National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag at the Senate, July 21, 2026. Joseph B. Vidal, Senate Social Media Unit
MANILA — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said Friday it would issue subpoenas to four lawyers as part of its investigation into the alleged character assassination plot against Executive Secretary Ralph Recto.
NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag said the four lawyers allegedly belong to the same law office and were said to be involved in preparing affidavits that would allegedly be used against Recto.
“We will invite the four lawyers because we already have testimonies,” Matibag said.
He added that the NBI continues to review testimonies and other evidence, including text messages, meetings, and other documented information.
LEVISTE TRIP
Matibag said the investigation would not be affected by Batangas First District Rep. Leandro Leviste’s overseas trip.
He also challenged Leviste and former lawmaker Jing Paras to directly answer three questions from the bureau.
Addressing Paras, Matibag said: “Are you categorically denying na nag-usap kayo nitong alias Ken na ito? Nag-usap ba kayo o hindi?” “Is it true or not that you called alias Ken yesterday?”
The official asked Leviste, “Are you categorically denying na inutusan mo o nag-usap kayo ni Congressman Jing Paras para sa planong ito?”
“I want answers to those questions, and from that we can proceed already saying na wala sila kinalaman o may kinalaman sila,” he said.
Matibag confirmed that Leviste left the country on August 2, a day before the subpoena was served to his camp.
Sen. Legarda, son Rep. Leviste left PH separately on Aug. 2—Immigration bureau
The NBI said the alleged plot against Recto 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 no-show at NBI; bureau resets appearance
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 also 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.”