Photo credit: Congress PH

At least 41 lawmakers have filed a House resolution seeking a congressional investigation into the alleged robbery-extortion activities involving Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN), raising concerns over the possible misuse of online media platforms for intimidation, harassment, and coercion.

House Resolution No. 1006 was filed during the First Regular Session of the 20th Congress and calls on the House Committees on Public Order and Safety, Information and Communications Technology, and Public Information to conduct a joint inquiry in aid of legislation.

The resolution was introduced by 41 lawmakers led by Yedda Marie Romualdez, Andrew Julian Romualdez, Jude Acidre, Doris Maniquiz, Jurdin Jesus Romualdo, Maria Cristina Angeles, Joseph Lara, Munir Arbison, Munir Arbison Jr., JC Rahman Nava, and several others, including Marcelino Libanan.

At the center of the proposed inquiry are allegations that PGMN supposedly engaged in acts of extortion and intimidation allegedly directed against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and possibly other individuals.

Lawmakers emphasized in the resolution that while freedom of speech and freedom of the press are protected under the Constitution, these rights do not cover criminal acts such as extortion, grave threats, coercion, cybercrime, and online harassment.

The resolution cited several provisions of the Revised Penal Code, including laws covering robbery, grave threats, grave coercion, and libel. It also referenced provisions of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, particularly those dealing with cyber libel and cyber-enabled offenses.

According to the lawmakers, the allegations raise broader concerns about the possible use of digital media platforms, livestreaming channels, and coordinated online operations to pressure or intimidate public officials and private citizens for financial gain or other concessions.

The House resolution also seeks to determine whether existing laws are strong enough to address organized online harassment, disinformation campaigns, cyber-enabled coercion, and abusive practices carried out through social media and digital platforms.

While the resolution stressed the need to protect legitimate journalism, public commentary, whistleblowing, and criticism of government officials, lawmakers maintained that media platforms should not be used as tools for intimidation, deception, or unlawful activity.

As part of the inquiry, the committees may invite officers, administrators, content creators, representatives, and other personalities associated with PGMN, along with complainants, witnesses, law enforcement agencies, and digital platform representatives.

The proposed investigation would also involve coordination with agencies such as the Department of Justice, National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police, Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, National Telecommunications Commission, Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

Lawmakers said the inquiry aims to identify possible gaps in current laws and recommend new legislative measures that would strengthen safeguards against cyber-enabled extortion and organized online abuse while still protecting constitutional freedoms and legitimate media work.