Atty. Elaine Atienza, spokesperson for former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez, hit back at the Philippine Global News Network (PGMN) following the arrest of its founder, Franco Mabanta. 

Atienza clarified that the case is not an attack on press freedom or government criticism, but a direct response to an alleged extortion attempt. 

She revealed that Romualdez reported the matter to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) after money was purportedly demanded in exchange for keeping a "scandalous" video private. 

"Rep. Romualdez simply did what any person would do—he reported the crime to the proper authorities," Atty. Atienza stated, emphasizing that the NBI acted strictly within its legal mandate.

The Romualdez camp further argued that PGMN’s claims of having "exposés" are irrelevant to the criminal investigation. 

“Whatever materials or exposés they claim to possess are irrelevant to the criminal allegations of extortion now under investigation.” Atty. Atienza added.

Atienza challenged the media platform to release any evidence of government wrongdoing to the public or the courts instead of using it as financial leverage. 

“If anyone believes he has evidence of wrongdoing by public officials, the proper course is simple: release it, submit it to the authorities, and let the proper institutions act on it — not use it as leverage in exchange for money.” The attorney argued.

By allegedly holding a video for weeks instead of publishing it, the camp asserts that PGMN crossed the line from news reporting to criminal activity. 

“That is what PGMN did: they purportedly produced a video that was allegedly ready to run several weeks ago and yet chose not to release it. That is NOT journalism, that is extortion.” Atty. Atienza added.

Atienza concluded that while democracy encourages criticism, the law strictly punishes extortion, noting that such conduct only serves to damage the public’s trust in legitimate media institutions.

“Such conduct undermines legitimate journalism and damages public trust in genuine media institutions. Simple lang po ito: Sa demokrasya, malayang pumuna. Pero malinaw po sa ating batas: Isang krimen ang pangingikil. “ Atty. Atienza concluded.

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