Contractors won't attend Senate hearing on Sandro Muhlach's case  – lawyer

Independent contractors Jojo Nones and Richard Cruz will not attend the Senate hearing in relation to the criminal case filed against them by Kapuso artist Sandro Muhlach, their legal counsel Atty. Maggie Abraham-Garduque said.

On Tuesday's episode of "Fast Talk with Boy Abunda," Garduque confirmed through a statement that Nones and Cruz were invited to "attend and join in the discussion on the 'Policies of Television Networks and Artist Management Agencies in Relation to Complaints of Abuse and Harassment.'"

"So, basically, the Senate will discuss the policies of TV networks and talent agencies on handling complaints," Garduque said. "Our clients are not [employees] of GMA Network or Sparkle Artist Center. Therefore, they do not have personal knowledge of the policies of said network and talent agency."

Garduque also said that the case against her clients is already being investigated by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

"They might be questioned during the senate hearing which may be tantamount to cross-examination during the trial of the case, which usually happens to an accused in court when our client has not even been indicted before the prosecutor's office for alleged sexual abuse being filed by Mr. Muhlach," she said.

Senator Robin Padilla on Monday said that the Senate committee on public information and mass media, which he chairs, will investigate a sexual harassment incident involving a GMA artist.

According to a report on "24 Oras," GMA Network Inc. is coordinating with the committee and confirmed that it will send a representative to the Senate hearing.

"Fast Talk" reached out to Sandro if he will attend the hearing but he has yet to respond as of this writing.

The actor earlier filed a complaint before the GMA Network against Nones and Cruz after rumors spread online about the son of an actor who was allegedly violated by two men.

The 23-year-old also filed a criminal case before the NBI. He was accompanied by his father, former child star Niño Muhlach.

The NBI confirmed to GMA News Online that it has already issued a subpoena against two independent contractors of GMA Network over the case.

—Hermes Joy Tunac/MGP, GMA Integrated News