Nearly a month after allegedly being sexually abused, Sandro Muhlach still struggles with feelings of self-disgust due to the incident involving suspended GMA-7 independent contractors Jojo Nones and Richard “Dode” Cruz. The incident reportedly took place at a hotel on July 21, 2024.
For the first time since the incident, Sandro spoke publicly during a virtual appearance at the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media hearing on Monday, August 19, 2024. The hearing was led by Senator Robin Padilla and Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada.
Sandro, who has formally filed charges of rape through sexual abuse and acts of lasciviousness against Nones and Cruz at the Department of Justice, was cautious in his responses to Estrada’s questions. However, before the hearing concluded, Sandro requested to share his experience.
With his legal counsel, Atty. Czarina Quintanilla-Raz, by his side, Sandro detailed his current state following the alleged abuse.
“Pasensiya na rin po kung hindi po ako nakapag-attend sa previous senate hearings. Pero more than that, advice sa akin ng doctors ko sa NBI, na hindi pa po talaga ako handa na pag-usapan yung buong nangyari sa akin,” he said.
Sandro also expressed his fear and shame, noting how difficult it was for him to even see the two individuals he had accused. “Nakakatakot po kasi at nakakahiya po. Ang hirap kasi po para sa akin na makita silang dalawa, like, live,” he continued.
In his statement, Sandro admitted that the trauma of the incident has taken a severe toll on his mental health, affecting his ability to eat, sleep, and leading to daily anxiety. “Araw-araw po ako na ina-anxiety saka hanggang ngayon po, diring-diri pa rin ako sa sarili ko,” he revealed.
Sandro also acknowledged that he is not yet “okay” and is struggling to cope with the aftermath of the incident. He shared how his mother, who is in the United States, blames herself for not being able to protect him. “Pero yung totoo po, hindi po talaga ako okay,” he admitted.
Sandro emphasized the importance of protecting all victims of sexual abuse and called for laws related to sexual abuse to be gender-neutral. “Bilang isang biktima, nais ko po ibahagi yung pinapaniwalaan ko na puwedeng ma-consider po. Una po yung laws na related sa sexual abuse should all be gender neutral,” he suggested.
The Senate hearing also featured testimony from singer Gerald Santos, who revealed that he, too, was a victim of rape in 2005 at the age of 15.
Sandro concluded by highlighting the challenges victims face in reporting such incidents. He disclosed that it took him ten days to gather the courage to report the incident, fearing the impact it might have on his career at GMA.
“Sana po, magkaroon ng support services na ready na makapagsumbong po agad yung mga biktima na katulad ko po. Kasi hindi naman lahat, may kakayahan na magsumbong freely,” he said, underscoring the need for better support for victims of sexual abuse.