At least 41 members of the House of Representatives have signed a resolution calling for an investigation into alleged robbery and extortion activities linked to the Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN).

According to RH Milky Rigonan's report on Wednesday at MBC TV Network News, Tingog Party-list. Rep. Jude Acidre said the resolution seeks to examine claims that the online media platform may have been used for intimidation, coercion, disinformation, and alleged extortion activities.

House Resolution 1006 will be referred to the House Committees on Public Order and Safety, Information and Communications Technology, and Public Information for further deliberation.

Acidre said the measure aims to ensure that online platforms are not exploited for activities that undermine public trust and the integrity of media institutions.

He stressed that while the country upholds freedom of the press, the alleged actions of PGMN do not constitute journalism but rather “extortion and fake news,” if proven true.

According to Acidre, allegations that damaging content could be withheld in exchange for money would, if established, clearly constitute extortion.

The development follows the arrest of the founder and chief executive officer of PGMN Franco Mabanta and several associates in connection with an alleged ₱300-million extortion complaint filed by former House Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez.