Lawmakers seek probe of PGMN over alleged red-tagging, extortion

In two resolutions, several lawmakers on Wednesday called for an investigation into alleged red-tagging, online harassment, disinformation, and extortion activities of Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN).

Members of the Makabayan bloc—House Deputy Minority Leader Antonio Tinio of ACT Teachers, as well as Representatives Sarah Elago of Gabriela and Renee Co of Kabataan—called for a probe into the network's alleged red-tagging and disinformation activities under House Resolution 1009, while 41 other lawmakers called for a congressional probe into alleged blackmailing activities by PGMN in House Resolution 1006.

“We have cited multiple online episodes involving PGMN personalities red-tagging representatives of the Makabayan bloc. Red-tagging has become a cheap way to generate clicks, clout and engagement [online] at the expense of people’s rights and safety,” Elago said in a press conference.

“These reckless accusations are being weaponized online to harass and endanger activists, progressive organizations, and government critics. We also want a probe on the possible use [of] public funds in propagating red-tagging content."

The Makabayan Bloc has filed a resolution to investigate PGMN’s alleged redtagging, online harassment, and disinformation activities. @gmanews @gmanewsbreaking pic.twitter.com/SJBCAInIFS

— Tina PanganibanPerez (@tinapperez) May 13, 2026

"There are records of NTF-ELCAC social media pages reposting and promoting PGMN videos online. We need to find out if public funds are being used for such disinformation campaigns of PGMN,” Elago added.

NTF-ELCAC is the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, the government's anti-insurgency task force.

PGMN videos cited by the Makabayan bloc include:

• a August 4, 2025 episode in which PGMN anchor CJ Hirro alleged that members of the Makabayan bloc and other progressive organizations have links with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People's Army (NPA); and
• a December 17, 2025 episode in which Hirro claimed that Gabriela Women's Party receives foreign funding.

"State resources should never be used to harass critics and progressive organizations," Elago said.

House Resolution 1009 states that while freedom of expression are constitutionally protected, these freedoms carry corresponding responsibilities and must not be weaponized to justify harassment, disinformation, intimidation, or conduct that threatens the safety and democratic rights of others.

“Red-tagging does not constitute legitimate journalism, fair commentary, or protected political discourse,” House Resolution 1009 read.

“Now, therefore, be it resolved as it is hereby resolved, to direct the House Committee on Information and Communications Technology and the Committee on Human Rights to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, into the alleged red-tagging, online harassment, and disinformation activities involving PGMN against public officials, progressive organizations, human rights defenders, and private individuals,” it added.

Alleged coercion, extortion

Also on Wednesday, at least 40 lawmakers filed a separate House Resolution seeking a congressional probe on PGMN’s alleged extortion activities.

A congressional probe into PGMN's activities was first put forward by Tingog party-list Representative Jude Acidre during a privilege speech on Tuesday, citing the recent arrest of PGMN founder Franco Mabanta and four others over an alleged demand for money in exchange for not releasing a supposed video of Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez.

“While freedom of speech and of the press are protected constitutional rights, these freedoms do not shield acts that may constitute robbery, extortion, grave threats, coercion, cybercrime, or other unlawful conduct,” House Resolution 1006 read.

Likewise, House Resolution 1006 said a congressional inquiry on PGMN operations will also determine whether PGMN and persons associated with it are compliant with laws and regulations on registration, taxation, lawful business operations, online monetization and digital platform activities.

“The alleged acts [of extortion], if proven true, raise serious concerns on the possible use of online platforms, digital media networks, or organized content operations to pressure, threaten, intimidate, or extract money, favors, concessions, or other benefits from public officials or private individuals,” the Resolution added.

PGMN's bio on its Facebook page describes it as "the only Philippine media channel in pursuit of free speech absolutism."

PGMN has also maintained that the arrest of its members is Romualdez's attempt to silence them. — BM, GMA News