Mr. Benigno E. Serafica

August 10, 1998 Mr. Benigno E. Serafica 30 Damascus St., BF Homes 1700 Paraaque, Metro Manila S i r : This refers to your letter dated August 4, 1998 inquiring whether or not a regular member of the Philippine Association of Realtors Boards, Inc. (PAREB), if physically present, can vote or be voted for at the " annual general membership meeting " which will be held during the " national convention " of the Association, even without paying the registration/convention fees . As stated, PAREB annually holds a " national convention " lasting for four days. During the national convention, the annual " general membership meeting " for the election of the Board of Directors is being held, usually in the afternoon of the third day. There are regular members who cannot attend the four-day national convention due to time constraints or wish to save on convention fees and hotel accommodation, but nevertheless wish to exercise their right to vote and be voted for at the annual general membership meeting. Hence, the above query. There is nothing in the Corporation Code which authorizes, expressly or impliedly, the payment of registration fees for the attendance in the annual meeting for the election of directors as a condition for the exercise of the right to attend, vote or be voted for. Your query is, therefore, answered in the affirmative. prLL Very truly yours, (SGD.) DANILO L. CONCEPCION Associate Commissioner