Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito “Jonvic” Remulla holds a press conference at Camp Crame in Quezon City on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News/File
MANILA — Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Wednesday said he, Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin "Boying" Remulla, and others were also allegedly being targeted in what authorities describe as a supposed scheme to fabricate a human trafficking case.
The interior chief made the statement as the National Bureau of Investigation continues its probe into an alleged plot to frame Executive Secretary Ralph Recto.
"I would like to think that si Congressman [Leandro] Leviste is a better person," Remulla said of the Batangas 1st District representative implicated in the alleged plot.
Leviste has denied involvement.
Remulls stressed that investigators still need to examine the sworn statement of former congressman Jacinto "Jing" Paras, who has also been implicated in the case.
NBI subpoenas Leviste, ex-solon over alleged character assassination plot
He also said it appears that Paras is "behind" the supposed plot.
He said the lawyer and former lawmaker has become a "person of interest" in the investigation and that authorities are considering filing human trafficking against him.
Paras' lawyer Mark Tolentino rejected Remulla's remarks. He said that if the government has proof against his client, it should "present such evidence before the appropriate prosecutorial and judicial forums."
He said Paras is willing to cooperate with lawful investigations but would contest accusations based on "speculation, untested allegations, or media narratives."
SUSPECT NAMES PARAS
The alleged scheme surfaced after the arrest of a talent manager on human trafficking charges.
The NBI earlier said the suspect claimed he was allegedly asked to recruit women who would later falsely accuse Recto of availing of their services.
The women were also allegedly told they would be forced to use illegal drugs as part of the supposed setup.
The NBI said the suspect identified Paras as among those allegedly involved in the supposed character assassination. Leviste was allegedly expected to provide funding for the plan.
NBI: Talent manager’s apology won't stop probe into alleged smear plot vs Recto
NBI Director Melvin Matibag said there is still no evidence to indicate Remulla and other officials were also targets but that the bureau will look into that.
“Ang maliwanag lang na pruweba base doon sa statement ng dalawa, e nakakausap nila si dating congressman Jing Paras as sila ‘yung nagplano ng tinatawag na character assassination,” he said.
(What has clear proof based on the statements we have is that they talked to former congressman Jing Paras and that they planned the character assassination together.)