Jose “Jay” Sonza was ordered to be released from custody after criminal charges brought against him before two Quezon City Regional Trial Courts (QC RTC) were dismissed. However, the former news anchor and talk show host opted to remain behind bars.

Sonza made this decision in response to another commitment order that required him to stay in custody at the Barangay Payatas facility of the Quezon City Jail Quarantine, as a libel case had been filed against him before QC RTC Branch 77.”

According to a jail officer, Sonza preferred to be detained and refused to talk with people “until his cases were over.” “By Friday, his libel case will be heard and he is expected to post bail amounting to P10,000 for his temporary liberty,” the same jail official said.

Earlier, two cases brought against Jay Sonza were dismissed by the Quezon City Regional Trial Court on Thursday, according to the Bureau of Jail Management and Phenology.

Due to the complainant’s repeated non-appearance from the hearings, the syndicated and extensive illegal recruitment case brought against Sonza has been “provisionally” dismissed by Judge Editha Mina-Aguba of QC RTC Branch 100.

“Upon motion of accuses, without objection on the part of the people, considering that with the non-appearance of private complainants, the guilt of the accused could not be proven beyond reasonable doubt, the instant case is hereby dismissed provisionally with the express consent and conformity of the accused,” she said.

The judge then ordered the release of Sonza from detention “unless held for some lawful other causes.”

In a similar vein, QC RTC Branch 215 has “provisionally” dismissed the former broadcaster’s illegal recruitment case.

Assistant City Prosecutor Joseph Seares claimed in the order that despite his serious efforts to contact the private complainants in the case, they had not coordinated with him.

The order stated, “Given the consent of the accused who is virtually present… and in view of the manifestation of the public prosecutor indicating lack of interest to prosecute this case, on the part of the private complainants, the motion of the defense is hereby granted,” according to the Order.

Bustinera added that if there is new information or a compelling reason to reopen the case, it may be reinstated within two years of being provisionally dismissed.

However, the former news anchor will have to stay in custody, due to two cases—11 counts of estafa in QC RTC Branch 100 and a libel case in QC RTC Branch 77— both are still pending in court.

Sonza was being interviewed by immigration officials at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 as he was about to board a flight to Hong Kong on July 18. It was during this time that the officials learned about the estafa case against the former broadcaster. Consequently, he was subsequently prevented from boarding his flight.”

Photo: DZME, Mark Anthony Lopez