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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Lawyer: Pasay court rectifies order, allows Jay Sonza to post bail

Lawyer: Pasay court rectifies order, allows Jay Sonza to post bail

Published May 3, 2026 03:44 pm
Former broadcast journalist Jay Sonza and his legal counsel Mark Tolentino. (photo: Atty. Mark Tolentino Facebook page)
Former broadcast journalist Jay Sonza and his legal counsel Mark Tolentino. (photo: Atty. Mark Tolentino Facebook page)
Former broadcaster Jay Sonza was allowed to post bail after a Pasay City court, which issued the arrest warrant against him on Thursday, April 30, rectified its earlier order not to grant him bail, his lawyer said. 
Lawyer Mark Tolentino , Sonza’s legal counsel, said that the Pasay City Regional Trial Court 118 set a P10,000 bail for his release.
The only problem is that the rectification was done late and this resulted in Sonza staying in jail from time he was arrested on Thursday possibly until Monday, May 4.
“We confirm that the Court has allowed Mr. Jay Sonza to post bail in the amount of ₱10,000, correcting its earlier Order which mistakenly treated the charge of Unlawful Publication as not-bailable,” Tolentino said in his Facebook post.
“As today is a non-working day and the courts are closed, we will post bail early tomorrow morning (Monday) to secure his immediate release,” he added.
Sonza is facing cases of Unlawful Use of Means of Publication and Unlawful Utterances (Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code), as amended by R.A. 10591, in relation to Section 6 of R.A. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
In a statement, the NBI said Sonza was among those responsible for circulating unverified and misleading medical information involving President Marcos. 
The posts included a purported CT-scan report and statements alleging deterioration in the President’s health, which were subsequently amplified across digital platforms.
Tolentino said the recent court decision is a vindication of their stand that since the case leveled against Sonza is not a serious crime and is not punishable by reclusion perpetua, he should have been allowed to post bail.
The non-bailable portion in the arrest warrant against Sonza also triggered a debate on social media.
“From the outset, we have maintained that the offense charged is bailable as a matter of right, and the Court’s latest action affirms this position. The prior issuance of a non-bailable warrant was legally erroneous and resulted in an unjustified deprivation of liberty,” said Tolentino.
“We are taking all necessary steps to ensure Mr. Sonza’s prompt release and will continue to pursue appropriate remedies in light of the irregularities in this case,” he added.
Tolentino said they will appropriate motions before the court, including a Motion to Recall or Lift the Warrant of Arrest, and/or a Motion to Allow Bail as a Matter of Right, considering the nature of the offense charged.

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