PGMN host Hirro a no-show at NBI

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May 12, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Despite a subpoena issued by the National Bureau of Investigation last week in connection with an alleged extortion complaint filed by former speaker Martin Romualdez, Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN) anchor CJ Hirro did not appear at the NBI yesterday.

Hirro’s lawyer, Lian Cacapit, told reporters at the NBI headquarters in Pasay City that his client was “out of town” and could not attend the proceedings.

Cacapit said Hirro had been out of town even before the May 5 entrapment operation that led to the arrest of PGMN founder Franco Mabanta and four others in Pasig.

Appearing at the NBI on behalf of Hirro, Cacapit said his client was “acting in good faith.”

The NBI has subpoenaed Hirro over her alleged links to the P300-million extortion try on Romualdez in exchange for not releasing a 90-minute video that would supposedly link the congressman to the flood control scam.

NBI Director Melvin Matibag earlier identified Hirro as a “person of interest” after her name was allegedly mentioned in affidavits submitted by the camp of Romualdez.

Mabanta and four others were arrested during an entrapment operation in Pasig last week after they allegedly received suitcases of marked money.