Leandro Leviste's lawyer attends NBI probe over alleged plot vs. Ralph Recto

The lawyer of Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste on Tuesday appeared before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in response to a subpoena issued to the lawmaker in connection with its probe into an alleged plot against Executive Secretary Ralph Recto.

The NBI earlier summoned Leviste and former presidential adviser Jacinto "Jing" Paras after they were accused of orchestrating a supposed honeytrap plot where they allegedly hired women to make false allegations against Recto.

“We just invoked Representative Leviste’s right to remain silent,” lawyer Gabrielle Rondain-Kapunan said in an ambush interview.

She added that Leviste “denies any involvement.”

NBI Director Melvin Matibag earlier said Paras allegedly told human trafficking victims that they would be paid to fabricate a story and sign an affidavit, with payments to be made in tranches as the case progressed.

Matibag said Paras allegedly mentioned Leviste to the victims.

Matibag earlier said Leviste left for Hong Kong on Sunday, August 2.

Asked whether Leviste had returned to the Philippines, Rondain-Kapunan said she did not know.

Representatives from Paras' camp are also expected to appear before the NBI on Tuesday. — MCG, GMA News