Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN) is an independent Filipinoonline news platform established in 2024, co-founded by Louie Sangalang and Franco Mabanta. The network is dedicated to promoting the principle of free speech absolutism, drawing inspiration from figures such as Voltaire and Elon Musk. PGMN features a diverse range of political commentary and media content, aiming to provide a platform for open and uncensored discourse in the Philippines.[3]
PGMN according to its social media accounts was first established in July 2024, under Firebrand Media Network launching through their website and Facebook account. By September 2024 PGMN launched its YouTube channel. Within a year, the network had gained 495,000 on Facebook and 162,000 on YouTube.[2]
Initially, PGMN started broadcasting online with anchors CJ Hirro, James Deakin, and Raffy Zamora covering mostly political issues in the Philippines, such as the rift between the Marcoses and Dutertes. PGMN anchors later added topics such as HIV, parenting, and divorce. The pool of talents would be added with Orion Perez Dumdum and JC Halili. By the third quarter of 2025 the pool of hosts was added with Brandon Vera and Atty. Regal Oliva.[4][5]
PGMN advocates for free speech absolutism, encouraging participation from a wide spectrum of political perspectives, including supporters of MAGA and Diehard Duterte Supporters. The network promotes the expression of diverse voices, even those considered controversial or hateful, arguing that the appropriate response to disagreeable speech is increased discourse rather than censorship. Critics have pointed that PGMN simply promotes Duterte narratives, criticizes Wokeism, and left-leaning beliefs.[2][14]
Rift with Cong. Marvin Rillo
PGMN host CJ Hirro published a report April 2025 on the PhP 71 million gymnasium at the Carlos L. Albert High School in Quezon City, sponsored by former Cong. Marvin Rillo with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) as the implementing agency. PGMN's report indicated that the project was not even half complete, with columns and bare walls exposed. Marvin Rillo. Rillo dismissed the allegation as hearsay, and stated that the said project was just in its first phase. Hirro responded that if this project has succeeding phases, then this should have been indicated in the bidding documents with DPWH, and challenged Rillo to an online debate. By October 16, 2025 Rillo filed cyberlibel charges against Hirro and PGMN.[15]
On October 2, 2025, radio commentator Anthony Taberna claimed on his show Dos por Dos that Senator Risa Hontiveros had secured more than PhP 3 billion in budget insertions for 2025. The following day, Hontiveros denied these allegations, stating that Taberna's claims were false as she had never requested any insertions, nor signed the Bicameral Conference Committee Report for the 2025 General Appropriations Bill. She also confirmed that she voted against the budget act. Subsequently, Taberna retracted his statements. Despite this retraction, PGMN published recaps reiterating the alleged budget insertions attributed to Hontiveros on October 3, 4, and 5.[2]
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