NBI files disbarment case vs Paras, 4 others in Recto ‘honey trap’ plot

Former Negros Oriental Rep. Jing Paras INQUIRER.net file photo MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Friday filed a disbarment case before the Supreme Court (SC) against former Negros Oriental Rep. Jacinto “Jing” Paras and four lawyers from the Rondain and Mendiola Law Firm, who are implicated in the supposed “honey trap” plot against Executive Secretary Ralph Recto. The NBI identified the four lawyers supposedly tasked with crafting a “script” or fabricated statements against Recto as Ruy Rondain, Orlando Mendiola, Patrick Criaga, and Josemilio Manuel Apostol. The NBI’s National Capital Region (NCR) arrived at the SC’s office in Ermita, Manila, around 11:30 a.m. to file the case. Article continues after this advertisement READ: NBI to file ‘qualified human trafficking’ raps vs Leviste, 6 others Sought for comment, Paras said in a Viber message to the INQUIRER that the filing of the disbarment case against them is “part of oppression and harassment” by the Marcos administration. “Typical of the Makoy Jr. Government. We just have to defend ourselves from these fabrications of charges against us,” said Paras. The Inquirer also reached out to Mendiola and Rondain regarding the matter, but they have yet to respond as of pressing time. The disbarment case was lodged after the NBI-NCR transmitted a “qualified human trafficking” complaint against them, as well as Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste, and talent manager identified as Alias Ken before the Department of Justice (DOJ) last Sep. 4. Article continues after this advertisement The DOJ, in a press briefing on Thursday, said it is currently evaluating the complaints filed by the NBI. The investigation into the supposed “honey trap” plot against Recto started following the affidavit of Alias Ken, who was arrested last July 28 over a human trafficking case. Article continues after this advertisement Ken earlier said he met Paras and the lawyers in a restaurant in July to supposedly plan the “character assassination” scheme in which four of his female artists would issue fabricated statements claiming that Recto forced them to use illegal drugs and have sex with him. The lawyers allegedly introduced themselves as representatives of Leviste, who the talent manager claimed to serve as the financier of the supposed modus. Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful. All of the implicated individuals have since denied the allegations. /mr