Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste invoked his right to remain silent Tuesday in connection with the probe of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) into an alleged “honeytrap” plot targeting Executive Secretary Ralph Recto.

Atty. Gabrielle Rondain-Kapunan appeared before the NBI-National Capital Region and submitted an affidavit on Leviste’s behalf, while strongly denying the lawmaker’s involvement in the alleged attempt to set up Recto.

“We were allowed to peruse some affidavits,” she said, declining to comment on their contents. Kapunan also said she did not know whether Leviste had returned to the Philippines when asked about his whereabouts.

The congressman was previously named by an arrested talent manager as the alleged financier of a planned “honeytrap” operation against Recto, although the allegation has not been independently established.

The NBI also subpoenaed four lawyers from the Rondain & Mendiola Law Firm, including Atty. Ruy Rondain, who represents resigned lawmaker Elizaldy Co.

They were ordered to appear before the bureau on 14 August based on allegations made by the talent manager, identified as “Alias Ken,” and another witness, “Alias Jen.”

NBI director Melvin Matibag said Alias Ken told investigators that the lawyers allegedly helped prepare fabricated statements by women concerning their supposed sexual relations with Recto.

Matibag said Alias Ken met with former congressman Jacinto “Jing” Paras on 11, 15 and 26 July, with the lawyers allegedly present during the 15 and 26 July meetings. The NBI has CCTV footage of the meetings.

The affidavits of the arrested talent manager and the women contained allegations involving drug use and sexual favors, Matibag said.

Alias Jen reportedly told the NBI she did not attend the 26 July meeting because she became afraid.

The four lawyers will be asked whether they attended the meetings and what was discussed, Matibag said.

He added that another lawyer from the firm, who represents Leviste, was not present at the meeting. Alias Ken allegedly quoted the lawyers as saying Leviste would finance the plot.

Leviste and Paras have denied involvement in the alleged scheme.

On Friday, Matibag confirmed that Leviste and his mother, Sen. Loren Legarda, had left the country, traveling separately to Hong Kong, with France as their final destination.