The camp of Leyte First District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Thursday justified the arrest of PGMN founder Franco Mabanta, insisting that the case involves alleged extortion and not an attack on press freedom or criticism against the government.
In a statement, Romualdez spokesperson Atty. Elaine Atienza said the issue should not be framed as a free speech matter, stressing that authorities are investigating allegations that money was allegedly demanded in exchange for withholding certain materials.
“Ang isyu dito ay hindi tungkol sa malayang pamamahayag. Lalong hindi ito tungkol sa karapatan ng sinuman na punahin ang gobyerno,” Atienza said.
According to the statement, Romualdez merely reported the matter to the proper authorities, prompting the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to act within its legal mandate.
Atienza said any supposed exposés or materials allegedly held by PGMN are separate from the criminal allegations currently under investigation.
She argued that individuals claiming to possess evidence against public officials should present the information to authorities or release it publicly rather than allegedly using it as leverage in exchange for money.
The spokesperson further claimed that a video material supposedly prepared by PGMN weeks earlier was intentionally withheld, which she described as inconsistent with legitimate journalism.
“That is not journalism, that is extortion,” Atienza said.
She also stressed that the case should ultimately be resolved based on evidence and due process rather than through competing narratives circulating on social media.
According to Atienza, actions involving alleged extortion risk undermining legitimate journalism and damaging public trust in media institutions.
“Sa demokrasya, malayang pumuna. Pero malinaw po sa ating batas: Isang krimen ang pangingikil,” she added.