Actor Sandro Muhlach has clarified that the recent dismissal of the acts of lasciviousness charges against GMA Network’s independent contractors, Jojo Nones and Richard Cruz, is only a part of the legal battle he is pursuing. In an Instagram story posted on February 13, 2025, Muhlach explained that the court dismissed these specific charges because they overlap with the ongoing sexual assault case. He emphasized that this development does not diminish the severity of the accusations, stating, “The court removed the acts of lasciviousness charge because it’s already part of the sexual assault case, which is still ongoing. Meaning, mas matindi ang magiging kaso.”
Muhlach also announced plans to file a motion for reconsideration regarding the dismissed charges. He expressed his determination to seek justice, declaring, “Hindi sila makakalusot dito at ilalaban ko to hanggang huli! I will make sure na hindi na kayo makakaulit sa iba.”
The Pasay Metropolitan Trial Court (MTC) Branch 46 had previously granted the motion to quash two counts of acts of lasciviousness against Nones and Cruz. The court reasoned that these charges were redundant, as they are elements of the more serious offense of rape through sexual assault. Consequently, the Department of Justice has filed cases of rape through sexual assault against both individuals before the Pasay Regional Trial Court.
This clarification from Muhlach comes in response to media reports about the MTC’s dismissal, which led to public concern and disappointment. The legal dispute began in August 2024 when GMA Network acknowledged receiving a formal complaint from Muhlach against the TV consultants, though the network did not disclose specific details at that time.
Shortly thereafter, Muhlach and his father, former child actor Niño Muhlach, approached the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to file a sexual molestation complaint against Nones and Cruz. A few days later, Muhlach submitted additional documents to the NBI before proceeding to file a rape case against the two suspects with the Department of Justice.
Before these formal complaints, the names of Muhlach, Nones, and Cruz circulated on social media following a blind item published by a local entertainment news website. The report alleged that two program executives had sexually harassed a newcomer artist in a hotel room during a lavish event at the same venue.
The controversy escalated to multiple Senate hearings, with Nones and Cruz present. During these sessions, Nones was cited in contempt and placed under Senate custody for allegedly providing false testimony under oath. Despite the proceedings, both Nones and Cruz have consistently denied the allegations, even as some senators have indicated that there is substantial evidence against them.
In their defense, Nones and Cruz are seeking the dismissal of Muhlach’s complaint, arguing that his evidence contradicts his allegations. As the legal process continues, Muhlach remains resolute in his pursuit of justice, ensuring that the more serious charges of sexual assault are thoroughly addressed in court.