RFBT-05 (Partnerships)
RFBT-05 (Partnerships)
RFBT-05 (Partnerships)
LAW ON PARTNERSHIPS
CONTRACT OF PARTNERSHIP, IN GENERAL
PARTNERSHIP is a contract whereby two or more persons bind themselves to contribute money, property or industry to a
common fund, with the intention of dividing the profits among themselves, or in order to exercise a profession.
CHARACTERISTICS:
1. Consensual – it is perfected by mere consent or the meeting of minds between parties (Art. 1305).
2. Bilateral or Multilateral – it is entered into between two or more persons;
3. Nominate – it is designated by a specific name and there are specific rules applicable only to it;
4. Principal – its existence does not depend on the existence of another contract;
5. Onerous – certain contributions have to be made to become a partner;
6. Preparatory – in the sense that after it has been entered into, other contracts essential in the carrying out of its purposes
can be entered into.
Principles applicable: There must be Affectio Societatis – the desire to formulate an ACTIVE union with people among
whom there exist mutual confidence and trust.
In connection thereto, the principle of Delectus Personae (Personal Choices), which pertains to the right to choose who to
associate with, is also applicable.
PURPOSE: can either be for the intention of dividing the profits among themselves, or in order to exercise a profession.
Nevertheless, it is required that a partnership must have a LAWFUL object or purpose, otherwise it may be declared dissolved
by judicial decree, and the profits shall be confiscated in favor of the state. (Art. 1770)
PARTNERSHIP CORPORATION
Creation Voluntary agreement of parties. Created by the state in the form of a special charter
or by a general enabling law (The Corporation Code)
Number of Two or more Not more than 15
Organizers
Existence No time limit except agreement of parties With perpetual existence
Liability of may extend to private property. Liable only upto their capital contributions
owners
Transferability All partners need to consent to the transfer of Does not need the consent of the other stockholders.
of interest interest to another.
Ability of owners Generally, partners acting on behalf of the Generally, stockholders cannot bind corporations
to bind the firm partnership are agents thereof; since its official acts are through a board of directors
Remedies in A partner can sue another partner who A stockholder cannot sue a director who
case of mismanages mismanages, it must be in the name of the
mismanagement corporation, through a derivative suit.
Nationality A partnership is a national of the country where Generally, under whose laws it was created as to
it was created, and dependent on percentage of whether domestic or foreign, and as to nationality,
ownership. on the ownership of the outstanding capital stock.
Legal from the time the contract begins Generally from issuance of COR.
Personality
Right of None. Death, retirement, insolvency, civil Yes. Such causes do not dissolve a corporation.
Succession interdiction, or insanity of a partner dissolves
the partnership.
SEPARATE JURIDICAL PERSONALITY: The partnership has a judicial personality separate and distinct from that of each of
the partners. The partnership can, in general:
1. Acquire and possess property of all kinds;
2. Incur obligations;
3. Bring civil or criminal actions;
4. Adjudged insolvent even if the individual members be each financially solvent.
KINDS OF PARTNERSHIPS
According to OBJECT:
1. Universal:
ALL PROFITS VS. ALL PRESENT PROPERTY
In case of ambiguity: If the Articles of Universal Partnership does not specify the nature of the Universal Partnership, it
is deemed that what is constituted is only a universal partnership of profits.
Persons not allowed to form a universal partnership: those who cannot donate to each other, namely:
a. Husband and Wife (Art. 133)
b. Those guilty of adultery and concubinage (Art. 739);
c. Those guilty of the same criminal offense, if the partnership was entered into in consideration of the same (Art. 739);
2. Particular where the object are:
a. Determinate things, their use or fruits;
b. A specific undertaking, or
c. The exercise of a profession or occupation.
According to LIABILITY:
1. General where all the partners are general partners whose liability extends to their individual properties, after the assets
of the partnership have been exhausted;
2. Limited where at least one of the partners are liable only up to the extent of his contribution.
According to TERM:
1. Partnership with a fixed term or particular undertaking - upon arrival of the fixed term or fulfilment of a particular
undertaking, partnership is dissolved, and if continued, it will constitute a partnership at will and the rights and duties of
the partners remain the same, so far as is consistent with a partnership at will.
2. Partnership at will – when there is no fixed term or particular undertaking.
KINDS OF PARTNERS
ACCORDING TO CONTRIBUTION:
1. Capitalist Partners – contributes capital; and
2. Industrial Partners – furnishes industry or labor.
3. Capitalist-Industrial Partners – furnishes both.
AS TO LIABILITY:
1. General Partners - liable upto his personal assets.
2. Limited Partners – liable upto his capital contributions only.
OTHER KINDS OF PARTNERS:
1. Silent Partner – one who does not participate in the management of the partnership
2. Secret Partner – one who is not known to third persons as a partner
3. Dormant Partner – one who is both a silent and secret partner
4. Ostensible Partner – direct opposite of a dormant partner or one who participates in the management and is known to
third parties as a partner.
5. Managing Partner – one who undertakes the management of the partnership.
6. Liquidating Partner – one who undertakes the winding-up of partnership affairs after its dissolution.
7. Incoming Partner – one who is admitted to the partnership after it has already been constituted.
5. SOLIDARY LIABILITY FOR TORTS/QUASI-DELICT: Where, by any wrongful act or omission of any partner acting
in the ordinary course of the business of the partnership or with the authority of co-partners, loss or injury is
caused to any person, not being a partner in the partnership, or any penalty is incurred, the partnership is liable therefor
to the same extent as the partner so acting or omitting to act.
6. SOLIDARY LIABILITY FOR MISAPPROPRIATION: The partnership is bound to make good the loss, in two situations:
a. Pertains to partner as receiver: Where one partner acting within the scope of his apparent authority receives money
or property of a third person and misapplies it.
b. Pertains to partnership as receiver: Where the partnership in the course of its business receives money or property of
a third person and the money or property so received is misapplied by any partner while it is in the custody of the
partnership.
In both 5 and 6 above, all partners are solidarily liable with each other and the partnership.
7. PARTNER BY ESTOPPEL:
a. One who represents himself as a partner of an existing partnership with or without consent of the partnership:
i. When the partnership consented – a partnership by estoppel is created between the original members and the
deceiver. A partnership liability results.
ii. When the partnership did NOT consent – deceiver becomes a partner by estoppel where he is liable as a partner
but does not acquire the rights thereof. No partnership liability exists. Only those who consented shall be liable.
b. One who represents himself as a partner of a NON-existent partnership. Liability of parties is pro rata, since there is
no partnership liability.
This applies whenever the third person is misled by the representation.
8. LIABILITY OF NEW (or INCOMING) PARTNER:
a. Debts incurred prior to admission: liable upto his contribution (Except if there is stipulation)
b. Debts incurred after admission: liable upto his personal assets.
RIGHTS OF A PARTNER
1. Right to share in the profits
DISTRIBUTION OF PROFITS:
a. In accordance with the agreement as to the distribution of profits;
b. If there was no such agreement, in proportion to contribution and the industrial partner shall receive such share as
may be just and equitable.
DISTRIBUTION OF LOSSES:
a. In accordance with agreement as to distribution of losses;
b. If there was no agreement as to losses, same proportion as to the agreement as to profits;
c. If no agreement as to losses and profits, in proportion to contribution but the industrial partner shall not be liable for
losses.
MANAGING PARTNER in the ARTICLES OF PARTNERSHIP: May execute all acts of administration, in good faith, even
with opposition from the other partners;
The power to execute all acts of administration can only be revoked if (a) with just or lawful cause; and (2) by a vote of
the partners representing the controlling interest.
MANAGING PARTNER AFTER PARTNERSHIP HAS BEEN CONSTITUTED: The power as manager may be revoked by
a vote of the partners representing the controlling interest EVEN WITHOUT just or lawful cause.
ii. MULTIPLE MANAGING PARTNERS:
1) With stipulation that no Managing Partner may act without the consent of the others – no one can perform an act of
administration without the others’ consent.
2) With Specification of Duties – each Managing Partner can perform an act of administration within their respective
duties.
3) Without specification of their respective duties, or without a stipulation that one of them shall not act without the
consent of all the others:
a) Each managing partner may separately execute all acts of administration;
b) Should one of the managing partners oppose the act of another, the matter shall be decided by a majority of the
managing partners per head count;
c) Should there be a tie in the votes of the managing partners, the controlling interest of ALL the partners shall
prevail.
iii. NO MANAGING PARTNER; WITH STIPULATION THAT NO PARTNER CANNOT ACT WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF
PARTNERS: the concurrence of all shall be necessary for the validity of the acts, and the absence or disability of any one
of them cannot be alleged.
Except: if there is imminent danger of grave or irreparable injury to the partnership.
iv. NO AGREEMENT AS TO MANAGEMENT OF PARTNERSHIP:
All the partners shall be considered agents and whatever any one of them may do alone shall bind the partnership,
without prejudice to the provisions of Article 1801 (on Multiple Managing Partners)
Note, however, that the limited partner may nevertheless demand the return of his contribution:
i. After he has six months' notice in writing to all other members, if no time is specified in the certificate, either for the
return of the contribution or for the dissolution of the partnership; or
ii. On the dissolution of a partnership;
The above, however, is still subject to availability of funds after partnership debts are paid.
i. The share of the profits or the other compensation by way of income which each limited partner shall receive by reason of
his contribution;
j. The right, if given, of a limited partner to substitute an assignee as contributor in his place, and the terms and conditions
of the substitution;
However, the assignee does not necessarily become a substitute limited partner.
i. Substitute Limited Partner: A Substituted Limited Partner is a person admitted to all the rights of a limited partner who
has died or has assigned his interest in a partnership: Provided:
1) All the partners consent;
2) The assignor (Limited Partner), being thereunto empowered by the certificate, gives the assignee that right.
ii. The substitute has all the rights and powers and is subject to all the restrictions and liabilities of his assignor except
those liabilities of which he was ignorant at the time he became a limited partner and which could not be ascertained
from the certificate.
1) The substitution does not release the original limited partner from liability to the partnership.
2) If the assignee does not become an substitute, he has no right to require any information or account of the
partnership books; he is only entitled to receive the share of the profits or other compensation by way of income
or the return of his contribution to which his assignor would otherwise be entitled; The assignee is still an
OUTSIDER to the Partnership.
The said certificate will be filed with the SEC and a limited partnership is formed if there has been substantial compliance in
good faith with the foregoing requirements. If such certificate is not filed, the partnership may be liable in the same manner as
a general partnership.
LIMITATIONS ON A LIMITED PARTNER:
1. A limited partner cannot be an industrial partner. His contribution must always be money or property.
2. The surname of a limited partner shall not appear in the partnership name unless:
a. It is also the surname of a general partner, or
b. Prior to the time when the limited partner became such, the business has been carried on under a name in which his
surname appeared.
3. The limited partner cannot take part in the management of the partnership.
If a limited partner contributed industry, or his name appears in the partnership name (except for the above exceptions) and/or
took part in the management of the partnership, he shall be liable as if he is a general partner.
RIGHTS OF A LIMITED PARTNER:
1. Have the partnership books kept at the principal place of business of the partnership, and at a reasonable hour to inspect
and copy any of them;
2. Have on demand true and full information of all things affecting the partnership, and a formal account of partnership affairs
whenever circumstances render it just and reasonable; and
3. Have dissolution and winding up by decree of court.
4. Receive a share of the profits or other compensation by way of income, and to the return of his contribution. However, a
limited partner shall not receive any part of his contribution until:
a. All liabilities of the partnership, except liabilities to general partners and to limited partners on account of their
contributions, have been paid or there remains property of the partnership sufficient to pay them;
b. The consent of all members is had, unless the return of the contribution may be rightfully demanded as provided in
number 5; and
c. The certificate is cancelled or so amended as to set forth the withdrawal or reduction.
5. Rightfully demand for his contribution:
a. On the dissolution of a partnership; or
b. When the date specified in the certificate for its return has arrived, or
c. After he has six months' notice in writing to all other members, if no time is specified in the certificate, either for the
return of the contribution or for the dissolution of the partnership.
6. Have his written consent or ratification be sought by the general partner/s in order to:
a. Do any act in contravention of the certificate;
b. Do any act which would make it impossible to carry on the ordinary business of the partnership;
c. Confess a judgment against the partnership;
d. Possess partnership property, or assign their rights in specific partnership property, for other than a partnership
purpose;
e. Admit a person as a general partner;
f. Admit a person as a limited partner, unless the right so to do is given in the certificate;
g. Continue the business with partnership property on the death, retirement, insanity, civil interdiction or insolvency of a
general partner, unless the right so to do is given in the certificate.
7. A limited partner may loan money and to transact other business with the partnership, subject to the following restrictions:
a. He cannot receive or hold as collateral security any partnership property;
b. He cannot receive any payment, conveyance or release from liability if at the time the assets of the partnership are
not sufficient to discharge partnership liabilities to persons not claiming as general or limited partners.
Any violation of the above restrictions would be in fraud of creditors and may thus be treated as a rescissible contract.
GENERAL-LIMIED PARTNER: A person may be a general partner and a limited partner in the same partnership, provided that
this fact is stated in the certificate.
He shall have the rights and powers and be subject to all the restrictions of a general partner. Except that, in respect of his
contribution, he shall have the rights against the other partners which he would have had if he were not also a general partner.
DISSOLUTION AND WINDING-UP
Grounds: The retirement, death, insolvency, insanity or civil interdiction of a GENERAL PARTNER dissolves the partnership.
Except: If the partnership business is continued by the remaining general partners under a right to do so as stated in the
Certificate of Limited Partnership OR with the consent of all the partners.
A limited partner may have the partnership dissolved and its affairs wound up when he rightfully but unsuccessfuly demands
the return of his contribution.
Distribution of Assets of a Limited Partnership: will be done in the following order:
1. Those owing to creditors other than partners;
2. Those owing to the limited partners, other than capital and profits;
3. Those owing to the limited partners in respect of profits;
4. Those owing to the limited partners in respect of capital;
5. Those owing to general partners other than for capital and profits;
6. Those owing to general partners in respect of profits;
7. Those owing to general partners in respect of capital.
2. First Statement: As a general rule, the partners are the agents of the partnership; hence, acts of the partners for the
account of the partnership are binding not only on the partnership but also on the partners.
Second Statement: Whatever acts the stockholders might execute for the account of the corporation, either individually or
collectively, are not binding on the corporation.
A. Only the first statement is true. C. Both statements are true.
B. Only the second statement is true. D. None of the statements is true.
4. It refers to a partnership which comprises all that the partners may acquire by their industry or work during the existence of
the partnership.
A. Universal partnership of profits C. Partnership of all present property
B. Particular partnership of profits D. Partnership of all present profits
5. It refers to partners who can be held liable for partnership obligations even to the extent of their private property.
A. General C. Capitalist
B. Limited D. Industrial
6. It refers to partners who contribute only their skill or industry to the common fund.
A. Capitalist C. Silent
B. Managing D. Industrial
9. It refers to partners who represent themselves, or consent to another or others representing them to anyone as partners
either in an existing partnership or in one that is fictitious or apparent.
A. Partners by estoppel C. Ostensible
B. Secret D. Managing
10. First Statement: If the partnership is general, it may be constituted in any form, except where immovable property or real
rights are contributed to the common fund, in which case a public instrument, to which is attached an inventory of said
property, signed by any of the partners, shall be necessary for validity.
Second Statement: If the general partnership has a capital of P3,000 or more, it must appear in a public instrument, which
shall be recorded in the office of the SEC. However, it is not necessary for its validity.
A. Only the first statement is true. C. Both statements are true.
B. Only the second statement is true. D. None of the statements is true.
11. First Statement: If the partnership is limited, it is required that the contracting parties, in addition to the
formalities prescribed for the organization of a general partnership, shall execute a certificate of limited partnership
which must be recorded in the office of the SEC.
Second Statement: The formalities for a limited partnership must be complied with, otherwise, the partnership is not limited
but general.
A. Only the first statement is true. C. Both statements are true.
B. Only the second statement is true. D. None of the statements is true.
12. If there is agreement only with respect to the profits, how shall the losses be distributed?
A. Same proportion as their share in the capital
B. Same proportion as their share in the profits
C. Partners shall meet and determine the shares.
D. No loss shall be distributed.
14. If there is no agreement as to the distribution of profits and losses, how shall the losses be distributed to the industrial
partner?
A. In proportion to what he may have contributed to the common fund
B. Just and equitable under the circumstances
C. No liability
D. Profits go to the reserve fund.
15. What is the status of an agreement whereby one or more partners shall not share in the profits and losses?
A. Void C. Voidable
B. Valid D. Unenforceable
17. Can a capitalist partner engage in a business similar to the kind of business in which the partnership is engaged?
A. Yes, if he has extra available capital.
B. Yes, if he brings with him another capitalist partner.
C. No, unless there is a stipulation to the contrary.
D. Never, as the prohibition is absolute.
18. Jean and John are partners in a certain business, Jean being the managing partner. Ruth owes Jean P50,000 and the
partnership P100,000, and both credits are demandable. Ruth pays Jean P30,000 and Jean issues a receipt in her name.
How much is Jean entitled to apply to her credit?
A. P10,000 C. P30,000
B. P20,000 D. Nothing
19. Jean and John are partners in a certain business, Jean being the managing partner. Ruth owes Jean P50,000 and the
partnership P100,000, and both credits are demandable. Ruth pays Jean P30,000 and Jean issues a receipt in the
partnership’s name. How much should Jean apply to the partnership’s credit?
A. Nothing C. P20,000
B. P30,000 D. P10,000
20. Jean and John are partners in a certain business, Jean being the managing partner. Ruth owes Jean P50,000 (more
onerous) and the partnership P100,000, and both credits are demandable. Ruth pays Jean P30,000 and Jean issues a
receipt in the partnership’s name. How much should Jean apply to the partnership’s credit?
A. Nothing C. P20,000
B. P30,000 D. P10,000
21. The management of the partnership may be vested (1) in the articles of the partnership and/or (2) after the
partnership had already been constituted.
A. 1 only C. Neither of 2
B. 2 only D. Either of 2
22. If there is no agreement on who will manage the partnership, it is vested in:
A. The partner with highest contribution
B. The partners with majority stake
C. All of the partners
D. The oldest partner
23. Ruth, Carlo, Maricel, and Dustin organized a general partnership, with Ruth and Carlo as industrial partners and Maricel,
who contributed P30,000 to the common fund, and Dustin, who contributed P10,000 to the common fund as capitalist
partners. Ruth and Carlo were both appointed managing partners without any specification of their respective duties.
When the firm commenced business operations, the 2 appointed Olive as accountant of the firm. A year later, Ruth decided
to dismiss Olive, but this was opposed by Carlo. How can the conflict between Ruth and Carlo be resolved?
A. Dustin and Maricel will decide.
B. Ruth and Carlo will decide.
C. Maricel will decide.
D. Ruth prevails.
24. Ruth, Carlo, Maricel, and Dustin organized a general partnership, with Ruth and Carlo as industrial partners and Maricel,
who contributed P30,000 to the common fund, and Dustin, who contributed P10,000 to the common fund as capitalist
partners. Nobody was appointed managing partner. When the firm commenced business operations, the Ruth and Carlo
appointed Olive as accountant of the firm. A year later, Ruth decided to dismiss Olive, but this was opposed by Carlo. How
can the conflict between Ruth and Carlo be resolved in case of a tie?
A. Majority of the partners will decide.
B. Dustin and Maricel will decide.
C. Maricel will decide.
D. Ruth prevails.
26. Rosh, Juju and Anna formed a partnership under the where Rosh’s participation is 40%; Juju, 40%; and Anna, 20%.
Rosh and Juju would supply the entire capital. Anna would contribute her management expertise and be manager for
the first 5 years without compensation. They also agreed that Anna shall not liable for losses. Unfortunately, the
partnership became bankrupt. Who can remove Anna as manager?
A. Rosh
B. Juju
C. None
D. The partner/s with controlling interest
27. Rosh, Juju and Anna formed a partnership under the where Rosh’s participation is 40%; Juju, 40%; and Anna, 20%.
Rosh and Juju would supply the entire capital. Anna would contribute her management expertise and be manager for
the first 5 years without compensation. They also agreed that Anna shall not liable for losses. Unfortunately, the
partnership became bankrupt. What is the status of the agreement exempting Anna from losses?
A. Valid C. Voidable
B. Void D. Unenforceable
28. It refers to that moment when partnership affairs are wound up.
A. Winding up C. Termination
B. Dissolution D. Liquidation
29. When does the right of a partner to demand an accounting of the partnership business prescribes?
A. 4 years upon the dissolution of the partnership when the final accounting is done.
B. 4 years upon the dissolution of the partnership before the final accounting is done.
C. 5 years upon the dissolution of the partnership when the final accounting is done.
D. 5 years upon the dissolution of the partnership before the final accounting is done.
32. If the partnership is a general partnership, the order of payment is as follows, those owing to: (1) creditors other than
partners, (2) partners other than for capital and profits, (3) partners in respect of capital, and (4) partners in respect of
profits.
A. 1, 2, 3, 4 C. 1, 3, 2, 4
B. 1, 2, 4, 3 D. 1, 3, 4, 2
33. If the partnership is a limited partnership, the order of payment is as follows, those to: (1) creditors, in the order of
priority as provided by law, except those to limited partners on account of their contributions, and to general partners,
(2) limited partners in respect to their share of the profits and other compensation by way of income on their
contributions, (3) limited partners in respect to the capital of their contributions,
(4) general partners other than for capital and profits, (5) general partners in respect to profits, and (6) general partners
in respect to capital.
A. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 C. 1, 2, 4, 3, 5, 6
B. 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 5 D. 1, 2, 3, 5, 4, 6
34. Dissolution is caused when a specific thing, which had promised to contribute to the partnership, perishes
A. Upon the delivery
B. Before the delivery
C. After the delivery
D. After the partnership acquires ownership thereof
36. First Statement: The court can decree a dissolution if the business of the partnership can only be carried on at a loss.
Second Statement: The court can decree a dissolution if the circumstances render a dissolution equitable.
A. Only first statement is true.
B. Only second statement is true.
C. Both statements are true.
D. None of the statements is true.
37. On the application of the purchaser of a partner’s interest, dissolution is caused (1) at the termination of the specific term
or particular undertaking, or (2) at any time if the partnership was a partnership at will when the interest was assigned or
when the charging order was issued.
A. 1 only C. None of them
B. 2 only D. Both of them
38. The dissolution of the partnership terminates all authority of the managing partner or of any partner, as the case may
be, to act for the partnership, except (1) acts necessary to wind up partnership affairs, (2) acts necessary to complete
transactions begun but not then finished, and (3) acts or transactions which would bind the partnership if dissolution had
not taken place.
A. 1 and 2 only C. 2 and 3 only
B. 1 and 3 only D. All three
39. If the winding up or liquidation of partnership affairs is judicial, who has the right or duty to wind up or liquidate
partnership affairs?
A. Partner or legal representative or assignee designated by the partners
B. Partner or legal representative or assignee designated by the court
C. Managing partner
D. Notary public
40. When there is no managing partner, or even when there is, he dies, the right or duty to wind up or liquidate partnership
affairs devolves upon the (1) partners who have not wrongfully dissolved the partnership, or
(2) legal representative of the last surviving partner, not insolvent.
A. 1 only C. Any of the two
B. 2 only D. None of the two
ANSWER KEY