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In Re: The Writ of Habeas Corpus for Michael Labrador Abellana (Petitioner, Detained at the New Bilibid Prisons, Muntinlupa City), vs. Hon. Meinrado P. Paredes, in his Capacity as Presiding Judge, Regional Trial Court of Cebu City Branch 13, People of the Philippines, S/Supt Benjamin Delos Santos (Ret.), in his Capacity as Chief of Bureau of Corrections, Respondents.

IN RE: THE WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS FOR MICHAEL LABRADOR ABELLANA (PETITIONER, DETAINED AT THE NEW BILIBID PRISONS, MUNTINLUPA CITY), VS. HON. MEINRADO P. PAREDES, IN HIS CAPACITY AS PRESIDING JUDGE, REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF CEBU CITY BRANCH 13, PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, S/SUPT BENJAMIN DELOS SANTOS (RET.), IN HIS CAPACITY AS CHIEF OF BUREAU OF CORRECTIONS, RESPONDENTS.

G.R. No. 232006 | 2019-07-10

DECISION
 
CAGUIOA, J:
 
Before the Court is a petition for the issuance of the writ of habeas corpus under Rule 102 of the Rules of Court. Petitioner Michael Labrador Abellana (petitioner) prays for his release from prison on the ground that he has been deprived of his rights to due process and to competent counsel.
 
The Facts

Petitioner was charged before Branch 13, Regional Trial Court, Cebu City (RTC) with violation of Sections 11 and 12, Article II of Republic Act No. (R.A.) 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The factual findings by the RTC in its Decision are as follows:

A search warrant was...