Case Digest (G.R. No. 104044)
Facts:
- Alexander Navaja was accused of selling marijuana, violating Section 4, Article II of Republic Act No. 6425 (Dangerous Drugs Act).
- The Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Cebu rendered its decision on October 14, 1991, in Criminal Case No. CBU-16994.
- The buy-bust operation occurred on August 30, 1989, where Navaja allegedly sold around 100 grams of marijuana to undercover officers.
- Although law enforcement witnessed the transaction, Navaja evaded arrest immediately after.
- A complaint was filed on September 6, 1989, and an Information was prepared on November 13, 1989, after a preliminary investigation.
- The case was archived due to Navaja's absence until his arrest on May 10, 1990, during a habeas corpus hearing for his mother.
- He pleaded not guilty upon arraignment on July 2, 1990.
- The prosecution presented witnesses, including Pfc. Ranulfo Espina, who testified about the operation and identification of Navaja.
- The defense argued against the drug trade involvement and provided alibi witnesses.
Issue:
- (Unlock)
Ruling:
- The Supreme Court affirmed the RTC's decision, finding Alexander Navaja guilty beyond reasonable doubt of selling prohibited drugs.
- The court upheld the trial court's reliance on Pfc. Espina's testimony and di...(Unlock)
Ratio:
- The Supreme Court noted that the trial court is best positioned to assess witness credibility based on demeanor and reliability.
- There was no compelling reason to doubt Pfc. Espina's identification, as the transaction occurred in daylight and the distance of eight to ten meters ...continue reading
Case Digest (G.R. No. 104044)
Facts:
The case involves Alexander Navaja, the accused-appellant, who was found guilty of selling prohibited drugs, specifically marijuana, in violation of Section 4, Article II of Republic Act No. 6425, as amended, known as the Dangerous Drugs Act. The decision was rendered by Branch 5 of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Cebu in Criminal Case No. CBU-16994 on October 14, 1991. The events leading to the case began on August 30, 1989, when a buy-bust operation was conducted by the Anti-Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Section (ANDDRUS) of the Cebu City Police. During this operation, the accused allegedly sold approximately 100 grams of marijuana to poseur-buyers. Although the transaction was witnessed by law enforcement officers, Navaja managed to evade arrest immediately after the sale. A complaint was filed against him on September 6, 1989, and after a preliminary investigation, an Information was prepared and filed on November 13, 1989. The case was archived due to the accused's absence until he was apprehended on May 10, 1990, while attending a hearing for a separate habeas corpus case filed by his mother. Upon his arraignment on July 2, 1990, he pleaded not guilty. The prosecution presented several witnesses, including Pfc. Ranulfo Espina, who testified about the buy-bust operation and the identification of the accused. The defense, however, argued that the accused was not involved in the drug trade and presented witnesses to support his alib...