The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on Friday, May 1, 2026, praised the arrest of former broadcaster Jay Sonza, stating that it demonstrates the government's firm resolve to combat online abuse and misinformation.
In a statement, PCO Acting Secretary Dave Gomez said the National Bureau of Investigation's (NBI) action is proof of the Marcos administration's "strong and lawful response" against the spread of false information.
"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.
He reminded the public that "public discourse must remain free" but must also be fair and orderly.
The NBI filed cyberlibel complaints against Sonza for allegedly spreading fake medical documents of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. Sonza was arrested on Thursday, April 30, 2026, after the Pasay City Regional Trial Court issued a warrant of arrest.
Gomez said the PCO, through its Oplan Kontra Fake News, will continue working with law enforcement agencies, media, and responsible online platforms to identify, investigate, and prosecute those who spread lies.
This initiative, he added, should serve as a strong warning to fake news peddlers not to spread false information. "Misinformation undermines public trust, endangers lives, and will be met with swift, lawful consequences," Gomez said.
The PCO earlier reached an agreement with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) to stop the spread of fake news and hold its promoters accountable. The PCO has submitted several fake news cases to the DOJ for investigation and prosecution in court.
