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SMNI paying Jay Sonza P1M a month for consultancy job

Philippines | National

SMNI paying Jay Sonza P1M a month for consultancy job

By Ellson Quismorio

At A Glance

Controversial television network SMNI is paying former longtime broadcaster Jay Sonza a cool P1 million per month for his expertise.

Jay Sonza (Screenshot from Facebook live)

Controversial television network SMNI is paying former longtime broadcaster Jay Sonza a cool P1 million per month for his expertise.

Sonza appeared on Monday, Dec. 11 during the House Committee on Legislative Franchises' resumption of its inquiry on the alleged franchise violations of SMNI.

Sonza, 68, was a new face in the House investigation as he wasn't around during the first two hearings of the panel.

But panel chairman ParaÃ±aque City 2nd district Rep. Gus Tambunting recognized him. After all, Sonza had long tenures on major networks such as ABS-CBN and GMA.

"I'm acting as the consultant for broadcast operations [for SMNI]," Sonza told the committee.

When Quezon 2nd district Rep. David "Jay-jay" Suarez asked regarding Sonza's monetary benefits, the latter turned somewhat evasive.

"The record would speak for itself, Mr. Chairman. We will subject the record,'" said.

Tambunting replied, "Since there's a record, just tells us."

"It's a sizable amount Mr. Chairman...A million...A million per month," Sonza sheepishly said.

The ex-broadcaster also told that panel that he began working for SMNI last March 20, or just over eight months ago. Based on his remarks regarding compensation, he would have already been paid a total of P8 million.

Sonza gave no other details about his professional arrangement with SMNI.

Also attending the hearing was SMNI President Marlon Rosete. Rosete confirmed that Sonza was authorized to answer the solons' questions.

When 1-Rider Party-list Rep. Ramon Gutierrez asked whether or not Sonza had the capacity to make management and executive decisions within the SMNI, Rosete answered, " Yes, Mr. Chairman."

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gus tambunting jay sonza SMNI P1 million

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