Jay Sonza

Jose Yumang Sonza (born September 20, 1955), more commonly known as Jay Sonza, is a Filipino blogger and a former newscaster and talk show host. He attempted to run for vice president in 2010, but lost to Jejomar Binay. As of April 30, 2026, Jay Sonza has been arrested by the NBI in Quezon City due to a warrant of arrest in a case involving the dissemination of misinformation using the internet or media.

Early life and education Sonza was born on September 20, 1955, in Macabebe, Pampanga, to Dalmacio Isip Sonza and Segundina Viray Yumang. During his childhood, his family migrated to Bansalan, Davao del Sur, near Mount Apo. He was able to work to finance his studies.

Media career At his teenage years, Sonza worked at DXGE, a radio station in Davao City, where his media career later began He worked as well as a writer for radio. He returned in 2001 as program host.

He worked at ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation (now ABS-CBN Corporation) from 1987 to 1995. He then worked at GMA Network until 2004, wherein he became a supervising producer and consultant. In ABS-CBN, Mel and Jay premiered on DZMM in 1987; being renamed Partners Mel and Jay, Aside from these, he also became part of RPN-9 in 2000 where his program, Tapatan, was moved from GMA-7;

Also worked for publications, Sonza became a People's Daily Forum editor and a correspondent of the Philippine News Agency and two Mindanao-based periodicals. He also worked for The Manila Times, Hot News, Abante,

Sonza was among the witnesses presented by the prosecution during the 2000 impeachment trial of then president Joseph Estrada.

Political career Sonza worked for Commission on Population–Davao Region as an information officer.

Sonza reportedly had been interested in politics, as both Lapian ng Masang Pilipino and Lakas parties invited him to be in their senatorial lineup in the 2001 elections. and Aksyon Demokratiko; and in 2007, for sectoral representative, being a BATAS party-list nominee. with his running mate disqualified by the Commission on Elections during the campaign.

During the administration of Rodrigo Duterte, Sonza, known for being a self-confessed supporter, was widely criticized for spreading fake news and rumors against the government's critics, one of them then vice president Leni Robredo.

Legal issues Complaint against ABS-CBN On April 30, 1996, Sonza filed a complaint against ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation before the Department of Labor and Employment, due to allegations of unpaid salaries and fees. Sonza, being the president and general manager of Mel and Jay Management and Development Corporation, had resigned from the network about a month earlier. On July 8, 1997, the Labor Arbiter dismissed the complaint for lack of jurisdiction, which was later affirmed by the National Labor Relations Commission, the Court of Appeals (CA), and eventually, the Supreme Court, which cited that Sonza, as broadcast and entertainment talent, is an independent contractor (the same argument referred to Mel Tiangco by the court which also dismissed her own case against the network).

Complaint by ABS-CBN vs. Sonza et al A civil case was filed by ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation against Sonza and Tiangco (who was also charged with violating the network's policy against endorsing products) for their breach of talent agreement with the network. Another was filed in 1996 against GMA-7 for reportedly interfering with the agreement. The contract, stating that the two were exclusive talent of ABS-CBN until 1997, was breached however as they agreed with GMA-7 to produce Partners Mel and Jay a year prior.

Complaint filed by Julia Barretto On September 25, 2020, actress Julia Barretto filed a complaint against Sonza before the National Bureau of Investigation's (NBI) Cybercrime Division in connection with his social media post claiming that she was pregnant.

2023 arrest Sonza was arrested and detained by the Bureau of Immigration at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on July 18, 2023, while en route to his departure for Hong Kong. He was transferred to the NBI in Manila

His arrest was confirmed on August 15 by both BI, and BJMP.

On August 18, Sonza pleaded not guilty before the RTC Branch 77 for a separate, 2007 libel case; charges of estafa before the Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 135 are also pending. He was released from detention on August 22 after posting bail of ₱270,000 for both cases.

2026 In 2026, complaints were filed against Sonza before the Department of Justice in separate occasions.

In February, the NBI filed a cyberlibel complaint against him and social media personality Eric Celiz for allegedly spreading medical information about President Bongbong Marcos, which was later found to be false. Sonza was reported posting the claims on Facebook.

In March, former senator Antonio Trillanes IV filed criminal complaints against him, among others, regarding the latter's allegations that he received cash from former congressman Zaldy Co to fund the International Criminal Court personnel.

Personal life Sonza was formerly married to a woman with whom he has five children.

Electoral history

Programs Dear Deejay Jay (1981–1985) (DZMB) Mel & Jay (1989–1996) (ABS-CBN) TV Patrol (1987–1996) (ABS-CBN) - substitute anchor for Noli De Castro or Frankie Evangelista Mel & Jay sa DZMM (1988–1996) (DZMM) Pulis, Pulis Kung Umaksiyon, Mabilis (1993–1995) (DZMM) Tapatan with Jay Sonza (1995–1998; 2000–2001; 2004–2005) (GMA Network/RPN/UNTV) Tapatang Jay at Deo (2000–?) (DZRH) Get it Straight (2008–2010) (UNTV) Good Morning Kuya (UNTV)