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Advocates Philippines
Court Clarifies Bail Issue In Jay Sonza Case; Lawyer Claims 'Apology'
Photo credit: Atty. Mark Tolentino
The Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 118 in Pasay City has clarified issues surrounding the arrest warrant and bail processing in the case of broadcaster Jay Sonza, according to his legal counsel.
In an official statement dated May 4, 2026, Atty. Mark Tolentino said the court explained that the charge of Unlawful Publication against Sonza is bailable as a matter of right. He also relayed that the court had been expecting the posting of bail over the weekend, although the defense insists no formal order allowing bail posting was received.
Tolentino further said the confusion was linked to issues involving the court’s online bail processing system. He added that the defense accepted the court’s explanation in good faith, noting that Sonza had already been detained for five days before the matter was clarified.
“According to the Court, the error stemmed from issues with the online platform related to bail processing, and that the issuance of the warrant was not intentional. In good faith, and in the interest of moving forward, Manong Jay Sonza and undersigned counsel humbly accept the apology of the Honorable Court—despite the fact that he was unjustly deprived of his liberty for five (5) days.”
However, it is important to note that the alleged apology is based on the lawyer’s statement and account of what was communicated.
Meanwhile, Sonza’s scheduled arraignment did not push through after his legal team filed a motion to quash the information, raising jurisdictional issues.
The defense argued that the case allegedly failed to properly state that Pasay City was the place where the offense was committed, which they say is necessary to establish jurisdiction. They also questioned the role of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) as complainant.
“The Information fails to allege that Pasay City is the place of commission of the alleged offense, which is essential to establish jurisdiction; and The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has no legal personality to act as the complainant in this case, as it is neither the offended party nor possessed of personal knowledge required under the law.”
The legal team maintains that these issues point to fundamental defects that may warrant dismissal of the case.
Tolentino also said they are monitoring a separate cyber libel case before RTC Branch 111. Should a warrant of arrest be issued, he said they are ready to post bail immediately to secure Sonza’s temporary liberty.
In an official statement dated May 4, 2026, Atty. Mark Tolentino said the court explained that the charge of Unlawful Publication against Sonza is bailable as a matter of right. He also relayed that the court had been expecting the posting of bail over the weekend, although the defense insists no formal order allowing bail posting was received.
Tolentino further said the confusion was linked to issues involving the court’s online bail processing system. He added that the defense accepted the court’s explanation in good faith, noting that Sonza had already been detained for five days before the matter was clarified.
“According to the Court, the error stemmed from issues with the online platform related to bail processing, and that the issuance of the warrant was not intentional. In good faith, and in the interest of moving forward, Manong Jay Sonza and undersigned counsel humbly accept the apology of the Honorable Court—despite the fact that he was unjustly deprived of his liberty for five (5) days.”
However, it is important to note that the alleged apology is based on the lawyer’s statement and account of what was communicated.
Meanwhile, Sonza’s scheduled arraignment did not push through after his legal team filed a motion to quash the information, raising jurisdictional issues.
The defense argued that the case allegedly failed to properly state that Pasay City was the place where the offense was committed, which they say is necessary to establish jurisdiction. They also questioned the role of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) as complainant.
“The Information fails to allege that Pasay City is the place of commission of the alleged offense, which is essential to establish jurisdiction; and The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has no legal personality to act as the complainant in this case, as it is neither the offended party nor possessed of personal knowledge required under the law.”
The legal team maintains that these issues point to fundamental defects that may warrant dismissal of the case.
Tolentino also said they are monitoring a separate cyber libel case before RTC Branch 111. Should a warrant of arrest be issued, he said they are ready to post bail immediately to secure Sonza’s temporary liberty.
May 4, 2026
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