Facts:

• On July 14, 2003, Ferdinand Castro y Lapena (the accused-appellant) pleaded "not guilty" to charges of illegal sale and possession of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) in the Regional Trial Court of Pasig City.
• The case originated from a tip-off received by the Drug Enforcement Unit of the Pasig City Police on May 7, 2003, regarding a person named "Fredie," later identified as the accused, selling illegal drugs on Kalamansi Street, Barangay Manggahan, Pasig City.
• A buy-bust operation was conducted, where PO1 Allan Mapula acted as a poseur-buyer and purchased a sachet of shabu from the accused in exchange for marked buy-bust money.
• Following the transaction, the accused was arrested, and additional sachets of shabu were discovered in his possession.
• The prosecution presented testimonies from the police officers involved, while the defense argued that the accused was wrongfully arrested while socializing with friends and had no connection to drug activities.
• The trial court convicted the accused of both charges, which was affirmed with modified penalties by the Court of Appeals.

Issue:

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Ruling:

• The Court ruled that the equipoise rule does not apply, as the prosecution's witnesses were credible and their testimonies were substantiated by evidence.
• The Court upheld the validity of the warrantless arrest, confirming it was based on probable cause.
• The Court found ...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The Supreme Court emphasized that the prosecution must prove the elements of illegal sale and possession of shabu, which were established in this case.
• The testimonies of the police officers were credible and consistent, providing a clear account of the buy-bust operation.
• The equipoise rule, which favors the accused when evidence is ...continue reading