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People of the Philippines Vs. Louie Catalan y Dedala

PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, PIaintiff-Appelle, versus LOUIE CATALAN y DEDALA, Accused-Appellant.

G.R. No. 189330 | 2012-11-28

FIRST DIVISION

DECISION

BERSAMIN, J.:


The accused is entitled to an acquittal from the charge of illegal sale of dangerous drugs in violation of Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) if the Prosecution does not establish that the links in the chain of custody from the time of the seizure of the dangerous drugs until  the time  of their presentation as evidence in court are unbroken. The arresting officer cannot thereby be presumed to have regularly performed his duty. Hence, the guilt of the accused is not established beyond reasonable  doubt. 

Louie Catalan y Dedala was arrested during a...