Case Summary (G.R. No. 249853)
Facts and Antecedent Proceedings
Two Informations were lodged against the accused on August 7, 2017. The first charge stated that Jessie Bancud, without legal authority, unlawfully sold two heat-sealed plastic sachets containing methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) to PO3 Vincent V. Tumaneng, a police officer acting as a poseur-buyer, for ₱1,000. The second Informations highlighted the illegal possession of another sachet discovered at the accused's residence during his arrest. On August 31, 2017, Bancud was arraigned and pleaded not guilty. The defense relied on the argument of illegal arrest and denial.
Version of the Prosecution
On the prosecution's side, the buy-bust operation was initiated after a tip-off indicated that Bancud was selling shabu. Police officers organized a buy-bust team, and PO3 Tumaneng made arrangements to buy shabu from Bancud's residence. The operation was executed as planned, with Bancud handing over the plastic sachets to Tumaneng in exchange for marked money. Following the transaction, the accused attempted to flee but was apprehended by the police. Upon search, more illegal drugs were discovered in Bancud’s possession, reinforcing the charge of illegal possession.
Version of the Defense
Bancud denied the allegations against him, claiming that he was ambushed in his home and falsely accused by armed individuals who demanded information about a friend. He asserted that he was coerced into a confession and that no buy-bust operation took place. Witnesses, including his live-in partner and brother, corroborated his narrative but lacked credibility due to their personal interests in the case.
RTC Decision
On February 6, 2018, the Regional Trial Court (RTC) convicted Bancud of both charges, citing strong evidence establishing the elements of illegal sale and possession of drugs. He was sentenced to life imprisonment and fined ₱500,000 for the sale and received an indeterminate sentence of twelve years and one day to fifteen years, plus a ₱300,000 fine for possession.
CA Decision
The decision of the RTC was appealed to the Court of Appeals (CA), which upheld the RTC's judgment on May 31, 2019. The CA confirmed the findings that the prosecution established Bancud's guilt beyond reasonable doubt, maintaining the integrity of the chain of custody of the illegal drugs seized.
Ruling
The Supreme Court reviewed the elements required for illegal sale and illegal possession of drugs, establishing that the prosecution suf
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. 249853)
Case Overview
- Court: Supreme Court of the Philippines
- G.R. No.: 249853
- Date of Decision: September 14, 2021
- Parties Involved:
- Plaintiff-Appellee: People of the Philippines
- Accused-Appellant: Jessie Bancud y Cauilan
- Nature of Case: Appeal seeking reversal of the decision of the Court of Appeals affirming the judgment of the Regional Trial Court, finding the accused-appellant guilty of violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Facts and Antecedent Proceedings
- On August 7, 2017, two Informations were filed against Jessie Bancud y Cauilan for:
- Illegal Sale of Dangerous Drugs (Section 5, Article II, R.A. 9165)
- Illegal Possession of Dangerous Drugs (Section 11, Article II, R.A. 9165)
- The illegal sale charge stated that on August 6, 2017, in Tuguegarao City, Bancud sold two sachets containing methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) to PO3 Vincent V. Tumaneng, a poseur-buyer, for Php 1,000.00.
- The illegal possession charge involved the recovery of another sachet containing shabu weighing 1.1015 grams found during a search incident to his arrest at his residence.
- Bancud was arraigned on August 31, 2017, entering a plea of "not guilty."
Version of the Prosecution
- Pre-Buy-Bust Operation:
- Police Senior Inspector Quintin Baquiran received information about Bancud's drug dealing.
- A buy-bust team was organized, with PO3 Tumaneng as the poseur-buyer.
- Execution of Buy-Bust:
- At approximately 10:30 a.m. on August 6, 2017, Tumaneng, posing as a buyer, entered Bancud's house and purchased shabu.
- Upon the