Case Summary (G.R. No. 76714)
Facts of the Case
On November 7, 2005, Charlie Sorin was charged with violating Section 5 and Section 15 of Article II of Republic Act No. 9165 for selling methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu). The prosecution detailed that Sorin sold two sachets of shabu to a poseur-buyer for PHP 400. A buy-bust operation was conducted after previous surveillance and a successful test-buy where Sorin sold illegal drugs. The operation involved a police team and the seized items were subsequently submitted for laboratory testing, which confirmed the presence of shabu.
Defense and Counterarguments
Sorin denied the allegations, asserting that the drugs were planted by law enforcement and that the buy-bust operation did not occur. He claimed he was at home with his family when officers forcibly entered his residence, arresting him without a warrant. Witnesses were presented by the defense to corroborate Sorin's claim that police officers damaged his door while arresting him.
RTC Decision
The Regional Trial Court (RTC) found Sorin guilty beyond reasonable doubt and sentenced him to life imprisonment along with a fine of PHP 500,000. The RTC credited the testimonies of the police officers, affirming that the buy-bust operation was valid and that the items recovered were indeed shabu, despite some procedural lapses relating to the chain of custody. The RTC, however, deemed the results of Sorin's urine examination inadmissible due to lack of counsel during the consent process.
CA Ruling
The Court of Appeals (CA) upheld Sorin's conviction, agreeing that a valid buy-bust operation took place. It acknowledged flaws in the police procedure but concluded that the integrity of the drugs had been preserved and that Sorin failed to sufficiently challenge the regularity of police conduct.
Issue for Resolution
The primary issue was whether the conviction for the violation of Section 5, Article II of RA 9165 should be affirmed.
Court's Ruling
The Court granted Sorin's appeal based on failure to adequately establish the chain of custody for the seized drugs. It emphasized that the prosecution must prove the identity of the drugs beyond reasonable doubt, ensuring their evidentiary value is intact from seizure to presentation in court.
Chain of Custody Lapses
The Cou
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Case Overview
- This case involves an ordinary appeal filed by accused-appellant Charlie Sorin y Tagaylo (Sorin) challenging the Decision dated February 27, 2014, of the Court of Appeals (CA) in CA-G.R. CR-HC No. 00953-MIN.
- The CA affirmed the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Misamis Oriental's August 3, 2011 Judgment, which found Sorin guilty beyond reasonable doubt of violating Section 5, Article II of Republic Act No. (RA) 9165, known as the "Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002."
- Sorin was sentenced to life imprisonment and ordered to pay a fine of PHP 500,000.00.
Background of the Case
- Sorin was charged in an Information dated November 7, 2005, for selling two sachets of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) without legal authority.
- The incident occurred on November 2, 2005, in Amoros, El Salvador, Misamis Oriental, where Sorin allegedly sold the drugs to a poseur-buyer for PHP 400.00.
- Prior to this, a test-buy was conducted on October 25, 2005, where Sorin was reported to have sold illegal drugs.
The Buy-Bust Operation
- The Philippine National Police (PNP) organized a buy-bust operation led by Police Chief Inspector Rolindo Soguillon.
- The buy-bust team included PO2 Edgardo Dador and PO1 Sonny Adams Cambangay as poseur-buyers, with additional officers providing backup.
- The team approached Sorin's residence, negotiated for the purchase of shabu, and completed the transaction, after which Sorin was arrested.
Evidence Collection
- After the arrest, the seized items and marked money were turned over to SPO1 Graciano Mugot, who marked the evidence, prepared an inventory, and sen