Case Digest (G.R. No. 240749)
Facts:
- Giovanni de Lumen y Ladlagaran (appellant) and Maura Aranzaso y Mendoza (co-accused) were involved in a criminal case for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (Republic Act No. 9165).
- The incident occurred on September 11, 2009, in General Trias, Cavite, during a buy-bust operation initiated by Police Officer II Victor O. Tampis (PO2 Tampis) due to complaints about Maura's illegal drug activities.
- A concerned citizen reported Maura's drug trade, prompting her to be placed on the police watch list.
- PO2 Tampis, acting as a poseur-buyer, purchased a plastic sachet of suspected shabu from Maura.
- Following the transaction, police arrested Maura and found Giovanni and Arcangel Lapiz using illegal drugs in Maura's residence.
- Various drug paraphernalia, including aluminum foil, lighters, and plastic sachets, tested positive for methamphetamine hydrochloride.
- The Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Trece Martires City, Cavite, found both guilty; Giovanni received imprisonment and a fine, while Maura was sentenced to reclusion perpetua and a hefty fine.
- Both accused appealed, leading to the Court of Appeals (CA) upholding Giovanni's conviction but acquitting Maura on reasonable doubt.
Issue:
- (Unlock)
Ruling:
- The Supreme Court reversed the Court of Appeals' decision regarding Giovanni de Lumen, acquitting him of the charges for violating Section 12, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165.
- The Court determined that the prosecution failed to establish a proper chain o...(Unlock)
Ratio:
- The Supreme Court underscored the critical role of the chain of custody in drug-related cases to ensure the authenticity and integrity of evidence presented in court.
- The prosecution must provide a clear account of the handling of seized items from seizure to court presentation.
- In this case, the prosecution did not c...continue reading
Case Digest (G.R. No. 240749)
Facts:
The case involves Giovanni de Lumen y Ladlagaran (appellant) and Maura Aranzaso y Mendoza (co-accused) as the respondents in a criminal proceeding concerning violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (Republic Act No. 9165). The events transpired on September 11, 2009, in General Trias, Cavite, where a buy-bust operation was conducted by Police Officer II Victor O. Tampis (PO2 Tampis) following numerous complaints about illegal drug activities linked to Maura. The operation was initiated after a concerned citizen reported Maura's illegal trade to the Mayor's office, leading to her being placed at the top of the police watch list.
During the operation, PO2 Tampis, acting as a poseur-buyer, successfully purchased a plastic sachet of suspected shabu from Maura. Following the transaction, police officers arrested Maura and discovered Giovanni and another individual, Arcangel Lapiz, using illegal drugs inside Maura's residence. The police recovered various drug paraphernalia, including aluminum foil, lighters, and plastic sachets, all of which tested positive for methamphetamine hydrochloride.
In the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Trece Martires City, Cavite, the prosecution presented evidence establishing the illegal sale of drugs by Maura and the possession of drug paraphernalia by Giovanni. The RTC found both guilty, sentencing Giovanni to imprisonment and a fine, while Maura received a more se...