NBI to Subpoena Leviste, Paras Over Alleged Frame-Up Plot

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will issue subpoenas to Batangas Representative Leandrea Leviste and former lawmaker Jing Paras amid allegations that they were involved in a plot to frame Executive Secretary Ralph Recto. NBI Director Melvin Matibag stated that the subpoenas were signed last Friday and will be sent out on Monday. The two individuals are summoned to appear before the bureau on Thursday. Matibag previously revealed that Paras allegedly told victims of human trafficking that they would be paid to create a story and sign an affidavit, with payments to be made in tranches as the case progressed. This plot was reportedly set to unfold after the State of the Nation Address. "If they will not attend, then we will have to deal with it accordingly, based on whatever evidence is presented to us," Matibag said. He added that the bureau is willing to assist Paras and Leviste in prosecuting individuals who made false claims against them. "Anyway, there’s already the admission and confession of the subjects. That’s why they’re being subpoenaed to shed light on what their actual participation was." "If there really is nothing to it and these people are simply making things up, we are willing to help prosecute these individuals," he added. Meanwhile, Executive Secretary Recto is already coordinating with the bureau and will send his lawyers. Both Paras and Leviste have denied the allegations against them. — RSJ, GMA News