PGMN extortion probe sought

MANILA, Philippines — Forty-one members of the House of Representatives are seeking an investigation into Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN)’s reported attempt to extort Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez.

Through House Resolution 1006 filed on Tuesday, lawmakers raised concerns on the use of online platforms or content operations to coerce, intimidate or blackmail state officials and spread disinformation.

Probing PGMN’s acts is needed to determine if there is a broader pattern of online harassment directed at public officials, private citizens or institutions, the resolution stated.

Franco Mabanta, founder and chief executive officer of PGMN, was arrested for allegedly trying to extort P300 million from Romualdez in exchange for withholding a supposedly incriminating video linking the former speaker to the flood control scandal.

Robbery, grave threats, grave coercion, libel, cyberlibel, aiding or abetting cybercrime and cyber-enabled offenses may have been committed by PGMN, according to the lawmakers.

Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre introduced the resolution.

In a privilege speech on Tuesday, Acidre said freedoms in a democracy should never be used as a cover for intimidation, coercion or unlawful financial gain disguised as commentary or political content online.

Romualdez’s camp has castigated PGMN for “twisting the narrative” on Mabanta’s arrest, saying it was not an attack on press freedom.