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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider Mayor Gomez files disqualification case vs Kerwin Espinosa

Mayor Gomez files disqualification case vs Kerwin Espinosa

Published May 7, 2025 09:26 pm
CEBU CITY – Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez has filed a disqualification case against self-confessed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa, who is running for mayor in Albuera town, Leyte province.
Mayor Gomez filed the complaint on Wednesday, May 6, before the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
The ground for the petition for disqualification was violation of Section 68 (e) in relation to Section 261 (e) of the Omnibus Election Code, which penalizes “any person who, directly or indirectly, threatens, intimidates or actually causes, inflicts or produces any violence, injury.”
Her petition stemmed from Espinosa's Facebook live video on April 30, 2025, which was witnessed by over 900 live viewers.
In his 40-minute and fifteen-second video, Espinosa challenged the mayor’s husband, Leyte fourth district Rep. Richard Gomez, to a gunfight.
In issuing the challenge for a gun duel, Espinosa suggested that members of the police and army act as referees. Espinosa also encouraged the lawmaker to use his most powerful firearms.
Moreover, Espinosa suggested that they sign a waiver that no cases will be filed should Rep. Gomez accept the challenge.
The challenge was in response to an oral defamation case filed against him by the Gomezes in relation to a slew of Facebook live videos broadcast by Espinosa.
Espinosa criticized the Gomezes on Facebook in the aftermath of a shooting incident where Espinosa was shot and wounded during a campaign sortie in Albuera on April 10.

Related Tags

Kerwin Espinosa Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez Richard Gomez Leyte Albuera Ormoc City
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