Case Digest (G.R. No. 144399)
Facts:
- The case involves the People of the Philippines as the plaintiff-appellee against accused-appellants Danilo D. Rodriguez and Edwin D. Rodriguez.
- Events occurred on January 22, 1998, in Iloilo City, Philippines.
- The accused were charged with violating Article II, Section 4, in relation to Article IV, Section 21(b) of Republic Act No. 6425, known as the Dangerous Drugs Act.
- Charges were filed on January 26, 1998, alleging conspiracy to sell and distribute 932.3 grams of dried marijuana without a permit.
- During the arraignment on April 15, 1998, both accused pleaded not guilty.
- The prosecution presented three witnesses: P/SINSP Angela Baldevieso, PO1 Richard Lambino, and PO1 Wendel Alfonso.
- A buy-bust operation was initiated after a confidential informant reported the accused's drug activities.
- On January 21, 1998, PO1 Lambino arranged to buy marijuana from the accused.
- The accused were apprehended the next day after delivering the marijuana.
- The substance was tested and confirmed as marijuana.
- The accused claimed they were framed and denied ownership, alleging coercion by police.
- The Regional Trial Court found both guilty on January 25, 2000, sentencing them to reclusion perpetua and a fine of P3,000,000.00 each.
- The accused appealed, arguing the trial court erred based on false testimony.
Issue:
- (Unlock)
Ruling:
- The Supreme Court affirmed the Regional Trial Court's decision, finding the accused guilty beyond reasonable doubt of violating the Dangerous Drugs Act.
- The penalty of reclusion perpetua was upheld, but ...(Unlock)
Ratio:
- The Court ruled that the sale of marijuana was consummated despite the non-payment of the full purchase price, as the law punishes the act of selling, distributing, and delivering prohibited drugs.
- The acceptance of the offer and delivery of the drugs constituted a completed crime.
- Testimonies from prosecution witnesses were consistent and credible, establishing the identity of the accused and the nature of the transaction.
- The absence of the marked money d...continue reading
Case Digest (G.R. No. 144399)
Facts:
The case involves the People of the Philippines as the plaintiff-appellee against accused-appellants Danilo D. Rodriguez and Edwin D. Rodriguez. The events transpired on January 22, 1998, in Iloilo City, Philippines. The accused were charged with violating Article II, Section 4, in relation to Article IV, Section 21(b) of Republic Act No. 6425, known as the Dangerous Drugs Act. The charges were formally filed on January 26, 1998, alleging that the accused, with deliberate intent and without any justifiable motive, conspired to sell and distribute one block of dried marijuana fruiting tops weighing 932.3 grams without the necessary permit or authority.
During the arraignment on April 15, 1998, both accused pleaded not guilty, leading to a trial where the prosecution presented three witnesses: P/SINSP Angela Baldevieso, a forensic chemist; PO1 Richard Lambino; and PO1 Wendel Alfonso. The prosecution's case was built on a buy-bust operation initiated after receiving information from a confidential informant about the accused's drug activities. On January 21, 1998, PO1 Lambino, posing as a buyer, arranged to purchase marijuana from the accused. The following morning, during the operation, the accused were apprehended after delivering the marijuana to Lambino. The marijuana was subsequently tested and confirmed to be a prohibited substance.
In their defense, the accused claimed they were framed and denied ownership of the marijuana. They alleged that they were forcibly taken by police officers and coerced into admitting guilt. The Regional Trial Court, Branch 35, Iloilo City, rendered a decision on January 25, 2000, finding both accused guilty and sentencing them to reclusion perp...