Politics · Philippines Bureau
NBI to file ethics complaint against Leviste over trafficking charges
The National Bureau of Investigation said it will pursue an ethics complaint against Batangas Representative Leandro Leviste before the House of Representatives, following the filing of qualified human trafficking charges against the lawmaker and six others.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — The National Bureau of Investigation announced plans to lodge an ethics complaint against Batangas Representative Leandro Leviste with the House of Representatives next week, NBI Director Melvin Matibag disclosed on Friday.
Matibag made the announcement after the bureau filed qualified human trafficking charges against Leviste and six other respondents on Friday afternoon. The move signals the NBI's intent to pursue multiple avenues in addressing the allegations against the congressman.
The ethics complaint would be submitted to the House of Representatives, where Leviste serves as a member. Such complaints typically trigger internal legislative proceedings separate from criminal cases being handled by law enforcement and the judiciary.
The qualified human trafficking charges represent one of the more serious criminal allegations the NBI has brought against a sitting member of Congress in recent years. The agency's decision to simultaneously pursue an ethics complaint underscores the gravity of the accusations.
Further details regarding the specific allegations and identities of the other respondents were not immediately disclosed, though the NBI is expected to provide additional information regarding the case in coming days.