MANILA, Philippines — Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste and six others are facing qualified human trafficking complaints before the Department of Justice (DOJ) over an alleged scheme to entrap and discredit Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, according to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
The NBI said it has completed its investigation and formally lodged the complaints with the DOJ for preliminary investigation.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag said investigators found what they considered sufficient evidence and the elements of qualified human trafficking in the case.
The complaint names Leviste, former Negros Oriental lawmaker Jacinto “Jing” Paras, talent manager identified by authorities as alias Ken, and four lawyers associated with the Rondain and Mendiola Law Firm—Ruy Rondain, Orlando Mendiola, Patrick Criaga, and Josemilio Manuel Apostol.
Alleged ‘honey trap’ operation
The investigation grew out of an NBI operation in late July that resulted in the arrest of the talent manager and the protective custody of five women who investigators said had allegedly been recruited for a scheme involving Recto.
According to the NBI’s account, the alleged plan involved women being recruited to make fabricated accusations against Recto, including claims involving sexual misconduct and illegal drug use. Investigators said the supposed objective was to damage the executive secretary’s reputation.
The talent manager allegedly linked Paras and several lawyers to the plan and claimed that Leviste was supposed to finance it. Those allegations have been denied by the individuals implicated.
The NBI said its case was supported by testimonial and documentary evidence, CCTV footage and statements attributed to people involved in the investigation.
Leviste rejects the allegations
Leviste has strongly denied involvement and attacked the NBI’s findings.
In a Facebook post, the lawmaker mocked the agency by referring to it as the “National Bureau of Imbento,” accusing investigators of “making up” allegations using public funds.
Leviste had previously declined to personally participate in NBI proceedings, with his lawyer invoking his constitutional right to remain silent. His camp also denied that he financed any alleged operation against Recto.
Paras likewise denied the accusations. In a separate interview, he disputed the NBI’s characterization of the incident and said he was prepared to face the complaint.
Paras claimed that the talent manager had previously told him that female artists had supposedly been involved with Recto. He said he later sought legal assistance concerning what he believed could be a legitimate complaint. However, he denied that Leviste was part of his plan and said the talent manager was the person who later suggested approaching Leviste for financial support.
Recto, for his part, has denied knowing the talent manager or the women allegedly involved. He said he would leave the matter to the NBI, DOJ and the courts.
What happens next?
The filing of the complaint does not mean Leviste or the other respondents have been found guilty.
The case now proceeds to the DOJ preliminary investigation, where the respondents will have the opportunity to submit their defenses and counter-affidavits. A criminal case would still have to move through the proper legal process before any court could determine guilt.
The NBI has also signaled that the controversy could have consequences beyond the criminal complaint.
Matibag said the bureau is considering an ethics complaint against Leviste before the House of Representatives. The NBI also said it was considering disbarment proceedings involving the lawyers allegedly connected to the case.
The allegations have therefore expanded from an alleged “honey trap” operation into a case involving possible criminal, professional and congressional consequences.
For now, however, the central allegations remain contested, with the NBI standing by its findings and the respondents denying wrongdoing.
The next major test will come before the DOJ, where the evidence and counterclaims will be examined—and where the allegations against the seven respondents will face their next legal hurdle.
WWC ONE MEDIA J.M.S
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