DOJ Evaluating NBI Complaint vs. Leviste, Others

The Department of Justice is currently evaluating a complaint filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) against Batangas First District Representative Leandro Leviste and six others for their alleged involvement in a plot against Executive Secretary Ralph Recto. Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida stated on Thursday that the complaint will either be returned to the NBI or proceed to a preliminary investigation. According to Secretary Vida, the NBI recommended filing qualified human trafficking charges against the respondents on September 4. The respondents include Leviste, former Negros Oriental congressman Jacinto Paras, four lawyers, and one other individual. NBI agents had previously rescued several individuals during an entrapment operation. Some of the rescued victims later claimed that Paras allegedly told them they would be paid to create a story and sign an affidavit, with payments to be made in tranches as the case progressed. Leviste's camp has previously denied any involvement in the supposed ploy. Paras' camp, on the other hand, stated that the alleged talent manager approached them voluntarily to testify and sought assistance in drafting the affidavit. Meanwhile, Secretary Vida also mentioned that the department is looking into a request to issue an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order against the respondents. — RSJ, GMA News