Facts:

• The case involves Juan Asislo y Matio, charged with illegal sale of marijuana under Section 5 of Republic Act No. 9165.
• On May 14, 2008, Asislo, along with co-accused Jose Astudillo and Samuel Pal-iwen, was implicated in the delivery and transportation of 110 kilograms of marijuana in Baguio City.
• The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) received intelligence regarding marijuana proliferation in La Union, prompting an investigation into Asislo's activities.
• A confidential informant, referred to as "Jojo," was tasked to engage with Asislo for a buy-bust operation.
• On May 13, 2008, Asislo was arrested during an entrapment operation after he opened a sack containing marijuana.
• PDEA agents seized five sacks and a plastic bag of marijuana from a van driven by Astudillo.
• The trial court found Asislo guilty, while Astudillo and Pal-iwen were acquitted due to insufficient evidence.
• The Regional Trial Court (RTC) sentenced Asislo to life imprisonment and a fine of P5,000,000.00.
• Asislo appealed, arguing the prosecution failed to establish an unbroken chain of custody for the seized drugs.

Issue:

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Ruling:

• The Supreme Court ruled that the prosecution sufficiently established the chain of custody for the seized marijuana.
• The absence of buy-bust money was not fatal to the prosecution's case.
• The Court affirmed that Asislo could...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The Supreme Court noted that while a perfect chain of custody is ideal, it is often impractical in real-life situations.
• Exceptions to the requirements under Section 21 of R.A. No. 9165 exist, and non-compliance does not automatically render evidence inadmissible if the integrity of the seized items is preserved.
• The prosecution maintained the integrity of the seized marijuana from confiscation to court presentation.
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