Philippine Cooperative Code of 2008 (R.A.9520).

This Code defines cooperatives as 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 (Art.3). It is the declared policy of the State to foster the creation and growth of cooperatives as a practical vehicle for promoting self-reliance and harnessing people power towards the attainment of economic development and social justice. The Government and all its branches, subdivisions, instrumentalities and agencies shall ensure the provision of technical guidance, financial assistance and other services to enable said cooperatives (Art.2). A cooperative may be organized and registered for any or all of the purposes as prescribed in Art. 6, including: To generate funds and extend credit to the members for productive and provident purposes; To encourage among members systematic production and marketing; To provide goods and services and other requirements to the members; To develop expertise and skills among its members; To acquire lands and provide housing benefits for the members; etc.
The Code further makes provisions, inter alia, for: the types of cooperatives, their establishment, registration, capital, membership, tax treatment, auditing, offences and penalties.