A talent manager arrested in an alleged plot to stage a sex scandal against Executive Secretary Ralph Recto has identified Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste as the supposed “VIP” linked to the scheme.

In an exclusive interview with RH Jecelle Ricafort, the manager, who used the alias “Ken,” claimed the lawmaker sent two lawyers to prepare scripts and affidavits for four contracted actresses allegedly involved in the plan.

“Ang sinasabi kailangan muna makita yung mga statement,” Ken said.

Ken said the lawyers introduced themselves as representatives of Leviste and arranged their food and accommodation. He added that former congressman Jing Paras also referred to Leviste as the “VIP” and acted as a facilitator.

The 58-year-old manager said he did not know who the alleged mastermind was, but maintained that Paras coordinated the discussions. He said the plan began as casual conversations during an event in May and was initially not taken seriously.

“Hindi ko nga sineseryoso ito kasi unang-una ang laki ng taong ika-characterize mo,” Ken said.

“Kaibigan ko si Jing, nagtiwala ako sa kanya eh,” he added.

Ken alleged that Paras framed the plan by criticizing corruption in government, saying public funds were being pocketed by officials. He added that he later doubted the proposal, particularly after no down payment from the promised ₱1 million compensation was made.

According to Ken, they later agreed on a payment scheme that included a 30% initial payment once fabricated statements were released and 40% upon filing a case before prosecutors.

He said the plan was stalled for two to three weeks when Paras traveled abroad. During that period, Ken claimed he sent a message to a staff member of Recto warning of a possible character assassination attempt, but received no reply.

The alleged setup was scheduled for Aug. 3 but was foiled after the National Bureau of Investigation conducted an entrapment operation at a hotel in Manila, leading to Ken’s arrest.

Authorities said the four women involved are being considered victims of human trafficking. Ken remains under the custody of the NBI National Capital Region.

Leviste and Paras have earlier denied the allegations.