Biliran Gov. Espina, lawmaker brother file COCs for reelection

Gov. Rogelio Espina (CONTRIBUTED)

TACLOBAN CITY — Biliran Gov. Rogelio Espina and his younger brother, Rep. Gerardo “Gerryboy” Espina, Jr. have filed their certificates of candidacy (COCs) on Thursday in the bid for reelection.

The siblings, who are currently serving on their second terms and running under the Nacionalista Party, filed their COCs at the provincial office of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Naval town at past 9 a.m.

The Espinas have governed the small province of Biliran for more than 20 years now. The governor’s son, Gerard Roger, is also seeking another term as mayor of Naval, the provincial capital.

Governor Espina downplayed allegations that they are trying to build a political dynasty, saying they would not be voted into public office if they are not performing well.

Based on the survey conducted by the RP Mission and Development Foundation, Inc. (RPMDFI), Governor Espina ranked number one among the six governors of Eastern Visayas with a satisfaction performing rating of 55% followed by outgoing Leyte Gov. Leopoldo Dominico Petilla who obtained a 52 percent performing rate.

Congressman Espina, the lone congressional representative of the province, was just two percent behind Leyte Rep. and Majority Floor Leader Ferdinand Martin Romualdez with a satisfaction-performing rating of 66 percent.