A total of 41 lawmakers from various political blocs have filed a resolution seeking a House investigation into the alleged extortion activities linked to Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN), amid concerns over the possible misuse of digital platforms for intimidation, coercion, and disinformation under the guise of media work.
House Resolution No. 1006 calls on the House Committees on Public Order and Safety, Information and Communications Technology, and Public Information to conduct a joint inquiry into the allegations.
Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre said the issue goes beyond press freedom and legitimate public commentary.
“When a group allegedly prepares damaging material, holds it back, and demands money in exchange for not releasing it, that is not journalism. That is extortion,” Acidre said.
“Kaisa tayo ng bansa sa pagpapahalaga sa malayang pamamahayag. But PGMN is far from practicing real journalism. This resolution intends to expose PGMN’s alleged extortion activities and unmask it as a mere fake news peddler,” he added.
The resolution was filed following reports that PGMN founder Franco Mabanta and several others were arrested in a National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) entrapment operation tied to an alleged P300-million extortion attempt.
In a privilege speech on Tuesday, Acidre called for a broader investigation into what he described as “digital blackmail outfits,” warning against the use of online media platforms as tools for harassment or financial coercion.
Lawmakers said the proposed inquiry seeks to protect press freedom and free expression while drawing a clear distinction between legitimate journalism and acts that may constitute criminal conduct.
“While freedom of speech and of the press are protected constitutional rights, these freedoms do not shield acts that may constitute robbery, extortion, grave threats, coercion, cybercrime, or other unlawful conduct,” the resolution stated.
The measure cited allegations linking PGMN to supposed acts of robbery and extortion directed against former Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez. It also pointed to possible violations of the Revised Penal Code, including provisions on robbery, grave threats, grave coercion, and libel, as well as provisions under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
The resolution likewise raised concerns over the possible use of livestreams, digital media networks, and coordinated online operations to pressure public officials and private individuals into giving money, favors, concessions, or other benefits.
The proposed inquiry will also examine whether PGMN and individuals associated with the group are compliant with laws governing registration, taxation, business operations, online monetization, and digital platform activity.
House committees are expected to invite PGMN officers, content creators, administrators, complainants, witnesses, law enforcement officials, digital platform representatives, and other concerned parties to help determine the facts and possible accountability behind the alleged acts.
The resolution also seeks coordination with the Department of Justice, NBI, Philippine National Police, Anti-Cybercrime Group, Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, National Telecommunications Commission, Securities and Exchange Commission, Bureau of Internal Revenue, and other regulatory agencies.
Lawmakers said the inquiry should lead to legislative and regulatory measures aimed at strengthening safeguards against extortion, cyber-enabled coercion, organized harassment, and disinformation while preserving legitimate journalism, whistleblowing, public commentary, and constitutionally protected speech.