Commercial Law – Negotiable Instruments Law

1.       Negotiable Instruments – written contracts for the payment of money; by its form, intended as a
substitute for money and intended to pass from hand to hand, to give the holder in due course the right
to hold the same and collect the sum due.
2.       Characteristics of Negotiable Instruments:

a.       negotiability – right of transferee to hold the instrument and collect the sum due

b.       accumulation of secondary contracts – instrument is negotiated from person to person

3.       Difference between Negotiable Instruments from Non-Negotiable Instruments:

Negotiable Instruments Non-negotiable Instruments 

does not contain all the requisites of Sec. 1

Contains all the requisites of Sec. 1 of the NIL of the NIL

Transferred by negotiation transferred by assignment

Holder in due course may have better rights transferee acquires rights only of his
than transferor transferor 

Prior parties warrant payment prior parties merely warrant legality of title

Transferee has right of recourse against

intermediate parties transferee has no right of recourse 
4.       Difference between Negotiable Instruments and Negotiable Documents of Title

Negotiable Instruments Negotiable Documents of Title 

Have requisites of Sec. 1 of the NIL does not contain requisites of Sec. 1 of NIL

Have right of recourse against intermediate

parties who are secondarily liable no secondary liability of intermediate parties

Holder in due course may have rights better than transferee merely steps into the shoes of the
transferor transferor

Subject is money subject is goods

instrument is merely evidence of title; thing of

Instrument itself is property of value value are the goods mentioned in the document

5.       Promissory Note – unconditional promise to pay in writing made by one person to another, signed
by the maker, engaging to pay on demand or a fixed determinable future time a sum certain in money to
order or bearer. When the note is drawn to maker’s own order, it is not complete until indorse by him.
(Sec. 184 NIL)
Parties:

1. maker
2. payee
6.       Bill of Exchange – unconditional order in writing addressed by one person to another, signed by
the person giving it, requiring the person to whom it is addressed to pay on demand or at a fixed or
determinable future time a sum certain in money to order or to bearer. (Sec. 126 NIL)

Parties:

1. drawer
2. payee
3. drawee/ acceptor
7.       Check – bill of exchange drawn on a bank and payable on demand. (Sec. 185 NIL)
8.       Difference between Promissory Note and Bill of Exchange

Promissory Note Bill of Exchange 

Unconditional promise unconditional order

Involves 2 parties involves 3 parties

Maker primarily liable drawer only secondarily liable

generally 2 presentments – for acceptance and

only 1 presentment – for payment for payment
9.       Distinctions between a Check and Bill of Exchange

CHECK BOE

– always drawn upon a bank or banker – may or may not be drawn against a bank

– may be payable on demand or at a fixed or

– always payable on demand determinable future time

– not necessary that it be presented for – necessary that it be presented for

acceptance acceptance

– drawn on a deposit – not drawn on a deposit

– the death of a drawer of a check, with

knowledge by the banks, revokes the – the death of the drawer of the ordinary bill
authority of the banker pay of exchange does not

– must be presented for payment within a – may be presented for payment within a
reasonable time after its issue   (6 months) reasonable time after its last negotiation.
10.   Distinctions between a Promissory Note and Check

PN CHECK

– there are two (2) parties, the maker and – there are three (3) parties, the drawer, the
the payee drawee bank and the payee

– may be drawn against any person, not

necessarily a bank – always drawn against a bank

– may be payable on demand or at a fixed or

determinable future time -always payable on demand

– a promise to pay – an order to pay

11.   Other Forms of Negotiable Instruments:

a.       certificates of deposits

b.       trade acceptances

c.       bonds in the nature of promissory notes

d.       drafts which are bills of exchange drawn by 1 bank to another

e.       letters of credit

12.   Trust Receipt – a security transaction intended to aid in the financing of importers and retailers
who do not have sufficient funds to finance their transaction and acquire credit except to use as
collateral the merchandise imported
13.   Requisites of a Negotiable Note (PN): (SUDO)

It must:

a.       be in writing signed by the drawer

b.       contains an unconditional promise or order to pay a sum certain in money
c.       be payable on demand or at a fixed determinable future time
d.       be payable to order or to bearer (Sec. 1 NIL)
14.   Requisites of a Negotiable Bill (BOE): (SUDOC)

It must:

1. be in writing signed by the drawer

2. contains an unconditional promise or order to pay a sum certain in money
3. be payable on demand or at a fixed determinable future time
4. be payable to order or to bearer
5. the drawee must be named or otherwise indicated with reasonable certainty (Sec. 1 NIL)
 Notes on Section 1:

–          In order to be negotiable, there must be a writing of some kind, else there would be nothing to
be negotiated or passed from hand to hand. The writing may be in ink, print or pencil. It may be upon
parchment, cloth, leather or any other substitute of paper.

–          It must be signed by the maker or drawer. It may consist of mere initials or even numbers, but the
holder must prove that what is written is intended as a signature of the person sought to be charged.

–          The Bill must contain an order, something more than the mere asking of a favor.

–          Sum payable must be in money only. It cannot be made payable in goods, wares, or merchandise
or in property.

–          A drawee’s name may be filled in under Section 14 of the NIL

15.   Determination of negotiability

1. by the provisions of the Negotiable Instrument Law, particularly Section 1 thereof
2. by considering the whole instrument
3. by what appears on the face of the instrument and not elsewhere

*In determining is the instrument is negotiable, only the instrument itself and no other, must be
examined and compared with the requirements stated in Sec. 1. If it appears on the instrument that it
lacks one of the requirements, it is not negotiable and the provisions of the NIL do not govern the
instrument. The requirement lacking cannot be supplied by using a separate instrument in which that
requirement which is lacking appears.

16.   Sum is certain even if it is to be paid with:

a.       interest
b.       in installments
c.       in installments with acceleration clause
d.       with exchange
e.       costs of collection or attorney’s fees (Sec. 2 NIL)

17.   General Rule: The promise or order should not depend on a contingent event. If it is conditional, it
is non-negotiable.

Exceptions:
a.       indication of particular fund from which the acceptor disburses himself after payment
b.       statement of the transaction which gives rise to the instrument. (Sec. 3 NIL)
But an order or promise to pay out of a particular fund is not unconditional
 Notes on Section 3

–          The particular fund indicated should not be the direct source of payment, else it becomes
unconditional and therefore non-negotiable. The fund should only be the source of reimbursement.

–          A statement of the transaction does not destroy the negotiability of the instrument. Exception:
Where the promise to pay or order is made subject to the terms and conditions of the transaction
stated.

18.   Instrument is payable upon a determinable future time if:

a.       there is a fixed period after sight/date

b.       on or before a specified date/fixed determinable future time

c.       on or at a fixed date after the occurrence of an event certain to happen though the exact date is
not certain (Sec. 4 NIL)

Notes on Section 4

–          If the instrument is payable upon a contingency, the happening of the event does not cure the
defect (still non-negotiable)

19.   General Rule: If some other act is required other than the payment of money, it is non-
negotiable.

Exceptions:

a.       sale of collateral securities

b.       confession of judgment

c.       waives benefit of law

d.       gives option to the holder to require something to be done in lieu of money (Sec. 5 NIL)

Notes of Section 5

–          Limitation on the provision, it cannot require something illegal.

–          There are two kinds of judgements by confession: a) cognovit actionem b) relicta verificatione

–          Confessions of judgement in the Philippines are void as against public policy.

–          If the choice lies with the debtor, the instrument is rendered non-negotiable.
20.   The validity and negotiability of an instrument is not affected by the fact that:
1. it is not dated
2. does not specify the value given or that any had been given
3. does not specify the place where it is drawn or payable
4. bears a seal
5. designates the kind of current money in which payment is to be made (Sec. 6 NIL)

21.   Instrument is payable upon demand if:

a.       it is expressed to be so payable on sight or upon presentation

b.       no period of payment is stipulated

c.       issued, accepted, or endorsed after maturity (Sec. 7 NIL)

Where an instrument is issued, accepted or indorsed when overdue, it is, as regards to the person so
issuing, accepting, or indorsing it, payable on demand.

Notes on Section 7

– if the time for payment is left blank (as opposed to being omitted), it may properly be considered as an
incomplete instrument and fall under the provisions of Sec. 14, 15, or 16 depending on how the
instrument is delivered.

22.   Instrument is payable to order:

–          where it is drawn payable to the order of a specified person or

–          to a specified person or his order

It may be drawn payable to the order of:

1. a payee who is not a maker, drawer, or drawee

2. the drawer or maker
3. the drawee
4. two or more payees jointly
5. one or some of several payees
6. the holder of an office for the time being       (Sec. 8 NIL)
 Notes on Section 8

–          The payee must be named or otherwise indicated therein with reasonable certainty.

–          If there is no payee, there would be no one to indorse the instrument payable to order. Therefore
useless to be considered negotiable.

–          Joint payees in indicated by the conjunction “and”. To negotiate, all must indorse.

–          Being several payees is indicated by the conjunction “or”.

23.   Instrument is payable to bearer :

a.       when it is expressed to be so payable

b.       when payable to the person named or bearer

c.       payable to order of fictitious or non-existent person and this fact was known to drawer

d.       name of payee not name of any person

e.       only and last indorsement is an indorsement in blank (Sec. 9 NIL)

Notes on Section 9

–          “fictitious person” is not limited to persons having no legal existence. An existing person may be
considered fictitious depending on the intention of the maker or the drawer.

–          “fictitious person” means a person who has no right to the instrument because the maker or
drawer of it so intended. He was not intended to be the payee.

–          where the instrument is drawn, made or prepared by an agent, the knowledge or intent of the
signer of the instrument is controlling.

–          Where the agent has no authority to execute the instrument, the intent of the principal is
controlling

24.   The date may be inserted in an instrument when:

1. an instrument expressed to be payable at a fixed period after date is issued undated
2. where acceptance of an instrument payable at a fixed period after sight is undated (Sec. 13 NIL)

Effects:

–          any holder may insert the true date of issuance or acceptance

–          the insertion of a wrong date does not avoid the instrument in the hands of a subsequent holder
in due course
–          as to the holder in due course, the date inserted (even if it be the wrong date) is regarded as the
true date.

25.   Subsequent Holder in Due Course not affected by the following deficiencies:

a.       incomplete but delivered instrument (Sec. 14 NIL)

b.       complete but undelivered (Sec. 16 NIL)

c.       complete and delivered issued without consideration or a consideration consisting of a promise
which was not fulfilled (Sec 28 NIL)

26.   Holder in Due Course Affected by Abnormality/Deficiency:

a.       incomplete and undelivered instrument (Sec. 15 NIL)

b.       maker/drawer’s signature forged (Sec. 23 NIL)

27.   Incomplete but Delivered Instrument:

1. Where an instrument is wanting in any material particular:

a.       Holder has prima facie authority to fill up the blanks therein.

b.       It must be filled up strictly in accordance with the authority given and within a reasonable time.

c.       If negotiated to a holder in due course, it is valid and effectual for all purpose as though it was
filled up strictly in accordance with the authority given and within reasonable time. (Sec. 14 NIL)

2. Where only a signature on a blank paper was delivered:

1. It was delivered by the person making it in order that it may be converted into a negotiable
instrument
2. The holder has prima facie  authority to fill it up as such for any amount. (Sec. 14 NIL)
Notes on Section 14

–          if the instrument is wanting in material particular, mere possession of the instrument is enough
to presume prima facie authority to fill it up.

–          material particular may be an omission which will render the instrument non-negotiable (e.g.
name of payee), an omission which will not render the instrument non-negotiable (e.g. date)

–          in the case of the signature in blank, delivery with intent to convert it into a negotiable
instrument is required. Mere possession is not enough.

28.   Incomplete and Undelivered Instrument:

General Rule: Where an incomplete instrument has not been delivered, it will not, if completed and
negotiated without authority, be a valid contract in the hands of any holder against any person who
signed before delivery. (Sec. 15 NIL)

Notes on Section 15

–          it is a real defense. It can be interposed against a holder in due course.

–          delivery is not conclusively presumed where the instrument is incomplete

–          defense of the maker is to prove non-delivery of the incomplete instrument.

29.   Complete but Undelivered:

General Rule: Every contract on a negotiable instrument is incomplete and revocable until delivery for
the purpose of giving effect thereto.

a.       If between immediate parties and remote parties not holder in due course, to be effectual there
must be authorized delivery by the party making, drawing, accepting or indorsing. Delivery may be
shown to be conditional or for a special purpose only

b.       If the holder is a holder in due course, all prior deliveries conclusively presumed valid

c.       If instrument not in hands of drawer/maker, valid and intentional delivery is presumed until the
contrary is proven (Sec. 16 NIL)

Rules on delivery of negotiable instruments:

1)    delivery is essential to the validity of any negotiable instrument

2)    as between immediate parties or those is like cases, delivery must be with intention of passing title

3)    an instrument signed but not completed by the drawer or maker and retained by him is invalid as to
him for want of delivery even in the hands of a holder in due course

4)    but there is prima facie presumption of delivery of an instrument signed but not completed by the
drawer or maker and retained by him if it is in the hands of a holder in due course. This may be rebutted
by proof of non-delivery.

5)    an instrument entrusted to another who wrongfully completes it and negotiates it to a holder in due
course, delivery to the agent or custodian is sufficient delivery to bind the maker or drawer.

6)    If an instrument is completed and is found in the possession of another, there is prima facie
evidence of delivery and if it be a holder in due course, there is conclusive presumption of delivery.

7)    delivery may be conditional or for a special purpose but such do not affect the rights of a holder in
due course.
30.   General rule: a person whose signature does not appear on the instrument in not liable.

Exception:

1. one who signs in a trade or assumed name (Sec. 18)

2. a duly authorized agent (Sec. 19)
3. a forger (Sec. 23)

31.   General rule: an agent is not liable on the instrument if he were duly authorized to sign for or on
behalf of a principal.

Requisites:

1. he must be duly authorized

2. he must add words to his signature indicating that he signs as an agent
3. he must disclose his principal (Sec. 20 NIL)
Notes on Section 20

–          if an agent does not disclose his principal, the agent is personally liable on the instrument.

32.   Per Procuration – operates as notice that the agent has a limited authority to sign.

Effects:

–          the principal in only bound if the agent acted within the limits of the authority given

–          the person who takes the instrument is bound to inquire into the extent and nature of the
authority given. (Sec. 21 NIL)

33.   General rule: Infants and corporations incur no liability by their indorsement or assignment of an
instrument. (Sec. 22 NIL)

Effects:

–          no liability attached to the infant or the corporation

–          the instrument is still valid and the indorsee acquires title

34.   General rule: a signature which is forged or made without authority is wholly inoperative.

Effects:
 1. no right to retain
2. no right to give a discharge
3. no right to enforce payment can be acquired.       (Sec. 23 NIL)

Exception:

–          the party against whom it is sought to be enforced is precluded from setting up the forgery or
want of authority.

Notes on Section 23

–          Section 23 applies only to forged signatures or signatures made without authority

–          Alterations such as to amounts or like fall under section 124

–          Forms of forgery are a) fraud in factum b) duress amounting to fraud c) fraudulent impersonation

–          Only the signature forged or made without authority is inoperative, the instrument or other
signatures which are genuine are affected

–          The instrument can be enforced by holders to whose title the forged signature is not necessary

–          Persons who are precluded from setting up the forgery are a) those who warrant or admit the
genuineness of the signature b) those who are estopped.

–          Persons who are precluded by warranting are a) indorsers b) persons negotiating by delivery c)
acceptors.

–          drawee bank is conclusively presumed to know the signature of its drawer

–          if endorser’s signature is forged, loss will be borne by the forger and parties subsequent thereto

–          drawee bank is not conclusively presumed to know the signature of the indorser. The
responsibility falls on the bank which last guaranteed the indorsement and not the drawee bank.

–          Where the payee’s signature is forged, payments made by the drawee bank to collecting bank is
ineffective. No debtor/creditor relationship is created. An agency to collect is created between the
person depositing and the collecting bank. Drawee bank may recover from collecting bank who may in
turn recover from the person depositing.

Rules on liabilities of parties on a forged instrument

In a PN

–          a party whose endorsement is forged on a note payable to order and all parties prior to him
including the maker cannot be held liable by any holder
–          a party whose endorsement is forged on a note originally payable to bearer and all parties prior
to him including the maker may be held liable by a holder in due course provided that it was
mechanically complete before the forgery

–          a maker whose signature was forged cannot be held liable by any holder

In a BOE

–          the drawer’s account cannot be charged by the drawee where the drawee paid

–          the drawer has no right to recover from the collecting bank

–          the drawee bank can recover from the collecting bank

–          the payee can recover from the drawer

–          the payee can recover from the recipient of the payment, such as the collecting bank

–          the payee cannot collect from the drawee bank

–          the collecting bank bears the loss but can recover from the person to whom it paid

–          if payable to bearer, the rules are the same as in PN.

–          if the drawee has accepted the bill, the drawee bears the loss and his remedy is to go after the
forger

–          if the drawee has not accepted the bill but has paid it, the drawee cannot recover from the
drawer or the recipient of the proceeds, absence any act of negligence on their part.

35.   Every negotiable instrument is deemed prima facie to have been issued for a valuable
consideration. (Sec. 24 NIL)

Effects:

–          every person whose signature appears thereon is a party for value

–          presumption is disputable

 
36.   Where value has at any time been given for the instrument, the holder is deemed a holder for value
in respect to all parties who become such prior to that time. (Sec. 26 NIL)

37.   Effect of want of consideration:

1. Absence or failure of consideration may be set up against a holder not a holder in due course
(personal defense)
2. Partial failure of consideration is a defense pro tanto (Sec 28 NIL)

Notes on Section 28

–          absence of consideration is where no consideration was intended to pass.

–          failure of consideration implies that consideration was intended by that it failed to pass

–          the defense of want of consideration is ineffective against a holder in due course

–          a drawee who accepts the bill cannot allege want of consideration against the drawer

38.   An accommodation party is one who signs the instrument as maker, drawer, acceptor, or indorser
without receiving value therefor and for the purpose of lending his name to some other person.

Effects:

–          an accommodation party is liable to the holder for value notwithstanding that such holder knew
that of the accommodation. (Sec. 28 NIL)

Notes on Section 28

–          the accommodated party cannot recover from the accommodation party

–          want of consideration cannot be interposed by the accommodation party

–          an accommodation maker may seek reimbursement from a co-maker even in the absence of any
provision in the NIL; the deficiency is supplied by the New Civil Code.

–          he may do this even without first proceeding against the debtor provided:
a.       he paid by virtue of judicial demand

b.       principal debtor is insolvent

39.   An instrument is negotiated when:

1. it is transferred from one person to another

2. that the transfer must be in a manner as to constitute the transferee a holder

For a bearer instrument – by delivery

For payable to order – by indorsement and delivery (Sec. 30 NIL)

40.   Endorsement to be must be:

1. written
2. on the instrument itself or upon a piece of paper attached (Sec. 31 NIL)
Notes on Section 31

–          the paper attached with the endorsement is an allonge

–          an allonge must be attached so that it becomes a part of the instrument, it cannot be simply
pinned or clipped to it.

41.   Kinds of Endorsements:

1. Special (Sec. 34)
2. Blank (Sec. 35)
3. Restrictive (Sec. 36)
4. Qualified (Sec. 38)
5. Conditional (Sec. 39 NIL)
42.   Effects of indorsing an instrument originally payable to bearer:

–          it may further be negotiated by delivery

–          the person indorsing is liable as endorser to such persons as to make title through his
endorsement (Sec. 40 NIL)

Notes on Section 40

–          Section 40 applies only to instruments originally payable to bearer

–          It cannot apply where the instrument is payable to bearer because the only or last endorsement
is in blank.
43.   A holder may strike out any endorsement which is not necessary to his title.

Effects:

–          An endorser whose endorsement is struck out is discharged

–          All endorsers subsequent to such endorser who has been discharged are likewise relieved. (Sec.
48 NIL)

44.   Effects of a transfer without endorsement:

–          the transferee acquires such title as the transferor had

–          the transferee acquires the right to have the endorsement of the transferor

–          negotiation takes effect as of the time the endorsement is actually made (Sec. 49 NIL)

45.   Rights of a holder:

–          a holder may sue in his own name

–          a holder may receive payment.

Effects:

–          if in due course it discharges the instrument (Sec. 51 NIL)

46.   Requisites for a Holder in Due Course (HDC):

a.       receives the instrument complete and regular on its face

b.       became a holder before it was overdue and had no notice that it had been previously dishonored
if such was the fact

c.       takes the instrument for value and in good faith

d.       at time he took the instrument, no notice of infirmity in instrument or defect in the title of the
person negotiating it (Sec. 52 NIL)

Notes on Section 52

–          every holder is presumed to be a HDC (Sec. 59)

–          the person who questions such has the burden of proof to prove otherwise

–          if one of the requisites are lacking, the holder is not HDC
–          an instrument is considered complete and regular on its face if a) the omission is immaterial b)
the alteration on the instrument was not apparent on its face

–          an instrument is overdue after the date of maturity.

–          on the date of maturity, the instrument is not overdue and the holder is a HDC

–          acquisition of the transferee or indorse must be in good faith

–          good faith means lack of knowledge or notice of defect or infirmity

47.   A holder is not a HDC where an instrument payable on demand is negotiated at an unreasonable
length of time after its issue (Sec. 53 NIL)

48.   Rights of a HDC:

–          holds the instrument free from any defect of title of prior parties

–          free from defenses available to prior parties among themselves (personal/ equitable defenses)

–          may enforce payment of the instrument for the full amount against all parties liable(Sec. 57 NIL)

Notes on Section 57

–          Personal or equitable defenses are those which grow out of the agreement or conduct of a
particular person in regard to the instrument which renders it inequitable for him through legal title to
enforce it. Can be set up against holders not HDC

–          Legal or real defenses are those which attach to the instrument itself and can be set up against
the whole world, including a HDC.

Personal Defenses Real Defenses

1. absence or failure of consideration Alteration

2. want of delivery of complete instrument Want of delivery of incomplete instrument

3. insertion of wrong date where payable at

a fixed period after date and issued undated;
or at a fixed period after sight and
acceptance is undated Duress amounting to forgery

4. filling up the blanks contrary to authority

given or not within reasonable time Fraud in factum or in esse contractus

5. fraud in inducement Minority

 6. acquisition of the instrument by force,
duress or fear Marriage in case of a wife

7. acquisition of the instrument by unlawful Insanity where the insane person has a
means guardian appointed by the court

Ultra vires acts of a corporation where its

8. acquisition of the instrument for an illegal charter or by statue, it is prohibited from
consideration issuing commercial paper

9. negotiation in breach of faith Want of authority of agent

10. negotiation under circumstances Execution of instrument   between public

amounting to fraud enemies

1. Mistake Illegality of contract made by statue

12. intoxication Forgery

13. ultra vires acts of corporations

14. want of authority of the agent where he

has apparent authority

15. illegality of contract where form or

consideration is illegal

16. insanity where there is no notice of

insanity

49.   A instrument not in the hands of a HDC is subject to the same defenses as if it were non-negotiable.

Exception:

–          a holder who derives his title through a HDC and is not a party to any fraud or illegality affecting
the instrument, has all the rights of such HDC in respect to all parties prior. (Sec. 58 NIL)

Rights of a holder not a HDC

–          may sue in his own name

–          may receive payment and if it is in due course, the instrument is discharged

–          holds the instrument subject to the same defenses as if it were non-negotiable
–          if he derives his title through a HDC and is not a party to any fraud or illegality thereto, has all the
rights of such HDC

50.   General rule: every holder is deemed prima facie to be a holder in due course.

Exception:

–          where it is shown that the title of any person who has negotiated the instrument is defective, the
burden is on the holder to prove that he is a HDC or that a person under whom he claims is a HDC (Sec.
59 NIL)

51.   A maker is primarily liable:

Effects of making the instrument, the maker:

a.       engages to pay according to tenor of instrument

b.       admits existence of payee and his capacity to indorse (Sec. 60 NIL)

Notes on Section 60

–          a maker’s liability is primarily and unconditional

–          one who has signed as such is presumed to have acted with care and to have signed with full
knowledge of its contents, unless fraud is proved

–          the payee’s interest is only to see to it that the note is paid according to its terms

–          when two or more makers sign jointly, each is individually liable for the full amount even if one
did not receive the value given

–          the maker is precluded from setting up the defense of a) the payee is fictional, b) that the payee
was insane, a minor or a corporation acting ultra vires

52.   A drawer is secondarily liable

Effects of drawing the instrument, the drawer:

1. admits the existence of the payee,

2. the capacity of such payee to indorse
3. engages that on due presentment, the instrument will be accepted or paid or both according to
its tenor.
If the instrument is dishonored, and the necessary proceedings on dishonor duly taken

1. the drawer will pay the amount thereof to the holder

2. will pay to any subsequent indorser who may be compelled to pay it. (Sec. 61 NIL)
Notes on Section 61

–          a drawer may insert an express stipulation to negative or limit his liability

53.   An acceptor is primarily liable

By accepting the instrument, an acceptor:

–          engages that he will pay according to the tenor of his acceptance

–          admits the existence of the drawer, the genuineness of his signature and his capacity and
authority to draw the instrument

–          the existence of the payee and his then capacity indorse

54.   Irregular Indorser – a person not otherwise a party to an instrument places his signature in blank
before delivery is liable as an indorser in the following manner:
1. if payable to order of a third person – liable to the payee and to all subsequent parties
2. if payable to order of the maker or drawer – liable to all parties subsequent to the maker or
drawer
3. if payable to bearer – liable to all parties subsequent to the maker or drawer
4. if signs for an accommodation party – liable to all parties subsequent to the payee (Sec. 64 NIL)
55.   Warranties where negotiating by delivery or qualified endorsement:
1. the instrument is genuine and in all respect what it purports to be
2. the indorser has good title to it
3. all prior parties had the capacity to contract
4. indorser has no knowledge of any fact that would impair the validity or the value of the
instrument.
Limitations of warranties:

-if by delivery – extends only to immediate transferee

-warranty of capacity to contract does not apply to persons negotiating public or corporate securities
(Sec. 65 NIL)

Notes on Section 65

–          a qualified indorser is one who indorses without recourse or sans recourse

–          recourse – resort to a person secondarily liable after default of person primarily liable

–          a qualified indorser cannot raise the defense of a) forgery b) defect of his title or that it is void c)
the incapacity of the maker, drawer or previous indorsers.
–          a qualified Indorsement makes the indorser mere assignor of title of instrument, relieves him of
general obligation to pay if instrument is dishonored, but he is still liable for the warranties arising from
instrument only up to warranties of general indorser

–          the warranty is to the capacity of prior parties at the time the instrument was negotiated.
Subsequent incapacity does not breach the warranty.

–          lack of knowledge of the indorser as to any fact that would impair the validity or the value of the
instrument must be subsisting all throughout.

–          a person Negotiating by Delivery warrants same as those of qualified indorser and extends to
immediate transferees only

56.   Warranties of a general indorser:

1. the instrument is genuine and in all respect what it purports to be
2. the he has good title to it
3. all prior parties had the capacity to contract
4. that the instrument at the time of his indorsement was valid and subsisting (Sec. 66 NIL)

In addition:

–          engages that the instrument will be accepted or paid or both according to its tenor on due
presentment

–          engages to pay the amount thereof if it be dishonored and the necessary proceedings on
dishonor are taken

Notes on Section 66

–          the indorser under Section 66 warrants the solvency of a prior party

–          the indorser warrants that the instrument is valid and subsisting regardless of whether he is
ignorant of that fact or not.

–          warranties extend in favor of a) a HDC b) persons who derive their title from HDC c) immediate
transferees even if not HDC

–          the indorser does not warrant the genuineness of the drawer’s signature

–          general indorser is only secondarily liable

57.   General rule: Presentment for payment is not necessary to charge persons primarily liable on the
instrument. Presentment for payment is necessary to charge the drawer and indorsers. (Sec 70 NIL)

Notes on Section 70
–          presentation for payment – production of a BOE to the drawee for his acceptance, or to a drawee
or acceptor for payment. Also presentment of a PN to the party liable for payment of the same.

–          consists of a) a personal demand for payment at a proper place b) the bill or note must be ready
to be exhibited if required and surrendered upon payment.

–          parties primarily liable – persons by the terms of the instrument are absolutely required to pay
the same. E.g maker and acceptors. They can be sued directly.

–          if payable at the special place, and the person liable is willing to pay there at maturity, such
willingness and ability is equivalent to tender of payment.

–          presentment is necessary to charge persons secondarily liable otherwise they are discharged

–          Acts needed to charge persons secondarily liable: a) presentment for payment/acceptance b)
dishonor by non-payment/non-acceptance c) notice of dishonor to secondary parties

–          Acts needed to charge persons secondarily liable in other cases: a) Protest for non-payment by
the drawee b) protest for non-payment by the acceptor for honor

58.   Proper presentment:

1. by the holder or an authorized person
2. at a reasonable hour on a business day
3. at a proper place
4. to the person primarily liable or if absent to any person found at the place where presentment is
made (sec. 72 NIL)
Notes on Section 72

–          only the holder or one authorized by him has the right to make presentment for payment

–          presentment cannot be made on a Sunday or holiday

–          presentment for payment is made to the maker, or acceptor. Not to the person secondarily liable.

–          if the instrument is payable on demand – a) if it is a note – presentment must be made within
reasonable time after issue b) if it is a bill – presentment must be made within reasonable time after last
negotiation.

59.   Presentment not required to charge the drawer:

1. he has no right to expect
2. he has no right to require

that the drawee or acceptor will pay (Sec 79 NIL)

60.   Presentment not required to charge the indorser where:

1. the instrument was made or accepted for his accommodation
2. he has no reason to expect that the instrument will be paid if presented (Sec. 80 NIL)
 

61.   General rule: Presentment for payment necessary to charge persons secondarily liable otherwise
they are discharged:

Exception:

–          Section 79 and 80

Notes on Section 79 and 80

–          only the drawer or indorser are not discharged. All other parties secondarily liable are discharged.

62.   Presentment for payment excused if:

a.       after due diligence, presentment cannot be made

b.       presentment is waived

c.       the drawee is a fictitious person (Sec 82 NIL)

Notes on Section 82

–          what is excused is the failure to make presentment. There is no need to make any presentment
versus under section 81 (delay in presentment) presentment for payment is still required after the cause
of delay has ceased.

63.   Summary of rules as to presentment for payment:

1. presentment not necessary to charge persons primarily liable

2. necessary to charge persons secondarily liable except:

–          the drawer under Sec. 79

–          the indorser under Sec. 80

–          when excused under Sec. 82

–          when the instrument has been dishonored by non-acceptance under Sec. 83

64.   How dishonored by non-acceptance:

–          the instrument was duly presented but payment is refused or cannot be obtained
–          presentment is excused and the instrument is overdue and unpaid (Sec. 83 NIL)

65.   Effects of dishonor by non-payment:

–          an immediate right of recourse to all parties secondarily liable accrues to the holder. (Sec. 84 NIL)

Notes on Section 84

–          parties cease to be secondarily liable and become principal debtors.

–          Liability becomes the same as that of the original obligors.

66.   Requisites for payment in due course:

1. made at or after the maturity of the instrument
2. to the holder
3. in good faith
4. without notice of any defect in the holder’s title (sec. 88 NIL)
Notes on Section 88

–          payment must be made to the possessor of the instrument

–          possession of the note by the maker is presumptive evidence that it has been paid

67.   Notice of Dishonor may be given:

1. by or on behalf or the holder
2. by or on behalf of any party who:

–          is a party to the instrument and might be compelled to pay the instrument

–          to a holder who having taken it up would have a right of reimbursement from the party to whom
notice is given. (Sec. 90 NIL)

68.   Notice:
1. may be written or oral (Sec. 96)
2. written notice need not be signed or may be supplemented by verbal communication (Sec. 95)
3. may be by personal delivery or by mail (Sec. 96)
69.   Notice may be waived either expressly or implied:
1. before the time of giving notice has arrived
2. after the omission to give due notice (Sec. 109 NIL)
70.   Protest may be waived:

Effects:

–          deemed a waiver of presentment and notice of dishonor as well (Sec. 111 NIL)

Notes on Section 111

–          Where notice is waived, presentment is not waived

–          Where presentment is waived, notice is also waived

–          Where protest is waived, notice and presentment is waived

71.   Notice of Dishonor – given by the holder to the parties secondarily liable, drawer and each
indorser, that the instrument was dishonored by non-acceptance or non-payment by the drawee/maker

General rule: Any drawer or indorser to whom such notice is not given is discharged.

Exceptions:

1. Waiver (Sec. 109)

2. Notice is dispensed (Sec. 112)
3. Not necessary to Drawer (Sec. 114)
4. Not necessary to Indorser (Sec. 115)

– if notice is delayed, delay may be excused (Sec. 113)

72.   Instances when Notice of Dishonor Not Necessary to Drawer

a.       drawer and drawee same person

b.       drawee is a fictitious/incapacitated person

c.       drawer is the person to whom presentment for payment is made

d.       drawer has no right to expect that the drawee will accept/pay the instrument (Sec. 114 NIL)

73.   Instances when Notice Not Required to Indorser

a.       drawee was a fictitious/incapacitated person and the indorser was aware of such at the time of
indorsement

b.       indorser is the person to whom instrument was presented for payment

c.       instrument made/accepted for his accommodation (Sec. 115 NIL)

74.   Omission to give notice of dishonor by non-acceptance doe not prejudice a HDC (Sec. 117 NIL)

75.   Protest only necessary for a foreign bill of exchange. Protest for other negotiable instruments is
optional. (Sec. 118 NIL)

76.   Causes of Discharge of the Instrument

a.       payment by the debtor

b.       payment by accommodated party

c.       intentional cancellation by holder of instrument

d.       any other act discharging a simple monetary obligation

e.       debtor becomes holder of the instrument at/after maturity in his own right ( Sec 119 NIL)

Notes on Section 119

–          discharge of the instrument discharges all the parties thereto

–          payment must be in due course, and by the principal debtor or on his behalf

–          if payment is not made by the principal debtor, payment only cancels the liability of the payor
and those obligated after him but does not discharge the instrument.

–          payment by an accommodation party does not discharge the instrument.

77.   Discharge of Secondary Parties:

a.       any act discharging the instrument

b.       cancellation of indorser’s signature by indorsers

c.       discharge of prior party

d.       tender of payment by prior party

e.       release of principal debtor

f.         extension of payment by the holder/postponement of right to enforce without assent of

secondary parties and without reservation of right of recourse against secondary parties (Sec 120 NIL)

78.   Rights of a party secondarily liable who pays:

–          the instrument is not discharge

–          the party is remitted to his former rights as to all prior parties

–          the party may strike out his own and all subsequent indorsements

–          the party may negotiate the instrument again

Exception:

–          an instrument cannot be renegotiated where it is payable to order of a 3 rd person and has been
paid by the drawer
–          and instrument cannot be renegotiated where is was made or accepted for accommodation and
it has been paid by the party accommodated.

78. Renunciation by a holder discharges an instrument when:

1. it is absolute and unconditional
2. made in favor of a person primarily liable
3. made at or after maturity of the instrument
4. in writing or the instrument is delivered up to the person primarily liable (Sec. 122 NIL)
Notes on Section 122

–          if renounced in favor of a party secondarily liable, only he is exonerated from liability and all
parties subsequent to him

–          discharge by novation is allowed

79.   General rule: When materially altered, without the consent of all parties liable, the instrument is
avoided except as against:

1. the party who has made the alteration

2. the party who authorized or assented to the alteration.
3. subsequent indorsers

Exception:

–          if in the hands of a HDC, may be enforced according to its original tenor

Notes on Section 124

–          there is no distinction between fraudulent and innocent alteration

80.   Material Alteration – an alternation is said to be material if it alters the effect of the instrument.

Under Section 125 the following changes are considered material alterations:

1. dates
2. the sum payable
3. time and place of payment
4. number or relations of the parties
5. medium or currency for payment
6. adding a place of payment where no place is specified
7. any other which alters the affect of the instrument
81.   Instances where a BOE may be treated as a PN:
1. where the drawer and the drawee are one and the same
2. where the drawee is a fictitious person
3. where the drawee has no capacity to contract (Sec. 130 NIL)

The holder has the option to treat it as a BOE or a PN

 

82.   Acceptance is the signification by the drawee of his assent to the order of the drawer. It is an act by
which a person on whom the BOE is drawn assents to the request of the drawer to pay it. (Sec. 132 NIL)

Acceptance may be:

1. actual
2. constructive
3. general (Sec. 140)
4. qualified (Sec. 141)
Requisites of actual acceptance:

–          in writing

–          signed by the drawee

–          must not express the drawee will perform his promise by any other means than payment of
money

–          communicated or delivered to the holder

7. A holder has the right:

1. require that acceptance be written on the bill and if refused, treat it as if dishonored (Sec. 133)
2. refuse to accept a qualified acceptance and may treat it as dishonored (Sec. 142)
8. Constructive Acceptance:
1. where the drawee to whom the bill has been delivered destroys it
2. the drawee refuses within 24 hrs after such delivery or within such time as is given, to return the
bill accepted or not.       (Sec. 137 NIL)
Notes on Section 137

–          drawee becomes primarily liable as an acceptor.

–          mere retention is equivalent to acceptance

9. When presentment for acceptance is necessary:

1. if necessary to fix the maturity of the bill
2. if it is expressly stipulated that it shall be presented for acceptance
3. if the bill is drawn payable elsewhere than the residence or place of business of the drawee (Sec.
143 NIL)
Notes on Section 143

–          Presentment is the production of a BOE to the drawee for his acceptance

–          in on order case is presentment necessary to make parties liable.

90. Summary on presentment for acceptance of Bills of Exchange:

a.       to make the drawee primarily liable and for the accrual of secondary liability (Sec. 144)
b.       necessary to fix maturity date, where bill expressly stipulates presentment, bill payable other than
place of drawee (Sec. 143)

c.       when presentment is excused: drawee is dead, hides, is fictitious, incapacitated person, after due
diligence presentment cannot be made, presentment is refused on another ground although
presentment is irregular (Sec. 148)

1. General rule: Protest is required only for foreign bills

Exception:

–          inland bills and notes may also be protested if desired

Protest is required:
1. where the foreign bill is dishonored by non acceptance
2. where the foreign bill is dishonored by non-payment
3. where the bill has been accepted for honor, it must be protested for non-payment before it is
presented for payment to the acceptor for honor
4. where the bill contains a referee in case of need, it must be protested for non payment before
presentment for payment to the referee in case of need (Sec. 152)
Notes on Section 152

–          Protest – formal statement in writing made by a notary under his seal of office at the request of
the holder, in which it is declare that the some was presented for payment or acceptance (as the case
may be) and such was refused.

–          it means all steps or acts accompanying the dishonor of a bill or note necessary to charge an
indorser

–          required when the instrument is a foreign bill of exchange.

–          it must be made on the same date of dishonor, by a notary/respectable citizen of the place in the
presence of 2 credible witnesses so recourse to secondary parties

1. Acceptance for Honor   (Sec. 161 NIL)– an acceptance of a bill made by a stranger to it before
maturirty, where the drawee of the bill has:
1. refused to accept it
2. and the bill has been protested for non-acceptance
3. or where the bill has been protested for better security
Requisites for acceptance for honor:

–          the bill must have been previously protested a) for non-acceptance b) or for better security

–          the bill is not overdue at the time of the acceptance for honor

–          the acceptor for honor must be a stranger to the bill

–          the holder must give his consent

Notes on Acceptance for Honor

–          Purpose: to save the credit of the parties to the instrument or some party to it as the drawer,
drawee, or indorser or somebody else.

–          Acceptor for honor is liable to the holder and to all the parties to the bill subsequent to the party
for whose honor he has accepted (Sec. 164)

2. How acceptance for honor is made:

1. in writing and indicated that it is an acceptance for honor
2. signed by the person making the acceptance (Sec. 162 NIL)

3. Payment for Honor – payment made through a notarial act of honor of a party liable/stranger to
the bill after bill has been dishonored by non-payment by the acceptor and protested for non-
payment by the holder

Requisites:

a.       protest for non-payment

b.       any person may pay supra protest

Form for payment of honor:

1. payment must be attested by notarial act appended to the protest, or form an extension to it.
2. notarial act of honor must be based on a declaration by the payer for honor

4. Bills in Set – bill of exchange drawn in several parts, each part of the set being numbered and
containing a reference to the other parts, the whole of the parts just constituting one bill (Sec 178
NIL)

Source:
Commercial Law Memory Aid
Negotiable Instruments Law
Ateneo Central Bar Operations 2001
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Tags:  commecial law,  commlaw,  negotiable instruments law
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