Jay Sonza has been cleared of illegal recruitment cases, but remains in jail for other offenses

The two cases filed against former broadcaster Jay Sonza have been dismissed.

Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) spokesperson jail chief inspector Jayrex Joseph Bustinera told GMA News Online on Thursday that the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 100 has dropped the charges against Sonza for syndicated and large-scale illegal recruitment because the complainants failed to attend the hearings.

“Private complainants failed to appear. This is not the first time that they failed to appear. Upon motion of accused, without objection on the part of the people, considering that with the non - appearance of private complainants, the guilt of accused could not be proved beyond reasonable doubt, the instant case is hereby DISMISSED PROVISIONALLY with the express consent and conformity of accused,” read the order signed by presiding judge Editha Miña-Aguba.

While Sonza is ordered to be released, he will have to remain in custody at the QC Jail - Ligtas COVID Center Quarantine Facility in Payatas as he still has ongoing cases for libel and estafa.

It was on July 18 when Sonza was intercepted by Bureau of Immigration personnel at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport after discovering the veteran newscaster has a pending estafa case and an active warrant for syndicated and large-scale illegal recruitment.

He was turned over to the National Bureau of Investigation and then to the BJMP.