Marilyn Cahatol

Article (news)

Zyann Ambrosio

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA — Atty. Orly Mendiola clarified his presence in CCTV footage that was linked to an alleged honey trap or character assassination plot against Executive Secretary Ralph Recto.</p><p>Mendiola, who was seen in CCTV footage, explained that their meeting with the women was simply part of an interview they conducted after they were asked to participate in the process. </p><p>He denied that there was any secret plan or malicious intent behind the meeting.</p><p>“We just basically explained what happened sa mga dates na interested yung agency. And we just explained na there was nothing sinister that happened. It was just an interview that we were required, requested to do. Nothing more.”</p><p>According to Mendiola, they interviewed the women who attended the meeting, not “Alias Ken,&quot; the talent manager earlier arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/8/5/nbi-talent-manager-s-apology-won-t-stop-probe-into-alleged-smear-plot-vs-recto-1548">NBI: Talent manager’s apology won&#x27;t stop probe into alleged smear plot vs Recto</a></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=236&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F1379176634347906%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=560&amp;t=0" width="560" height="236" style="border-width:medium;border-style:none;border-color:currentcolor;border-image:none;overflow:hidden;--darkreader-inline-border-top:0px;--darkreader-inline-border-right:0px;--darkreader-inline-border-bottom:0px;--darkreader-inline-border-left:0px" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" data-darkreader-inline-border-top="" data-darkreader-inline-border-right="" data-darkreader-inline-border-bottom="" data-darkreader-inline-border-left=""></iframe></div><p>He explained that the discussion involved legal questions, but said it was not a formal consultation. “It’s not really a consultation. It’s an interview nga. Interviews. And in the process, they consulted.”</p><p>Mendiola said the first interview was not completed, which led to a second meeting. However, the second meeting did not push through after some of those expected to attend failed to show up.</p><p>The lawyer also strongly denied allegations that there was a plan to discredit Recto. “Walang ganun. There is no such thing. Walang planong ganun. We cannot do that because hindi tapos yung interview namin eh.”</p><p>He added that if there had been a plan to release statements against the official, those statements should have already been made public. “Kasi kung may planong gawin yun, dapat nilabas na yun. Asan yun? Wala pong statement na ganun.”</p><p>Mendiola also emphasized that they did not provide any script or instructions to the women they interviewed. “Hindi totoo na kami nag-brief. Kami yung nakinig kung ano yung sinasabi. Hindi kami nag-brief, wala kaming ginawang kwento.”</p><p>He also clarified details regarding the first interview, including the number of lawyers present. “First interview, four lawyers. Mali ka dun. Two lawyers.”</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/8/7/nbi-to-subpoena-four-lawyers-for-probe-on-alleged-plot-vs-recto-1630">NBI to subpoena four lawyers for probe on alleged plot vs Recto</a></div><p>Meanwhile, Mendiola said he had no direct communication with Congressman Leandro Leviste because he was not the lawyer handling Leviste’s account. </p><p>“Hindi ako ang nag-handle ng account. Si Atty. Rondain ang nag-handle. So basically, hindi ako, hindi ko siya kausap.”</p><p>Clarifications continue regarding the circumstances surrounding the CCTV footage and the allegations linked to it.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/8/8/nbi-eyes-broader-plot-to-discredit-marcos-administration-in-recto-honeytrap-case-1522">NBI eyes broader plot to discredit Marcos administration in Recto ‘honeytrap’ case</a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/w0Js9q2DGeg?si=GDLsj23URFti8qVd" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

<p>Atty. Orly Mendiola clarified his presence in CCTV footage that was linked to an alleged honey trap or character assassination plot against Executive Secretary Ralph Recto.</p>

Atty. Orly Mendiola clarified his presence in CCTV footage that was linked to an alleged honey trap or character assassination plot against Executive Secretary Ralph Recto.

Lawyer clarifies presence in CCTV footage, denies 'honey trap' plot vs Recto

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Lawyer clarifies presence in CCTV footage, denies 'honey trap' plot vs Recto

Zyann Ambrosio,

ABS-CBN News

Published August 17, 2026 07:54 PM PHT

Read More:

Orly Mendiola

Ralph Recto

character assassination plot

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