By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has obtained the identities of four lawyers allegedly linked to a supposed “honey trap” scheme targeting Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, after a talent manager facing human trafficking charges submitted a supplemental affidavit identifying them.
The development marks a significant step in the bureau’s expanding investigation into allegations that a group conspired to fabricate accusations intended to discredit one of the country’s highest-ranking government officials.
According to Atty. Raymund Palad, legal counsel of the talent manager known only as Alias Ken, his client appeared Thursday afternoon at the NBI-National Capital Region headquarters in Pasay City to formally identify the four lawyers through photographs and sworn testimony.
Palad said his client was able to recall key details, including locations, events, and the identities of the individuals allegedly involved.
“We verified their identities through their photographs, and my client positively identified all four lawyers,” Palad said in a phone interview.
The lawyer added that the supplemental affidavit was executed specifically to place the names of the four individuals on record as part of the ongoing investigation.
Alias Ken earlier alleged that the lawyers attended face-to-face meetings together with former Negros Oriental Representative Jacinto “Jing” Paras, where they supposedly helped prepare a “script” containing fabricated statements accusing Recto of forcing several women to use illegal drugs and engage in sexual activities with him.
The talent manager also claimed the lawyers introduced themselves as representatives of Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste, whom he alleged financed the supposed operation.
Both Paras and Leviste have categorically denied any participation in the alleged plot.
The NBI has already issued subpoenas requiring both men to explain the allegations after they reportedly failed to appear before investigators on Thursday. They have been directed to appear next week.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag likewise said the bureau would issue separate subpoenas to the four lawyers now that they have allegedly been positively identified.
Authorities have yet to publicly release the names of the lawyers pending the formal proceedings.
The NBI continues to determine whether criminal charges may be filed against individuals allegedly involved in orchestrating what investigators describe as a coordinated effort to manufacture accusations against the Executive Secretary. As of Thursday evening, the allegations remain under investigation, and no findings of criminal liability have been made.
ia/xf
