G.R. No.

87416 April 8, 1991

Cecilio De Villa v. Court of Appeals


Cecilio De Villa was charged with violation of Batas Pambansa (B.P.) Bilang 22 or the Bouncing Checks Law at the
Makati City Regional Trial Court - Branch 145. De Villa allegedly issued a check to Roberto Z. Lorayez on April 3, 1987
in the municipality of Makati, Metro Manila. The accused well knew that at the time of his issuance of the check
amounting to U.S. $2,500.00 equivalent to P50,000.00, there were no sufficient funds in his account. Nevertheless,
De Villa argues that there was no offense committed since the check involved was payable in dollars which is not a
currency unit of the Philippines.

Issue:
Whether or not De Villa should be held liable in violation of B.P. No. 22?


Ruling:
Yes. The law does not distinguish the currency of the checks that are covered by the law. Therefore, the court shall
also not distinguish whether the check is of foreign currency or not. The petition of De Villa is dismissed.