MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has expanded its investigation into an alleged “honey trap” operation targeting high-ranking government officials, as authorities examine whether the scheme may be part of a broader effort to undermine the Marcos administration.

The investigation gained momentum after a talent manager provided investigators with details of an alleged plot in which women were purportedly recruited and paid to lure senior government officials into compromising situations that could later be used to support fabricated accusations of sexual misconduct or human trafficking.

The witness reportedly claimed that Executive Secretary Ralph Recto was among the intended targets of the operation. According to investigators, the alleged scheme involved the preparation of affidavits and the staged creation of evidence intended to damage the reputation of government officials. The NBI has since issued subpoenas to former Negros Oriental Rep. Jacinto “Jing” Paras and Rep. Leandro Leviste as part of its ongoing probe. Both have denied wrongdoing.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said authorities are also investigating reports that several other Cabinet officials—including himself, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, and Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon—were allegedly targeted by the same operation. Remulla said investigators are considering the filing of human trafficking charges against former congressman Paras, whom he described as a person of interest in the investigation.

Government officials have also raised the possibility that the alleged “honey trap” operation could be connected to wider efforts to destabilize the administration. However, as of this writing, investigators have not publicly released evidence establishing a direct link between the alleged scheme and any political organization or the Duterte camp. The NBI has said the investigation remains ongoing and that all angles are being examined.

The camp of former Rep. Paras has strongly denied the allegations, urging authorities to allow the legal process to proceed and emphasizing that no court has found him liable for any offense. Leviste has likewise denied any participation in the alleged scheme.

The investigation comes amid heightened political tensions, with the administration closely monitoring what it describes as coordinated attempts to discredit key government officials. Authorities maintain that any determination of a broader political motive will depend on evidence gathered during the NBI’s continuing investigation.

This version keeps the reporting aligned with the available evidence by attributing allegations to investigators and officials, and by avoiding presenting an unverified connection to the Duterte group as an established fact.