Title
Supreme Court
Penalizing issuance of checks without funds
Law
Batas Pambansa Blg. 22
Decision Date
Apr 3, 1979
The Bouncing Checks Law penalizes individuals in the Philippines who issue checks without sufficient funds or credit, with imprisonment or a fine, and establishes rules for evidence and liability.

Law Summary

Prima Facie Evidence of Knowledge of Insufficient Funds

  • Dishonor of a check due to insufficient funds within 90 days from its date is prima facie evidence of the issuer's knowledge of insufficiency.
  • The issuer may rebut this presumption by paying the holder within 5 banking days after notice or making full payment arrangements with the drawee bank.

Duties of the Drawee Bank; Evidence in Prosecution

  • Drawee banks must indicate clearly on dishonored checks or notices the reason for refusal to pay.
  • Insufficiency of funds or credit must be explicitly stated.
  • Such evidence is prima facie proof of issuance, presentation, and valid dishonor of the check.
  • Even if a stop payment order is received, the bank must state insufficiency if it is the factual reason for dishonor.

Definition of Credit

  • "Credit" refers to any arrangement or understanding with the bank that assures payment of the check.

Interaction with the Revised Penal Code

  • Prosecution under this law does not preclude liability under the Revised Penal Code for related offenses.

Separability Clause

  • If any part of the Act is declared unconstitutional, other provisions remain effective.

Effectivity of the Act

  • The Act takes effect fifteen days after its publication in the Official Gazette.

Analyze Cases Smarter, Faster
Jur is a legal research platform serving the Philippines with case digests and jurisprudence resources. AI digests are study aids only—use responsibly.