Jay Sonza, the former broadcaster and talk show host, has been released from detention after successfully posting bail Tuesday night.
Authorities at the Ligtas Covid Quarantine Center Facility in Barangay Payatas reported that Sonza’s release occurred precisely at 8:57 p.m. on Tuesday.
The former co-host of the well-known talk show “Mel and Jay,” later renamed “Partners Mel and Jay,” alongside broadcaster Mel Tiangco, secured bail for 11 counts of estafa charges filed against him at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (QC-RTC) Branch 100. Additionally, he also posted bail for a pending libel case at QC-RTC Branch 77.
Judge Editha Mina-Aguba of Branch 100 granted his release from detention as the charges of syndicated and large-scale illegal recruitment filed against him were dismissed due to the consistent absence of the complainants.
She stated, “Given the absence of private complainants and the inability to establish the accused’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt, this case is provisionally dismissed with the defendant’s agreement and consent.”
Another case related to illegal recruitment at QC-RTC Branch 215 was also provisionally dismissed for similar reasons.
However, an official who requested anonimity said that the illegal recruitment cases against Sonza could potentially be reopened if new private complainants decide to pursue the matter.
It’s worth noting that Sonza’s attempt to travel to Hong Kong on July 18 was thwarted by immigration officials who discovered an active warrant for his arrest regarding charges of syndicated and large-scale illegal recruitment. (ai/mnm)
