THE Court of Appeals (CA) has declared 'null and void' the two orders of a lower court in Legazpi City allowing the prime suspect in the killing of Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Rodel Batocabe to post bail, after finding that the judge committed grave abuse of discretion.

In a 10-page decision dated March 1, 2023, the CA 12th Division said that there was grave abuse of discretion on the part of Legazpi City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judge Maria Theresa San Juan-Loquillano when she allowed Carlwyn Baldo to be released on bail, despite the evidence and witnesses that the prosecution presented against him.