Law Summary
Definitions and Scope (Sections 3-4)
- Defines key terms such as "security interest," "secured creditor," "grantor," "registry," "proceeds," and "purchase money security interest."
- The Act applies to transactions securing obligations with movable collateral, excluding aircraft and ships covered by separate laws.
Creation of Security Interest (Sections 5-10)
- A security interest is created by a written security agreement signed by the parties.
- The agreement can cover future property but the security interest arises only when the grantor obtains rights.
- The description of collateral can be specific or general but must reasonably identify the collateral.
- Security interest extends to identifiable or traceable proceeds, including commingled funds under certain conditions.
- Security interest continues despite disposition (sale, lease, exchange) of collateral, unless agreed otherwise.
- Stipulations limiting the grantor's right to create a security interest in accounts receivable are void.
Perfection of Security Interest (Sections 11-16)
- Perfection is effective when a security interest is created and the secured creditor takes actions such as registry notice filing, possession, or control.
- Perfection methods include registration in the centralized Registry, possession of collateral, or control of investment property and deposit accounts.
- Proceeds automatically stay perfected if in money or similar form; otherwise, perfection for proceeds must be timely perfected by appropriate means.
- Perfection remains valid despite changes in methods used.
- Security interests can be assigned, with registrations amended accordingly.
Priority of Security Interests (Sections 17-25)
- Priority is generally based on the time of registry or perfection, not creation.
- Special rules prioritize security interests perfected by control in deposit accounts or investment property.
- Possession-based perfection in instruments or negotiable documents has priority over registry-based perfection.
- Persons providing services/materials may retain goods until paid, having priority over perfected security interests.
- Purchasers in ordinary course take collateral free of security interests unless notice was registered prior.
- Purchase money security interests have priority if timely perfected and proper notifications are provided.
- Security interests in fixtures, accessions, and commingled goods continue if the movable property can still be traced.
Registration and Registry (Sections 26-44)
- Establishes a centralized, electronic, nationwide Registry managed by the Land Registration Authority (LRA) for registering and searching security interests.
- Registered notices are public records, searchable by anyone; electronic records are official.
- Notices must identify grantors, secured creditors, collateral sufficiently, and include fees to be accepted.
- A single notice can cover multiple security agreements.
- Notices take effect upon discoverability in the Registry and remain effective unless terminated or expired.
- Amendments, continuations, and terminations of notices are governed by specific procedures, often requiring the grantor's authorization.
- Registry strictly performs administrative functions; does not verify the validity or sufficiency of information.
- Certified search reports can be issued and admitted as evidence in court.
- Secured creditors must, upon request, disclose unpaid obligations and collateral listings to grantors, with limited fees applicable.
- Fees for registration and reports are regulated to avoid undue burdens; no fee for electronic search or termination registration.
- Grantors can demand amendments or termination of notices under specified conditions, with court remedies available for non-compliance.
- Malicious or frivolous registry use or searches may lead to civil and criminal penalties.
Enforcement of Security Interest (Sections 45-54)
- Persons entitled to notification of disposition may redeem collateral by paying secured obligations plus enforcement costs.
- Higher-ranked secured creditors may take over enforcement proceedings from others.
- Secured creditors may repossess collateral without court process if allowed in the security agreement and without breaching the peace.
- If peaceful possession is not possible, expedited judicial hearing is available for obtaining possession.
- Special recovery rights include payable instructions to account debtors, possession-based enforcement of negotiable documents, and application of deposit account balances.
- Collateral may be sold or disposed of in a commercially reasonable manner, with secured creditors allowed to bid in public sales and certain private sales.
- Ten-day prior notice of disposition must be given to relevant parties, except when collateral is perishable or rapidly declining in value.
- Disposition proceeds cover expenses, secured obligations, subordinate interests, and surplus is returned to grantor; deficit remains with debtor.
- Buyers and subsequent third parties acquire free title if disposition was by secured creditor in compliance with law.
- Secured creditors may retain collateral in lieu of satisfaction of secured obligations with proper notice and consent when required.
Transitional Provisions (Sections 55-59)
- Definitions clarify terms related to existing secured creditors, prior law, prior interests, and the transitional period.
- Security interests validly created and perfected under prior laws continue during transition.
- Prior interests retain their priority if not altered post-effectivity.
- Enforcement steps begun before the law's effectivity may continue under prior law or proceed under this Act.
Congressional Oversight and Miscellaneous (Sections 60-68)
- A Congressional Oversight Committee will periodically review the implementation every five years.
- This Act supersedes conflicting laws unless otherwise specified.
- DOF, LRA, and DOJ will promulgate implementing rules within six months.
- Enforcement hearings are summary and consistent with the Act's goals.
- Funding is provided from special LRA revenues, no additional government approval needed.
- Separability clause ensures remaining provisions stand even if some are ruled unconstitutional.
- The Act repeals and modifies specified existing laws conflicting with its provisions.
- The law takes effect 15 days after publication but enforcement is conditioned upon the Registry being operational.