TV director charged by Sandro Muhlach cited in contempt

MANILA, Philippines — A Senate panel on Monday cited in contempt television director Jojo Nones for lying as he denied that he drugged and sexually assaulted young actor Sandro Muhlach.

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

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

An affidavit duly signed by GMA Vice President Annette Gozon-Valdes attested to Nones' offer, Estrada said. Nones was placed under Senate custody.

«Sandro clearly said that there was drugs involved. You gave him drugs before you raped him. That is a drug-induced sexual assault,» Estrada said.

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

Sandro, accompanied by his father, filed charges before the Department of Justice against Nones and Cruz. He accused them of rape through sexual assault. Nones and Cruz, through their lawyers, denied the allegation against them.