Jay Sonza was arrested due to a cyberlibel case.
Journalist and former television host Jay Sonza was arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Thursday over a cyberlibel case.
On Thursday evening in Quezon City, former television host Jay Sonza was arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) over a cyberlibel case filed against him after he allegedly spread fake medical records of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
In a phone interview, NBI Director Melvin Matibag confirmed that the arrest happened in his house on Thursday evening after the Pasay City Regional Trial Court issued the arrest warrant. This has prompted the authorities to apprehend the controversial former broadcaster.
Sonza is currently in the custody of the NBI after being accused of spreading false information, in violation of Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code, in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act. Article 154 penalizes the unlawful use of publication methods and the making of unlawful statements.
It includes the dissemination of false information that may endanger public order or harm the interests of the state, as well as acts that incite disobedience to the law or authorities, and the publication of official documents without authorization.
Sonza’s arrest warrant said the offense is not bailable.
Atty. Mark Tolentino, Sonza’s legal counsel, released a statement stating that he will go straight to the NBI to “ensure that his rights are fully respected, especially as a senior citizen.”
“We will not let any violation pass. We will monitor every step. We will take action if necessary,” Tolentino said in Filipino, according to a report from Inquirer.
It was in February when the NBI filed a cyberlibel complaint against Sonza and another vlogger, Jeffrey “Ka Eric” Celiz, over the alleged dissemination of fabricated medical records involving the president.
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