Senator Leila De Lima Denies Knowing And Receiving Money From Kerwin Espinosa

Senator Leila de Lima denied on Wednesday that she knew and has received money from Kerwin Espinosa, the alleged drug lord in Eastern Visayas.

During the resumption of the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs’ investigation on the death of Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr., De Lima denied allegations that she personally met the alleged Eastern Visayas drug lord.

“Let me say this to my colleagues here, and everyone in this hall, and to everyone listening and watching these proceedings. I say this to you: I categorically, firmly, and absolutely deny having known Mr. Kerwin Espinosa,” she said.

De Lima also denied that she received money from the younger Espinosa intended for her campaign expenses last May elections.

“I categorically, firmly, and absolutely deny having received any money, any cash from Mr. Kerwin Espinosa, either directly or indirectly through anyone else, in any occasion at any time, whether that money is supposedly for either protection or fundraising for campaign expenses,” she said.

De Lima said she believes that Espinosa’s affidavit was made under gunpoint and through the pressure of the government.

“May God forgive you for all your sins and may God forgive you for all your lies about me,” De Lima told Espinosa.

“And I forgive you,” she added.

During the Senate inquiry, Espinosa said he gave P8 million, in installments, to De Lima for her senatorial bid last May. The money was given through the senator’s former security aide and driver Ronnie Dayan.

According to Espinosa, he first met Dayan and gave him money at a parking lot in a mall in Pasay City on August 2015.

However, Espinosa said that after few transactions, he asked Dayan if he could meet the former justice secretary as he doubted if the money was really for De Lima.

The two allegedly met in Baguio City, where Dayan introduced Espinosa to De Lima as “Batman.”

Espinosa used the “Batman” code name in all of his transactions.

He also added that his was family was even able to take a photo with De Lima.

Meanwhile, Dayan, who was arrested in La Union on Tuesday, said that he received money from Espinosa five times on behalf of De Lima.

“Kay Kerwin meron akong natatangap para kay senadora,” Dayan said on Tuesday during a press briefing at the House of Representatives.

Source: Sunstar