Batangas 1st district Rep. Leandro Leviste – Photo courtesy of Leandro Leviste /Facebook.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is reviewing whether the qualified human trafficking complaint against Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste, former Negros Oriental Rep. Jacinto “Jing” Paras and five others should advance to a preliminary investigation over an alleged scheme targeting Executive Secretary Ralph Recto.
Justice Secretary Frederick Vida said Thursday that prosecutors had 10 days to evaluate the complaint and determine whether there was sufficient basis to proceed or whether the case should be returned to the National Bureau of Investigation. As of Wednesday, the complaint had yet to be docketed for preliminary investigation, according to the DOJ.
The NBI formally lodged the complaint with the DOJ on Sept. 4 after investigating allegations that women were recruited to make fabricated accusations against Recto. Also named were a talent manager identified as “Ken” and lawyers Ruy Rondain, Orlando Mendiola, Patrick Criaga and Josemilio Manuel Apostol.
The investigation developed after “Ken” was arrested in a separate human trafficking case in July. He later claimed that a meeting was held to discuss having four female talents accuse Recto of forcing them to use illegal drugs and engage in sexual acts.
According to the talent manager’s account, the lawyers would prepare the women’s statements while Leviste would provide financing for the alleged operation. The NBI said its investigation included testimonial evidence and CCTV footage, but those claims have not been tested in court.
Leviste and Paras have denied involvement. Paras’ camp previously maintained that the talent manager voluntarily approached them and sought assistance in preparing an affidavit. His lawyer also said money given to the talent manager was intended as financial assistance for expenses connected with his testimony, not as a bribe.
The DOJ has not issued an immigration lookout bulletin order against any of the respondents, spokesperson Polo Martinez said Wednesday. The NBI had earlier said Leviste was outside the Philippines, while his lawyer invoked his right to remain silent and denied his involvement in the alleged scheme.
The DOJ’s evaluation does not determine guilt. Under the prosecution process, moving the complaint to preliminary investigation would give prosecutors and respondents an opportunity to address the evidence before a decision is made on whether charges should be brought to court. The Supreme Court earlier upheld DOJ rules requiring prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction before prosecutors pursue criminal charges.