SENATE PANEL TO SUBPOENA RESPONDENTS IN SANDRO’S SEXUAL HARASSMENT CASE, NINO MUHLACH BREAKS DOWN IN TEARS

A SENATE panel is set to issue a subpoena against the two respondents in the sexual harassment case filed by the son of actor Nino Muhlach.

Jojo Nones and Richard Cruz, both independent contractors of GMA television network, are implicated in the complaint filed by actor Sandro Muhlach at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

During a hearing of the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media headed by Sen. Robin Padilla on Wednesday, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada made the motion to subpoena Nones and Cruz  after he found their reason not to appear before the Senate “unacceptable.”

“I just would like to give a piece of advice to these two gentlemen. Alam niyo, kapag inimbita kayo sa Senado, huwag niyong i-preempt ‘yung aming mga tanong. So Mr. Chair, I think this letter is totally unacceptable and I move that we subpoena them,” Estrada said.

Estrada’s motion was immediately seconded by Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr..

Sandro, who was reportedly still suffering from trauma, also failed to attend the Senate hearing.

According to attorney Marie Catherine Nolasco-Illescas of the NBI, while their behavioral science division (BSD) has found that Sandro 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.

Meanwhile, Sandro’s father, Niño Muhlach broke down in tears during the Senate hearing.

He expressed frustration over the alleged abuse and harassment of his 23-year-old son Sandro by the two GMA television network independent contractors.

GMA said Nones and Cruz are now suspended pending investigation.

The television network is also conducting its own investigation into Sandro’s accusations.