One of Sandro Muhlach’s alleged abusers ordered detained by Senate

Sandro Muhlach (left) and Jojo Nones. SCREENGRAB FROM SENATE OF THE PHILIPPINES

One of the TV independent contractors tagged in the alleged sexual abuse of actor Sandro Muhlach was ordered detained by the Senate on Monday.

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada cited for contempt Jojo Nones, an independent contractor of GMA, for denying that he offered to donate money to Sandro’s father, former child actor Niño Muhlach‘s charity of choice allegedly as settlement.

Nones, along with fellow contractor Richard Cruz, were named by Muhlach as respondents in the administrative complaint that he filed before GMA, and at the National Bureau of Investigation.

He and Cruz both attended the hearing of the Senate committee on public information and mass media which is probing the alleged prevalent sexual abuse and harassment cases in the entertainment industry. Meanwhile, Muhlach attended the inquiry virtually, together with his lawyer.

Prior to the contempt citation, Estrada asked Nones if he offered any financial contribution to the Muhlachs’ charitable institution.

“No offer of settlement po, your honor,” Nones said.

“I did not ask if it’s a settlement or not!” Estrada, who was visibly incensed, said in a raised voice. “I did not say it’s a settlement, you are putting words in my mouth.”

“Mr. Chair, I move that he be cited in contempt,” Estrada continued.

Sen. Robin Padilla, who heads the Senate panel, approved the motion for contempt.

Estrada, in a later ambush interview, said Cruz was not cited in contempt because he was not talking at the time.

In the previous hearing, Niño said that Nones and Cruz personally apologized to him during a meeting arranged by GMA senior vice president Annette Gozon-Valdes, and offered to give a sum of money to their chosen charity.  The two respondents further denied that Muhlach was abused, saying they thought “it” was consensual.