Two “independent contractors” of GMA Network, Jojo Nones and Richard Cruz, who were accused by actor Sandro Muhlach of sexual assault, recently attended the Senate hearing. Sandro’s father, Niño Muhlach, was also present at the hearing.
At the start of the proceedings, Jojo Nones reacted strongly to the accusations against them. “Bagamat bading kami ng kasama kong si Richard, hindi kami abuser! May takot kami sa Diyos,” Nones insisted. Alongside this, both Nones and Cruz read a prepared statement before the lawmakers.
Nones also apologized for their absence at the first Senate hearing. Through their legal counsel, Atty. Maggie Abraham-Garduque, Nones, and Cruz firmly denied Sandro’s allegations, which had been filed with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
According to Atty. Garduque in an interview, “Mula sa simula ay sinabi na namin na walang katotohanan ang mga alegasyon laban sa aming mga kliyente. Kaya’t malinaw na may matinding pagtutol sila sa mga paratang na ito.”
Panoorin: 2 umanoy sangkot sa sexual harassment sa artistang si Sandro Muhlach, itinanggi ang akusasyon. pic.twitter.com/EzCzmc3xlh
— robert mano (@robertmano47) August 12, 2024
The controversy arose after Nones and Cruz allegedly assaulted Sandro Muhlach at a hotel during the recent GMA Gala. According to Sandro, he seeks justice for what happened to him. In addition, testimonies have emerged from other young actors who claimed to have experienced similar abuse. However, due to the influence of the accused and the lack of sufficient evidence, the charges were previously dismissed.
The Senate continues to hold hearings on this controversy. Many are closely watching this issue, as it is a significant matter not only within the television industry but also among the public, who are awaiting justice for Sandro Muhlach. There is hope that this will bring clarity and justice to any victims of abuse within the showbiz industry.