Niño Muhlach breaks down in Senate hearing; recounts son’ ordeal

During an inquiry Wednesday, August 7, 2024, on the policies of television networks and artist management agencies Former child star Niño Muhlach expresses his frustration over the alleged abuse and harassment of his son, Sandro, perpetrated by two GMA television network independent contractors. —Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau

MANILA, Philippines — Former child star Niño Muhlach couldn’t help but break down into tears when he recalled on Wednesday his son Sandro’s ordeal.

Speaking before the Senate panel on public information and mass media Muhlach said he personally knows Jojo Nones, one of the alleged abusers of his son.

““Kaya talaga ako nasaktan nang kinuwento niya sa akin ang nangyari. Para makita  mo ‘yug anak mo nanginginig … nang kinukwento sa akin [ang] ginawa sa kanya, (That’s why I was really hurt when he told me what happened. To see your son trembling… while recalling [what] was done to him),” Muhlach admitted before senators.

READ: Sandro Muhlach files complaint vs GMA consultants accused of sexual abuse

According to Muhlach, Nones was the head writer to one of his films that’s why he had high respect for him. As for Richard Cruz, Muhlach said he does not know the person.

“Nakakasama ng loob kung kayang gawin sa, di ko naman … ang talagang malaking kontribusyon sa industriyang ito, what more sa iba, what more sa baguhan? Di ko sinasabing may ginawa silang iba pero kung kaya nilang sa isang pamilya na may pundasyon sa industriyang ito what more sa iba? (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? I’m not saying they did something to others but if they can do this to a family that has built deep connections in this industry what more could they do to others?)” asked Muhlach.

Nones and Richard Cruz are  “independent contractors” working for GMA Network, earlier identified as the alleged abusers of Sandro.

Both of them failed to appear before the chamber’s proceedings, prompting senators to move for the issuance of subpoena against the two.

For his part, Sandro has submitted  a formal complaint to the management of GMA network against its independent contractors Nones and Cruz over what transpired after the network’s recent gala night.