The legal counsel for former broadcaster Jay Sonza expressed serious concerns on Friday regarding the “timing and manner” of his client’s arrest.
Sonza was taken into custody following an indictment for allegedly spreading falsified medical information concerning the health of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Atty. Mark Tolentino pointed out that the arrest occurred on the evening of April 30—the eve of Labor Day—effectively preventing the 71-year-old Sonza from posting bail until government offices resume operations after the long weekend.
“The arrest of Mr. Sonza on the eve of a holiday and long weekend raises serious and legitimate concerns. The practical effect is undeniable. He is prevented from posting bail until the next working day, resulting in unnecessary and prolonged detention, especially since he is already 71 years old.”
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) served the warrant Thursday night at a residence in Quezon City. Issued by the Pasay City Regional Trial Court Branch 118, the warrant stems from allegations that Sonza disseminated a fabricated medical document falsely claiming the President was suffering from “severe sigmoid diverticulitis.”
Sonza faces charges of unlawful use of means of publication and unlawful utterances under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code, in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
While law enforcement maintained they were simply serving a judicial order, Tolentino argued the timing appeared calculated to maximize detention.
“We cannot ignore the troubling implication that the timing of this arrest may have been calculated to frustrate his right to bail, rather than to serve the ends of justice.”
The lawyer further warned that such state actions could be perceived as a move to intimidate the public and suppress free speech.
“Actions of this nature risk creating a perception, rightly or wrongly, that individuals are being made examples of, in order to discourage criticism and silence dissent. The justice system must never be used, or even appear to be used, as a tool to intimidate Filipino citizens or suppress lawful expression.”
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) has since lauded the NBI’s action, framing it as a necessary step in the administration’s “Oplan Kontra Fake News” to protect the integrity of public information.