SCREEN veteran Niño Muhlach broke down in tears Wednesday, August 7, as he recalled the ordeal of his son, showbiz newcomer Sandro Muhlach, who has filed a complaint against independent contractors of GMA Network.
Muhlach spoke about Sandro’s case for the first time during the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media’s investigation of allegations sexual abuse.
The two respondents in Sandro’s complaint, Richard Cruz and Jojo Nones, were issued a subpoena ad testificandum by the Senate panel after they sent a letter of regret for skipping the hearing.
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada also wanted Sandro to face the committee but his lawyer said the young actor is still traumatized.
National Bureau of Investigation Chief for Anti-Graft Division Marie Catherine Nolasco-Illescas explained that Sandro underwent behavioral science evaluation, which led to a recommendation that he limit his public exposure.
Representatives of media companies also assured the committee on Wednesday that mechanisms are in place to safeguard their workers against sexual abuse.
“ABS-CBN already has its policies and procedures for such incidents and the company does not tolerate sexual harassment nor does it condone sexual harassment,” said Cherry Cruz of ABS-CBN Legal.
IBC 13 president and CEO Jimmy Policarpio said similar policies are in place in the firm.
“For Channel 13, we do have a grievance committee under the human relations department and we’re compliant,” Policarpio said.
Catriona Maniego of Viva Artists Agency meanwhile said they do “everything in our power to assist and protect our artists.”
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The panel said it will hold an executive session to discuss the details of the complaint filed by Muhlach against Nones and Cruz.
“Iyung Jojo Nones and the other guy, dapat siguro they should be here at sagutin nila blow by blow, kung kinakailangan kahit executive session para maiwasan at di na mangyari ulit ito,” Sen. Bong Revilla said.
Sen. Robinhood Padilla, committee chair, confirmed the plan to conduct a closed door session of the panel.
“Sana hindi po tayo pahirapan ng dalawang taong nirereklamo… Ito po ay isasailalim sa executive session, hindi po natin irerekomenda na ito po ay pag-usapan sa public dahil lagi po natin iniisip ang mental health ng nagrereklamo at syempre ang karapatan din po ng nirereklamo,” Padilla said. (ABS-CBN News)
