A resolution filed in the House of Representatives is seeking an inquiry into alleged disinformation activities linked to Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN), particularly content involving electricity bills circulating on social media.
House Resolution No. 980, introduced by Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry L. Ridon, directs the House Committee on Public Information to investigate, in aid of legislation, what it described as organized disinformation operations exploiting public concern over rising power costs, including the activities of PGMN.
PGMN, according to publicly available information, was founded and is being led by Franco Mabanta, a political strategist associated with former president Rodrigo Duterte.
The measure cited viral posts attributed to PGMN that purportedly showed a sharp increase in electricity bills. However, it noted that the bills presented carried different customer account numbers (CANs), indicating they may not belong to a single household.
Rising electricity costs is a real concern which should be resolved immediately by government, particularly measures relating to the removal of VAT and other taxes from electric bills.
— Terry Ridon (@terryridon) May 3, 2026
However, it is a different matter if disinformation content is created and spread to exploit… pic.twitter.com/025CkmEsZS
Among those cited were a bill dated October 6, 2025 amounting to P724.47 and another dated May 7, 2026 totaling P7,009.64.
“The use of different Customer Account Numbers in a single narrative presentation strongly suggests that the content may have been deliberately constructed to mislead the public,” the resolution stated.
The measure added that without clear explanation, such content raises concerns of intentional deception that could amount to public disinformation.
Ridon said the inquiry aims to determine whether entities behind such materials, including PGMN, are part of coordinated efforts to manipulate public perception on key national issues such as electricity pricing.
The proposed probe will also examine whether those involved are compliant with laws on taxation, registration, and lawful business operations.
Under the resolution, the House panel may summon content creators, responsible officers, and other individuals linked to the production and dissemination of the materials to establish their authenticity, intent, and accountability.
The committee is also expected to coordinate with agencies such as the National Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Internal Revenue to determine possible violations of existing laws.
The resolution seeks to come up with legislative and regulatory measures to curb the spread of disinformation and strengthen safeguards to protect consumers from misleading content.
