Manila: National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag announced that Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste and former Representative Jing Paras have been summoned to provide information regarding an alleged plot to frame Executive Secretary Ralph Recto. Matibag confirmed that the subpoenas were signed the previous Friday and would be dispatched immediately, following office closure delays.

According to Philippines News Agency, the subpoenas are linked to a hearing scheduled for Thursday. The investigation follows an entrapment operation that led to the arrest of talent manager Lito de Guzman and five female talents. The operation allegedly aimed to target Recto and potentially other officials. Matibag emphasized the need to establish a timeline, which necessitated the subpoenas for individuals implicated by those arrested.

Matibag also mentioned that Executive Secretary Recto has been in communication with the NBI and plans to send legal representatives. He added that should the summoned individuals fail to attend, the Bureau will proceed based on available evidence. There are admissions and confessions from those arrested, justifying the issuance of subpoenas. Matibag reassured that if the allegations are proven false, the NBI is ready to assist in prosecuting those responsible for fabricating them.

De Guzman alleged that Paras contacted him, seeking to recruit four women to fabricate accusations against Recto, involving coercion into sex and drug use for a payout of PHP5 million. In a briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro called on the NBI to identify all individuals involved in the alleged scheme.