Batangas First District Rep. Leandro Leviste speaks to the members of the press, December 29, 2025. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News/File
MANILA — Batangas First District Rep. Leandro Leviste failed to appear before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Thursday despite being subpoenaed as part of the bureau’s fact-finding investigation into alleged violations of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.
NBI-Metro Manila Regional Director Emeterio Dongallo Jr. said Leviste’s lawyers instead sent a letter requesting documents on the nature of the case and the investigation so they could adequately prepare for questioning.
Although Leviste’s camp did not formally request a postponement, Dongallo said the NBI decided to reset his appearance to Tuesday, August 11, because government work was suspended on Thursday due to inclement weather.
Dongallo clarified that Leviste had not been identified as a respondent and that the investigation was still in its case build-up stage.
“We’re just conducting case build-up. They’re not yet respondents. Ang invitation ay para lamang makapagtanong ng preliminary questions at mabigyan sila ng pagkakataong maipaliwanag ang kanilang panig. Bahagi ito ng due process,” Dongallo said.
The NBI added that if Leviste or his representatives failed to appear on the new schedule, the bureau would continue its investigation.
“Kung hindi sila dumating, we will proceed with our fact-finding investigation. Ang subpoena ay para mabigyan sila ng pagkakataong marinig ang kanilang panig, alinsunod sa due process clause ng Constitution,” Dongallo said.
The official said the bureau wanted to hear all sides before determining its next course of action.
“Importante po na makuha natin ang all sides, both sides ng kwento o ng investigation,” he added.
Meanwhile, Dongallo disclosed that former lawmaker Jacinto “Jing” Paras, through his lawyer Mark Tolentino, requested copies of records related to the investigation and sought the resetting of his scheduled appearance.
The NBI granted Paras’ request to move his appearance to August 11, but denied his request for investigation records.
In a letter dated August 5, 2026, Dongallo informed Paras’ counsel that the requested records could not be released because the investigation is still ongoing.
According to the NBI, disclosing the records at this stage could interfere with law enforcement proceedings, reveal investigative methods, and compromise the identities and personal circumstances of alleged trafficking victims, which are protected under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.
Dongallo reiterated that documents forming part of an ongoing investigation are confidential.
“Ang mga dokumento na subject ng present investigation ay hindi puwedeng i-share. Mako-compromise ang investigation pati ang mga personalities involved. Confidential in nature ang mga ito at may batas na nagbabawal sa kanilang paglalabas,” he said.
The bureau said any significant developments in the investigation would be announced by NBI Director Melvin Matibag.
The NBI earlier said it was investigating an alleged character assassination plot against Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, which supposedly surfaced after the arrest of a talent manager on human trafficking charges.
The bureau said the suspect claimed he was allegedly asked to recruit women who would later falsely accuse Recto of availing their services.
NBI: Talent manager’s apology won't stop probe into alleged smear plot vs Recto
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.
Leviste has denied involvement in the supposed plot.
“Sasabihin ko na lang na, dahil kilala mo ako, alam mong hindi ako sinungaling, at totoo ang sinasabi kong 'Gawang Recto' lang ang kwentong ito,” he earlier said in a post addressed to Matibag.
“Alam kong inutusan ka lang, kaya pinapatawad kita. At kahit mawala na ang mga taong nasa paligid mo ngayon, pagdating ng 2028, pwede pa rin tayong magkwentuhan tulad ng dati,” the lawmaker added.
Remulla says he and other execs were also targets of 'character assassination' plan
Paras' camp has rejected the accusation. His lawyer Tolentino said that if the government had proof against his client, it should “present such evidence before the appropriate prosecutorial and judicial forums.”
He said Paras was willing to cooperate with lawful investigations but would contest accusations based on “speculation, untested allegations, or media narratives.”