SC dismisses appeal from drug convict

CEBU, Philippines - A drug convict will have to serve his 13-year sentence after the Supreme Court dismissed his appeal for lack of merit.

The high tribunal upheld the Regional Trial Court ruling finding Marcial Pardillo, resident of Barangay Suba, Cebu City, guilty of violating Section 11 of Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

Pardillo was sentenced in 2010 by the trial court to suffer a maximum penalty of 13 years imprisonment and was fined P300,000. He appealed the decision arguing there was no valid warrantless arrest when he was taken into custody by the police on February 2, 2007 in the afternoon.

Pardillo said he was just outside of his house along Garfield Street in Barangay Suba, Cebu City when the police arrived and held him while being subjected to body frisking. He was brought to the Police Station where he was asked if he knew a certain Edwin. When he answered in the negative, the police filed charges against him.

But the arresting officer, Senior Police Officer 1 Metodio Aparis said they were conducting a routine patrol in the area when they chanced upon the suspect holding two sachets of shabu resulting in his arrest.

Associate Justice Noel Gimenez Tijam, who penned the decision, affirmed the conviction. The court believes that the arrest was valid because he was caught in possession of illegal drugs. (FREEMAN)