Case Digest (G.R. No. 101310)
Facts:
- On January 23, 1991, Gina, an informant, approached the Pasay City Police Station with information about Romeo Bay y Atienza, known as "Omeng," allegedly selling illegal drugs at No. 14-I Reyes Street, Pasay City.
- A police team was formed, led by Corporal Tomas Abatayo, with Patrolman Ronnie Miranda and Pfc. Eduardo Cabria as members.
- Pfc. Cabria was designated as the "poseur-buyer" and received a P100 bill for the buy-bust operation.
- The team, accompanied by the informant, went to the appellant's residence, where Gina introduced Pfc. Cabria to the appellant before leaving.
- Pfc. Cabria requested drugs, negotiated, and handed the appellant the P100 bill in exchange for a plastic bag containing methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu).
- After the transaction, Pfc. Cabria signaled the police team, who identified themselves as officers.
- The appellant attempted to flee but was restrained, and the buy-bust money was recovered from his pocket along with drug paraphernalia found in his residence.
- The appellant was charged with violating the Dangerous Drugs Act in Criminal Case No. 91-0141 and was found guilty on July 23, 1991, receiving a sentence of reclusion perpetua and a fine of P20,000.
Issue:
- (Unlock)
Ruling:
- The Supreme Court affirmed the lower court's decision, modifying the penalty to life imprisonment instead of reclusion perpetua, while upholding the convi...(Unlock)
Ratio:
- The Supreme Court carefully examined the evidence, particularly the police officers' testimonies during the buy-bust operation.
- The Court found that the inconsistencies raised by the appellant were minor and did not undermine the prosecution's overall credibility.
- The testimonies confirmed that the appellant was caught selling illegal drugs, supported by the recovery of the buy-bust money and drug paraphernalia.
- The Court emphasized t...continue reading
Case Digest (G.R. No. 101310)
Facts:
On January 23, 1991, at approximately 9:00 PM, an informant named Gina approached the Pasay City Police Station, providing information about a certain Romeo Bay y Atienza, also known as "Omeng," who was allegedly selling illegal drugs at No. 14-I Reyes Street, Pasay City. In response, a police team was formed, led by Corporal Tomas Abatayo, with Patrolman Ronnie Miranda and Pfc. Eduardo Cabria as members. Pfc. Cabria was designated as the "poseur-buyer" and was given a P100 bill to use as "buy-bust" money. The team, accompanied by the informant, proceeded to the appellant's residence.
Upon arrival, Gina introduced Pfc. Cabria to the appellant, after which she left. Pfc. Cabria requested a "panggamit" (slang for drugs), and after some negotiation, handed the appellant the P100 bill in exchange for a transparent plastic bag containing methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as "shabu." Following this transaction, Pfc. Cabria signaled his companions, who then identified themselves as police officers. The appellant attempted to flee but was restrained by Patrolman Miranda. During the arrest, the police recovered the buy-bust money from the appellant's pocket and discovered drug paraphernalia in his residence.
The appellant was charged with violating the Dangerous Drugs Act in Criminal Case No. 91-0141 before the Regional Trial Court of the National Capital Judicial Region (Branch 113, Pasay City). After a trial where the appellant pleaded not guilty, the lower court found him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt on July 23, 1991, sentencing him to reclusion perpetua and a fine of P20,000. The court noted the credibility of the police officers and ...