Case Digest (G.R. No. 179148)
Facts:
- Alexis Dindo San Jose y Suico, known as "Dodong Diamond," faced multiple charges related to illegal drug activities and firearm possession.
- The incidents occurred on January 26, 2000, in San Juan, Metro Manila.
- The prosecution claimed San Jose sold and possessed methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) and illegally possessed firearms without permits.
- The Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Pasig City, Branch 156, found him guilty on April 13, 2005, under the Dangerous Drugs Act (Republic Act No. 6425) and Presidential Decree No. 1866.
- San Jose received a life sentence and fines for drug-related offenses, along with prison terms and fines for illegal firearm possession.
- The prosecution's case relied on police testimony from a buy-bust operation, where a police poseur-buyer purchased shabu from San Jose.
- The defense argued that San Jose was framed and was only at the condominium to sell a car to Mr. Ong, who was not charged despite being present during the operation.
- The RTC's decision was appealed to the Court of Appeals (CA), which upheld the RTC's ruling on April 27, 2007.
Issue:
- (Unlock)
Ruling:
- The Supreme Court acquitted Alexis Dindo San Jose y Suico of all charges.
- The Court determined that the prosecution did not prove his guilt beyond reasonable doubt for the Dangerous Drugs Act violations...(Unlock)
Ratio:
- The Supreme Court highlighted the necessity for the prosecution to prove the corpus delicti in drug-related cases, which includes a clear chain of custody for seized substances.
- Significant lapses were noted in evidence handling, particularly that the drugs were marked only at the police office, not at ...continue reading
Case Digest (G.R. No. 179148)
Facts:
The case involves Alexis Dindo San Jose y Suico, also known as "Dodong Diamond," who was charged with multiple offenses related to illegal drug activities and possession of firearms. The events leading to the charges occurred on January 26, 2000, in San Juan, Metro Manila. The prosecution alleged that San Jose sold and possessed illegal drugs, specifically methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu), and unlawfully possessed firearms without the necessary permits. The Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Pasig City, Branch 156, rendered a judgment on April 13, 2005, finding him guilty of violations of the Dangerous Drugs Act (Republic Act No. 6425) and illegal possession of firearms under Presidential Decree No. 1866, as amended. The RTC sentenced him to life imprisonment and imposed fines for the drug-related charges, while also sentencing him to prison terms and fines for the illegal possession of firearms.
The prosecution's case was built on the testimony of police officers who conducted a buy-bust operation, during which a police poseur-buyer, SPO1 Edwin Anaviso, purchased shabu from San Jose. The police claimed that they conducted surveillance based on information from a confidential informant and that they arrested San Jose immediately after the transaction. The defense, however, contended that San Jose was framed and was merely at the condominium to sell a car to a prospective buyer, Mr. Ong, who was not charged despite being pre...