The four lawyers who were subpoenaed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) over their alleged role in the botched sex scandal plot against Executive Secretary Ralph Recto failed to appear before the bureau, according to a Friday report.

The lawyers were supposedly behind the script and affidavit in furtherance of the scheme. Speaking to DZRH, NBI - National Capital Region (NCR) Director Emeterio Dongallo Jr. said the lawyers requested that their scheduled appearance be moved to Monday, August 17, reported RH 15 Jecelle Ricafort.

The four explained they had been unable to present themselves before the Investigation bureau at 2:00 p.m. this afternoon due to a prior commitment.

The NBI obliged the lawyers’ request, given the inclement weather.

Earlier, NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag confirmed that a subpoena had been issued for these four lawyers under the Rondain & Mendiola law firm last Friday.

The law firm was founded by Atty. Ruy Rondain, legal counsel to former Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co.

The NBI also previously issued a subpoena for Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste who allegedly funded the plot, and former lawmaker Jacinto “Jing” Paras, who reportedly served as its facilitator.

Neither Leviste nor Paras faced the bureau but repudiated the allegations through the lawyers they sent on their behalf.