Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN) anchor CJ Hirro failed to personally appear before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Monday regarding the bureau’s probe into the alleged ₱350-million extortion complaint involving former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Instead, Hirro’s legal representatives, led by lawyer Lian Cacapit, appeared before the NBI’s Organized and Transnational Crimes Division at around 11 a.m. to receive and acknowledge the subpoena on behalf of the broadcaster.

Cacapit clarified that Hirro was “out of town” and denied allegations that the PGMN host was evading authorities.

“Hindi, hindi totoo ‘yun. Hindi siya nagtatago. Wala siyang dapat ikatago. Kaya nga ako niya pinapunta dito para i-represent siya. In good faith siya na pumunta dito sa NBI,” Cacapit told reporters.

The lawyer added that Hirro allegedly did not personally receive the subpoena, prompting their camp to formally request a copy from the bureau.

“So ang pakay ko lang talaga dito is to request the subpoena,” Cacapit said.

According to the lawyer, Hirro remains willing to cooperate with investigators and plans to submit an affidavit to help clarify the allegations.

“Importante mailabas natin yung totoo at matulungan natin yung NBI,” she added.

Cacapit also said the discussion during their appearance did not tackle the over one-hour video earlier released by PGMN against Romualdez.

The NBI may issue another subpoena next week, though it remains unclear whether Hirro herself will personally appear before investigators.