NBI seeks disbarment of Paras, four other lawyers

MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has sought the disbarment of former lawmaker Jacinto Paras and four other lawyers over their alleged involvement in a honey trap plot targeting Executive Secretary Ralph Recto.

Emeterio Dongallo Jr., NBI-National Capital Region chief, said the disbarment complaint was filed before the Supreme Court.

He said the complaint is separate from the qualified human trafficking charges the NBI filed before the Department of Justice on Sept. 4 against Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste, Paras and five others.

The case stemmed from a July 28 operation in Malate, Manila that resulted in the rescue of five women and the arrest of a talent manager.

Leviste, Paras and the four lawyers were earlier subpoenaed in connection with the human trafficking complaint, but they did not appear before the NBI. Leviste’s camp has denied involvement in the alleged scheme.

Paras’ lawyers Mark Tolentino and Ferdinand Topacio denied the accusations, saying their client neither recruited nor hired the involved women.