Suspended Daraga mayor Carlwyn Baldo files bail petition

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines — A motion to post bail filed by the lawyers of suspended Daraga Mayor Carlwyn Baldo has been raffled to the sala of Regional Trial Court Branch 10 Judge Maria Theresa Loquillano.

A court employee confirmed that the motion was received a few hours after Baldo was discharged from the UST Hospital in this city and transferred to a police lockup on Monday night.

Baldo, the alleged mastermind in the killing of Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe, was charged with illegal possession of firearms, ammunition and explosives before the Albay prosecutor’s office following a raid on his house in Barangay Tagas last Jan. 22.

Baldo’s spokesman Eugene Sangil said the charges filed against the mayor are bailable. He said there are loopholes in the complaints, citing the non-inclusion of ammunition for a grenade launcher in the items enumerated in the search warrant.

“There are a lot of things that should be clarified in the proper venue. That’s why his lawyers have to formally file this motion before the court,” Sangil told The STAR.

He said Baldo, who remains remains under the custody of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, wants a speedy resolution of his bail petition.

 “His lawyers are expecting marathon trials since his motion to post bail is under special proceedings,” Sangil said.

Baldo was hospitalized after he reportedly suffered asthma, hyperventilation and high blood pressure following his arrest.

Police pushed for his transfer as there is no court order requiring him to stay in the hospital.

Baldo is seeking reelection in the May polls. He will be pitted against acting mayor Victor Perete of the PDP-Laban and Batocabe’s widow Gertie, who is running under the National Unity Party.