THE PENAL CODE Explanation. 2.- Whatever is expressed by means of letters, figures or marks, as explained by mercantile or other usage, shall be deemed to be expressed by such letters, figures or marks within the meaning of this section although the same may not be actually expressed. Illustration A writes his name on the back of a bill of exchange payable to his order. The meaning of the endorsement, as explained by mercantile usage, is that the bill is to be paid to the holder. The endorsement is a document, and must be construed in the same manner as if the words “pay to the holder” or words to that effect had been written over the signature. “Valuable security.” 30. The words “ valuable security” denote a document which is, or purports to be, a document whereby any legal right is created, extended, transferred, restricted, extinguished or released, or whereby any person acknowledges that he lies under legal liability, or has not a certain legal right. Illustration A writes his name on the back of a bill of exchange. As the effect of this endorsement is to transfer the right to the bill to any person who may become the lawful holder of it, the endorsement is a “valuable security.” “A will.” 31. The words “a will” denote any testamentary document. Words referring to acts include illegal omissions. 32. In every part of this Code, except where a contrary intention appears from the context, words which refer to acts done extend also to illegal omissions. “Act.” “Omission.” 33. The word “act” denotes as well a series of acts as a single act: the word “omission” denotes as well a series of omissions as a single omission. Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention. 34. When a criminal act is done by several persons, in furtherance of the common intention of all, each of such persons is liable for that act in the same manner as if it were done by him alone. When such an act is criminal by reason of its being done with a criminal knowledge or intention. 35. Whenever an act, which is criminal only by reason of its being done with a criminal knowledge or intention, is done by several persons, each of such persons who joins in the act with such knowledge or intention is liable for the act in the same manner as if the act were done by him alone with that knowledge or intention. Effect caused partly by act and partly by omission. 36. Wherever the causing of a certain effect, or an attempt to cause that effect, by an act or by an omission is an offence, it is to be understood that the causing of that effect partly by an act and partly by an omission is the same offence. Page 6 of 125