CJ Hirro, the host of Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN), failed to appear before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Monday in relation to a subpoena issued against her. Her lawyer informed the media that she is currently out of town.
Hirro was summoned last week amid an investigation into alleged extortion involving PGMN founder Franco Mabanta and others against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Lawyer Represents Hirro at NBI
During an interview after visiting the NBI's Organized and Transnational Crime Division (OTCD), Hirro's lawyer, Lian Cacapit, confirmed that he and another attorney attended on her behalf to receive the subpoena.
She's out of town,
Cacapit stated when asked why Hirro did not attend the hearing. He did not specify when she left but emphasized that her absence is not an attempt to evade legal issues.
Cacapit reassured that Hirro is cooperating with the investigation, stating, "She’s not hiding... That’s why she sent me here to represent her."
The NBI is expected to issue another subpoena next week, and Cacapit will inform Hirro about her next steps regarding her personal appearance.
NBI director Melvin Matibag has previously labeled Hirro as a "person of interest" in the ongoing case.