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In this photo uploaded on Facebook on April 30, 2026 shows lawyer Mark Tolentino with Jay Sonza at the NBI Main Office in Pasay City.
Mark Tolentino via Facebook
LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines — The Presidential Communications Office commended the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for its swift action in filing charges and arresting former broadcaster Jay Sonza over his alleged spread of false information on the health of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
PCO Acting Secretary Dave Gomez said the move shows the administration’s firm and lawful stance against disinformation, particularly "where false information is 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 on Friday, May 1.
He said the PCO’s “Oplan Kontra Fake News” is in full swing, sending a strong warning to individuals and groups peddling false information online.
"Misinformation undermines public trust, endangers lives and will be met with swift, lawful consequences," the Palace official said.
The PCO chief added that the government will sustain coordination with law enforcement agencies, the media and online platforms to track down and prosecute those responsible for spreading falsehoods.
"Public discourse must remain free, but it must also be truthful, fair, and orderly. Speak freely, but not falsely," he said.
The PCO recently forged a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Justice and the Department of Information and Communications Technology to strengthen efforts to curb fake news and ensure accountability.
Gomez said several cases involving alleged fake news have already been referred to the Department of Justice for investigation by the NBI and possible prosecution in court.
The development comes amid earlier warnings from the Palace that disinformation about the president’s health is intended to destabilize the government.
In an April 9 statement, the PCO said its Anti-Fake News Desk had monitored a surge of misleading posts on social media targeting Marcos’ condition.
“The timing is suspect. Why the sudden surge at this time? Why resort to outright lies? Why the desperation? Regardless, the motive is clear. Distract and destabilize our government,” the PCO said.
It added that authorities are documenting online posts as possible evidence in court as part of a broader crackdown on fake news.
