PGMN launched the first episode of “The Peanut Gallery Podcast,” 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. Ex-Congressman Kiko Barzaga—who tackled some of the country’s biggest political issues, from Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial to the 2028 presidential race.
Watch the full episode on PGMN’s YouTube channel.
The premiere drew more than 600,000 combined views and over 19,000 likes and reactions across YouTube and Facebook within its first 24 hours of release—putting it on track to reach 1 million views in the next 24.
The episode centered on one of the country’s most closely watched political questions: Will Duterte be convicted in her impeachment trial? The discussion also turned to the 2028 presidential race, including the possibility of former Vice President Leni Gerona 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.
PGMN has also reached out to acting legend Edu Manzano, popular stand-up comedian Atty. Edward 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 podcast launch 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 the political figures, issues and decisions that could shape the country’s future.
