LOOK: Pasig court permits NBI to examine gadgets of Franco Mabanta, others

The Pasig court on Wednesday permitted the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Organized and Transnational Crime Division to examine the confiscated cellphone of Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN) founder Franco Mabanta and his companions following an alleged extortion attempt against former Speaker Martin Romualdez.

The confiscated gadgets are five smartphones.

Mabanta and the other individuals were arrested on May 5 at a country club in Pasig City, following the issuance of a ‘warrant to examine computer data’ by the Pasig Regional Trial Court Branch 71 on May 13, 2026.

EXPLAINER: Who is Franco Mabanta?

According to NBI Director Melvin Matibag, the warrant covers photos, videos, and messages that may help identify other possible accomplices in the P300-million robbery extortion complaint allegedly filed by Mabanta against Romualdez.

Mabanta allegedly claimed possession of videos implicating Romualdez in the multi-billion-peso flood control corruption scandal. He allegedly pressed Romualdez to pay P350 million, or else he will release the said videos via PGMN.

However, Mabanta and PGMN have denied the allegations. The PGMN has dismissed Mabanta's arrest as a "setup." Mabanta and his four companions were released from NBI custody on May 9 after they posted bail. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA News