NBI eyes ethics rap vs Leviste, disbarment case vs lawyers in Recto ‘honey trap’

September 4, 2026

By ABOGADO.COM.PH Staff

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is eyeing ethics and disbarment cases against Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste and lawyers allegedly involved in the purported plot to frame Executive Secretary Ralph Recto.

NBI Director Melvin Matibag said the bureau plans to file an ethics complaint against Leviste before the House of Representatives Committee on Ethics and Privileges and seek the disbarment of the lawyers involved.

“Next week, we will consider filing disbarment charges against lawyers involved and an ethics case with the House of Representatives Committee on Ethics and Privileges against Congressman Leandro Leviste,” Matibag said.

The planned filings stem from the NBI’s investigation into the alleged plot against Recto dubbed as “honey trap.”

The NBI has completed its investigation and recommended to the Department of Justice the prosecution of Leviste, former Negros congressman Jacinto “Jing” Paras, four lawyers of the Rondain and Mendiola Law Firm, and talent manager Lito de Guzman for qualified human trafficking.

The NBI transmitted its investigation records to the DOJ’s National Prosecution Service for preliminary investigation.#