Sandro Muhlach files rape case against GMA independent contractors; Jojo Nones cited in contempt
Sandro Muhlach has filed a rape case against GMA independent contractors Jojo Nones and Richard Cruz before the Department of Justice.
On Aug. 19, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada cited Nones in contempt during the Committee on Public Information and Mass Media.
Muhlach testified and appeared before the Senate virtually but struggled to tell the story in detail. The actor’s legal counsel stressed that the actor is still "triggered" by the traumatic experience.
He also recounted being pressured to ingest drugs and was allegedly assaulted while he was in a weakened state. This was later denied by the TV director.
The actor’s camp later requested an executive session.
Nones was also questioned about an offer he allegedly made to Sandro's father Niño and GMA Network's Senior Vice President for Programming Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes to contribute to a charity of the former child actor's choosing.
The former child actor first brought this up in the previous Senate hearing, while Gozon-Valdes said in her affidavit that there was an offer made.
After continuously denying this, Nones was cited under contempt by Estrada and was ordered to be placed under Senate custody.
Muhlach files rape complaint vs Nones, Cruz
Earlier in the day, Muhlach filed a complaint against Nones and fellow GMA individual contractor Richard Cruz before the Department of Justice (DOJ). Muhlach was joined by his legal team, his father Niño, his girlfriend, and a friend.
Muhlach's lawyer Atty. Czarina Raz said that the complaint was rape through sexual assault and several acts of lasciviousness.
"The evidence is strong. We have the evidence that we need. We will get the justice Sandro deserves," Raz said in an interview.
Previously, the actor’s camp filed a sexual molestation complaint against Nones and Cruz with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). Niño turned emotional stating that his son was traumatized and even hesitated to file a formal case.
The NBI has also submitted a 23-page document to the DOJ's National Prosecution Service recommending charges of rape through sexual assault and 13 counts of lasciviousness against Nones and Cruz.
The two contractors have submitted counter-affidavits and appeared before the NBI with their legal counsels. The DOJ is now reviewing the case. (with reports Mark Ernest Villeza, Daphne Galvez)