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People vs. Dela Cruz

PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, V. JORDAN CASACLANG DELA CRUZ, ACCUSED-APPELLANT.

G.R. No. 229053 | 2019-07-17

D E C I S I O N
 
LEONEN, J.:
 
Whenever there is an unjustified noncompliance with the chain of custody requirements, the prosecution cannot invoke the presumption of regularity in the performance of official duty to conveniently disregard such lapse. Noncompliance obliterates proof of guilt beyond reasonable doubt, warranting an accused's acquittal. Thus, the constitutional right to presumption of innocence prevails.
 
This resolves an Appeal[1] assailing the Court of Appeals' October 5, 2016 Decision[2] in CA-G.R. CR-H.C. No. 07660. The Court of Appeals upheld the Regional Trial Court's July 20, 2015...