G.R. No. 211199 , March 25, 2015
PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, Plaintiff-Appellee, vs. RANDY ROLLO YLAGASCA, Defendant-Appellant.

FACTS

The appellant, Randy Rollo y Lagasca, was charged with violation of Section 5, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165 (illegal sale of dangerous drugs) following a buy-bust operation. The prosecution evidence established that acting on a tip, a buy-bust team was formed with PO1 Ryan V. Ayad as poseur-buyer. On June 23, 2008, in Camiling, Tarlac, PO1 Ayad approached the appellant, who handed over two plastic sachets containing white crystalline substance in exchange for a marked P500 bill. Upon the pre-arranged signal, the backup team arrested the appellant. The seized items were marked at the police station and subsequently examined by the crime laboratory, which confirmed the presence of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu). The appellant denied the charge, claiming he was merely accompanying a friend to collect a payment and was framed by the police.

ISSUE

Whether the Court of Appeals erred in affirming the appellant’s conviction for illegal sale of dangerous drugs.

RULING

The Supreme Court affirmed the conviction. The Court held that all elements of illegal sale of shabu were proven: (1) the identity of the buyer and seller, the object, and the consideration; and (2) the delivery of the thing sold and the payment. The detailed testimonies and the Joint Affidavit of Arrest of the police officers, particularly PO3 Verdadero and PO1 Ayad, credibly established the consummated sale. The Court found no merit in the appellant’s claim of insufficient proof, noting the trial court’s superior position to assess witness credibility. The defense of denial and alibi could not prevail over the positive identification by the prosecution witnesses and the presentation of the corpus delicti. The chain of custody of the seized drugs was also preserved. The penalty of life imprisonment and a P500,000 fine imposed under R.A. No. 9165 was affirmed.