‘Enough evidence to prosecute contractors in Sandro case’

MANILA, Philippines — Senators expressed belief that there is strong evidence against two GMA Network independent contractors in connection with the alleged abuse of actor Sandro Muhlach.

During yesterday’s public hearing of the Senate committee on public information and mass media chaired and presided over by Sen. Robinhood Padilla, he and Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada said the complaint of Muhlach should be referred to a proper forum.

“The committee decided that we really think there is probable cause to file the case... as we say, we are not a court… this is our hearing, (but) of course all sides must be heard,” said Padilla. “But at the executive session, it was clear from our understanding that this will reach its rightful destination.”

Estrada said while they could not divulge information they gathered behind closed doors, “we will hold information until all evidence to be gathered by the National Bureau of Investigation are presented.”

He noted that Padilla, Senators Ramon Revilla Jr., Grace Poe and Ronald dela Rosa agreed there is strong evidence in the complaint of Muhlach, son of former child actor Niño Muhlach.

“Based on the discussion earlier during the executive session... what we all understand right now, and we agreed… there is strong evidence against these two gentlemen,” said Estrada.

Contractors Richard Cruz and Jojo Nones denied the allegation of sexual harassment.

“We did not commit any sexual harassment or abuse against Sandro Muhlach. This time, in front of all of you, we would like to deny all these damaging accusations against us,” Cruz said in Filipino.

“We are not executives of GMA Network,” he also said, belying online descriptions of them.

Nones said, “We are not denying that we are gay. In fact, our being queer is one of the reasons why we became creative, artistic and had the skills needed in the industry. All our lives we have used our queerness in a decent way to support our family.”

Cruz said, “All these years we have been in the industry, not a single complaint, sexual or otherwise, has been filed against us. So we will not destroy our career and reputation in order to abuse or harass someone.”