Joselito Malig

Article (news)

Karen De Guzman

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA - A teaser video allegedly sent by Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN) to the camp of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez for alleged extortion differs from the full report uploaded online, according to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).</p><p>Social media personality and PGMN founder Franco Mabanta and four others posted bail over the weekend. </p><p>On Sunday night, the network released its full episode titled “The Mastermind,” which it described as an &quot;exposé&quot; against Romualdez.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/5/11/supposedly-explosive-pgmni-video-a-total-waste-of-time-journalism-prof-1542">Supposedly explosive PGMNI video ‘a total waste of time’ — journalism prof</a></div><p>Authorities say the video is at the center of the alleged ₱300-million extortion complaint filed against Mabanta.</p><p>In a statement, PGMN anchor CJ Hirro said their team had been instructed to ensure the episode would still be released if anything happened to Mabanta or any member of their group.</p><p>“Days ago, our team was given clear instructions on what we are to do in case anything happens to Franco Mabanta or anyone in our team. I did not know what that was about, but the instructions to me were these: Secure your family and protect the truth; Make sure this episode gets out there still,” Hirro said. </p><p>Hirro also claimed Romualdez mobilized his machinery after learning that an episode about him was being produced.</p><p>“Simply finding out that I was working on an episode about him was enough to get Martin Romualdez to mobilize his whole machinery to try to take down those who hold the truth about him,” she claimed.</p><p>“And now we see in full display the extent of power he holds with all the money he has and the lengths he would go to wield that power,” she added.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>TEASER VS FULL VIDEO</strong></div><p>But according to NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag, the teaser video sent to Romualdez’s camp differs from the almost 2-hour episode released online.</p><p>Matibag said investigators are studying whether the three-minute teaser was specifically prepared for extortion.</p><p>“Ito ‘yung 90 minutes, ito yung 3 minutes na pinadala to extort money kina Speaker. (While showing the screenshots of the videos) That is something that we have to develop. Pwede ngang interpretasyon dito, nag-prepare talaga sila ng 3 minutes to extort. Mas mahihirapan sila rito kasi lalabas dito, pinlano nila eh,” Matibag said. </p><p>The NBI issued a subpoena to Hirro on Monday, but only her lawyer, Atty. Lian Cacapit, appeared at the bureau. </p><p>The lawyer said Hirro was out of town and would coordinate with investigators for the next meeting.</p><p>“Hindi siya nagtatago. Wala siyang dapat ikatago. Kaya nga ako niya pinapunta dito para i-represent siya in good faith siya na pumunta dito sa NBI,” Cacapit said. </p><p>“May second pa kami ulit meeting with the NBI so kakausapin ko muna ‘yung kliyente ko. Magpapadala daw sila ulit ng another document sa address ng binigay ko sa kanila,” he added. </p><p>Hirro is scheduled to face the NBI on May 22.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>CYBERLIBEL COMPLAINT FILED</strong></div><p>Meanwhile, former congressman Marvin Rillo has filed a cyberlibel complaint against Hirro, claiming he was defamed on social media.</p><p>“If you could clearly remember during my elections, that they were the ones si CJ Hirro ang number one na bumabanat sa akin with baseless evidence. Pero ngayon, it&#x27;s time for me to speak and to fight. ,” Rillo said.</p><p>The NBI said Hirro has “a lot to explain,” noting that she appeared both in the full episode and in the teaser video.</p><p>Authorities also revealed they have received numerous calls and messages from individuals claiming they were also victimized by Mabanta’s group.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/O416GJNaRrY??si=pRhlzJzAgWQf5WDR&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>A teaser video allegedly sent by Peanut Gallery Media Network to the camp of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez for alleged extortion differs from the full report uploaded online, according to the National Bureau of Investigation.</p>

A teaser video allegedly sent by Peanut Gallery Media Network to the camp of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez for alleged extortion differs from the full report uploaded online, according to the National Bureau of Investigation.

NBI: Teaser video sent to Romualdez camp differs from PGMN 'exposé'

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

News

NBI: Teaser video sent to Romualdez camp differs from PGMN 'exposé'

Karen De Guzman,

ABS-CBN News

Published May 11, 2026 06:16 PM PHT

Read More:

PGMN

CJ Hirro

Franco Mabanta

Martin Romualdez

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.