One of the GMA Network independent contractors accused of sexual harassment by Sandro Muhlach, Richard “Dode” Cruz was rushed to the hospital on Tuesday morning, August 13, after suffering a severe anxiety attack.
This incident followed his appearance at a Senate hearing the previous day, August 12, where the allegations against him were discussed.
Cruz’s lawyer, Atty. Maggie Abraham-Garduque, confirmed the hospitalization in an interview with veteran showbiz reporter and radio host Gorgy Rula.
According to her, the stress of the ongoing controversy has taken a significant toll on Cruz’s mental and physical health.
“Yes, Dode was rushed to the hospital today. He has anxiety attacks after the hearing yesterday and was rushed to the hospital this morning,” said Atty. Garduque.
The lawyer explained that the situation has been difficult for her client since their names and images were publicly linked to the allegations on social media. “Despite presumed innocent and no case filed, they were being crucified online as if already liable. I think the Senate hearing took so much toll to Dode and aggravates his condition,” she added.
Cruz is currently undergoing medical treatment, with endoscopy and colonoscopy procedures scheduled for the following day.
The anxiety and stress reportedly began when the scandal first surfaced, but it intensified after Senator Jinggoy Estrada tore up a letter Cruz and his co-contractor, Nones, had sent during the first Senate hearing last week. The situation further escalated when the Senate issued subpoenas, compelling Cruz and Nones to attend the hearing on Monday, where they both denied any involvement in the alleged misconduct.
In his statement, Cruz firmly denied the accusations. “Opo, kami po ang independent contractors ng GMA Network na tinutukoy sa mga online post na kumalat noon mga nakaraang araw. Subalit, hindi po kami gumawa ng anumang sexual harassment or abuse laban kay Sandro Muhlach,” he stated.
Cruz also clarified that he and Nones are not GMA Network executives, as had been implied online. “Kami po ay hindi executives ng GMA Network, tulad ng lumalabas. Taliwas sa sinasabi online, wala po kaming kapangyarihan o impluwensiya sa network, lalung-lalo na sa mga artista nito. Sinabi naman po ng GMA na hindi kami regular employee ng network. Alam po namin na konting pagkakamali lamang na nagawa namin sa produksiyon ay maaaring ma-terminate ang aming kontrata at mawalan kami ng trabaho,” Cruz explained.
The investigation into the allegations continues, with both sides maintaining their positions as the case unfolds.
