National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag on Tuesday said Batangas First District Rep. Leandro Leviste and former Negros Oriental Rep. Jacinto “Jing” Paras must comply with the subpoenas issued by the agency in connection with the alleged plot to frame Executive Secretary Ralph Recto.
When asked whether government officials are required to appear before the NBI and comply with the subpoenas, Matibag said the orders must be respected as part of the agency’s investigation and provide those involved a chance to explain their side.
"Dapat po kung ikaw ay sumusunod sa batas... pero 'yung subpoena mandate given to us by the law... napakaganda po na irespeto at bigyan po natin ng pagkakataon na ipaliwanag," Matibag said during an interview on DZRH's Dos Por Dos.
"If they feel na sila ay ginagawang akusado then they have the rights... pwede silang magdala kahit ilang lawyers," he added.
He clarified that the issuance of subpoenas does not mean that the individuals are being accused of wrongdoing but is part of the NBI’s investigation to allow those mentioned in the investigation to explain their side and provide information that could help authorities establish the truth behind the allegations.
“Liliwanigin ko ‘yung patawag sa kanila sa Huwebes, hindi nangangahulugan na kayo’y akusado na sa destabilization o kung anuman… kundi bigyan linaw ninyo,” Matibag said.
The NBI chief said the agency is following due process and giving all concerned individuals the opportunity to respond, adding that they may appear with their lawyers during the proceedings.
The probe follows Matibag’s recent disclosure that an arrested talent manager allegedly linked Paras and Leviste to a supposed plan to have four women execute fabricated statements accusing Recto of forcing them to use illegal drugs and engaging in sexual acts with them.
He also clarified that the investigation was not a premeditated "honey trap" or a setup from the beginning. Instead, the operation began as a legitimate NBI entrapment operation targeting a talent manager for human trafficking.
Watch the full interview below.
