The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has received a complaint requesting an investigation into Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN), its founder, Franco Mabanta, and anchor CJ Hirro over alleged disinformation and paid political content during the 2025 midterm elections.
In a statement on Tuesday, the NBI said it received a formal request from former Quezon City 4th District Congressman Marvin D. Rillo seeking a probe into alleged disinformation operations, fake news, and malicious paid political content linked to PGMN during the 2025 elections.
In his letter addressed to NBI Director Melvin Matibag, Rillo alleged that PGMN personalities published online videos and social media posts that accused him of corruption and dishonesty in connection with an infrastructure project involving the Carlos L. Albert High School Gymnasium.
Rillo added that the materials were misleading and did not include clarifications from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), which had earlier stated that the project was undergoing phased construction.
He further alleged that the content may have formed part of a paid or commissioned political operation intended to damage his reputation during the election period. Rillo also cited reports and public discussions involving PGMN’s alleged dealings with political clients, as well as a recent entrapment operation involving PGMN founder Franco Mabanta.
The former lawmaker asked the NBI to determine whether PGMN or its personalities were paid, contracted, or commissioned to promote certain candidates or attack opponents, and whether such arrangements complied with election, tax, and other applicable laws.
He also requested the bureau to examine CJ Hirro’s possible role in the production and publication of the contested videos, including whether any payment, instruction, or coordination occurred in relation to the content.
“The NBI will evaluate the complaint and its supporting documents in accordance with law, evidence, and established investigative procedures,” the bureau said.
It added that all complaints are treated with impartiality and due process, and that individuals or entities named in filings will be given the opportunity to respond to allegations in the proper forum.
PGMN's founder and chief executive officer, Franco Mabanta, and four others were previously arrested in an entrapment operation in Pasig and are currently out on bail.
