The Six Salient Features of the Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines

On February 20, 2019, the government passed the Revised Corporation Code (RCC) of the Philippines (Republic Act 11232). The revisions aim to make it easier to register and maintain a business in the country. Chief among its reforms is the creation of the One Person Corporation (OPC) and the establishment of corporate perpetuity. 

The RCC also integrates technology into the Corporation Code, allowing for remote participation, online registration and monitoring, and electronic communications for business registration and corporate compliance.

Here are the six key provisions:

#1: One Person Corporation

In the Philippines, 99% of businesses are small or micro-enterprises. With the new code, they can now register their business under a new legal structure — the One Person Corporation (OPC). Previously, at least five people were required to incorporate, forcing many MSMEs to operate as Sole Proprietorships. The new code allows a single person to form a corporation.

The primary advantage of an OPC is that a corporation has separate legal identity from the business owner. The owner is liable to the extent they invest in company shares. Personal assets are considered separate and protected from the liability of the business. 

According to SEC Chairperson, Emilio Aquino, “An OPC offers the agility and complete dominion of a sole proprietorship and the limited liability of a corporation.”

Requirements for Registering an OPC

• The suffix “OPC” must be added to the end of the corporation’s name.
• The single stockholder is the sole president/director of the OPC.
• The single stockholder may also be the company treasurer. 
• The single stockholder may not assume the position of company secretary.
• The single stockholder must appoint a nominee and alternate nominee in the case of incapacity or death.
• The OPC shall file its Articles of Incorporation with the SEC.
• An existing corporation may apply to convert to an OPC after a single stockholder acquires all outstanding stocks.

#2: Perpetuity

Coca Cola, JPMorgan, DuPont — some of the world’s most successful brands have existed for hundreds of years. However, the former Philippine code imposed a corporate lifetime of only 50 years. Companies could extend their life for periods not exceeding 50 years. 

The revised law allows corporations to exist in perpetuity unless their Articles of Incorporation provides otherwise. Business owners no longer risk their company closing down prematurely, allowing them to create long-term value and investments. 

The perpetual corporate term applies to both aspiring and existing corporations. No further paperwork is required for availment. Expired corporations can petition the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to revive their existence. The majority of the former board members or trustees must be in agreement with the revival. Corporations whose name is now being used by another company must file under a new name. Any outstanding fines and liabilities must be paid before filing. 

#3: Online Registration System

To improve access and efficiency, the SEC is transitioning to an online registration system. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has been charged with creating an online portal through which all business registrations and related licenses and authorizations can be completed.  

#4: Remote Participation and Voting in Absentia

The revised code takes advantage of modern telecommunications. Notices of board meetings may be sent electronically. Board members and trustees can use videoconferencing, teleconferencing, and other technologies to participate in board meetings remotely. Shareholders will also be allowed to vote in absentia. 

#5: Increased Security Deposit for Foreign Branch Offices

The minimum security deposit required for foreign corporations increased from Php 100,000 to Php 500,000. The deposit ensures international corporations can meet any obligations or debts incurred in the Philippines.

Six months after the end of the fiscal year, additional securities may be required if:

• The company’s gross income for the fiscal year exceeds Php 10,000,000.
• The market value of the company’s initial deposit has decreased by more than 10%. 

Corporations exempt from the security deposit include:

• Foreign banking corporations
• Foreign insurance corporations
• Foreign non-stock corporations
• Foreign corporations with established representative offices in the Philippines
• Regional headquarters, area headquarters, and regional operating headquarters of multinational companies  

#6: Corporations Vested with Public Interest

Corporations vested with public interest are subject to additional regulation. The SEC defines such corporations as:

• Those whose securities are registered with the SEC.
• Those listed with an exchange.
• Corporations with assets of at least Php 50 million and having 200 or more holders of shares.
• Financial institutions such as banks, quasi-banks, non-stock savings and loan associations, pawnshops, money service businesses, preneed, trust and insurance companies, and financial intermediaries. 

Corporations vested with public interest must elect a Compliance Officer. Additional annual reports must be filed with the SEC, such as director compensation and performance reports. Stockholders have an absolute right to vote in board elections, either remotely or in absentia. At least 20% of the board must be independent. 

Better Governance under the Revised Corporation Code

The RCC updates the old Corporation Code and makes it at par with international standards. The creation of the One Person Corporation and corporate perpetuity make it easier for foreign and Filipino entrepreneurs to enter the local market. The RCC also establishes greater protections for shareholders. 

Senate Minority Leader Frank Drilon, a sponsor of the bill stated, “The passage into law of this measure is critical in our bid to improve the country’s business climate and make our economy more competitive with the rest of the world.”

The government would like to remind all corporations that they have two years to become compliant with the law.