Atty. Gabrielle Fernandina “Andie” Rondain-Kapunan has drawn national attention after appearing as legal counsel for Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste in the National Bureau of Investigation’s probe into an alleged plot targeting Executive Secretary Ralph Recto.
Rondain-Kapunan appeared at the NBI-National Capital Region office on August 11, 2026, after Leviste was subpoenaed in connection with the investigation. She told reporters that her client was invoking his constitutional right to remain silent and submitted an affidavit on his behalf.
Her appearance has brought renewed interest in her professional background, education and prominent legal family.
Who Is Andie?
Gabrielle Fernandina Rondain-Kapunan is a Filipino lawyer associated with the Rondain & Mendiola Law Offices.
She comes from a family with an established legal background and has developed her own career in Philippine law. Her name has appeared in court records in connection with the law firm, including cases handled by Rondain & Mendiola. A 2024 Sandiganbayan calendar, for example, lists Atty. Gabrielle Fernandina Rondain-Kapunan among counsel representing a defendant.
Her recent work for Leviste has placed her in the national spotlight.
NBI Appearance
On August 11, Rondain-Kapunan represented Leviste at the NBI-NCR office.
The congressman himself did not appear. Instead, his lawyers responded to the subpoena issued as part of the bureau’s investigation.
According to the Philippine News Agency, Leviste again did not attend the proceedings and sent his legal representatives instead.
Rondain-Kapunan told reporters that she had invoked Leviste’s right to remain silent.
She also submitted an affidavit and maintained that her client denied involvement in the alleged scheme.
The Honeytrap Probe
The NBI investigation concerns allegations of an attempted “honeytrap” operation involving Executive Secretary Ralph Recto.
Authorities are examining claims that individuals were allegedly approached or recruited as part of an effort to manufacture a compromising situation and damage Recto’s reputation.
The allegations remain under investigation and should not be treated as established facts.
The NBI has also been looking into claims involving former congressman Jing Paras and an alleged talent manager. Investigators have described allegations involving possible efforts to persuade people to provide fabricated accounts.
Leviste has denied involvement through his legal team.
Her Client’s Position
Rondain-Kapunan has been clear about the position of her client.
During her appearance outside the NBI office, she said Leviste was invoking his right to remain silent.
She also strongly denied that Leviste was involved in the alleged attempt against Recto.
When questioned about Leviste’s whereabouts, Rondain-Kapunan said she did not know whether the lawmaker had already returned to the Philippines.
The statements represent Leviste’s legal position while the NBI investigation continues.
Her Education
Rondain-Kapunan’s professional background includes both communications and law.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from the University of Asia and the Pacific before pursuing her legal education.
She later completed her Juris Doctor degree at the University of the Philippines, graduating in 2020.
She subsequently passed the Philippine Bar examinations.
Her combination of communications training and legal education provides a background that spans both public communication and legal practice.
A Legal Family
Rondain-Kapunan is part of a prominent Philippine legal family.
Her father is Atty. Ruy Alberto S. Rondain, a lawyer associated with Rondain & Mendiola.
Her professional connection to the family firm has continued into her own legal career.
Court records from the Sandiganbayan have also documented her appearance alongside her father in legal proceedings, illustrating her involvement in the firm’s litigation practice.
Her Husband
Rondain-Kapunan is married to fellow lawyer Atty. Kyle Kapunan.
Kyle Kapunan is associated with another well-known legal family in the Philippines and is the eldest grandson of veteran lawyer Lorna Kapunan.
The marriage therefore connects two established legal families.
Both Gabrielle and Kyle have pursued careers in law, giving them a shared professional background.
More Than a Family Name
Although her family background has helped place her within prominent Philippine legal circles, Rondain-Kapunan has developed a professional record of her own.
Her appearance in the Leviste-NBI matter represents one of her most visible public-facing assignments to date.
The case has also required her to respond directly to questions from reporters while protecting the interests of her client.
That balance between public scrutiny and attorney-client representation has made her a notable figure in current Philippine news coverage.
Why She Is in the News
Rondain-Kapunan became widely discussed because of the unusual circumstances surrounding her latest assignment.
The NBI investigation involves politically sensitive allegations concerning an alleged plot against a senior government official. Leviste’s name emerged in connection with allegations being examined by investigators, while his camp has denied participation.
Rondain-Kapunan’s role is therefore significant because she is the lawyer publicly communicating her client’s position during the investigation.
She has not been accused of involvement in the alleged operation. Her role is that of legal counsel representing Leviste.
What Happens Next?
The NBI investigation remains ongoing.
Leviste has denied involvement, while investigators continue examining allegations surrounding the supposed operation against Recto.
Rondain-Kapunan’s August 11 appearance does not resolve the underlying allegations. Instead, it represents the latest step in the legal response to the NBI inquiry.
Further developments will depend on the evidence gathered by investigators and any additional statements or proceedings involving the individuals named in the investigation.
Atty. Gabrielle Fernandina “Andie” Rondain-Kapunan is a Filipino lawyer who has recently attracted national attention as the counsel for Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste.
She appeared before the NBI-NCR on August 11, 2026, in connection with the bureau’s investigation into an alleged “honeytrap” plot involving Executive Secretary Ralph Recto. Rondain-Kapunan invoked Leviste’s right to remain silent, submitted an affidavit and denied that her client was involved in the alleged scheme.
Beyond the current investigation, she has a substantial legal background of her own. She studied Integrated Marketing Communications before earning her Juris Doctor from the University of the Philippines in 2020 and entering legal practice.
She is also part of a prominent legal family, with her father, Atty. Ruy Rondain, associated with Rondain & Mendiola. Her marriage to fellow lawyer Kyle Kapunan further connects her to another established Philippine legal family.
