G.R. No. 139301 - People vs. Huang Zhen Hua

The case involves an appeal from the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Parañaque City, which convicted the appellants, Huang Zhen Hua and Jogy Lee, of violating Section 16, Article III of Republic Act No. 6425, as amended.
The prosecution's case was based on surveillance and evidence gathered by police operatives regarding illegal drug trafficking activities involving the appellants and others.

Police operatives received information from a confidential informant about the involvement of Peter Chan, Henry Lao, and the appellants in illegal drug trafficking.
Surveillance confirmed that Lao and Lee were cohabiting, and the group was observed together at various locations.
On October 25, 1996, police secured two search warrants for illegal possession of firearms and drugs.
During the execution of the search warrant at the Cityland Condominium, police found two kilos of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) and paraphernalia for its production.
A subsequent encounter with Chan and Lao resulted in their deaths during a shootout with police, who found additional shabu in Lao's vehicle.
The police then executed a search warrant at the Pacific Grand Villa, where they encountered Lee and Zhen Hua.
Evidence collected included shabu, paraphernalia, and personal documents belonging to the appellants.

Jogy Lee denied the charges, claiming she was unaware of any illegal activities and that she was a victim of a frame-up.
She testified about her background, her relationship with Lao, and her lack of understanding of English.
Huang Zhen Hua corroborated Lee's testimony, asserting he was merely a visitor in the Philippines and had no involvement in drug activities.
Both appellants claimed that the search was conducted irregularly, with no proper notice or presentation of the search warrant.

The RTC found both appellants guilty and sentenced them to reclusion perpetua and a fine of P500,000 each.
The court ruled that the evidence presented by the prosecution was sufficient to establish their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Zhen Hua argued that the prosecution's evidence was contradictory and insufficient to prove his guilt.
He contended that he had no possession of the drugs and that his arrest was illegal.
Lee claimed that the drugs were planted by police and that the search was conducted without proper procedure, violating her rights.

The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) supported Zhen Hua's acquittal, stating that the prosecution failed to prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The court agreed, emphasizing that no drugs were found in Zhen Hua's posses...continue reading