What is Tadena's status regarding PARAGON during the payment of the machine?

To understand Tadena's status regarding PARAGON during the payment for the machine, it's essential to consider the concepts of partnership law. Partnerships are formed based on the mutual agreement of the parties involved, which includes sharing profits, managing the business, and having a voice in decision-making.

In this scenario, if Tadena is not identified as a partner within the partnership agreement of Pacis, Ramas, and Gonzales, then he does not have any legal standing as a partner. The mere act of receiving profits does not automatically confer partnership status unless the requisite partnership elements are met. Therefore, if Tadena has not been added as a partner within the formal structure of PARAGON, he would not be viewed as a partner at any point in time.

The implications of the other options also reinforce this understanding. For instance, being a partner by estoppel would typically require that Tadena had led others to believe he was a partner, which is not suggested here. Moreover, partnership status usually cannot be retroactive upon receiving payment for a business transaction. Thus, since Tadena does not hold an actual or implied title as a partner at any time, the assertion that he is not a partner at all accurately captures his status.