MANILA, Philippines — The alleged “honey trap” operation targeting Executive Secretary Ralph Recto has taken a major legal turn after the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) filed a disbarment complaint before the Supreme Court against former Negros Oriental lawmaker Jacinto “Jing” Paras and four lawyers allegedly linked to the supposed scheme.
The five respondents are Paras and lawyers Ruy Rondain, Orlando Mendiola, Patrick Criaga, and Josemilio Manuel Apostol, all associated with the Rondain and Mendiola Law Firm. The NBI alleges that the lawyers were involved in preparing a supposed “script” or fabricated statements intended to damage Recto’s reputation.
The latest complaint is separate from the qualified human trafficking case that the NBI filed before the Department of Justice on September 4 against seven individuals, including Paras, Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste, talent manager identified as “Alias Ken,” and the four lawyers.
How the alleged Recto ‘honey trap’ unfolded
The investigation began after an NBI operation in Malate, Manila, on July 28 resulted in the rescue of five women and the arrest of a talent manager in connection with a separate human trafficking investigation. Investigators subsequently looked into allegations that the women had been recruited for a scheme designed to manufacture damaging accusations against Recto.
According to the NBI’s investigation, the alleged plan involved women being used to make fabricated accusations involving sexual activity and illegal drugs.
A talent manager identified by authorities as “Alias Ken” previously alleged that he met Paras and the lawyers during meetings in July where the supposed operation was discussed. He claimed that the lawyers were tasked with preparing statements that could be used against Recto.
The allegations, however, remain unproven in court.
Four lawyers identified by NBI
The lawyers named in the disbarment complaint are:
- Ruy Rondain
- Orlando Mendiola
- Patrick Criaga
- Josemilio Manuel Apostol
The NBI had previously subpoenaed the four lawyers during its investigation into the alleged operation.
Mendiola previously denied that they were involved in any plan to fabricate allegations against Recto. He acknowledged meeting with the women but said the purpose was to interview them, and he denied that there was any “character assassination” plan. He also said the lawyers had been asked to attend by Paras.
Paras denies allegations
Paras has also rejected the accusations.
His lawyers, Mark Tolentino and Ferdinand Topacio, said their client neither recruited nor hired the women involved in the controversy.
The NBI’s filing therefore does not represent a finding of guilt. The allegations will have to go through the appropriate legal proceedings, and the respondents remain entitled to due process.
Human trafficking case adds another layer
The disbarment complaint comes days after the NBI transmitted its separate qualified human trafficking complaint to the DOJ.
That complaint names seven individuals, including Leviste, Paras, Alias Ken and the four lawyers. NBI Director Melvin Matibag said investigators believed the elements of qualified human trafficking were present and cited testimonial evidence, CCTV footage and statements made by individuals involved in the investigation.
The alleged offenses are being investigated under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, or Republic Act No. 9208, as amended. Philstar reported that qualified human trafficking is a non-bailable offense and carries severe penalties if proven.
The NBI has also moved to seek an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) against Leviste, Paras and the other respondents. An ILBO allows immigration authorities to monitor a person’s travel; it is different from a court-issued Hold Departure Order, which can prevent a person from leaving the country.
Leviste also denies involvement
Leviste has denied involvement in the alleged operation. After the human trafficking complaint was filed, he criticized the NBI’s allegations and accused the bureau of fabricating the case.
The NBI, meanwhile, has maintained that its investigation was supported by evidence gathered during its probe.
What happens next?
The latest disbarment filing puts the alleged Recto “honey trap” controversy before another legal forum: the Supreme Court, which exercises authority over the Philippine legal profession.
At the same time, the separate human trafficking complaint is proceeding through the Department of Justice’s preliminary investigation process.
That means the controversy is no longer simply an investigation into an alleged political “honey trap.” It has now expanded into separate criminal and professional disciplinary proceedings, potentially exposing the respondents to serious legal and professional consequences if the allegations are ultimately established.
For now, however, the allegations remain allegations, and the respondents continue to have the right to defend themselves through the proper legal process.
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