Jay Sonza released from Quezon City Jail

Former broadcaster Jay Sonza has been released from the Quezon City Jail after he posted bail for the 11 counts of estafa he's facing.

According to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, his release order was received at 6 p.m. He was released at 8:57 p.m.

The Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 100 had also provisionally dismissed the charge against Sonza for syndicated and large scale estafa.

He also posted bail before the RTC Branch 77 for a case of libel.

The RTC Branch 215 also provisionally dismissed an illegal recruitment charge against Sonza.

All have come up with orders for Sonza's release.

The BJMP said it conducted verification of other cases and found no pending cases.

In a video posted on social media by his counsel, Atty. Israelito Torreon, Sonza thanked his supporters for their belief and encouragement in his case.

“Maraming salamat po sa lahat ng mga dasal at lahat ng mga encouragement ng ating mga manonood at suporta. Thank you. God is good,” said Sonza.

"Hagbay na jud nga wa nako makita ang bidlisiw sa sayong kabuntagon. Salamat Guinoo sa higayon!" Sonza said in a separate Facebook post.

(It's been so long since I saw early morning sunlight. Thank you Lord for the time!)

It was reported that Sonza was about to leave the country for Hong Kong on July 18 when he was stopped by the Bureau of Immigration at the airport.

He was turned over to the National Bureau of Investigation Airport Investigation Division to be served his warrant.

Sonza was then committed to the QC Jail Ligtas-COVID Center Quarantine Facility in Payatas. 

The court on Thursday dismissed the syndicated and large-scale estafa charge against Sonza due to the complainant's failure to attend the hearings.

Also "provisionally dismissed" was the illegal recruitment case filed against him.

According to the order, Assistant City Prosecutor Joseph Seares said the private complainants in the case failed to coordinate with him despite his serious efforts to reach out.

"Given the consent of the accused who is virtually present… and in view of the manifestation of the public prosecutor indicating lack of interest to prosecute this case, on the part of the private complainants, the motion of the defense is hereby granted," the order read.

Provisionally dismissed meany that the case may be revived within two years if there is new evidence or reason to reopen it.

After the provisional dismissal of the cases, Sonza had to remain in custody due to the 11 counts of estafa and the libel charge which remained pending.

He was ordered released after he posted bail. —with Jiselle Casucian/NB/KBK, GMA Integrated News