Muhlach shares anguish over sexual abuse of son
FORMER child star Niño Muhlach told lawmakers on Wednesday that he was dismayed at how his son Sandro was sexually abused by independent contractors working for the GMA television network.
During a hearing of the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media, Muhlach questioned the policies of TV networks and artist management agencies that allowed such abuses to happen.
«It's truly disheartening. If they can do this to a family that has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry, what more could they do to others, especially newcomers?» a teary-eyed Muhlach said.
FATHER’S AGONY Sens. Robinhood Padilla and Bong Revilla comfort former child star Niño Muhlach, who attends the public hearing on the alleged abuse of his son on Aug. 7, 2024. CONTRIBUTED PHOTODuring the hearing, Sen. Joel Villanueva said what happened to Muhlach's son had no place in a sane society and condemned the act.
«That is the main reason why we are here today. First, we will make sure that there is justice,» Villanueva said.
«We wanted to make sure that the government is ready for situations like this so that it will not happen again, and so that we can protect those who should be protected… but if it is about implementation, then we have to… exercise our oversight power here in the Senate to make sure that our government system works,» he added.
AdvertisementMuhlach's son, Sandro, filed a complaint against two GMA Network independent contractors, Jojo Nones and Richard Cruz, who were not at Wednesday's inquiry.
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada made a motion to subpoena the two, which was seconded by Sen. Bong Revilla.
Estrada initially also wanted to subpoena the younger Muhlach and asked for a medical certificate to show he was not in a mental or emotional state to attend the hearing.
But Marie Catherine Nolasco-Illescas of the National Bureau of Investigation said that while the younger Muhlach was mentally fit to provide them with a statement, he was advised to cease using his social media accounts and limit his public exposure as it may exacerbate his symptoms.
AdvertisementShe also explained that replaying the incident would affect him, which is why,
