Types of Cooperative Membership

An associate member is entitled to all the rights and privileges of membership.

An associate member can be considered a regular member if they continue to patronize the cooperative for two years and fulfill the minimum requirements of regular membership.

A government officer or employee of the Authority can be elected or appointed to any position in a cooperative.

A cooperative may have three kinds of members: regular members, associate members, and honorary members.

All elective officials of the Government are eligible to become officers and directors of cooperatives.

The disqualification of elective officials to become officers and directors of cooperatives extends to party list representatives.

Government employees are not allowed to use official time for attendance at cooperative meetings or events.

An applicant for membership is automatically deemed a member upon application.

The general assembly has the authority to decide appeals on membership applications.

Members are not liable for the debts of the cooperative.

A withdrawing member is not entitled to a refund of his share capital contribution.

The death or insanity of a member is not considered a valid ground for termination of membership.

Membership in the cooperative cannot be terminated by a vote of the majority of all the members of the board of directors.

A member can only be terminated from the cooperative for non-compliance with obligations.

The majority vote requirement for termination of membership is not specified in the text.

The next-of-kin may not assume the duties and responsibilities of a deceased agrarian reform beneficiary-member in a cooperative.