The first episode of PGMN’s “The Peanut Gallery Podcast” has surpassed 1 million combined views across YouTube and Facebook, marking a major milestone for the network’s newest program featuring a powerhouse cast of hosts—Founder and CEO Franco Mabanta, Lead Anchor Cj Hirro, social media superstar Atty. Regal Oliva and former Cavite 4th District Rep. Kiko Barzaga.
Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAaGdZbVr54
Within its first 24 hours, the premiere recorded 841,621 views on Facebook and more than 163,000 on YouTube, bringing its combined total to over 1 million views. It also generated more than 24,000 likes and reactions across both platforms, alongside thousands of comments and shares, as audiences tuned in to discussions on some of the country’s biggest political issues, from Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment proceedings to the 2028 presidential race.
The full podcast runs for three hours, divided into three one-hour episodes. The first episode centered on one of the country’s most closely watched political questions: Will Duterte be convicted in her impeachment trial? The hosts offered differing assessments of the possible outcome, including whether senators would base their votes solely on the evidence or weigh the potential political consequences ahead of the 2028 elections.
The discussion also turned to the 2028 presidential race, including the possibility of former Vice President Leni Robredo seeking the presidency again, particularly if Duterte is impeached, as well as whether Sen. Risa Hontiveros could mount a viable presidential bid.
The hosts also examined potential vice-presidential contenders. They discussed Sen. Erwin Tulfo as a possible running mate for Robredo and compared his prospects with those of his brother, Sen. Raffy Tulfo. For Duterte, they considered the potential candidacies of Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Sen. Bong Go and Sen. Robin Padilla.
Another point of discussion was the possibility of Robredo receiving support from the Marcos administration. The hosts weighed whether such an alliance could strengthen her campaign or risk alienating some of her supporters, highlighting the potential impact of political alliances on the 2028 race.
Barzaga drew from his experience in Cavite politics as the hosts discussed political families, local power bases and the qualities voters may look for in future national leaders. The conversation also touched on the ability to govern effectively, handle foreign relations and navigate the country’s complex political landscape.
PGMN has also reached out to acting legend Edu Manzano, popular stand-up comedian Atty. Ed Chico and rising commentary star Jourdan Sebastian for subsequent episodes, as the network looks to bring more prominent personalities and different perspectives into its podcast discussions.
The million-view milestone comes as PGMN continues its rapid growth, surpassing 2 million followers across social media and 1 million on Facebook over the past month after generating 2.5 billion views in its first 22 months. The network is also expanding its programming through longer-form conversations on political figures, issues and decisions that could shape the country’s future.
