Jay Sonza was arrested for alleged syndicated and large-scale illegal recruitment. The former broadcaster’s arrest was confirmed by National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Assistant Director Glenn Ricarte on Tuesday.
Who is Jose Sonza?
Jay Sonza, whose real name is Jose Yumang Sonza, is a Filipino former newscaster and talk show host. He was the former station manager of the terrestrial television station UNTV from 2004 to 2009.
Why Jay Sonza was arrested
Sonza was arrested for illegal recruitment in August 2023. On July 18, Sonza was allegedly traveling on his scheduled aircraft to Hong Kong when Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 immigration officers detained him.
Later, when they learned that he has an estafa case pending, they learned that his flight had been cancelled. Glenn Ricarte, the assistant director of the National Bureau of Investigation, later verified his detention on August 15; he was then transferred to the custody of the NBI after being detained in the Quezon City Quarantine Facility Jail on August 3.
He was moved on August 3 to the quarantine area of the Quezon City Jail in Payatas, where he is now being held. Syndicated or widespread illegal recruitment is a crime for which bail is not available. Sonza ran for the Senate in 2004 as part of Aksyon Demokratiko.
He was unsuccessful in the election but went on to head the UNTV station from 2004 to 2009. He declared his candidacy for vice president in 2010. He attempted to cross the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan but failed. Sonza is best recognized for her work as co-host of the well-liked chat shows “Mel and Jay” and later “Partners Mel and Jay,” both of which she co-hosted with broadcaster Mel Tiangco.
