The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is set to issue subpoenas to Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste and former Negros Oriental 1st District Representative Jing Paras next week over their alleged involvement in a human trafficking and “honeytrap” operation aimed at framing Executive Secretary Ralph Recto.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag confirmed on Friday that the subpoenas—initially scheduled for release on Thursday—require both individuals to appear before the bureau on either Wednesday or Thursday next week.
Both Leviste and Paras have strongly denied any role in the alleged plot.
Leviste distanced himself from the accusations in a statement to reporters, addressing rumors involving the Executive Secretary.
“I have nothing to do with Recto’s alleged womanizing at [well-known commercial spot]. It can be proven that I have never spoken to any of these people—it would be better to ask Recto if he knows them,” Leviste said.
In an earlier social media post, Leviste raised questions regarding deleted reports about the incident.
“There is a high-ranking government official who seems to be flirting at [certain place]. I had nothing to do with that,” Leviste wrote. “He got defensive and spread fake news. But then it was suddenly deleted. Did he delete that article because he didn’t want the truth to come out?”
Paras similarly dismissed the allegations, labeling them as unverified claims.
“Will follow lawful procedures. Will tell the truth and debunk the lies being spread in the media at the proper venue,” Paras stated, adding, “My lawyer will give me the proper advice at the proper time,” regarding his attendance at the NBI summons.
Entrapment Operation Uncovers Alleged Frame-Up
According to Matibag, the NBI National Capital Region agents uncovered the alleged scheme during a Tuesday entrapment operation at a five-star hotel in Malate, Manila.
The operation resulted in the arrest of talent manager Lito de Guzman and the rescue of five female talent recruits.
Matibag disclosed that De Guzman implicated Paras, alleging the former lawmaker hired him to recruit four women to falsely accuse Recto of sexual assault and forced illegal drug use. The recruits were reportedly promised a total payout of ₱5 million to execute the scheme.