Judge convicts 2 men as part of SC-initiated Judgment Day

Ronel Seraga and Joselito Abucay found guilty of violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Anti-Drugs Act of 2002 Police arrested Seraga and Abucay last September

REGIONAL Trial Court (RTC) Branch 9 Judge Alexander Acosta convicted two people for possession of drugs paraphernalia.

Acosta found Ronnel Seraga and Joselito Abucay guilty of violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous AntiDrugs Act of 2002.

Acosta handed down the decision during the Supreme Court-initiated Judgment Day last Nov. 17, which aimed to hasten the resolution of cases and to help decongest court dockets. Police arrested Seraga

for possession of illegal drugs paraphernalia, including an aluminum foil, handrolled tissue and disposable lighter last Sept. 12.

Guilty pleas

“With deliberate intent and without being authorized by law have in his possession the instrument and equipment intended for smoking any dangerous drug into the body,”read the charge sheet signed by Prosecutor Simaco Labata.

Sentences

During his arraignment last Oct.10, Seraga, assisted by his counsel, pleaded “guilty to a lesser offense.”

“This court, having been satisfactorily convinced that the plea of guilt of the accused to the crime is voluntarily and he knew the consequence of such crime,” said Acosta in his order.

The judge sentenced Seraga to six months to one day in jail.

Police arrested Abucay also for possession of illegal drugs paraphernalia Sept. 10.

During the pre-trial of the case last Nov. 17, Abucay, through his counsel, also pleaded “guilty to a lesser offense.”

He was also sentenced to six months to one day.

The judge also ordered Abucay’s release after the latter posted the P10,000-bail, pending the approval of his application for probation.