G.R. No. 242880 , January 22, 2020
THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, V. QUISAR ARANCES DADANG A.K.A. “MANOY,” ACCUSED-APPELLANT.

FACTS

The case stemmed from three Informations charging accused-appellant Quisar Arances Dadang (Dadang) with violations of Sections 5 (Illegal Sale), 11 (Illegal Possession), and 12 (Illegal Possession of Drug Paraphernalia), Article II of Republic Act No. 9165 . On August 7, 2015, the City Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force (CAIDTF) of Cagayan de Oro, in coordination with the PDEA, planned a buy-bust operation based on information that Dadang was selling illegal drugs. PO3 Cyrus Baillo acted as poseur-buyer, with a marked P1,000.00 bill. The team proceeded to Jerggy’s Inn. Inside Dadang’s room, the poseur-buyer and a confidential informant handed the marked money to Dadang, who in turn gave a sachet of white crystalline substance. Upon the pre-arranged signal, the backup team arrested Dadang. A body search yielded another plastic sachet from his left pocket and the recovery of the marked money. Drug paraphernalia (improvised aluminum foil, glass pipe, disposable lighter with needle, digital weighing scale) were seen on the bed. An inventory of seized items was conducted at the crime scene in the presence of Dadang, a Barangay Kagawad, and a media representative, though Dadang refused to sign the inventory receipts. The items were marked, photographed, and later submitted to the crime laboratory, where they tested positive for methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu). Dadang denied the allegations, claiming he was forcibly arrested in his bathroom and that no drugs or paraphernalia were confiscated. The Regional Trial Court found Dadang guilty on all charges. The Court of Appeals affirmed the RTC decision in toto.

ISSUE

Whether the Court of Appeals correctly affirmed the conviction of accused-appellant Quisar Arances Dadang for Illegal Sale, Illegal Possession of Dangerous Drugs, and Illegal Possession of Drug Paraphernalia under Republic Act No. 9165 .

RULING

The Supreme Court DENIED the appeal and AFFIRMED with MODIFICATIONS the Decision of the Court of Appeals. The Court adopted the findings of fact and conclusions of law of the Court of Appeals, holding that all elements of the crimes charged were proven beyond reasonable doubt. The prosecution established the buy-bust sale, the corpus delicti, and the identities of the buyer and seller for illegal sale. For illegal possession, it was shown that Dadang was in possession of dangerous drugs and paraphernalia without legal authority. The Court found the chain of custody over the seized items was unbroken, preserving their integrity and evidentiary value. The required witnesses were present during the inventory, and the procedural requirements under the law were substantially complied with. The defense of denial and frame-up was deemed weak and unsupported by evidence. The penalties were modified as follows: (a) For Illegal Sale (Criminal Case No. CR-DRG-2015-416): life imprisonment and a P500,000.00 fine; (b) For Illegal Possession of Dangerous Drugs (Criminal Case No. CR-DRG-2015-417): imprisonment of twelve (12) years and one (1) day to fourteen (14) years and a P300,000.00 fine; (c) For Illegal Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Criminal Case No. CR-DRG-2015-418): imprisonment of six (6) months and one (1) day to two (2) years and a P10,000.00 fine.