Malacañang on Monday said an apology issued by Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN) founder Franco Mabanta to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos is meant to serve as a lesson against stirring controversy without factual basis. According to the Palace statement reported by multiple outlets, Mabanta released an apology video addressed to the First Couple as well as Vice President Sara Duterte and Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo, referring to criticisms he previously made.
The outlets also report that Mabanta’s earlier comments included allegations that former House Speaker Martin Romualdez had engineered a rift between Marcos and Duterte. In its response, Malacañang characterizes the apology as reinforcing the idea that accusations should not be made without substantiation. The Palace framing emphasizes restraint in creating public intrigue and highlights Mabanta’s admission or correction through the apology as the basis for its message.
The reports consistently describe the apology as a response to Mabanta’s prior criticisms and cite Malacañang’s view that baseless intrigue should be avoided.
