Facts:

• Emilio Bedoya was the defendant, and the United States was the plaintiff.
• On May 18, 1908, Bedoya received goods valued at P1,312.40 from The Schweiger Import and Export Company on a commission basis.
• He was required to account for the goods within thirty days but failed to return them or make payment.
• Allegations of estafa (fraud) were made against Bedoya.
• Evidence included testimonies from Guamis & Co. and Sprungli & Co., indicating Bedoya misrepresented his intentions.
• Guamis & Co. found Bedoya selling undershirts at a lower price through a third party, while Sprungli & Co. discovered he had not opened a store as claimed.
• An invoice and a bill of exchange were presented as evidence of Bedoya's obligation.
• Bedoya admitted to receiving the goods but claimed they were on credit, not commission.
• The trial court convicted him, sentencing him to two years and three months of imprisonment, ordering restitution, and imposing costs.
• Bedoya appealed the decision.

Issue:

• (Unlock)

Ruling:

• The court ruled that the contract was a commission agreement, supported by Bedoya's written admission.
• Bedoya did not fulfill his obligation to pay for the goods, as the draft he provided was not honored, thus upholding the charge of estafa...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The court's decision focused on the interpretation of the contract between Bedoya and The Schweiger Import and Export Company.
• Bedoya's acknowledgment of receiving the goods on a commission basis established his obligation to return unsold goods or pay for those sold within the specified time.
• The delivery of a draft as payment does not constitute actual payment unless c...continue reading