QUESTIONED

DOCUMENTS
LYEN CAREL T. GARCIA
TOP 1
CLE JUNE 2022
 HISTORY OF WRITING
• Writing are letters or symbols that are written or imprinted on a
surface to represent the sounds or words of a language, it consists
of messages that convey to others. Its evolution is based on man’s
desire to communicate his thoughts with others.
• Cave drawings are of course the most familiar of early writings. They
are called petroglyphs or petrograms and was developed between
20,000 BC and 10,000 BC. These painting gradually developed into
words or pictures or ideographs which were used by the
Summerians, Chinese, Aztecs, Mayas, and Egyptians. Egyptian
word pictures are called hieroglyphs.
• These word pictures developed into symbols which were used to
represent sounds and syllables called phonographs. This then
developed into simplified phonetic symbols called the phonetic
alphabet, an alphabet of characters intended to represent specific
sounds of speech. The Summerians are generally credited to the
development of the first alphabet.
• The Phoenician alphabet, used by the Phoenicians spread
throughout the world between 1700 and 1500 BC, consisted of
22 letters and was written from right to left.
• The Greek alphabet was derived from the Phoenician Alphabet
and has been used by the Greeks since the 8th century. The
word alphabet stems from first two letters of the Greek
alphabet: Alpha and Beta. Their alphabet consisted of 24 letters
and included vowels
• The Greek Alphabet evolved into the Roman Alphabet or Latin
Alphabet, which consisted disconnected capital letters for
centuries. Roman Scribes invented lowercase letters that were
patterned from the capital letters. These letters simplifies the
forms and made it easier to copy manuscipts.
 GREEK
ALPHABET
 HISTORY OF PAPER
The origin of Paper is Papyrus, which was discovered by Egyptians more than
4000 years ago. It is the early surface made from grasses called Reeds
First paper was made in China about 2000 years ago from the bark of
mulberry tree.
Middle 8th century,
the Arabs were making paper. The use of paper was introduce in Europe by
the Moors
1150
the first papermaking mill was established in Spain
1496
First paper mill was established in England
1690
Paper was introduced in the US
1798
French Inventor, Nicholas louis Robert create a first practical paper molding machine
 EARLY FORMS OF PAPER
Papyrus
This came into use about 3,500 B.C. - people of Egypt. Palestine, Syria,
and Southern Europe used the pith (soft spongy tissue of the stem) of
the sedge (grass-like herb) CYPERUS PAPYRUS to make a writing
material known as PAPYRUS.
Parchment
writing material made from skin of animals primarily of sheep, calves or
goats - was probably developed in the Middle East more or less
contemporaneously with papyrus. It came into wide use only in the 2nd
century B.C. in the city of PERGAMUM in ANATOLIA.
Vellum
writing materials from fine skins from young calves or kids and the term
(name) was often used for all kind of parchment manuscripts, it became
the most important writing material for bookmaking, while parchment
continued for special manuscripts.
Almost every portable surface that would retain the marks of brush or
pen was also used as a writing material during the early period.
 ANACHRONISM
It refers to something wrong in time and in place. This
means that the forger has trouble matching the paper, ink, or
writing materials to the exact date it was supposed to have been
written.
 PEN
A tool for writing or drawing with a colored fluid, such as ink; or a
writing instrument used to apply inks to the paper is a pen. It came from
the Latin word "PENNA", meaning feather.
 TYPES OF PEN
A. REED PENS/SWAMP REED
It came from especially selected water
grasses found in Egypt, Armenia and
along the shores of the Persian Gulf,
were prepared by leaving them under
dung heaps for several months.
It was the first writing tool that had the
writing end slightly frayed like a brush.
About 2,000 years B.C., this reed pen
was first used in NEAR EAST on
papyrus and later on parchment.
B. QUILL PEN
Although quill pens can be made
from the outer wing feathers of any bird,
those of goose, swan, crow and (later)
turkey, were preferred. The earliest
reference (6th century AD) to quill pens was
made by the Spanish Theologian ST.
ISIDORE OF SEVILLE, and this tool was
the principal writing implement for nearly
1300 years.
To make a quill pen, a wing feather is
first hardened by heating or letting it dry out
gradually. The hardened quill is then cut to a
broad edge with a special pen knife.
The writer had to re-cut the quill pen
frequently to maintain its edge. By the 18th
century, the width of the edge had
diminished and the length of the slit had
increased creating a flexible point that
produced t
C. STEEL POINT PENS (BRAZEN
PENS)
Although pens of bronze may have
been known to Romans, the earliest
mention of "BRAZEN PENS" was in
1465. The 16th century Spanish
calligrapher JUAN DE YCIAR mentions
brass pens for very large writing in his
1548 writing manual, but the use of
metal pens did not become widespread
until the early part of the 19th century.
The first patented steel pen point
was made by the English engineer
BRYAN DONKIN in 1803.
The leading 19th century English
pen manufacturers were WILLIAM
JOSEPH GILLOT, WILLIAM
MITCHELL, AND JAMES STEPHEN
PERRY.
D. FOUNTAIN PENS
In 1884, LEWIS
WATERMAN, a New York
insurance agent, patented the first
practical FOUNTAIN PEN
containing its own ink reservoir.
Waterman invented a mechanism
that fed ink to the pen point by
capillary action, allowing ink to flow
evenly while writing.
By the 1920's, the fountain
pen was the chief writing
instrument in the west and
remained so until the introduction
of the ball point pen after WORLD
WAR II.
E. BALL POINT PEN:
JOHN LOUD, in 1888, patented the first
ball point writing tool. A ball point pen
has in its point a small rotating metal ball
that continually inks itself as it turns.
The ball is set into a tiny socket. In the
center of the socket is a hole that feeds
ink to the socket from a long tube
(reservoir) inside the pen.
As early as the 19th century, attempts
had been made to manufacture a pen
with a rolling ball tip, but not until 1938
did Hungarian inventor brothers
LADISLAO and GEORG BIRO invent a
viscous, oil-based ink that could be used
with such a pen. Hence, they are
attributed for the invention of the first
practical ballpoint pen.
Early ball point pens did not write well; they tended to skip, and the slow-
drying oil-based ink smudged easily. However, the ball-point pen had
several advantages over the fountain pen:
the ink was waterproof and almost un-erasable;
the ball point pen could write on many kinds of surfaces;
could be hold in almost any position for writing; and
the pressure required to feed the ink was ideal for making carbon
copies.

Ink formulas were improved for smoother flow and faster drying, and
soon the ball-point replaced the fountain pen as the universal writing tool.
F. FIBER TIP PENS -
In 1963, fiber tip markers were
introduced into the U.S. market and
have since challenged the ball point as
the principal writing implement.
The first practical fiber tip pen
was invented by YUKIO HORIE of
Japan in 1962. It was ideally suited to
the strokes of Japanese writing, which
is traditionally done with a pointed ink
brush.
Unlike its predecessors, the fiber
tip pen uses dye as a writing fluid. As a
result, the fiber tip pen can produce a
wide range of colors unavailable in ball
point and fountain pen inks. The tip is
made of fine nylon or other synthetic
fibers drawn to a point and fastened to
the barrel of the pen. Dye is fed to the
point by elaborate capillary mechanism.
G. Felt-tip markers are made of
dense natural or artificial fibers
impregnated with a dye. These
markers can be cut to a variety of
shapes and sizes, some up to an
inch in width. A modification of the
ball point pen using a liquid dye fed
to a metal/plastic ball was
introduced in the U.S. from Japan
in 1973.
 INK
• a viscous fluid marking material or paste used for marking or
writing.
• derived from the Latin encaustum, (name given to the pigment
used for colouring baked tiles)
• Comes to us through the old French word enque.
 CHARACTERISTICS OF INK
Indian Inks
The oldest form of Indian ink consisted of
a suspension of carbon black (soot or
lampblack) in water to which glue or a
vegetable gum was added. Inks of these
compositions are still on the market mostly
in the shape of sticks or cakes.
Log wood Inks
These inks which were used extensively
about a century ago, have now because
obsolete and are no longer
manufactured. They were made from an
aqueous extract of logwood chips and
potassium chromate. These inks will be
found only on old.
Iron Gallotanate Inks
This ink has been used as writing for
over a thousand years. Formerly it was
made of a fermented infusion of gall
nuts to which iron salts were added.
The ink was composed of suspension
of the black, almost insoluble ferric
tannate.
Fountain Pen Inks
These inks are regarded as special
fountain pen inks, and consisting of
ordinary iron gallotannate inks with a
lower iron content in most cases but
with a higher dyestuff content than
normal inks.
Dyestuff Inks
These inks are composed of
aqueous solutions of synthetic
dyestuffs, to which a preservative
and a flux are added.

Water Resistant Writing and

Drawing Inks
These inks are special group of
dyestuff inks. They consist of a
pigment paste and a solution of
shellac made soluble in water by
means of borax, liquid ammonia
or ammonium bicarbonate.
Alkaline Writing Inks
These are quick drying inks which possess a
ph of from 9 to about 11. They penetrate
quickly through the size of the paper allowing
the ink to penetrate quickly into the paper.
The dyestuff in these inks consists of acid
dyes, sometimes combined with phthalo
cyanide dyes.
Ballpoint Pen Inks
The ballpoint pens did not appear on
the European market before 1945.
The development of the present pen was
accomplished during World War II because the
Army and the Air Force needed a writing
instrument which would not leak at
high altitude and which supplied quick drying
water resistant writing.
Stamp Pad Inks
They are made with the acid of substances such
as glycerol, glycol, acetin or benzyl alcohol and
water. Airline dyes are added as coloring matter.
For quick drying stamp pad inks, more volatile
organic solvents are used as acetone, ethanol,
etc. As a vehicle, dextrine, gum arabic, or tannin
is sometimes added. Through the addition of
tannin, the stamp impression becomes water
resistant after drying.
Hectograph Inks
These inks very much resemble stamp pad inks
and are exclusively made with basic dyes. To the
dyestuff solution several other substances are
added such as glycerol, acetic acid and acetone.
Typewriter Ribbon Inks
These inks are usually composed of a blend of
aniline dyes, carbon black and oil such as olein or
castor oil. The two-tone ribbons however contain
no dyes, but pigments suspended in oil base. This
is necessary because aniline dyes tend to bleed
and would cause the sharp division between the
differently colored halves of the ribbon to merge.
Printing Inks
Printing inks often consist of a mixture of colored
pigments, carbon black and a "base" which may
consist of oil, resins, synthetic resins or a mixture of
these. It is possible to remove printing ink from a
document by scrubbing the document with an
aqueous solution of a suitable detergent.
The rubbing and breaking up of the surface of the
ink and the detergent facilitates the suspension and
eventual removal of the carbon and other
ingredients by the water.
 DOCUMENT
Any material containing marks, symbols, or signs either visible,
partially visible that may present or ultimately convey a meaning to
someone, maybe in the form of pencil, ink writing, typewriting, or printing
on paper.
The term “document” applies to writings; to words printed,
lithographed, or photographed; to maps or plans; to seals, plates, or even
stones on which inscriptions are cut or engraved. In its plural form,
“documents” may mean; deeds, agreements, title, letters, receipts, and
other written instruments used to prove a fact.
Latin word “documentum”, means “lesson, or example (in Medieval
Latin “instruction, or official paper”), OR
French word “docere”, means to teach.
 TWO CATEGORIES OF DOCUMENT
Questioned Document – Document to which an issue has been
raised or which is under scrutiny. The focal point of the examination
and to which the document examiner relies as to the extent of the
problem. (also referred to as disputed document).
Standard Document – Document in which the origin is known can be
proven and can legally be used as sample to compare with other
things is questioned.

Note:
EXEMPLAR. A term used by some document examiners and
attorneys to characterize known material. Standard is the older term.
 TERMINOLOGIES
CONTEMPORARY DOCUMENT. Documents which are not more than
five (5) years before or after.
DISPUTED DOCUMENT. A term suggesting that there is an argument
or controversy over the document, and strictly speaking this is true
meaning. In this text, as well as through prior usage, however,
“disputed document” and “questioned document” are used
interchangeably to signify a document that is under special scrutiny.
HOLOGRAPHIC DOCUMENT. Any document completely written and
signed by one person; also known as a holograph. In a number of
jurisdictions a holographic will can be probated without anyone having
witnessed its execution.
REFERENCE COLLECTION. Material compiled and organized by the
document examiner to assist him in answering special questions.
Reference collections of typewriting, check writing specimens, inks,
pens, pencils, and papers are frequently maintained.
 LEGAL ASPECT OF DOCUMENTS
A. LEGAL BASIS OF DOCUMENTS:
In the case of People vs. Moreno, CA, 338 O.G. 119: any
written document by which a right is established or an obligation
is extinguished.
In the case of People vs. Nillosquin, CA, 48 O.G. 4453: every
deed or instrument executed by person by which some
disposition or agreement is proved, evidenced or setforth.
In relation to Criminal Jurisprudence under the Best Evidence
rule: any physical embodiment of information or ideas; e.g. a
letter, a contract, a receipt, a book of account, a blur print, or an
X-ray plate (Black’s Law Dictionary).
 KINDS OF DOCUMENT
PUBLIC DOCUMENT - notarized by a notary public or
competent public official with solemnities required by law.(Cacnio
vs. Baens, 5 Phil. 742)
OFFICIAL DOCUMENT - issued by the government or its agents
or its officers having the authority to do so and the offices, which
in accordance with their creation, they are authorized to issue
and be issued in the performance of their duties.
PRIVATE DOCUMENT -executed by a private person without
the intervention of a notary public or of any person legally
authorized, by which documents, some disposition or agreement
is proved, evidenced or set forth (US vs Orera, 11 Phil. 596).
COMMERCIAL DOCUMENT - executed in accordance with the
Code of Commerce or any Mercantile Law, containing disposition
of commercial rights or obligations.
Take Note:

A private document may become a public or official

document when it partake the nature of a public or official record.
So if the falsifications committed on such document that is, when
it is already a part of the public record, falsification of public or
official document is committed. However, if such private
document is intended to become a part of the public record, even
though falsified prior thereto, falsification of a public document is
committed.
 WRITINGS WHICH DO NOT
CONSTITUTE DOCUMENTS
Based on some Supreme Court Rulings.
• A draft of a Municipal payroll which is not yet approved by the
proper authority (People vs. Camacho, 44 Phil. 484).
• Mere blank forms of official documents, the spaces of which are
not filled up (People vs. Santiago, CA, 48 O.G. 4558).
• Pamphlets or books which do not evidence any disposition or
agreement are not documents but are mere merchandise
(People vs. Agnis, 47 Phil. 945).
 CLASSES OF QUESTIONED
DOCUMENTS
• Documents with questioned signatures.
• Questioned documents alleged to have been containing
fraudulent alterations.
• Questioned or disputed holographic wills.
• HOLOGRAPHIC WILL - will entirely written in the handwriting of the
testator
• NOTARIAL WILL - signed by the testator acknowledge before a notary
public with 3 witnesses.
• Documents investigated on the question of typewriting.
• with a view of ascertaining their source
• with a view of ascertaining their date
• with a view of determining whether or not they contain fraudulent
alterations or substituted pages.
• Questioned documents on issues of their age or date.
• Questioned documents on issues of materials used in their
production.
• Documents or writings investigated because it is alleged that
they identify some persons through handwriting.
• anonymous and disputed letters, and
• Superscriptions, registrations and miscellaneous writings.
 DOCUMENT AND QUESTIONED
DOCUMENT EXAMINATION
ADDITION - Any matter made a part of the document after its original preparation may
be referred to as addition.

CONCLUSION - A scientific conclusion results form relating observed facts by logical,

common-sense reasoning in accordance with established rules or laws. The document
examiner's conclusion, in legal term is referred to as "opinion".

DOCUMENT EXAMINER. One who studies scientifically the details and elements of
documents in order to identify their source or to discover other facts concerning them.
Document examiners are often referred to as handwriting identification experts, but
today the work has outgrown this latter title and involves other problems than merely
the examination of handwriting.

ERASURE - The removal of writings, typewriting or printing, from a document is an

erasure. It maybe accomplished by either of two means. A chemical eradication in
which the writing is removed or bleached by chemical agents (e.g. liquid ink
eradicator); and an abrasive erasure is where the writing is effaced by rubbing with a
rubber eraser or scratching out with a knife or other sharp with implement.
EXAMINATION - It is the act of making a close and critical study of any
material and with questioned documents, it is the process necessary to
discover the facts about them. Various types are undertaken, including
microscopic, visual photographic, chemical, ultra violet and infra-red
examination.

EXPERT WITNESS. A legal term used to describe a witness who by reason

of his special training or experience is permitted to express an opinion
regarding the issue, or a certain aspect of the issue, which is involved in a
court action. His purpose is to interpret technical information in his particular
specialty in order to assist the court in administering justice. The document
examiner testifies in court as an expert witness.

INSERTION OR INTERLINEATION - The term "insertion" and

"interlineations" include the addition of writing and other material between
lines or paragraphs or the addition of whole page to a document.

NON-IDENTITIFICATION (Non-identity) – as used in this text it means that

the source or authorship of the compared questioned and standard
specimens is different.
OBLITERATION - the blotting out or shearing over the writing to
make the original invisible to as an addition.

OPINION. In legal language, it refers to the document

Examiner's conclusion. Actually in Court, he not only expresses
an opinion but demonstrates the reasons for arriving at his
opinion. Throughout this text, opinion and conclusion are used
synonymously.

QUALIFICATION. The professional experience, education, and

ability of a document examiner. Before he is permitted to testify
as an expert witness, the court must rule that he is qualified in his
field.
 DIVISIONS OF QUESTIONED
DOCUMENT EXAMINATION
Criminalistics Examination. This involves the detection of forgery,
erasure, alteration or obliteration of documents.

Dr. Wilson Harrison, a noted British Examiner of questioned

documents said that an intelligent police investigator can detect
almost 75% of all forgeries by careful inspection of a document with
simple magnifiers and measuring tools.

Handwriting Investigation/Analysis. This is more focused in

determining the author of writing. It is more difficult procedure and
requires long study and experience.
SCIENTIFIC METHOD IN QUESTIONED
DOCUMENT EXAMINATION
Analysis (Recognition) - properties or characteristics, observed or measured.
Comparison - Properties or characteristics of the unknown determined
thought analysis are now compared with the familiar or recorded properties
of known items.
Evaluation- Similarities or dissimilarities in properties or characteristics will
each have a certain value for identification, determined by its likelihood of
occurrence. The weight or significance of each must therefore be considered.

The criteria of scientific examination of documents are:

Accuracy – correspondence between results obtained and the truth.
Precision – measure of the consistency of results obtained in repeated study or
experimentation.
 WHO IS A QUESTIONED DOCUMENT
EXPERT?

• Attained the appropriate education and training;

• Sufficient knowledge on the technical, scientific, and legal
aspects of document examinations; and
• A broad experience in handling questioned document
cases.
 REASONS FOR UTILIZING A
QUESTIONED DOCUMENT EXPERT:
• Assurance of preparedness;
• Trial fiscal or judges are infrequently confronted with document
cases; consequently, they do not possess the knowledge of the
documents expert's ability of the various methods that exist for
determining forgeries.
• Avoidance of an “OFF-HAND” opinion.
What is an “OFF-HAND OPINION”? Off-hand opinion is
usually a conclusion that is not based on thorough scientific
examination.

THE DANGER OF OFF-HAND OPINIONS - It has happened

in some cases that an off-hand opinion, has sent an innocent
man to prison, while a murderer was given a chance to
escape.
INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS USED IN
QUESTIONED DOCUMENT
EXAMINATIONS
MAGNIFYING LENS – Bank
personnel and other people involved
in currency examinations usually use
and ordinary hand-lens; the maximum
diameter of which is four inches, and
this appears big with its wide frame it
has a magnifying power of two times
the original only. Magnifying lenses
of five times or more magnifying
power, with built-in-lighting are more
useful.
SHADOWGRAPH – a pictorial
image formed by casting a
shadow, usually of the hands,
upon a rightful surface or screen.

STEREOSCOPIC BINOCULAR
MICROSCOPE – a tri-
dimensional (3D) enlargement is
possible.
MEASURES AND TEST PLATES
(TRANSPARENT GLASS) – those used for
signatures and typewritings.

TABLE LAMPS WITH ADJUSTABLE

SHADES (Goose Neck Lamps) – used for
controlled illumination; needed in sidelight
examination wherein light is placed at a low-
angle in a position oblique to plane or
document.

TRANSMITTED LIGHT GADGET – a device

where light comes from beneath or behind
glass on document is placed.
ULTRA VIOLET LAMP – this is
usually used in the detection of
counterfeited bills but can actually
be used to detect security
features of qualified documents.

INFRARED VIEWER – primarily

used to decipher writings in a
charred document.

COMPARISON MICROSCOPE –
similar to that of the bullet
comparison microscope.
ESDA – Electrostatic Detection
Apparatus is used to detect
intended impressions left from
writing on an overlying page.

VSC – Video Spectral

Comparators – They are used in
the examination of masked or
obliterated text and watermark.

SPECTROPHOTOMETER -
is a versatile tool that offers
simple and effective analysis
throughout all stages of offset
ink production and printing
 HANDLING OF DOCUMENTS AND
QUESTIONED DOCUMENTS
THE CARE OF DISPUTED DOCUMENTS AND DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE
• It is a basic requirement, that when a document becomes disputed and
deposited in court or with the attorney, in order to maintain its original
condition, it should be kept UNFOLDED AND IN A SEPARATE, PROPER
SIZE ENVELOPE OR FOLDER. This is true not only for the disputed
documents, but for many other important documentary evidence.
• It is also advisable that right after the document becomes disputed, or
questioned, it is important to make not only the usual photo static copy
(Xerox), but also a proper photograph or photo-enlargement, done if possible
by the document expert or under the supervision of the document expert.
• When working in the preparation of case, it is often necessary for the
lawyer or court to handle repeatedly the disputed document. Should this be
necessary, instead of handling and working with the original document, the
photograph should be used.
• Every touching, folding, refolding or pointing to certain parts of a
document, can change the physical condition of the case. For
example, touching with wet hands or fingers can create smearing in
the ink, pointing with a pencil can leave marks that create a
suspicion of previous pencil marks, or experiments as proof of
attempted forgery.
• Pointing a document with any other instruments, such as sharp stick,
can cause slight damage which although it can not be seen by the
naked eye, can show definite marks under the microscope or on the
enlarged photograph.
• No test should be made to alter the conditions of the document; for
example, the old-fashioned ink test, which was used to determine
the age of the ink-writing.
• Should any test be necessary, insist that it should be done in the
presence of a chemist, or in court, or in front of both parties involved
the case.
 DO'S AND DON'T'S IN THE CARE, HANDLING
AND PRESERVATION OF DOCUMENTS

“DO’S”
• Take disputed papers to Document Examiner's Laboratory at
the First Opportunity.
• If storage is necessary, keep in dry place away from excessive
heat strong light.
• Maintain in consequential document, unfolded and in
transparent plastic envelope or evidence preserver.
“DONT’S”
• Do not underscore, make careless markings, fold, erase, impress
rubber stamps, sticker, write on, or otherwise alter any handwriting.
• Do not smear with fingerprints powder or chemicals.
• Do not carry handwriting document carelessly in wallet, notebook or
brief case on grounds of interviews.
• Do not handle disputed papers excessively or carry then in pocket
for a long time.
• Do not marked disputed documents (either by consciously
writing instruments or dividers)
• Do not mutilate or damage by repeated refolding, creasing, cutting,
tearing or punching for filing purposes.
• Do not allow anyone except qualified specialist to make chemical or
other tests; do no treat or dust for latent finger prints before
consulting a document examiner.
 HANDLING CHARRED DOCUMENTS
• Those extremely fragile must be handled as little as possible and
transporting them to the laboratory requires extra-ordinary care. With
forethought and caution they can be brought from the distant fire scene
to the laboratory.
• They should be moved in the container in which they are found
whenever possible. When the fragments are not packed tightly, they
should be padded with lightweight absorbent cotton. If jarring can not
be entirely eliminated jarring the box must be kept to a minimum.
• Thus every precaution must be taken in handling and transporting the
charred residue in order to prevent the large pieces from becoming
unnecessarily and badly broken. The fragment must be held firmly
without crushing and prevent movement or shifting when finally packed
in a sturdy container.
 HANDWRITING IDENTIFICATION AND
EXAMINATION

HANDWRITING
It is the result of a very complicated series of facts, being
used as whole, combination of certain forms of visible mental and
muscular habits acquired by long, continued painstaking effort.
Some defined handwriting as “visible speech.”
 PRINCIPLE IN HANDWRITING
IDENTIFICATION
• When any two specimens of handwritings contain a combination of
corresponding or similar and specifically oriented characteristics of
such number and significance as to preclude the possibility of their
occurrence by mere coincidence, and there are no unaccounted for
difference, it may be concluded that they are similar in writing
characteristics and therefore written by one and the same person.
• Handwritings are fixed habits.
• These writing habits like habits of speech become so automatic and
unconscious that even by the most strenuous effort, it is almost
impossible to change them. It is one of the most permanent of
human habits.
• No duplication of handwriting by two individuals.
 TYPES OF HANDWRITINGS
Cursive – Writing in which the letters are for the most part joined
together.
Handlettering – refers to writing characterized by a disconnected
style.(Manuscript and Block Capitals)
Natural Writing – a specimen of writing that is executed normally
and without any attempt of altering its usual writing habits.
Disguised – a specimen of writing executed deliberately with an
attempt of changing its usual writing habits in the hope of hiding
one’s identity.
Guided/assisted – a specimen of writing executed while the
writer’s hand is at steadied. Usually employed by beginners in
writing.
 BASIS OF HANDWRITING
IDENTIFICATION
• In Wignore's Principles of judicial Proof, handwriting is defined as a
visible effect of bodily movement which is an almost unconscious
expression of fixed muscular habits, reacting from fixed mental
impression of certain ideas associated with script form.
• Environment, education and occupation affect individuals so
variously in the formation of these muscular habits that finally the act
of writing becomes an almost automatic succession of acts
stimulated by these habits.
• The imitation of the style of writing by another person becomes
difficult because the other person cannot by mere will power
reproduce in himself all the muscular combination from the habit of
the first writer.
 CHARACTERISTICS IN WRITING
CHARACTERISTICS – refers to any property, marks or elements
which distinguishes. Also referred to as identifying details.

Types of characteristics:
Class Characteristics – characteristics or properties which are
common or which can be found in the specimen writing of other
person. Gross characteristics.
Individual Characteristics – characteristics which are highly
personal or peculiar. That which is unlikely to occur in other’s
handwriting.
 CHARACTERISTICS IN WRITING:
Pen pressure
is the average or usual pressure applied in the writing.
Pen Emphasis
is the act of intermittently forcing the pen against the
paper surface with an increase in speed.
Rhythm
is the harmonious or balance recurrence of strokes or
impulses.
Skills
refers to the degree of writer’s proficiency in writing
Speed
cannot be measured precisely from the finished
handwriting but it can be interpreted in broad term as to
either fast, slow or moderate.
Pen-lift
an interruption is strokes caused by sudden removal of the
writing instrument from the paper surface.
Form
Refers to the shape or design of the individuals letters
Slope or Slant
Angle of inclination of the axis of letters relative to the
baseline
Proportion
Relative height to one letter to another letter
Ratio
Relation between the tall and short letters is referred to as
the ratio of writing
 Short
Written between the lines (a,c,e,i,m,n,o,r,s,u,v,w,x)
Tall
Letters with upper and lower loops (b,d,f,g,h,j,l,y,z)
Connecting Strokes
Refers to the stroke of links that connects a letter with the
one following
Hiatus/Pen Jump
Gaps between strokes due to speed of writing and
defective writing instruments
Shading
refers to the more obvious increase in the width of the
letter strokes.
Pen Position
is the relative location of the pen in relation to the paper
surface.
Pen scope
represents the reach of the hand with the wrist at rest.
Retracing or retraced
is the strokes which goes back over another writing
strokes that is slightly to occur in other’s writing.
Retouching or patching
is a stroke, which goes back over a defective portion of a
writing to repair or correct an error.
Line Quality
Refers to the visible record in the written stroke of the
basic movement and manner of holding the writing
instrument
Alignment
In relation of the parts of the whole line of writing or line of
individual letters in words or signature to the baseline
Arc
the rounded inner part of an upper curve, bend or crook,
Beard
is an introductory up and down strokes found in some
capital letters. Also called as double hitch.
Blunt
is a part of a stroke characterized by a abrupt beginning or
end at which the pen does not creates a diminishing
strokes.
Buckle Knot
is a horizontal or loop strokes used to complete letters A,
H, F and D.
Central Part
is the body of the letter. Characterized by a small rounded
or circular strokes.
Ductus-link, Ductus
broken- refers to the connection between letters, either
joined or disconnected.
Eyelet/Eyeloop
refers to small oblong strokes.
Hitch
an introductory backward strokes found in most capital
letters and in some small letters.
Humps
is the outer portion of an upper curve bend or crook, (see
arc)
Knob
is a tiny pool of an ink at the beginning or ending strokes.
Loop
is an oblong strokes
Stem/shank/staff
is considered as the backbone of the letter characterized
by a long downward strokes
Initial/terminal Spur
a long running initial or terminal strokes.
Through/Hook
the bend, crook, or curve
Whirl
is the long upward strokes usually found opposite the
stem
Baseline
Rules of imaginary line where the writing rest
Copy Book Form
Design of letter which is fundamental to a writing system
Diacritic
An element added to complete certain letter
Foot
The lower portion of any down stroke which terminates on
the baseline.
Embellishments
added strokes that serves as an ornamental or flourish to
the design of the letters.
They considered unnecessary to the legibility of the writing.
CHARACTERISTICS IN WRITING
 RHYTHM IN HANDWRITING
RHYTHM is a succession of connected, uniform strokes
working in full coordination. This is manifested by clear-cut
accentuated strokes, which increase and decrease in which like
perfect cones. Pressure is always in a state of change moving from
light to heavy or from heavy to light.

LACK OF RHYTHM - Characterized by a succession of awkward,

independent, poorly directed and disconnected motions.

IMPORTANCE OF RHYTHM - By studying the rhythm of the

succession of strokes, one can determine if the writer normally and
spontaneously or write with hesitation as if he is attempting to for
another signature.
 LETTER OF CONNECTIONS
Determine the essential expression of the writing pattern. It is a mean indicator
of the neuromuscular function. Words are formed by connection letters to one another.
Even letters are formed by the joining of the upward and downward strokes. These
types of connections are:

Arcade - a rounded stroke shaped like an arch. It is a slow mode of connection

resulting from controlled movements.
Garland - Links the downward stroke to the upstrokes with a flowing curve swinging
from left t right. It is an easy, effortless mode of connection, written with speed.
Angular connective form- When the downward strokes and upward strokes meet
directly, angular connection is formed. This type of connection imposes a check on the
continuity of movement which is characterized by an abrupt stop and start in each
turning point.
The threadlike connective form - the joining of downward and upward strokes is
slurred to a threadlike tracing or where rounded turns used at both top and bottom
produce a double curve. These forms appear both in the shaping of letters within the
word.
 HANDWRITING STROKE
STROKE is a series of lines or curves written in a
single letter; one of the lines of an alphabet or series of lines
or curves within a single letter; the path traced by the pen on
the paper.
Take Note:
AIRSTROKE – The movement of the pen as it is raised from the
paper and continues in the same direction in the air.
COVERING STROKE – A stroke that unnecessarily covers
another stroke in a concealing action.
FINAL – The ending stroke on a letter when it is at the end of a
word.
UPSTROKE – Movement of the pen away from the writer.
SEQUENCE OF STROKES - The order in which writing strokes
are placed on the paper is referred to as their sequence.
SUPPORTED STROKES – Upstrokes partially covering the
previous down strokes. Originally taught in European schools.
TRAIT STROKE – a school o handwriting analysis that assigns
personality trait manners to individual writing strokes.
 QUALITIES OF THE STROKES
Expansion - whether the movement is extended or limited in its range
with respect to both vertical and horizontal dimension.
Co-ordination - whether the flow of movement is controlled or uncertain,
smooth or jerky, continuous or interrupted.
Speed - whether the movement has been rapid or slow and whether the
pace has been steady or variable.
Pressure- whether the pressure exerted in the movement and its upward
and downward reach.
Direction- Left ward and right ward trend of they movement and its
upward and downward reach.
Rhythm - in the sequence of movements that weave the total pattern,
certain similar phases recur at more or less regular intervals.
 TYPES OF MOVEMENT
FINGER MOVEMENT - the thumb, the first, second and slightly
the third fingers are in actual motion. Most usually employed by
children and illiterates.
HAND MOVEMENT - produced by the movement or action of the
whole hand with the wrist as the center of attraction.
FOREARM MOVEMENT - the movement of the shoulder, hand
and arm with the support of the table.
WHOLE FOREARM MOVEMENT - action of the entire arm
without resting. i.e., blackboard writing.
 PHYSIOLOGICAL BASIS OF
HANDWRITING
Two Groups of Muscles Involve in Handwriting:

EXTENSOR MUSCLES - push up the pen to form the upward

strokes
FLEX MUSCLES - which push the pen to from the downward strokes.

Generally speaking, four groups of muscles are employed in writing -

those which operate the joints of the fingers, wrist, elbow, and
shoulder. The delicate way in which the various muscles used in
writing work together to produce written form is known as motor
coordination.
 FACTORS THAT AFFECTS WRITING
CHARACTERISTICS
Natural Variations – is the usual or normal deviation found in a repeated
specimen of an individual’s handwriting or in the product of any typewriter.
Transitory Change – are meant to those changes which only continue to
exist while the basic cause of the deterioration is still affecting the writer,
once the such cause has been removed from the writer, the writing will
reverts in its normal form.
Tremor – is the weakening of the strokes characterized by a wavering or
shaky strokes.
1. Genuine Tremor
a.1. Weakness of sickness
a.2 Old age
a.3. Illiteracy (lack of skills)

2. Tremor of Fraud
Writing Conditions – refers to all factors affecting the over-
all quality of writing such as the writer’s condition under
which the writing was prepared.

Writing instrument
Ball point pen (John Loud) consisting of a ball bearing at the
point of the pen.
Fountain pen (Lewis Watterman) consisting of pen nib
point.
Fiber pen (originally designed by Hongkong)
 STANDARDS OR EXEMPLARS
STANDARD - They are known writings, which indicate how a person
writes. A writer manifests fixed habits in his writings that identify him.
This fact provides the basis for an opinion of conclusion regarding any
writing identification problem.

EXEMPLARS - Specimen of the writing of suspects are commonly

known as exemplars. The term standards is a general term referring
to all authenticated writings of the suspects while exemplars refers
more especially to a specimens of standard writing offered in
evidence or obtained or request for comparison with the questioned
writing.

SAMPLE - A selected representative portion of the whole is known as

a sample. In this text, the term "sample" follows closely the statistical
usage.
TYPES OF HANDWRITING "STANDARDS"
1. Collected Standards are KNOWN (genuine) handwriting of
an individual such as signature and endorsements on
canceled checks, legal papers letters, commercial, official,
public and private document and other handwriting such as
letters, memoranda, etc. Written in the course of daily life, both
business and socials.
2. Request standards are signature or other handwritings (or
hand printings) written by an individual upon request for the
purpose of comparison with other handwriting or for specimen
purposes.
3. Post Litem Motan Exemplars - writings produced by the
subject after evidential writings have come into dispute and solely
for the purpose of establishing his contentions.
 SUGGESTED PROCEDURE FOR TAKING
REQUEST HANDWRITING STANDARDS IN ALL
TYPES OF QUESTIONED-DOCUMENT
PROBLEMS
• Have subject seated in a natural position at table or desk having
smooth writing surface.
• Furnish subject with paper and writing instrument similar to
those used in questioned writings, lie; paper should be same
size, and ruled or unruled; as questioned document: if
questioned document is in written furnish subject with pen and
ink, etc.
• Never permit the subject to see any writing on the questioned
document.
• Dictate material to be written (or printed, if questioned material
is hand printed): give no assistance in spelling or arrangement
on page. Dictate at a rate of speed, which will produce the
subject natural writing habits.
• Remove each specimen upon completion by subject number in
consequence, date, time and identify by initiating each, and
request subjects to sign each specimen.
• Observe all writing done by subjects and indicate any attempt of
disguise, and whether subjects appears to be normally right or
left handed, etc.
 HOW TO PREPARE AND COLLECT
HANDWRITING STANDARDS?
Factors to Consider in the Selection of standards
• THE AMOUNT OF STANDARD WRITTEN
• SIMILARLY OF SUBJECT MATTER. If the questioned writings are hand printed,
then get hand printed standard or exemplar.
• RELATIVE DATES of the questioned and the standards writing standard
signatures or writing must be those written five (5) years before or five (5)
after the date of the questioned signature or writing.
 INVESTIGATION AND DETAILED
EXAMINATION OF SIGNATURES
SIGNIFICANT TERMS
Signature – a name of person signed by himself on a document as a
sign of acknowledgement.
CROSS MARK. Historically, many who could not write signed with a
cross mark or crude X. This authenticating mark is still used today by
illiterates, and if properly witnessed, it can legally stand for a
signature. Ballot marks are also referred to as cross marks because
of the common practice of marking with an X.
EVIDENTIAL SIGNATURE - Is not simply a signature - it is a
signature, signed at a particular time and place, under particular
conditions, while the signer was at particular age, in a particular
physical and mental condition, using particular implements, and with a
particular reason and purpose for recording his name.
FRAUDULENT SIGNATURE. A forged signature. It involves the writing of a
name as a signature by someone other than the person himself, without his
permission, often with some degree of imitation.
FREEHAND SIGNATURE. A fraudulent signature that was executed purely
by simulation rather than by tracing the outline of a genuine signature.
GUIDED SIGNATURE. A signature that is executed while the writer’s hand
or arm is steadied in any way. Under the law of most jurisdictions such a
signature authenticates a legal document provided it is shown that the writer
requested the assistance. Guided signatures are most commonly written
during a serious illness or on a deathbed.
IMITATED SIGNATURE. Synonymous with freehand forgery.
MODEL SIGNATURE. A genuine signature that has been used to prepare an
imitated or traced forgery.
THEORY OF COMPARISON - The act of setting two or more signature in
an inverted position to weigh their identifying significance, the reason being
that those we fail to see under normal comparison may readily be seen
under this theory.
The examination of signatures is considered
a specialized branch of handwriting
identification, for the following reasons:
• A signature is a word most practiced by many people and
therefore most fluently written.
• A signature is a means to identify a person and have a great
personal significance.
• A signature is written with little attention to spelling and some
other details.
• A signature is a word written without conscious thought about
the mechanics of its production and is written automatically.
• A signature is the only word the illiterate can write with
confidence.
 CLASSES OF SIGNATURE
FORMAL OR COMPLETE – used in signing very important
document

INFORMAL OR CURSORY – used for routine document

CARELESS SCRIBBLE – used for not so important

document such as delivery of mail or receipt of purchase
equipment etc
 FORGERY
• Is an act of simulating or tracing somebody’s signature
without the latter’s consent for profit.
 TYPES OF FORGERY
Simple forgery – a forges signature where no attempt has been
made to make a copy or facsimile of the genuine writing of a person
purported to sign the document. Also known as spurious signature
Simulated or Copied forgery – a forged signature which resembles
the genuine signature written in free-hand. Considered as the most
skillful type of forgery.
Traced Forgery – forged signature which closely resembles the
genuine made by some tracing process or outline form.
Methods of tracing
• Carbon outline process – used of carbon paper.
• Indention process- used of considerable pressure, Canal-like
process.
• Projection or transmitted light process- used of light from the back or
bottom.
• Laser method – used of hologram.
 MISCELLANEOUS DOCUMENT PROBLEM
ALTERATION
refers to any form of changes either an addition or a deletion to the original content of
the document which is not a part of its original preparation.
ERASURE
refers to removal of a writings or any part of a document either by mechanical or
chemical process.
Types of Erasures
Mechanical Erasure
done by means of abrasive method through rubbing or scrapping.
Chemical Erasure
done with the aid or use of bleaching agent called ink eradicator.
Usually examined with the aid or fuming, transmitted light, oblique light and
ultra-violet light examination
OBLITERATION
is the process of smearing over an original writing to make it undecipherable or
illegible. Done with the used of superimposing inks.
Charred Document
refers to partly burned or brittle document. Decipherment is usually
accomplished with the used of infra-red light examination.
Invisible writing
writing that has no readily visible ink strokes. Made by Sympathetic inks
such as acids, juice and others.
They are possible of development depending on the ink used. Methods of
development can be by heat. Water, chemical fuming or by ultra-violet
light process.
Contact writing
refers to partially visible ink strokes cause by sudden contact between a
sheet of paper with another paper containing fresh ink. Can be enhanced
through fuming or ultra-violet light process.
Insertion or Interlineation -
The term "insertion" and "interlineations" include the addition of writing
and other material between lines or paragraphs or the addition of whole
page to a document.
OTHER IMPORTANT TERMINOLOGIES
CACOGRAPHY
a bad writing.
CALLIGRAPHY
the art of beautiful writing.
COLLATION
side by side comparison; collation as used in this text means the critical
comparison on side by side examination.
DOWNSTROKE
The movement of the pen toward the writer.
GESTALT
The German word that means “complete” or “whole”.
A good gestalt needs nothing added or taken away to make it “look right”.
Also a school of handwriting analysis that looks at handwriting as a whole
picture.
GRAPHOANALYSIS
the study of handwriting based on the two fundamental strokes, the curve and
the straight strokes.
GRAPHOMETRY
analysis by comparison and measurement.
GRAPHOLOGY
the art of determining character disposition and amplitude of a person from the
study of handwriting.
It also means the scientific study and analysis of handwriting, especially with
reference to forgeries and questioned documents.
HANDLETTERING
Any disconnected style of writing in which each letter is written separately; also
called handprinting.
LETTER SPACE
The amount of space left between letters.
LINE DIRECTION
Movement of the baseline. May slant up, down, or straight across the page.
LINE QUALITY
The overall character of the ink lines from the beginning to the ending strokes.
There are two classes: Good Line quality and Poor Line quality.
The visible records in the written stroke of the basic movements and manner of
holding the writing instrument is characterized by the term "line quality". It is
derived from a combination of actors including writing skill, speed rhythm,
freedom of movements, shading and pen position.
LINE SPACE
The amount of space left between lines.
MANUSCRIPT WRITING
A disconnected form of script or semi-script writing.
This type of writing is taught in young children in
elementary schools as the first step in learning to write.
MARGINS
The amount of space left around the writing on all four
sides.
MOVEMENT
It is an important element in handwriting.
It embraces all the factors which are related to the motion of the writing
instrument skill, speed freedom, hesitation, rhythm, emphasis, tremors
and the like.
The manner in which the writing instrument is move that is by
finger, hand, forearm or whole arm.
NATURAL WRITING
Any specimen of writing executed normally without any attempt to control
or alter its identifying habits and its usual quality or execution.
NATURAL VARIATION
These are normal or usual deviations found between repeated
specimens of any individual handwriting.
PEN EMPHASIS
The act of intermittently forcing the pen against the
paper surfaces.
When the pen-point has flexibility, this emphasis
produces shading, but with more rigid writing
points heavy point emphasis can occur in writing w/out
any evidence of shading; the act intermittently forcing the
pen against the paper with increase pressure.
PEN HOLD
The place where the writer grasps the barrel of the pen
and the angle at which he holds it.
PEN PRESSURE
the average force with which the pen contacts the paper. Pen pressure as
opposed to pen emphasis deals with the usual of average force involved in the
writing rather than the period increases.
PRINTSCRIPT
A creative combination of printing and cursive writing.
QUALITY
A distinct or peculiar character. Also, “quality” is used in describing handwriting
to refer to any identifying factor that is related to the writing movement itself.
RHYTHM
The element of the writing movement which is marked by regular or periodic
recurrences.
It may be classed as smooth, intermittent, or jerky in its quality; the flourishing
succession of motion which are recorded in a written record. Periodicity,
alternation of movement.
SHADING
Is the widening of the ink strokes due to the added pressure on a flexible
pen point or to the use of a stub pen.
SIGNIFCANT WRITING HABIT
Any characteristic of handwriting that is sufficiently uncommon and well
fixed to serve as a fundamental point in the identification.
SIMPLIFICATION
Eliminating extra or superfluous strokes from the copybook model.
SIZE
May refer to the overall size of the writing or the proportions between zones.
SKILL
In any set there are relative degrees or ability or skill and a specimen of
handwriting usually contains evidence of the writer's proficiency; degree, ability,
or skill of a write proficiency.
SLOPE/SLANT
the angle or inclination of the axis of the letters relative to the baseline.
There are three classes: Slant to the left; Slant to the right; and Vertical Slant.
SPEED OF WRITING
The personal pace at which the writer’s pen moves across the paper.
SPEED (SPEEDY) WRITING –
Not everyone writes at the same rate so that consideration of the speed of
writing may be a significant identifying element.
Writing speed cannot be measured precisely from the finished handwriting but
can be interpreted in broad terms of slow, moderate, or rapid.
TENSION
The degree of force exerted on the pen compared to the degree of relaxation.
THREADY FORM
An indefinite connective form that looks flat and wavy.
VARIABILITY
The degree to which the writing varies from the copybook model.
VARIATION
The act or process of changing.
WORD SPACE
The amount of space left between words.
WRITING CONDITION
Both the circumstances under which the writing was prepared and the factors
influencing the writer’s ability to write at the time of execution.
It includes the writer’s position (sitting, standing, abed, etc.), the paper support and
backing, and the writing instrument; writing ability may be modified by the condition
of the writer’s health, nervous state, or degree of intoxication
WRONG-HANDED WRITING.
Any writing executed with the opposite hand that normally
used; a.k.a. as “with the awkward hand.” It is one means
of disguise.
Thus, the writing of a right-handed person which has been
executed with his left hand accounts for the common
terminology for this class of disguise as "left-hand writing".
WRITING IMPULSE
The result of the pen touching down on the paper and
moving across the page, until it is raised from the paper.
 TYPEWRITER AND TYPEWRITING
IDENTIFICATION
TYPEWRITER
A writing machine with a keyboard for reproducing
letters, figures, symbols and other resembling printed ones; a
machine that can reproduce printed characters on papers or
that can produce printed letters and figures on paper; a
machine designed to print or impress type characters on
paper, as a speedier and more legible substitute for
handwriting.
 DEFINITION OF TERMS:
TYPEFACE – is the printing surface of the type block in a
conventional typewriter. In electric typewriter it is the printing surface
of the rotating head sphere.
TYPEFACE DEFECT – any form of peculiarity of the type printing
caused by actual damage to the typeface metal or which maybe an
abnormality in its printing condition.
CHARACTERS – in connection to typewriting, it is used to include
letters, symbols, numerals or points of punctuation.
PICA TYPEFACE – type face impression ordinarily spaced ten (10)
characters to the horizontal inch.
ELITE TYPEFACE – type face impression ordinarily spaced twelve
(12) characters to the horizontal inch.
PROPORTIONAL SPACING MACHINE – a typewriter with a
type letter spacing similar to the type spacing of conventional
printed in which all letters are allotted horizontal in conformity
with their relative widths.
TRANSITORY DEFECTS – is an identifying typewriter
characteristics which can be eliminated by simply cleaning the
machine or replacing the ribbon.
PERMANENT DEFECTS – any identifying typewriting
characteristics of the type face which cannot be corrected by
simply cleaning the machine or replacing the ribbon.
MAL ALIGNMENT OR ALIGNMENT DEFECTS – refers to defect
in the printing condition of the type character in which the letters
are printed either at the top or bottom, left or right of inclined
from its proper position.
 TYPEFACE DEFECTS
VERTICAL MAL ALIGNMENT – a character printing above or below
of its proper position.
HORIZONTAL MAL ALIGNMENT – an alignment defect in which the
characters are printed to the left or right of its proper position.
TWISTED LETTERS – letters and characters are designed to be
printed at a certain angle to the baseline. Once letters leans to the
left or right of its proper position such is called twisted letters.
OFF-ITS-FEET – is a condition of the type face printing at which then
character outline is not equally printed, that is the printing is heavier
in one side than the remainder of the outline of the character.
REBOUND – typeface defect in which a character prints a
double impression with the lighter one slightly off-set to the right
or left.
ACTUAL BREAKAGE – any peculiarity of typewriting caused by
actual damage to the type face metal.
CLOGGED TYPE FACE (DIRTY) – is a typeface defects
characterized by dirty prints due to constant used without
cleaning of the type bar or due to use of new carbon. These are
common in closed letter outline such as o, a, p, g etc.
 PHILIPPINE BANKNOTES
• The New Generation Currency was printed by Oberthur
Technologies, which won the bidding for currency printing for all
denominations held among six participants.
• One of the requirements for NGC printing was for the banknote
security paper to carry the BSP-specified paper-based security
features
• These NGC security features were selected on the basis of their
machine readability and adaptability to recent innovations in
currency processing and automated tellering machines.
• The new features of the NGC notes were designed such that
ordinary cash handlers can easily recognize the authenticity of each
denomination while at the same time making it difficult and
expensive for counterfeiters to imitate.
 PHILIPPINE BANKNOTES
The NGC design can be aptly described in four (4) Filipino adjectives:
Matibay (strong).
Our currency contains Philippine abaca, which is known for its strength and
versatility.
This is a reflection of the resilience of our economy amidst challenges.
Makulay (colorful).
The vibrant colors in our banknotes symbolize the colorful history of our nation.
They also mirror the happy and fun-loving Filipino disposition even when faced with
adversities.
Maganda (beautiful).
Our country is beautiful, epitomized by the featured natural wonders.
For all their beauty and bounty, our country’s natural resources are worth preserving
as these are our refuge against hunger, calamity, and boredom.
Malinis (clean)
Each NGC note was given hygienic treatment that makes it hostile to the growth of E.
coli bacteria and aspergillus niger fungus.
 BANKNOTE SECURITY FEATURES
For greater protection, the New Generation Currency notes were provided with four layers of
security features:
Level I:
Security features which can be easily recognized by the public without the use of
special instruments.
These are the “look,” “feel,” and “tilt” elements in the notes:
Embossed prints
The embossed or raised print nature of the ink deposition combined with the
quality of cotton-based paper gives the traditional banknote a unique tactile
effect that makes it the first and the most important line of defense against
counterfeiting.
This can be felt over the words “REPUBLIKA NG PILIPINAS,” denominational
value in text, signatures, and value panels particularly, the one located at the
lower right corner of the obverse.
A symmetric Serial Number
Alphanumeric characters at the lower left and upper right
corners of the note bearing one or two prefix letters and six
to seven digits, with font increasing in size and thickness.
Security Fibers
Visible red and blue fibers embedded on the paper and
randomly scattered on the face and back of the note.
Watermark
Shadow image of the portrait with the highlighted
denominational value that is particularly seen against the
light from either side of the blank space on the note.
See-Through Mark:
The pre-Hispanic script (Baybayin) at the lower right corner of the face of the note
slightly above the value panel.
This is seen in complete form only when the note is viewed against the light.
This script means “PILIPINO.”
Concealed Value:
The denominational value superimposed at the smaller version portrait at the
upper left portion of the note.
This becomes clearly visible when the note is rotated 45 degrees and slightly
tilted.
Security Thread (Embedded or Windowed):
Embedded thread that runs vertically across the width of 20- and 50- piso notes
when viewed against the light.
Also, the stitch-like metallic thread on the 100-, 200-, 500- and 1000-piso notes
which changes color from red to green and bears the cleartext of “BSP” and the
denominational value on the obverse and “BSP” on the reverse, both in repeated
series.
Optically Variable Device (OVD) Patch:
Found only in 500- and 1000-piso notes, this patch is a
reflective foil, bearing the image of the Blue-naped parrot for
500-piso/clam with South Sea pearl for 1000-piso, changes
color from red to green when the note is rotated 90 degrees.
Optically Variable Ink (OVI):
Found only in the 1000-piso note, this embossed
denominational value at the lower right corner of the face of
the note changes color from green to blue when viewed at
different angle
Level II:
Security features recognizable by professional cash
handlers/bank tellers with the use of magnifying lens or
ultraviolet light.
Examples are fluorescent features and microprinting.
Level III:
Hidden or covert security features that are reserved for the
use of the BSP.
Level IV:
Forensic security features which require special laboratory
examination procedures and equipment for identification;
most relevant in establishing the authenticity of a banknote
in the course of any court proceedings.
FORGERY, COUNTERFEITING AND
FALSIFICATION
COUNTERFEITING - It is the crime of making, circulating or
uttering false coins and banknotes. Literally, it means to make a
copy of; or imitate; to make a spurious semblance of, as money or
stamps, with the intent to deceive or defraud. Counterfeiting is
something made to imitate the real thing used for gain.

FALSIFICATION – The act/process of making the content/s of a

document not the intended content.

FORGERY – The act of falsely making or materially altering, with

intent to defraud, any writing which if genuine, might be of legal
efficacy or the foundation of a legal liability.
 MAKING OF PAPER MONEY
ENGRAVING – It is the process by
which the line to be printed are cut into
pieces of metal by hand or with a
machine. Ink is rubbed over the plate to
fill the cuts in the metal and the extra ink
wiped-off the top. The pressure of the
paper on the plate causes the ink in the
holes to be lifted on the surface of the
paper. The ink lines will be felt to be
raised above the surface. The
engraving process is used for the
production of all genuine bank notes.
LETTERPRESS PRINTING – is
the most common form of
printing books, magazine,
letterheads and the usual
printing in common uses. In the
process, the letters are made on
raised pieces of metal which
covered with ink and then
impressed upon the paper in the
same form as a rubber stamp or
cliché. The serial numbers of a
bank note are usually added by
this letterpress process after the
note has been produced by an
engraving.
OFFSET PRINTING – is the method a
photograph is taken of the desire
material and a print is made on a
specially prepared aluminum plate.
The plate is kept wet with water. When
ink is applied, it sticks only these parts
of the plate where printing is desired.
The aluminum plate is then put in
contact with rubber roller which
transfers the ink to the papers. The
offset process is quite used in small
printing plants. Because it was
photographic process, it is the most
common modern used by
counterfeiter to make false paper
money.
 COINS
These are pieces of metal stamped by government authority, for
use as money or collectively referring to metal currency.

MAKING OF COINS
CASTING is the most common method of making gold coins. Plaster
molds bearing an image of gold coins are filled (within a low
temperature) with alloy made with lead or tin. Some molds are used
for high temperature metal such as copper or silver alloy.

STRIKING OR STAMPING is the making of an impression of a coin or

metal blank by pressure.
 -END-
THANK YOU FOR
LISTENING FUTURE
REGISTERED
CRIMINOLOGISTS!
PRACTICE QUIZ
1. Any material that contains a mark symbol or sign, either visible,
partially visible or invisible that may presently or ultimately convey a
meaning or a message to someone.
A. Document
B. Standard Document
C. Questioned Document
D. Public Document
2. A condensed and compact set of authentic specimen which is
adequate and proper should contain a cross section of the material
from known sources is:
A. Disguised document
B. Public Document
C. Standard document
D. Official document
3. It is a classification of document in which it is issued by a public
official in the exercise of the functions of his office.
A. Public Document
B. Official Document
C. Private Document
D. Commercial Document
4. A kind of document executed by a person in authority and by private
parties but notarized by competent officials.
A. private document
B. Commercial document
C. public document
D. Official document
5. The art of beautiful writing is known as
A. Drafting
B. Calligraphy
C. Art appreciation
D. Cacography
6. Which of these refers to the art of determining the character or
disposition of person by analyzing his handwriting?
A. Calligraphy
B. Graphology
C. Haplography
D. QD Examination
7. It is a type of standard document executed in the day to day
activities and is being produced in the regular course of man’s activity.
A. Notarized Document
B. Contemporary Document
C. Collected/Procured Document
D. Requested/Dictated Document
8. In the history of questioned document examination, who was the
British examiner of questioned document who said that an intelligent
police investigator can detect almost 75% of all forgeries by careful
inspection of a document with simple magnifiers and measuring tools
was;
A. Alphonse Bertillion
B. Detective Allan Pinkerton
C. Dr. Wilson Harrison
D. Richard Henry
9. Contemporary handwriting standards means that the age of the
standards should be within?
A. 8 years from the date of the question document
B. 10 years prior to the date of the questioned document
C. 5 years prior to the date of the questioned document
D. 15 years prior to the date of the questioned document
10. Refers to the design of letters which are fundamental to a writing
system.
A. Copy book form
B. Line quality
C. System of writing
D. Writing movement
11. It is a specimen of writing executed deliberately with an attempt of
changing its usual writing habits to hide his/her identity.
A. Natural Writing
B. Hand lettering
C. Guided/Assisted Writing
D. Disguised
12. This movement may be categorized into hesitating and painful due
to weakness and illness.
A. tremors
B. wrist movement
C. quality of movement
D. whole arm movement
13. It is a name of a person which represent as an identification in a
document and serves as an acknowledgement of the document signed.
A. Evidential Signature
B. Model Signature
C. Signature
D. Fingerprint
14. A genuine signature used to prepare an imitated or traced forgery is
known as
A. Evidential Signature
B. Forged Signature
C. Model signature
D. Repeated Signature
15. Mr. A, a Chief of the Intelligence Division of PNP, will sign a
“Confidential” file as an approval regarding the operation against the
notorious drug syndicate in their locality. What class of signature does
Mr. A executed?
A. Formal or Complete
B. Informal or Cursory
C. Careless Scribble
D. Forgery
16. A signature in a check is suspected to have been forged. The
signatory does not remember categorically whether he had issued the
check. The signature was compared with a genuine signature but both
were in the same in size and shape. What will be your conclusion about
the signature?
A. genuine; the signatory only forgot the issuance of the check
B. genuine; both signatures are exactly the same in size and shape
C. forgery; the signatory just want to deny the issuance of the check
D. forgery; no signature is exactly the same in all aspects when
compared
17. A fraudulent signature whereby there is no apparent attempt at
simulation or imitation, or the person (suspect) merely signs the name
in his name and or used another signature and possess the document
before the fraud is discovered.
A. Fraudulent Forgery
B.Spurious Forgery/Simple Forgery
C. Simulated Forgery
D. Traced Forger
18. It is a type of characteristics which is commonly found in the
specimen writing of other persons.
A. Gross Characteristics
B. Individual Characteristics
C. Class Characteristics
D. A and C
19. The rounded inner part of an upper curve, bend or crook of a letter.
A. Humps
B. Blunt
C. Arc
D. Beard
20. It is an introductory backward strokes found in most capital letters.
A. Hiatus
B. Hitch
C. Knob
D. Loop
21. It is an additional stroke that serves as an ornament or artistic
design to a letter which is not relevant to a writing.
A. Embellishment
B. Rubrics
C. Diacritics
D. A or B
22. It is a type of writing movement which is usually found on a child
who starts to learn how to write or draw.
A. Hand Movement
B. Finger Movement
C. Forearm Movement
D. Whole Arm Movement
23. It is an interruption in the stroke caused by the immediate removal
of the writing pen from the surface of the paper.
A. Pen Position
B. Pen Scope
C. Shading
D. Pen Lift
24. A kind of erasure by using a rubber eraser, sharp knife, razor blade
or picking instrument.
A. mechanical erasure
B. electronic erasure
C. magnetic erasure
D. chemical erasure
25. In a conventional typewriter, it refers to the printing surface of the
type block in which each letter will be found.
A. Characters
B. Typeface
C. Alphabet
D. None of these
26. It is a typeface defect in which the print provides a double or
overlapping impression.
A. Actual Breakage
B. Rebound
C. Actual Breakage
D. Clogged Typeface
27. It is a type of conventional typewriter in which the characters is 12
inch horizontal.
A. Pica (10)
B. Elite
C. Typewriter
D. Betamax
28. What was done, when one retouches or goes back over a defective
portion of a writing stroke?
A. Retracing
B. Pen pressure
C. Patching
D. Pen shading
29. Strokes which goes back over another writing strokes and which is
slightly to occur due to lack of movement control.
A. retouching
B. Pen shading
C. retracing
D. Blunt
30. It is one of the most expensive instruments used for examination of
documents that would show three dimensional enlargements?
A. stereoscopic microscope
B. infrared gadget
C. ultraviolet light
D. Electrostatic Detection Apparatus
LET’S CHECK!
1. Any material that contains a mark symbol or sign, either visible,
partially visible or invisible that may presently or ultimately convey a
meaning or a message to someone.
A. Document
B. Standard Document
C. Questioned Document
D. Public Document
2. A condensed and compact set of authentic specimen which is
adequate and proper should contain a cross section of the material
from known sources is:
A. Disguised document
B. Public Document
C. Standard document
D. Official document
3. It is a classification of document in which it is issued by a public
official in the exercise of the functions of his office.
A. Public Document
B. Official Document
C. Private Document
D. Commercial Document
4. A kind of document executed by a person in authority and by private
parties but notarized by competent officials.
A. private document
B. Commercial document
C. public document
D. Official document
5. The art of beautiful writing is known as
A. Drafting
B. Calligraphy
C. Art appreciation
D. Cacography
6. Which of these refers to the art of determining the character or
disposition of person by analyzing his handwriting?
A. Calligraphy
B. Graphology
C. Haplography
D. QD Examination
7. It is a type of standard document executed in the day to day
activities and is being produced in the regular course of man’s activity.
A. Notarized Document
B. Contemporary Document
C. Collected/Procured Document
D. Requested/Dictated Document
8. In the history of questioned document examination, who was the
British examiner of questioned document who said that an intelligent
police investigator can detect almost 75% of all forgeries by careful
inspection of a document with simple magnifiers and measuring tools
was;
A. Alphonse Bertillion
B. Detective Allan Pinkerton
C. Dr. Wilson Harrison
D. Richard Henry
9. Contemporary handwriting standards means that the age of the
standards should be within?
A. 8 years from the date of the question document
B. 10 years prior to the date of the questioned document
C. 5 years prior to the date of the questioned document
D. 15 years prior to the date of the questioned document
10. Refers to the design of letters which are fundamental to a writing
system.
A. Copy book form
B. Line quality
C. System of writing
D. Writing movement
11. It is a specimen of writing executed deliberately with an attempt of
changing its usual writing habits to hide his/her identity.
A. Natural Writing
B. Hand lettering
C. Guided/Assisted Writing
D. Disguised
12. This movement may be categorized into hesitating and painful due
to weakness and illness.
A. tremors
B. wrist movement
C. quality of movement
D. whole arm movement
13. It is a name of a person which represent as an identification in a
document and serves as an acknowledgement of the document signed.
A. Evidential Signature
B. Model Signature
C. Signature
D. Fingerprint
14. A genuine signature used to prepare an imitated or traced forgery is
known as
A. Evidential Signature
B. Forged Signature
C. Model signature
D. Repeated Signature
15. Mr. A, a Chief of the Intelligence Division of PNP, will sign a
“Confidential” file as an approval regarding the operation against the
notorious drug syndicate in their locality. What class of signature does
Mr. A executed?
A. Formal or Complete
B. Informal or Cursory
C. Careless Scribble
D. Forgery
16. A signature in a check is suspected to have been forged. The
signatory does not remember categorically whether he had issued the
check. The signature was compared with a genuine signature but both
were in the same in size and shape. What will be your conclusion about
the signature?
A. genuine; the signatory only forgot the issuance of the check
B. genuine; both signatures are exactly the same in size and shape
C. forgery; the signatory just want to deny the issuance of the check
D. forgery; no signature is exactly the same in all aspects when
compared
17. A fraudulent signature whereby there is no apparent attempt at
simulation or imitation, or the person (suspect) merely signs the name
in his name and or used another signature and possess the document
before the fraud is discovered.
A. Fraudulent Forgery
B.Spurious Forgery/Simple Forgery
C. Simulated Forgery
D. Traced Forger
18. It is a type of characteristics which is commonly found in the
specimen writing of other persons.
A. Gross Characteristics
B. Individual Characteristics
C. Class Characteristics
D. A and C
19. The rounded inner part of an upper curve, bend or crook of a letter.
A. Humps
B. Blunt
C. Arc
D. Beard
20. It is an introductory backward strokes found in most capital letters.
A. Hiatus
B. Hitch
C. Knob
D. Loop
21. It is an additional stroke that serves as an ornament or artistic
design to a letter which is not relevant to a writing.
A. Embellishment
B. Rubrics
C. Diacritics
D. A or B
22. It is a type of writing movement which is usually found on a child
who starts to learn how to write or draw.
A. Hand Movement
B. Finger Movement
C. Forearm Movement
D. Whole Arm Movement
23. It is an interruption in the stroke caused by the immediate removal
of the writing pen from the surface of the paper.
A. Pen Position
B. Pen Scope
C. Shading
D. Pen Lift
24. A kind of erasure by using a rubber eraser, sharp knife, razor blade
or picking instrument.
A. mechanical erasure
B. electronic erasure
C. magnetic erasure
D. chemical erasure
25. In a conventional typewriter, it refers to the printing surface of the
type block in which each letter will be found.
A. Characters
B. Typeface
C. Alphabet
D. None of these
26. It is a typeface defect in which the print provides a double or
overlapping impression.
A. Actual Breakage
B. Rebound
C. Actual Breakage
D. Clogged Typeface
27. It is a type of conventional typewriter in which the characters is 12
inch horizontal.
A. Pica (10)
B. Elite
C. Typewriter
D. Betamax
28. What was done, when one retouches or goes back over a defective
portion of a writing stroke?
A. Retracing
B. Pen pressure
C. Patching
D. Pen shading
29. Strokes which goes back over another writing strokes and which is
slightly to occur due to lack of movement control.
A. retouching
B. Pen shading
C. retracing
D. Blunt
30. It is one of the most expensive instruments used for examination of
documents that would show three dimensional enlargements?
A. stereoscopic microscope
B. infrared gadget
C. ultraviolet light
D. Electrostatic Detection Apparatus