In a startling revelation, confessed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa accused former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief and now Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa of coercing him to implicate former Senator Leila de Lima in illegal drug activities. Espinosa made this statement during the House quad-committee hearing on extrajudicial killings, illegal drugs, and POGO on Friday, October 11.
According to Espinosa, Senator dela Rosa allegedly forced him to involve de Lima and businessman Peter Lim in the illegal drug trade, threatening him with harm if he refused. “Sinabihan niya ako na ‘aminin mo na sangkot ka sa kalakaran sa droga dito sa Pilipinas at idawit mo si Peter Lim at si Leila de Lima para madiin na sila,’” Espinosa testified. He further claimed that he was told if he did not cooperate, the same fate that befell his father—who was killed—might happen to him or his family members. “Kapag hindi raw ako sumunod sa plano, puwedeng mangyari sa akin ang nangyari sa ama ko o isa sa mga pamilya ko ang mamatay rin,” Espinosa added.
Following this, Espinosa publicly apologized to de Lima, expressing his remorse for his actions and stating that he was ready to accept any decision from the former senator regarding the allegations he made against her in the past. He also issued a plea to Senator dela Rosa, saying, “Sir, Bato dela Rosa, sana magbago na tayo.”
Espinosa’s recent testimony included a direct message to dela Rosa, reflecting on their past interactions. He recalled how dela Rosa had threatened him, urging him to follow orders, which he now regrets.
Kerwin Espinosa’s Bold Message to Senator Bato Dela Rosa:
— Informed PH (@informedph2) October 11, 2024
"Sir, Bato dela Rosa, sana magbago na tayo."
Following his recent testimony at the Quad Comm hearing , recalling personal encounters with then-PNP Chief Bato dela Rosa—where he revealed past threats for not following… pic.twitter.com/QEyVq8Fq3z
In a public statement encouraged by Congresswoman Luistro during the hearing, Espinosa condemned the use of politics to fabricate scenarios meant to ruin someone’s reputation. He emphasized the need to stop using political influence to pin down individuals who are not aligned with certain political agendas. “Iwasan natin ang gumagawa ng scenario dahil sa politika para masira ang isang tao na hindi kaalyado. Iwasan na po natin ito at huwag na natin gawin… para mapin-down ang isang tao,” he stated.
This new development adds to the ongoing controversy surrounding the alleged involvement of high-profile figures in illegal drugs, raising further questions about the conduct of law enforcement officials during the height of the war on drugs.