Case Summary (G.R. No. 199689)
Background of the Case
Hermanos Constantino was charged with the illegal sale of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) under Article II, Section 5 of Republic Act No. 9165, referred to as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The Information filed against him alleged that he engaged in the sale of two sachets of shabu to a police officer acting as a poseur-buyer, resulting in his apprehension.
Procedural History
After being arrested and charged, Constantino was arraigned on July 8, 2005, where he pleaded not guilty. The trial proceeded, with the prosecution presenting testimonies, beginning with Police Superintendent Mariano Rodriguez, who organized the buy-bust operation following a tip from a confidential informant about Constantino’s drug activity.
Prosecution's Evidence
The prosecution's evidence detailed the unlawful transaction on January 20, 2005. A buy-bust team was organized, and police officers recorded the serial numbers of the marked money, which was then used to conduct the purchase of shabu. The evidence showed that Constantino was observed exchanging the money for two sachets of shabu. The arrested suspect subsequently could not refute the tamper-proof chain of evidence leading back to the drugs being analyzed by a forensic chemist.
Constantino's Defense
Constantino, in his defense, posited that he was a victim of a police setup and recounted an alleged joyride with a friend before his arrest. He contended that the police had wrongfully accused him, forcing him to comply under duress while they fabricated evidence against him.
Trial Court's Findings
The RTC ruled against Constantino, convicting him on April 15, 2008. It concluded that the prosecution had sufficiently demonstrated the essential elements of the crime, including the identity of the buyer and seller, the transaction, and the delivery of the illegal object. The trial court rejected the defense's claims of irregularities and upheld the compliance of the police with necessary procedures, including the chain of custody of the confiscated illegal drugs.
Appeal to the Court of Appeals
Constantino appealed the RTC's decision, arguing that the court had erred in fully endorsing the testimony of prosecution witnesses in light of alleged procedural irregularities and failures to establish a credible chain of custody for the confiscated drugs. The Court of Appeals affirmed the RTC's decision, reasoning that Constantino had been caught in the act, and thus the evidence against him remained intact.
Supreme Court's Analysis
In reviewing the case, the Supreme Court found significant inconsistencies impacting the chain of custody of the evidence, essential in confirming the integr
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. 199689)
Background of the Case
- The case revolves around the appeal of Hermanos Constantino, Jr. y Binayug, also known as "Jojit," who was previously convicted for the illegal sale of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) under Republic Act No. 9165.
- The initial conviction was made by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Tuguegarao City, which was later affirmed by the Court of Appeals.
Facts of the Case
- The Information filed against Constantino accused him of selling two heat-sealed plastic sachets containing 0.14 grams of shabu on January 20, 2005.
- The buy-bust operation was initiated following a report from a confidential informant that Constantino was selling illegal drugs.
- A buy-bust team, led by Police Superintendent Mariano Rodriguez, was formed, and the buy-bust money was prepared with marked serial numbers.
- PO3 Rolando Domingo posed as the buyer and met Constantino, exchanging marked money for the sachets of shabu.
- Following the transaction, Constantino was arrested, and the drugs were recovered.
Evidence Presented by the Prosecution
- The prosecution's evidence included:
- Testimonies from police officers involved in the buy-bust operation.
- The laboratory examination results indicating that the contents of the sachets tested positive for methamphetamine hydrochloride.
- Documentation of the buy-bust operation in the police blotter.
Defense of the Accused
- Constantino denied the charges, claiming he was a victim of a frame-up during a joyride