Franco Mabanta undergoes inquest over alleged robbery, extortion on Romualdez

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN) founder Franco Mabanta and four others underwent inquest proceedings on Wednesday evening for alleged robbery and extortion against former Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.

NBI spokesperson Palmer Mallari said the inquest was conducted in relation to Article 294 of the Revised Penal Code, or robbery with violence against or intimidation of persons.

According to a Super Radyo dzBB report, authorities alleged that Mabanta and his companions attempted to extort P300 million from Romualdez in exchange for allegedly withholding the release of a supposed video linking the lawmaker to anomalous flood control projects.

Mabanta earlier denied the allegations and claimed the operation against them was a "setup," adding that he and his colleagues are prepared to prove their innocence.

His camp, however, has yet to address reports regarding the cash allegedly recovered from their possession during the operation.

The inquest proceedings were held Wednesday night before prosecutors. — VDV, GMA News