Niño Muhlach guested on Tuesday’s “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,” where he gave an update about the condition of his son, Sandro, and how their relationship has gotten stronger.
In October, the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed charges against independent contractors Jojo Nones and Richard Cruz over the alleged rape of Sandro. At the time, Sandro’s camp lauded the filing of charges, saying it is “one step closer” to attaining justice for the actor.
According to Niño, he and Sandro became closer because of what had happened.
“I wanted him to get over it as soon as possible, so up to now he’s still going through therapy pero mabuti nga ngayon nakakalabas na siya, nakakanood ng sine, nakaka-concert,” he told Tito Boy, noting that the support of Sandro’s girlfriend has been a big help.
“Pero nung una talaga Tito Boy, alam mo yun, mainitin ‘yung ulo niya, ayaw niyang di siya makalabas, nakasarado lahat ng bintana sa kwarto niya.”
Niño added that Sandro still gets affected whenever they talk about the incident.
“As much as possible ayoko nang [balikan] ‘yung mismong moment na ‘yun. Even pag pinag-uusapan namin ‘yung kaso with the lawyers, ano pa rin siya eh, naaapektuhan pa rin,” he said.
He also shared that Sandro, who is currently on a break, would eventually like to go back to showbiz.
“Right now he’s taking a break, but eventually he wants to. Alam ko nagsabi siya sa ‘kin, ‘Papa parang gusto ko nang bumalik ulit’ kasi ang tagal na niyang nakatengga,” said Niño.
In August, the National Bureau of Investigation and Sandro filed a complaint against Nones and Cruz for alleged sexual assault.
The actor also filed a formal complaint against the two before GMA Network’s human resources, compelling the network to conduct its own investigation.
According to GMA Network Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Group Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, the two contractors have been suspended by the network while investigation is underway. She also stressed that GMA does not condone sexual abuse.
Following the DOJ’s resolution in October, the camp of Nones and Cruz said that they will appeal the resolution. Their legal counsel, Atty. Maggie Abraham-Garduque, said then that the grounds laid by the DOJ for the charges do not support the findings.
Meanwhile, Sandro’s counsel, Atty. Czarina Raz, said that they will continue their fight for the actor.
“We have faith that our justice system will uphold the truth, honor Sandro’s courage, and hold his perpetrators accountable for their atrocities,” she said in a statement.
— CDC, GMA Integrated News
