ILOILO — Three lawmakers from Western Visayas have joined a congressional push to investigate the alleged robbery-extortion activities of Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN), which lawmakers accused of using online platforms to intimidate and allegedly extract money and favors from public officials and private individuals.
Joining the call for a House inquiry are Iloilo 5th District’s Cong. Binky April Tupas, Guimaras Lone District’s Cong. JC Rahman Nava, and Capiz 2nd District’s Cong. Jane Tan Castro.
The three lawmakers were among the 41 members of the House of Representatives who introduced House Resolution No. 1006, seeking an inquiry in aid of legislation into the alleged activities of PGMN.
The resolution directs the House Committees on Public Order and Safety, Information and Communications Technology, and Public Information to investigate the alleged operations of the network, including accusations that it engaged in “robbery extortion” and cyber-enabled coercion under the guise of media and online commentary.
“Recent allegations have surfaced involving Peanut Gallery Media Network also known as PGMN in connection with supposed acts of robbery extortion directed against Representative Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez,” the resolution stated.
Lawmakers said the allegations, if proven, expose the possible misuse of digital media platforms and organized online content operations to “pressure, threaten, intimidate or extract money, favors, concessions, or other benefits from public officials or private individuals.”
The proposed inquiry would also require the attendance of PGMN officers, content creators, administrators, representatives, complainants, witnesses, law enforcement personnel, and digital platform representatives to determine accountability and establish the circumstances surrounding the allegations.
Under the resolution, congressional committees are also directed to coordinate with several government agencies, including the Department of Justice, National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police, the Anti-Cybercrime Group, the National Telecommunications Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Bureau of Internal Revenue to determine possible violations of cybercrime, extortion, taxation, and other laws.
The measure also seeks to recommend legislative and regulatory safeguards against extortion, organized online harassment, disinformation, and cyber-enabled coercion while protecting legitimate journalism, whistleblowing, public commentary, and constitutionally guaranteed freedom of expression.
The resolution has already been referred to the appropriate House committees for further deliberation and investigation./PN
