REGIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Kerwin Espinosa Eyes Redemption; Launches Bid For Mayoral Seat In Albuera
Photo credit: Care Win
Looks like things are about to get a whole lot more interesting in Albuera, Leyte. This coming May 2025, self-confessed drug lord and controversial figure Kerwin Espinosa is throwing his hat into the political ring. Yup, you heard it right. Kerwin Espinosa, the same guy who once made headlines for his alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade, is running for mayor in his hometown.
Espinosa, known for his social media handle “Care Win,” officially filed his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) on October 1. Photos and videos posted on his official Facebook page showed Espinosa proudly holding his COC, flanked by supporters clad in blue shirts bearing the logo of *Bando Espinosa-Pundok Kausaban* (BE-PK). And it’s not just him – his entire slate is running under this new party banner, *Team Kauswagan*.
Espinosa was released from jail after the Regional Trial Court in Baybay City dismissed a case against him for lack of evidence. This legal victory paved the way for his political comeback, much to the surprise (or dismay) of many. He’s now up against incumbent Mayor Sixto Dela Victoria.
His campaign pitch? “I am running to help those who are oppressed regardless of your age and economic status,” Espinosa told a cheering crowd of supporters. But what’s causing even more buzz is his choice to run for the very position once held by his father, the late Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr., who was tragically killed inside his jail cell back in 2016.
In case you’ve forgotten, Kerwin’s name became infamous during the Duterte administration’s war on drugs. In 2016, then-President Rodrigo Duterte accused Espinosa and his father of being involved in the illegal drug trade, with a police raid uncovering PHP11 million worth of shabu near the family’s residence in Albuera. The elder Espinosa surrendered but met a grim end while in custody.
But that was then, and this is now. For better or worse, it seems Kerwin Espinosa is determined to rewrite his family’s legacy – not from behind bars but behind the mayor’s desk. Whether he’ll be a “Care Win” for Albuera or something entirely different, only time will tell!
Espinosa, known for his social media handle “Care Win,” officially filed his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) on October 1. Photos and videos posted on his official Facebook page showed Espinosa proudly holding his COC, flanked by supporters clad in blue shirts bearing the logo of *Bando Espinosa-Pundok Kausaban* (BE-PK). And it’s not just him – his entire slate is running under this new party banner, *Team Kauswagan*.
Espinosa was released from jail after the Regional Trial Court in Baybay City dismissed a case against him for lack of evidence. This legal victory paved the way for his political comeback, much to the surprise (or dismay) of many. He’s now up against incumbent Mayor Sixto Dela Victoria.
His campaign pitch? “I am running to help those who are oppressed regardless of your age and economic status,” Espinosa told a cheering crowd of supporters. But what’s causing even more buzz is his choice to run for the very position once held by his father, the late Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr., who was tragically killed inside his jail cell back in 2016.
In case you’ve forgotten, Kerwin’s name became infamous during the Duterte administration’s war on drugs. In 2016, then-President Rodrigo Duterte accused Espinosa and his father of being involved in the illegal drug trade, with a police raid uncovering PHP11 million worth of shabu near the family’s residence in Albuera. The elder Espinosa surrendered but met a grim end while in custody.
But that was then, and this is now. For better or worse, it seems Kerwin Espinosa is determined to rewrite his family’s legacy – not from behind bars but behind the mayor’s desk. Whether he’ll be a “Care Win” for Albuera or something entirely different, only time will tell!
Oct 3, 2024
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