GR 184174; (April, 2009) (Digest)
G.R. No. 184174 , April 7, 2009
People of the Philippines, Plaintiff-Appellee, vs. Reynaldo Capalad y Esto, Accused-Appellant.
FACTS
Accused-appellant Reynaldo Capalad was charged with violations of Sections 5 (Sale) and 11 (Possession) of Article II of Republic Act No. 9165 . The prosecution’s case was based on a buy-bust operation conducted on October 29, 2003, in Caloocan City. An informant reported that a person known as “Buddha” was selling shabu. A team was formed, with PO1 Jeffred Pacis as the poseur-buyer. A PhP 100 bill was dusted with ultraviolet powder and used as buy-bust money. PO1 Pacis approached “Buddha,” handed him the marked money, and received a plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance. Upon the pre-arranged signal, PO1 Pacis and his backup, PO1 Victor Manansala, arrested accused-appellant, who was identified as “Buddha.” The marked money was recovered from him, and three additional plastic sachets were retrieved from the garter of his underwear. The seized items were marked and later confirmed by chemical analysis to contain Methylamphetamine hydrochloride. The defense presented a different version, claiming accused-appellant was arbitrarily arrested between 8:00 and 9:00 p.m. while playing video games with his son, and that the police attempted to extort money from him. The Regional Trial Court convicted accused-appellant, imposing life imprisonment and a fine for the sale charge, and an indeterminate prison term and a fine for the possession charge. The Court of Appeals affirmed the RTC decision.
ISSUE
The core issue is whether the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt the guilt of accused-appellant for the illegal sale and possession of dangerous drugs.
RULING
The Supreme Court DENIED the appeal and AFFIRMED the Court of Appeals Decision. The Court held that all elements for the illegal sale of dangerous drugs were established: (1) the transaction or sale took place; (2) the corpus delicti or the illicit drug was presented as evidence; and (3) the buyer and seller were identified. The testimony of PO1 Pacis was found to be credible, straightforward, and corroborated on material points. The defense of frame-up was dismissed for lack of clear and convincing evidence of ill motive on the part of the police officers. The Court also found the chain of custody of the seized drugs was sufficiently established. The penalties imposed by the RTC were affirmed as correct under the provisions of RA 9165.