Arrest of ex-broadcast journalist Jay Sonza should serve as warning to fake news peddlers

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Friday welcomed the arrest of former broadcaster Jay Sonza, saying it should serve as a warning to those spreading fake news. In a statement, Acting Presidential Communications Secretary Dave Gomez said the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) acted promptly in filing charges and effecting Sonza’s arrest over posts alleging false information about the health of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Gomez said the NBI’s actions showed the administration’s firm and lawful response to alleged online abuse, especially where false information was published and circulated as legitimate news. "It shows the government’s continuing effort to guard the truth, protect the public from deception, and preserve a free but responsible democratic space," Gomez said. Gomez said the case sent a strong signal to those spreading false information online. “Misinformation undermines public trust, endangers lives, and will be met with swift, lawful consequences,” the Palace official said. “Public discourse must remain free, but it must also be truthful, fair, and orderly. Speak freely, but not falsely,” he added.

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