Anita Chua v. People

Summary

The Supreme Court affirmed the conviction of Anita Chua for estafa under Article 315(2)(d) of the Revised Penal Code. Chua issued twelve postdated checks totaling P50,848.93 to pay for imported goods she purchased from Araceli Estigoy in late 1982. All checks were dishonored due to insufficient funds or account closure. The trial court and Court of Appeals rejected her defense that the checks were issued as collateral or accommodation, finding the evidence clearly showed they were intended as payment for goods received. The Supreme Court denied her petition, ruling that all elements of check estafa were proven: issuance of checks in payment of obligation, insufficient funds at time of issuance, and resulting damage to the payee. The case demonstrates the criminal liability arising from issuing unfunded checks in commercial transactions, regardless of claims that they were mere accommodation or collateral.