Case Digest: Sama v. People, G.R. No. 224469. January 5, 2021.
CASE TITLE: Sama v. People GR No/ Date: G.R. No. 224469. January 5, 2021. * PETITIONERS: Diosdado Sama Bandy Masanglay Represented by: - RESPONDENT: People of the Philippines Represented by: - ACTION WITH THE SUPREME COURT: Petition for Review on Certiorari PONENTE: Lazaro-Javier, J. FACTS: In 2005 , the petitioners were charged with violating Presidential Decree No. 705 for illegally cutting a Dita tree in Barangay Calangatan, San Teodoro, Oriental Mindoro, without a permit and using an unregistered chainsaw. The accused pleaded not guilty during arraignment. The accused filed a motion to quash, claiming their rights under the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA ), alleging that they are members of the Iraya-Mangyan tribe. RTC-Calapan: Denied the motion for being a mere scrap of paper. The Prosecution's Version: On March 15, 2005, PO3 Villamor D. Ranee , along with police officers and DENR representatives , conducted surveillance in Barangay Calangatan, San Teodo...