Case Summary (G.R. No. 100985)
Background of the Case
The appellant, Teresita Aranda, was charged with violating Section 15, Article III of the Dangerous Drugs Act (R.A. No. 6425 as amended) for allegedly selling and delivering methamphetamine hydrochloride (commonly known as "shabu") to Benito Villanueva. The information, lodged as Criminal Case No. C-35532, detailed the alleged sale occurring on or about August 17, 1990, which led to a joint trial with a related case against Villanueva.
Proceedings and Evidence Presented
Following the indictment, Aranda pleaded "not guilty" on September 3, 1990. Law enforcement officers, including Pfc. Alexander Corpuz, established surveillance based on an informant's tip regarding Villanueva's planned purchase of drugs from Aranda. Upon witnessing the alleged transfer of plastic bags containing drugs, the officers intervened, resulting in the discovery of methamphetamine in Aranda's possession and Villanueva's bag.
The prosecution's case relied heavily on the testimonies of the apprehending officers and the recovered evidence, including the confiscated plastic bags which allegedly contained the drug.
Defense's Argument and Testimony
Aranda's defense established an alternative narrative where she was merely a passenger on the tricycle and claimed ignorance of any drug transaction. She asserted that the arrest was unlawful as it lacked a warrant, and she described the circumstances of her apprehension where no clear information was provided to her regarding the reasons for her detention. Aranda also highlighted her lawful employment during the time of her arrest, mitigating her connection to the drug trade.
Trial Court's Findings
On June 13, 1991, the trial court found Aranda guilty based on the weight of the prosecution's evidence and sentenced her to life imprisonment, along with a fine. The court noted the delivery of the substance as proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Errors Assigned on Appeal
In her appeal, Aranda identified multiple errors, asserting that the trial court placed undue weight on contradictory testimonies from the prosecution’s witnesses and that the evidence failed to establish any sale of prohibited drugs.
Assessment of Evidence on Appeal
Upon review, the appellate court noted significant inconsistencies in the testimonies of the apprehending officers, undermining their credibility. The testimonies concerning who investigated the arrest fluctuated and the chain of custody for the confiscated drugs was not adequately established. Furthermore, Villanueva's own testimony failed to implicate Aranda directly, stating he did not receive anything from her.
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...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. 100985)
Case Background
- The case arises from an appeal against the judgment of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 124, Kalookan City.
- Teresita Aranda y Doria was found guilty beyond reasonable doubt of violating Section 15, Article III of the Dangerous Drugs Act (R.A. No. 6425 as amended).
- The information in Criminal Case No. C-35532 charged Aranda with selling and delivering methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) to Benito Villanueva on August 17, 1990.
Facts of the Case
- On August 17, 1990, at approximately 5:00 p.m., Pfc. Alexander Corpuz received a tip about a tricycle driver (Plate No. NM-4831) purchasing shabu from Aranda.
- Pfc. Corpuz, along with Lt. Eliseo de Leon and other officers, set up surveillance at the location indicated by the informant.
- The officers observed Aranda approaching the tricycle and handing over two small plastic bags to Villanueva.
- Upon noticing Villanueva attempting to discard the bags, the police intervened, recovering the bags containing suspected methamphetamine.
- Aranda was also searched, revealing another plastic bag containing the same substance.
Appellant’s Version of Events
- Aranda claimed she was on her way to visit a friend and had taken a tricycle when the policemen arrested her and the driver without a warrant.
- She asserted that she was unaware of any drug-related activities and that she was not informed of the reas