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