Jay Sonza released after posting bail, to seek dismissal of cyber libel case

Former broadcaster Jay Sonza was released from the National Bureau of Investigation detention center on Monday night after posting bail.

Sonza walked out of detention at around 7:00 p.m., accompanied by his legal counsel, Mark Tolentino.

In an ambush interview, Sonza said he experienced asthma attacks while in detention, which he attributed to the heat earlier in the day.

“Uuwi, maliligo, kakain. Hinihingal, may asthma attack. Kasi, sobrang init kanina eh. I am scheduled for a medical check-up on Wednesday, mabuti nalang na release ng maaga. So, I can see my doctors,” he said.

He added that he is scheduled to undergo a medical check-up in Davao.

Sonza also expressed gratitude to NBI Director Melvin Matibag for facilitating his release.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the good Director of the National Bureau of Investigation for facilitating my release today,” he said.

He also addressed the presiding judge, saying: “I fully understand na tao lang, nagkakamali. So, tinatanggap ko ng buong paggalang yung kanyang paghingi ng apologies.”

According to Tolentino, their next legal step is to seek the dismissal of the charges filed against Sonza.

“Next step namin is for the dismissal of the case. Yun ang priority namin. Ma dismiss yung unlawful publication and yung kaso na cyberlibel ma-dismiss,” he said.

Tolentino argued that the complaint may be flawed.

“Ang alleged offended party is the President of the Philippines. So, dapat siya ang complainant. So the mere fact na ang NBI ang complainant so, this case should be dismissed,” he added.

Sonza was arrested last Thursday by NBI agents following a warrant issued by the Pasay City Regional Trial Court Branch 118. The case is linked to alleged misinformation he posted online regarding the health of Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The court initially indicated the offense as non-bailable, but later issued a resolution setting bail at P10,000.

“Upon closer examination of the warrant of arrest that it issued where it stated that the offense is not bailable, the Court rectifies the same and hereby fixes the amount of bail at Ten Thousand Pesos (Php10,000.00) for the provisional liberty of the accused,” the resolution stated.

Sonza’s arraignment is scheduled for May 4 as his camp continues to push for the dismissal of the charges, citing issues including alleged lack of jurisdiction.