Cooperative By-Laws?

By- laws should are the set of rules that determines how a cooperatives is to be run without confusion.

In general, by-laws should be consistent with the provisions of the Cooperative Code of the Philippines (RA 6938). The by-laws
include:
• The qualifications for membership; how they are acquired, maintained and lost;
• The rights and obligations of members;
• The condition for transfer of a share of interest;
• The rules and procedures covering agenda, time, place, and manner of calling, covering , conduct meeting, quorum
requirements, voting system, and other, matters related to the business affairs of the general assembly, board of
directors, and committees;
• The general conduct of the affairs of the cooperative , including the powers and duties of the general assembly, board of
directors, committees and the officers, and their qualifications and disqualifications;
• The manner in which capital may be raise and purpose for which it can be utilized;
• The mode of custody and investment of net surplus;
• The accounting and auditing systems.
• The manner and limitations of loaning and barrowing, including limitations;
• The methods of distribution of net surplus;
• The manner of adopting, amending, repealing, and abrogating by-laws;
• A conciliation or mediation mechanism for the amicable settlement of disputes among members, directors, officers and
committees; and
• Other matter pertaining to the purpose and activities of the cooperative.
What does The Article of Cooperation contain?

The Article of Cooperation is a duly notarized document that legally binds all the signatories in the formation of a cooperative.

It should contain:
• The name of the cooperative which shall include the word " cooperative, " e.g. Sta. Maria Multi-Purpose Cooperative;
• The purpose of the cooperative and scope of business;
• The term of existence of the cooperative (not more than 50 years);
• The area of operation and the postal address of the registrants;
• The common bond of membership;
• The list of names of the directors who shall manage the cooperative; and
• The amount of its share capital, the names, and residences of its contributors and a statement of whether the
cooperative is primary, secondary of tertiary in accordance with Article 23 of R.A 6938.