An aspirant who faced drug cases filed his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) in Leyte. 

Rolan “Kerwin” Espinosa filed his COC on October 1, 2024.

Espinosa is seeking the mayoralty post in Albuera town, Province of Leyte.

Espinosa and his entire slate submitted their COC under the Bando Espinosa-Pundok Kauswagan (BE-PK).

“Ubani ko ninyo kun dili ko ninyo ubanan dili nako mabuhat. Busa magkuyog ta para sa kausaban ug kauswagan sa atong lungsod sa Albuera,” Espinosa said to his supporters.

He also explained to his supporters the symbolism of Batman in his bid for mayor.

“Ang tinuod nga meaning ana, matinabangon si Batman, bisan kinsa, ma-pobre ka man or maadunahan, basta ikaw gilupig, andam magpakamatay si Batman,” Espinosa added.

Espinosa became a controversial figure during the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte on his alleged involvement in the operation of illegal drugs.

In June 2023, the Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 65 acquitted him. The court favored Espinosa’s petition to junk the case on drug trading for lack of evidence.

The Baybay City, Leyte Trial Court also acquitted Espinosa from another drug case.