Case Summary (G.R. No. 125837)
Factual Background
Lino Litonjua, an employee of Jean M. Poizat, presented a forged check purportedly signed by Poizat for the collection of funds. The check was so well forged that it nearly passed scrutiny according to John Martin, the assistant cashier. Accompanying the forgery was a note requesting sixty bank notes of fifteen dollars each, which was suspicious as such a denomination was not in circulation. Following the presentation of the check, Poizat was informed by the bank and denied any affiliation with the signature on both the check and the note.
Evidence of Forgery
Upon arrest, Lino Litonjua was found in possession of documents including a paper with Poizat's signature traced inversely, a certificate of good conduct purportedly issued by Poizat, and relevant check stubs. The investigation revealed conclusive evidence against Litonjua, clearly indicating his involvement in the forgery.
Incriminating Statements and Acquittal
Cirilo Santiago was implicated through statements made by Litonjua, who claimed that Santiago had provided him with the forged check. The court scrutinized the handwriting similarities but concluded that the resemblance between Santiago's authentic writing and the forged check did not provide sufficient proof that Santiago was complicit in the forgery. Therefore, the courts found Litonjua guilty based on substantial evidence, while Santiago’s involvement was deemed inconclusive.
Judgment and Sentences
The court affirmed the lower court's judgment concerning Lino Litonjua, sentencing him to ten years of "depres
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Case Overview
- The case at hand involves the forgery of the signature of "Jean M. Poizat" on a check that was part of a legitimate checkbook.
- The check was presented for collection by Lino Litonjua, an employee of Mr. Poizat.
- The assistant cashier of the Guaranty Trust Company of New York, Mr. John Martin, described the forgery as a "good imitation," although it had subtle differences that raised suspicion.
- The presentation of the check was accompanied by a note requesting sixty bank notes of fifteen dollars each, a denomination that was not issued by the bank.
Key Facts
- The signature of Jean M. Poizat was perfectly imitated on the forged check, allowing it to potentially pass as genuine during busy business hours.
- Upon notification from the bank, Mr. Poizat did not recognize either the signature on the check or the note.
- When arrested, Litonjua was found with a paper on which Mr. Poizat's signature had been traced, as well as a certificate of good conduct reportedly issued by Mr. Poizat.
- Additional incriminating documents were found in Litonjua's possess