Friday, July 11, 2025

DOJ drops sedition charges vs Jay Sonza

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) has junked due to lack of evidence the inciting to sedition case in relation to Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 filed against blogger and former news anchor Jay Sonza by former Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) head and now PNP chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III.

The resolution, dated June 5, said there is no basis to elevate Torre’s case against Sonza to the court for trial.

“Wherefore premises considered, it is respectfully recommended that the complaint filed by the Philippine National Police represented by Major General Nicolas Torre III against respondent Jose Yumang Sonza a.k.a “Jay Sonza” for inciting to sedition under Article 142 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended, in relation to Republic Act 10175, otherwise known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act, be dismissed for lack of prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction,” said the resolution signed by Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Amanda Felipe.

Torre has accused Sonza of allegedly spreading photos that circulated on social media showing that he was confined in a hospital.

He denied that he was hospitalized or was ill, and alleged that the photos circulating, showing him in a hospital, was manipulated.

In a post on his social media account, Sonza said he is glad the case is over.

“Justice is done.  Walang sagka sa katotohanan at malayang pamamahayag at pandarahas sa paghahayag (Justice is done. There is no hindrance to truth and free press and place for harassment against expression),” he said.

“Case Dismissed! Salamat sa Diyos (Thank God),” he added.

Torre, who was recently appointed as PNP chief after a year-long stint as CIDG head, also previously filed inciting to sedition and unlawful utterances complaint against former president Rodrigo Duterte over the latter’s remarks about killing 15 senators.  

He has also filed an inciting to sedition complaint before the DOJ against former Philippine Army captain Clemente “Dado” Enrique for the latter’s alleged seditious remarks when Torre was still Davao region police chief during the execution of the warrant of arrest against Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Apollo Quiboloy.

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