Case Summary (G.R. No. 143793)
Facts and Charges
On July 4, 1999, in Quezon City, Li Yin Chu was accused of selling and delivering 9,849.1 grams of methylamphetamine hydrochloride, also known as shabu, to a poseur-buyer from the Philippine National Police (PNP). The prosecution claimed that Li utilized a blue Honda Civic vehicle during the transaction. Following his conviction, the trial court sentenced Li to reclusion perpetua and a fine of ₱5 million.
Proceedings and Evidence Presented by Prosecution
During the arraignment on August 6, 1999, the Appellant did not enter a plea, and the court recorded a plea of not guilty. The prosecution's witnesses included Police Senior Inspector Sonia Sahagun-Ludovico, SPO1 Ludem delos Santos, and Police Senior Inspector Romualdo Iglesia. The operation started when an informer alerted the police that Li was involved in drug dealing. The police subsequently set up a buy-bust operation, during which the Appellant was arrested after he allegedly confirmed the sale of shabu to the poseur-buyer, who was positioned as Mr. Nueva.
Defense's Argument
Li Yin Chu's defense included testimony from witnesses such as Jose Co and Police Senior Inspector Renato Verdote. The defense argued that Li was framed up by the police, asserting that he did not sell drugs but was arrested without a valid operation in place. Li argued that he was merely meeting someone for a business proposal and faced undue violence and extortion attempts from the arresting officers.
Trial Court's Ruling
The trial court heavily relied on the testimony of the poseur-buyer, Delos Santos, determining it credible and consistent. The court stated that the failure to exchange buy-bust money did not undermine the criminal culpability of the Appellant. The trial court dismissed claims of unlawful arrest and procedural violations asserted by the Appellant and upheld a conviction beyond reasonable doubt.
Appeal and Issues Raised
Li appealed, challenging the sufficiency of evidence, the conduct of his arrest, alleged violations in police procedures, and the credibility of testimonies against him. He claimed that the circumstances of his arrest were unlawful, asserting that procedural lapses in the buy-bust operation invalidated the arrest.
Supreme Court's Decision
The Supreme Court affirmed the trial court's decision, stating that the credibility of the prosecution's witnesses was appropriate and deserved respect. The Court found that Li did not provide compelling evidence to support his claims of frame-up or unlawful arrest. It wa
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Case Overview
- The case is an appeal from the decision of the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City, Branch 95, dated May 18, 2000, where appellant Li Yin Chu, also known as Robert Li, was convicted of violating Section 15 of Republic Act No. 6425, as amended by Republic Act No. 7659.
- The trial court sentenced the appellant to reclusion perpetua and imposed a fine of P5 million.
The Charge
- The Information against the appellant stated that on July 4, 1999, in Quezon City, he unlawfully sold, delivered, and transported 9,849.1 grams of methylamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) to a poseur-buyer using a blue Honda Civic (Plate No. WBY 852).
Arraignment and Plea
- Upon arraignment on August 6, 1999, the appellant refused to enter a plea, leading the trial court to enter a not guilty plea on his behalf.
- Following the arraignment, trial proceedings commenced.
Prosecution's Version
- The prosecution presented witnesses, including police officers involved in a buy-bust operation.
- On July 4, 1999, at around 10 a.m., a confidential informer reported to the Philippine National Police that the appellant was involved in illegal drug activities.
- A buy-bust operation was organized, with Police Inspector Arsenal as the team leader, and SPO1 Ludem delos Santos as the poseur-buyer.
- Arrangements were made for the purchase of ten kilos of shabu at a p