WEEK 16

IDENTIFICATION OF BSP BANK NOTES AND COINS

The following are the characteristics, designs and distinct features of BSP banknotes:

All banknotes include a number of security features, indicated on the front side:
1. Embossed prints
2. Serial number (in variable sized figures)
3. Security fibers
4. Watermark
5. See-through mark ("pilipino" spelled in baybayin, letters, used before the arrival of the spanish.)
6. Concealed value
7. Security thread
8. Optically variable device (only on 500 and 1000 peso notes)
9. Value Panel
PAPER- Feel the paper- the genuine note is printed on a special kind of paper which is rough when you run your fingers through
it. It does not glow under ultra-violet light. During paper manufacture, the watermarks, security fiber, security threads and
iridescent band are included.
WATERMARK- Examine the watermarks on the unprinted portion of the note- The watermark is the silhouette of the portrait
appearing on the face of the note. Sharp details of the light and shadow effect can be seen when the note is viewed against the
light. Contours of the features of the silhouette can be felt by running the finger over the design relatively new notes.
OPTICALLY VARIABLE INK- For the P1,000 banknote, the embossed "1,000" denominated value at the lower right corner of the
face of the note changes color from green to magenta when viewed at different angles.
For the P500 note, a mark with a stylized Philippine flag design changes color from gold to green depending on which angle it is
viewed.
TACTILE MARKS- The enhanced banknotes now have pairs of short horizontal bands printed in intaglio at the extreme right and
left sides of the note -- five pairs for P1,000; four pairs for P500; three pairs for P200; two pairs for P100, and one pair for P50.
ENHANCED VALUE PANEL
For both the P1,000 and P500 notes, the value panel at the upper left corner has been enhanced by adding a rolling bar effect
when tilted from left to right.
SECURITY THREAD - For the P100, P200, P500, and P1,000 banknotes, the windowed security thread (WST) which runs vertically
across the note shows movements of designs and color when viewed at different angles.
These threads adopt an indigenous weave design and bears the alphanumeric denominational value and "BSP" text in repeated
series.
For the P1,000 note, the width of the thread has been increased to 5 millimeters from 4 millimeters. The width for the other
denominations was retained at 4 millimeters.
PORTRAT -appears life-like. The eyes "sparkle". Shading is formed by the fine lines that give the portrait a characteristic facial
expression which is extremely difficult to replicate.
SERIAL NUMBER-Composed of 1 or 2 prefix letters and 6 or 7 digits. The letters and numerals are uniform in size and thickness,
evenly spaced and well-aligned; they glow under ultra-violet light A banknote with six "0" digit serial number is a specimen note
and not a legal tender.
VIGNETTE- The lines and dashes composing the vignette are fine, distinct and sharp; the varying color gives a vivid look to the
picture that makes it "stand out" of the paper.
MICROPRINTING Verify under the lens the presence of the microprinting on the denominations 50's, 100's, 200's, 500 and 1000-
Microprinting are the minute and finely printed words "Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas or "Central Bank ofthe Philippines" located at
the face or back of the note that are clearly printed and readable.
CONCEALED VALUE - Check the concealed value on the 500-peso denomination-This concealed value is located at the lower left
comer of the face of the note and is recognizable when the note is held at eye level.
OPTICALLY VARIABLE INK-Check the optically variable ink on the 1000-peso denomination-It changes color from green to blue
or blue to green when the note is held at different angles.

PERTINENT LAWS AND REGULATIONS TO PROTECT AND MAINTAIN THE INTEGRITY OF THE CURRENCY
1. ARTICLE 163, RPC. Making and importing and uttering (issuing or circulating) false coins.
PERTINENT LAWS AND REGULATIONS TO PROTECT AND MAINTAIN THE INTEGRITY OF THE CURRENCY
2. ARTICLE 166, RPC. Forging treasury or bank notes or other documents payable to bearer; importing, and uttering (issuing or
circulating) such false or forged notes and documents.
3. ARTICLE 168, RPC. IIlegal possession and use of false treasury or bank notes and other instruments of credit.
4. ARTICLE 176, RPC. Manufacturing and possession of instrument or implements for falsification.
S. PD 247-defacement, mutilation, tearing, burning or destruction of CENTRAL BANK (BSP) notes and coins.
5. CHAPTER II, CIRCULAR 61, SERIES OF 1995. Reproduction and/or use of facsimile of legal tender Philippine currency coins.

IV. CHARACTERISTICS OF GENUINE AND COUNTERFEIT PAPER NOTE BILL

GENUINE COUNTERFEIT

A. MAIN PRINT

1. The fingers will hardly feel the main prints of the front
1. The fingers will already feel the main print on the and back even on new notes.
front and back on fairly new notes.
2. This is brought about by offset print the most common
2. This is due to the measurable thickness of the ink process employed by counterfeiters.
deposited on the paper which gives the prints an
embossed effect. 3. The prints are mere stains on the coating of the
sensitized paper which is glossy.

B. PORTRAIT

1. Appears life-like 1. It appears dead

2. The eyes sparkle 2. The eyes do not sparkle
3. The tiny dots and lines (vignette) forming the details 3. It appears blurred, dull, smudgy and poorly
of the face, hair, etc. are clear, sharp and well defined.
4, Hair is lifelesss
4. Each portrait stands out distinctly from background.
This is noticeable along the shoulders. 5. The face and/or forehead are often naturally white or
pale due to absence of most of the details.
5. The background is composed of multi-colored fine
pattern of lines in varying tones and shades interfacing 6. The concentric lines depicting the eyes often merged
with each other. These shadings or toning are intricately into solid printed areas.
printed in such a way that the contrast or shifting of
colors creates the impression of life and vividness to the 7. The background often blends with the portrait and is
notes. usually "scratchy"
8. The lines are thick with rough edges.
9. The multi-colored prints on genuine notes are
extremely difficult to duplicate and as a result, counterfeit
notes are usually off color & not of the right shade or
tone.

C. WATERMARK

1. This is imitated by printing white ink or dry block on the

1. The watermark underneath the security lacework on
finished paper.
the right hand side of the note is the same on the colored
portrait. 2. Sometimes wax or other oily medium is stamped to
give transparency to the portion where the designing
2. The design is placed by means of dandy roll during the
appears.
manufacture of the paper
3. Printed outline is placed on the inner sheet where
3. Sharp details of the outline of the light & shadow effect
merely a paper cut out is placed inside. As a result course
are dissembled when viewed with the aid of transmitted
or harsh and occasional irregular lines & sometimes
light.
opaque areas are very obvious.,

D. METALLIC THREAD

1. Is a special thread placed vertically on the paper during 1. Counterfeit by means of printing on the back of the
manufacture. note, on the inner side of the paper, insertion of twin
2. On the surface of the paper where this thread is located thread or simply folding the note vertically where the
are patterns of short vertical lines. thread appears on the genuine bill.

E. SECURITY FIBER

1. These fibers are scattered on the surface of the

paper (front back) at random and can be readily picked off On the counterfeit, it is simulated by printed lines, cannot
by means of any pointed instrument. be picked off, but can be easily erased with ordinary
rubber or by agitating with wet fingers.
2. The colors of these fibers are red and blue.

F. SERIAL NUMBERS

1. The prefix letters & numbers (Six of them except on 1. On counterfeit, letters & numbers are poorly printed.
replacement note) are clearly printed. They are usually of different style.
2. They have peculiar style & are uniform in size and 2. Most often, they are evenly spaced & poorly aligned.
thickness.
3. The numbers are too big or too small, too thick or too
3. Spacing of the numbers is uniform & alignment is even. thin & in certain cases shaded on the curves.

G. VIGNETTE

1. On the counterfeit usually dull and poorly printed.

1. The lines and dots composing the vignettes are fine, 2. It appears are dirty.
distinct and sharp.
3. The lines are comparatively thicker with rough
2. The varying color tone gives a bold look to the edges.
pictures that makes it stands out of the paper.
4. There is no variation in color tone so that the
pictures areas flat.

H. CLEARNESS OF PRINT

1. It is dirty due to the sputtering of ink on the interior

1. The registry of the different printed features is
area. Over-inked areas are visible instantly. The shadings
perfect. The lines are very clear and sharp. There are
and ornamentations of the letters and figures are thick
noburns clinging to the sides.
and usually merged.
 WEEK 17
THE EXPERT TESTIMONY IN COURT LITIGATION
The duty of the Forensic Questioned Document Examiner does not end after establishing the identity of the questioned
document as to whether it is written or not by one person. The final judgment is by the court which decides on the issue. The
document examiner presents his/her testimony to the court or any investigative body in order for him to convince them
regarding the result of his examination. In this situation, the examiner will undergo a process of qualifying as an expert. The
examiner will be put in the hot seat answering questions during the cross examination. It is a difficult stage in a court litigation
for an examiner. The examiner on the other hand should be prepared and be ready to answer questions asked by the adverse
party.
In this situation, the following must be considered;
1. Your expertise.
2. Knowledge on Rules on Evidence.
3. Trial proceedings
An expert witness is a person skilled in some art, science, profession, or business or who has experience or knowledge in
relation to matters that are not commonly known to the ordinary person. The ordinary witness testifies to facts, that is, what
one has seen, heard, or otherwise observed. The expert witness expresses an opinion or answers hypothetical questions based
on facts presumably on the record. It should be kept in mind that the expert witness testimony is entirely within the province of
the judge to determine the weight to be given to such opinions. The judge is not bound by the opinion of experts.
The forensic questioned document examiner will testify before a judge. He may be presented by the prosecution lawyer
or by a private prosecuting lawyer as the court may allow. His purpose is to be of assistance to the legal luminaries may they be
for the defense or for the prosecution in the administration of justice. He will also testify before the court. This may be
presented by the defense lawyer.

TRIAL PREPARATION AND TESTIMONY

As soon as you find out that you will be testifying, you should begin preparing for the witness chair. Regardless of your
role, you should take the following steps:
1. First, discuss with the lawyer/attorney who will present you as a witness what is expected, how your testimony is to be used
and when you will be expected to testify.
2 Review all available documents pertaining to the issues being litigated.
3. Discuss your testimony with the lawyer and what line of questioning will be used to develop the case, and have a general idea
of how you will respond to the questions.
4. Consider what the defense counsel's approach will be and the area he will most likely probe during cross-examination.

The forensic examiner has various responsibilities and duties during judicial proceedings. They are as follows:
1. In criminal cases, review the prosecution memorandum.
2. In criminal cases, review the charge filed which sets forth the specific allegations of the criminal act.
3. Review the anticipated evidence available to prove and disprove the charge or information in criminal cases, or support or
deny the plaintiffs or respondents' position in a civil case.
4. Check the evidence to be presented in court, whether criminal or civil.
5. Advice the lawyer of a potential technical problem.
6. Determine the clearest manner to present the testimony in terms that the judge will understand.
7. Prepare tentative summary, based on the evidence that is expected to be admitted.
8. Supply the lawyer you are assisting a written statement of your qualifications as a forensic examiner or a current resume.
9 Testify only on those matters that are presented by the lawyers to the court.
10. Take notes regarding the evidence that is presented and marked as exhibits and prepare a list of documentary exhibits of
both sides, whether in a criminal or a civil case.
11. Alert the lawyer regarding any evidence that has been overlooked. It is important that all evidence necessary to support your
testimony has been admitted.
The basic rule for the forensic examiner and investigator is to truthfully testify in court. His or her demeanour should
reflect professionalism. Fostering cooperation with the lawyers can be greatly beneficial. Communication between your lawyers
can enlighten you, as well as those around you, on the case. The forensic examiner should expect to work long hours during the
trial. Most of the job is done outside the courtroom, not in it. The forensic examiner should be very familiar with the case. If not,
he or she should study the case à week or so before the trial begins.

ELEMENTS OF EFFECTIVE EXPERT TESTIMONY AND PROPER COURTROOM BEHAVIOR

1. The expert witness before testifying in court must have his evidence and testimony adequately prepared and should have at
least one pre-trial conference with the trial attorney.
2. The expert witness must have confidence in his opinion, which his based upon his knowledge, experience and proper
preparation. Confidence is an intelligent faith based on fact.
3. The expert witness must create a good impression of himself to the court. He should come to court dressed simply in clean
conservative street clothes in keeping with the prevailing style.
4 Enter the courtroom with an aggressive and positive walk, giving the assurance that you are prepared to beat whatever may
confront you. It is the walk and posture of most men that indicate their character.
5. Upon reaching the witness stand, turning to the court to be sworn in, he should raise his hand without hesitation and let his
voice ring out in a clear and forceful “I do." Without hesitation, he takes the stand and sits down with ease in comfortable but
erect position.
6. The expert must have the ability to explain his technical subject in simple and clear language, understandable by the trial
judge. Make it easy for the judge to understand what you are talking about. Use distinct and expressive sentence with a simple,
clear and logical presentation.
7. Present your opinion in a friendly spirit. Be natural and speak in a normal, down-to-earth, and congenial manner. Be human.
Sincerity is displayed by the expert in the manner of his speech. It will be conveyed in the ring of his voice, his facial expressions,
and his bodily movements. The slightest indication by his tone of voice or by any gesture that he is doubtful will destroy the
confidence of the judge.

QUALIFYING IN COURT AS AN EXPERT WITNESS

A witness who is to give testimony concerning questioned documents in court must not only understand how it is
analysed, compared, and interpreted, how it was photographed, developed and charted, but he must also be familiar with the
history, literature, and legal precedence of his profession. He should be able to state truthfully the length of time he has been
engaged as a questioned document examiner. He must have enough knowledge of some theories, studies, and research
involving questioned document examination. The questioned document examiner must have learned the principles of
identification and must have shown the evidence of training and expertise to the court in order not to find difficulties in
obtaining the court's recognition as an expert witness.
Ordinarily, the opinion of a witness is not admissible in court. But opinion evidence is admitted on questions which the
court is not competent to decide without assistance. This is the field of the skilled witness and expert testimony. Obviously, the
qualifications demanded of an expert witness are higher than those of a lay witness. The expert witness must show training and
practical experience in the field in which he sets himself up as an authority.
It is true that there is always a first appearance in court as an expert for each forensic questioned document specialist. It
is said that only those who have testified before in courts should be considered as experts. If that is the case, we would exhaust
the supply of experts when the present experts all die. Even though each must have an initial appearance, we should not go into
court as an expert witness unless we have enough years of experience in the handling of thousands of prints (beefed up by
thorough theoretical knowledge of the field) to obtain the confidence of the court. There is no certain number of years of
experience or no definite number of handwriting specimen that we have examined which can be given as minimum or maximum
experience. Some men may be excellent as experts in forensic questioned document identification but fails in court because of
their nervousness, poor personality, or other human weaknesses.