Jojo Tawasil Nones and Richard Dode Cruz, two independent contractors of GMA Network, have submitted their joint counter-affidavit to the Department of Justice (DOJ), addressing the rape and acts of lasciviousness complaint filed by Sparkle artist Sandro Muhlach.
Nones and Cruz firmly denied the accusations in their counter-affidavit, arguing that there is insufficient evidence to charge them with rape through sexual assault. According to their legal counsel, Attorney Maggie Abraham-Garduque, Muhlach’s testimony lacked credibility and failed to meet the necessary elements required for the charge.
“Pinapabulaanan po namin yung alegasyon ng rape through sexual assault na ibinibintang sa mga kliyente namin kay Richard Cruz saka kay Jojo Nones. Katulad po ng sinasabi namin, yung rape through sexual assault may mga elemento po yun,” Abraham-Garduque said.
The defense also cited a drug test taken by Muhlach, which yielded negative results, countering claims that he had been drugged or intoxicated during the incident. CCTV footage, also presented by Muhlach’s team, reportedly showed that the actor exhibited no signs of physical injury and was able to walk normally, further supporting the defense’s argument.
The legal counsel emphasized that there was no evidence of force or coercion, and that the defendants did not admit any liability or offer a settlement, echoing their statements from a Senate hearing.
Before the filing of the counter-affidavit, Nones and Cruz briefly came face-to-face with Sandro Muhlach and his father, Niño Muhlach, at the DOJ. Niño shared that this marked the first time Sandro had seen the two contractors since the alleged incident in July. He described his son’s emotional reaction, revealing that Sandro was visibly upset and tearful.
“Galit siyempre. Umiyak siya sa loob. Yan so pinalabas muna yung kabila,” Niño Muhlach said.
Despite the emotional strain, Niño expressed confidence in the authorities’ handling of the case, stating, “Okay naman. It’s been fair. We just hope for the best dito sa mga darating na araw na umandar yung kaso.”
After filing their counter-affidavit, Nones and Cruz were escorted to a different area to prevent further interactions with the Muhlach family.
The case is now submitted for resolution by the DOJ.
