MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation is set to file qualified human trafficking charges before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against Rep. Leandro Leviste, former lawmaker Jacinto Paras, and several others over an alleged “honey trap” scheme targeting Executive Secretary Ralph Recto.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag said the complaints will be filed following the completion of the agency’s investigation, confirming that qualified human trafficking charges will be pursued.
Also included in the complaint are a talent manager known as “Alias Ken” and four lawyers, including Atty. Ruy Rondain and Atty. Orlando Mendiola, along with two junior associates, who were allegedly involved in preparing fabricated statements against Recto.
The probe stemmed from the arrest of “Alias Ken” on July 28, who later revealed an alleged conspiracy to damage Recto’s reputation. According to his testimony, four female talents were supposedly coerced into making false claims that they were drugged and sexually abused.
Investigators said the lawyers were tasked with drafting scripts and affidavits, while Leviste was identified as the alleged financier of the operation. Paras was also linked to meetings where the scheme was reportedly planned.
As of this writing, Leviste has yet to issue a statement on the allegations, as the case moves to the DOJ for formal filing and further legal proceedings. #
Source: Philnews.ph
