THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has recommended the filing of qualified human trafficking charges against Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste and six other individuals following the conclusion of its probe into the alleged “honey trap” plot targeting Executive Secretary Ralph Recto.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag said on Friday the case records — including affidavits, evidence and supporting documents — have been fully consolidated and will soon be submitted to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for preliminary investigation.
“It’s complete. The evidence and attachments are all here,” Matibag said.
Aside from Leviste, recommended for prosecution were former Negros congressman Jacinto Paras, talent manager Lito de Guzman, and lawyers Orlando Mendiola, Ruy Alberto Rondain, Patrick Criaga and Josemilio Manuel Apostol.
Matibag said they will face charges for violating Section 6(c) of Republic Act 9208, or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, which covers trafficking on a large scale or by a syndicate.
The alleged offenses took place last July 15 and 26 in Quezon City.
Matibag said investigators have gathered sufficient evidence establishing all the elements of qualified human trafficking.
The NBI probe was triggered by reports of an elaborate scheme to entrap Recto through what has been described as a “honey trap” — a plot designed to discredit him.
Matibag said the investigation was completed within the 10-day timeline set by the bureau.
He said the NBI is also considering filing ethics charges against Leviste before the House of Representatives’ Committee on Ethics and Privileges, as well as disbarment proceedings against the lawyers implicated in the alleged plot.
In a statement on Friday, Leviste scored the NBI for recommending the charges, saying the agency was “inventing nonsense using taxpayers’ money while the country is submerged.” WITH JAMES DANIEL DANIO
