Politics · Philippines Bureau
Former congressman denies setup, says Recto sought girls from talent manager
Ex-Negros Oriental Rep. Jacinto Paras rejected allegations of a honey trap operation, insisting that Executive Secretary Ralph Recto directly solicited sexual services through a talent manager. The claim emerged as investigators intensified their scrutiny of the case.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Former Congressman Jacinto "Jing" Paras on Friday dismissed suggestions that government officials had orchestrated a setup against Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, instead asserting that the high-ranking bureaucrat genuinely requested women from a talent manager acting as a procurer.
Paras made the assertion shortly after the National Bureau of Investigation intensified its investigation into the matter, signaling a significant development in the ongoing controversy surrounding the executive secretary.
The former legislator's statements contradict the official narrative that has characterized the incident as a potential trap designed to compromise Recto. Instead, Paras contended that the executive secretary's involvement was voluntary and direct, with the talent manager facilitating arrangements for sexual services.
The case has drawn considerable attention from law enforcement agencies and government bodies as details continue to emerge. The alleged involvement of Recto, a key member of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s cabinet, has added sensitivity to the investigation.
The developments represent a notable escalation in the dispute, with competing claims about the circumstances and intent behind the transaction now taking center stage in public discourse and official inquiries.