Independent contractors Jojo Nones and Richard Cruz did not attend the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) hearing on Friday concerning the criminal complaint filed against them by Sparkle artist Sandro Muhlach.
Their lawyer, Atty. Maggie Garduque, represented them at the hearing and submitted their joint counter-affidavit, denying the sexual abuse allegations. Garduque highlighted the severe impact of social media judgment on Nones and Cruz’s mental and physical health.
A second Senate hearing related to the case is scheduled for Monday, though it remains uncertain if Nones and Cruz will attend. Garduque indicated that she would discuss their participation with them.
Actor Niño Muhlach, Sandro’s father, revealed that Sandro is dealing with depression and undergoing psychological evaluation following the incident. Niño also mentioned that there is no immediate pressure for Sandro to return to work at GMA Network. Should Sandro choose to leave showbiz, he already manages the family’s business.
During a Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media hearing on Wednesday, Niño Muhlach became emotional, recounting how Sandro trembled while recounting the incident. He emphasized the vulnerability of artists, particularly new ones, to such incidents.
Nones and Cruz did not attend the Senate hearing this week. They are also under investigation by GMA Network and have been preventively suspended, as confirmed by GMA Network Senior Vice President Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes during the Senate hearing. Following the incident, a meeting between Muhlach, Gozon-Valdes, Nones, and Cruz took place, during which Nones and Cruz apologized to Muhlach. Despite the apology, Muhlach believes Nones and Cruz should still be held accountable.
Last week, Sandro, accompanied by his father, filed a criminal complaint against Nones and Cruz for sexual abuse at the NBI. When asked about his condition, Sandro replied, “Hindi po ako OK pero kakayanin ko po” (I am not OK, but I will manage).