The Department of Justice is weighing whether to advance or reject the National Bureau of Investigation’s complaint tied to an alleged scheme targeting Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida confirmed Thursday.
Named in the NBI’s filing are Batangas First District Representative Leandro Leviste, ex-Negros Oriental Rep. Jacinto Paras, four lawyers, and one other person. The bureau submitted its recommendation on September 4, pushing for qualified human trafficking charges against all respondents.
Vida explained that his office is bound by a fixed timeline as it studies the referral. “Under the rules, we have 10 days to evaluate and to determine whether the case will proceed to its preliminary investigation or to dismiss the same and give it back to the NBI,” he told reporters during a briefing. Two outcomes are possible, he noted: the matter could move forward to preliminary investigation, or be sent back to the bureau.
The allegations stem from an NBI entrapment operation that freed a number of people. According to accounts from some of those rescued, Paras purportedly offered them compensation to fabricate a narrative and execute an affidavit, with the money to be released in installments as the proceedings advanced.
Both camps have pushed back. Representatives for Leviste have rejected any suggestion he took part in the purported plot. Paras’ side maintained that a supposed talent manager came to them of their own accord, willing to testify, and sought assistance in preparing the affidavit.
The DOJ is separately reviewing a bid to place the respondents under an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order.
