**Facts:**
– **May 8, 1998:** Police set up a checkpoint in Danlugan, Pagadian City to enforce the COMELEC Gun Ban for the upcoming elections.
– **10:30 AM:** A Tamaraw FX with tinted windows was stopped. All eight occupants, including Rodolfo Abenes, alighted.
– **At Checkpoint:** Police noticed a holstered firearm at Abenes’ right waist. The police asked for documentation, which Abenes could not provide. The gun and ammunition were confiscated.
– **Post-Seizure:** Abenes was taken to PNP Headquarters for investigation.
– **Prosecution Evidence:** Abenes did not have a gun license. Police testimonies were deemed credible by the trial court.
– **Defense Argument:** Abenes denied ownership of the gun, claiming it was left by an unidentified hitchhiker.
– **Procedural Path:**
– **RTC Verdict (June 5, 2000):** Abenes found guilty of illegal possession of firearm and violation of the Gun Ban under P.D. No. 1866 and B.P. Blg. 881.
– **Appeal to CA:** Claimed violations of constitutional rights and questioned the credibility of witnesses.
– **CA Verdict (November 29, 2002):** Affirmed RTC’s decision with slight modifications in sentencing.
– **Appeal to SC:** Raised issues regarding the validity of the checkpoint and the alleged violation of constitutional rights against unlawful search and seizure.
**Issues:**
1. **Was the checkpoint validly established?**
2. **Was Abenes’ constitutional right against unlawful search and seizure violated?**
3. **Did the CA commit grave abuse of discretion in adopting the trial court’s findings of fact?**
4. **Was there reasonable doubt regarding the location from where the gun was seized, warranting acquittal?**
**Court’s Decision:**
1. **Validity of Checkpoint:**
– **Decision:** The checkpoint was valid.
– **Rationale:** The checkpoint was set up near election day to enforce the COMELEC Gun Ban. The Supreme Court recognizes that not all checkpoints are illegal, especially when conducted appropriately and for valid reasons such as public safety and election integrity.
2. **Constitutional Rights Against Search and Seizure:**
– **Decision:** No constitutional violation occurred.
– **Rationale:** The police acted within the bounds of the “plain view” doctrine since the firearm was visibly tucked in Abenes’ waist when he exited the vehicle. The seizure did not require a warrant as they had probable cause.
3. **Adoption of Trial Court’s Findings by CA:**
– **Decision:** The CA did not commit grave abuse of discretion.
– **Rationale:** The petitioner did not sufficiently prove that the trial court’s findings were done arbitrarily or overlooked significant facts. Trial courts are given deference regarding witness credibility assessments.
4. **Reasonable Doubt on Gun Ownership:**
– **Decision:** Conviction under P.D. No. 1866 overturned; conviction for violation of Gun Ban affirmed.
– **Rationale:** While the prosecution failed to thoroughly prove that Abenes did not have a proper license for the firearm, they successfully proved his violation under the Omnibus Election Code for carrying a firearm without COMELEC authorization during the election period.
**Doctrine:**
– **”Plain View” Doctrine:** Objects in plain sight of an officer who has the right to be in the viewing position are subject to seizure without a warrant.
– **Burden of Proof in Illegal Possession:** The prosecution must prove the absence of the accused’s license or permit beyond a reasonable doubt.
– **Burden under Omnibus Election Code:** The accused must show evidence of COMELEC’s written authorization to carry firearms during the election period.
**Class Notes:**
– **Elements of Illegal Possession of Firearms (P.D. No. 1866):**
– Possession of a firearm.
– Absence of a license or permit.
– **Election Offense under Omnibus Election Code:**
– Carrying a firearm during the election period.
– Public place possession.
– Lack of COMELEC written authority.
– **Search and Seizure:** Application of the “plain view” doctrine.
**Historical Background:**
– **Context:** The case happened during the 1998 Philippine national and local elections, a period marked by strict enforcement of gun bans to ensure electoral safety and integrity.
– **Legal Environment:** Presidential Decree No. 1866 and Batas Pambansa Blg. 881 were stringent laws addressing public safety concerning firearm possession and electoral conduct, reflecting the country’s efforts to maintain peace and order during volatile election periods.
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