MANILA — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will issue subpoenas to four lawyers allegedly linked to an attempt to fabricate accusations against Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, NBI Director Melvin Matibag said Friday.

Matibag said the four lawyers, who allegedly belong to the same law office, were identified by talent manager Lito de Guzman, who was arrested in connection with the supposed “honey trap” scheme.

The NBI chief said the lawyers allegedly helped prepare a “script” that would be used in the plot against Recto and were present during meetings where the alleged scheme was discussed.

“We will invite the four lawyers because we already have testimonies,” Matibag said.

The subpoenas are set to be issued Monday, Aug. 10, requiring the lawyers to appear before the NBI on Aug. 14. Matibag did not identify the lawyers.

According to Matibag, de Guzman identified the four lawyers after he was arrested by NBI operatives in an entrapment operation at a hotel in Manila.

The talent manager allegedly told investigators that the lawyers attended meetings with former Negros Oriental congressman Jing Paras, where they discussed a plan involving four women who would supposedly accuse Recto of forcing them to engage in sex and use illegal drugs.

The NBI said de Guzman had been allegedly asked to recruit the women as part of the supposed setup.

Matibag said investigators are continuing to examine testimonies and other evidence, including text messages, meetings and other documented information.

NBI seeks answers from Leviste, Paras

Matibag said the investigation would continue despite Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste’s departure from the country.

He said Leviste left the Philippines on Aug. 2, a day before the subpoena was served on his camp.

The NBI chief also challenged Leviste and Paras to directly answer questions about their alleged involvement in the scheme.

Addressing Paras, Matibag asked:

“Are you categorically denying na nag-usap kayo nitong alias Ken na ito? Nag-usap ba kayo o hindi?”

He also asked:

“Is it true or not that you called alias Ken yesterday?”

For Leviste, Matibag asked:

“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 earlier said Leviste and Paras would be given due process and summoned to shed light on the allegations.

He said the NBI was also checking whether other government officials had been targeted by the alleged operation, although the investigation currently centers on Recto.

“We’re looking into it, but maliwanag ngayon na si Executive Secretary Ralph Recto ang subject nila (What is clear is that for this case, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto was their subject). “We have to establish the time frame; that is why we are subpoenaing the persons mentioned by the personalities na nahuli natin (we arrested),” he said.

Matibag said Recto had coordinated with the NBI and would send his lawyers.

He also said investigators would assess the evidence should any of those summoned fail to appear.

“(I)f they will not attend, then we will have to deal with it accordingly kung ano yung ebidensya darating satin (based on the evidence that we will receive). Anyway, there is an admission and confession nung mga (of the) subjects that is why they are being subpoenaed,” he said.

“Kung wala naman at nag-imbento lang ang mga taong ito (If it turns out the allegations are untrue), we are willing to help them prosecute these personalities,” he added.

De Guzman had alleged that Paras contacted him to recruit four women who would fabricate accusations against Recto in exchange for P5 million.

Leviste has denied involvement in the alleged scheme, calling the accusations “Gawang Recto.”

Paras’ camp has likewise rejected the allegations. His lawyer, Tolentino, said any evidence against his client should be presented before the proper 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.

Meanwhile, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro urged the NBI to identify and investigate everyone behind the alleged scheme.