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The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has arrested former TV host Jay Sonza for the alleged spread of false medical information about President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
In a Facebook post, the NBI said the arrest warrant for Sonza was issued by the Pasay City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 118 in connection with charges of Unlawful Use of Means of Publication and Unlawful Utterances (Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code), as amended by R.A. 10591, in relation to Section 6 of R.A. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
The NBI said the warrant “indicates that the offense is not bailable.”
“This development stems from the earlier case buildup and cyber-surveillance operations conducted by the NBI-CCD (NBI Cybercrime Division) in January 2026, which identified Sonza as among those responsible for circulating unverified and misleading medical information involving the President. The posts included a purported CT scan report and statements alleging deterioration in the President's health, which were subsequently amplified across digital platforms,” the bureau wrote.
Although the original posts were deleted or restricted, the NBI said it preserved the evidence through digital forensic methods, including authenticated screenshots and tracking of reposted content. These materials were then submitted as part of the evidence to the Department of Justice (DOJ), which led to the filing of charges and the issuance of a warrant.
Sonza's counsel, Atty. Mark Tolentino, also shared a statement online, assuring that he would defend his client's rights, especially given that he is a senior citizen.
“Hindi namin palalagpasin ang anumang paglabag. Babantayan namin ang bawat hakbang. Aaksyon kami kung kinakailangan. Magbibigay kami ng update sa lalong madaling panahon,” he wrote.
In a later interview with GMA Integrated News, Atty. Mark said he would question the classification of the offense as non-bailable, noting that it is only a minimal offense.
Sonza's legal team will also ask the court to release their client immediately, arguing that the bureau allegedly has only two legal bases to detain him.
“Ang problema, I don't know, maybe nagkamali ang court, nag-issue ng warrant. Bakit nag-issue ng warrant na this is the bail is not required in this case? Maybe the cyber libel. But ang cyber libel, wala pang warrant na nai-issue,” he stated.
“Kung anong nakalagay sa court, anong nakalagay sa order, mali man o hindi mali, trabaho nila kung anong nakalagay doon. Trabaho ko naman is to question the legality and the constitutionality ng order ng court.”
Meanwhile, take a look at some of the high-profile libel complaints in Philippine showbiz in this gallery:
