Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste did not appear before the National Bureau of Investigation on Thursday, August 6, defying a subpoena tied to an alleged “honey trap” scheme against Executive Secretary Ralph Recto.
Leviste had been scheduled to arrive at 10 a.m., according to NBI-NCR Regional Director Emeterio Dongallo Jr., who told reporters by mid-afternoon that the lawmaker was no longer expected to show. Dongallo said the bureau is giving Leviste another chance to appear on August 11, citing the suspension of government work on Thursday due to inclement weather.
The NBI is investigating claims that Leviste and former Negros Oriental Representative Jacinto “Jing” Paras orchestrated a plot to fabricate accusations against Recto. Per the Manila Times, investigators are examining a supposed P5-million scheme in which four women would issue false statements accusing the executive secretary of forcing them to use illegal drugs and to have sex with him. NBI Director Melvin Matibag has said Paras allegedly hired a talent manager to recruit the women, with Leviste allegedly serving as financier.
The probe stems from an entrapment operation at a hotel in Malate, Manila, on July 28, which led to the arrest of a talent manager on human trafficking charges. According to Inquirer.net, one of the arrested individuals told investigators that Leviste financed the plot, and Matibag said the bureau had reviewed and authenticated message exchanges connected to the alleged scheme.
Both men have denied any involvement. In Viber messages to the Inquirer, Leviste said he had nothing to do with the allegations against Recto and challenged authorities to prove he had ever spoken to the people involved. He has also publicly questioned why the NBI has not summoned Recto himself. Paras, for his part, said he would follow lawful procedures and address what he called lies at the proper venue.
Paras had separately requested to reset his own appearance. The NBI granted that request, moving his schedule to August 11 as well, though it denied his counsel’s appeal for copies of records related to the allegations.
