Two independent contractors of GMA Network, Jojo Nones and Richard Cruz, denied allegations of sexually harassing Sparkle artist Sandro Muhlach during the Senate inquiry into television network and artist management agency policies on abuse and harassment.
“We are the independent contractors of GMA Network mentioned in recent online posts. However, we did not commit any sexual harassment or abuse against Sandro Muhlach,” said Cruz.
Both Nones and Cruz, who did not attend the first hearing last week, appealed to the public to withhold judgment.
“To Sandro, we did nothing wrong to you, and you know that! It’s not too late to tell the truth,” Nones stated.
They emphasized their decades-long careers, untainted by any previous complaints.
“In our long tenure in the industry, there has never been a single complaint, sexual or otherwise, filed against us. We would not ruin our careers and reputations to harass anyone,” Cruz said emotionally.
“Especially knowing that he is the child of a famous actor from an influential family. What chance do we have as ordinary workers against them?” Nones added.
Nones and Cruz clarified that they are not executives at GMA Network and have no power or influence over company artists.
They also expressed pain over derogatory remarks linked to their gender identity.
“It hurts us and our families to read our names online with derogatory terms like ‘bakla’ and other defamatory descriptions,” Nones said. “Yes, we are gay, but we are not abusers. We do not harm others. We fear God.”
The contractors are seeking justice against what they claim are malicious accusations, stating they are prepared to prove their innocence in court.
“We also seek justice. We hope to clear our names from these malicious accusations. We can prove our innocence in court, and we ask everyone to wait for due process,” Nones said.
Actor Niño Muhlach, Sandro’s father, testified that Nones and Cruz had apologized in a meeting with GMA Network Senior Vice President Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes. However, Nones clarified their apology.
“The full sentence was, ‘Sorry, but we did nothing wrong to your son,'” he explained.
The Senate discussed the case in an executive session due to the sensitive nature of the information, adhering to the National Bureau of Investigation’s directive against public disclosure.