The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clarified on Tuesday that issuing summonses to two politicians regarding an alleged framing plot does not indicate guilt, assuring both individuals of complete due process.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag confirmed that formal orders were dispatched on Monday directing Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste and former Negros Oriental 1st District Representative Jacinto “Jing” Paras to attend an investigative conference on Thursday, August 6.
The probe stems from an entrapment operation that resulted in the arrest of talent manager Lito de Guzman, who claimed Paras paid four women ₱5 million to fabricate accusations against Executive Secretary Ralph Recto.
Matibag reiterated that the bureau maintains the presumption of innocence for anyone named by suspects in custody and plans to present the collected sworn statements to the politicians during the conference.
“Pinapatawag natin si Congressman Leviste at dating Congressman Paras, hindi dahil sila ay sinasabi na nating akusado o guilty,” Matibag said.
“Bibigyan natin sila ng due process na tinatawag para maipaliwanag nila kung ano talaga ang kinalaman nila.”
“Ang kasabihan nga rito, ‘they are innocent until proven otherwise.’”
Matibag also noted that the bureau stands ready to assist both public figures should they decide to file legal action against anyone falsely tying their names to the plot.
“Kung wala naman at gusto nilang habulin ‘yung mga taong nagpapangalan sa kanila rito, tutulungan din sila ng NBI,” Matibag added.