NBI summons Leviste, Paras over alleged plot vs Recto
MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation has subpoenaed Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste and former cabinet official Jacinto Paras as part of its probe into an alleged plot to fabricate accusations against Executive Secretary Ralph Recto.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag said the subpoenas were set to be served yesterday, directing the two to appear before investigators on Thursday.
“We want to give them the opportunity to explain. It does not necessarily mean they are already guilty,” Matibag said over radio True FM.
Malacañang yesterday described as “disgusting” and an act of the “power hungry” the supposed plot to tarnish Recto’s reputation by linking him to human trafficking.
Matibag said the NBI is seeking to determine why the names of Leviste and Paras surfaced during an investigation into a human trafficking operation that led to the rescue of five women and the arrest of an alleged talent manager last July 28.
According to the NBI chief, the talent manager claimed that meetings were held to recruit women who would execute affidavits accusing Recto of illegal acts, including drug use, physical abuse and exploiting women, in what investigators described as a planned “character assassination.”
Matibag said Paras allegedly attended three meetings in Quezon City where the supposed plan was discussed, while Leviste was not present but was allegedly identified by the talent manager as the financier of the operation.
He, however, clarified that the allegation against Leviste remains unverified.
“With Cong. Leviste, the statement of the talent manager is still hearsay because it came from Jing Paras,” Matibag said.
Investigators have obtained Viber messages allegedly exchanged between Paras and the talent manager and are securing closed-circuit television footage from the reported meeting venues to validate the claims.
Matibag added that the bureau would identify the lawyers who allegedly helped prepare affidavits for the women, saying they could face liability if evidence shows they participated in a fabricated complaint.
The probe stemmed from an entrapment operation targeting an alleged human trafficking ring operating in a five-star hotel.
During questioning, the arrested talent manager allegedly disclosed the supposed plot against Recto, prompting the NBI to expand its investigation.
Paras has denied the allegations and said he would answer them in the proper forum.
Matibag added that investigators are examining the suspect’s mobile phone, which contains contact numbers of several prominent personalities, although he stressed that possessing public officials’ contact information “is not a crime.” — Alexis Romero
- Latest
- Trending