Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN) founder Franco Mabanta once worked for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., but only for a short period, according to Malacañang.
In an ambush interview on Friday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed that Mabanta previously served as social media director for Marcos.
Castro said the Palace was not denying Mabanta’s past role under Marcos but clarified that he reportedly worked for only six months.
According to Castro, Mabanta’s stint ended because his “style” was allegedly not appreciated by Marcos.
She did not elaborate on what specific “style” was being referred to, but suggested it may not have aligned with the administration’s “Bagong Pilipinas” principles.
Castro also said Mabanta could not be considered part of Marcos’ presidential campaign team because the work reportedly happened in 2018, four years before the 2022 national elections.
The clarification came after Castro earlier presented photographs of Mabanta together with former President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Sara Duterte.
Supporters of the Duterte family later released receipts and materials online showing that Mabanta had previously worked for Marcos.
The issue triggered online discussions and political exchanges between supporters of the Marcos and Duterte camps regarding Mabanta’s past affiliations and political connections.
