MANILA, Philippines — Former broadcaster Jay Sonza was arrested Thursday night and held without bail for allegedly spreading fake news on the health of President Marcos, the National Bureau of Investigation announced yesterday.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag said the arrest was carried out on April 30 based on the warrant issued by the Pasay City Regional Trial Court Branch 118.
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) lauded the NBI for promptly filing the charges and carrying out the arrest, saying it reflects the government’s continuing effort to “guard the truth and protect the public from deception.”
PCO Secretary Dave Gomez said in a statement that the government, through its Oplan Kontra Fake News, is sending a strong warning to peddlers of fake news.
“Misinformation undermines public trust, endangers lives and 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,” Gomez said.
He added that “public discourse must remain free, but must also be truthful, fair and orderly.”
“Speak freely, but not falsely,” Gomez said.
Based on the NBI cybersurveillance operations in January, Sonza was among those who circulated unverified and misleading medical information about Marcos.
The posts included a purported CT scan report and statements alleging deterioration in the President’s health.
St. Luke’s Medical Center debunked the document on Jan. 28, calling it fake and fabricated.
Sonza was charged with unlawful use of means of publication and unlawful utterances under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by Republic Act 10591, in relation to Section 6 of RA 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
His legal counsel, Mark Tolentino, confirmed the arrest as he questioned the legal basis of the charges, particularly the classification of the offense as non-bailable.
Tolentino said violations related to unlawful publication under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 and the Revised Penal Code are generally bailable.
Matibag said the warrant indicated that the case is non-bailable and that the issue is best clarified before the court.