NBI Eyes Ethics Complaint vs. Leviste Over Trafficking Raps

MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is considering filing an ethics complaint against Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste before the House of Representatives next week, Director Melvin Matibag said on Friday. Matibag said this after announcing that the bureau will file on Friday afternoon “qualified human trafficking” charges against the congressman and six others. The NBI’s move signals a serious stance against human trafficking and potential legal action against a sitting congressman. This development highlights the ongoing issue of human trafficking in the Philippines, where individuals are often lured with promises of lucrative overseas employment, a persistent problem given the country's significant overseas Filipino worker (OFW) population. Representative Leviste has been a figure of public interest due to his political and business activities, and the implications of these charges on his political career are yet to be seen.