Sandro Muhlach's camp lauds filing of rape charges vs independent contractors

The camp of actor Sandro Muhlach on Thursday said they are "one step closer" to attaining justice after the Department of Justice (DOJ) found prima facie evidence to charge the two independent contractors accused of raping him.

"Today, we are one step closer to our pursuit of justice for Sandro," PunoLaw, which is representing Muhlach in the case, said in a statement.

"Despite the relentless efforts to distort the facts, mislead the public, and even castigate Sandro, the truth always prevails," it added.

The law firm issued the statement a day after the DOJ filed rape through sexual assault and acts of lasciviousness charges against respondents Jojo Tawasil Nones and Richard Dode Cruz with a Pasay Regional Trial Court (RTC).

The case from the complaint filed by Muhlach and the National Bureau of Investigation against Nones and Cruz with the DOJ in August.

PunoLaw said the filing of charges "reinforces our belief in the justice system and the rule of law."

"We will continue our fight for Sandro and we have faith that our justice system will uphold the truth, honor Sandro’s courage, and hold his perpetrators accountable for their atrocities," it added.

"We hope that Sandro's bravery will inspire other victims like him. Indeed, it is time that we all acknowledge the hard reality that even men can be victims of rape."

Sought for comment on Wednesday, Atty. Maggie Garduque, the legal counsel of Nones and Cruz, said they have yet to receive a copy of the resolution.

"We will issue a statement as soon as we receive the copy and we have read the basis of the department in giving due course to the complaint," Garduque said in a message to GMA Integrated News.  —KBK, GMA Integrated News