PCO: Jay Sonza's arrest shows gov't effort to guard the truth

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said Friday the arrest of former TV host Jay Sonza by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) reflected the government's commitment to fighting online abuse and purveyors of fake news. 

The NBI nabbed Sonza on Thursday night in Quezon City over his alleged spread of fake information regarding the health of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

"It shows the government's continuing effort to guard the truth, protect the public from deception, and preserve a free but responsible democratic space," PCO Acting Secretary Dave Gomez said in a statement. 

With the PCO's Oplan Kontra Fake News campaign, Gomez warned fake news peddlers that they will be met with "swift, lawful consequences."

"We will continue to work with law enforcement, the media and responsible online platforms to identify, investigate and prosecute those who disseminate falsehoods," he added.

Earlier case buildup and cyber-surveillance operations conducted by the NBI Cybercrime Division in January 2026 identified Sonza as among those who allegedly circulated "unverified and misleading medical information involving the President."

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.

The NBI said the Pasay City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 118 issued an arrest warrant against Sonza in connection with criminal charges arising from his alleged dissemination of false information.

Sonza is charged with 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, with no bail. 

The camp of the former TV host said they will question the issuance of a non-bailable warrant against him, saying this was "highly irregular" for the minor offense of unlawful publication. — VDV, GMA News