The camp of former broadcaster Jay Sonza is seeking the dismissal of the case against him in connection with the alleged spread of fake medical records of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

On April 30, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested Sonza for cyber libel charges.

According to a report by RH Jecelle Ricafort on Monday, Sonza’s counsel, Atty. Mark Tolentino, said they will file a motion to dismiss, arguing that the Pasay City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 118 has “no jurisdiction“ over the case.

Tolentino added that they will seek “recognizance“ for Sonza, aiming to waive the ₱10,000 bail requirement.

He described the charge unlawful publication under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 as “very minimal.”

“Minimal lang naman ang kaso, they second mag-file din tayo ng motion to dismissed motion to dismissed on the ground that 'yung RTC ng Pasay walang jurisdiction sa unlawful publication,“ Tolentino said.

Sonza had already appeared at the Pasay RTC for his scheduled arraignment.

However, his lawyer said that if the court grants their motion to dismiss, the reading of charges would no longer proceed.

The defense earlier also questioned the initial arrest warrant, pointing out what it called an error in labeling the case as “not bailable.”

According to Tolentino, the charges filed are bailable and do not carry penalties of reclusion perpetua or life imprisonment.

The NBI, meanwhile, said it will seek clarification from the court regarding the “not bailable” notation in the warrant issued against Sonza.