MANILA, Philippines — After four nights in detention, Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN) founder Franco Mabanta and his four co-accused were ordered released on Saturday afternoon, May 9, 2026. The order from the Pasig Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 167 came after the group successfully posted bail following their arrest in a high-profile ₱300-million extortion case.
The NBI confirmed that the court issued the release directive after the requirements for their provisional liberty were satisfied.
- Bail Amount: The court set the bail at ₱120,000 each for the charge of robbery extortion in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
- Total Bond: The five respondents posted a combined total of ₱600,000.
- Detention Site: Prior to the order, they were being held at the New Bilibid Prison (BuCor) detention facility (Building No. 14) in Muntinlupa City, following their transfer from the NBI headquarters.
Mabanta and his associates—Jardine Serrano, Franco Gallardo, Ericson Pacaba, and John Gomez—were arrested in a Tuesday night entrapment operation on May 5.
- The Alleged Scheme: The group allegedly demanded ₱350 million (later lowered to ₱300 million) from former House Speaker Martin Romualdez to stop the release of a video report linking him to corruption in flood-control projects.
- The Sting: NBI agents posing as Romualdez’s representatives delivered ₱75 million in mixed marked and boodle money across suitcases at the Valle Verde Country Club in Pasig.
- The Defense: Mabanta has denied the charges, with his legal team, led by Atty. Bernice Piñol Rodriguez, characterizing the arrest as a “setup” designed to intimidate independent media.
Despite their release, the legal pressure on the Peanut Gallery Media Network remains significant:
- Subpoena for CJ Hirro: NBI investigators have also subpoenaed PGMN anchor CJ Hirro to appear on Monday, May 11, to clarify her involvement in a “teaser” video used in the alleged extortion attempt.
- Cyber Warrant: The NBI is currently pursuing a warrant to examine seized digital devices for evidence of other potential targets.
The release marks the end of their initial detention, but the court proceedings for the robbery extortion charges are expected to move forward in the coming weeks.