Dannyka Manangan

Edu Manzano and Ann Cuisia break silence on ties with PGMN: ‘We were not employees’

Article (news)

Peter Andrew Acierto

Push Team

<p>Edu Manzano and partner Ann Cuisia asserted that they are not employees of the online media startup Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN). In a joint statement released earlier this week, the couple maintained that they were merely “content contributors” and weren’t paid by the startup. </p><div><br/></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYREwYWpjNV/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A213168.89999999106%2C%22ls%22%3A212722.69999998808%2C%22le%22%3A212727%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="746" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>PGMN gained traction on social media following the arrest of its founder, Franco Mabanta, earlier this month for allegedly extorting ₱300 million from former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. He, alongside the four others who were arrested, has since posted bail. </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2025/5/19/edu-manzano-s-son-enzo-completes-master-s-degree-at-new-york-university-1444"><strong>READ: Edu Manzano&#x27;s son Enzo completes Master’s degree at New York University</strong></a></div><p>“We contributed to PGMN because we believed in what it uniquely offered … a platform for free speech. It gave us a space where we could speak in our own voice, carry our own scripts, and express our views without biased censorship,” Edu and Ann wrote.</p><p>The actor and his tech entrepreneur partner expressed that they gave their time to the media startup because they wanted to help bring the discourse to Filipinos “without fear.” </p><p>“For us, this was responsible civic engagement. As citizens, professionals, and parents, we understand that the quality of our public systems affects everyone … families, workers, businesses, institutions, and the future our children will inherit,” they shared.</p><p>“We also genuinely enjoyed working with many fellow contributors who came in with the same patriotic heart and noble intent. Many gave their time in good faith and at zero cost. We showed up because we cared about the country and our people,” they added.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/2022/12/24/cherry-pie-picache-dispels-breakup-rumors-with-edu-manzano-1604"><strong>READ: Cherry Pie Picache dispels breakup rumors with Edu Manzano</strong></a></div><p>Through their official statement, the couple hoped that the netizens would understand where they’re coming from as they only have “sincere desire” to help the country through volunteering for the media startup.</p><p>“The principle that brought us there should be louder than the noise we hear today. Free speech, carried with responsibility, courage, and love of country, is critical. Free speech has no price tag. Volunteerism has no price tag. And we remain our own voice,” the statement ended.</p><p>Netizens have mixed reactions to the official statement coming from Edu and Ann–– others are questioning their sincerity while some are showing their full support towards the two.</p>