Case Digest (G.R. No. 176066)
Facts:
- Estela Tuan y Baludda was charged with illegal possession of marijuana and a firearm.
- The events occurred on January 24, 2000, in Barangay Gabriela Silang, Baguio City, Philippines.
- Informants reported to SPO2 Fernando Fernandez that Tuan was selling marijuana.
- A test buy was conducted, and a search warrant was obtained from Judge Iluminada Cabato-Cortes.
- The search on January 25, 2000, revealed nine bricks of marijuana and a .357 caliber revolver in Tuan's residence.
- Tuan was arraigned on April 18, 2000, and pleaded not guilty.
- The prosecution presented four witnesses, while the defense included Tuan and her family members.
- The Regional Trial Court (RTC) convicted Tuan on April 9, 2002, sentencing her to reclusion perpetua for marijuana possession and a prison term for firearm possession.
- Tuan appealed, and the Court of Appeals acquitted her of the firearm charge but upheld the marijuana conviction.
Issue:
- (Unlock)
Ruling:
- The Court upheld the validity of the search warrant against Estela Tuan, confirming it met constitutional requirements.
- The Court affirmed Tuan's conviction for illegal possession of marijuana, finding sufficient proof of her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt....(Unlock)
Ratio:
- The Supreme Court highlighted that a search warrant's validity depends on probable cause, determined by the issuing judge through personal examination of the complainant and witnesses.
- Judge Cortes conducted a thorough inquiry before issuing the warrant, fulfilling constitutional standards.
- The significant quantity of marijuana found established Tuan&...continue reading
Case Digest (G.R. No. 176066)
Facts:
The case involves Estela Tuan y Baludda, the accused-appellant, who was charged with illegal possession of marijuana and illegal possession of a firearm. The events leading to the charges occurred on January 24, 2000, in Barangay Gabriela Silang, Baguio City, Philippines. On that day, two informants, Jerry Tudlong and Frank Lad-ing, reported to Senior Police Officer (SPO) 2 Fernando Fernandez that Estela Tuan was selling marijuana. Following this report, SPO2 Fernandez conducted a test buy, providing the informants with P300.00 to purchase marijuana from Tuan's residence. After the purchase, a search warrant was obtained from Judge Iluminada Cabato-Cortes, which was executed on January 25, 2000. During the search, police officers found nine bricks of marijuana and a .357 caliber revolver in Tuan's house.
Tuan was arraigned on April 18, 2000, and pleaded not guilty to both charges. The prosecution presented four witnesses, including police officers and a forensic chemist, while the defense presented Tuan and her family members, who claimed that the marijuana and firearm were not hers and that the search was conducted improperly. The Regional Trial Court (RTC) found Tuan guilty of both charges on April 9, 2002, sentencing her to reclusion perpetua for the marijuana possession and a prison term for the firearm possession. Tuan appealed...