Martinez v. People

Summary

Ramon was arrested for allegedly shouting and disturbing peace on a Manila street, during which police discovered shabu in his possession. The Regional Trial Court and Court of Appeals convicted him of drug possession under RA 9165. However, the Supreme Court reversed the conviction, finding that the warrantless arrest lacked probable cause since mere shouting in a populated area with ongoing conversations did not constitute breach of peace under the Manila City Ordinance. The Court ruled that the illegal arrest rendered the subsequent search and seizure of shabu inadmissible under the constitutional exclusionary rule, resulting in Ramon's acquittal. The case established important precedent on the constitutional requirements for valid warrantless arrests and the protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.