering Act; and
3. Under Sections 27 and 28 of the Human Security Act.

Garnishment

The prohibition against examination or inquiry does not preclude its

being garnished for satisfaction of judgment. The disclosure is purely
incidental to the execution process and it was not the intention of the
legislature to place bank deposits beyond the reach of judgment
creditor. (PCIB v. CA, G.R. No. 84526, Jan. 28, 1991)

GR: Foreign currency deposits shall be exempt from attachment,

garnishment, or any other order or process of any court, legislative body,
government agency or any administrative body whatsoever. (Sec 8. R.A.
6426)

XPN: The application of Section 8 of R.A. 6426 depends on the extent

of its justice. The garnishment of a foreign currency deposit should be
allowed to prevent injustice and for equitable grounds, otherwise, it would
negate Article 10 of the New Civil Code which provides that in case of doubt
in the interpretation or application of laws, it is presumed that the
lawmaking body intended right and justice to prevail. (Salvacion vs. Central
Bank of the Philippines, G.R. 94723, August 21, 1997)

3 questions
1. Restrictions on Loan Accommodations

GR: Single borrowers limit The total amount of loans, credit

accommodations and guarantees that the bank could grant should at no
time exceed 25% of the banks net worth. (Sec 35.1, GBL)

XPN:
 a. As the Monetary Board may otherwise prescribe for reasons of
national interest
b. Deposits of rural banks with government-owned or controlled
financial institutions like LBP, DBP, and PNB.

The total amount of loans, credit accommodations and guarantees

prescribed in (a) may be increased by an additional 10% of the net
worth of such bank provided that additional liabilities are
adequately secured by trust receipt, shipping documents,
warehouse receipts and other similar documents which must be
fully covered by an insurance. (Sec. 35.2, GBL)

Loans and other credit accommodations secured by REM shall not
exceed 75% of the appraised value of the real estate security plus
60% of the appraised value of the insured improvements (Sec. 37,
GBL)

CM/intangible property such as patents, trademarks, etc. shall not

exceed 75% of the appraised value of the security (Sec. 38, GBL)

Loans being contractual, the period of payment may be subject to

stipulation by the parties. In the case of amortization, the
amortization schedule has no fixed period as it depends on the
project to be financed such that if it was capable of raising
revenues, it should be at least once a year with a grace period of 3
years if the project to be financed is not that profitable which could
be deferred up to 5 years if the project was not capable of raising
revenues. (Sec. 44, GBL)

Loans granted to DOSRI:

a. Director
b. Officer
c. Stockholder, having at least 1% ownership over the bank
d. Related Interests, such as DOSs spouses, their relatives
within the first degree whether by consanguinity or affinity,
partnership whereby DOS is a partner or a corporation where DOS
owns at least 20%.

2 questions
1. Classification of Banks
1. Universal banks - Primarily governed by the General Banking Law
(GBL). They can exercise the powers of an investment house and
invest in non-allied enterprises and have the highest capitalization.
2. Commercial banks - Ordinary banks governed by the GBL which
have a lower capitalization requirement than universal banks and can
neither exercise the powers of an investment house nor invest in non-
allied enterprises.
3. Thrift banks These are a) Savings and mortgage banks; b) Stock
savings and loan associations; and c) Private development banks,
which are primarily governed by the Thrift Banks Act (R.A. 7906).
4. Rural banks these are mandated to make needed credit available
and readily accessible in the rural areas on reasonable terms and
which are primarily governed by the Rural Banks Act of 1992 (RA
7353).
5. Cooperative banks banks whose majority shares are owned and
controlled by cooperatives primarily to provide financial and credit
services to cooperatives. It shall include cooperative rural banks. They
are governed primarily by the Cooperative Code (RA 6938).
6. Islamic banks Banks whose business dealings and activities are
subject to the basic principles and rulings of Islamic Shari a, such as
the Al Amanah Islamic Investment Bank of the Philippines which was
created by RA 6848.
7. Other classification of banks as determined by the Monetary Board
of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

2. Liability of Banks in Safety Deposit Box

The bank shall perform the services permitted under Subsections 53.1,
53.2, 53.3 and 53.4 as depositary or as an agent. Accordingly, it shall
keep the funds, securities and other effects which it receives duly
separate from the bank's own assets and liabilities. (The General Banking
Law of 2000, Sec. 53, par. 2)

The contract for the use of a safety deposit box should be governed by
the law on lease. Under the old banking law, a safety deposit box is a
special deposit. However, the new General Banking Law, while retaining
the renting of safe deposit box as one of the services that the bank may
render, deleted reference to depository function (Divina, Handbook on
Philippine Commercial Law).

3. BSP Jurisdiction
 The BSP is a government-owned and controlled corporation that is
invested by law with corporate powers (Sec. 1, NCBA). Its functions are:

1. Banker of the government the BSP shall be the official depository

of the Government and shall represent it in all monetary fund dealings
(Secs. 110- 116, NCBA)

2. Custodian of Reserves. (Secs. 64-66, 94, 103, NCBA)

3. Financial Advisor of the government (Secs. 123-124) Under Article

VII, Sec. 20 of the 1987 Constitution, the President may contract or
guarantee foreign loans but with the prior concurrence of the Monetary
Board.

4. Government agent (Secs. 117-122, NCBA)

5. Source of credit (Secs. 61-63, 81-89, 109, NCBA)

6. Issuer of Currency. (Sec. 49-60, NCBA)

7. Clearing channel or House; especially where the PCHC does not

operate. (Sec. 102, NCBA)

8. Supervisor of the Banking system (Sec. 25, NCBA)

shall include the power to:
a. Examine, which power extends to enterprises wholly or
majority-owned or controlled by the bank (Sec. 7, General Banking
Law [GBL]); this power may not be restrained by a writ of
injunction unless there is convincing proof that the action of the
BSP is plainly arbitrary (Sec. 25, NCBA)
b. Place a bank under receivership or liquidation (Sec. 30, NCBA)
c. Initiate criminal prosecution of erring officers of banks

The Monetary Board is the body through which the powers and
functions of the Bangko Sentral are exercised. (Sec 6, NCBA)

4. Receivership

A receiver is appointed if the bank is already insolvent which

means that its liabilities are greater than its assets.
 Note: For banks, it would be the Philippine Deposit Insurance
Corporation; for quasi-banks, it could be any person of recognized
competence in banking or finance. (Sec. 30, NCBA)

The duties of the receiver are the following:

1. The receiver shall immediately gather and take charge of all

the assets and liabilities of the institution;
2. Administer the same for the benefit of the creditors, and
exercise the general powers of a receiver under the Revised
Rules of Court;
3. Shall not, with the exception of administrative expenditures,
pay or commit any act that will involve the transfer or
disposition of any asset of the institution: Provided that the
receiver may deposit or place the funds of the institution in
non-speculative investments;
4. Within 90 days from the take-over, the receiver shall
determine whether the institution may be rehabilitated or
otherwise placed in such a condition that it may be permitted
to resume business with safety to its depositors and creditors
and the general public;
5. If the receiver determines that the institution cannot be
rehabilitated or permitted to resume business, then the
Monetary Board shall notify in writing the board of directors of
the institution of its findings and direct the receiver to
proceed with liquidation of the institution. (Sec 30, NCBA).

5. Truth in Lending Act

Disclosure Requirement

The law assures full responsibility by requiring the lender to give the
borrower all the details regarding the transaction. Under Sec. 4, any creditor
shall furnish to each person to whom credit is extended, prior to the
consummation of the transaction, a clear statement in writing setting forth,
to the extent applicable and in accordance with rules and regulations
prescribed by the Board, the following information:
 1. The cash price or delivered price of the property or service to be
acquired;
2. The amounts, if any, to be credited as down payment and/or trade-
in;
3. The difference between the amounts set forth under clauses (1) and
(2);
4. The charges, individually itemized, which are paid or to be paid by
such person in connection with the transaction but which are not
incident to the extension of credit;
5. The total amount to be financed;
6. The finance charge expressed in terms of pesos and centavos; and
7. The percentage that the finance bears to the total amount to be
financed expressed as a simple annual rate on the outstanding
unpaid balance of the obligation. (Reviewer on Commercial Law,
2013 ed., Sundiang, Sr. and Aquino, pp.350-351)

Rationale: To protect users of credit from lack of awareness of the

true cost thereof, proceeding from the experience that banks are able
to conceal such true cost by hidden charges, uncertainty of interest
rates, deduction of interests from the loaned amount, and the like
(United Coconut Planters Bank v. Spouses Beluso, G.R. No. 159912,
Aug. 17, 2007).

Intellectual Property Law

5 questions
Infringement of Copyright is the use of works protected by copyright law
without permission, infringing certain exclusive rights granted to the
copyright holder, such as the right to reproduce, distribute, display or
perform the protected work, or to make derivative works

4 questions
Copyright of Commissioned Artist In the case of a work-commissioned by
a person other than an employer of the author and who pays for it and the
work is made pursuance of the commissioned the work shall have ownership
of work, but the copyright, thereto shall remain with the creator, unless
there is a written stipulation to the contrary.
3 questions
1. Trademark Infringement
The person without the owners consent, use in commerce any
reproduction, counterfeit, copy or colorable imitation of a registered
mark or the same container or a dominant feature thereof in
connection with the sale, offering for sale of any goods or services on
or in connection with which such use is likely to cause confusion, or to
cause mistake or to deceive.

2 questions
1. Copyright is an intangible incorporeal right to certain literary,
scholarly, scientific and artistic productions granted by statute to the
author or creator of the work, and giving him, his heirs and assigns
copyright or economic rights, which shall consist of the exclusive right
to carry out, authorize or prevent the following acts:

a.) Reproduction of the work or substantial portion of the work;

b.) Dramatization, translation, adaptation, abridgment, arrangement
or other transformation of the work;
c.) The first public distribution of the original and each copy of the
work by sale or other forms or transfer of ownership;
d.) Rental of the original or a copy of an audio visual or
cinematographic work, a work embodied in a sound recording, a
computer program, a compilation of data and other materials or
a musical work in graphic form, irrespective of the ownership of
the original or the copy which is the subject of the rental;
e.) Public display of the original or a copy of the work;
f.) Public performance of the work; and
g.) Other communication to the public of the work. (Sec. 177,
RA8293)

2. Infringement of Patents

The tests to determine infringement are

(a) Literal infringement, and

(b) The doctrine of equivalents.
In using literal infringement as a test, resort must be had, in the
first instance, to the words of the claim. If accused matter clearly
falls under the claim, infringement is made out and that is the end
of it. To determine whether the particular item falls within the
literal meaning of the patent claims, the Court must juxtapose the
claims of the patent and the accused determine whether there is
exact identity of all material elements (Godines vs. CA, 226 SCRA
338).

The reason for the doctrine of equivalents is that to permit the

imitation of a patented invention which does not copy any literal
detail would be to convert the protection of the patent grant into a
hollow and useless thing. Thus, according to this doctrine, an
infringement also occurs when a device appropriates a prior
invention by incorporating its innovative concept and, albeit with
some modifications and change, performs substantially the same
function in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the
same result (Ibid.).

a. Literal Infringement

The making, using, offering for sale, selling or importing of a

patented product obtained directly or indirectly from a patented
process, or the use of a patented process without the
authorization of the patentee constitutes patent infringement
(Sec 76)

A patentee shall have the exclusive right to make, use and sell
the patented machine, article or product for the purpose of
industry or commerce, throughout the territory of the Philippines
for the term of the patent, and such making, using or selling by
any person without authorization of the patentee constitutes
infringement of his patent (Del Rosario vs. CA, 255 SCRA 152)

If infringement is repeated by the infringer or by anyone in

connivance with him after finality of the judgment of the court
against the infringer, the offenders shall, without prejudice to the
institution of a civil action for damages, be criminally liable (Sec
84)

b. Doctrine of Equivalents
 The doctrine of equivalents provides that an infringement also
takes place when a device appropriates a prior invention by
incorporating its innovative concept and, although with some
modification and change, performs substantially the same
function in substantially the same way to achieve substantially
the same result (Smith vs. CA, 409 SCRA 33).

The doctrine of equivalents requires satisfaction of the function-

mean-and-result test, the patentee having the burden to show
that all three components of such equivalency test are met
(Ibid.).

3. Rights over inventions

A. First to File Rule Sec 29

If two (2) or more persons have made the invention separately

and independently of each other, the right to the patent shall belong
to the person who filed an application for such invention, or where
two or more applications are filed for the same invention, to the
applicant who has the earliest filing date or, the earliest priority
date. (3rd sentence, Sec. 10, R.A. No. 165a.)

B. Inventions Created Pursuant to a Commission - Sec. 30.

30.1. The person who commissions the work shall own the
patent, unless otherwise provided in the contract.

30.2. In case the employee made the invention in the course

of his employment contract, the patent shall belong to:

(a) The employee, if the inventive activity is not a part of

his regular duties even if the employee uses the time, facilities and
materials of the employer.

(b) The employer, if the invention is the result of the

performance of his regularly-assigned duties, unless there is an
agreement, express or implied, to the contrary.

C. Right of Priority - Sec. 31.

 An application for patent filed by any person who has previously applied
for the same invention in another country which by treaty, convention, or
law affords similar privileges to Filipino citizens, shall be considered as filed
as of the date of filing the foreign application: Provided, That:

(a) the local application expressly claims priority;

(b) it is filed within twelve (12) months from the date the earliest
foreign application was filed; and

(c) a certified copy of the foreign application together with an English

translation is filed within six (6) months from the date of filing in the
Philippines. (Sec. 15, R.A. No. 165a)

4. Test of Dominancy in Trademark

Asia Brewery v. CA and San Miguel, 224 SCRA 437 [1993]

Infringement is determined by the test of dominancy rather

than by differences or variations in the details of one trademark
and of another. Similarity in size, form and color, while relevant,
is not conclusive. If the competing trademark contains the main
or essential or dominant features of another, and confusion is
likely to result, infringement takes place.

Societe Des Produits Nestle, S.A. v. CA (2001)

The totality or holistic test is contrary to the elementary

postulate of the law on trademarks and unfair competition that
confusing similarity is to be determined on the basis of visual,
aural, connotative comparisons and overall impressions
engendered by the marks in controversy as they are ncountered
in the marketplace. The totality or holistic test only relies on
visual comparisons between two trademarks whereas the
dominancy test relies not only on the visual but also on the
aural and connotative comparisons and overall impressions
between the two trademarks.
McDonalds Corporation v. L.C. Big Mak Burger, Inc., et al., 437
SCRA 10 [2004]

This Court, xxx, has relied on the dominancy test rather than the
holistic test. The dominancy test considers the dominant features
in the competing marks in determining whether they are
confusingly similar. Under the dominancy test, courts give
greater weight to the similarity of the appearance of the product
arising from the adoption of the dominant features of the
registered mark, disregarding minor differences. Courts will
consider more the aural and visual impressions created by the
marks in the public mind, giving little weight to factors like
prices, quality, sales outlets and market segments.

McDonalds Corp v MACJOY Fastfood Corp (2007)

Applying the dominancy test to the instant case, the Court finds
that herein petitioners MCDONALDS and respondents
MACJOY marks are confusingly similar with each other such
that an ordinary purchaser can conclude an association or
relation between the marks. To begin with, both marks use the
corporate M design logo and the prefixes Mc and/or Mac as
dominant features. The first letter M in both marks puts
emphasis on the prefixes Mc and/or Mac by the similar way
in which they are depicted i.e. in an arch-like, capitalized and
stylized manner. For sure, it is the prefix Mc, an abbreviation of
Mac, which visually and aurally catches the attention of the
consuming public. Verily, the word MACJOY attracts attention
the same way as did McDonalds, MacFries, McSpaghetti,
McDo, Big Mac and the rest of the MCDONALDS marks
which all use the prefixes Mc and/or Mac. Besides and most
importantly, both trademarks are used in the sale of fastfood
products. Indisputably, the respondents trademark application
for the MACJOY & DEVICE trademark covers goods under
Classes 29 and 30 of the International Classification of Goods,
namely, fried chicken, chicken barbeque, burgers, fries,
spaghetti, etc. Likewise, the petitioners trademark registration
 for the MCDONALDS marks in the Philippines covers goods
which are similar if not identical to those covered by the
respondents application.

Transportation Law

5 questions
1. Limited Liability Rule : General Average Loss

The exclusively real and hypothecary nature of maritime law operates

to limit the liability of the ship-owner to the value of the vessel, earned
freightage and proceeds of the insurance, if any No Vessel, No Liability,
rule. The total destruction of the vessel extinguishes maritime lien as there
is no longer any res to which it can attach.

The limited liability rule, however, is not without exceptions, namely:

(1) where the injury or death to a passenger is due either to the fault of the
ship-owner, or to the concurring negligence of the ship-owner and the
captain; (2) where the vessel is insured; and (3) in workmen's compensation
claims.

4 questions
1. Prescription of Claims in COGSA

Under Section 3(6) of the COGSA, the carrier is discharged from

liability for loss or damage to the cargo "unless the suit is brought within one
year after delivery of the goods or the date when the goods should have
been delivered. Jurisprudence, however, recognized the validity of an
agreement between the carrier and the shipper/consignee extending the
one-year period to file a claim.

3 questions
1. Doctrine of Inscrutable Fault

Where fault is established and it cannot be determined which vessel is at

fault, both shall be deemed to be at fault. Each vessel shall also suffer its
 own losses and both shall be solidarily liable for losses or damages on the
cargoes.

Special Laws

8 questions

Letters of Credit - are those issued by one merchant to another or

for the purpose of attending to commercial transaction.

a. Rights and obligations of parties

There are at least three parties to a letter of credit:

(1) Buyer/Exporter/Account Party one who procures the letter of credit and obliges himself to
reimburse the issuing bank upon receipt of documents of title.

(2) Issuing Bank the bank which undertakes:

(a) To pay the seller upon receipt of the draft and proper documents of title; and
(b) To surrender the documents to the buyer upon reimbursement.

The obligation of the issuing bank to pay the seller is direct, primary, absolute, definite and solidary with
the buyer, in the absence of stipulation in the letter of credit

(3) Seller/Importer/Beneficiary one who ships the goods to the buyer in compliance with a contract of
sale and delivers the documents of title and draft to the issuing bank to recover payment.

Depending on the transaction, the number of parties to the letter of credit may be increased. Thus, the
different types of correspondent banks:

* Advising/Notifying Bank the bank which conveys to the seller the existence of the credit. The bank
assumes no liability except to notify and/or transmit to the seller the existence of the letter of credit. A
notifying bank is not a privy to the contract of sale between the buyer and the seller, its relationship is
only with that of the issuing bank and not with the beneficiary to whom he assumes no liability. The
bank may suggest to the seller its willingness to negotiate, but this fact alone does not imply that the
notifying bank promises to accept the draft drawn under the documentary credit
* Confirming Bank the bank which lends credence to the letter of credit issued by a lesser known
issuing bank. The bank assumes a direct obligation to the seller and its liability is a primary one as if the
bank itself had issued the letter of credit

* Negotiating Bank the bank which discounts the draft presented by the seller.

The bank buys or discounts a draft under the letter of credit. Its liability is dependent upon the stage of
the negotiation. If before negotiation, it has no liability with respect to the seller but after negotiation, a
contractual relationship will then prevail between the negotiating bank and the seller.

* Paying Bank the bank which undertakes to encash the drafts drawn by the seller.

b. Doctrine of independence

The principle of independence assures the seller or the beneficiary of prompt payment independent of
any breach of the main contract and precludes the issuing bank from determining whether the main
contract is actually accomplished or not.

Under this principle, banks assume no liability or responsibility for the form, sufficiency, accuracy,
genuineness, falsification or legal effect of any documents, or for the general and/or particular
conditions stipulated in the documents or superimposed thereon, nor do they assume any liability or
responsibility for the description, quantity, weight, quality, condition, packing, delivery, value or
existence of the goods represented by any documents, or for the good faith or acts and/or omissions,
solvency, performance or standing of the consignor, the carriers, or the insurers of the goods, or any
other person whomsoever.

c. Doctrine of Strict Compliance

The settled rule in commercial transactions involving letters of credit requires that the documents
tendered by the seller must strictly conform to the terms of the letter of credit. Otherwise, the issuing
bank or the concerned correspondent bank is not obliged to perform its undertaking under the contract.

5 questions
1. Trust Receipts Law

Trust Receipt shall refer to the written or printed document signed by the
entrustee in favor of the entruster containing terms and conditions substantially
complying with the provisions of this Decree. No further formality of execution or
authentication shall be necessary to the validity of a trust receipt.

a. Rights of the Entruster

The following are the rights of the entruster:

A) Entitled to the proceeds from the sale of the goods, documents or

instruments;
B) Entitled to the return of the goods, documents or instruments in case of
non-sale;
C) To the enforcement of all other rights conferred on him in the trust receipt;
D) The entruster may cancel the trust and take possession of the goods,
documents or instruments subject of the trust or of the proceeds realized
therefrom at any time upon default or failure of the entrustee to comply with any
of the terms and conditions of the trust receipt or any other agreement between
the entruster and the entrustee and to sell the goods in a public sale in case of
default;
E) May purchase at the intended public sale (Sec.7, PD 115)

b. Obligation and liability of the entrustee

Obligations of the Entrustee:

The entrustee shall (1) hold the goods, documents or instruments in trust for the
entruster and shall dispose of them strictly in accordance with the terms and
conditions of the trust receipt; (2) receive the proceeds in trust for the entruster
and turn over the same to the entruster to the extent of the amount owing to the
entruster or as appears on the trust receipt; (3) insure the goods for their total
value against loss from fire, theft, pilferage or other casualties; (4) keep said
goods or proceeds thereof whether in money or whatever form, separate and
capable of identification as property of the entruster; (5) return the goods,
documents or instruments in the event of non-sale or upon demand of the
entruster; and (6) observe all other terms and conditions of the trust receipt not
contrary to the provisions of this Decree. (Sec. 9, PD 115)

Liability of the Entrustee:

The risk of loss shall be borne by the entrustee. Loss of goods, documents or
instruments which are the subject of a trust receipt, pending their disposition,
irrespective of whether or not it was due to the fault or negligence of the
entrustee, shall not extinguish his obligation to the entruster for the value thereof.
(Sec. 10, PD 115)

c. Remedies Available

Q: What are the remedies available to the entruster against the entrustee?

ANS: If the entrustee did not comply with his obligations, he shall have the
following liability:

A) Criminal liability for ESTAFA under both the TRL and the RPC;
B) Liable for DAMAGES under Art. 33 of the NCC, without need of proving intent
to defraud because it is malum prohibitum (Prudential Bank vs. IAC, GR 74886,
December 8, 1992).

Q: What are the remedies available to the entrustee if he has been criminality
charged even though he compliedwith his obligations?

ANS: The following are the remedies of the entrustee:

A) If the entrustee complied with his obligation before there has been a criminal
charge no criminal liability
B) If the entrustee complied with his obligation after there has been a criminal
charge but before conviction extinguishment of criminal liability

d. Liabilities for estafa

The failure of an entrustee to turn over the proceeds of the sale of the goods,
documents or instruments covered by a trust receipt to the extent of the amount
owing to the entruster or as appears in the trust receipt or to return said goods,
documents or instruments if they were not sold or disposed of in accordance with
the terms of the trust receipt shall constitute the crime of estafa, punishable under
the provisions of Article Three hundred and fifteen, paragraph one (b) of Act
Numbered Three thousand eight hundred and fifteen, as amended, otherwise
known as the Revised Penal Code. If the violation or offense is committed by a
corporation, partnership, association or other juridical entities, the penalty
provided for in this Decree shall be imposed upon the directors, officers,
employees or other officials or persons therein responsible for the offense, without
prejudice to the civil liabilities arising from the criminal offense. (Sec. 13, PD 115)

In order that the respondents "may be validly prosecuted for estafa under Article
315, paragraph 1(b) of the Revised Penal Code,35 in relation with Section 13 of the
Trust Receipts Law, the following elements must be established:

(a) They received the subject goods in trust or under the obligation to sell the
same and to remit the proceeds thereof to [the trustor], or to return the goods if
not sold;

(b) They misappropriated or converted the goods and/or the proceeds of the sale;

(c) They performed such acts with abuse of confidence to the damage and
prejudice of Metrobank; and

(d) Demand was made on them by [the trustor] for the remittance of the proceeds
or the return of the unsold goods." (Land Bank of the Philippines vs. Lamberto
Perez, GR 166884, June 13, 2012)

2. Anti-Money Laundering Act (RA 10365)

a. Covered institutions

1. Banks
2. Nonbanks
3. Quasibanks
4. Trust entities
5. All other institutions, their subsidiaries and affiliates supervised or regulated by
BSP
6. Insurance companies and all other institutions supervised and regulated by the
Insurance Commission
7. Securities dealers, brokers, salesmen, investment houses and other similar
entities managing securities or rendering services as investment agent, advisor, or
consultant
8. Mutual funds, closedend investment companies, common trust funds, pre need
companies and other similar entities
9. Foreign exchange, corporations, money changers, money payments, remittance
and transfer companies and other similar entities; and
10. Other entities administering or otherwise dealing in currency, commodities or
financial derivatives based thereon, valuable objects, cash substitutes, and other
similar monetary instruments or property supervised or regulated by SEC. (Sec.3,
R.A. 9160, as amended)

b. Covered Transactions

These are single transactions in cash or other equivalent monetary instrument

involving a total amount in excess of 500,000.00 within 1 banking day.

Note: These transactions are required to be reported to the Anti Money Laundering
Council.

c. Suspicious Transactions

Transactions regardless of amount, where any of the following circumstances exists:

1. No underlying legal or trade obligation, purpose or economic justification;

2. Client not properly identified;

Note: Numbered peso and foreign currency non-checking accounts are allowed as long as the client is
properly known or identified. (Rule 9.1.g of RA9194 as amended)

3. Amount involved is not commensurate with the business or financial capacity of the client;

4. Clients transaction may be perceived to be structured in order to avoid being the subject of reporting
under the AMLA;

5. Transaction which is observed to deviate from the profile of the client or the clients past transaction
with the covered institution;

6. Transaction is in any way related to an unlawful activity, money laundering activity or offense under
AML that is about to be, is being or has been committed; or

7. Analogous transactions.

d. Unlawful activities or predicate crimes

These refer to any act or omission or series or combination thereof involving or having direct relation to
the following:

1. Kidnapping for ransom;

2. Drug trafficking and related offenses under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002;
3. Graft and corrupt practices;
4. Plunder;
5. Robbery and Extortion;
6. Jueteng and Masiao;
7. Piracy (in the high seas, inland Philippine waters and aiding and abetting pirates and brigands)
8. Qualified theft;
9. Swindling;
10. Smuggling;
11. Violations under the Electronic Commerce Act of 2000;
12. Hijacking and other violations under R.A.6235, destructive arson, and murder, including those
perpetrated by terrorists against non-combatant persons and similar targets;
13. Fraudulent practices and other violations under the Securities and Regulation Code of 2000;
14. Felonies or offenses of a similar nature that is punishable under the penal laws of other countries.
(Sec. 3(i) R.A. 9160, as amended)

e. Authority to inquire into bank deposits

GR: Only upon order of any competent court in cases of violation of R.A. 9160, as amended.

XPN: No need of court order in cases of (KHDAM)

1. Kidnapping;
2. Hijacking;
3. Drugs;
4. Arson;
5. Murder. (Sec. 11 R.A. 9160, as amended)

3 questions
1. Bulk Sales Law covered transactions; obligations of vendor

A. COVERED TRANSACTIONS
Any sale, transfer, mortgage, or assignment
1. of goods other than in ordinary course of business
2. of all or substantially all of business
3. of all or substantially all of fixtures and equipments

B. OBLIGATION OF VENDOR

Duty of seller to perform the following when transaction is within the coverage of law:
1. Make sworn statement of listing of creditors
2. Delivery of sworn statement to buyer
3. Apply the proceeds pro-rata to claims of creditors shown in verified statement
4. Written advance disclosure to creditors