Estrada tells Nones to get court order for release

Senator Jinggoy Estrada on Tuesday said that independent contractor Jojo Nones should remain detained after he refused to answer questions during the resumption of the Senate hearing into actor Sandro Muhlach’s reported rape incident.

During the hearing of the Senate public information and mass media committee, Estrada asked Nones if he and another accused, Richard Cruz, apologized to Sandro’s father Niño Muhlach in a meeting.

“These are now details of the case, your Honor. I invoke my right to self-incrimination,” Nones told the Senate panel.

Estrada repeatedly attempted to get an answer from Nones but he did not yield, which led to a heated argument.

“I know your rights! I know your rights! You are always trying to evade the questions that are incriminating to yourself at the very start of this hearing. You get a court order for you to be released here!,” Estrada said.

Nones has been detained in the Senate since August 19.

Meanwhile, Cruz failed to attend the Senate hearing on Tuesday because he was confined in a hospital due to gastrointestinal bleeding, according to their legal counsel.

During the hearing, Sandro gave details on what Nones and Cruz did to him during the supposed sexual assault incident.

New reports

Nones was asked about Sandro’s account, but he again invoked his right to self-incrimination.

Meanwhile, more TV networks reported to the Senate panel that they had received reports of sexual harassment among their employees.

Estrada then responded by saying that he will review the laws on sexual harassment for possible amendments including stiffer penalties.

Sandro has filed a formal complaint before the National Bureau of Investigation in connection with the incident.

Nones and Cruz earlier denied the sexual harassment allegations against them but the some senators believed that there is "strong evidence" against them. —VAL, GMA Integrated News