"The evidence relied upon by the panel does not establish probable cause that respondent-appellant was in possession of the subject drugs," he said. "Contrary to its foregoing findings, the evidence indicates that respondent-appellant cannot be in constructive possession of the subject drugs." Ongpin explained that the panel was not even incisive enough to notice that the drugs were not among the things recovered from him. "Further, a closer look at the SOCO's picture[s] shows that there is a Philippine passport among the items recovered with the subject drugs." In view of these lapses, Ongpin asked the DoJ to reverse and set aside the ruling of his drug case and dismiss it.

Source: Manila Times November 07, 2021 16:32 UTC