(UPDATES) GMA Network has received a formal complaint from Sparkle artist Sandro Muhlach, identifying two “GMA independent contractors,” Jojo Nones and Richard Cruz, as his alleged abusers.
These revelations came after Wednesday’s social media uproar when actor Niño Muhlach and his partner, Diane Abby Tupaz, took to Facebook to accuse “shameless people possessed by demons” of sexually abusing one of their children. While the couple did not disclose the child’s identity, it was only through Thursday’s statement that Sandro’s name had been made public.
The incident allegedly happened following a grand event mounted by the network on July 20, also known as the GMA Sparkle Ball.
GMA Network said it had initiated an internal investigation into the incident even before the formal complaint was lodged. The network emphasized its commitment to conducting a thorough and impartial inquiry, assuring the public and stakeholders of its dedication to fairness and justice.
“Respecting Sandro’s request for confidentiality, the investigating body will withhold all details of the formal investigation until its conclusion,” the statement said.
Who is Sandro Muhlach?
Born Alessandro Muhlach on June 14, 2001, Sandro Muhlach is the eldest son of former child star Niño Muhlach and his former partner, Edith Millare. His younger brother, Alonzo — his father’s son with stepmother Tupaz — is more familiar to the public, having previously pursued a career as a child actor.
Despite his family’s established presence in showbiz, Sandro initially chose to use the name Alessandro Millare when he auditioned for GMA Network’s talent management arm, Sparkle Artist Center.
In an interview on “Fast Talk With Boy Abunda,” he explained he opted not to leverage the well-known family name to avoid perceptions of nepotism and to establish his career based on his own talent. Besides his father, dramatic actor Aga Muhlach is another big name in the industry, among other celebrity cousins.
Sandro eventually embraced his surname after making his way into the industry and has since gained roles in GMA Network’s popular programs “Agimat ng Agila,” “Pepito Manaloto: Ang Unang Kuwento,” “Mano Po Legacy: The Flower Sisters,” and “Regal Studio Presents.”
While Thursday’s statement indicated Sandro’s alleged abusers as “GMA independent contractors,” Nones and Cruz have contributed to many of the network’s most successful programs in various capacities.
Nones served as the head writer and concept creator for the primetime series “Mga Lihim ni Urduja,” starring Kylie Padilla and Sanya Lopez, which premiered on Feb. 27, 2023. He also co-created and wrote for “First Yaya,” an aspirational drama series that became a huge hit during the pandemic about a nanny who becomes first lady of the Philippines. Starring Lopez and Gabby Concepcion, the series’ success led to a sequel titled “First Lady,” where Nones was also part of the creative team.
Cruz, on the other hand, has an extensive portfolio as a creative consultant and writer. He is also designated as “Creative Head for Afternoon Prime at GMA Network” based on his LinkedIn account.
As creative head, his name was connected to such GMA shows as “Asawa ng Asawa Ko,” and as writer, his credits include the afternoon drama “The Half Sisters” and prime time series “Ika-6 na Utos,” “Primadonnas,” and “First Yaya” and “First Lady,” where he worked with Nones.
Cruz also contributed to “Magdusa Ka,” which is notable for being GMA’s first drama to be nominated for the International Emmys for Best Telenovela.
Contractual creatives, not executives
In a phone interview with The Manila Times, GMA Network Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Communication, Angel Javier-Cruz, said contrary to earlier reports, Nones and Cruz are not executives of GMA.
“They are creatives who are hired on a contractual basis,” she said. “When one project ends, they need to renew their contracts like talents do, which is common practice in the industry. So they are not permanent employees per se, and the term ‘independent contractors’ from GMA is how our Legal Department qualifies their position.”
Javier-Cruz said GMA was serious about addressing Sandro’s allegations against Nones and Cruz and was unwavering in its commitment to justice for all involved.
“The network’s concern for Sandro is deep and sincere. Sparkle has already given him professional counselling sessions, again, even before the complaint was filed,” she said.
Javier-Cruz said all necessary steps would be taken to ensure “a fair and thorough investigation.”
Initial accusations
In the same phone interview, Javier-Cruz said the Muhlach family had asked the network to keep the contents of Sandro’s complaint strictly confidential for the time being, including all ensuing findings of the ongoing investigation.
“I know so many versions of what happened during the alleged abuse have been going around online but we are not in the position to confirm or deny any of them,” she added.
The initial accusations which can be considered official can only be attributed to Tupaz’s Facebook post indicating sexual abuse.
Sandro’s stepmother expressed the family’s determination to find justice in the same post, vowing to hold the alleged abusers accountable.
“We raised and took care of our children full of love and care, then there are shameless people who have been possessed by demons to do that kind of heinous act! We will make sure you pay for what you did! We will not let anyone else be your victim! We will continue the fight! Those responsible should be held accountable!” she wrote in Filipino.
Niño and his sister Angela’s posts neither contained detailed allegations but served as powerful warnings to the alleged abusers, Niño declared. “You started it, I’ll finish it,” while Angela asserted, “Our family will be the one to break the injustices all the other artists are facing! This has to stop. We will fight for justice,” with the hashtag #MENTOO.
Veteran showbiz scribe and online host Ogie Diaz posted messages highlighting the victim’s trauma, noting that the alleged incident led to “anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and PTSD.”
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