Team DailyPedia
Veteran broadcaster and former television host Jay Sonza was arrested Thursday evening, April 30, by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) at his residence in Quezon City.
The arrest was carried out based on a warrant issued in connection with a cyberlibel case and alleged unlawful publication tied to the supposed spread of false medical information about President Ferdinand Marcos Jr..
According to NBI Director Melvin Matibag, authorities received the official copy of the warrant earlier in the day, prompting its immediate service.
The case stemmed from a complaint filed in February against Sonza and a vlogger identified as “Ka Eric Celiz,” involving the alleged circulation of fake medical records and unverified claims about the President’s health.
Authorities said the complaint includes violations under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code, in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act, which penalizes the spread of false information that may affect public order or state interests.
Sonza is currently under NBI custody at its headquarters in Pasay City.
Sonza’s legal counsel, Mark Tolentino, confirmed the arrest and said they are monitoring the situation closely to ensure his client’s rights are upheld.
“Inaaresto ngayon si Jay Sonza ng National Bureau of Investigation batay sa isang warrant of arrest,” Tolentino said.
“Papunta na kami sa NBI Pasay upang tiyakin na ganap na iginagalang ang kanyang mga karapatan, lalo na bilang isang senior citizen.”
Tolentino also raised concerns regarding the classification of the offense as “non-bailable,” arguing that the alleged violation carries a relatively light penalty.
“Very minimal na kaso lang iyan. I think nasa 6 months imprisonment lang iyan so mali yung… nakalagay sa warrant of arrest,” he said.
He added that the case was elevated to the Regional Trial Court due to its cybercrime component, but maintained that it should remain a bailable offense.
“This is a bailable offense… wala sila legal basis to detain,” Tolentino argued.
The defense said it plans to file the appropriate motions before the court to question the arrest and seek Sonza’s immediate release.
“We will file a proper manifestation sa court… to release immediately our client,” Tolentino said.
As of writing, the court has yet to issue a statement addressing the defense’s claims.
