Franco Mabanta's Camp Silent on Robbery-Extortion Case Arraignment
Mabanta camp mum on arraignment in Romualdez robbery-extortion case
Inquirer
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Franco Mabanta, founder of the Peanut Gallery Media Network, attended an arraignment at the Pasig City Regional Trial Court regarding a robbery-extortion case filed by former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. Mabanta and four associates allegedly attempted to extort ₱300 million (approximately $5.3 million USD) from Romualdez in exchange for not releasing a video linking him to corruption.
- 01Mabanta's legal counsel, Atty. Bernice Pinol, accompanied him to the arraignment but did not provide comments afterward.
- 02Romualdez's spokesperson, Atty. Elaine Atienza, expressed confidence in their case, highlighting the strength of their evidence.
- 03The extortion demand was initially ₱350 million but was later reduced to ₱300 million.
- 04Mabanta and his associates were arrested on May 5 and released on May 9 after posting bail of ₱120,000 each.
- 05The Pasig RTC approved a cyber warrant for the National Bureau of Investigation to examine seized mobile phones from Mabanta and his associates.
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Franco Mabanta, the founder of the Peanut Gallery Media Network, faced arraignment at the Pasig City Regional Trial Court on May 21, 2026, in connection with a robbery-extortion case filed by former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. The allegations stem from a complaint that Mabanta and four associates attempted to extort ₱300 million (approximately $5.3 million USD) from Romualdez, threatening to release a video purportedly linking him to corruption in the House of Representatives. During the arraignment, Mabanta arrived with his legal counsel, Atty. Bernice Pinol, but neither made statements to the media afterward. Romualdez was represented by his legal team, with spokesperson Atty. Elaine Atienza asserting confidence in their case's strength and the evidence they plan to present. Mabanta and his associates were arrested on May 5 and released on May 9 after posting bail. The court has allowed the National Bureau of Investigation to access the seized mobile phones of Mabanta and his associates as part of the ongoing investigation.
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The case could influence public perceptions of political integrity and media ethics in the Philippines.
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