Cooperatives
Cooperatives
LAW ON COOPERATIVES
COOPERATIVE: is an autonomous and duly registered association of persons, with a common bond of interest, who have
voluntarily joined together to achieve their social, economic, and cultural needs and aspirations by making equitable
contributions to the capital required, patronizing their products and services and accepting a fair share of the risks and benefits
of the undertaking in accordance with universally accepted cooperative principles.
COOPERATIVE PRINCIPLES:
ART. 4. Cooperative Principles. - Every cooperative shall conduct its affairs in accordance with Filipino culture, good values
and experience and the universally accepted principles of cooperation which include, but are not limited to, the following:
(1) Voluntary and Open Membership - Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their
services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, cultural, political or
religious discrimination;
(2) Democrative Member Control - Cooperatives are democratic organizations that are controlled by their members who
actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. Men and women serving as elected representatives,
directors or officers are accountable to the membership. In primary cooperatives, members have equal voting rights of
one-member, one-vote. Cooperatives at other levels are organized in the same democratic manner.
(3) Member Economic Participation - Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their
cooperatives. At least part of that capital is the common property of the cooperative. They shall receive limited
compensation or limited interest, if any, on capital subscribed and paid as a condition of membership. Members allocate
surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing the cooperative by setting up reserves, part of which
should at least be indivisible; benefitting members in proportion to their patronage of the cooperative's business; and,
supporting other activities approved by the membership.
(4) Autonomy and Independence - Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If
they enter into agreements with other organizations, including government, or raise capital from external sources, they
shall do so on terms that ensure democratic control of their members and maintain their cooperative autonomy.
(5) Education, Training and Information - Cooperatives shall provide education and training for their members, elected and
appointed representatives, managers, and employees, so that they can contribute effectively and efficiently to the
development of their cooperatives.
(6) Cooperation Among Cooperatives - Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative
movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.
(7) Concern for Community - Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies
approved by their members.
Separate personality: A cooperative can be likened to a corporation with a personality separate and distinct from its owner-
members.
Right of Succession: A cooperative likewise has a right of succession in the sense that heirs may inherit share capital subject
to the requirement that they are qualified to be members and signify intent to become a member.
Term: for a period not exceeding 50 years from the date of registration; may be extended for periods not exceeding 50 years,
but no extension can be made earlier than 5 years prior to the original or subsequent expiry date/dates unless there are
justifiable reasons.
Note, however, that this is no longer a similarity since a corporation now, generally, has perpetual existence under the Revised
Corporation Code.
ARTICLES OF COOPERATION: filed with the Cooperative Development Authority (Authority) which shall be signed by the
organizers and acknowledged by them if natural persons, and by the chairpersons or secretaries, if juridical persons, before a
notary public.
Economic survey: Every group of individuals or cooperatives intending to form a cooperative shall submit to the CDA a general
statement describing among other the structure and purposes of the proposed cooperative; provided, that the structure and
actual staffing pattern of the cooperative shall include a bookkeeper; provided further, that they shall not be allowed to operate
without the necessary personnel and shall also submit an economic survey, indicating therein:
1. Area of operation;
2. Size of membership; and
3. Other pertinent data in a format provided by the CDA.
Provided that a prospective member of a primary cooperative must have complete a Pre-Membership Education Seminar
(PMES).
Any newly organized primary cooperative may be registered as multi-purpose cooperative only after compliance with the
minimum requirements for multi-purpose cooperatives to be set by the CDA.
A single-purpose cooperative may transform into a multi-purpose or may create subsidiaries only after at least 2 years of
operations.
Under Article VI of CDA MC 2015-07, except for agriculture cooperatives and agrarian reform cooperatives, only those
cooperatives with a minimum paid-up capital of P100,000.00 or as required in the feasibility study, whichever is higher, may
be allowed to transform into a multi-purpose cooperative.
Under CDA MC 2011-05, this requirement shall apply to common share capital only. Should preferred share capital be provided
in the by-laws, it shall not exceed 25% of the total authorized share capital of the cooperative. No fractional shares shall be
issued for both the common and preferred share capital.
Minimum paid-up share capital: 25% of the total subscription but not less than P15,000.00 (note that for Corporations, the
minimum paid-up capital is P5,000), except for multipurpose cooperatives which should have at least P100,000.00 or as required
by the feasibility study whichever is higher.
CDA shall periodically assess the required paid-up share capital and may increase it every 5 years when necessary upon
consultation with the cooperative sector and NEDA.
Registration: A cooperative formed and organized under The Cooperative Code acquires juridical personality from the date
the Authority issues a certificate of registration under its official seal.
Approval of applications for registration: All applications for registration shall be finally disposed of by the Authority within a
period of sixty (60) days from the filing, otherwise the application is deemed approved, unless the cause of the delay is
attributable to the applicant.
Appeal in case of denial: in case of a denial of the application for registration, an appeal can be made to the Office of the
President within ninety (90) days from receipt of notice of such denial.
Failure of the Office of the President to act on the appeal within ninety (90) days from the filing thereof shall mean approval of
said application.
The minimum number of members and minimum paid-up share capital for the Secondary Category:
Registration Fee: to be paid by the proposed federation shall be 1/10 (or 10%) of the 1% of the authorized share capital or
the amount prescribed in the CDA schedule of fees, whichever is higher.
Certificate of registration: A certificate of registration issued by the CDA under its official seal shall be conclusive evidence
that the cooperative therein mentioned is duly registered unless it is proved that the registration thereof has been cancelled.
Amendment of articles of cooperation and by-laws: can only be made by 2/3 vote of all the members with voting rights
without prejudice to the right of the dissenting members to exercise their right to withdraw their membership
Division of cooperatives: Any registered cooperative may, by a resolution approved by a vote of three-fourths (3/4) of all
the members with voting rights, present and constituting a quorum, resolve to divide itself into the two (2) or more cooperatives.
The procedure for such division shall be prescribed in the regulations of the CDA: Provided, That all the requirements have been
complied with by the new cooperatives: Provided, further, That no division of a cooperative in fraud of creditors shall be valid.
TYPES OF COOPERATIVES
Closely-related definitions
Agriculture Cooperative refers to a primary cooperative which or whose members are involved/engaged in
raising/culture of plants, animals, fungi, and other living organism for productive and economic purpose and in
related activities that lead to the reduction of cost and/or value addition of outputs (Article V(a), CDA MC 2015-07);
Agrarian Reform Cooperative is one organized by marginal farmers majority of which are agrarian reform
beneficiaries for the purpose of developing an appropriate system of land tenure, land development, land consolidation or
land management in areas covered by agrarian reform;
Consumers Cooperative is one of the primary purpose of which is to procure and distribute commodities to members
and non-members;
Marketing Cooperative is one which engages in the supply of production inputs to members and markets their
products;
Producers Cooperative is one that undertakes joint production whether agricultural or industrial. It is formed and
operated by its members to undertake the production and processing of raw materials or goods produced by its members
into finished or processed products for sale by the cooperative to its members and non-members. Any end product or its
derivative arising from the raw materials produced by its members, sold in the name and for the account of the cooperative,
shall be deemed a product of the cooperative and its members;
Service Cooperative is one which engages in medical and dental care, hospitalization, transportation, insurance, housing,
labor, electric light and power, communication, professional and other services.
(1) to (5) above are already included in the definition of a service cooperative.
The list is not exclusive since under Article 23(1)(u) of RA 9520, CDA may determine other types of cooperative.
CATEGORIES OF COOPERATIVES:
1. In terms of membership:
a. Primary – The members of which are natural persons except electric cooperative, water service cooperative and other
cooperatives which the implementing rules and the Authority may allow;
b. Secondary – The members of which are primaries; and
c. Tertiary – The members of which are secondary cooperatives; and
2. A group of cooperatives can either be a:
a. Union – which shall refer to a cooperative the members of which are registered cooperatives and/or federations
organized purposely to represent the interest and welfare of all types of cooperatives at the provincial, city, regional
and national levels.
b. Federation – which refers to a cooperative the members of which are primary cooperatives doing the same line of
business.
3. In terms of territory, cooperatives shall be categorized according to areas of operations which may or may not coincide
with the political subdivisions of the country.
A federation of cooperatives may be registered by carrying out the formalities for registration of a cooperative.
Registered cooperatives may organize a federation according to the type of business activity engaged in by the cooperatives.
Cooperative Unions: Registered cooperatives and federations at the appropriate levels may organize or join cooperative
unions to represent the interest and welfare of all types of cooperatives at the provincial, city, regional, and national levels.
Cooperative unions may have the following purposes:
1. To represent its member organizations;
2. To acquire, analyze, and disseminate, economic, statistical, and other information relating to its members and to all types
of cooperatives within its area of operation;
3. To sponsor studies in the economic, legal, financial, social and other phases of cooperation, and publish the results thereof;
4. To promote the knowledge of cooperative principles and practices;
5. To develop the cooperative movement in their respective jurisdictions;
6. To advise the appropriate authorities on all questions relating to cooperatives;
7. To raise funds through membership fees, dues and contributions, donations, and subsidies from local and foreign sources
whether private or government; and
8. To do and perform such other non-business activities as may be necessary to attain the foregoing objectives.
Cooperative unions may assist the national and local governments in the latter’s development activities in their respective
jurisdictions.
LABORATORY COOPERATIVE
A cooperative organized by minors shall be considered a laboratory cooperative and must be affiliated with a registered
cooperative.
Name (Section 11 of CDA MC 2015-03): It shall include in it name the words “Laboratory Cooperative of (Name of Guardian
Cooperative)”.
MEMBERSHIP
Kinds of Membership
1. A regular member is one who has complied with all the membership requirements and entitled to all the rights and
privileges of membership.
2. An associate member is one who has no right to vote nor be voted upon and shall be entitled only to such rights and
privileges as the by-laws may provide.
Termination of Membership
1. Withdrawal for a valid reason and giving of a sixty (60) day notice to the board of directors.
Subject to the by-laws of the cooperative, the withdrawing member shall be entitled to a refund of his share capital contribution
and all other interests in the cooperative: Provided, That such fund shall not be made if upon such payment the value of the
assets of the cooperative would be less than the aggregate amount of its debts and liabilities exclusive of his share capital
contribution.
2. The death or insanity of a member in a primary cooperative and the insolvency or dissolution of a member in a secondary
or tertiary cooperative may be considered valid grounds for termination of membership: Provided, That in case of death or
insanity of an agrarian reform beneficiary-member of a cooperative, the next-of-kin may assume the duties and
responsibilities of the original member
3. Membership in the cooperative may be terminated by a vote of the majority of all the members of the board of directors
for any of the following causes:
a. When a member has not patronized any of the services of the cooperative for an unreasonable period of time as may
be previously determined by the board of directors;
b. When a member has continuously failed to comply with his obligations;
c. When a member has acted in violation of the by-laws and the rules of the cooperative; and
d. For any act or omission injurious or prejudicial to the interest or the welfare of the cooperative.
A member whose membership the board of directors may wish to terminate shall be informed of such intended action in writing
and shall be given an opportunity to be heard before the said board makes its decision. The decision of the board shall be in
writing and shall be communicated in person or by registered mail to said member and shall be appealable within thirty (30)
days from receipt thereof to the general assembly whose decision shall be final.
The general assembly may create an appeal and grievance committee whose members shall serve for a period of one (1) year
and shall decide appeals on membership termination. The committee is given thirty (30) days from receipt thereof to decide on
the appeal. Failure to decide within the prescribed period, the appeal is deemed approved in favor of the member. Pending a
decision by the general assembly, the membership remains in force.
Refund of Interest: All sums computed in accordance with the bylaws to be due from a cooperative to a former member shall
be paid to the member whose membership has been terminated either by the cooperative or by the approved transferee, as
the case may be.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The General Assembly refers to the full membership of the cooperative duly assembled for the purpose of exercising the rights
and performing all the obligations pertaining to cooperatives, and is considered the highest policy-making body of the
cooperative.
Composition: all members who are entitled to vote under the articles of cooperation and by-laws.
Meetings
Regular meeting: shall be held annually on a date fixed in the by-laws, or if so not fixed, any date within 90 days after the close
of each fiscal year.
Special meeting: whenever necessary, a special meeting of the general assembly may be called at any time by a majority vote
of the board of directors or as provided for in the by-laws. A notice in writing shall be sent one (1) week prior to the meeting
to all members who are entitled to vote.
Notice: may be done in writing, by posting or publication or through electronic means. Note, however, that notice of any meeting
may be waived, expressly or impliedly, by any member.
Except:
1. Cooperative banks: ½ plus 1 (EXCEPT: to amend the Articles and the By-Laws, which will require ¾ [Art. 99])
2. Electric cooperatives: 5% of all members entitled to vote, unless the by-laws provides otherwise
Voting system: Each member of a primary cooperative shall have only one vote.
In case of members of secondary or tertiary cooperatives, they shall have one basic vote and as many incentive votes as
provided for in the bylaws but not to exceed 5 votes.
Delegates: the votes cast by the delegates shall be deemed as votes cast by the members thereof.
Voting by proxy may be allowed by the by-laws of a cooperative other than a primary cooperative.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The direction and management of the affairs of the cooperatives shall be vested in a Board of Directors, unless the by-laws
provide otherwise.
Composition: not less than 5 but not more than 15 elected by the general assembly.
Term: 2 years (maximum term allowed as per CDA MC 2012-20)
Powers:
1. Strategic planning;
2. Direction-setting; and
3. Policy formulation
Directors: Any member of a cooperative who under the bylaws of the cooperative, has the right to vote and who possesses all
the qualifications and none of the disqualifications provided in the laws or bylaws shall be eligible for election as director.
Special director for technical knowledge: The cooperative may, by resolution of its board of directors, admit as directors, or
committee member one appointed by any financing institution from which the cooperative received financial assistance
solely to provide technical knowledge not available within its membership. Such director or committee member need not be
a member of the cooperative and shall have no powers, rights, nor responsibilities except to provide technical assistance as
required by the cooperative.
Prohibitions:
1. The members of the board of directors shall not hold any other position directly involved in the day to day operation
and management of the cooperative.
2. Any person engaged in a business similar to that of the cooperative or who in any way has a conflict of interest
with it, is disqualified from election as a director of said cooperative.
Regular meetings: In the case of primary cooperatives, regular meetings of the board of directors shall be held at least once a
month.
Special meetings of the board of directors may be held at any time upon the call of the chairperson or a majority of the members
of the board: Provided, That written notices of the meeting specifying the agenda of the special meeting shall be given to all
members of the board at least one (1) week before the said meeting.
Quorum: A majority of the members of the Board shall constitute a quorum for the conduct of business, unless the bylaws
provide otherwise.
Vacancy:
Cause of the vacancy Who will fill-up the vacancy
Expiration of the term General Assembly, in a general or special meeting called for the purpose
Other causes Board of Directors, if they still constitute a quorum
Note that for corporations, removals are filled-up only by the stockholders in the same meeting where the director was removed.
COMMITTEES
Executive committee: may be created under the by-laws and appointed by the board of directors with such powers and duties
as may be delegated to it in the by-laws or by a majority vote of all the members of the board of directors.
Committees whose members are appointed by the board of directors: all other committees
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS:
Exceptions:
1. If there is a provision in the by-laws fixing their compensation;
2. Reasonable per diems, except
a. if in the preceding calendar year, the cooperative reported a net loss or
b. had a dividend rate less than the official inflation rate for the same year.
No additional compensation other than per diems shall be paid during the first year of existence of any cooperative.
Under Section 5 of CDA MC 2013-17, the grant of compensation other than per diem to the directors shall be made only
after the adoption of a General Assembly Resolution approving such compensation.
Under Section 6, resumption of grant of per diem after a period of suspension shall not be compounded. No recovery of
per diem during the period of suspension shall be allowed.
3. By a majority vote of the members with voting rights at a regular or special general assembly meeting specifically called
for the purpose
Compensation of Officers, Committee Members and employees: The compensation of officers of the cooperative as well
as the members of the committee as well as the members of the committees may be fixed in the by-laws.
Unless already fixed in the by-laws, the compensation of all other employees shall be determined by the board of directors.
SELF-DEALING DIRECTORS: A contract entered into by the cooperative with one (1) or more of its directors is voidable, at
the option of the cooperative, unless all the following conditions are present:
1. That the presence of such director in the board meeting wherein contract was approved was not necessary to constitute
a quorum for such meeting;
2. That the vote of such director was not necessary for the approval of the contract;
3. That the contract is fair and reasonable under the circumstances; and
Where any of the first two conditions set forth in the preceding paragraph is absent, in the case of a contract with a director,
such contract may be ratified by a three-fourths (3/4) vote of all the members with voting rights, present and constituting
a quorum in a meeting called for the purpose: Provided, That full disclosure of the adverse interest of the directors involved is
made at such meeting, and that the contract is fair and reasonable under the circumstances.
Self-Dealing Officers and Committee Members: the same rule above shall apply, except in the case of an officer or committee
member, the contract shall be valid if it has been previously authorized by the general assembly or by the board of directors.
DISLOYALTY OF A DIRECTOR: A director who, by virtue of his office, acquires for himself an opportunity which should belong
to the cooperative shall be liable for damages and must account for double the profits that otherwise would have accrued to
the cooperative by refunding the same, unless his act has been ratified by a three-fourths (3/4) vote of all the members with
voting rights, present and constituting a quorum. This provision shall be applicable, notwithstanding the fact that the director
used his own funds in the venture.
USE OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION: A director or officer, or an associate of a director or officer, who, for his benefit or
advantage or that of an associate, makes use of confidential information that, if generally known, might reasonably be expected
to adversely affect the operation and viability of the cooperative, shall be held:
1. Liable to compensate the cooperative for the direct losses suffered by the cooperative as a result of the illegal use of
information; and
2. Accountable to the cooperative for any direct benefit or advantage received or yet to be received by him or his associate,
as a result of the transaction.
REMOVAL OF OFFICERS:
1. All complaints for the removal of any elected officer shall be filed with the board of directors.
2. Such officer shall be given the opportunity to be heard.
3. Majority of the board of directors may place the officer concerned under preventive suspension pending the resolution of
the investigation.
4. Upon finding of a prima facie evidence of guilt, the board shall present its recommendation for removal to the general
assembly.
5. An elected officer may be removed by three fourths (3/4) votes of the regular members present and constituting a quorum,
in a regular or special general assembly meeting called for the purpose.
6. The officer concerned shall be given an opportunity to be heard at said assembly.
OTHER OFFICERS
Accountant: The accountant or the bookkeeper of the cooperative shall be responsible for the maintenance of the
cooperative in accordance with generally accepted accounting practices. He shall also be responsible for the production of the
same at the time of audit or inspection.
Audit Committee: The audit committee shall be responsible for the continuous and periodic review of the books and records
of account to ensure that these are in accordance with generally accepted accounting practices. He shall also be responsible for
the production of the same at the time of audit or inspection.
KEEPING OF RECORDS
Each cooperative shall maintain records of accounts such that the true and correct condition and the results of the operation
of the cooperative may be ascertained therefrom at any time. The financial statements, audited according to generally accepted
auditing standards, principles and practices, shall be published annually and shall be kept posted in a conspicuous place in the
principal office of the cooperative.
Subject to the pertinent provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code and other laws, a cooperative may dispose by way
of burning or other method of complete destruction any document, record or book pertaining to its financial and
nonfinancial operations which are already more than five (5) years old except those relating to transactions which are the
subject of civil, criminal and administrative proceedings. An inventory of the audited documents, records and books to be
disposed of shall be drawn up and certified to by the board secretary and the chairman of the audit committee and presented
to the board of directors which may thereupon approve the disposition of said records.
REPORTS
1. Every cooperative shall draw up regular reports of its program of activities, including those in pursuance of their socio-civic
undertakings, showing their progress and achievements at the end of every fiscal year.
2. The reports shall be made accessible to its members, and copies thereof shall be furnished to all its members or record.
3. These reports shall be filed with the CDA within one hundred twenty (120) days from the end of the calendar year.
4. Failure to file the required reports shall subject the accountable officer/s to fines and penalties as may be prescribed by the
CDA, and shall be a ground for the revocation of authority of the cooperative to operate as such.
5. The fiscal year of every cooperative shall be the calendar year except as may be otherwise provided in the by-laws.
6. If a cooperative fails to make, publish and file the reports required herein, or fails to include therein any matter required,
the CDA shall, within fifteen (15) days from the expiration of the prescribed period, send such cooperative a written notice,
stating its non-compliance and the commensurate fines and penalties that will be imposed until such time that the
cooperative has complied with the requirements.
Audit Report:
1. The auditor shall submit to the board of directors and to the audit committee the financial audit report which shall be in
accordance with the generally accepted auditing standards for cooperatives as jointly promulgated by the Philippine
Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) and the CDA.
2. Thereafter, the board of directors shall present the complete audit report to the general assembly in its next meeting.
No liability for defamation: The auditor is not liable to any person in an action for defamation based on any act, done, or
any statement made by him in good faith in connection with any matter he is authorized or required to do pursuant to RA 9520.
Limitation on auditor as to familiarity: the external auditor, whether on his/her individual capacity or as partner of a firm,
may undertake the external audit of the concerned cooperative for not more than 5 consecutive years, provided that the
external auditor may be allowed to audit the same client after a gap of 2 years.
CDA MC 2014-02 further clarifies that the 5-consecutive-year limit shall apply to the accredited cooperative external auditor,
either as individual CPA or as partnership/auditing firm. For partnership/auditing firm, accreditation is an authority vested to
them as an organization per se and that all the partners and associates are part of the organization.
Safety of Records: Every cooperative shall, at its principal office, keep and carefully preserve the records required to be
prepared and maintained. It shall take all necessary precaution to prevent its loss, destruction or falsification.
TAX EXEMPTION
Notwithstanding the provisions of any law or regulation to the contrary, such cooperatives dealing with non-members shall
enjoy the following tax exemptions:
a. Cooperatives with accumulated reserves and undivided net savings of not more than Ten million pesos
(P10,000,000.00) shall be exempt from all national, city, provincial, municipal or barangay taxes of whatever name
and nature.
Such cooperatives shall be exempt from customs duties, advance sales or compensating taxes on their importation of
machineries, equipment and spare parts used by them and which are not available locally a certified by the department
of trade and industry (DTI). All tax free importations shall not be sold nor the beneficial ownership thereof be
transferred to any person until after five (5) years, otherwise, the cooperative and the transferee or assignee shall be
solidarily liable to pay twice the amount of the imposed tax and / or duties.
b. Cooperatives with accumulated reserves and divided net savings of more than Ten million pesos (P10,000,000.00)
shall pay the following taxes at the full rate:
i. Income Tax - On the amount allocated for interest on capitals: Provided, That the same tax is not consequently
imposed on interest individually received by members: Provided, further, That cooperatives regardless of
classification, are exempt from income tax from the date of registration with the CDA;
ii. Value-Added Tax – On transactions with non-members: Provided, however, That cooperatives duly registered with
the Authority are exempt from the payment of value-added tax subject to exemptions under Section 109 of the
Tax Code.
iii. All other taxes; and
iv. Donations to charitable, research and educational institutions and reinvestment to socioeconomic projects within
the area of operation of the cooperative may be tax deductible.
Sources of Capital
1. Member’s share capital;
2. Loans and borrowings including deposits;
3. Revolving capital which consists of the deferred payment of patronage refunds, or interest on share capital; and
4. Subsidies, donations, legacies, grants, aids and such other assistance from any local or foreign institution whether public
or private: Provided, That capital coming from such subsides, donations, legacies, grants, aids and other assistance shall
not be divided into individual share capital holdings at any time but shall instead form part of the donated capital or fund
of the cooperative.
Assignment of Share Capital Contribution or Interest: No member shall transfer his shares or interest in the cooperative
or any part thereof unless:
1. He has held such share capital contribution or interest for not less than one (1) year.
2. The assignment is made to the cooperative or to a member of the cooperative or to a person who falls within the field of
the membership of the cooperative; and
3. The board of directors has approved such assignment.
Capital Build-Up: The by-laws of every cooperative shall provide for a reasonable and realistic member capital build-up
program to allow the continuing growth of the members’ investment in their cooperative as their economic conditions continue
to improve.
Continuing Subscription: cooperatives are required
1. To adopt a policy of continuing subscription on share capital upon full payment of the initial subscription.
2. To execute subscription agreement upon admission of members and whenever additional subscription shall be made by
members upon full payment of their initial subscription.
3. Unless otherwise provided for in their bylaws, cooperatives shall issue Share Certificates at least every end of the calendar
year based on the number of shares fully paid for the said period.
a. Cooperatives are prohibited from issuing multiple types of common shares and different par value per share.
b. It is likewise prohibited for any cooperative increase/decrease the par value of the share capital by way of amending
their Articles of Cooperation and Bylaws.
Share: refers to a unit of capital in a primary cooperative the par value of which may be fixed to any figure not more than One
thousand pesos (P1,000.00). The share of capital of a cooperative is the money paid or required to be paid for the operations
of the cooperative. The method for the issuance of share certificates shall prescribed in its by-laws.
Fines: The by-laws of a cooperative may prescribe a fine on unpaid subscribed share capital. Provided, that such fine is fair
and reasonable under the circumstances.
Investment of Capital: A cooperative may invest its capital in any of the following:
1. In shares or debentures or securities of any other cooperative;
2. In any reputable bank in the locality, or any cooperative;
3. In securities issued or guaranteed by the Government;
4. In real state primarily for the use of the cooperative or its members; or
5. In any other manner authorized in the bylaws.
Revolving Capital: The General Assembly may authorize the board of directors to raise a revolving capital to strengthen its
capital structure by deferring the payment of patronage refunds and interest on share capital or by the authorized deduction of
a percentage from the proceeds of products sold or services rendered, or per unit of product or services handled. The board of
directors shall issue revolving capital certificates with serial number, name, amount, and rate of interest to be paid and shall
distinctly set forth the time of retirement of such certificates and the amounts to be returned.
NET SURPLUS:
1. Every cooperative shall determine its net surplus at the close of every fiscal year and at such other times as may be
prescribed by the bylaws.
2. It shall not be construed as profit but as an excess of payments made by the members for the loans borrowed, or the goods
and services availed by them from the cooperative or the difference of the rightful amount due to the members for their
products sold or services rendered to the cooperative including other inflows of assets resulting from its other operating
activities and which shall be deemed to have been returned to them if the same is distributed as prescribed herein.
PATRONAGE REFUNDS: the sum allocated to “patrons” or those who availed of the goods/services of the cooperative.
Member-patrons:
1. With paid-up share capital contribution, his proportionate amount of patronage refund shall be paid to him unless he
agrees to credit the amount to his account as additional share capital contribution;
2. With unpaid share capital contribution, his proportionate amount of patronage refund shall be credited to his account until
his account until his share capital contribution has been fully paid;
Non-Member patrons:
1. In the case of a non-member patron, his proportionate amount of patronage refund shall be set aside in a general fund
for such patrons.
2. It shall be allocated to individual non-member patrons only (a) upon request and (b) presentation of evidence of
the amount of his patronage.
DISSOLUTION
Dissolution is the termination of the juridical personality of the cooperative through appropriate judicial proceedings, or by an
order of the CDA, or through its own initiative.
Modes:
1. Voluntary: if initiated through the voluntary decision of the members of cooperatives
2. Involuntary: if ordered by the CDA or a competent court having jurisdiction over the cooperatives on grounds as specified
by law, and after due process
Effect: terminates the right of the cooperative to continue the business or purposes for which it was established and is bound
to wind up its affairs within the period as specified by law
Involuntary Dissolution by the Court: A cooperative may be dissolved by order of a competent court after due hearing on
the grounds of:
1. Violation of any law, regulation or provisions of its bylaws; or
2. Insolvency.
Upon receipt of final and executory decision of the court, the CDA shall issue an order to proceed with the winding up of the
affairs of the cooperative.
Involuntary Dissolution by Order of the CDA: The CDA may suspend or revoke, after due notice and hearing, the certificate
of registration of a cooperative on any of the following grounds:
1. Having obtained its registration by fraud;
2. Existing for an illegal purpose;
3. Willful violation, despite notice by the CDA, of the provisions of RA 9520 or its bylaws;
4. Willful failure to operate on a cooperative basis; and
5. Failure to meet the required minimum number of members in the cooperative.
The CDA shall send a formal notice to the said cooperative to show cause as to its failure to operate. Failure of the cooperative
to promptly provide justifiable cause for its failure to operate shall warrant the CDA to delete its name from the roster of
registered cooperatives and shall be deemed dissolved.
LIQUIDATION
1. Every cooperative whose charter expires by its own limitation or whose existence is terminated by voluntary dissolution or
through an appropriate judicial proceeding shall nevertheless continue to exist for three (3) years after the time it is
dissolved; not to continue the business for which it was established but for the purpose of prosecuting and defending suits
by or against it; settlement and closure of its affairs; disposition, conveyance and distribution of its properties and assets.
2. At any time during the said three (3) years, the cooperative is authorized and empowered to convey all of its properties to
trustees for the benefit of its members, creditors and other persons in interest.
3. From and after any such conveyance, all interests which the cooperative had in the properties are terminated.
4. Upon the winding up of the cooperative affairs, any asset distributable to any creditor, shareholder or member who is
unknown or cannot be found shall be given to the federation or union to which the cooperative is affiliated with.
5. A cooperative shall only distribute its assets or properties upon lawful dissolution and after payment of all its debts and
liabilities, except in the case of decrease of share capital of the cooperative and as otherwise allowed by this Code.
1. The minimum number of natural persons required to organize a primary cooperative is:
A. 5 B. 10 C. 15 D. 20
3. A single-purpose cooperative may transform into a multi-purpose cooperative and may create
subsidiaries only after at least:
A. 2 years of operation C. 2 years from cooperation
B. 2 years from registration D. 5 years from registration
5. A cooperative may register for a term not exceeding how many years?
A. 100 B. 50 C. 25 D. 20
6. A cooperative may apply for extension of term but such extension cannot be made earlier than __ years
prior to the original or subsequent expiry date/dates.
A. 5 B. 4 C. 3 D. 2
8. The minimum paid-up share capital of a cooperative shall be 25% of the total subscription but not less
than:
A. 3,500 C. 10,000
B. 5,000 D. 15,000
9. CDA shall periodically assess the required paid-up share capital and may increase every __ years.
A. 5 B. 4 C. 3 D. 2
10. All applications for registration shall be finally disposed of by the CDA within a period of 60 days from
the filing thereof, otherwise the application is:
A. Deemed denied C. Considered pending until final resolution
B. Deemed approved D. Returned to the applicant
11. Should the Office of the President fail to act on the appeal within the required period from the filing
thereof, it shall mean:
A. Remand of the application back to CDA C. Approval of the application
B. Conditional approval awaiting final signature D. Denial of the application
12. A certificate of registration issued by the CDA under its official seal shall be __ evidence that the
cooperative therein mentioned is duly registered.
A. Disputable C. Prima facie
B. Presumptive D. Conclusive
14. Contracts executed between private persons and cooperatives prior to the registration of the
cooperative shall be __ between the parties and upon registration of the cooperative.
A. Void C. Valid
B. Voidable D. Unenforceable
15. Any registered cooperative may resolve to divide itself into 2 or more cooperatives by a resolution
approved by a vote of __ of all the members with voting rights.
A. ¾ B. 2/3 C. ½ D. ¼
16. Any registered cooperative may resolve to merge or consolidate with another cooperative by a
resolution approved by a vote of __ of all the members with voting rights.
A. ¾ B. 2/3 C. ½ D. ¼
18. It is a cooperative that promotes and undertakes savings and lending services among its members.
A. Consumers C. Lending
B. Credit D. Finance
19. It is a cooperative the primary purpose of which is to procure and distribute commodities to members
and non-members.
A. Producers C. Procurement
B. Credit D. Consumers
21. It is a cooperative which is engaged in medical and dental care, hospitalization, transportation,
insurance, housing, labor, electric light and power, communication, professional and other services.
A. Service C. Labor
B. Health D. Professional
22. It is a cooperative which combines 2 or more of the business activities of the different types of
cooperatives
A. Bi-purpose C. Multipurpose
B. Tri-purpose D. Complex
24. It is a cooperative which is organized by marginal farmers majority of which are agrarian reform
beneficiaries.
A. Agrarian Reform C. Farmers
B. Agricultural D. Advocacy
25. It is a cooperative which is organized for the primary purpose of providing a wide range of financial
services to cooperatives and their members.
A. Financial C. Cooperative bank
B. Credit D. Lending
26. It is a cooperative whose members are engaged in the production of fresh milk which may be processed
and/or marketed as dairy products.
A. Dairy C. Poultry
B. Farmer D. Agricultural
27. It is a cooperative organized for the primary purpose of owning and operating licensed educational
institutions.
A. Training C. Academic
B. Vocational D. Education
29. It is a cooperative which is organized for the primary purpose of engaging in savings and credit services
and other financial services.
A. Financial services C. Cooperative bank
B. Credit D. Lending
30. It is a cooperative which is organized to own, operate and manage water systems for the provision and
distribution of potable water for its members and their households.
A. Water service C. Utility
B. Aquatic D. Resource
33. It represents the interest and welfare of all types of cooperatives at the provincial, city, regional and
national levels.
A. Federation C. Cooperative union
B. Managing cooperative D. Association
35. An associate who meets the minimum requirements of regular membership, continues to patronize the
cooperative for __ years, and signifies his/her intention to remain a member shall be considered a
regular member.
A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 4
38. Only for purposes of prompt and intelligent decision-making, the GA may by a __ vote of all its
members with voting rights, delegate some of its powers to a smaller body of the cooperative.
A. ¾ B. 2/3 C. ½ D. ¼
39. If not so fixed, the annual regular meeting of the GA must be held within how many days after the close
of each fiscal year?
A. 30 B. 90 C. 60 D. 45
40. Notice in writing calling for a special meeting of the GA must be sent __ prior to the meeting to all
members entitled to vote.
A. 5 days C. One week
B. 10 days D. One month
1. C 13. A 25. C 37. A
2. A 14. C 26. A 38. A
3. A 15. A 27. D 39. B
4. B 16. A 28. B 40. C
5. B 17. C 29. A
6. A 18. B 30. A
7. C 19. D 31. C
8 D 20. A 32. A
9. A 21. A 33. C
10. B 22. C 34. A
11. C 23. B 35. B
12. D 24. A 36. D