Jay Sonza's camp to question non-bailable warrant, says it's 'highly irregular'

The camp of arrested TV host Jay Sonza on Friday said they will question the issuance of a non-bailable warrant against him, saying this is “highly irregular” for the minor offense of unlawful publication.

Sonza was arrested Thursday night in Quezon City for allegedly spreading false information regarding the health of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

According to Sonza’s lawyer, Atty. Mark Tolentino, the charge against the TV host is, by nature, a minor offense punishable by arresto mayor or a fine.

“Under prevailing rules and practice, this is ordinarily treated as a bailable offense, and in many instances, courts do not immediately issue a warrant of arrest but instead proceed by way of summons,” Tolentino told GMA News Online.

“Given this, the issuance of a non-bailable warrant is, with due respect, highly irregular and legally questionable,” he added.

The counsel said they will file appropriate motions to challenge the warrant before the Pasay Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 118, including a motion to recall or quash the warrant of arrest.

They will also seek clarification on the proper application of bail.

“We will also assert all available remedies to protect our client’s rights and ensure full compliance with due process,” he said.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) previously said the RTC issued an arrest warrant against Sonza over unlawful use of means of publication and unlawful utterances under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) in relation to Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

The host’s camp said that the warrant stated it was “non-bailable.”

Up to the court

When sought for comment, NBI Director Melvin Matibag said that in this case, it is up to the court to decide whether arrested individuals can post bail.

“We just enforce the warrant,” Matibag said.

Another NBI official said that the issuance of a warrant is based on the prosecutor's recommendations.—AOL, GMA News