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Advocates Philippines
'Story They Tried To Kill': PGMN Drops 'MartinLooterFund' Episode
Screengrab from PGMN
A new episode released by Peanut Gallery Media Network or PGMN is stirring online discussion after anchor CJ Hirro led what the group described as an exposé against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Branded as the “#MartinLooterFund” episode, the program framed itself not only as an investigation into alleged corruption, but also as a story about what PGMN claims were attempts to suppress its reporting.
In the episode’s release statement, the network accused powerful individuals of using intimidation, pressure, and alleged harassment tactics to discourage journalists from pursuing controversial stories. The statement argued that suppression often comes in the form of lawsuits, political influence, and behind-the-scenes pressure meant to silence critics before stories are made public.
PGMN also defended political commentator Franco Mabanta and four associates who were allegedly linked to an entrapment operation days before the episode’s release. According to the network, Mabanta was supposedly approached repeatedly over two weeks and was allegedly manipulated into a situation designed to appear like extortion.
The media group strongly denied any extortion attempt, insisting that the incident was part of a broader effort to discredit the organization and prevent the episode from airing.
Despite the controversy, PGMN pushed through with the release, saying the episode aims to examine congressional spending and alleged irregularities tied to the leadership of Romualdez. The program mentioned issues such as alleged budget padding, underspending, and the accumulation of unused government funds.
The network further claimed that coordinated efforts involving trolls, influencers, and certain officials were used to block the episode from gaining public attention. PGMN, however, maintained that continuing publication was necessary in the name of transparency and accountability.
As of writing, neither Martin Romualdez nor his office has publicly responded to the accusations raised in the episode.
The release comes amid heightened political tensions online, with supporters and critics on both sides debating the claims circulating on social media.
Branded as the “#MartinLooterFund” episode, the program framed itself not only as an investigation into alleged corruption, but also as a story about what PGMN claims were attempts to suppress its reporting.
In the episode’s release statement, the network accused powerful individuals of using intimidation, pressure, and alleged harassment tactics to discourage journalists from pursuing controversial stories. The statement argued that suppression often comes in the form of lawsuits, political influence, and behind-the-scenes pressure meant to silence critics before stories are made public.
PGMN also defended political commentator Franco Mabanta and four associates who were allegedly linked to an entrapment operation days before the episode’s release. According to the network, Mabanta was supposedly approached repeatedly over two weeks and was allegedly manipulated into a situation designed to appear like extortion.
The media group strongly denied any extortion attempt, insisting that the incident was part of a broader effort to discredit the organization and prevent the episode from airing.
Despite the controversy, PGMN pushed through with the release, saying the episode aims to examine congressional spending and alleged irregularities tied to the leadership of Romualdez. The program mentioned issues such as alleged budget padding, underspending, and the accumulation of unused government funds.
The network further claimed that coordinated efforts involving trolls, influencers, and certain officials were used to block the episode from gaining public attention. PGMN, however, maintained that continuing publication was necessary in the name of transparency and accountability.
As of writing, neither Martin Romualdez nor his office has publicly responded to the accusations raised in the episode.
The release comes amid heightened political tensions online, with supporters and critics on both sides debating the claims circulating on social media.
May 11, 2026
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