NBI Claims Viber Messages Show Plot to Frame Senator Ralph Recto

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has evidence of a communication exchange between former congressman Jing Paras and a supposed talent manager regarding the alleged plot against Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, NBI Director Melvin Matibag said on Tuesday. Interviewed on Super Radyo dzBB, Matibag said the bureau has the sworn statement of alias Jen and Ken, and other evidence. "'Yung other evidence… 'yun pong exchange ng Viber messages ni Congressman Jing Paras at nitong talent manager," Matibag said. (The other evidence includes the exchange of Viber messages between Congressman Jing Paras and this talent manager.) "Kasi dineny so I want to hear them categorically deny under oath dito na hindi nila kilala 'yung tao at walang pangyayaring 'yun at walang planong ganoon," he added. (Because they denied it, I want to hear them categorically deny under oath that they do not know the person, that the incident never happened, and that there was never any such plan.) Earlier, Matibag said the bureau will subpoena Paras and Leviste. This came after the NBI rescued several women from trafficking during an entrapment operation. Matibag said the one of the victims suddenly revealed that they were hired for an alleged plot. "Nu'ng pino-process na, sinasabi wala naman kaming illegal na gawa. Ano lang naman, wala naman kaming natanggap na pera. Eh, naka body-worn cameras 'yung mga tao natin so may ebidensya talaga." (While they were being processed, they kept saying that they didn't do anything illegal nor receive any money. But our personnel were wearing body-worn cameras, so there is evidence.) "Until, nagsalita na parang sabi niya baka naman ginigipit kami. Ito ba may kinalaman doon sa trabaho namin na pinapagawa sa amin tungkol kay Senator Ralph Recto," he added. (Until one of them spoke up and said, 'Perhaps we are being pressured. Does this have anything to do with the work we were asked to do involving Senator Ralph Recto.') According to Matibag, the women allegedly being trafficked are considered victims and were turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Meanwhile, he said the supposed talent manager has undergone inquest for qualified human trafficking. Both Paras and Leviste have denied the allegations against them. GMA News Online has requested comment from Paras' legal counsel regarding the alleged Viber exchange, but he has yet to respond as of posting time. In a statement on Saturday, Paras' lawyer Mark Kristopher Tolentino said, "Our client categorically denies any involvement in any unlawful conspiracy or criminal activity. We are confident that, once all relevant facts are properly examined in accordance with law, the truth will prevail." — VDV, GMA News