Metro Manila, Philippines – GMA Network’s independent contractors, Richard Cruz and Jojo Nones, appeared before the Senate to deny allegations of sexually abusing actor Sandro Muhlach, much to the dismay of his father, who attended the hearing.
Cruz and Nones had previously submitted counter-affidavits to the National Bureau of Investigation but did not attend the hearing. They also apologized to the Senate for missing the last session, citing fears of a “media circus and premature trial.”
“Opo, kami po ang independent contractors ng GMA network na tinutukoy sa mga online posts na kumalat noong mga nakarang araw. Subalit, hindi po kami gumawa ng kahit anong sexual harassment or abuse laban kay Sandro Muhlach,” Cruz said.
[Translation: Yes, we are the independent contractors of GMA Network mentioned in the online posts that circulated in recent days. However, we did not commit any sexual harassment or abuse against Sandro Muhlach.]
“Bakla kami, oo, pero hindi kami mga abuser. Bakla kami, oo, pero hindi kami gumagawa ng masama sa kapwa. Bakla kami, oo, at may takot kami sa Diyos,” Nones continued.
[Translation: Yes, we are gay, but we are not abusers. Yes, we are gay, but we do not harm others. Yes, we are gay, and we fear God.]
“Kaya po naming mapatunayan sa piskalya o korte na wala kaming kasalanan, hintayin lang po sana natin ang proseso, ang due process,” he added.
[Translation: We can prove in the prosecutor’s office or in court that we are innocent. We just ask that we wait for the process, for due process.]
Sandro’s father, former child actor Niño Muhlach belied their statements, saying they even apologized to him personally for what they did to his son.
“Ang sagot ko po sa kanila, ako tao lang ako. Diyos nga marunong magpatawad. Kaya ko kayong patawarin pero kailangan pagbayarin ninyo ang ginawa niyo,” Muhlach said.
[Translation: My response to them is, I am only human. Even God knows how to forgive. I can forgive you, but you must still be held accountable for what you have done.]
Cruz and Nones again denied this.
The Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media held a closed-door session to discuss the details of the case. Its chairman, Senator Robin Padilla, and member, Senator Jinggoy Estrada later said they found “strong evidence” against Cruz and Nones, but did not go into detail.
As part of the legislative probe, Padilla has filed a bill seeking to reinstate the death penalty for the crime of rape.
