The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is set to file qualified human trafficking charges against Rep. Leandro Leviste, former Rep. Jing Paras, and six others before the Department of Justice (DOJ) over an alleged scheme involving a supposed sex scandal targeting Executive Secretary Ralph Recto.
NBI official Matibag said the bureau’s findings indicate that the elements of qualified human trafficking were present in the alleged operation.
“Ang findings natin, they are guilty or they are supposed to be committed to qualified human trafficking. Noon doon lahat yung elements,” Matibag said.
According to Matibag, those who will face the complaint include Leviste, Paras, four lawyers from the Rondain and Mendiola law firm, and Lito D. Guzman.
The NBI allegedly identified the group as being involved in the preparation and execution of a supposed plot against Recto, including the creation of scripts and affidavits involving four female artists. The allegations have previously been denied by the lawyers implicated in the case.
An arrested talent manager identified as alias “Ken” was also linked to the alleged operation. He reportedly identified Leviste as the alleged financier and Paras as the supposed facilitator of the scheme.
Matibag said the NBI will formally bring the case before the National Prosecution Service of the Department of Justice for the filing of the appropriate charges.
“So we will file this to the National Prosecution Service of the Department of Justice,” Matibag said.
The complaint remains subject to preliminary investigation by prosecutors. The individuals named in the case are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
