Towne & City Development Corporation v. Court of Appeals

Summary

This case involves a construction contract dispute where Towne & City Development Corporation was sued by contractor Guillermo Voluntad for unpaid services totaling P1,041,359.00. Towne & City claimed full payment through vouchers and testimony, while Guillermo alleged substantial non-payment. The courts consistently ruled that vouchers alone do not constitute proof of payment, distinguishing them from receipts which are written acknowledgments of money received. The Supreme Court emphasized that payment by check requires actual encashment under Article 1249 of the Civil Code and that the case involved questions of fact inappropriate for Rule 45 review. The decision clarifies important principles regarding evidence of payment in contractual obligations, particularly the distinction between vouchers and receipts in commercial transactions.