Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste failed to appear before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Thursday, August 6, regarding the agency's probe into an alleged plot to implicate Executive Secretary Ralph Recto in a fabricated sex scandal.

According to NBI-National Capital Region Director Emeterio Dongallo Jr., Leviste will be given another opportunity to appear before the bureau on Tuesday, August 11.

Dongallo explained that while the NBI continues its operations, government offices have suspended work due to the effects of severe weather. He added that Leviste's lawyers only submitted a request for documents related to the investigation.

The request, however, was denied because documents forming part of an ongoing investigation cannot be disclosed. Dongallo said these may only be presented when Leviste's camp personally appears before the bureau to avoid compromising the investigation.

The subpoena stems from allegations made by an arrested talent manager, identified only as "Ken," who claimed that Leviste was the supposed "VIP" behind the alleged operation to stage a sex scandal against Recto.

Ken alleged that former congressman Jing Paras referred to Leviste as the "VIP" and claimed that lawyers allegedly representing the lawmaker prepared scripts and affidavits for female talents who were to participate in the supposed scheme. Ken, however, admitted that he never personally met or directly communicated with Leviste. Leviste has denied the allegations.

Dongallo clarified that Leviste is currently being treated only as a resource person, as the bureau remains in the case-building stage and has yet to identify any respondents.

"Ano pa lang sila... resource person. We're just investigating it. Case builder pa lang po. They're not yet respondent."

He added that those mentioned during the investigation are being given the opportunity to explain their side as part of due process.

"Pwede pong witness or something like gano'n pa lang. Mahirap pong magbigay ng specific na status. For every investigation, kung may mabanggit yung mga witnesses, this is part of due process."

Dongallo emphasized that the NBI is not accusing anyone of a crime at this stage.

"Ibig sabihin, yung mga taong na-mention, they deserve to explain their side. Due process lang. Wala po tayong inaakusahan pa ng kung anong pagkakamali o krimen. Just to invite them to explain their side. Due process. That's the principle of due process."

Meanwhile, former congressman Jing Paras also requested that his scheduled appearance before the NBI on Thursday afternoon be moved to August 11. His request for copies of the records related to the allegations was likewise denied by the bureau.