Trigger warning: This article contains mentions of rape and sexual harassment.
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada received backlash for his approach during the Senate hearing on the sexual harassment case involving Sparkle artist Sandro Muhlach.
The young actor reportedly formally filed charges of “Rape Through Sexual Assault” and “Multiple Counts of Acts of Lasciviousness” against GMA independent contractors Richard Cruz and Jojo Nones.
The hearing, held on Monday, August 19 by the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media, was joined by the young actor appearing via Zoom with his lawyer, Atty. Czarina Raz.
During the proceedings, Estrada questioned Muhlach for details about the alleged incident, asking whether Nones had offered him wine and whether he drank it.
When Muhlach hesitated to provide more information, Estrada pressed him, saying, “Sige na, sabihin mo na.”
Raz then stepped in, reminding Estrada that Nones and Cruz had not yet received the formal complaint, as the case had just been filed with the Department of Justice. However, Estrada asked if they preferred to discuss the matter in a closed executive session.
Raz explained that while Muhlach was willing to speak, he was still emotionally triggered and struggling to openly discuss all the details.
“Also, medyo natitrigger pa po si Sandro although nilakasan niya ho talaga ‘yung loob niya na magpakita today. Hindi niya kaya talaga na dire-diretso pag-usapan lahat ng detalye,” the attorney said.
Estrada seemingly expressed frustration, saying, “Alam niyo, ‘pag hindi natin tatapusin ito, hahaba nang hahaba ito.”
He further added, “You’re wasting our time here eh. Magsasalita ba kayo o hindi? Kung hindi, aalis na ako rito.”
Estrada ultimately told her and Muhlach to either agree to an executive session or leave.
The senator’s remarks drew ire on social media, with netizens criticizing his “insensitive” and “intimidating” behavior towards the traumatized alleged victim of sexual assault.
Newscaster Karen Davila urged lawmakers to “stop victim blaming” and to treat victims with “compassion” and “sensitivity.”
She also criticized the practice of questioning why victims took time to report their trauma, emphasizing that such public scrutiny can worsen their suffering and hinder others from coming forward.
“Stop barraging, asking ‘Why did it take you 5 years? You should’ve filed a complaint immediately.’ Victims are scared. They feel ashamed. And this kind of public shaming will not help victims to come out,” stressed Karen.
Karen then reminded senators that they serve the public and should not behave as if they are above others.
“Let me remind our senators, you serve the people. You are not gods. Do not act like it,” the reporter addressed officials.
Medical practitioner and TV host Dr. Gary Sy also called out Estrada’s approach during the hearing in a video posted on his Facebook page, writing in the caption, “Bakit kaya ganun si Senator Jinggoy Estrada magsalita at magtanong sa isang alleged victim ng rape? May mali. MALAKING MALI!”
Content creator Rod Magaru expressed his concern for Sandro, addressing the discomfort he must have felt in admitting and answering sensitive questions about the traumatic ordeal.
In the same hearing, Estrada cited Nones in contempt for allegedly lying under oath multiple times, resulting in his being detained by Senate guards.
Previously, Nones and Cruz defended themselves against the allegations of sexually abusing Muhlach after the GMA Network’s gala night on July 20.
