Case: Los Banos vs. Pedro, G.R. No. 173588, April 22, 2009
FACTS:
In this case, the accused, Pedro, filed a motion to quash the information against him on the ground of lack of probable cause. The information charged Pedro with îllégâl possession of firearms. The prosecution alleged that Pedro was caught in possession of an unlicensed firearm during a police operation. However, Pedro argued that the evidence against him was obtained through an îllégâl search and seizure, thus rendering it inadmissible in court.
ISSUE:
The main issue in this case is whether the evidence obtained through an alleged îllégâl search and seizure should be considered in determining the existence of probable cause for the filing of the information against the accused.
RULING:
The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Pedro and granted the motion to quash the information. The Court held that evidence obtained through an îllégâl search and seizure is considered tainted and inadmissible in court. Since the prosecution's case against Pedro relied heavily on the illegally obtained evidence, the Court found that there was indeed a lack of probable cause to charge him with îllégâl possession of firearms. As a result, the information was quashed, and Pedro was acquitted of the charges against him.
PH