Malacañang on Wednesday presented photos of Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN) CEO and founder Franco Mabanta with former President Rodrigo Duterte following Mabanta’s arrest over an alleged extortion case.
During a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Usec. Claire Castro was asked whether President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. knew Mabanta, amid claims that the latter had supported the President through online political campaigns.
Castro denied any personal connection between the two, stressing that Mabanta is not a friend of the President. Instead, she showed photos of Mabanta with Duterte, including one with Vice President Sara Duterte, which were allegedly posted on Mabanta’s social media account.
"Hindi po siya kaibigan ng Pangulo, pero siguro mas nanaisin ko po kung ito ang inyong itatanong dahil ito po ay mismong pinost ni Franco Mabanta. Baka ito po ang itanong ninyo kung ano po ang relasyon niya sa mga Duterte? Nandiyan pa nga po si Harry Roque," said Castro.
"Kayo po ang magtanong sa kaniya lalong lalo na po marami naman po yata siyang na-feature sa kanyang mga articles na halos ay kumakalaban sa administrasyon," she added.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) earlier confirmed Mabanta’s arrest. He allegedly attempted to extort P350 million from former House Speaker Martin Romualdez in exchange for not releasing supposed videos linking him to a flood control scandal.
Mabanta is set to undergo inquest proceedings today.
Malacañang, meanwhile, reiterated the administration’s stance that those responsible must be held accountable, while also ensuring due process.
"Ang nais naman po ng Pangulo sa lahat ng pagkakataon ay managot ang dapat managot. Definitely kailangan po ng due process sa lahat ng bagay," Castro said.
The NBI is still investigating whether Romualdez was the only target or if Mabanta and his group had attempted or carried out similar extortion schemes against other individuals.
Aside from Mabanta, authorities also arrested a director, a finance officer or accountant, and two others, all of whom are set to face charges of extortion in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
Mabanta, meanwhile, denied the allegations against them.
