Facts:

• Ricky Unisa y Islan was charged with illegal sale and possession of dangerous drugs (shabu).
• The charges arose from a buy-bust operation on June 24, 2003, in Muntinlupa City.
• Police officers and civilian agents, with marked money, coordinated with the PDEA.
• PO1 Mark Sherwin Forastero acted as the poseur-buyer and bought 0.02 grams of shabu from Unisa.
• Unisa was arrested, and a search revealed 20 more sachets containing 0.43 grams of shabu.
• The RTC of Muntinlupa City, Branch 205, found Unisa guilty and sentenced him to life imprisonment and fines.
• The Court of Appeals affirmed the RTC's decision on February 28, 2008.
• Unisa appealed to the Supreme Court, citing irregularities in the operation and discrepancies in police testimonies.

Issue:

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Ruling:

• The Supreme Court affirmed the Court of Appeals' decision, upholding Unisa's conviction for violations of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165.
• The Court found that the prosecution had proven beyond reasonable doubt the elements of illegal sale and possession of shabu.
• Alleged discrepa...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The Supreme Court relied on the trial court's assessment of witness credibility, which is generally respected unless there is a clear misapprehension of facts.
• The elements of illegal sale of dangerous drugs were satisfactorily proven, including the identity of the buyer and seller, the object and consideration of the sale, and the delivery and payment.
• The elements of illegal possession of dangerous drugs were est...continue reading