Back

People vs. Barte

PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, VS. EDDIE BARTE Y MENDOZA, ACCUSED-APPELLANT.

G.R. No. 179749 | 2017-03-01

D E C I S I O N
 
BERSAMIN, J.:
 
When there is failure to comply with the requirements for proving the chain of custody in the confiscation of contraband in a drug buy-bust operation, the State has the obligation to credibly explain such non­ compliance; otherwise, the proof of the corpus delicti is doubtful, and the accused should be acquitted for failure to establish his guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
 
The Case

Under review is the decision promulgated on September 26, 2006,[1] whereby the Court of Appeals (CA) affirmed the decision rendered on May 18, 2004 by the Regional Trial Court (RTC), Branch 28, in Mandaue City...