The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed criminal charges against independent contractors Jojo Nones and Richard Cruz in the Pasay City Regional Trial Court for allegedly sexually assaulting actor Alessandro “Sandro” Muhlach. According to the DOJ’s resolution, Nones and Cruz face charges of rape through sexual assault under Article 266-B of the Revised Penal Code, a non-bailable offense, and two counts of acts of lasciviousness.
The case stems from an incident on July 21 in a Pasay hotel, where prosecutors claim Muhlach was subjected to forced and unwanted sexual advances after allegedly being given drugs and alcohol. The DOJ’s resolution emphasized the presence of intimidation and physical incapacity in Muhlach’s testimony, noting that his resistance was overcome by his physical weakness at the time.
DOJ Prosecutor Richard Fadullon stated that the panel of prosecutors gave significant weight to Muhlach’s testimony, despite minor inconsistencies, and dismissed the defense’s denial as insufficient. Fadullon reiterated the DOJ’s commitment to pursuing justice for victims of sexual assault, irrespective of gender, encouraging victims to report incidents without fear.