An arrested talent manager has expressed remorse for his alleged involvement in a purported plot to implicate Executive Secretary Ralph Recto in a fabricated sex scandal, saying he regrets allowing himself to be used in the scheme.
In an exclusive interview with DZRH News, the talent manager, identified only by the alias "Ken," apologized to Recto and said he fell victim to the promise of easy money.
"Kay ES (Ralph Recto), I'm sorry. Nabiktima lang po ako, dahil nagmukha akong pera, sorry po," Ken said.
Ken also addressed former congressman Jing Paras, whom he accused of dragging him into the alleged operation.
"Ang message ko kay Jing Paras, pinahamak mo ang buhay [ko]," he said.
According to Ken, the group allegedly agreed on a ₱5.5-million payment for the operation, with ₱500,000 supposedly intended for Paras. However, he claimed that neither he nor the talents involved received any of the promised money, describing it as a blessing in disguise.
Ken said his role was limited to preparing a fabricated statement and that he had no knowledge of how the alleged plan would eventually be carried out.
He also claimed to have turned over screenshots of his Viber conversations with Paras to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), saying these conversations could support his account.
"May mga screenshots (and) conversations po kami na nasa NBI na. 'Tuloy po ba natin 'to, 'wag na siguro,' parang gano'n. (Sabi niya), 'Hindi, nasa abroad lang ako... tutuloy tayo, magkikita tayo July 15.' That was our first meeting, July 15," Ken said.
He further recalled discussing the alleged participation of talents in the operation.
"Sabi ko, dadalhin na ba natin mga artista natin to play character? (Sabi niya), 'Sige.' Parang walang kaba 'yung plano. Pero ang ano namin, magiging seryoso siguro 'to kung may pera nang ilalatag," he added.
Ken clarified that he never personally met or directly communicated with former congressman Leandro Leviste, saying Leviste's name was only mentioned by Paras as the alleged financier of the operation. He declined to comment on whether Leviste's name had merely been used in what authorities are investigating as a possible character assassination scheme.
The arrested talent manager also distanced himself from reports claiming that the alleged honeytrap operation had additional targets, including Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin "Boying" Remulla, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos, Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon, and Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda.
Authorities continue to investigate the alleged plot and the individuals purportedly involved.
