Trafficking case vs Leviste, Paras still under DOJ evaluation; no ILBO yet

September 9, 2026

By ABOGADO.COM.PH Staff

The qualified human trafficking complaint filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) against Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste, former Negros Oriental Rep. Jacinto “Jing” Paras and five others has yet to be docketed for preliminary investigation.

Justice Department spokesperson Atty. Polo Martinez said the complaint remains under evaluation to determine whether it will proceed to a preliminary investigation.

“This case has not yet been docketed for preliminary investigation,” Martinez said in a message to reporters.

Martinez also confirmed that no immigration lookout bulletin order (ILBO) has been issued against Leviste, Paras and their co-respondents.

“Yes, no ILBO has been issued,” he said.

The NBI earlier recommended the prosecution of the seven respondents for qualified human trafficking over an alleged “honey trap” plot against Executive Secretary Ralph Recto.

Also named in the complaint are talent manager Lito de Guzman and lawyers Ruy Rondain, Orlando Mendiola, Patrick Criaga and Josemilio Manuel Apostol of the Rondain & Mendiola Law Firm.

The NBI said its investigation had been completed and that it had found evidence supporting the elements of qualified human trafficking.

The complaint was then transmitted to the DOJ for evaluation and possible preliminary investigation.#