Sandro Muhlach files raps vs 'abusers'

A SENATE panel on Monday cited TV director Jojo Nones for contempt for lying as he denied that he drugged and sexually assaulted young actor Sandro Muhlach, who filed a complaint against his alleged abusers on Monday before the Department of Justice.

The Senate Committee on Public Order and Mass Media, led by Sen. Robinhood Padilla, resumed the inquiry on the alleged sexual harassment of Muhlach by Nones and Richard Cruz, a writer.

Muhlach attended the Senate inquiry virtually but sought an executive session when Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada pressed him to narrate the incident.

Estrada moved to cite Nones, an independent contractor for GMA, for contempt for lying before the committee after he denied that he offered a financial contribution to any charitable institution chosen by Sandro's father, veteran actor Niño Muhlach.

This, despite the execution of an affidavit duly signed by GMA Vice President Annette Gozon-Valdes attesting to Nones' offer, Estrada said. Nones was placed under Senate custody.

Addressing Nones, Estrada said, «Sandro clearly said that there were drugs involved. You gave him drugs before you raped him. That is a drug-induced sexual assault. Continue to deny it.»

In reply, Nones said, «These are allegations, and we deny the allegations.»

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Padilla said, «There is a motion to cite Mr. Jojo Nones in contempt. Without any objection the motion is approved so ordered.»

Estrada then told the Senate sergeant-at-arms: «Bring him to the detention cell.»

Sandro, accompanied by his father, filed charges against Nones and Cruz, accusing them of rape through sexual assault. Nones and Cruz, through their lawyers, denied the charges.

Estrada asked Sandro whether he wanted to narrate the incident «because we only read about it on Facebook.»

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Sandro replied: «I'm not ready to get into details because the other camp has not yet read our complaint [that we filed against them]. I'm having difficulties narrating the entire details.»

Estrada asked Sandro if he knew Nones and Cruz.

The young actor said, «I only know Jojo. I met Richard only on that night.»

Sandro also said that it was Nones who texted him first. Nones did not deny