NBI Arrests Jay Sonza for Alleged False Claims About President Marcos Jr.’s Health

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has arrested former television personality Jay Sonza on charges related to spreading false medical information about President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The arrest stems from allegations that Sonza disseminated unverified health reports about the President on social media platforms.

According to the NBI, the arrest warrant was issued by the Pasay City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 118. Sonza faces charges of Unlawful Use of Means of Publication and Unlawful Utterances under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by Republic Act 10591, in connection with Section 6 of Republic Act 10175, commonly known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

In its official statement, the NBI emphasized that the warrant “indicates that the offense is not bailable,” suggesting the seriousness with which authorities view the allegations against the former broadcaster.

The case originated from cyber-surveillance operations conducted by the NBI Cybercrime Division (NBI-CCD) in January 2026. These operations reportedly identified Sonza as a key figure responsible for circulating misleading medical information about President Marcos. The NBI claims these posts included what purported to be a CT scan report and statements alleging the President’s health was deteriorating.

Though the original content was subsequently deleted or restricted, the NBI maintained that it had preserved critical evidence through digital forensic methods. This included authenticated screenshots and tracking of content that had been reposted across various platforms. The bureau stated that these materials were submitted to the Department of Justice (DOJ) as evidence, which ultimately led to the filing of charges and the issuance of the arrest warrant.

Legal representation for Sonza has already begun mounting a defense. His attorney, Mark Tolentino, published a statement online pledging to defend his client’s rights, with special consideration given to Sonza’s status as a senior citizen.

“We will not let any violations pass. We will monitor every step. We will take action if necessary. We will provide updates as soon as possible,” Tolentino wrote in his statement.

In a subsequent interview with GMA Integrated News, Tolentino questioned the court’s classification of the offense as non-bailable, arguing that it constitutes only a minimal offense. The defense team plans to petition the court for their client’s immediate release, contending that the bureau has insufficient legal grounds for detention.

“The problem is, I don’t know, maybe the court made a mistake in issuing the warrant. Why issue a warrant stating that bail is not required in this case? Maybe it’s cyber libel. But for cyber libel, no warrant has been issued yet,” Tolentino explained.

He added: “Whatever is stated in the court order, whether right or wrong, it’s their job to follow what’s written there. My job is to question the legality and constitutionality of the court’s order.”

This case highlights the increasingly complex intersection of traditional media, social media, political speech, and cybercrime legislation in the Philippines. The charges against Sonza reflect growing concerns about the spread of misinformation, particularly when it involves high-ranking government officials and matters of public interest.

The incident also adds to a growing list of high-profile libel cases in Philippine media and entertainment circles, where the boundaries between free expression, public interest, and defamation continue to be tested in the courts. As digital platforms have expanded the reach and speed of information sharing, legal frameworks around publication and speech have faced new challenges in interpretation and enforcement.

The case is expected to draw significant attention from media watchdogs, free speech advocates, and legal experts as it proceeds through the judicial system.