Franco Mabanta, 4 others to post bail over alleged extortion try on Romualdez

Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN) founder Franco Mabanta and four others arrested over the alleged extortion attempt against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez are expected to post bail Friday, according to their lawyer.

Based on the report of Jhomer Apresto on GMA News’ Unang Balita, Mabanta and his four companions were brought Thursday night to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) detention facility inside the New Bilibid Prison compound in Muntinlupa.

Speaking to reporters past midnight outside the detention facility, Mabanta’s lawyer Atty. Bernice Piñol-Rodriguez said the group was scheduled to post bail during the day.

The camp of Mabanta declined to issue a statement regarding a video circulating on social media that allegedly showed a conversation between an NBI agent and Mabanta.

“No statement to be had. It will be part of our defense. But again, I would like to reiterate that there was no extortion, there was no crime that was committed. We will file the necessary pleadings in the morning. and hopefully this will all be over soon,” Rodriguez said.

“They're very good, they're just really tired. We just helped them settle in because ang daming gamit (there were a lot of things) that had to be moved. But they're okay,” she added.

On Wednesday, the NBI said the agency arrested online media network personality Mabanta in an entrapment operation after an alleged extortion attempt on Romualdez.

EXPLAINER: Who is Franco Mabanta?

Mabanta allegedly claimed he possesses videos implicating Romualdez in the flood control scandal. He allegedly pressed Romualdez to pay P350 million or else he would release the videos via PGMN.

The suspect was arrested after receiving the money.

Mabanta has denied the allegations.

The NBI said Mabanta and four others underwent inquest proceedings on Wednesday evening.

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. —Joviland Rita/AOL, GMA News