PGMN fights back, releases Martin Looter Fund after Mabanta arrest

Days after the dramatic arrest of Franco Mabanta and four associates, the Peanut Gallery Media Network fought back by releasing a bombshell episode titled “MartinLooterFund,” denying allegations that they attempted to extort former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

PGMN described the operation as a “malicious entrapment” and claimed Mabanta was allegedly lured into the situation.

“Franco was the one who was repeatedly approached, courted for two weeks, consistently lied to, and ultimately conned to make it look like extortion,” the group said.

Mabanta also strongly denied accusations that they demanded money in exchange for killing the story.

“PGMN did not even approach Martin Romualdez' camp. I, Franco Mabanta, did not approach them. They approached me,” Mabanta said.

“We did not demand money to bury this story. We had no intention of burying it,” he added.

The newly released video, presented by CJ Hirro, tackled allegations of corruption, budget padding, and lack of transparency in the House of Representatives.

One of the biggest issues raised in the episode was the alleged near doubling of the House budget from P16.3 billion in 2023 to P33.67 billion by 2025.

Mabanta also claimed they possess messages, timelines, and names tied to the controversy, but said the information would only be released “at the proper time and in the proper venue” while the case remains pending.