THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has received a complaint seeking an investigation into Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN), political strategist Franco Mabanta, and content creator CJ Hirro over alleged disinformation activities and paid political content during the 2025 midterm elections.
In a letter addressed to NBI Director Melvin Matibag, former Quezon City 4th District representative Marvin Rillo asked the bureau to examine whether the personalities and media network were involved in coordinated online attacks intended to damage his reputation during the election period.
Rillo alleged that videos and social media posts published by PGMN and its personalities falsely portrayed him as corrupt in relation to the construction of the Carlos L. Albert High School Gymnasium project.
According to the complaint, the online materials were “malicious” and “misleading” and allegedly failed to include clarifications earlier issued by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) stating that the gymnasium project was undergoing phased construction.
The former lawmaker also alleged that the materials may have formed part of a paid political operation aimed at undermining his candidacy.
He cited public discussions surrounding PGMN’s alleged political engagements, as well as a recent NBI entrapment operation involving Mabanta.
Rillo urged the NBI to determine whether PGMN or its affiliated personalities were paid, contracted, or commissioned to promote political candidates or attack their rivals, and whether such arrangements complied with election, tax, and other applicable laws.
He likewise asked investigators to examine the possible participation of Hirro in the production and dissemination of the questioned videos, including whether any communication, instruction, or payment was involved in the creation of the alleged political “hit pieces.”
The NBI said the complaint and supporting documents would undergo evaluation in accordance with existing laws and investigative procedures.
The bureau also emphasized that all parties named in complaints are entitled to due process and would be allowed to respond to the allegations in the proper forum.
