Life term for pusher,16 years for another

For selling P200 worth of shabu to a policeman three years ago, a drug pusher was meted life imprisonment yesterday by the Pasig City Regional Trial Court (RTC).

Judge Librado Correa, of Pasig RTC Branch 164 ordered accused Arsenio Cortez, of M.R. Flores street, Pateros to pay the amount of P500,000 in damages.

In his six-page decision, Correa gave credence to the testimony of the arresting officers and the evidence recovered from him than the defense of alibi by Cortez.

"Between the positive testimonies of the arresting officers and the denial of the accused, positive testimonies of the former prevail," Correa said.

Court records shows that Cortez was arrested last Oct. 26, 2003 in Barangay Buting, Pasig City after receiving P200 in exchange for 0.04 grams of shabu from a policeman acting as a buyer.

Meanwhile, Correa also meted a 16-year jail term on Renato Herrera, of Rodriguez Compound, Barangay Sta. Ana, Taguig City, also for possession of 0.04 grams of shabu.

Herrera was arrested last Jan. 22, 2003 in Barangay Calzada, Taguig City during a police operation.

In a four-page decision, Correa said the accused failed to present evidence to exculpate his own self from the charge.

"He had jumped bail and his act is similar to flight which was considered by the court to be a waiver of his right to present evidence," Correa said as he ordered the issuance of an arrest warrant against Herrera. – Non Alquitran