Franco Mabanta, 4 others post bail in case of alleged robbery-extortion try on Romualdez

Online media network personality Franco Mabanta and four others posted bail on Saturday in the robbery with violence against or intimidation of persons case filed against them over an alleged extortion try on former speaker and incumbent Leyte 1st District Martin Romualdez.

The Pasig Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 167 on Saturday then issued a release order after Mabanta and four others each filed P120,000 bail.

The court is on Saturday duty in accordance with the memorandum issued in 2025 by the executive judge of Pasig RTC.

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

The five were arrested in an entrapment operation earlier this week.

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.

Authorities have 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. —with a report from John Consulta/KG, GMA News