Television personality Edu Manzano and tech CEO Ann Cuisia clarified that their involvement with Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN) stemmed from their support of free speech and independent public discourse, stressing that they were volunteer contributors and had no financial or professional ties to the organization.
The two had previously been identified as anchors of the online media platform founded by Franco Mabanta, whose arrest on May 5 on allegations of extorting P300 million from former House Speaker Martin Romualdez has since placed PGMN at the center of public controversy. Mabanta and four co-accused have since posted bail.
In a joint statement posted on Facebook, Manzano and Cuisia said they joined PGMN because they believed in what the platform uniquely offered: a space for independent expression and unfiltered yet truthful discussions on public issues.
“We contributed to PGMN because we believed in what it uniquely offered… a platform for free speech. It gave us a space where we could speak in our own voice, carry our own scripts, and express our views without biased censorship,” the joint statement opened.
The two likewise emphasized that they were neither journalists nor employees of PGMN and clarified that they received no form of compensation for their participation.
“We were volunteer content contributors, not journalists. We were not employees. We had no contracts, no salary, no talent fee, and no commercial arrangement.”
For Manzano and Cuisia, contributing to PGMN was part of their commitment to encouraging fearless public discourse and to fostering civic participation, rooted in concern for the country, its institutions, and the future that Filipinos will inherit.
“This was responsible civic engagement. As citizens, professionals, and parents, we understand that the quality of our public systems affects everyone… families, workers, businesses, institutions, and the future our children will inherit,” the statement continued.
While addressing the controversy surrounding PGMN, the two personalities refrained from making accusations or legal conclusions, saying that matters of guilt or innocence should be left to proper legal process, and their statement was issued solely to clarify their position and intentions.
“We speak only for ourselves, in defense of our own character, credibility, and sincere desire to help our country in whatever way we can… The principle that brought us there should be louder than the noise we hear today. Free speech, carried with responsibility, courage, and love of country, is critical.”
Reaffirming their stance on free speech and volunteerism, Manzano and Cuisia said that independent voices and responsible citizen participation remain essential in shaping national conversations.
“Free speech has no price tag. Volunteerism has no price tag. And we remain our own voice.”
Through the platform, Manzano and Cuisia engaged in conversations and shared personal analysis on pressing social and national concerns.
Edu Manzano’s statement link: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HEUngnyvH/
Ann Cuisia’s statement link: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18aCKJJmGn/