Edu Manzano, Ann Cuisia clarify being PGMN volunteers, not journalists

Owner Franco Mabanta allegedly extorted Martin Romualdez—and got arrested in an entrapment operation.

Actor Edu Manzano and tech executive Ann Cuisia clarified that they’re volunteer content contributors—and not employed journalists—of digital platform Peanut Gallery Media Network, as its owner Franco Mabanta got arrested days ago over alleged extortion of a lawmaker.

“We had no contracts, no salary, no talent fee and no commercial arrangement. We gave our time, voices and content because we believed Filipinos should be able to speak, question and take part in public discourse without fear,” Manzano and Cuisia said in a joint statement on May 13.

They noted that they believed in the “free speech” that PGMN “uniquely offered”—a means of “responsible civic engagement.”

They expressed having “genuinely enjoyed” working with fellow contributors, many of whom “gave their time in good faith and at zero cost.”

“Amid all the noise, we hope that part is not forgotten,” they said. “We are not issuing this statement to judge, condemn or throw anyone under the bus. Matters of guilt or innocence belong to the proper legal process.”

Ultimately, Manzano and Cuisia emphasized speaking only for themselves—in defense of their “own character, credibility and sincere desire” to help the country.

Mabanta and four others were arrested in an entrapment operation on the night of May 5 for allegedly extorting ₱300 million from former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. They allegedly threatened to “expose” Romualdez’s involvement in the flood control project scandal.

They’ve since posted bail. PGMN, then, released the would-be exposé lasting two hours—though many figures in journalism circles downplayed it for supposedly offering nothing new.

 

 

Ultimately, Manzano and Cuisia emphasized speaking only for themselves—in defense of their “own character, credibility and sincere desire” to help the country.

 

 

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