DILG eyes human trafficking case vs. Jing Paras

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Wednesday said it is considering filing human trafficking charges against former Negros Oriental congressman Jing Paras.

"It seems like siya ang pasimuno nito, siya ang connected sa bugaw, ang bugaw ang nagsabi kung ano ang plano at siya ang nagbanggit lang ng pangalan ni [Batangas Representative Leandro Leviste] at Jing Paras," DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said in an ambush interview.

(It seems he is the one who started this. He is the one connected to the pimp, who in turn revealed the plan and mentioned the names of [Batangas Representative Leandro Leviste] and Jing Paras.)

"So Jing Paras is the person of interest. We are considering filing charges of human trafficking against him," he added.

Remulla made the statement amid the alleged scheme to frame high-ranking government officials using women.

According to Remulla, the alleged scheme did not only target Executive Secretary Ralph Recto.

Remulla said there were indications that he himself, his brother Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon, and other government officials were also among the supposed intended targets.

The alleged plot surfaced following the arrest by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) of a talent manager, who was allegedly working as a pimp.

In a statement, Paras’ legal counsel Atty. Mark Tolentino rejected Remulla’s statements, saying that there has been no finding by any court that the former lawmaker committed any offense.

"If the government believes it has evidence supporting any criminal charge, including human trafficking, the proper course is to present such evidence before the appropriate prosecutorial and judicial forums—not through public declarations that risk prejudicing the investigation and the public against a respondent who has yet to be formally heard," Tolentino said.

"Our client has consistently manifested his willingness to cooperate with all lawful investigative processes. However, we will vigorously challenge any accusation that is based on speculation, untested allegations, or media narratives rather than competent, admissible, and independently corroborated evidence," he added.

Leviste has also denied the allegations against him. — VDV, GMA News