By el Amigo
MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is set to issue subpoenas to Batangas First District Rep. Leandro Leviste and former congressman Jing Paras following allegations that they were linked to an alleged scheme to implicate Executive Secretary Ralph Recto in a fabricated human trafficking controversy.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag said Friday that the subpoenas would be served immediately, with Leviste and Paras expected to appear before investigators on Wednesday or Thursday next week.
Matibag said both individuals should personally respond to the allegations instead of limiting their statements to social media.
The investigation stemmed from an affidavit executed by a talent manager who was arrested during an NBI entrapment operation at a five-star hotel in Malate, Manila, earlier this week. The operation also resulted in the rescue of five women.
According to Matibag, the arrested talent manager claimed that Paras allegedly approached him with a proposal to convince four women to execute false affidavits accusing Recto of illegal drug use and sexual misconduct.
The affidavit further alleged that the participants were promised P1 million each, while the total amount intended for the talent manager and the four women reached P5 million.
Matibag added that the affidavit also identified Leviste as the alleged financier of the supposed plan. The NBI has yet to determine the veracity of the claims as its investigation continues.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Leviste denied having any involvement in the alleged controversy. He maintained that he had nothing to do with accusations involving a high-ranking government official and questioned what he described as the spread of false information online.
The NBI said the investigation remains ongoing and that all parties will be given the opportunity to present their side before any conclusions are reached.
elamigo/xf
