The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed charges of rape through sexual assault and acts of lasciviousness against GMA independent contractors Jojo Nones and Richard “Dode” Cruz.
This legal action follows allegations made by Sparkle actor Sandro Muhlach, who accused the two men of sexual abuse.
According to a report from GMA News Online on Wednesday, the DOJ has filed one count of rape through sexual assault and two counts of acts of lasciviousness against the defendants at the Pasay Regional Trial Court (RTC).
Prosecutors stated that they found “prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction” against both individuals.
The case has been assigned to Pasay RTC Branch 115.
The DOJ’s action stems from a complaint filed by Muhlach with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in August.
In response to the allegations, Cruz and Nones submitted a motion to dismiss the complaint.
However, a 20-page resolution from the DOJ’s panel of prosecutors reportedly indicated that there was sufficient evidence to support claims of abuse, asserting that the acts were “forceful”.
The resolution stated: “It is clear from the statement of complainant Sandro in his affidavit that he repeatedly resisted and pleaded with respondents to stop their unwanted sexual advances.”
“Unfortunately, complainant Sandro was too physically too weak and dizzy to succeed due to the effects of the drugs and alcohol,” it added.
In reaction to the news, Sandro took to his Instagram Story to express his feelings, stating, “From pain to purpose, God’s guidance lights the way. Survivor, not victim.”
