Peanut Gallery Media Network’s war against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez has generated 121,227,804 views from 944 posts in just 46 days, making it the most viral sustained corruption exposé in the history of Philippine social media.
Launched on June 20, the network-wide effort has produced an uninterrupted stream of news reports, videos, explainers, graphics, commentaries, and public records examining the corruption allegations, controversies, and legal proceedings involving Romualdez.
The coverage surpassed 121 million views after only six weeks, reflecting intense public interest in the accusations against the former Speaker and the growing demand for accountability from one of the most powerful figures in Philippine politics.
As PGMN’s reach expanded, pressure against the organization also intensified.
The network has faced multiple complaints and lawsuits filed by Romualdez against PGMN, its anchors, and individuals connected to its reporting.
In one of the cases, Romualdez accused the network of repeatedly portraying him as a “plunderer,” the “mastermind” of a corruption scandal, a “Looter King,” and the “most corrupt politician of the 21st century.”
PGMN Founder and CEO Franco Mabanta rejected the suggestion that all the descriptions originated from the network, pointing to similar language previously used by public officials and government institutions.
“No, Martin. You’re wrong. PGMN wasn’t the first to say any of this,” Mabanta wrote.
Mabanta noted that the Office of the Ombudsman had publicly used the term “master plunderer,” while the Sandiganbayan referred on record to Romualdez as the “purported mastermind.” He also credited PGMN Anchor and former COA Commissioner Atty. Bing Guanzon with coining the term “Looter King.”
“As for calling you the most corrupt politician of the 21st century… okay, fine. That came from us. See you in court,” Mabanta added.
Another complaint accused PGMN of failing to obtain Romualdez’s side despite the same filing acknowledging that the network reposted his complete defense video.
PGMN considers the volume and timing of the cases a campaign of legal harassment intended to drain the organization’s resources, intimidate its journalists, and force the network into silence.
For the network, Romualdez’s repeated resort to litigation demonstrates how deeply PGMN’s reporting has affected him. The lawsuits have become part of the story, reflecting what the organization views as an increasingly desperate attempt to shut down the coverage.
PGMN Anchor CJ Hirro also revealed how severe the threats have become as she continues going after corrupt politicians, including Romualdez.
“Ang daming threats, especially when we were working on the episode. Pagdating sa mga pulitiko, palaging may threat, palaging may nakakatakot. And every day, I’m thankful that I get to go home to her.”
Hirro explained that her decision to continue the work is rooted in her responsibility as a mother.
“I get to sleep with a clean conscience, and my only wish talaga, or my only goal right now, is to give her a really good future. Kapag nanay ka, alam mo kung gaano mo gustong mabigyan ng magandang kinabukasan ang anak mo. I want to raise my kid to be very proud of me. I want to raise her to be this kind of person na gusto lang gumawa ng tama. That’s my motivation.”
The lawsuits, threats, coordinated attacks, and attempts to discredit the organization have not slowed PGMN’s reporting. The network continues to document the allegations, investigations, legal proceedings, and public statements involving Romualdez.
Forty-six days into the war, PGMN remains committed to publishing the record, pursuing the truth, and demanding accountability. The network will not stop until the allegations involving Martin Romualdez are fully confronted, justice is served, and those responsible are held accountable.
