Cong. Espino: No credible validation
PDU30’S DRUG MATRIX
FIFTH District Rep. Amado Espino Jr. vehemently denied any involvement in illegal drugs, describing the matrix released by President Duterte as “without credible validation to establish the truth.”
In a press conference Thursday at Star Plaza Hotel here, Mr. Espino, a three-term governor, said, “I am taken aback by this most recent pronouncement coming from no less than the President himself, that among others, Provincial Administrator Rafael Baraan and I are allegedly included in the New Bilibid drug matrix, which shows a connection from Muntinlupa down to DOJ Secretary Leila de Lima and other officials, but for what purpose we don’t even know”.
He added he was appalled to see that the apparent purpose was to make it appear that there is a regular flow of drug money from Muntinlupa, down the line, he said.
He said he has never been associated with De Lima in a friendly manner, especially since she was mainly instrumental in pursuing the investigation of a “fabricated murder” against him at the height of the elections in 2012-2013.
He said he only met De Lima and her bodyguard driver, Ronnie Dayan, in a wedding three or four years ago in Basista town where De Lima was also a principal sponsor.
“It was there that I understood there is a special relation between the two,” he added, because he saw De Lima kiss the hands of the father of Dayan who was there.
He added that he was and still is staunchly against illegal drugs and even worked hard for the passage of RA 9165, (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act) as one of the principal authors when he was still a congressman of the Second District.
He said he found it ironic that despite all his efforts against illegal drugs all throughout his nine-year term that his name would be included in the matrix.
“It appears the drug matrix was released without credible validation to establish the truth,” he intoned.
He said his only request now is for the alleged matrix to be subjected to a thorough and objective investigation and for them (he and Raffy Baraan) to be given the chance to present their side and clear their names.
Mr. Espino said he was shocked when he saw the matrix “and I saw all pointed to me.”
He also flatly denied ownership of various properties in Pangasinan that were cited in social media among them the Urduja House (the official residence of Pangasinan governor), a restaurant (owned by a board member), a house by a certain Ms. Macaranas, among others.
He is asking for fair investigation, saying his priority now is to talk to President Duterte, and hopes he would be given the opportunity to show that he was never involved in the drug trade as alleged in the matrix.
Mr. Espino said he would also welcome a directive to be referred instead to PNP Chief, Director-General Ronald Dela Rosa. “I just want to know what happened why I was dragged into this (drug matrix),” he said.
“I just want to assure each one of you that I have nothing to do with this. I love the future of our province mates, especially the youth, that’s why ever since, I hate drugs,” he said as he reiterated he is in full support of Duterte’s campaign against illegal drugs and peace and order.
He said he has not talked to Board Member Raul Sison who was also included in the matrix and was quoted as saying that the he is “the richest official in Northern Luzon.” He said Sison is abroad.
The congressman reiterated that he is willing to face any investigation to clear his name.
Mr. Espino’s brother, Bautista Mayor Amadeo Espino, said in an interview with The PUNCH that they were surprised by the news. He said accusations against his brother on black sand mining and jueteng had been used in previous elections but his opponents did not succeed.
He asked for prayers so that his brother could overcome this new trial besetting him.
“I know my brother. He will not destroy his name with this (drugs),” he added. (Tita Roces)
SP rallies behind Espino et al.
THE Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) rallied behind former Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr., now 5th district Representative, Board Member Raul Sison and former Provincial Administrator Rafael Baraan whose names were included in the alleged New Bilibid Prison (NBP) ‘drug matrix’ released by President Rodrigo Duterte in the wee hours of August 25.
In a special session on Friday (Aug. 26), the SP passed Provincial Resolutions Nos. 114, 115 and 116 – 2016, all expressing full faith, trust and confidence on the integrity and competence of the prominent sons of Pangasinan, who were included in the ‘drug matrix.’
Maintaining its full-support to Gov. Espino, the SP recalled that during his nine years of good governance as provincial chief executive, “There is no iota of doubt that he had been involved in such an illegal drug trade operation inside and even outside the political jurisdiction of the province.”
Provincial Resolution No. 114-2016 states: “The SP is of firm belief that any insinuation of Rep. Espino’s involvement to the NBP drug matrix would not at all affect his integrity as former governor of Pangasinan and his competence in the performance of his duties and responsibilities as 5th district representative.” (PIO)
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