FRANCIS MAGALONA GETS OFF ILLEGAL DRUGS RAP

It was one rap that Francis Magalona was glad he would not have to
dance to.

The Quezon City Regional Trial Court on Wednesday acquitted the
so-called king of Philippine rap music of possession of illegal drugs.

In his decision, Judge Henri Jean-Paul Inting of the RTC Branch 95
said the prosecution failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt
Magalona's guilt. The rapper hosts the noontime TV variety show Eat
Bulaga.

The judge added that the court had not acquired jurisdiction over
Magalona's co-accused, Alfredo De Los Reyes, 34, of Colonado Street,
Barangka, Makati City. He remains at large.

Court record showed that Magalona, 39, of Cherry Woodlane Cottonwood
Heights, Antipolo City, and De los Reyes were arrested for allegedly
smoking marijuana in Magalona's car in New Manila, Quezon City.

PO3 James Bustinera and PO1 Miguel Cordero of the Central Police
District Mobile Patrol Unit claimed finding an improvised tooter and
dried marijuana leaves on the two men.

In acquitting Magalona, the judge gave credence to the chemistry
report which showed that the accused was found negative for both
marijuana and shabu in a drug test taken a few hours after he and De
los Reyes were arrested.