Title Four

CRIMES AGAINST PUBLIC INTEREST

Chapter One
FORGERIES

Article 164. Mutilation of coins; Importation and utterance of mutilated coins. - The penalty of prision
correccional in its minimum period and a fine not to exceed P2,000 pesos shall be imposed upon any
person who shall mutilate coins of the legal currency of the United States or of the Philippine Islands or
import or utter mutilated current coins, or in connivance with mutilators or importers.

THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, complainant and appellant,

vs.
TIN CHING TING, accused and appealed,
G.R. No. L-4620 January 30, 1952

FACTS:
TIN CHING TING was sued for possession of a counterfeit gold coin worth five dollars imitating
the genuine five dollar gold coin of the United States of America.

ISSUE:
Is TIN CHING TING liable for the crime of Mutilation of coins; Importation and utterance of
mutilated coins under Article 164 of the Revised Penal Code?

RULING:
The Court held that NO. This is based on the contention that the defendant had not committed
any infraction since the counterfeit currency was no longer legal tender.