PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES v JESUSA FIGUEROA y CORONADO

Leonardo-De Castro, J.: Facts: On June 20, 2004, an unnamed informant came to the office of P/Supt Yabut, Chief Officer of the AntiIllegal Drugs Task Force, regarding the drug pushing activities of a certain Baby, later on identified as accused-appellant Figueroa. PO3 Callora was introduced by the informant to Figueroa as prospect buyer of shabu. The latter told PO3 Callora that there are no stocks yet and will just eventually inform him if there is already supply. In less than a month before the first contact, informant relayed to P/Supt Yabut that there are already supplies of shabu available. This led to a buy-bust operation. During their scheduled meet-up, Figueroa showed PO3 Callora the shabu packed in a plastic bag. But before Callora could hand the buy-bust money, she sped away after sensing the presence of officers. A car chased occurred until the car to which Figueroa is driving was apprehended. Police was able to retrieve more packed shabu inside the car. In defense, Figueroa denied all the allegations and she was only set-up. Figueroa was found guilty beyond reasonable doubt of violation of Sec. 26, Art II, RA 9165; affirmed by CA. Issue: Whether or not the testimony of PO3 Callora is considered as hearsay because the alleged sale transaction borne out between said Police Officer and unnamed informant, not of the former and accused-appellant. Ruling: The Court held that the testimony of PO3 Callora is admissible. Under the doctrine of independently relevant statements, hearsay rule does not apply where only the fact that such statements were made is relevant and the truth or falsity thereof is immaterial. The conversation between the informant and accused-appellant led the police officers to prepare for and proceed with the buy-bust operation. Said conversation was not necessary to prove the attempted sale of shabu. Furthermore, the establishment of the attempted sale of shabu is within the personal knowledge of PO3 Callora.