Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla disclosed that the government is weighing human trafficking charges against former Negros Oriental 1st District Representative Jacinto “Jing” Paras for his alleged role in a plot to frame top government officials.
According to Remulla, investigators are probing Paras for allegedly masterminding a scheme to pay at least five women to sign false affidavits claiming they were drugged and forced into sexual encounters with senior leaders.
The plot reportedly unraveled after law enforcement arrested the women’s alleged handler, who then exposed the operation.
Highlighting that human trafficking is a non-bailable offense, Remulla confirmed that legal teams are assessing whether the gathered evidence supports formal prosecution.
“It seems that he was the one behind because of his connection with the alleged handler of the women. And it was the handler who disclosed the plan and revealed some names,” Remulla stated regarding the alleged honeytrap scheme.
“So Jing Paras is the person of interest, we are investigating him and we are considering filing charges of human trafficking against him,” he added.
The alleged target list primarily focused on Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, alongside Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon, DILG Secretary Remulla, and his brother, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla.
While Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste was also named in connection with the plot, he has firmly denied any involvement.
Remulla noted that Paras was the individual who allegedly introduced Leviste’s name to the handler, emphasizing that direct testimony from the former congressman is necessary to clarify the matter.
“I would like to think that Congressman Legarda is a better person but to get to the bottom of it, we need to know the statement of former congressman Jing Paras,” Remulla said.