NBI seeks disbarment of Paras, 4 others

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Friday filed a disbarment complaint before the Supreme Court against former Negros Oriental Rep. Jacinto “Jing” Paras and four lawyers implicated in the alleged “honey trap” plot against Executive Secretary Ralph Recto.

The NBI identified the four lawyers from the Rondain and Mendiola Law Firm as Ruy Rondain, Orlando Mendiola, Patrick Criaga and Josemilio Manuel Apostol. They were allegedly tasked with crafting a “script” or fabricated statements against Recto.

The NBI-National Capital Region filed the complaint at the SC office in Ermita, Manila, before noon Friday.

Paras described the filing as “part of oppression and harassment” by the Marcos administration, saying they would defend themselves against what he called fabricated charges.

The disbarment complaint followed the NBI-NCR’s 4 September transmittal to the Department of Justice of a “qualified human trafficking” complaint against Paras, the four lawyers, Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste and a talent manager identified as Alias Ken.

Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said Thursday that the DoJ was evaluating the complaints filed by the NBI.

The investigation into the alleged plot began after Ken executed an affidavit following his arrest on 28 July in connection with a human trafficking case.

Ken alleged that he met Paras and the lawyers at a restaurant in July to plan a “character assassination” scheme against Recto.

He claimed four of his female artists would make fabricated statements accusing Recto of forcing them to use illegal drugs and have sex with him.

According to Ken, the lawyers introduced themselves as representatives of Leviste, whom he claimed was financing the alleged scheme.