By Robert Jian Melchor
On 9 of November 2020, REX Book Store Inc. (RBSI) held an online book launch and lecture via Zoom, for their newly released title covering the Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines. Attended by professors, lawyers and law students from various schools, host Dianne Formoso of Rex Book Store Incorporated (RBSI) introduced the book, titled Comments and Jurisprudence on the Revised Corporation Code as well as the authors; the powerhouse couple of Atty. Timoteo Aquino (law professor, pre-bar reviewer and MCLE lecturer) and Atty. Maria Margaret Bernadette A. Aquino (former Assistant VP of the Legal Department and International Banking Sector of the Philippine National Bank). Atty. Timoteo Aquino is also a member of the SBCA-SOL faculty. He teaches Negotiable Instruments Law and Commercial Law Review.
Preceded by the Revised Corporation Code Of The Philippines: A Short Introduction, which was also written by the co-authors and published by RBSI, the new textbook aims “to contribute to the study of the regulatory norms in Philippine corporation law by providing notes and commentaries on the provisions of the Revised Corporation Code, SEC opinions and jurisprudence as well,” according to Ms. Danda Crimelda I. Buhain, Chief External Affairs Officer, RBSI.
Atty. Maria Margarette Bernadette Aquino mentioned that they were emboldened by the positive reception of their previous work. Thus, they proceeded to write another book, the manuscript for which was completed before the issuance of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) circulars applying the Revised Corporation Code, but was finished after the issuance of said circulars. “My husband’s book ‘Philippine Corporate Law Compendium’ as well as our previous book served as the foundation of this new work.” she said. For his part, Atty. Timoteo Aquino provided a brief overview of the book. He also thanked the staff and employees of RBSI for their continuous support throughout the years.
The couple described the challenges and struggles of publishing their work during the global pandemic, limiting them both to online writing and correspondence with the RBSI. Both also related having to juggle their priorities and responsibilities as Atty. Timoteo Aquino is also busy with other projects with RBSI, such as writing and revising new editions of his previous works in the field of Mercantile Law and Civil Law. “My husband also had to revise ‘The Essentials of Credit Transactions’ and ‘The Essentials of Transportation and Public Utilities Law’ while writing our new book,” Atty. Maria Margarette Bernadette Aquino said.
Atty. Timoteo Aquino also held mini-lecture on Commercial Law, regarding basic economic units, business organizations, what comprises Corporation Law and the like, as well as on topics of the Old Commercial Code which the co-authors identified as main problem areas.
In sum, the esteemed spouses agree that their new publication would be a good resource on Corporation Law for lawyers and non-lawyers alike. “If this book leads to a better understanding and a more in-depth discussion of Corporation Law, then we would have achieved our goal.” said Atty. Margarette Aquino.
The book is now available in REX Book Stores nationwide and can be ordered online through this link.◾