Nino Muhlach confronted GMA Network contractors Richard Cruz and Jojo Nones at a Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media hearing, where he accused them of sexually abusing his son, Sandro Muhlach.

Cruz and Nones asserted their innocence while Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada questioned them about the incident on Monday, August 12.

Nino Muhlach recounted how he consulted with Senator Bong Revilla after his son revealed the allegation, initially trying to resolve the matter internally.

Muhlach explained their approach to Senator Bong Revilla and their efforts to keep the matter private while seeking resolution through Annette Gozon.

Muhlach expressed confusion about how the information leaked to entertainment vlogger Ogie Diaz. Muhlach recalled meeting with Gozon, where Cruz and Nones apologized, which he interpreted as an acknowledgment of his son's story. Estrada inquired about the nature of the apology and whether it implied admission of wrongdoing. Muhlach clarified that he believed the contractors thought the interaction was consensual.

Nones confirmed apologizing to Muhlach but denied any misconduct. He emphasized that their apology was not an admission of guilt.

Muhlach maintained his stance, recalling the emotional state of Cruz and Nones during the apology and their offer to donate to charity as part of a settlement, which Nones denied. Estrada pressed Nones on text message exchanges with Sandro, which Nones denied initiating.

Nones described his interactions with Sandro, denying any direct invitation and emphasizing politeness due to their friendship.

Muhlach's counsel, Czarina Quintanilla-Raz, informed the panel of the existence of text messages, which they withheld due to National Bureau of Investigation rules.

Estrada highlighted Sandro's surprise upon finding only Cruz and Nones in the room and questioned whether Nones offered wine or a substance, which Nones denied.

Nones requested an executive session to discuss sensitive details, which Estrada eventually granted. After the session, Senators concluded there was sufficient basis for the case. Senator Robin Padilla emphasized the need to hear all voices and mentioned plans to gather further evidence.

Estrada said that the committee found strong evidence against Cruz and Nones and planned to withhold details until the National Bureau of Investigation collected all pieces of evidence.

Muhlach allowed the release of text messages to demonstrate that Nones initiated the exchange, which Nones' camp did not contest. Estrada asked Nones' camp if they maintained that no drugs were involved, and Nones later denied any drug involvement.

Cruz and Nones denied allegations of wrongdoing and stressed their long-standing contributions to the television industry. They highlighted their careers and reputations, emphasizing no prior complaints against them.

Nones condemned online insults and appealed for justice. Both contractors explained their absence from a previous Senate hearing, citing fears of prejudgment and confidentiality violations.(MyTVCebu)

• Tags
• #Niño Muhlach
• #GMA
• #Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media
• #Sexual Abuse