The lawyer of self-confessed drug distributor Kerwin Espinosa yesterday grilled Marcelo Adorco, lone witness of the prosecutor, during the continuation of the hearing concerning Espinosa’s case.

The hearing held at the Manila regional trial court was in connection with illegal drugs and illegal possession of firearms charges filed against Espinosa.

During the questioning, Odorco, the former driver/bodyguard of Espinosa, admitted it was not Espinosa who instructed him to sell shabu when he was arrested during a buy-bust operation in Leyte some two years ago.

Odorco, former bodyguard of slain former Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa, was arrested in July 2016.

In his testimony, Odorco named Jose Antipuesto as the one who ordered him to sell illegal drugs.

Antipuesto, a childhood friend of Espinosa, was arrested along with Odorco.

Odorco said while Antipuesto was the one who ordered him to peddle illegal drugs it was Espinosa giving instructions to Antipuesto to sell drugs in one of their mobile phone conversations.

During the last January hearing, Antipuesto withdrew his testimony against Espinosa, saying he was only coerced by police to the sign the affidavit.

“Tinakot lang po ako (I was only threatened ),” Antipuesto said.

The hearing encountered problems on Odorco who had difficulty in speaking in Tagalog.

Judge Silvino Pampilo Jr. was the one who acted as interpreter for both sides.

Odorco was the lone witness of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) which was dismissed by a panel of prosecutors in December 2017.

Kervin appeared during the trial clad with bullet proof vest and surrounded by NBI escorts.

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