Comelec: Arrest warrant won’t disqualify Daraga Mayor Baldo for May 13 polls

MANILA, Philippines — The issuance of an arrest warrant against Daraga, Albay mayor Carlwyn Baldo for murder charges will not disqualify his reelection bid in the May 13 elections.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said this Monday after the Legazpi City Regional Trial Court Branch 10 ordered the arrest of Baldo for the murder of Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe and his police escort last year.

READ: Batocabe slay case: Daraga mayor Baldo ordered arrested

“That does not affect his candidacy. It does not disqualify him,” Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez said in a press briefing.

“So if he gets arrested well then he gets arrested. Let’s hope for an orderly administration of justice,” he added.

On December 22, 2018, Batocabe and his police escort, SPO2 Orlando Diaz, were gunned down during a gift-giving event in a barangay in Daraga.

READ: Ako Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe, police escort killed in Albay

Police said an investigation tagged Baldo as the alleged mastermind in the murder, which the mayor vehemently denied.

Batocabe was running against Baldo in the Daraga mayoral race when he was killed. His widow, Gertrudes, is now running for mayor in Daraga.

Police tried to serve the warrant against Baldo on Monday afternoon but the town’s chief executive was not home. /ee

READ: Daraga mayor Carlwyn Baldo eludes arrest