Case Summary (G.R. No. 240224)
Key Dates
Ortega was arrested on February 20, 2014, and he was arraigned on April 2, 2014. The Regional Trial Court (RTC) issued its decision on August 19, 2016, which was subsequently appealed to the Court of Appeals (CA), culminating in a decision affirming Ortega's conviction dated November 9, 2017.
Applicable Law
The legal provisions at the heart of this case are Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165. Section 5 pertains to the illegal sale of dangerous drugs, while Section 11 addresses illegal possession.
Factual Antecedents
The case against Ortega stemmed from a buy-bust operation conducted on February 20, 2014, initiated by the Laoag City Police after receiving information that Ortega was selling shabu. During the operation, Ortega allegedly sold a sachet of shabu to a police officer acting as a buyer and was subsequently found in possession of additional narcotics.
Prosecution's Version
The prosecution's narrative described the sequence of events during the buy-bust operation led by police officers. Following the receipt of an intelligence tip, an operative was designated to pose as a buyer, and a controlled environment was arranged to execute the sale. After the transaction, the police apprehended Ortega, during which several plastic sachets of shabu were reportedly confiscated.
Defense's Version
Ortega's defense relied primarily on his denial of the charges, claiming he was at home during the alleged transaction. He described his arrest as arbitrary and stated he was forcibly taken by police while attempting to go to a pharmacy. His live-in partner corroborated his account, asserting that she witnessed Ortega’s arrest without any legitimate justification.
RTC's Ruling
The Regional Trial Court found Ortega guilty beyond reasonable doubt of illegal sale and possession of shabu. The RTC emphasized that the prosecution's witnesses were credible and that the evidence adequately established a clear chain of custody for the seized drugs. Consequently, Ortega was sentenced to life imprisonment for the sale charge and a substantial prison term for possession, accompanied by fines.
CA's Ruling
The Court of Appeals upheld the RTC's decision, agreeing with the findings regarding the credibility of the police officers and the integrity of the seized narcotics. The CA noted that although there were procedural shortcomings in the police operation, these did not undermine the overall admissibility of the evidence.
Issue for Resolution
The principal legal issue revolved around whether the prosecution had sufficiently established Ortega's guilt of violating the drug laws, specifically co
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Case Background
- The case involves an ordinary appeal dated February 23, 2022, under G.R. No. 240224.
- The appeal contests the November 9, 2017 Decision of the Court of Appeals (CA) in CA G.R. CR-HC No. 08591.
- The CA decision affirmed the August 19, 2016 Decision of the Regional Trial Court (RTC), Branch 13, Laoag City, which found Willruss Ortega guilty of violating Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Factual Antecedents
- On March 18, 2014, the Office of the City Prosecutor of Laoag filed two cases against Ortega.
- Criminal Case No. 15891: Charged Ortega with selling one small heat-sealed sachet of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu), weighing 0.1083 grams, to a police poseur buyer on February 20, 2014.
- Criminal Case No. 15892: Charged Ortega with possession of 0.69 grams of shabu, lacking the necessary permit or authority.
- Ortega pleaded "not guilty" during his arraignment on April 2, 2014.
Prosecution's Version
- The prosecution's narrative described a buy-bust operation initiated on February 20, 2014, after a police officer received a tip about Ortega's drug activities.
- Police Officer 2 Lawrence Ganir coordinated the operation, with PO2 Ramon Christopher Diego acting as the poseur buyer.
- The operation took place at Barangay 19, where Ortega sold a sachet of shabu for P1,000.00.
- After the sale, Ortega was arrested, and six additiona