G.R. No. 148919 - People vs. Corpuz

Appellants Teresa Corpuz y Vargas and Marcy Santos y Javier were convicted by the RTC of Malabon City (Branch 170) for violating Section 15 of Article III of RA 6425, as amended by RA 7659, also known as the Dangerous Drugs Act.
The case stemmed from a buy-bust operation on January 4, 1999, in Malabon, Metro Manila.
A confidential informant named "Josie" informed the Special Anti-Narcotics Enforcement team about a transaction involving the sale of 300 grams of shabu worth P300,000.00 by the appellants.
Inspector Nolasco Cortez formed a team, with PO3 Albert Colaler as the poseur-buyer and SPO2 Joseph Yatco and PO1 Aldrin Agravante as back-up arresting officers.
The buy-bust operation occurred near a Jollibee outlet and a church along Rizal Avenue in Malabon.
The appellants were caught selling shabu to the poseur-buyer, leading to their arrest and the confiscation of the illegal drugs.
The RTC found the appellants guilty beyond reasonable doubt and sentenced them to reclusion perpetua and a fine of P100,000.00 each.
The appellants appealed, arguing that the buy-bust operation was tainted with abuse of authority and that their guilt was not proven beyond reasonable doubt.

The Supreme Court ruled that the buy-bust operation was not tainted by abuse of authority.
The Supreme Court affirmed the RTC's decision, finding the prosecution's evidenc...(Unlock)

The Supreme Court held that a buy-bust operation is a valid means of arresting violators of the Dangerous Drugs Law.
The prosecution sufficiently established the necessary elements for the illegal sale of drugs: the identity of the buyer and the seller, the object, and the consideration, as well as the delivery of the thing sold and the payment therefor.
The Court emphasized the importance of witness credibility and generally relies on the trial court's assessment, which had the advantage of observing the witnesses' demeanor.
The testimonies of the poseur-buyer and the back-up office...continue reading