National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Atty. Melvin Matibag stated on Monday that Executive Secretary Ralph Recto appears to be the subject of a character assassination attempt linked to an alleged “honeytrap” scheme involving a detained talent manager and four female talents.
Matibag announced that the bureau will issue subpoenas to Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste and former Negros Oriental 1st District Representative Jing Paras due to their alleged connection to the controversy.
Should either lawmaker fail to honor the summons, the bureau will decide on its next moves depending on the gathered evidence.
“If they will not attend, then we have to deal with it accordingly, kung ano ‘yung ebidensyang darating sa’min. Anyway, there is already the admission and confession nung mga subjects, e. That’s why they’re being subpoenaed to clear the light, kung ano bang participation nila talaga,” Matibag said.
However, the NBI director noted that the agency is also prepared to assist Leviste and Paras in taking legal steps against the arrested manager and talents if the claims turn out to be fabricated.
“Kung wala naman at nag-iimbento lang itong mga tao na ito, we are willing to help them to prosecute these personalities,” he said.
Matibag clarified that serving subpoenas does not mean the lawmakers are guilty, emphasizing that both remain entitled to due process.
“Si former Congressman Jing Paras and si Congressman Leandro Leviste were mentioned by the persons na nahuli natin. So as of now, as we speak, they’re considered na wala pa talaga, na sasabihing may kasalanan,” the Investigations chief said.
“Ang punto natin dito, kung ano ang ebidensya, so they are entitled to due process. So kailangan magpaliwanag sila. ‘Yun naman ‘yung proseso dapat ng batas: may binanggit, but we have to inform them na binanggit sila,” he explained.
According to Matibag, Recto has reached out to the NBI and will coordinate through his legal counsel.
The investigation follows statements from the arrested talent manager claiming Paras encouraged the four women to accuse Recto of forcing them into illegal drug use and sexual acts for ₱1 million each.
Both Leviste and Paras have denied involvement, while the NBI looks into whether other officials were targeted in similar smear operations.