National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Atty. Melvin Matibag stressed that Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN) Founder and Chief Executive Officer Franco Mabanta’s supposed relationship with the Duterte clan was “not necessarily” relevant to his extortion case.

“Hindi naman siya necessarily (related) doon sa kaso. Why do you look at that, diba?” Matibag said, speaking to RH 15 Jecelle Ricafort on Friday.

While Matibag said that the link between Mabanta and the Duterte camp had allegedly been “established,” the media platform CEO’s supposed allegiance remains contentious.

“Na-establish naman din, tapos nakita rin naman natin ‘yung sa kina PBBM [President Bongbong Marcos Jr.], nandodoon noong tumatakbo bilang Vice President,” the bureau chief said.

“But you have to remember na, sinong magkasama noong tumatakbo (sila), si Sara tsaka si PBBM pa rin. ‘Yung better days pa noon,” he added.

Instead of using this connection as a definitive factor in studying the case, Matibag said it was crucial to examine current developments and the personalities Mabanta tapped as anchors on PGMN, such as former Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Commissioner Atty. Rowena Guanzon.

“So ang tingnan natin, ‘yung ngayon. Sino ‘yung mga nandi-diyan na kinuha niya na mga anchor, and sino ‘yung kini-criticize nila. Andoon si Atty. Rowena Guanzon, diba?” he questioned.

At present, the NBI has no plans to summon Guanzon, as it is focused on the robbery extortion case against Mabanta and his four companions, and on uncovering potentially pertinent information from their devices.

In particular, the bureau aims to access the supposed 90-minute exposé video PGMN produced, which Mabanta previously said details former House Speaker Martin Romualdez’s corruption.

Mabanta and his accomplices were arrested in the Valle Verde Country Club, Pasig City, on Tuesday evening, after being found in possession of marked cash.