The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has obtained CCTV footage from three hotels as part of its investigation into the alleged sexual abuse of actor Sandro Muhlach by two GMA Network independent contractors, Jojo Tawasil Nones and Richard Dode Cruz.
According to a report from ‘TV Patrol’ on August 8, the footage captures critical moments before and after the alleged incident involving Sandro Muhlach. The hotels involved have declined to provide public statements but have confirmed their cooperation with the NBI’s Public Corruption Division.
The investigation took a significant step forward today as the NBI began hearings on the complaints filed by Muhlach. Atty. Maggie Abraham-Garduque, legal counsel for Nones and Cruz, confirmed that her clients will attend the hearing to receive the complaint and prepare their defense. She also questioned why the Public Corruption Division, typically handling cases involving public officials, is leading the investigation, but affirmed their commitment to respond accordingly.
This development follows the emotional testimony of Sandro’s father, veteran actor Niño Muhlach, during a Senate committee hearing on public information and mass media on August 7. Niño tearfully expressed his deep distress over the alleged abuse, particularly because of his professional relationship with Nones on the GMA Network sitcom ‘Walang Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na Misis,’ where Nones served as head writer.
Adding to the family’s anguish, Niño criticized the attempts by Nones and Cruz to shift the narrative, casting doubt on his son’s traumatic experience.
“Nakakasama ng loob, kung sino may sala, ‘yan pa ang may ganang bumaligtad sa istorya,” Niño said during the hearing. “Kahit sinong ama o magulang ganoon din mararamdaman para kay Sandro.”
Nones and Cruz did not attend the Senate hearing, with their legal counsel explaining that their appearance could be misconstrued as cross-examination during the upcoming trial.
