THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Friday, January 4, that the murder charges filed against Daraga Mayor Carlwyn Baldo will not be enough to disqualify him from running anew in the May midterm polls.

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said the charges filed against Baldo by the Philippine National Police (PNP) over the killing of Ako Bicol party-list Representative Rodel Batocabe has no significant effect on the status of Baldo’s mayoral bid.

“A candidate cannot be disqualified on the basis of a criminal complaint alone,” he said.

“No significant effect on the official status of his candidacy,” he added.

Jimenez said only a final adverse ruling by the court will result in Baldo's disqualification.

“There must be a final conviction for a candidate to be disqualified,” he said.

On Thursday, January 3, PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde tagged Baldo as the mastermind in the killing of Batocabe last December 22.

READ: Gunman in Bicol congressman’s killing surrenders

Murder and frustrated murder charges were then filed by the PNP against Baldo and six others at the Albay Prosecutor’s Office.

Both Baldo and Batocabe are running for Daraga mayor in the forthcoming midterm elections. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)