GMA independent contractors to seek Muhlach harassment complaint dismissal

Metro Manila, Philippines— Independent contractors of a major TV network will seek the dismissal of sexual harassment complaints by a young actor for failure to substantiate his claims, their lawyer said on Tuesday, Aug. 6.

In a statement sent to NewsWatch Plus, lawyer Maggie Abraham-Garduque, said that the formal complaint filed by Sandro Muchlach against her clients Jojo Nunez and Richard Cruz lacked evidence.

“Complainant has no evidence to substantiate his claim for sexual harassment worst the evidence he submitted is contrary to his own allegations,” said Garduque.

She also addressed one of the conversations included in the complaint filed with GMA Network.

“For example, one of his allegations was that he was lured to go up to the hotel room but in the text message attached to his complaint, it was him (Mr. Muhlach) who messaged Nunez with, ‘Andyan pa ba kayo sir Baka po pwede dumaan saglit haha,’” said Garduque.

The lawyer confirmed receiving a subpoena from the National Bureau of Investigation. Garduque questioned why Muhlach filed a complaint with the bureau. The hearing has been set for Aug. 9.

“I just don’t know why it is the public corruption division which will handle the investigation when none of the respondents are public officials/officers,” she said.

Last weekend, actor Niño Muhlach broke his silence over the controversy hounding his son Sandro and two of GMA Network's independent contractors.

In a Facebook post, Muhlach said his family has been suffering so much because of the "unspeakable and vile acts done to our son.”

"We ask for your prayers to help us muster enough strength and courage to withstand the horror of re-living the dastardly acts of the perpetrators as we seek justice through our legal system," said Muhlach.

GMA Network first acknowledged an incident involving its artist and two independent contractors on July 30 through a statement addressing unconfirmed reports online.

"Recognizing the seriousness of the alleged incident, GMA Network had already initiated its own investigation even before receiving the formal complaint. Respecting Sandro’s request for confidentiality, the investigating body will withhold all details of the formal investigation until its conclusion," the network said on Aug. 1.

NewsWatch Plus Correspondent Tristan Nodalo contributed to this report