FACTS:
The accused-appellant, Benjamin Feriol, was charged with illegal sale of dangerous drugs in violation of Section 5, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165. The prosecution alleged that a buy-bust operation was conducted wherein a confidential informant introduced the designated poseur-buyer, MADAC Encarnacion, to Feriol as a buyer of shabu. Feriol allegedly sold a small plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance to MADAC Encarnacion in exchange for marked money. Feriol was subsequently arrested and a body search was conducted, resulting in the recovery of the marked money. The seized items were brought to the barangay hall where an inventory and photography were conducted. The substance recovered from Feriol was tested positive for methamphetamine hydrochloride. Feriol denied the accusations against him, claiming that he was taking a bath when he was suddenly confronted by individuals who handcuffed him and brought him to the barangay hall where the evidence was shown to him. The RTC found Feriol guilty of the crime charged and he appealed to the CA, which affirmed the RTC's ruling. Hence, the present appeal.
ISSUES:
- Whether or not the CA correctly upheld Feriol's conviction for the crime charged.
RULING:
- The CA correctly upheld Feriol's conviction for the crime charged. The court found that there was no showing that the chain of custody had been broken from the moment the dangerous drug was seized by the apprehending officers until such time that it was introduced in evidence. Furthermore, the court declared that Feriol had the burden of proving that the confiscated item had been tampered with, and since he failed to discharge such burden, the integrity of the evidence is presumed to have been preserved. Hence, the CA affirmed in toto the ruling of the RTC.