Senate detains TV contractor in Sandro Muhlach’s case

Rape charges filed

MANILA, Philippines — A Senate panel has cited in contempt an independent contractor of television network GMA7 who allegedly sexually abused actor Sandro Muhlach.

Jojo Nones, one of the two suspects charged with rape through sexual assault before the Department of Justice (DOJ), was detained by the Senate committee on public information and mass media.

During yesterday’s hearing, panel chairman Sen. Robinhood Padilla approved Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada’s motion to cite Nones in contempt.

Nones denied offering to donate money to a charity chosen by Muhlach’s father, Niño, to settle the issue when they met in the presence of GMA senior vice president Annette Gozon-Valdes.

Sandro appeared virtually before the Senate commitee to testify against Nones and Richard Cruz.

Muhlach filed a rape complaint before the DOJ against the two independent contractors of GMA Network.

Muhlach’s lawyer Czarina Raz said her client also filed a complaint for acts of lasciviousness against the suspects.

“The evidence is strong. We will get the justice Sandro deserves,” Raz said in an interview.

The elder Muhlach said the truth would eventually come out.

“It’s a heavy feeling to see your child suffering. He can’t eat and sleep,” Niño said.

He thanked those who supported Sandro.

The National Bureau of Investigation submitted a 23-page recommendation to the DOJ for the filing of rape through sexual assault and 13 counts of acts of lasciviousness against Nones and Cruz. — Mark Ernest Villeza