NBI to summon Leandro Leviste, Jing Paras over alleged plot to frame Ralph Recto

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will summon Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste and former lawmaker Jing Paras over an alleged plan to frame Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, NBI director Melvin Matibag said.

In a press briefing, Matibag described the alleged scheme.

Paras allegedly told the human trafficking victims that they would be paid to create a story and sign an affidavit, and they would receive their payment in tranches as the case went on. The plot was supposed to be after the State of the Nation Address.

“Pagka napirmahan na nila ang affidavit, magbibigay na ng 30% yata tapos 40% pag na file na, yung other 30% iho-hold habang umaandar ang kaso. May scheme,” Matibag told reporters.

(When the affidavit is signed, they will give 30% I think, then another 40% when it is filed, then the other 30% is withheld while the case continues. There is a scheme.)

Asked for comment, Paras said, "We will answer all of these false and untrue allegations at a proper time."

"Will let you know and tell all," Paras told GMA News.

Leviste said, "Ilang buwan ko nang hindi binabanggit ang pangalan ni VATMan, kasi pinayuhan ako na hindi siya kailangang siraan dahil sira na siya. Pero huwag niya sanang mamasamain na may mga nagpapadala sa akin ng impormasyon tungkol sa kanya sa leandroleviste@proton.me."

(I have not been mentioning the name of VATMan for months because I have been advised to stop criticizing him, as he's already tainted. I hope he would not take it against me if there are people who send me information about him at leandroleviste@proton.me.)

"Please ask ES Recto kung totoo bang nambabae siya sa Rockwell (if it's true he womanizes at Rockwell)," Leviste said.

The human trafficking victim was able to recount in detail what they were instructed to do, Matibag said.

Asked when Paras and Leviste will be summoned, Matibag said that he will sign the subpoena orders within the day and send it out by Saturday the latest, and they are expected to attend by Wednesday or Thursday.

“Papatawag natin sila,” Matibag he said. (We will summon them.)

Authorities were able to obtain a phone from one of the personalities involved in the plot, Matibag said.

The phone allegedly revealed conversations with Paras. The NBI said that they were already able to archive the data from the phone and authenticated that the number belonged to the former lawmaker. Paras allegedly deleted every message afterward.

The NBI director said that they are looking into the possibility that Recto would not be the only target of a character assassination plot.

Matibag said it was possible that if such a plot occurred, they would likely not stop with Recto.

“If this passes, then they will target specifically,” Matibag said in Filipino.

In a Saksi report, a human trafficking victim rescued by authorities accused Paras and Leviste of using her to create a fake controversial story about Recto. The victim’s manager introduced her and other women to Leviste and Paras for the alleged plot.

Paras allegedly tried to coach the human trafficking victim on what to say. When she found out that they were going to be brought to the prosecutor, the victim panicked about being seen on camera.

There was supposed to be another meeting, but the victim no longer attended. –NB, GMA News