FACTS
Petitioner, as acting bank manager, allowed withdrawals on uncleared checks deposited into the accounts of her co-accused. Petitioner repeatedly granted accommodations in at least fourteen (14) instances and despite her knowledge that prior checks deposited by her co-accused turned out to be unfunded.
ISSUE
Whether or not petitioner is engaged in “check kiting” which amounts to estafa with unfaithfulness or abuse of confidence.
RULING
YES. The act of utilizing the float status of uncleared checks constitutes “check kiting”. The crime committed by the accused was estafa with unfaithfulness or abuse of confidence under Article 315 subparagraph 1 (b) of the Revised Penal Code. In this case, petitioner acted maliciously or in bad faith by assuming to dispose the money of the bank as if it were her own, thereby committing conversion and a clear breach of trust. She performed an indispensable act necessary to enable her and her co-accused to accomplish the criminal purpose they had in mind.