DOJ evaluating qualified human trafficking raps vs Rep. Leviste, 6 others

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is evaluating the qualified human trafficking complaint filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) against Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste, former Negros Oriental Rep. Jacinto “Jing” Paras, and five others over the supposed “honey trap” plot against Executive Secretary Ralph Recto. Justice Secretary Frederick Vida, in a press conference on Thursday said that the DOJ has 10 days to evaluate whether or not the complaints will proceed to a preliminary investigation. “Under the rules, we have 10 days to evaluate and to determine whether the case will proceed to its preliminary investigation or to dismiss the same and give it back to the NBI. We are in that stage now,” Vida said. The NBI filed the non-bailable complaint on September 4 against Leviste, Paras, talent manager “Alias Ken”, and four lawyers from the Rondain and Mendiola Law Firm who were supposedly tasked to create fabricated statements against Recto. The four lawyers are Ruy Rondain, Orlando Mendiola, Patrick Criaga, and Josemilio Manuel Apostol. The investigation into the supposed “honey trap” operation began following the arrest of “Alias Ken” last July 28 over a human trafficking case. “Ken” earlier said he met Paras and the lawyers in a restaurant in July to supposedly plan the “character assassination” scheme in which four of his female artists would issue fabricated statements claiming that Recto forced them to use illegal drugs and have sex with him. The lawyers, who allegedly introduced themselves as Leviste’s representatives, were tasked with crafting the “script,” or fabricated statements targeting Recto. “Ken” also claimed that Leviste was the financier of the supposed plot. All of the implicated individuals have since denied the allegations.