The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is set to formally file qualified human trafficking charges against Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste and other individuals.
NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag himself confirmed this significant development today.
According to the bureau chief, the complaint is related to the legislator’s alleged involvement in an uncovered “honeytrap plot” specifically designed to ensnare and discredit Executive Secretary Ralph Recto.
Reports indicate this elaborate scheme allegedly involved luring Recto into a compromising situation with a woman, with the ultimate goal of blackmailing him or undermining his position, possibly even to prevent him from assuming his role as Executive Secretary.
The NBI will submit the formal complaint to the National Prosecution Service of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to initiate preliminary investigation and review of the complex case.
Qualified human trafficking is considered a serious crime under Philippine law, carrying no recommended bail upon conviction due to its severe nature.
Representative Leviste’s camp has yet to release an official statement regarding the impending charges against him, though he has previously denied any involvement in such a plot.