2 charged over alleged Sandro Muhlach rape

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has indicted two independent contractors Jojo Nones and Richard Cruz over the alleged rape of actor Sandro Muhlach.

In a 20-page resolution released yesterday, the DOJ panel of prosecutors found evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction to charge Nones and Cruz with rape through sexual assault and two counts of acts of lasciviousness.

The cases were filed before a Pasay City court.

State prosecutors said all elements of sexual assault and acts of lasciviousness were present in the case.

The element of force and intimidation was also established by Muhlach, the DOJ said.

“It is clear from the statement of the complainant that he repeatedly resisted and pleaded with the respondents to stop their sexual advances. Sandro was physically too weak and dizzy to succeed due to the effects of the drugs and alcohol,” the resolution read.

The DOJ said the delay in the reporting of the sexual abuse to authorities does not taint Muhlach’s credibility.

State prosecutors said Nones and Cruz’s defense of denial is “too shallow and insignificant” to compel Muhlach to falsely accused them and publicly disclose that he was raped.

Nones and Cruz allegedly conspired in raping Muhlach, the DOJ said, adding that the respondents’ actions “all point to their unified and conscious design to sexually violate the actor to satisfy their lewd desires.”

Maggie Garduque, lawyer for  the respondents, said they have yet to receive a copy of the indictment.