EXPLAINER: Who is Franco Mabanta?

Social media personality and political content creator Franco Mabanta has come under public scrutiny following his arrest by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), along with four others, over an alleged extortion attempt involving House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

The NBI earlier said Mabanta and his companions were apprehended in an entrapment operation linked to the alleged scheme targeting Romualdez. As of writing, authorities have yet to publicly disclose full details of the complaint and charges.

The arrest quickly drew attention online, prompting many to ask: Who is Franco Mabanta?

Former political campaign figure

Mabanta is a Filipino digital strategist, social media personality, and political commentator who rose to prominence during the 2022 national elections due to his involvement in online political campaigns supporting President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

He has been widely identified in online and media reports as a former social media director or digital campaign figure linked to Marcos’ presidential bid.

In a 2019 Facebook post, Mabanta wrote about what he described as “warm memories and awesome anecdotes” from his involvement in the Marcos political campaign.

“Being a strategist and the chief social media director for the Marcoses was unlike anything I had experienced in my life—not so much because theirs is indisputably the most crucial last name in Philippine history, but more because I was working for a proper human being, a truly good person,” he said.

Over the years, Mabanta has built a following across Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and other platforms through political commentary, livestreams, and discussions on national issues.

He is also known as one of the founders of Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN), a digital media platform launched in 2024 that produces political commentary and online content.

Based on publicly available information, PGMN positions itself as an independent media network focused on politics, governance, and social issues.

The platform features several hosts and commentators discussing current events and national controversies, and primarily operates through social media channels including Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.

Mabanta remains active online, regularly posting political opinions, interviews, and commentary videos. His Instagram account describes him as being involved in PGMN and media production.

As of posting time, the NBI is holding a press conference to provide more details about the arrest.

This is a developing story.—MCG, GMA News