People vs Marti

Case #25

Facts:
Marti went to a packaging centre in Manila for the latter to deliver the package of the former in
Switzerland. Before the delivery, there is this standard operating procedure of Bureau of Customs and
Bureau of Post to open the package. A private individual, working in the said establishment, opened the
package. He saw a Marijuana in the box. Marti now is charged under Dangerous Drugs Act. Marti
contended however that the seizure is illegal therefore the evidence against him should be inadmissible.
Issue:
Whether Marti can invoked his right against illegal seizure in the case at bar
Held:
No. The constitutional proscription against unlawful searches and seizures applies as a restraint
directed only against the government and its agencies tasked with the enforcement of the law. It is not
meant to be invoked against acts of private individuals.